We are back with another round of Tube Watch. So what were the Great
Stories family and friends watching this week? Let's see.....
Marcel watched Khumba, an animated tale of a Zebra who is kicked out of his herd and strikes out on his own to find redemption and acceptance. From the sounds of laughter emanating from the living room, I'd say the movie was a hit! He also got back into Agents of SHIELD with Chris for a great episode leading into this week's Captain America movie premiere (more on that in our trailer blog today).
Rob was all-in on TV series as he caught the season finale's of How I Met Your Mother (he was not happy with the ending) and The Walking Dead (stupid six month cliffhanger endings!). On top of that, he watched Big Bang Theory and the animated Spectacular Spider-Man Season One (highly recommended). He also took the time to view the second installment of The Hunger Games with Catching Fire, which he thought was only OK.
Jim made Catching Fire a very popular choice amongst the Great Stories team this week. Marcel had seen it last week, so that only leaves Melissa and Chris as the lone holdouts. He claims (much like Marcel) that the second movie is a big improvement on the first. Also included in his viewing this week was Enchanted (a movie Melissa has probably seen about 30 times and is her favorite film of all time). I am not sure he enjoyed it as much as she did, but it was a definite thumbs up with the adorable Amy Adams in the lead role. Lastly, he caught About Time, a time traveling romantic comedy starring Rachel McAdams, which he thought was funny and inventive. Richard Curtis directed this one, who is also responsible for the film Love Actually, which Jim recommends to everyone.
Chris kept up the trend of turning to Netflix for tv shows he never got around to. It was a little more Bates Motel as well as the first three episodes of JJ Abrams' Revolution, about an event that wipes out the power grid in America. So far so good on that show! He also watched the old classic Marilyn Monroe/Tony Curtis/Jack Lemmon comedy Some Like It Hot, at Jim's suggestion. But you can read his thoughts on that one in The Honor Roll blog that came out earlier this week.
Melissa continued her quest to get through Season Three of Lost.....she really is upset with that character Julia (yes, she refuses to call her Juliette, since that is her niece's name). And she half paid attention to the newest movie arrival in the household while she cleaned the bedroom. Yes, another Tinkerbell adventure, The Pirate Fairy in now in her possession. Anticipate a repeat and more thorough viewing by next week's blog.
We'll be back next week to check in with another Tube Watch. Happy viewing to you all!
-The Great Stories Team
A place to talk about products, original works, and whatever inspires your creativity and imagination!
Friday, April 4, 2014
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
The Honor Roll: Best Comedies (April Fool's Day Edition) Part Two
The Honor Roll is a Great Stories feature column that gives you the
best in class movies, books, and multimedia from the Great Stories
team. This month Jim and Chris make their top picks for the best
comedies of all time in observance of April Fool's Day! Here is part two with Chris' picks!
Happy Gilmore
"He doesn't play golf...he destroys it."
Adam Sandler graduates from Billy Madison to unveil his brightest shining moment in cinema. The familial aspect of his film-making, with much of the same cast constantly appearing in all of his films works and helps us to appreciate his motivation of making movies for fun with his friends. Sandler as a frustrated hockey player who finds his long drive to be the vehicle to saving his beloved grandmother's house and her life as she knows it. Hilarious moments that will have you repeating lines for years to come.
Jim's Comment: Sorry, not a Sandler fan. I saw this movie once and enjoyed it, but I wouldn't put it anywhere near the top of a list of great comedies. 'S about it. Oh, and the girl was cute.
Airplane
"You've read the ad. Now see the movie."
As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Leslie Nielsen reinvented himself with movies like the great Airplane. Slapstick comedy was never finer than in this film with a classic appearance from Kareem Abdul Jabaar. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough, but if you don't have a tolerance for silly antics and dialogue, then go rent Tootsie instead. ;)
Jim's Comment: See yesterday's post.
Monty Python & the Holy Grail
"Makes Ben Hur look like an epic!"
