You, Me, Them, Everybody

Daniel Knox "Slowly"

2010-06-15T23:42:00.001-05:00

I made a video for the Daniel Knox song "Slowly". Please watch it.

Bloody fun?

2010-06-15T23:41:00.000-05:00

33. "Kick-Ass"
I hated the first thirty minutes of dialogue. It was shaping up to be another teen film in which a nerd gets the girl and blah blah blah. Then it got super violent and great. The shitty lines made sense and I enjoyed every bit of it. I won't seek it out again and again but if it's on television I won't turn it off.

Oh, Canada.

2010-06-15T23:39:00.001-05:00

32. "The Trailer Park Boys: Countdown to Liquor Day"
Not as good as their other movie or the television show. It's good and it moves the overall story along, but it was just lacking something. Maybe I didn't like it because it's not a Rickie movie. Whatever.

You think he's smart because you're young

2010-06-15T23:37:00.001-05:00

31. "An Education"
The rare film that has excellent camerawork that means something in a subtle way. The rare film that uses money as a motivating factor in decision making. The rare film about a teenage girl adapted by a male that turned out well. I can't get over how good this film is, at least the first 90% of it. Even the ending didn't ruin the experience. It's like having the best meal of your life and following it up with a Twinkie for desert. It just isn't needed.

I love, love, love dry British wit.

Love and Spirits

2010-06-15T23:34:00.002-05:00

30. "The Awful Truth"
I know I'll enjoy a film if it's in black and white, slapstick, made between 1935 and 1955, stars William Powell or Cary Grant and involves liberal consumption of alcohol. This is not the exception to that rule. I loved it. Each scene stands alone and is funny. Each one liner is excellent. Asta, the dog from "The Thin Man" series plays, or is in, this film.

Let's all wear suits, get drunk but not act drunk, converse with elders and enjoy happy endings.

PASTA! WINE!

2010-06-15T23:32:00.001-05:00

29. "Mid-August Lunch"
I saw this at the Music Box on a Saturday evening. Besides a young couple on a date, I was the youngest person in the theater by twenty years. Not a bad thing, but I'm not the key demographic for this pleasant Italian film.

I have an Italian mother. She's demanding and 'old school' and dumb. Her beliefs are rooted in ignorance. She means well. My mother would have loved this film. I connected to this film in pleasant and unpleasant ways. Such is an Italian film.

Pretty

2010-06-15T23:30:00.000-05:00

28. "Atonement"
A film that will be taught for years. Giant in ambition and performances. Near perfect (I only use 'near' because I've just seen it and don't want to dub anything perfect without some time but that logic is flawed because everything changes over time). While it's not a film I'd watch obsessively, it's one that hit every note in a memorable way.

"Look at Things and Try New Drinks" production, Hungry Brain, Chicago, May 2 2010

2010-05-21T01:06:00.001-05:00

"Look at Things and Try New Drinks" production, Hungry Brain, Chicago, May 2 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

West Loop, Chicago, May 8 2010

2010-05-11T15:41:00.001-05:00

West Loop, Chicago, May 8 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Fun times

2010-04-23T12:38:00.002-05:00

27. "The House Bunny"
You know what you're going to get with this movie but it's not so bad. Yes, the writing and premise and soundtrack and camerawork is formulaic and blah, but Anna Faris is hard to hate. In fact, she's great. I loved her in this film. She carried through with the dumb, innocent ditz throughout and we're all the better for it. Sometimes you want to eat candy for dinner.

See this ASAP, you can stream it on Netflix

2010-04-23T12:36:00.001-05:00

26. "We Live In Public"
I sure did enjoy Nine Inch Nails' "The Fragile" and this film reminded me of that. The use of their music was perfect to illustrate the 1999 internet boom.

Josh Harris is crazy. He's a genius but insane. He didn't get hugged enough. He needed more Mr. Rogers in his diet. It would have given him some perspective, the kind that tells you that it's not nice to interrogate people and film everything for no end. It's not art. It's selfish. No one wins. "We Live In Public" is a wonderful documentary with many messages, one of which is no one wins when there's no privacy.

I'm not giving this film enough credit. Watch it. If you liked "Dig!" you'll like this. If you're slightly leery of things like Four Square, see this film.

Tight, dramatic shots

2010-04-23T12:34:00.002-05:00

25. "Chloe"
While not awful, this stylized and quiet indie felt like an excuse to see Julianne Moore and Amanda Seyfried topless.

Chloe, played by Seyfried, is a prostitute. She tells and does things people want for money. Catherine, played by Moore, is a gynecologist that believes her professor husband, played by Liam Neeson, is cheating on her. Catherine hires Chloe to see if her husband will take the bait. Lovers quarrels and general unpleasantness ensue. It's not my cup of tea.

All the performances are excellent. It's just the story didn't do much for me. The story is ambitious in scope and wants the viewer to think. It did not make me think.

Not sad and lonely

2010-04-23T12:33:00.002-05:00

24. "Whatever Works"
"I saw the abyss."
"Don't worry, we'll watch something else."

