Adventures of Noodles

The Informant!

2010-05-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

The Informant!
April 16, 2010

Plot: The U.S. government decides to go after an agri-business giant with a price-fixing accusation, based on the evidence submitted by their star witness, vice president turned informant Mark Whitacre. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Another one that I thought would be good and ended up being a stinker. Matt Damon, good director, interesting premise--none of it works. And it's way too long. Yopu can pass on this one, too!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Men Who Stare At Goats

2010-05-03T21:26:00.001-04:00

The Men Who Stare At Goats
April 16, 2010

Plot: A reporter in Iraq might just have the story of a lifetime when he meets Lyn Cassady, a guy who claims to be a former member of the U.S. Army's New Earth Army, a unit that employs paranormal powers in their missions. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Pointless and a waste of time. This one is just bad from the beginning and never gets better. I watched it so you wouldn't have to. Consider this my gift to you.

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Where the Wild Things Are (DVD)

2010-05-03T21:18:00.000-04:00

Where the Wild Things Are
April 16, 2010

Plot: An adaptation of Maurice Sendak's classic children's story, where Max, a disobedient little boy sent to bed without his supper, creates his own world--a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: I didn't think I was going to like this one---classic book--doesn't need to be made into a live action movie--but you know what---It was OK! Not great, but OK. It's got some deep meanings and you can read a lot into it or you can just watch it as a story. Decent soundtrack, too. Worth a watch!

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Defendor (DVD)

2010-05-03T21:10:00.000-04:00

Defendor
April 16, 2010

Plot: A comedy centered around three characters: an everyday guy who comes to believe he's a superhero, his psychiatrist, and the teenager he befriends. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Not really a comedy, not really anything else either. I know it's a joke, but not a very good one. In the end, you realize it's just pretty sad and not funny at all. I can't recommend this one either. Skip it--you'll be better off.

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (DVD)

2010-05-03T21:05:00.000-04:00

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans
April 12, 2010

Plot: Terence McDonagh is a drug- and gambling-addled detective in post-Katrina New Orleans investigating the killing of five Senegalese immigrants. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: This movie is a mess and is best watched in 2 parts. It isn't very good at all and all over the place. It doesn't even do justice to New Orleans. Nic Cage struggles through and is almost laughable at times. I don't think that is what the director was going for.

Skip it, Skip it, Skip it!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Taking Woodstock (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:52:00.001-04:00

Taking Woodstock
April 10, 2010

Plot: A man working at his parents' motel in the Catskills inadvertently sets in motion the generation-defining concert in the summer of 1969. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: Nice tribute to the Woodstock experience, however, without any of the music from Woodstock it's just kind of empty. A little long--almost feels like it's done in real time. Too many strylines are truncated to squeeze them all in. Woth a watch--but there are better tributes to see.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Brothers (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:47:00.000-04:00

Brothers
April 7, 2010

Plot: A young man comforts his older brother's wife and children after he goes missing in Afghanistan. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Kind of hoped it would be better than it was. The expected fireworks never develop. Kind of tame, considering the subject matter. Don't worry, everything ends up OK in the end. Can't really recommend.

Rating 5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Invention of Lying (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:40:00.000-04:00

The Invention of Lying
April 4, 2010

Plot: A comedy set in a world where no one has ever lied, until a writer seizes the opportunity for personal gain. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts. Funniest bits are in the trailer--the rest just kind of drags. A few bright spots, but dull overall. You could go either way and be ok. See it if you want. I'm not gonna stop ya.

Rating: 5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Armored (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:36:00.000-04:00

Armored
April 3, 2010

Plot: A newbie guard for an armored truck company is coerced by his veteran coworkers to steal a truck containing $42 million. But a wrinkle in their supposedly foolproof plan divides the group, leading to a potentially deadly resolution. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Predictable and not very good. The only saving grace is that it is short. Skip it!

Rating: 4 out 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Broken Embraces (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:31:00.000-04:00

Broken Embraces
March 28, 2010

Plot: Harry Caine, a blind writer, reaches this moment in time when he has to heal his wounds from 14 years back. He was then still known by his real name, Mateo Blanco, and directing his last movie. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: Enjoyable. Penelope Cruz is always fun to watch! Subtitled--so you must do some reading, but it is worth it! See it if you get a chance.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Hot Tub Time Machine

2010-05-03T20:24:00.000-04:00

Hot Tub Time Machine
March 27, 2010

Plot: Four guy friends, all of them bored with their adult lives, travel back to their respective 80s heydays thanks to a time-bending hot tub. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Epic--bad awesome. Many laughs, an enjoyable time. A great parody/tribute of the 80's movie genre. Check it out. You won't be dissapointed.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Sherrybaby (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:18:00.002-04:00

Sherrybaby
March 21, 2010

Plot: Sherry Swanson returns home to New Jersey after serving a three year prison sentence. Eager to reestablish a relationship with her young daughter, Sherry soon discovers that coming back to the world she left behind is far more difficult than she had planned. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Interesting. Story bogs down a little at the end. Maggie Gyllenhall does a good job. Worth a watch.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Limits of Control (DVD)

2010-05-03T20:05:00.000-04:00

The Limits of Control
March 20, 2010

Plot: The story of a mysterious loner, a stranger in the process of completing a criminal job. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Boring. Nothing to recommend. Skip it!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (DVD)

2010-03-16T23:02:00.000-04:00

The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
March 14, 2010

Plot: The MacManus brothers are living a quiet life in Ireland with their father, but when they learn their beloved priest has been killed by mob forces, the duo return to Boston to bring justice to those responsible. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: I wasn't a big fan of the original Boondock Saints, so the remake didn't have a reputation to live up to. Good thing, because it didn't. The Saints come back, get their revenge and once again are set up for a sequel. I don't think we need a third installment.

Again--I spent the better part of the second half of the movie hitting the fast forward button. You don't need to see this. I suffered through it for you. Skip The Boondock Saints II. You won't be sorry.

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

A Serious Man (DVD)

2010-03-16T22:43:00.000-04:00

A Serious Man
March 14, 2010

Plot: A black comedy drama centered on Larry Gopnik, a Midwestern professor who watches his life unravel through multiple sudden incidents. Though seeking for meaning and answers he seems to stay stalled. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Maybe it's me. I don't get how A Serious Man could be nominated for Best Picture? Do we just reward good tries or is it because this is one of those types of movies you are supposed to like. I thought A Serious Man was long, disjointed, overly pretentious and not good at all. I did not care about the characters nor the story and couldn't wait until it ended. I did watch parts of it on fast forward because it was unbearable to watch in real time.

I cannot recommend A Serious Man. I just don't think it was as good as we were led to believe it would be. Let me know if you think I am wrong or if you agree. Skip it!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Jennifer's Body (DVD)

2010-03-16T21:50:00.000-04:00

Jennifer's Body
March 13, 2010

Plot: A newly possessed cheerleader turns into a killer who specializes in offing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror? (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Jennifer's Body is the worst piece of drivel I have seen in a long time. It was dumb, dumb and dumb. It was so bad, I fast-forwarded through the second half. But wait---vampires, hot chicks, Diablo Cody witty dialogue--how could it be bad? Believe me--it's bad--not awesome bad-but real bad.

Skip Jennifer's Body. There is nothing of value that you can take away from this. Watch it at your own risk! Consider yourself warned!

Rating: 1 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Green Zone

2010-03-16T21:40:00.000-04:00

Green Zone
March 13, 2010
AMC Columbia 14: Columbia, MD

Plot: Discovering covert and faulty intelligence causes a U.S. Army officer to go rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Matt Damon returns to form in a Bourne-like performance in Green Zone! Damon kicks butt and figures things out better than anyone out there. You are on the edge of your seat all through the movie--2 hours flies by like nothing. Green Zone is obviously slanted--but not too much so that is makes it unenjoyable.

See Green Zone if you get a chance. DVD would be OK--but if you need a Bourne-like fix--see it in the theater!