Another one of those quotable movies that do not leave your mind for years thereafter. The Monty Python crew has really produced some classic tv and movie moments, but here is their finest gem in the storehouse. From Sir Robin's "bravery" against the three-headed argumentative giant to killer bunny rabbits to mind games against bridge guardians, this movie will have you in more stitches than the poor ankle-biting black knight in one of the most famous scenes of the movie. Rent it....But it....Just watch it now you silly kiniggits!
Jim's Comment: The Pythons raise silliness to a high art in their 1974 classic. Yes, nerds have been quoting it for years to the point of annoyance, but it still stands tall as one of the funniest comedies ever made. Proof that creativity need not come with a budget that would pay off the national debt for several countries. Ni!
The 40 Year Old Virgin
"Better late than never."
Both Jim and I find this movie to be one of the finest comedies of the modern era, and we also agree that Paul Rudd may have one of his most memorable performances. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, yes "Yamo gonna burn this place to the ground" is one of the best lines I think any actor has had in the last ten years in this genre. Steve Carrell really made himself a household name with this one. Enjoy!
Jim's Comment: See yesterday's blog entry.
The Cannonball Run
"You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins."
The movie that I grew up watching more as a child than any other (with the possible exception of Star Wars). Yeah, I've probably seen it about 15 times at least, and I am not one for watching movies too many times. The lineup of stars and the obvious fun they had making this movie really shine through in the finished product. Maybe not the funniest of funny movies, but you can't help but feel good when watching it.
Jim's Comment: This is an April Fool's joke, isn't it? Because seriously, this was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I was actually jealous of the actors goofing around during the end credits, because they were obviously having a much better time making this movie than I had while being forced to sit through it. Despite all of the great work that these wonderful performers did elsewhere, I still wanted to go up to every one of them and let them know about the time and money that I had just wasted watching them. The only MILDLY funny moment was watching the great Dom DeLuise run past the camera in his Captain Chaos getup. For shame, Christopher!
Happy Gilmore
"He doesn't play golf...he destroys it."
Adam Sandler graduates from Billy Madison to unveil his brightest shining moment in cinema. The familial aspect of his film-making, with much of the same cast constantly appearing in all of his films works and helps us to appreciate his motivation of making movies for fun with his friends. Sandler as a frustrated hockey player who finds his long drive to be the vehicle to saving his beloved grandmother's house and her life as she knows it. Hilarious moments that will have you repeating lines for years to come.
Jim's Comment: Sorry, not a Sandler fan. I saw this movie once and enjoyed it, but I wouldn't put it anywhere near the top of a list of great comedies. 'S about it. Oh, and the girl was cute.
Airplane
"You've read the ad. Now see the movie."
Jim's Comment: See yesterday's post.
Monty Python & the Holy Grail
"Makes Ben Hur look like an epic!"
Another one of those quotable movies that do not leave your mind for years thereafter. The Monty Python crew has really produced some classic tv and movie moments, but here is their finest gem in the storehouse. From Sir Robin's "bravery" against the three-headed argumentative giant to killer bunny rabbits to mind games against bridge guardians, this movie will have you in more stitches than the poor ankle-biting black knight in one of the most famous scenes of the movie. Rent it....But it....Just watch it now you silly kiniggits!
Jim's Comment: The Pythons raise silliness to a high art in their 1974 classic. Yes, nerds have been quoting it for years to the point of annoyance, but it still stands tall as one of the funniest comedies ever made. Proof that creativity need not come with a budget that would pay off the national debt for several countries. Ni!
The 40 Year Old Virgin
"Better late than never."
Both Jim and I find this movie to be one of the finest comedies of the modern era, and we also agree that Paul Rudd may have one of his most memorable performances. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, yes "Yamo gonna burn this place to the ground" is one of the best lines I think any actor has had in the last ten years in this genre. Steve Carrell really made himself a household name with this one. Enjoy!
Jim's Comment: See yesterday's blog entry.
The Cannonball Run
"You'll root for them all...but you'll never guess who wins."
The movie that I grew up watching more as a child than any other (with the possible exception of Star Wars). Yeah, I've probably seen it about 15 times at least, and I am not one for watching movies too many times. The lineup of stars and the obvious fun they had making this movie really shine through in the finished product. Maybe not the funniest of funny movies, but you can't help but feel good when watching it.
