Swingers (1996)

Synopsis

Title: Swingers (1996)

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Rating: R

Running Time: 96 Minutes

Director: Doug Liman

Main Actors: Jon Favreau, Vince Vaughn, Ron Livingston, Heather Graham, Brooke Langton

Plot: This is a story about Mike, a guy who left his girl in New York when he came to LA to be a star. It's been six months since he left his girlfriend and he's not doing so good. So his best pal Trent and some other friends try and get him back in the social scene and forget about his 6 year relationship.

My Take

This is the definition of the dating scene during the 90’s. It is the most down to earth, true-to-form movie I have ever seen. Although I personally didn’t hit the party scene much, it does bring back memories of my college days. It’s not something I really desire to go back to at this time, but at the same time it was a great experience. Swingers is hilarious, but it is also an excellent story about relationships. What’s the last time you could say that a movie was hilarious with a great story in the same sentence? Swingers was shot on a small budget, but it was done expertly. The swing music was great and it actually brought back swing music in the late 90’s. Everything about this movie, in my eyes, was simply magnificent. I’ll talk about Vince’s performance in a bit, but Jon Favreau and company did an excellent job as well. Great job by director Doug Liman. Everybody was awesome. I own this movie, and it is one of the few movies that I will go back and see over and over again. Several scenes stood out, but especially the last scene, which may be the best last scene in any movie. Swingers is awesome. In fact, it might be my favorite movie of all time. That’s my take.

What About Vince?

This is Vince’s best performance to date. In fact, I think he could go on to star in movies for the next 50 years and he would still be remembered for his part in Swingers. He does simply an amazing job as Trent. This was undoubtedly a springboard for his career.

Should You Watch???

There is quite a bit of language in the film, so that could turn some off I guess. This is a guy’s-guy movie. I can’t speak on behalf of the women, but I will say that this movie will hit home with every young man. It’s so much more than a simple comedy. This movie is about relationships more than anything else. Girls you should be able to watch this one and enjoy it as well. You might learn something about guys unless of course you already have us all figured out. Do yourself a favor and watch Swingers. Guess what? It’s back-to-back Hall of Fame movies. Don’t expect that streak to continue.

Popcorn Rating

Bag of Half-Popped Kernels

Rudy (1994)

Synopsis

Title: Rudy (1994)

Genre: Sports Drama

Rating: PG

Running Time: 114 Minutes

Director: David Anspaugh

Main Actors: Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Charles Dutton, Lili Taylor, Vince Vaughn

Plot: Rudy always had a dream to play football for Notre Dame. The problem was that he didn’t have good enough grades nor the athletic ability to have a chance to make the team. At least that’s what everyone was telling him. He believed in himself and proved everybody else wrong..

My Take

We start Vince Vaughn month with a BANG! Call it a cliché sports movie if you want, but this is one of the greatest sports movies if not the greatest sports movie of all time. Rudy, based on a true story, is an inspiration and it gives me a great since of pride and admiration every time I watch it, and I’ve seen it several times; the sign of a truly great movie. This is the ultimate underdog story, and everyone loves a good underdog story. Sean Astin did an awesome job playing Rudy, who made it on the field in South Bend after overcoming great obstacles. The story is rock solid. The acting is rock solid. In addition to Astin’s performance, Jon Favreau did an excellent job as the shy teacher’s aid who needs help socializing with the ladies (sounds very familiar doesn’t it). All the supporting actors did a fine job. The setting is beautiful with scenes from the actual university. The music is breathtaking and classic. The football scenes were very well done, especially for the time. I honestly have no complaints about this movie. Great, great movie.

What About Vince?

Vince Vaughn played the part of a high profile recruit who never lived up to expectations. Rudy was the first film for Vince Vaughn, who struck up a friendship with Jon Favreau and eventually led to more prominent roles. Vince had just 2 or 3 lines in the movie, but he played the part of football jock well. We have all come to realize that he plays the guy nobody really likes really well. Rudy even has an effect on Vince’s character, as Vaughn is the one that makes sure Rudy is put into the final game. So he does have a soft spot. He looks so young in this movie. I can’t wait to watch more of Vince’s films and see how he grows as an actor.

Should You Watch???

Every single person should watch this movie. This movie has everything a sports fan could as for in a movie. This movie has everything a person who has ever had a dream could ask for in a movie. I don’t review movies through the eyes of a critic, but through the eyes of a common person who loves movies and loves a great story. Rudy is a movie that will truly move you emotionally in a way that few movies can. Rudy is a cinematic masterpiece that the whole family will enjoy for years to come.

Popcorn Rating

Bag of Half-Popped Kernels

The Nativity Story (2006)

Synopsis

Title: The Nativity Story (2006)

Genre: Religious/Historical/Drama

Rating: PG

Running Time: 101 Minutes

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Main Actors: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Ciaran Hinds, Shohreh Aghdashloo

The Plot: The story about the birth of Christ. One of the greatest if not the greatest stories ever told! Finally we get to see the Nativity Story on the big screen!

My Take

The Nativity Story is the first movie that I am aware of that tells the story of the birth of Christ! This is amazing to me considering the importance of this event. It is safe to say that this is the best movie about the birth of Christ ever made. It is not flawless, but it was very accurately told according to biblical writings. I was paying very close attention to details to see how the director interpreted the nativity story. I found it to be very accurate, which is the most important thing in my mind when telling the story of Christ's birth. I was paying particularly close attention to how Mary and Joseph were portrayed. It is very hard to make a movie like this accurately without taking artistic liberties that would ruin the film. The only fault I find with The Nativity Story is that it does not live up to the actual event, although it is not possible to show how truly amazing and important this event was on the history of the world. I already know the story and many already do, so I guess maybe that is why I felt it lacked some of the excitement we should all feel at the birth of Christ.

Should You Watch???

You should buy this movie and watch it as a Christmas tradition. Jesus is the reason for the season, and what better way to remind you than to watch The Nativity Story? The movie itself is not perfect although it was very well done, but the story is perfect. This is the first movie to make my Hall of Fame list because it is a must watch for Christians and people of all faiths. It is the best movie depicting the birth of Christ that was ever made. What other reason do you need to watch? Buy and watch over and over again!

Popcorn Rating

Bag of Half-Popped Kernals