"She had a high IQ and a low cut dress."

Whether or not you like Woody Allen as a filmmaker shouldn't take away from his great writing. The man is a genius with a pen. With a camera, he's hit or not as big of a hit. "Whatever Works" is not as big of a hit. Larry David plays a role Allen would have if he wanted. I think Larry David played a better Woody Allen then Allen. I enjoyed David's ire more than Allen's neurosis. Coffee vs tea. You just like what you like.

The story isn't great. David lets a homeless teenager stay over one night. She's a rube and he's a genius. They fall in love, get married, things fall apart, NYC plays a big role, talk about baseball, art. sex, etc. It's exactly what you think it will be. It's not bad.

Older directors should not get to name "young bands". I have a theory that the older you get the more you associate loud rock music with anal rape.

Keep it tight

2010-04-23T12:31:00.001-05:00

23. 2010 Oscar Shorts
One of the nice things about the Brew and View is you'll see things like the Oscar shorts, the short films nominated for Academy Awards. It's a treat to see such neat little packages of art on the big screen.

See this program if you can. All of the shorts have something to offer. If you have children this would be a perfect introduction to independent animated film.

Clay?

2010-04-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

22. "Youth In Revolt"
I don't mind watching Michael Cera in everything. He's hard to hate. Sadly, he hasn't been in many good films.

The story is bad, the direction seems aimless, there are some laugh out loud jokes but more duds, yet it's not completely awful. I think it has more to do with the performances. Yea, the story is absurd in a boring way and the film plods along, but Cera's two performances are fun. It's a fun movie that I will not remember. Still didn't like it.

Fight!

2010-04-23T12:28:00.000-05:00

21. "Sherlock Holmes"
Guy Ritchie knows how to shoot a fight scene. He does not know how to light, edit, capture great performances, etc. He's not necessarily bad at these things, just not great. Maybe he does know how to do it well and just chooses to make fights look neat.

I saw this at Brew and View. It was a good experience.

COME TO THE BRAIN

2010-04-09T13:35:00.002-05:00

4. Stephanie Kuehnert "Ballads of Suburbia"
Stephanie is going to be a guest on the You, Me, Them, Everybody Live Podcast on the last Monday of April at the Hungry Brain. Please come.

Suicide

2010-04-09T13:33:00.001-05:00

20. "2 Days"
I'll watch anything Paul Rudd has a hand in. I should not.

Burton does remake

2010-04-09T13:30:00.001-05:00

19. "Alice In Wonderland"
OK. That happened.

Free TV is never really free

2010-04-09T13:29:00.001-05:00

18. "Man of the House"
"Why would he do this?"
"He needs the money."
"He has enough money."
"You're stupid."

2010-04-09T13:26:00.001-05:00

17. "Under Great White Northern Lights"
The White Stripes are the most important American band of the 00 decade. They revitalized the blues/garage sound, inspiring kids across the world to play guitar (which to me is the best thing anyone with an instrument can do). Their simple songs blah, blah, blah. If you follow rock and roll know the importance of this band. If you like their music you'll like this "documentary" (I use quotes because the band released it and obviously had final say and what went in and there's no talk of their former marriage, Meg's anxiety, the cancellation of the rest of the tour, etc.) If you're not a casual listener, you will like this film. If you aren't into bluesy rock guitar, stay away.

COME TO THE BRAIN

2010-04-09T13:24:00.001-05:00

3. Stephanie Kuehnert "I Wanne Be Your Joey Ramone"
Stephanie is going to be a guest on the You, Me, Them, Everybody Live Podcast on the last Monday of April at the Hungry Brain. Please come.

Not Brief Enough! hahahahahahahahadumb

2010-04-09T13:21:00.002-05:00

16. "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men"
I wanted to like this film. I did not. Rather than just attack, here are some things I did enjoy.
-The cast was great. A good mix of comedic talent and two well delivered performances from major players in "The Wire".

That's about it. It just didn't work. I put off writing this because I thought I would enjoy it more with distance. That did not happen. I think I now loathe this film.

SyFy

2010-04-09T13:18:00.001-05:00

15. "Moon"
Sam Rockwell should have been nominated for Best Actor for this role. I couldn't imagine anyone else in this role and that is a very rare thing.

"Moon" is a film about the self. Who we are, what we represent, what we hope for, etc. It happens to be set on the moon. See it.

Good

2010-04-09T13:15:00.002-05:00

14. "Shutter Island"
What a great adaptation of a very solid book. The only reason I can muster for people disliking this film is it's not a nice, little package. Scorsese doesn't tell you that everything is going to be ok/make sense, and there's no getting around that. You either accept the reality or leave the theater perturbed. I did not.

Book before film

2010-04-04T15:18:00.001-05:00

2. "Shutter Island"
My friends Amy and Chuck gave me this book to read around Christmas. They said it would be a good, quick read. It was a good read but I wasn't so quick. I enjoyed this book immensely but would have loved it I consumed it in one week. It made the film better. Read it.