Rating 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Trailers prior to Green Zone:

Prince of Persia: trailer
Repo Men: trailer
The Losers: trailer
Iron Man 2: trailer
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps: trailer
Robin Hood: trailer

The Box (DVD)

2010-03-16T20:49:00.000-04:00

The Box
March 9, 2010

Plot: A small wooden box arrives on the doorstep of a married couple, who know that opening it will grant them a million dollars and kill someone they don't know. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: OK, I thought 2012 was the biggest pile of crap I have seen in a long time. I was wrong. The Box is. This one is so much worse in every way. It's too long, the characters are not likable and they take way too many liberties with the DC/ Richmond area. Do you know you can live in Richmond and commute to Langley every day for work? (it's over 120 miles each way). Yes, she presses the button, yes, they are going to die--but wait---aliens control everything and yada, yada, yada--who cares! This movie sucks!

Do yourself a favor. Skip The Box. Believe me, you are better off for it.

Rating: 3 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Soul Power (DVD)

2010-03-16T20:39:00.000-04:00

Soul Power
March 9, 2010

Plot: A documentary on the legendary soul music concert staged in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: A companion piece to When We Were Kings, Soul Power chronicles the production behind the Zaire 74 festival held prior to the Ali-Foreman Rumble in the Jungle. Great behind the scenes footage and great sets from the Spinners, Bill Withers and the Godfather of Soul James Brown leaves you riveted from beginning to end.

If you are a big fan of music, you will enjoy Soul Power! Rent it if you get a chance.

Rating 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

The September Issue (DVD)

2010-03-16T20:32:00.001-04:00

The September Issue
March 9, 2010

Plot: A documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: The September Issue picks up where The Devil Wears Prada left off! This time you get the real Devil instead of Meryl Streep-- and you find out the Devil isn't so hard to work for after all. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No. The September Issue is enjoyable through and through.

If you are a fan of Project Runway and good documentaries, you will enjoy The September Issue. Definitely worth a watch on DVD. Watch it if you can.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

2012 (DVD)

2010-03-16T20:06:00.000-04:00

2012
March 6, 2010

Plot: An epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: 2012 has got to be one of the biggest piles of crap DVD's I have seen in a long time. It's just bad through and through! Besides being way too long, the story is shallow and predictable. On top of it, the CGI effects look wicked fake. How many times can our hero escape death by the skin of his teeth? Everytime---no suspense here. I feel like I have seen this movie before--besides--how many times can you watch the White House get blown up or washed away in a giant tidal wave?

Skip 2012. Do something else with your 2 hours. If you do decide to watch 2012, don't say I didn't warn you!

Rating: 3 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Whip It (DVD)

2010-03-16T19:57:00.000-04:00

Whip It
March 5, 2010

Plot: In Bodeen, Texas, an indie-rock loving misfit finds a way of dealing with her small-town misery after she discovers a roller derby league in nearby Austin. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Whip It, or Juno Learns to Roller Skate, is suprisingly pretty good! I don't say that about too many films--so trust me when I say it's pretty good. The story is good, the characters are likable and the roller derby parts are pretty cool. Whip It isn't the typical fish out of water story. This time the fish jumps to a new pond and it's a perfect fit. The only drawback to a higher Noodles rating is the unnecessary love story sprinkled through the middle. Whip It doesn't need it.

See Whip It--You'll like it, I know you will.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Couples Retreat (DVD)

2010-03-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

Couples Retreat
February 28, 2010

Plot: A comedy centered around four couples who settle into a tropical-island resort for a vacation. While one of the couples is there to work on the marriage, the others fail to realize that participation in the resort's therapy sessions is not optional. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Couples Retreat is long on potential but short in every other category. It's star packed with usually good comedic actors and the premise is solid, but Couple Retreat suffers from too many characters and too many story lines. Add to it, it's about 20 minutes too long. Don't worry--everything ends up tidy in the end and there are no loose strings.

Couples Retreat is an OK popcorn movie--it isn't good, it isn't the worst you will ever see. It's about as filling as the popcorn you will need to get you through it.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Cop Out

2010-03-07T15:23:00.000-05:00

Cop Out
February 27, 2010
Regal Majestic: Silver Spring, MD

Plot: A comedy about a veteran NYPD cop whose rare baseball card is stolen. Since it's his only hope to pay for his daughter's upcoming wedding, he recruits his partner to track down the thief, a memorabilia-obsessed gangster. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: I can' tell you all the things wrong about Cop Out in a few sentences. It's bad---really bad--long bad, but.....has some pretty funny bits sprinkled in just to keep you interested. Cop Out is basically the Tracy Morgan comedy hour. If you like Tracy's bits on SNL and 30 Rock, you will enjoy this as well. Other than that, Cop Out is is pretty unremarkable.

My advice--wait for DVD on Cop Out. It's not worth the price at the movies these days. Sure, Kevin Smith directed it (but didn't write it) but that doesn't make it as good as his own films.

Rating 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

St. Trinian's (DVD)

2010-03-07T15:13:00.000-05:00

St. Trinian's
February 23, 2010

Plot: St Trinian's, a school for "young ladies" with its anarchic doctrine of free expression, brings together a motley crew of ungovernable girls who, using their wit and ingenuity, save the school from bankruptcy. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: I thought St. Trinian's was going to be a little more camp than it actually was. Overall, it is still pretty enjoyable if a little overly reliant on pop culture and poular events. The story flies by and before you know it, it's all over. I guess this movie is based upon a series of children's books but with the mischevous girls replaced by older versions in to far more nefarious activities.

St Trinian's is almost worth a rent from the Redbox although, you could skip it too. You won't be missing much.

Rating 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Damned United (DVD)

2010-03-07T15:04:00.002-05:00

The Damned United
February 23, 2010

Plot: A look at Brian Clough's 44-day reign as the coach of Leeds United. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Very good story of the rise of Darby County from 2nd division doormats to top of the Premiership and their "talkative" coach Brian Clough. Sadly, Clough's motivation doesn't work on the Leeds United team when he gets a chance to coach them. This is often what happens when one's ego is bigger than the team. Enjoyable to the end!

Do yourself a favor--see The Damned United--you don't need to be a football fan to enjoy it!

Rating: 8 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Law Abiding Citizen (DVD)

2010-03-07T14:52:00.000-05:00

Law Abiding Citizen
February 20, 2010

Plot: A frustrated man decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets one of his family's killers free. He targets not only the killer but also the district attorney and others involved in the deal.(courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Law Abiding Citizen is an interesting retalliation story. The story keeps you guessing until the end when a nice little twist is revealed. Gerard Butler's charcter is pretty ruthless and takes his revenge out on everyone. Jamie Foxx's character is annoying and you hope he gets it in the end.

Law Abiding Citizen is definitely worth a rental. See if you can figure it out before everyone else!

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Inglorious Basterds (DVD)

2010-02-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

Inglorious Basterds
February 15, 2010
Redbox

Plot: In Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: While I am usually pretty amped about any Quentin Tarantino movie, I have to say I was pretty unimpressed by his latest. Inglorious Basterds was way too long and, at times, uninteresting enough to watch. Sure the story is OK, but the characters are one dimensional and it's missing that QT spark that is the centerpiece of all his work. At times it is overly gory but other times it just kind of wanders along lost. There is one great cat and mouse scene in the underground tavern that is worth watching. However, that scene just isn't enough to rescue Inglorious Basterds from the depths of mediocrity.

I have to lean against recommending Inglorious Basterds. It's just not as good as you think and hope it ought to be. If you do watch it--just remember I warned you. Am I glad I watched it--yes. Would I watch it again--probably not.

Rating 6.5 ut of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Hurt Locker (DVD)

2010-02-20T09:03:00.000-05:00

The Hurt Locker
February 10, 2010
Redbox

Plot: Iraq. Forced to play a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in the chaos of war, an elite Army bomb squad unit must come together in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: The Hurt Locker asks you if you have to be crazy to diffuse bombs or if diffusing bombs makes you crazy. The tension mounts as the team diffuses one IED after another on their lst 30 days of rotation before coming home. Freindships are developed, tested and lost over the course of a month as a rogue diffuser tests everyone's patience. In the end, all you can say is "Wow!"

You need to see The Hurt Locker--go out and get it today. The tension will keep you on the edge of your seat for the full two hours. Is it Best Picture material? Compared to Avatar--yes! You won't be dissapointed and the ending may surprise you a little!