Jim's Comment: This is an April Fool's joke, isn't it? Because seriously, this was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. I was actually jealous of the actors goofing around during the end credits, because they were obviously having a much better time making this movie than I had while being forced to sit through it. Despite all of the great work that these wonderful performers did elsewhere, I still wanted to go up to every one of them and let them know about the time and money that I had just wasted watching them. The only MILDLY funny moment was watching the great Dom DeLuise run past the camera in his Captain Chaos getup. For shame, Christopher!
And that ends another edition of the honor roll with Jim and Chris. Rob just posted his Comic Pick of the Week blog (no, not the Bronies one!!!), so go check that out when you get a moment. Thursday we will be back with another Tube Watch and then first Friday of the month means there is another edition of the Fresh Popped Corn movie trailer blog coming at you!
-The Great Stories Team
Comic Picks of the Week (April 2, 2014)
Ok, here we go for real this time. It's another strong week with four titles I know I will be picking up.
Captain America: Winter Soldier #1 (Director's Cut), Inhuman #1 (finally!!!), Moon Knight #2, and Punisher #4.
From time to time, Marvel and other publishers will release a Director's Cut version of a comic. This issue will often include the full written script for the issue, both concept and unfinished art, and writer, artist, and/or editor commentary that give tremendous insight into the creative process. To help celebrate what will no doubt be the best movie you can go see this week, Marvel has given us a Director's Cut to honor the release of the film. Captain America: Winter Soldier #1 (Director's Cut) includes the complete script, Brubaker's original series proposal, concept art, and preview pages from the forthcoming Marvel book on the art of the feature film. If you know, or are, an aspiring comic artist or writer, tracking down a few Director's Cuts can be a great gift idea.
Next up are a couple of fan favorites around the Great Stories blog. Marc Spector, The Fist of Khonshu, is back in Moon Knight #2, and so is that dude with the guns that is supposed to be locked in an underwater vault by the Avengers. Continuity? In comics? Nah. Frank Castle is running around the left coast and tangling with one of the webhead's old enemies in The Punisher #4.
Captain America: Winter Soldier #1 (Director's Cut), Inhuman #1 (finally!!!), Moon Knight #2, and Punisher #4.
From time to time, Marvel and other publishers will release a Director's Cut version of a comic. This issue will often include the full written script for the issue, both concept and unfinished art, and writer, artist, and/or editor commentary that give tremendous insight into the creative process. To help celebrate what will no doubt be the best movie you can go see this week, Marvel has given us a Director's Cut to honor the release of the film. Captain America: Winter Soldier #1 (Director's Cut) includes the complete script, Brubaker's original series proposal, concept art, and preview pages from the forthcoming Marvel book on the art of the feature film. If you know, or are, an aspiring comic artist or writer, tracking down a few Director's Cuts can be a great gift idea.
Next up comes a personal favorite of mine; artwork by Joe Madureira. His work is just flat out AMAZING! Below we've got the cover for issue one, some Inhuman pencils, and an alternate cover for your viewing pleasure. The artwork alone sells this one, but I am really looking forward to seeing what Soule can do as well. Marvel is billing Inhuman as the next big thing. So what's the premise? A cloud of Terrigen mist has turned regular people into Inhumans with amazing powers. But not everyone thinks this is a good thing... Don't miss this issue!
Next up are a couple of fan favorites around the Great Stories blog. Marc Spector, The Fist of Khonshu, is back in Moon Knight #2, and so is that dude with the guns that is supposed to be locked in an underwater vault by the Avengers. Continuity? In comics? Nah. Frank Castle is running around the left coast and tangling with one of the webhead's old enemies in The Punisher #4.
Great Stories are everywhere!
~Rob
Comic Pick of the Week April 2 2014
Great Stories selects...
My Little Pony Portfolio (IDW)
At long last we have a reprint of the coveted My Little Pony Portfolio!!! I have been waiting for this one all year long!!
Eight, yes you heard me right, eight of your favorite My Little Pony Covers, suitable for FRAMING! A high quality artist's portfolio, with 11" x 17" prints that are going to KNOCK YOUR SOCKS RIGHT OFF!!! Who doesn't need a pony hanging in every room of the house?!?!?!?!?