My 100 Favorite Films released between 2000-2009

2010-03-07T20:11:00.002-06:00

I started this list in December. I finished it at the end of that month. I would change most of the spots. Move some things around, take out others, you get the idea. Whatever. I like these films.

1. "O Brother Where Art Thou?"
2. "Up"
3. "No Country for Old Men"
4. "My Life as McDull"
5. "Inglorious Basterds"
6. "The Dark Knight"
7. "Dancer in the Dark"
8. "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy"
9. "Punch Drunk Love"
10. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"
11. "Wall-E"
12. "The Departed"
13. "Conversations with Other Women"
14. "Sin City"
15. "Children of Men"
16. "Waitress"
17. "Lars and the Real Girl"
18. "Kill Bill/Kill Bill: Vol. 2"
19. "Doubt"
20. "Borat"
21. "Hell House"
22. "Shoot 'Em Up"
23. "Freddy Got Fingered"
24. "The 40-Year-Old Virgin"
25. "I Heart Huckabees"
26. "The Wrestler"
27. "2 Days in Paris"
28. "Step Brothers"
29. "X2"
30. "Superbad"
31. "Ratatouille"
32. "Amelie"
33. "High Fidelity"
34. "Zombieland"
35. "Cecil B. Demented"
36. "Good Night and Good Luck"
37. "The Hurt Locker"
38. "About a Boy"
39. "Clerks 2"
40. "The Hangover"
41. "Suicide Club"
42. "Team America: World Police"
43. "Ocean's Eleven"
44. "The Aviator"
45. "Catch Me If You Can"
46. "Being John Malkovich"
47. "Millions"
48. "Closer"
49. "The Cell"
50. "In the Realms of the Unreal"
51. "Mulholland Dr"
52. "Memento"
53. "Revolutionary Road"
54. "Man on Wire"
55. "The Savages"
56. "In Bruges"
57. "Mean Girls"
58. "Stranger Than Fiction"
59. "Synecdoche, New York"
60. "Brokeback Mountain"
61. "Frost/Nixon"
62. "Requiem For a Dream"
63. "Slumdog Millionaire"
64. "Zoolander"
65. "Wet Hot American Summer"
66. "Foot Fist Way"
67. "Ghost World"
68. "Junebug"
69. "Batman Begins"
70. "Knocked Up"
71. "Collateral"
72. "Syriana"
73. "Best in Show"
74. "Fantasia 2000"
75. "Moulin Rouge"
76. "Shaun of the Dead"
77. "Trailer Park Boys: The Movie"
78. "Hard Candy"
79. "Half Nelson"
80. "Death to Smoochy"
81. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
82. "Be Kind Rewind"
83. "Jesus Camp"
84. "Million Dollar Baby"
85. "The 25th Hour"
86. "Minority Report"
87. "Monsters, Inc."
88. "Old School"
89. "Grizzly Man"
90. "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart"
91. "Return to Me"
92. "Tropic Thunder"
93. "Bad Santa"
94. "The King of Kong"
95. "You Can Count on Me"
96. "Iron Man"
97. "Spellbound"
98. "Milk"
99. "Mr. and Mrs. Smith"
100. "Capote"

The next 56, in order.

"Capote"
"Across the Universe"
"Walk the Line"
"Sugar and Spice"
"8 Mile"
"A Mighty Wind"
"The Proposition"
"American Splendor"
"A Beautiful Mind"
"The Royal Tenenbaums"
"Training Day"
"Donnie Darko"
"Almost Famous"
"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford"
“9.99”
"Bowling for Columbine"
"Charlie Wilson's War"
"Chocolat"
"Babel"
"The Devil and Daniel Johnston"
"Love Actually"
"Little Miss Sunshine"
"Snatch"
"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
"Intolerable Cruelty"
"Lost in Translation"
"Adventureland"
"The Good Girl"
"Anvil: The Story of Anvil"
"Secretary"
"Capturing the Friedmans"
"Sideways"
"Big Fish"
"A Certain Kind of Death"
"Deliver Us From Evil"
"Down With Love"
"Hot Fuzz"
"Niagara Motel"
"Choke"
"Hamlet 2"
"Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"
"Monsters Vs. Aliens"
"Lord of War"
"Kung Fu Hustle"
"Pollock"
"Storytelling"
"Observe and Report"
"My Kid Could Paint That"
"Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
"Spider-Man 2"
"Adaptation."
"Rachel Getting Married"
"Gran Torino"
"Spider-Man"
"King of California"
"Tyson"
"The Motel"

The next video, Noble Square, Chicago, February 26 2010

2010-03-01T16:51:00.001-06:00

The next video, Noble Square, Chicago, February 26 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

What a great cast

2010-02-26T00:55:00.001-06:00

12. "The Invention of Lying"
The first thirty minutes of this film are near perfect. Joke after joke works. A great mix of cynical, smart stuff with broad jokes that would work on a Comedy Central airing at any hour. Then it gets a little weaker. And weaker. Still a great movie, but not at the cult classic it looked like it would become.

I will now watch the entire UK "The Office" and regret not following Gervais ten years ago.