Rating 8 out 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Surrogates (DVD)

2010-02-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

Surrogates
February 12, 2010
Redbox

Plot: Set in a futuristic world where humans live in isolation and interact through surrogate robots, a cop (Willis) is forced to leave his home for the first time in years in order to investigate the murders of others’ surrogates. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: I'm gonna tell you straight out...you can skip Surrogates. This was a waste of 90 minutes that I could never get back. The premise stinks, the characters are not developed and if you don't pay attention during the first 10 minutes, you are forever lost.

There are plenty of other great DVD's out there right now--see an Oscar nominated one instead of this tripe. Redeeming qualities?--mmmm--filmed in Boston, some decent action scenes which don't look too overly fake--that's about it.

Rating: 5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Zombieland (DVD)

2010-02-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

Zombieland
February 8, 2010
Redbox

Plot: The horror comedy Zombieland focuses on two men who have found a way to survive a world overrun by zombies. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Zombieland is one of the better DVD's I have watched in a long time. The comedic angle of the story is a riot, the character are likable and there is only one real lull in the action (the obligatory "like" scene). The surprise cameo is a hoot and Woody Harrelson steals the show with his character Tallahassee.

You need to see Zombieland. I can't urge you enough. Go to Redbox and get it tonight! Look out for the zombies on the way and remember the rules in case you do!

Rating: 8 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

A Perfect Getaway (DVD)

2010-02-09T15:56:00.000-05:00

A Perfect Getaway
February 8, 2010

Plot: Two pairs of lovers (Zahn & Jovovich, Olyphant & Sanchez) on a Hawaiian vacation discover that psychopaths are stalking and murdering tourists on the islands. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: A Perfect Getaway is a decent film if you are not expecting much. It's a "whodunnit" with a twist you may not see until it is revealed--but you could probably figure it out anyway before it happens.

I give A Perfect Getaway a half-hearted thumbs up. There are plenty better and plenty worse. You'll enjoy it as long as you don't expect much more than an enjoyable 90 minutes.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

District 9 (DVD)

2010-02-09T15:45:00.001-05:00

District 9
February 6, 2010

Plot: An extraterrestrial race forced to live in slum-like conditions on Earth suddenly finds a kindred spirit in a government agent who is exposed to their biotechnology. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: District 9 was better than I thought. First you start off rooting for one side and then you wind up switching to the other. The story is good and there is enough action to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Check out District 9 if you get a chance! It's pretty good. I don't know if it's Oscar Best Picture worthy--but it is good.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Youth In Revolt (bootleg)

2010-02-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

Youth In Revolt
February 6, 2010
ch131.com

Starring: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Jean Smart, Ray Liotta, and Justin Long.

Plot: While his trailer trash parents teeter on the edge of divorce, Nick Twisp sets his sights on dream girl Sheeni Saunders, hoping that she'll be the one to take away his virginity. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Why do I keep falling for these bad Michael Cera movies? Each time I swear I will never watch another I get sucked into watching the newest one. Youth in Revolt is dumb, dumb, dumb and only reinforces my dislike for Michael Cera. Youth in Revolt lacks a good story, decent script, likable characters or a decent quirky soundtrack.

Do yourself a favor. Skip Youth in Revolt. The next time I talk about watching a Michael Cera movie----talk me out of it!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Gamer (DVD)

2010-02-06T11:36:00.000-05:00

Gamer (DVD)
February 6, 2010
Redbox

Starring: Gerard Butler, Amber Valletta and Michael C. Hall.

Plot: Set in a future-world where humans can control other humans in mass-scale, multi-player online gaming environments, a star player from a game called "Slayers" looks to regain his independence while taking down the game's mastermind. (courtesty IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Mrs. Noodles saw the preview for this a few months ago and wanted to see it. She made it about 1/3 of the way in and decided it was too violent for her. I wish it was the violence that made me not like it--but it wasn't. It was just bad overall. Gamer has an interesting premise but fails to deliver anything more than a video-game stylized story that I found uninteresting. The only redeeming thing about Gamer is that it's short--a quick 90 minutes!

Skip Gamer, you aren't missing anything here.

Rating: 5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Big Fan (netflix on demand)

2010-02-06T11:22:00.001-05:00

Big Fan
February 31, 2010
Netflix on Demand

Starring: Patton Oswalt and Kevin Corrigan.

Plot: Paul Aufiero, a hardcore New York Giants football fan, struggles to deal with the consequences when he is beaten up by his favorite player. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Big Fan was better than I thought it would be. It's the story of a pathetic Giants fan who lives precariously through his team and calling in to local sports radio. It turns a little dark in the end and leaves you shaking your head a little as to how this guy's mind works.

Definitely worth watching--I streamed it on demand through Netflix.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Up In The Air

2010-01-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

Up In The Air
January 18, 2010
AMC Loews Rio Cinema 18: Gaithersburg, MD

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick and Jason Bateman.

Plot: With a job that has him traveling around the country firing people, Ryan Bingham leads an empty life out of a suitcase, until his company does the unexpected: ground him. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Up in the Air lives up to the hype. After trading Mrs Noodles for Avatar, she had to sit through this one. Clever dialogue, likable characters and a good script make Up in the Air a pleasure to watch. I especially liked the part before the ending--it's a nice twist you really don't see coming.

Watch it if you get a chance-- I liked it, you should, too.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Trailers we saw prior to Up In The Air:

Extraordinary Measures: (trailer) Pass--looks depressing and not good.

Valentines Day: (trailer) Another pass--looks uninteresting.

Death at A Funeral: (trailer) Looks funny--probably DVD at best.

Shutter Island: (trailer): Mrs Noodles wants to see it--I don't. Settle for DVD if I have to.

Avatar

2010-01-17T22:37:00.001-05:00

Avatar
January 17, 2010
Regal Majestic 24: Silver Spring, MD

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver and Giovanni Ribisi.

Plot: A paraplegic marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Living up to what I thought it to be, Avatar is barely satisfactory. Incredibly long, predictable and either over-scripted or over-acted, Avatar is interesting to watch---especially in 3D, but ultimately empty of any redeeming film value.

If you are a big fan of things blowing up, overly simplified dialogue and knowing how things will end before they do, Avatar is for you.

If you go, pack a pillow and bring a lunch. You may need both. If you must go--see the 3D version--at least that may keep you interested.

Rating: 5.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Trailers we saw prior to Avatar:

Salt: (trailer): looks OK--DVD.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief : (trailer): pass.

Knight and Day: (trailer): looks interesting--DVD.

Despicable Me: (trailer): DVD at best.
Alice in Wonderland: (trailer): definitley on DVD.

(500) Days of Summer (DVD)

2010-01-10T08:53:00.000-05:00

(500) Days of Summer
January 3, 2010
Chez Verge

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel.

Plot: An offbeat romantic comedy about a woman who doesn't believe true love exists, and the young man who falls for her. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Quirky can only get you so far--at some point, you have to back it up with something substantial. While (500) Days of Summer is good, it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. Once you get past the hip indie style of storytelling, there isn't very much left to this one. A special shout-out for the music! It's sorta sad the soundtrack is better than the movie.

Yeah, you should see (500) Days of Summer---get it on DVD and temper your expectations.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Public Enemies (DVD

2010-01-10T08:47:00.000-05:00

Public Enemies
January 1, 2010
Chez Verge

Starring: Johnny Depp and Christian Bale.

Plot: The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: Public Enemies was long, long and long. While Johnny Depp does an admirable job with John Dillinger the same cannot be said of Christian Bale's FBI man. I thought the basic plot was a cat-mouse story--but that doesn't work well when the cat doesn't hunt very well at all.

Worth seeing, but I can't whole heartedly recommend it. It just doesn't live up to what it could have been.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Sherlock Holmes

2010-01-01T12:39:00.000-05:00

Sherlock Holmes
December 31, 2009
Regal Majestic Stadium 20: Silver Spring, MD

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams.

Plot: Detective Sherlock Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson engage in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: The new Sherlock Holmes is a little different than the Holmes you are used to. The movie is a little long, but still enjoyable. If you are like me, you'll try to put the pieces together during the movie, but you will not succeed. Downey, Jr is good, Law OK. Warning--you are being set up for the sequel!

Sherlock Holmes is worth a watch--you you could wait for DVD.

Rating: 7 out 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Previews we saw prior to Sherlock Holmes and my impressions:

Iron Man 2 (trailer): A must see!
The Bounty Hunter (trailer): Skip, DVD if desperate.