Come my fellow bronies and unite in joy!! Grab this one off the shelves before they are gone!!!
Great Stories are everywhere!
-Chris (for the Great Stories team)
p.s. This April Fool's Day joke has been brought to you by the number 8 and the letter S for shenanigans. The real pick(s) of the week will be posted later today or tomorrow. No bronies were harmed in the production of this blog post. ~Rob
Eight, yes you heard me right, eight of your favorite My Little Pony Covers, suitable for FRAMING! A high quality artist's portfolio, with 11" x 17" prints that are going to KNOCK YOUR SOCKS RIGHT OFF!!! Who doesn't need a pony hanging in every room of the house?!?!?!?!?
Come my fellow bronies and unite in joy!! Grab this one off the shelves before they are gone!!!
Great Stories are everywhere!
-Chris (for the Great Stories team)
p.s. This April Fool's Day joke has been brought to you by the number 8 and the letter S for shenanigans. The real pick(s) of the week will be posted later today or tomorrow. No bronies were harmed in the production of this blog post. ~Rob
Monday, March 31, 2014
The Honor Roll: Best Comedies (April Fool's Day Edition) Part One
The Honor Roll is a Great Stories feature column that gives you the
best in class movies, books, and multimedia from the Great Stories
team. This month Jim and Chris make their top picks for the best comedies of all time in observance of April Fool's Day! Here is part one featuring Jim's
picks. Chris' will follow tomorrow evening.
Some Like It Hot
"The movie too hot for words!"
My vote for the best comedy of the Golden Age---Jack Lemmon at his hilariously neurotic best, Tony Curtis in top form doing his Cary Grant impression and Marilyn Monroe at her peak. The best of many great Billy Wilder movies, too---many quotable lines. This was one of the first classic comedies that I ever saw. It’s never lost it’s appeal to me.
Chris' Comment: "I want a cup of coffee!" I can't help but notice how much the great Ray Liotta must have modeled his acting demeanor after the awesome Jack Lemmon! Bravo. A fine pick to start off the list, and a movie had not had the pleasure to see until Jim put it on this list. Thank you sir.
Tootsie
"Desperate, he took a female role and became a star. If only he could tell the woman he loves!"
A dream cast in something that doesn’t happen very often---an extremely well-written comedy. A boatload of writers worked on it, but you’d swear that it was written by one great comedy writer. Dustin Hoffman at his best (he didn’t do enough comedies), a luminous Jessica Lange, a very appealing Charles Durning (watch the scene at the bar where he slowly realizes that he’s sitting next to Dorothy---his face is priceless) and Bill Murray at his funniest (it’s been said that he ad-libbed most of his lines). Also with George Gaynes, a young Geena Davis and the late director Sydney Pollack---all wonderful. They don’t make them like this often enough.
Chris' Comment: I am very worried about my friend Jim. His first two picks are about cross-dressing dudes. Does this speak to the inner psyche or some kind of....oh never mind. I don't want to really know, and I am here to give my comments on the film. Agreed that it is a great cast with some good moments, but not nearly one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Worth a look? Sure. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor and Charles Durning always a treat to see on screen. Have a look but don't expect this one to make you click those high heels you may or may not be wearing right now. ;)
The 40 Year Old Virgin
"Better late than never!"
Oh, yeah. I don't know how many times I 've seen this in the past 9 years, but it never gets old. Judd Apatow at the top of his game. A great cast of now-familiar comedians who now undoubtedly command a lot more for salaries than they must have received here. It's a toss-up as to who's the funniest, but I'd pick Paul Rudd. His Ya Mo Burn this Place to the Ground scene gets me every time.
Chris' Comment: This one appears on my list as well. I guess Jim does have a keen ear for funny. Two of three ain't half bad amigo!
Airplane/The Naked Gun (tie)
"Thank God it's only a motion picture"-Airplane
"You've read the ad. Now see the movie."-The Naked Gun
Some Like It Hot
"The movie too hot for words!"