I am the sucker

2010-02-26T00:53:00.001-06:00

11. "Julie & Julia"
Nora Ephron is an awful writer. It's insufferable. A waste of great actors. Also, anyone over forty should not use the word blog or have a blog be a major plot point.

This movie sets back feminism.

Watching people laugh and eat food and laugh about eating food is boring.

I shouldn't write about films while watching them. I seem to want to toss this computer through the television. I want to do that now, around minute 40, because Julie can't kill a lobster. Three lobsters. And Talking Heads are playing. Fuck this. Fuck everything about this. I can not finish this thing without drinking and I don't want to drink.

The only thing that makes this worth watching are the performances of Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci. They're great, like always, like they were in "The Devil Wears Prada".

Amy Adams, why have you forsaken us? Don't you know budgets kill careers. Go back to the small sets of "Junebug" and "Doubt". We all know you're one of the best actors of this generation.

Oh, fuck this. Any movie that explains PayPal should not be watched. I'm done.

I know that place!

2010-02-26T00:50:00.003-06:00

10. "Public Enemies"
Not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I don't know it I would have enjoyed this two hour and twenty minute film if I didn't live in Chicago, but I do, so I did.

Mann's 2009 film about, well, some stuff (What exactly is the plot? I didn't really sense one but it didn't matter) about John Dillinger was shot on HD cameras instead of 35 mm. While this isn't revolutionary, it's definitely different than the majority of films made about gangsters in the 30s. Mann's directing really wasn't about the actors but about where the camera was pointing. It's an aesthetic that you either love or hate. I happened to love it.

Could this film have been shorter? Sure. At least twenty minutes aren't needed. It didn't bother me. The style was so pleasant I could've watched another hour without getting bored.

I have a feeling this film will be re-examined in ten years or so and we'll all come to the consensus that it was a lot better than first thought. Mann's style will be copped for other big budget time pieces. It's too inventive not to.

Remember when she got lead roles?

2010-02-26T00:49:00.001-06:00

9. "The Truth About Cats and Dogs"
Another laundry movie (a film on network television in the middle of a weekend day that I watch while folding laundry). Another piece of something that makes me sad.

Mookie's lament part 2

2010-02-26T00:48:00.002-06:00

8. "The 25th Hour"
A great Spike Lee joint. Ed Norton plays a man about to go to jail. We spend roughly 24-hours with the man before the life he knows ends. Set in New York City in the summer of 2002, the 9/11 attacks play a large role in the tone of this film. Could it be made today? Yea, but it would feel tacked on. See this film.

YMTE Live

2010-02-19T19:17:00.001-06:00

Please come to the live podcast this Monday at the Hungry Brain. After this recording, I will no longer refer to the event as a live podcast. It sounds boring and it's not. It's like a talk show. It is a talk show. Prizes are given out. Games are played. Fun times.

February 22

You, Me, Them, Everybody Live Podcast Recording with Brandon Wetherbee and Esmeralda Leon, guests Scott Smith, Alex White, Francis White, a special set from White Mystery, stand-up from Brendan McGowan, music from Jeremy Tromburg and more

Hungry Brain
2319 W Belmont, Chicago, IL
Doors at 8pm, 21+, no cover

NERDS!

2010-02-19T18:39:00.004-06:00

7. "Mystery Team"
I felt like an asshole watching this film. It's a great indie film with a story that's delightful. The lead, Donald Glover ("Community"), is charming and funny. The other guys in the troupe compliment him well. Aubrey Plaza ("Parks and Recreation," an excellent choice for Daria if a live action film ever happens) has taken the place of Elizabeth Banks as the indie comedy dream girl. Bobby Moynihan ("SNL") steals every scene he's in. I like a lot about this film. I did not like my experience. Why is that? How can someone like what's on the screen but not leave the theater happy? Well, it's quite easy. All you have to do is have a bias against people that enjoy things.

I saw this film at a midnight screening at the Music Box. The majority of the crowd appeared to be superfans of Derrick Comedy, the troupe behind the film. They laughed at exposition. They acted like stereotypical comedy nerds. Before seeing this film I knew nothing about Derrick Comedy. After seeing this film I was not interested in learning any more. Sure, the jokes are good, but I did not enjoy the company of their fans.

In other words, the film is good and I'm a judgmental prick.

Guitar is annoying

2010-02-19T18:38:00.003-06:00

6. "It Might Get Loud"
If you don't play guitar and/or aren't obsessed with Jack White, U2 or Zeppelin, do not see this film. I finished it because I was putting away laundry.

Not starring Kevin Bacon

2010-02-19T18:36:00.002-06:00

5. "Up In the Air"
Technically this film is great. Every shot, every line, every camera movement, is perfect. But it didn't move me. I'm not alone in this. It's my fault I don't love it but I have no idea why.

Tony and I will be discussing this film in depth on the YMTE Oscar preview episode.

It's gettin' heavy

2010-02-19T18:33:00.003-06:00

4. "The Hurt Locker"
It deserves to win Best Picture. I want "Up" to win but we all know that ain't gonna happen. So it's between this and "Avatar," a film I haven't seen. Whatever. I liked the ambition. I liked the story. I liked the weight. See it.