The Wolfman (trailer): Not interested.

Date Night (trailer): Waiting for DVD on this one!

Cop Out (trailer): Would run out and see it now!

Inception (trailer) Will see it on DVD.

Clash of the Titans (trailer): Skip!

It Might Get Loud (DVD)

2010-01-01T12:11:00.000-05:00

It Might Get Loud
December 31, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White.

Plot: A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles' Thoughts: It Might Get Loud is a great documentary featuring 3 generations of guitatists. While Edge is the most watchable, I have a new found respect for Jack White and Jimmy Page as well. The best part is when all three launch into "I Will Follow". You almost think that all this guitar power will rip open a black hole and everything will get sucked in. Amazing.

If you are a music fan, It Might Get Loud is a must see!

Rating: 8 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Hangover (DVD)

2010-01-01T12:03:00.000-05:00

The Hangover
December 30, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakas, Justin Burtha, Mike Tyson and Heather Graham.

Plot: A Las Vegas-set comedy centered around three groomsmen who lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, then must retrace their steps in order to find him. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: The Hangover is funny in spots, but inconsistent. There are just too many story lines going on and too much slapstick to make it a must see. One thought--how are these guys even friends? They just seem like too random of a collection of characters. In my opinion, Mike Tyson is the best part of the whole movie.

See The Hangover if you want, I won't be able to change your mind--just don't blame me if you don't like it.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Adventures of Noodles Top Ten CD’s of 2009

2010-01-01T11:10:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again when I must whittle all of the CD's that were released in 2009 to my favorite 10 (or 15 as is the case this year)! All of the CD's get the Adventures of Noodles stamp of approval.

Listening to music in 2009 was hard work--most of the stations I like don't come in well in Silver Spring and I end up listening to them either streamed over the internet or through my iPhone. The highlights for me were WTMD in Towson, MD, WRNR in Annapolis, MD and the old stand-by--Absolute Radio out of the UK. There is a very good chance that if you like the CD's in my list you will like these radio stations.

On to the countdown!

Honorable Mention

Phoenix
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

The 4th CD from the French rock band Phoenix was released in May, 2009. It features the singles "1901" and "Lisztomania". Rated #3 in Rolling Stones Top CD's of 2009. While I found the single good, the CD did not make me want to listen more. Enjoy the video for "Lisztomania":

Grizzly Bear
Veckatimest

Brooklyn based indie-rock band Grizzly Bear released thier 3rd CD in May of 2009 to critical acclaim. Containing the singles"Two Weeks" and "While You Wait For Others", Veckatimest was all over alternative radio all summer. I liked the song "Two Weeks" but, again, the CD didn't grab me. Enjoy the single:

Camera Obscura
My Maudlin Career

The 4th studio album from Scottish indie-rockers Camera Obscura was released in April of 2009. I stumbled across the single "French Navy" on mtvU one morning and I liked it. It sort of has a '60's feel to it. The rest of the CD is pretty good, too! Here's "French Navy":

Pearl Jam
Backspacer

Who would have thought Pearl Jam had another decent CD in them? Debuting at #1 on the Billboard charts in September 2009, Backspacer announced that Pearl Jam was back! Driven by the rocker "The Fixer", Backspacer promises alot, but never really satisfies to the level of the first single. Maybe they should let the drummer write more songs! Enjoy "The Fixer":

Phish
Joy

So one day I was driving to work and I heard this song. Then a few hours later I heard it again. It sounded familiar--almost like the Dead and I wondered what record it was on. Turns out it was Phish! Phish? I actually like a Phish song? Hard to believe. The veteran jam rockers released their 14th studio album, Joy, in September and I actually listened to it a few times. I surprise even myself! Enjoy the song that got me hooked, "Backwards Down The Number Line":

The Top Ten

#10
Florence and the Machine
Lungs

Released in the US in October (but available months earlier in the UK), Florence and the Machine harkens back to a young PJ Harvey. Florence was the darling of the summer UK festivals and recieved rave reviews for her debut effort, Lungs. Enjoy the single "Kiss With A Fist":

#9
Bruce Springsteen
Working on A Dream

Released in January 2009, Working On A Dream debuted at #1 in the US Billboard album charts. The hardest working man in rock 'n roll continued the magic of his previous efforts and backed it all up with another world tour. Offering 13 songs of hope, desperation, redemption and salvation, The Boss continues to impress. Check out the first single "Working On A Dream":

#8
Green Day
21st Century Breakdown

The 8th studio effort and 2nd rock opera album by Green Day was released in May 2009. Coming almost 5 years after the heights of American Idiot, 21st Century Breakdown explores the manipulation the youth of the world faces from all authority figures. Sure--a little too deep for me--Idiot tested my patience with the whole rock opera thing, but you can't deny good songs. Enjoy "21 Guns":

Green Day - 21 Guns HD Video

#7
Morrissey
Years of Refusal

How can I have a top 10 and not include Morrissey's new CD Years of Refusal? I can't. Is #7 a bit high---sure--but I did find it better than a bunch of other CD's this year. Released in February 2009, Morrissey's 9th solo effort could be his strongest work yet. Great songs like "Something is Squeezing My Skull", "I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris" and "All You Need is Me" will have you reaching for the repeat button. Enjoy "Paris":

#6
The Avett Brothers
I and Love and You

Produced by Rick Rubin and released in September of 2009, I and Love and You is the major label debut of NC's folk band The Avett Brothers. I swear there was a time this fall when you could here the Avett Brothers on WTMD every few hours. Garnering great reviews form all the respected music magazines including a 96% from Paste Magazine, I and Love and You offers 13 songs of unique folk rock. The honors keep adding up--#5 on Amazon.com, #33 on Spin, reached #8 on the Billboard charts. Enjoy the CD title song that got me hooked "I and Love and You":

#5
Tegan and Sara
Sainthood

So one day I'm going through Paste Magazine looking for some new music to discover before passing the issue along to someone else and I see this full page add for Tegan and Sara. Now I have heard of them before and I just thought they were some nice simple la-la girl folk band all the sensitive kids were into. So I plugged them into You Tube to finally confirm my suspicions. Boy, was I wrong. These girls can rock!

Released in October 2009, Sainthood is Tegan and Sara's 6th studio effort and their best seller to date. Scoring high on Amazon and Spin's Top CD of the year, Sainthood debuted at #21 on the US Billboard charts. Putting aside the whole twin--both gay aspect of their story, they are still an interesting force on the music scene. Enjoy "Hell":

#4
Lily Allen
It's Not Me, It's You

Following up Alright, Still would be a tough task for any artist, but Lily Allen pulls it off with her 2nd studio effort It's Not Me, It's You. Released in February, 2009, It's Not Me, It's You debuted at #5 on the US Billboard Charts on the strength of the single "The Fear". She then followed it up with "Not Fair" and "22". Lily continues to be tabloid fodder for the UK press. That's fine with me as long as she keeps putting out good music. Enjoy "The Fear":

#3
Bob Dylan
Together Through Life

Bob Dylan continues his latest string of great albums by releasing another "you gotta listen to this" gem. Debuting at #1 on the US Charts in April 2009, Together Through Life is the 33rd studio effort from Dylan. Backed by his usual touring band and adding Mike Campbell (of Tom Petty fame) and David Hildago (Los Lobos), the songs are truly masterful. Add in Dylan's great lyrics and it all adds up to be another great CD. To top off 2009, Dylan also released one heck of a Christmas record (get a peak here: "Must Be Santa") Check out "Beyond Here Lies Nothing":

#2
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
It's Blitz!

On it's 3rd full-lenght CD the Yeah Yeah Yeahs finally decided to write some songs that would get your feet moving. Veering away from their last 2 efforts, It's Blitz! adds in a dose of The Killer's Hot Fuss to make everyone get up and start bouncing around. Released in March 2009, It's Blitz! was the #2 CD of the year from both Amazon and Spin. Rolling Stone ranked it #20. The first single "Zero" was also Spin's single of the year. On top of all that, Karen O (the singer) also put out the soundtrack to "Where the Wild Things Are". Enjoy the pulsing single "Zero":

#1
Neko Case
Middle Cyclone

Continuing the trend started last year by Duffy, the 2009 top CD is aslo a female performer! As I said before, I spent a lot of time listening to WTMD and WRNR on my commutes to and from work. I discovered music I didn't think I would like and I discovered an album that was so good, it was far and away the best CD of 2009.