My vote for the best comedy of the Golden Age---Jack Lemmon at his hilariously neurotic best, Tony Curtis in top form doing his Cary Grant impression and Marilyn Monroe at her peak. The best of many great Billy Wilder movies, too---many quotable lines. This was one of the first classic comedies that I ever saw. It’s never lost it’s appeal to me.
Chris' Comment: "I want a cup of coffee!" I can't help but notice how much the great Ray Liotta must have modeled his acting demeanor after the awesome Jack Lemmon! Bravo. A fine pick to start off the list, and a movie had not had the pleasure to see until Jim put it on this list. Thank you sir.
Tootsie
"Desperate, he took a female role and became a star. If only he could tell the woman he loves!"
A dream cast in something that doesn’t happen very often---an extremely well-written comedy. A boatload of writers worked on it, but you’d swear that it was written by one great comedy writer. Dustin Hoffman at his best (he didn’t do enough comedies), a luminous Jessica Lange, a very appealing Charles Durning (watch the scene at the bar where he slowly realizes that he’s sitting next to Dorothy---his face is priceless) and Bill Murray at his funniest (it’s been said that he ad-libbed most of his lines). Also with George Gaynes, a young Geena Davis and the late director Sydney Pollack---all wonderful. They don’t make them like this often enough.
Chris' Comment: I am very worried about my friend Jim. His first two picks are about cross-dressing dudes. Does this speak to the inner psyche or some kind of....oh never mind. I don't want to really know, and I am here to give my comments on the film. Agreed that it is a great cast with some good moments, but not nearly one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Worth a look? Sure. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor and Charles Durning always a treat to see on screen. Have a look but don't expect this one to make you click those high heels you may or may not be wearing right now. ;)
The 40 Year Old Virgin
"Better late than never!"
Oh, yeah. I don't know how many times I 've seen this in the past 9 years, but it never gets old. Judd Apatow at the top of his game. A great cast of now-familiar comedians who now undoubtedly command a lot more for salaries than they must have received here. It's a toss-up as to who's the funniest, but I'd pick Paul Rudd. His Ya Mo Burn this Place to the Ground scene gets me every time.
Chris' Comment: This one appears on my list as well. I guess Jim does have a keen ear for funny. Two of three ain't half bad amigo!
Airplane/The Naked Gun (tie)
"Thank God it's only a motion picture"-Airplane
"You've read the ad. Now see the movie."-The Naked Gun
(Airplane)-Jim Abrahams and David
and Jerry Zucker make their mark in this spoof of airline disaster movies, a
cornucopia of classic lines and gags. "Don't call me Shirley."
"Win just one for the Zipper." "Do you...like movies about
gladiators?" The drinking problem. Parodies of zillions of movies, from
From Here to Eternity to Saturday Night Fever. A new career in comedy for
both Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen. This also marks the one and only time
that I have ever enjoyed Ethel Merman.
Chris' Comment: Another one from my list...comments tomorrow. :)
(The Naked Gun)-The two sequels were funny, but the first one is the one to see. Non-stop
gags will keep you in stitches. A great villain in Ricardo
Montalban. A pre-murder trial OJ Simpson. And a career highlight for
Leslie Nielsen---it wouldn’t have worked without him.
Chris' Comment: A worthy entry into any top comedy list. Of course, I think Airplane is the pinnacle of this brand of slapstick, which prevents me from putting this one in my own list. Leslie Nielsen truly re-invented himself with this brand of theatrics. I can't help but be left with a bad taste in my mouth seeing OJ Simpson in his role. But if you can keep such horrific things far from mind, there are great laughs to be had.
Young Frankenstein
"The scariest comedy of all time!"
Mel Brooks' best movie and one of the most quotable movies of all time. I miss the days when Gene Wilder and Madeline Kahn were making movies. There Wolf, there Castle!
Chris Comment: For my money the best Mel Brooks film would either be Spaceballs or History of the World. But I don't want to rain on the Jim parade this time. Young Frankenstein is a fine comedic triumph, and Mel Brooks is responsible for more than a few laugh-induced broken ribs, so who is anyone to argue his genius? Gene Wilder is one of the most unique comedic actors of his generation.
Back at you tomorrow with Chris' list!
The Great Stories Team
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