I have a feeling this film will be in most 100 level film classes for the next thirty years. That's a good thing.

Blue Line, Chicago, February 2010

2010-02-09T16:35:00.002-06:00

Blue Line, Chicago, February 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Wall-E is chained up, Pedway, Chicago, February 2010

2010-02-09T16:34:00.001-06:00

Wall-E is chained up, Pedway, Chicago, February 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Dusty elevator, Pedway, Chicago, February 2010

2010-02-09T16:33:00.001-06:00

Dusty elevator, Pedway, Chicago, February 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

I was walking to my door and saw this, West Town, Chicago, February 2010

2010-02-09T16:32:00.001-06:00

I was walking to my door and saw this, West Town, Chicago, February 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

In the car, Evanston, January 2010

2010-02-01T13:21:00.001-06:00

In the car, Evanston, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Fireplace, Bucktown, January 2010

2010-02-01T13:20:00.001-06:00

Fireplace, Bucktown, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Angry bear, Uptown, January 2010

2010-02-01T13:16:00.001-06:00

Angry bear, Uptown, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

White Mystery, Flo's, Portage Park, Chicago, January 23 2010

2010-01-26T13:10:00.001-06:00

White Mystery, Flo's, Portage Park, Chicago, January 23 2010 , originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Yes, it's a Jenna Jameson 3-D poster and people were throwing glass bottles at the wall, Wicker Park, Chicago, January 24 2010

2010-01-26T13:08:00.001-06:00

Yes, it's a Jenna Jameson 3-D poster and people were throwing glass bottles at the wall, Wicker Park, Chicago, January 24 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

This is not the set of a stereotype, Wicker Park, Chicago, January 24 2010

2010-01-26T13:07:00.003-06:00

This is not the set of a stereotype, Wicker Park, Chicago, January 24 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

A drunk man sitting on a passed out man, Wicker Park, Chicago, January 24 2010

2010-01-26T13:07:00.001-06:00

A drunk man sitting on a passed out man, Wicker Park, Chicago, January 24 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Lincoln Park, Chicago, January 2010

2010-01-26T12:50:00.001-06:00

Lincoln Park, Chicago, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Scary, Chicago, January 2010

2010-01-19T18:04:00.003-06:00

Scary, Chicago, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Driving out of the hole, Lakeview, Chicago, January 2010

2010-01-19T18:04:00.001-06:00

Driving out of the hole, Lakeview, Chicago, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

1. Ferguson, 2. Letterman, 3. Conan, 4. Kimmel

2010-01-12T23:20:00.001-06:00

1. Craig Ferguson "American on Purpose"
Sure, I could be reading great American novels, but what's wrong with a celebrity autobiography every now and then?

Ferguson is currently my favorite late night talk show host. He seems to be off the cuff when it comes to everything. The monologue, sketches, interviews, etc. is delivered by a supremely confident, positive and funny man. It's like a more approachable, wiser Conan. A happier Letterman. A wittier Kimmel. I love his show. I read his book because of the reasons listed. I was not disappointed.

Ferguson is a well-known alcoholic. He hasn't had a drink in nearly twenty years. He writes about his exploits like it was yesterday. They're sad and wistful, but they're told in a witty manner. Memories that would be annoyingly preachy aren't when Ferguson writes.

A good way to start the new year. A quick, well written autobiography from a man who seems extremely comfortable in his own skin.

I'm gunna fingerbang bang you into my life

2010-01-12T23:18:00.002-06:00

3. "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist"
An awful film using character names I hold near and dear. It never should have been made. The only redeemable aspects of the film are the leads. They're both charming and hard to hate. It is extremely easy to loathe the dialogue and plausibility of the story. Yes, sometimes a story has to be somewhat believable for me to enjoy a film.

This movie makes me hate indie rock. I don't want to hate indie rock.

Fuck you cheer, Chicago, January 2010

2010-01-11T12:37:00.003-06:00

Fuck you cheer, Chicago, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Target, Avondale, Chicago, January 2010

2010-01-11T12:37:00.001-06:00

Target, Avondale, Chicago, January 2010, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

The winter of Orson Welles

2010-01-09T20:32:00.002-06:00

The winter of Orson Welles is in full swing. I'm eating too much, working on arty stuff too much and making enemies wherever I go. This season will be followed by the spring of hope and the summer of not eating like shit.

Guard dog, Lincoln Square, Chicago, December 2009

2010-01-04T17:34:00.001-06:00

Guard dog, Lincoln Square, Chicago, December 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Very American

2010-01-04T16:21:00.001-06:00

2. "Junebug"
Amy Adams is a great actress and her role in "Junebug" was meant for her to play. This is the type of film that makes me happy Netflix exists.