Born in Alexandria, VA, Neko Case finally ended up in Washington state. She joined up with the band New Pornographers and released a few albums. In 2006 she released her critically acclaimed Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Middle Cyclone, her 5th studio CD, was released in March 2009 and reached #1 on the US Indie Charts, #2 on the US Rock Charts and #3 on the US Album Charts. Middle Cyclone channels Neko Case's folk roots with thoughtful lyrics and good production--a sound I know you will enjoy! Middle Cyclone was named #1 on Amazon's top CD of 2009, #15 from Spin and #7 from Rolling Stone.Enjoy "This Tornado Loves You" and "People Have A Lotta Nerve"

Synedoche, New York (netflix)

2009-12-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

Synedoche, New York
December 28, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams and Hope Davis.

Plot: A theater director struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: If Synecoche, New York is good film, then maybe I don't know good film when I see it---but this is utter crap. I don't get it and I don't care enough about the characters to figure it all out. Self indulgent, meandering, pointless and boring are just some of the thoughts that come to mind while watching. Can I just have my 2 hours back?

Do yourself a favor--skip it, skip it, skip it!

Rating: 3 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Nothing Like the Holidays (DVD)

2009-12-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

Nothing Like the Holidays
December 27, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Pena, Luis Guzman, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing and Vanessa Ferlito.

Plot: A Puerto Rican family living in the area of Humboldt Park in west Chicago face what may be their last Christmas together. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Nothing Like the Holidays is a typical holiday movie--the family gathers- everyone has problems in their lives, something tragic happens, the family learns family is the most important thing in life, all their problems are miraculously solved and everyone lives happily ever after.

OK, so now that you know the gist of it you don't have to spend time watching.

Rating: 5 out 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Anvil! The True Story of Anvil (DVD)

2009-12-26T16:52:00.000-05:00

Anvil! The True Story of Anvil
December 26, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner.

Plot: At 14, best friends Robb Reiner and Lips made a pact to rock together forever. Their band, Anvil, hailed as the "demi-gods of Canadian metal, " influenced a musical generation despite never hitting the big time. Following a calamitous European tour, Lips and Robb, now in their fifties, set off to record their 13th album in one last attempt to fulfill their boyhood dreams. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Anvil! is a decent documentary about a metal band that never made it and cannot give up the dream. All the typical stories are here--band creates music, band goes on tour, nothing goes right, nobody gets paid. The redemption in the end leaves you asking is this the first step on the road to stardom or is it the first in the road to the end?

Worth a watch--if only for the cautionary tale or you can look at is having never-ending hope.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Julie & Julia (DVD)

2009-12-26T16:44:00.000-05:00

Julie & Julia
December 26, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina.

Plot: Julia Child's story of her start in the cooking profession is intertwined with blogger Julie Powell's 2002 challenge to cook all the recipes in Child's first book. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Julie & Julia shines most brightly when Streep is on the screen. Amy Adams is mostly whiney in an annoying kind of way. The true star of the movie is the food and cooking.

Definitely worth a watch if you get the chance!

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Paper Heart (DVD)

2009-12-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Paper Heart
December 6, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Charlene Yi and Michael Cera.

Plot: Charlyne Yi embarks on a quest across America to make a documentary about the one subject she doesn't fully understand: Love. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Ugghhhh!! Skip this--run away from it as fast as you can. Paper Heart is not funny and highly annoying. It just further cements the fact that I cannot stand Michael Cera and Charlene Yi is not far behind. Paper Heart isn't even a good documentary! There are only one or two bits that are any good and one of them involves a playground interview with kids.

I cannot find the words to describe how much I disliked this film.

Tell you what--I jumped on the grenade for you on this one--you now owe me a favor. Whatever you, do not waste your time with this one.

Rating: 5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Thirst (DVD)

2009-12-26T07:48:00.001-05:00

Thirst

December 7, 2009

Chez Verge

Starring: Kang-ho Sun, Ok-bin Kim and Hae-sook Kim.

Plot: A failed medical experiment turns a man of faith into a vampire. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Nothing like a good old fashioned Korean vampire movie to balance out the new generation of crap vampire movies out today. These vampires stay true to form--they drink blood and they avoid daylight--2 essential vampire qualities that are ignored in the Twilight vampire movies.

Of course, Thirst does have its flaws--it's subtitled and awfully long. I had to break it up over 2 viewings. If you put the work into it, you won't be dissapointed.

Rating 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Echelon Conspiracy (DVD)

2009-12-26T07:37:00.001-05:00

Echelon Conspiracy
December 6, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Shane West, Ed Burns, Martin Sheen and Ving Rhames.

Plot: At first, the strange phone messages promised great wealth. Soon, though, government agents pursue the young engineer receiving them around the world. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Mildly entertaining, Echelon Conspiracy explores the concepts of Big Brother and combines them with a little 2001 Space Odyssey and wraps it all up with little War Games for a pretty little bow on top of it all. Go back and watch these movies if you want better versions of how these movies should be made.

Overall, it will hold your attention--especially if you like car chases, fights and things blowing up. The characters get off some good lines. Worth a watch--flaws and all.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Outsourced (DVD)

2009-12-26T07:22:00.000-05:00

Outsourced
December 3, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Josh Hamilton and Ayesha Dharker.

Plot: After his entire department is outsourced, an American novelty products salesman heads to India to train his replacement. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Cute story of culture shock and learning to embrace other cultures. Thoroughly enjoyable if not a little predictable. Plenty of laughs and a few lessons as well.

Give it a shot--it isn't too bad.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Married Life (DVD)

2009-12-26T07:18:00.000-05:00

Married Life
November 30, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Chris Cooper, Patricia Clarkson, Pierce Brosnan and Amy Adams.

Plot: A 1940s-set drama where an adulterous man plots his wife's death instead of putting her through the humiliation of a divorce. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Fun story, although it drags a little in the middle. Cooper can't make up his mind, Clarkson simmers (best part of the movie), Brosnan takes advantage and Adams has no idea what she is in for. By the time things happen--you have lost interest. Don't worry, everybody winds up living happily ever after.

You can waste time lots of other ways. Worth watching only for Patricia Clarkson.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Boondock Saints (DVD)

2009-12-26T07:14:00.001-05:00

The Boondock Saints
November 30, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus and Billy Connolly.

Plot: Fraternal twins set out to rid Boston of the evil men operating there while being tracked down by an FBI agent. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Not as good as others have said, but still mildly entertaining. I really didn't care much for the characters--way too over the top! God only know why they have decided to make a sequel.

Take my advice----skip it!

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Four Christmases (DVD)

2009-11-30T10:25:00.000-05:00

Four Christmases
November 29, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon.

Plot: A couple struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: If you start out watching Four Christmases expecting nothing, you won't be disappointed. For what it is, it's somewhat enjoyable. You'll laugh, you'll think, you'll learn a lesson--but most of all you will laugh. Vince Vaughn is the same character he plays in all his movies and Reese Witherspoon has a little comedy in her as well. The best parts are the interactions they have with their families who they always try to avoid. You know how it will end--they always end this way.

Four Christmases is a decent holiday movie--it's not the best ever nor is it the worst. If you don't expect much, you will be rewarded with few hearty chuckles. If you have to watch a holiday movie, this one isn't bad.

Rating 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Funny People (DVD)

2009-11-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

Funny People
November 27, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill , Leslie Mann and Eric Bana.

Plot: When seasoned comedian George Simmons learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship cause him to take a relatively green performer under his wing as his opening act. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: At almost 2 1/2 hours, my first thought was to pack a lunch and bring a pillow, and after enduring Funny People I should have done both. Funny People could definitely be tightened up and edited down. It almost feels like they wanted to make the movie in real time. It has some funny moments--but there are way too many dick and fart jokes to get past. The storyline tries to appeal to an older, wiser audience who normally wouldn't watch a Judd Apatow movie, but the dialogue is aimed at the 13 year old boy who watches his movies on the sneak. You can't have it both ways.

I am going to say you can pass on this one. The funny bits are just that--bits. The mellodrama is just too depressing. None of the characters are likable and you care very little what happens to them after the movie ends.