"Junebug" is the story of urban vs rural. A newlywed takes his wife back to North Carolina to see his parents for the first time. She's an art gallery owner. His family is not made up of art connoisseurs. The family is made up of mom, dad, brother and brother's girlfriend, ready to give birth. When Adams is introduced as the woman about to give birth it's officially her film. For the next hour and change you want to see things work out. The successes and failures of this family are easily predictable, but it doesn't matter. It's damn near impossible not to root for everyone.

If you aren't able to relate/cringe to moments in this film, we'll probably never agree on the art form.

Very French

2010-01-04T16:19:00.001-06:00

1. "Man on Wire"
A great documentary about a great event. For no other reason than to do it, a man tight-walked between the World Trade Center Towers. For no other reason than to tell the story of that walk, this documentary exists.

Philippe Petit is the man on the wire. He was born to be a tight rope walker. With years of planning and an extraordinary amount of charisma, he's able to assemble a team of people to help him achieve his greatest feat. The film tells the story dramatically, using recreations to put the viewer inside the tower. Though on paper this reads like a bad "Dateline" episode, it's works on film. You know that everything turns out well yet you anticipate the worst.

Petit is a confident man. He should tour with Kanye West. It would be beautiful.

The numbers

2010-01-01T22:14:00.003-06:00

My new years resolution is to read 52 books and watch 104 films. That's why I number all the books I read and films I see. I've been able to meet that goal most years. I fell short, quite a bit short, in 2009. I hit my film quota but not the book goal. Why is that? I got lazy. I listened to podcasts while on the bus and train instead of reading. I'll try to hit the target in 2010.

The dad from "Wonder Years" is on "Law and Order: SVU".

Daddy

2009-12-31T12:35:00.003-06:00

104. "World's Greatest Dad"
I don't want to ruin the film by writing about the plot. It's better to have no idea what's going to happen.

Bobcat Goldwaith's third film (yes, the comic with the odd voice) is an excellent director. He knows where to put the camera. He didn't ruin a film that could have been packed with cliches. There is room for improvement but considering the budget of this film, he couldn't have done much more.

See this movie. Probably the most realistic dialogue between 15 year old males I've seen on film.

I hate the poster/ad campaign

2009-12-31T12:33:00.001-06:00

103. "District 9"
I'm not a fan of science fiction (I tend to like the 'mainstream' stuff like "Hitchhiker's Guide" and "X-Files" but don't pay any heed to shows like "Dr. Who") so I was surprised that I even saw this film (which also doesn't make any sense since I rented it). It was much better than I anticipated.

The film paints with broad strokes. It's damn near impossible to ignore the modern day overtones. That being said, it's ambitious enough to have a message and a summer release date and budget. Kudos to having balls.

If you're able to suspend certain realities and don't let personal politics infiltrate your film going psyche, this is an extremely enjoyable film.

Evil Santa Baby

2009-12-31T12:31:00.002-06:00

102. "Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2"
Thanks to the kind folks at Everything is Terrible I have now seen this thing. I'm pretty sure it revolves around a murderous psyche patient that has Hulk-like strength and a whole lotta hatred. It also involves a Santa suit and a nun. And rape. Way too many rape/almost rape scenes for my Santa murder book.

This movie was the second in a series of five. Determination will get you far.

School of drugs/prostitutes/fun times with a hip teach

2009-12-31T12:29:00.001-06:00

101. "Half Nelson"
There will be no happy ending. There will be mediocre endings to complex stories and that's how it should be. Kudos to the filmmakers for not turning this film into "Dangerous Minds".

Gosling is great, the kids are great, the story is solid and the drug use looks real. See this film. It will not make you feel good.

Gay joke here

2009-12-31T12:28:00.002-06:00

100. "Brokeback Mountain"
One of the most beautiful films I've seen. Excellent performances, a great story, good pacing and well edited. It deserved all the acclaim it received.

The film is more about loneliness than being gay, at least in my humble opinion. Keep in mind that I am a straight, white male so, well, I don't know.

Ball, the word ball is used a lot

2009-12-31T12:26:00.002-06:00

99. "Love and Basketball"
It's everything you expect from a movie called "Love and Basketball". It's not too bad, it's far from good and there are multiple slow motion scenes of both missed and made baskets. My favorite part is the ending. Our protagonists end up happily ever after and thanks to a magical, made up league called the WNBA, all is well. That is crazy. The WNBA has never been anyone's happy ending.

I wasn't there (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA)

2009-12-31T12:24:00.001-06:00

98. "I'm Not There"
A film only a Dylan and/or uber-indie auteur could appreciate. Seemingly pointless stories about characters that make up Dylan come together in a musical way. There is no way to explain this film. You'll either love it or not completely hate it. I can't see anyone that isn't a Dylan fan attempting to watch this thing.

The cinematography is brilliant. I'll give it that. Cate Blanchett deserved the Best Actress nomination. The rest was eh. I think I prefer my David Cross as an evil henchman to Alvin and the Chipmunks to William Ginsberg.

UNDERTAKER!