Rating 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Class (DVD)

2009-11-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

The Class (aka Entre Les Mures)
November 27, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Francios Begaudeau.

Plot: Teacher and novelist François Bégaudeau plays a version of himself as he negotiates a year with his racially mixed students from a tough Parisian neighborhood. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Expecting something like a movie where all of a sudden the students click and get it--This isn't it. I really can't describe what it is--except long and boring. The story is uninteresting, the dude isn't a good teacher and the kids are way annoying. To top it off--it's subtitled!

Skip it! I watched it so you didn't have to.

Rating 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Orphan (DVD)

2009-11-29T17:56:00.000-05:00

Orphan
November 28, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard

Plot: A husband and wife who recently lost their baby adopt a 9-year-old girl who is not nearly as innocent as she claims to be. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Expecting something a lot scarier, I was pleasantly surprised that Orphan didn't rely on hacking and slashing to set the thrilling tone. Instead, each scene only ratcheted up your uneasiness until all the plot lines come together in a twist ending that you won't see coming. Ok--you do see the actual end coming--but you never expect the twist. Orphan is a little long--they could have cut 20 minutes or so out--but still enjoyable.

Not for the squeamish--there are a few bloody scenes--but still pretty good. Watch it if you get the chance!

Rating 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Wrong Turn at Tahoe (DVD)

2009-11-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

Wrong Turn at Tahoe
November 25, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Miguel Ferrer and Harvey Keitel.

Plot: A small-time crime boss kills a drug dealer without realizing that the drug dealer works for the biggest crime boss in the country. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Wrong Turn at Tahoe is not a bad move, in fact, parts of it are quite enjoyable--other parts, not so much. The story is decent, the characters are interesting and there is plenty of action to keep you interested. A little bloody at times, plenty of fights, shooting and get back is dished out to keep you interested. CG, Jr is pretty bad ass, Ferrer tries and Keitel is awesome as always. At times, it feels like you have seen this one before, but it still is unique--even if borrows liberally from other works.

Tahoe is worth a rental-but not for the squeamish.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Spread (DVD)

2009-11-26T12:36:00.001-05:00

Spread
November 22, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche and Margarita Levieva.

Plot: A sex comedy centered on a serial womanizer and his jilted lover. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: At first you think Kutcher's character is kind of cool--but in the end he winds up kind of pathetic and sad. Spread is a decent movie and enjoyable in parts--but you really don't know how to feel about Kutcher's downward spiral. Anne Heche alone is probably worth the time spent watching. Levieva is good as a girl running the same game Kutcher is. Nice twist at the end--I liked it--very ironic.

Spread is worth watching. You might like it. After all it is L.A. and there is plenty of eye candy.

Rating 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Up (DVD)

2009-11-24T10:43:00.000-05:00

Up
November 22, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: The voices of Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer and Delroy Lindo

Plot: By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn't alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: I don't know how I feel about this one--It starts off as kind of a bummer, turns into an adventure and then turns again into a family movie. Overall, it isn't bad--it will tug at your heart strings a little. Be warned, there are problems with the plan all over the place--If you could float a house to South America, wouldn't you need electricity, water, and sewer once you landed?

Worth a watch---the animation is amazing and the characters are likable.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

In the Loop (DVD)

2009-11-21T19:44:00.000-05:00

In the Loop
November 21, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Peter Capaldi, Anna Chlumsky, James Gandolfini and Steve Coogan.

Plot: The US President and UK Prime Minister fancy a war. But not everyone agrees that war is a good thing... (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: In the Loop is a lot of talka, talka, talka but nothing happens at all--and by the time it does, you have lost patience for it all together. Like watching paint dry or waiting for water to boil, watching In the Loop is just as exciting. As far as Brit-Coms go, this one isn't funny or quirky at all. It was nice to see a few shots of DC--they really did film here--not just shoot a few exteriors to set the place.

Save yourself almost 2 hours and skip this one--or do as I did and watch large portions of it in fast forward with the sub-titles on! I can't reccomend In the Loop at all.

Rating 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Girlfriend Experience (DVD)

2009-11-21T19:33:00.001-05:00

The Girlfriend Experience
November 20, 2009
Chez Verge

Directed by: Steven Soderbergh

Starring: Sasha Grey

Plot: A drama set in the days leading up to the 2008 Presidential election, and centered on a high-end Manhattan call girl meeting the challenges of her boyfriend, her clients, and her work. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: All sizzle and no steak, The Girlfriend Experience promises an exciting ride but ends up flat and dissapointing. Adult film star Grey can act--a little--but this one doesn't really test her in any way. It's about as shallow and meaningless as any DVD I have watched in a while. The only redeeming quality of this DVD--aside from Sasha Grey--is that it's only about 80 minutes long! At least you won't waste too much of your life watching this one if you do decide to partake. Proceed with caution!

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

The Ugly Truth (DVD)

2009-11-21T19:20:00.000-05:00

The Ugly Truth
November 15, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Katherine Heigl and Gerard Butler.

Plot: A romantically challenged morning show producer is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Predictable from the minute you start it up, The Ugly Truth has a few decent jokes but in the end is neither Ugly nor the Truth. Heigl and Butler have a little chemistry, but most of it comes too late when they inevitably fall for each other. As far as romantic comedies and date night movies--you could do better and you certainly could do worse. Watch at your own caution.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (DVD)

2009-11-21T19:17:00.000-05:00

The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard
November 20, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, James Brolin and Kathryn Hahn.

Plot: Used-car liquidator Don Ready is hired by a flailing auto dealership to turn their Fourth of July sale into a majorly profitable event. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Offensive, over the top and totally predictable, The Goods is one of the funiest DVD's I have watched in quite a while! The Piv is the man and only one of the more enjoyable characters in the film! Jokes of bad taste and intolerance abound and you will laugh even though you know you shouldn't. Surprise cameo and singing angels only put The Goods over the top. Definitely worth a rental!

Rating: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Food, Inc. (DVD)

2009-11-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Food, Inc.
November 14, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser

Plot: An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Decent documentary following on the heels of the documentary Supersize Me and the book Fast Food Nation. Aside from a few obligatory grisley images of slaughterhouses--Food, Inc. really comes alive when talking about the farming and grocery industries. Major faults are pointed out but no real solutions are presented aside from the suggestion that consumers buy local or organic. Give Food, Inc. a watch--it preaches to the choir a little--but it's still important to see.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Observe and Report (DVD)

2009-11-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

Observe and Report
November 13, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Seth Rogen, Anna Faris and Ray Liotta

Plot: Bi-polar mall security guard Ronnie Barnhardt is called into action to stop a flasher from turning shopper's paradise into his personal peep show. But when Barnhardt can't bring the culprit to justice, a surly police detective, is recruited to close the case. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Observe and Report has a couple funny moments, but overall is dark and not very enjoyable. Rogen and Faris should light up the screen and provide non-stop funny, but it just doesn't click. You can skip this one!

Rating: 5.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (DVD)

2009-11-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
November 9, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Dennis Quaid, Sienna Miller and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Plot: An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Entertaining enough, G.I. Joe is OK. Stuff get's blown up, there are plenty of good fights and special effects, but it's just too darn long! It doesn't need to be almost 2 hours long. I could live without the backstory on every G.I. Joe on the team---we can figure it out if you just give us a glimpse! It's almost so campy its good---almost. Shocker--things are set up for a sequel!

There are worse choices for mindless entertainment--worth a rental on DVD.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Choke (DVD)

2009-11-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

Choke
November 8, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Sam Rockwell, Anjelica Huston and

Plot: A sex-addicted con-man pays for his mother's hospital bills by playing on the sympathies of those who rescue him from choking to death. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: From the same dude that wrote Fight Club comes what should have been a good movie. Dissapointingly, Choke is really not very good--its shocking but only in a way to be shocking--not really to be edgy or anything like that. At 90 minutes long, there is about 45 minutes of a good story in there--any of the side stories would have been infinitely more interesting than the main story. Choke isn't for the faint of heart or the prudish--watch it at your own risk--just don't say I didn't warn you.

Rating: 5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Sixty Six (DVD)

2009-11-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

Sixty Six
November 8, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Marsan, Gregg Sulkin.

Plot: A boy's barmitzvah looks set to be a disaster when it coincides with the 1966 World Cup Final. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: A pleasant comedy that flies by! Poor Bernie Rubens can't catch a break--life just doesn't go his way and to top it off--England is playing in the World Cup final on his most anticipated day. A few genuine chuckles as Bernie copes with the inevitable--the better story line is his relationship with his father. Both father and son learn something on that day. Special props to Helena Bonham Carter, Bernie's Mom. She is able to hold her family together as everything both builds to crescendo and falls apart at the same time.

Worth a watch if you can find it---I think it's a Blockbuster exclusive--no Netflix or Redbox for this one. Definitely worth the hunt.

Rating 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Pirate Radio (The Boat That Rocked)

2009-11-08T21:01:00.000-05:00

Pirate Radio
(a.k.a The Boat That Rocked)
November 7, 2009
AFI Silver: Silver Spring, MD

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifans and Nick Frost.

Plot: A period comedy about an illegal radio station in the North Sea in the 1960's. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Pirate Radio was entertaining and quite enjoyable. Of course, a major star of the movie is the great music of the mid 1960's. The story is entertaining, a little heavy at the end, but never boring. I'm not quite sure I liked the ending--but it had to end some how. Do yourself a favor---see Pirate Radio when it opens next weekend. You won't be dissapointed!

Rating: 8 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (DVD)

2009-11-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
November 7, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Megan Fox and Jeff Bridges.

Plot: A British writer struggles to fit in at a high-profile magazine in New York. Based on Toby Young's memoir "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People". (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Uummmm---not much to say about this one. The trailer makes it look good, but in reality, How to Lose Friends.... just falls flat from beginning to end. The story and the characters are not very interesting and while the actors try to break through with their characters, the whole thing is just tired, old and not very funny at all. You can skip this one--believe me on this one! (This one gets 1 bonus rating point for Thandie Newton's short cameo!)

Rating: 5.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Run Fat Boy Run (DVD)

2009-11-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

Run Fat Boy Run
November 6, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Simon Pegg, Thandie Newton and Hank Azaria

Plot: Five years after jilting his pregnant fiancée on their wedding day, out-of-shape Dennis decides to run a marathon to win her back. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: I have been a British film kick recently--either that, or I am taking advantage of some time off to clean out my queue on Netflix! I have seen a few Simon Pegg movies and they are usually pretty good. I'm a big Thandie Newton fan, so that was enough for me to be interested in this one. Run Fat Boy Run is pleasant but tame comedy that is pretty enjoyable. I wished it were more funny or cutting, but its perfectly average OK with a few genuine laughs sprinkled throughout. You will be able to see the ending coming from a mile away but you still sit there waiting to see if it will happen.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

An Education

2009-11-06T18:52:00.003-05:00

An Education
November 6, 2009
Landmark Theater
Bethesda, MD

Starring: Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Rosamund Pike and Alfred Molina

Plot: A coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in 1960s suburban London, and how her life changes with the arrival of a playboy nearly twice her age. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: An Education is a pretty good coming of age story that keeps you interested until the almost end. I thought this was 9/10ths of a good movie--I was riveted to the story--Sarsgaard makes a great creeper and Mulligan is bright and cheerily following along until the whole thing collpases like a house of cards. My only complaint is that the directors decided to put a big red ribbon on the end to wrap everything up. I don't know if I would have liked a different ending, I just know this one wasn't very satisfying.

Despite all that--See An Education if you have a chance--you could like the ending better than I did.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Trailers I saw prior to An Education:

Precious: (trailer): Probably a should see--but way too heavy. DVD at best.

The Young Victoria: (trailer): Period pieces are not interesting to me. Skip.

Nine: (trailer): A hot funky mess. I couldn't figure out what it was about. Skip.

Broken Embraces: (trailer) : Penelope Cruz, subtitles. I have to do what I have to do. DVD for me.

American Violet (DVD)

2009-11-06T12:22:00.001-05:00

American Violet
November 6, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Nicole Beharie, Alfre Woodard, Charles S. Dutton, Tim Blake Nelson, Will Patton and Michael O'Keefe.

Plot: A single African-American mother struggles to clear her name after being wrongly accused and arrested for dealing drugs in an impoverished town in Texas. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: American Violet was better than I expected--which was a pleasant surprise. While a little heavy handed at times, the characters are well developed and the story is captivating enough that you won't even find your hand reaching for the remote to fast forward. Throughout you are hoping that truth and goodness prevail even when the odds are stacked in the other direction. There are worse choices to make when standing in front of the Redbox machine---this one isn't one of them.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Stiletto (DVD)

2009-11-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Stiletto
November 5, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Tom Berenger, Stana Katic, Michael Biehn and Kelly Hu.

Plot: The seemingly random killings of an assassin puzzle her former lover, a wealthy Greek crime boss whose organization is jeopardized by his love for her, and the detective following her rising body count. (courtesy IMDb)

Noodles Thoughts: Stiletto is almost so bad it's good. It is so poorly made and soo over the top to be beliveable yet it's riveting--something about hot chicks with big knives exacting revenge on any and all is pretty intriguing. We got Greek Mobs, Mexican Mobs, Neo-Nazi Mobs, crooked cops, and a PO'ed woman who needs to settle the score. I'm not saying go out and rent this one---but if you aren't expecting anything great you may be surprised.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Maiden Heist (DVD)

2009-11-05T19:31:00.000-05:00

The Maiden Heist
November 5, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, William H. MAcy and Marcia Gaye Harden

Plot: A comedy centered on three museum security guards who devise a plan to steal back the artworks to which they have become attached after they are transferred to another museum. (courtesy IMDb)

Noodle's Thoughts: Not bad---There's a few genuine laughs and Christopher Walken does what Christopher Walken does. A decent heist movie with plenty of bumbling and mis-steps. Characters are sort of developed and somewhat interesting. Not a bad waste of a couple hours---there are some better and some worse. This one's just OK.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Brothers Bloom (DVD)

2009-11-04T12:48:00.001-05:00

The Brothers Bloom
November 4, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Rachel Weisz, Adrian Brody, Mark Ruffalo and Rinko Kikuchi.

Plot: The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world. (courtesy IMDb)

Noodles Thoughts: Not very good at all---Tries to be something artistic and fancy but fails on all levels. Even the con angle is not interesting enough to try to figure out. The characters are unlikeable and you may spend the second half of the movie in fast forward as I did. The only interesting character is Kikuchi's Bang Bang--she doesn't talk at all! Skip this one, too!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

The Proposal (DVD)

2009-11-04T12:35:00.004-05:00

The Proposal
November 3, 2009
Chez Verge

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds

Plot: A pushy boss forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her Visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada. (courtesy IMDb)

Noodles Thoughts: Precious few laughs, more of an endurance fest. Neither character was likable nor quirky enough to be interested in--which is unusual, because I usually like these actors Do yourself a favor....skip it!

Rating: 4 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles.

Gone Fishin'

2009-04-25T23:26:00.005-04:00

Adventures of Noodles is taking a break. Due to work, school and general laziness, I have found it nearly impossible to keep up to date with my blog.

Adventures of Noodles thanks all of its readers and hopes to again one day bring you the life that is Noodles. Until then, you can find me on Facebook where I will try to keep you up to date with the movies and music that I enjoy.

I hope to compile my to 10 cd's of 2009 in late December. So please check back then for some of my favorite music of the year.

Good bye for now.

Blindness (DVD)

2009-03-29T15:40:00.006-04:00

Blindness (DVD)

March 29, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: Fernando Meirelles

Starring: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo

Plot: A city is ravaged by an epidemic of instant "white blindness". (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: Depressing movie showing the depths of human depravity that could one day occur. It was so bad it gave Mrs. Noodles nightmares for two nights. Alot like 28 Days, but without the zombies. In fact, I would have rather had a zombie or two in this one! Blindness wraps up too quickly and never explains how the epidemic spread or was cured.

Save your time--skip it!

Boxes of Noodles:

Quantum of Solace (DVD)

2009-03-29T15:35:00.007-04:00

Quantum of Solace (DVD)

March 28, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: Marc Foster

Starring: Daniel Craig, Jude Dench, Olga Kurylenko and Jeffrey Wright

Plot: Seeking revenge for the death of his love, secret agent James Bond sets out to stop an environmentalist from taking control of a country's valuable resource. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: Another interesting chapter in the James Bond franchise. Not much new to report here, there are plenty of fast cars, kick-ass fight scenes, pretty girls and rogue actions. Their is nothing particulary peculiar about the villian and neve is Bond left to die while the villian walks away thinking the job is done. Only one thing bothered me--the traditional Bond opening was shoved to the back of the movie--didn't feel right. Quantum of Solace is cinematic eye candy. Don't expect too much and you won't be dissapointed.