2009-12-31T12:23:00.001-06:00

97. "Suburban Commando"
One of the worst films I've ever seen. I watched it because it was a birthday gift. It was a joke gift. That did not matter to me. I decided to tough it out and see the Hulkster do whatever he does. It took seven separate viewings to finish the thing. It was only completed because The Undertaker pops up near the middle and it was 3am, I was really intoxicated and Doug was over. We did not find this movie so bad it was good. We found ourselves talking about a cage match between the Undertaker and Mankind.

We found ourselves.

There is a god. His name is Hogan. Hogan's only son killed people with his car. We found ourselves.

I can not watch this movie ever again. The fact that people got SAG cards from it is depressing.

Contact me

2009-12-31T12:21:00.001-06:00

25. Nathan Rabin "The Big Rewind"
I really enjoyed this memoir. Once Rabin landed his job at The Onion it lost a little of its appeal, but that's a good thing. If the guy was still stuck in a mental ward the book wouldn't exist. It's a double-edged sword.

Though I doubt this forum will help me get to the man, I would really like to have Rabin on the podcast. If you have any idea how to send the man an email, please let me know. Do not tell me to contact the AV Club or his publisher. I've tried that.

I am not a child and don't have one

2009-12-31T12:19:00.001-06:00

96. "Night at the Museum"
Thanks cable, you helped me get through Christmas without drinking too much. This film wasn't bad enough to make me want to drink more, so that was a bit of a surprise. I'm guessing Steve Coogan and a non-annoying Robin Williams helped.

Has Ben Stiller ever been funny? I really like his films ("The Cable Guy", "Zoolander", "Tropic Thunder") but I can't think of one performance where I was glad he's the leading man. I'm sure this really stings the guy. He only has 11 projects currently in development, is a millionaire, had a wife way too attractive to be married to him in 'real' life and a seemingly endless string of luck with kids films. I should really back off on the guy. Comments made by someone closer to 30 than 20 who watched this film on Christmas really sting.

Worth every cent (get it, punny, right?)

2009-12-30T13:31:00.002-06:00

95. "Millions"
Danny Boyle can do anything. "Trainspotting" still holds up. "Slumdog Millionaire" is ambitious enough to be a poverty drama and a musical. "A Life Less Ordinary" made me want to make films at 14. "Millions" makes me want to try new things with light and camera speed, try to write a film that's family friendly but not a kids film and not be afraid to keep things quiet. Boyle's film making isn't easy to spot and maybe that's what makes him so great. He has no Tarintino schtick, but he can sure tell a story. I will be watching this film again, taking full advantage of the director's commentary.

Your parents fucking

2009-12-30T13:29:00.001-06:00

94. "Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace, Love and Music"
Apparently, I am not a fan of peace, love and music.

When the next Woodstock takes place (there is no way aging, rich hippies that own the rights to the name aren't going to host another Woodstock), a documentary could go on for 60 years and no footage would have to be used again. If 200,000 people attend a show, most will be in possession of a digital camera and/or phone with video capabilities. This is what I thought about during "Woodstock".

This film should be shown with a scratch and sniff card. Maybe patchouli should be piped in.

It's boring. The use of the split screen is the only good aspect of this nostalgia fest.

I had to be there. I was not there. I am glad I was not there.

Goo, like the Sonic Youth album

2009-12-30T13:21:00.001-06:00

93. "Happy Endings"
It's an LA film, the same way "The Anniversary Party" is one. Stories that intertwine, shot in LA, talk about the weather, someone in the film industry, blah blah blah. It's much better than "The Anniversary Party" but falls really short of another Don Roos film I really like, "The Opposite of Sex". I probably will never watch it again but I did not leave a bad feeling. I guess that's a compliment.

German

2009-12-30T13:18:00.001-06:00

92. "Advertising Rules"
The film is called "Viktor Vogel" in other countries. That is a better title.

I purchased this used VHS tape roughly seven years ago. I have no idea why I put off watching it. It's not bad. It's far from great but it's definitely watchable. It's pacing is decent, the performances are good and the dialogue, at least what's translated, isn't bad. It was neat to watch something about advertising that isn't "Mad Men".

Lots of shots of sparking glass

2009-12-30T13:17:00.002-06:00

91. "Fracture"
Anthony Hopkins plays Hannibal Lecter but it's still good. Ryan Gosling is a great actor that speaks with a random, I think, Southern accent. The score is so bad it almost takes you out of the film completely. It was something to watch on Christmas Eve. If it's on, watch it.

Juicy juice

2009-12-30T13:12:00.001-06:00

90. "Bigger, Stronger Faster"
A pretty weak documentary on the role steroids play in the life of the 'modern' American man. If you were inspired by Hulk Hogan in the 80s to lift weights, try professional wrestling and take copious amounts of steroids, this movie is for you. If you were not dumb enough to have Hulk Hogan as an idol, this film is watchable.

Lots of baggy pants and blackface?

2009-12-30T13:09:00.002-06:00

89. "College"
Buster Keaton is great. If you're impressed by physical comedy you should watch any/all of his films. That being said, "College" is just an excuse to watch the man do amazing feats of random gymnastics. It doesn't matter. It's still a treat to see.

There is not one decent reason to pass up this film

2009-12-30T13:07:00.001-06:00

88. "Zombieland"
One of the best films of the year and my second favorite zombie film of all time ("Dawn of the Dead" is number one and yes, I've seen "Shaun of the Dead"). The entire cast is perfect. The pacing is ideal. The cameo is brilliant. Even the use of a Metallica song in the opening sequence worked. There is not one way for this film to be better. In a perfect world "Zombieland" would be nominated for Best Picture.

Girl power?

2009-12-30T13:00:00.002-06:00

87. "Whip It"
After seeing "Hard Candy" I've been holding Ellen Page to an unrealistic standard. This film lowered that standard.

Drew Barrymore's directorial debut isn't awful. That being said, I doubt anyone will be digging this out of their DVD collections a few years from now. Nothing memorable and a lot of manufactured teen angst played by not teenagers.

The film is set in the present day. Apparently, everyone in Texas wears clothes that look like they were made in 1976 and never worn.

If I was told that there would be a film about women's roller derby when I was in high school I would assume that I would love it, especially if the lead was played by someone like Page. I guess some things just work better on paper and in alternate time realities.

Blame Canada

2009-12-30T12:57:00.002-06:00

86. "Dear Zachary"
Far from a documentary, this heartfelt film is about a man's murdered friend. Zachary is the friend's unborn child. Zachary will never see this film because he was also murdered. It's a feel good film about the madness of the Canadian government. That last sentence is true.

I liked this film enough. Some of the editing techniques would fit in well for shows like "Dateline" and "Primetime: Live" and that's not a good thing. It's hard to hate this film considering the circumstances.

I would like it a hell of a lot more if the directors next film wasn't titled "Shuffle".

The blue X-Man that has a tail

2009-12-30T12:55:00.002-06:00

85. "The Anniversary Party"
I owned this on VHS when I went to college. I did not watch it in college. I don't regret my decision.

I wanted to like this film. I like the pseudo-indie feel. (Pseudo because it's written and directed by people that make their living from films and to me that's someone well off and well off people can't be indie because I hold on to dumb ideas about DIY stuff and need to get past it.) I like films that are ambitious enough to try to weave multiple stories into one. I liked a lot of things going into the viewing. I did not like these things once it was over.

Stories about life being hard because of too much success at a young age don't do much for me.

I want to hire the cinematographer

2009-12-15T17:15:00.001-06:00

84. "Hard Candy"
Ellen Page is a good actress and this well acted, perfectly shot and brilliantly paced film is the proof. I've seen it for the first time a few days ago and I'm still thinking about it. It did it's job.

The first twenty minutes or so make you consider walking out. It's not bad, it's not good, it's just there. The dialogue is text-book teen tripe, but it all pays off. I don't want to spoil it even though it was released years ago. I like it that much.

The film is as good as the poster. See this film.

All the voices?

2009-12-12T21:04:00.001-06:00

83. "The Polar Express"
It's not nearly as creepy as the trailer made it seem. In fact, it's nice. The book always gave me a warm feeling, the kind you get after coming in from sledding. This film does the same. It's not perfect. Far from it. Some voices are awful, the songs don't need to be there and, unless you're six to eleven, you're going to get bored. Nonetheless, it's not a bad Christmas film.

PC wins

2009-12-07T16:15:00.002-06:00

82. "Accepted"
It's bad in the way every bad film is bad. Anything that could have been funny is done poorly. There is no reason anyone should ever see this film. Unless they're on a plane. I was on a plane.

The sad smokers roof, Terminal 5, Manhattan, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:54:00.005-06:00

The sad smokers roof, Terminal 5, Manhattan, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:54:00.003-06:00

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:54:00.001-06:00

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:53:00.001-06:00

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:46:00.001-06:00

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Turtle, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:45:00.001-06:00

Turtle, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:44:00.001-06:00

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:39:00.001-06:00

Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

He sees you when you're sleeping, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:37:00.001-06:00

He sees you when you're sleeping, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Ok. Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009

2009-12-06T18:35:00.001-06:00

Ok. Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York, December 4 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Littlefield, Brooklyn, New York, December 3 2009

2009-12-06T18:34:00.001-06:00

Littlefield, Brooklyn, New York, December 3 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

A very unsafe cemetary, Brooklyn, New York, December 3 2009

2009-12-06T18:33:00.001-06:00

A very unsafe cemetary, Brooklyn, New York, December 3 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Not a good sign, JFK Airport, New York, December 3 2009

2009-12-06T18:31:00.001-06:00

Not a good sign, JFK Airport, New York, December 3 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Wait

2009-12-05T14:45:00.003-06:00

The airport has Christmas songs on. I don't mind. They're nice in moderation and even the bad ones remind me of the good ones. My friend Amy asked me what Christmas song is my favorite. I think the Flaming Lips version of "White Christmas" is mine. The arrangement is basic, stays true to the Crosby version and is not ironic. If you have a few minutes, watch it.

Everything

2009-12-04T16:11:00.003-06:00

This song is perfect. I've been listening to it quite a bit around the 8 o'clock hour.