Worth a watch--pretty enjoyable.

Boxes of Noodles: 7 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles.

Role Models (DVD)

2009-03-29T15:29:00.006-04:00

Role Models (DVD)

March 21, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: David Wain

Starring: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Elizabeth Banks

Plot: Wild behavior forces a pair of energy drink reps to enroll in a Big Brother program. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: Filled with hearty laughs, Role Models moves right along. You don't realize how terribly dumb it is until you watch all the way through--but you do laugh enough that you instantly forget that bad feeling. Of course--any time you can get a 12 year old kid swearing his head off left and right--it's pretty funny. "McLovin" from Superbad plays a lovable lost nerd who just wants to belong. Seann William Scott shouldn't be trusted as anyone's guardian and Paul Rudd isn't half as annoying as I usually find him. Of course, in the end, everything works out fine.

Take a watch--laugh some, don't feel too bad about it afterwards.

Boxes of Noodles: 6.9 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

RocknRolla (DVD)

2009-03-24T20:34:00.005-04:00

RocknRolla (DVD)

March 21, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: Guy Ritchie

Starring; Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Mark Strong and Toby Kebbell

Plot: In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, attracting some of the city's scrappiest tough guys and its more established underworld types, all of whom are looking to get rich quick. While the city's seasoned criminals vie for the cash, an unexpected player -- a drugged out rock 'n' roller presumed to be dead but very much alive -- has a multi-million dollar prize fall into his hands. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Disjointed and long, RocknRolla is about 1/2 half of a good heist movie. The all-star cast carries the mediocre story and the soundtrack keeps things moving along. Wilkinson is good as the crime family patriarch, and Strong is decent as his right-hand man. The movie bogs down in the story of Wilkinson's kid who is a fake wanna-be rock star that has dissapeared. Butler is good as one of the career criminals. To me, Thandie Newton was the best part of the movie--her sexy coolness is the only thing that kept my attention.

If you are big fan of British heist movies----RocknRolla is right up your alley. I liked it--but you could probably guess that I would. If Mrs Noodles had tried to watch it, she wouldn't have liked it and she certainly would have wondered why Guy Ritchie couldn't get Jason Statham to be in it!

Boxes of Noodles: 7.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Rachel Getting Married (DVD)

2009-03-24T20:25:00.007-04:00

Rachel Getting Married (DVD)

March 16, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: Jonathan Demme

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Rosemary DeWitt, Bill Irwin and Debra Winger

Plot: A young woman who has been in and out from rehab for the past 10 years returns home for the weekend for her sister's wedding. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Not as good or as quirky as I had hoped it to be. Anne Hathaway is just OK--and I didn't really care about the other characters too much. It ended up being more depressing than fun to watch-maybe I just don't get it. Hathaway just has problems pulling off the whole damaged part of her character. Her transformation during the movie is slow and labored. Props to Demme for making a movie about a truly strange wedding that is just as unbearbale for me to watch than it would be to attend.

Not worth the Oscar buzz--You can skip this one or wait until it comes to HBO.

Boxes of Noodles: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Cadillac Records (DVD)

2009-03-24T20:04:00.004-04:00

Cadillac Records (DVD)

March 8, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: Darnell Martin

Starring: Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Cedric the Entertainer, Mos Def and Beyonce Knowles

Plot: Chronicles the rise of Chess Records and its recording artists. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Cadillac Records is about 2/3rds of a good movie. Putting aside that it's a highly fictionalized history of Chess Records, Cadillac Records keeps your attention for the first hour, but struggles to keep it during the last 30 minutes. If you are looking for the true story of Chess Records, this isn't it---don't even fool yourself that it is.

Brody plays Leonard Chess, founder of the label. Wright is Muddy Waters, Cedric the Entertainer is Willy Dixon and Mos Def plays Chuck Berry. These characters carry the story and give Cadillac Records energy. Lucky for me, Beyonce, who plays Etta James, doesn't show up until the last 1/3 of the movie. This is where the movie takes a turn for the worse. Beyonce portrays James as a damaged drug addict who is unable to take care of herself and doesn't need anyones help in the process. Aside form her potty mouth (the only redeeming part of her performance), her singing is definitely lip-synched and in one laughable section of the movie way off from the picture. Only when the story shifts back to the end of the label does the movie return to enjoyable.

Putting all that aside--Cadillac Records is a great introduction to the electric blues of the 1950's--you'll go back and listen to your old Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter records! Definitely worth a watch--even if it is a little uneven. In the end you end up rooting for Muddy Waters--the true star of the movie.

Boxes of Noodles: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Body of Lies (DVD)

2009-03-24T19:51:00.004-04:00

Body of Lies (DVD)

March 1, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: Ridley Scott

Starring: Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio

Plot: Roger Ferris uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles's Thoughts: Body of Lies, with it's two all-star leading men fails to deliver the promise that we expect to get. Based upon a convoluted story line dealing with terrorists from the Middle East (and isn't that really convoluted in real life?), the story chugs along to a semi-surprise ending that you are relieved to see. On the up side, for an action movie, there is plenty of things that go boom, get shot up or beaten up. The special effects are pretty realistic looking. On the down side--there are a few moments of torture that really aren't necessary but do set up the ending.

Body of Lies is not going to change your mind on the current political state of the US's involvement in the Middle East--nor will it convince you that our course of action is as just as the terrorists. If you are looking for plenty of bang for your buck and don't mind seeing Leonardo DiCaprio getting the crap beat out of him repeatedly, Body of Lies is right up your alley. I thought it just wasn't very good.

Boxes of Noodles: 6.5 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles

Max Payne (DVD)

2009-03-24T19:35:00.004-04:00

Max Payne (DVD)

February 28, 2009

Chez Verge

Directed by: John Moore

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges and Ludacris

Plot: Coming together to solve a series of murders in New York City are a DEA agent whose family was slain as part of a conspiracy and an assassin out to avenge her sister's death. The duo will be hunted by the police, the mob, and a ruthless corporation. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodle's Thoughts: Max Payne doesn't promise much satisfaction and it certainly lives up to that expactation. Yet another movie based upon a comic book or video game, Max Payne leaves you wondering if the comic or the game is as bad as the movie. I don't think I care enough to find out. The plot is laughable, the special effects are about as fake looking as they could be and there is not enough action/shooting to justify calling this move an action movie.

Do yourself a favor---skip this one. Not enough stuff blows up, gets shot up or beaten up. There isn't even enough eye candy to keep you interested for more than a few minutes. Wholly unsatisfying

Boxes of Noodles: 6 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-02-22T08:30:00.008-05:00

Slumdog Millionaire

February 21, 2009

Muvico Egyptian 24: Hanover, MD

Directed by: Danny Boyle

Starring: Dev Patel, Anil Kapoor and Freida Pinto

Plot: A Mumbai teen who grew up in the slums, becomes a contestant on the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" He is arrested under suspicion of cheating, and while being interrogated, events from his life history are shown which explain why he knows the answers. (courtesy IMDb.com)

Noodles Thoughts: Definitely worthy of Best Picture, Slumdog Millionaire is a well written, well directed and well acted. The story is riveting as all of Jamal's life experiences combine together at one distinct moment. All of the pieces are there to make this one an award winner. The chronicles of an underdog--an enduring a love story- a great location with plenty to watch--humor and betrayal- heroes and villians--even a song a dance number at the end. I only wish I had seen this earlier--we squeezed it in right before the Oscar telecast.

So, was Jamal cheating? Did he know the answers? Or is it written? You be the judge!

Do yourself a favor--see Slumdog Millionaire. You will not be dissapointed!

Boxes of Noodles: 8 out of 10 Boxes of Noodles!

Previews:

These are the previews we saw prior to Slumdog Millionaire:

Angels & Demons: (trailer) Sequel to The DaVinci Code. Mrs Noodles is excited about this one, I will pass.

The Class: (trailer) DVD, maybe---Dangerous Minds meets Dead Poets Society?