The Quintessential College Movies That Aren't Really about College

There are some things you just can't avoid in college.  While beer pong and The Dave Matthews Band are probably the most inescapable, I've realized that there are even certain movies you're bound to end up watching at some point during those four years.  Since my penchant for lists must be clear by now, follow me as I discuss the most unavoidable (for better or worse) college movies.

1.  Fight Club (1999)

Despite the fact that Fight Club's most ardent fans are probably those in their mid- to late-teens, it is actually possible to avoid seeing this in high school.  In fact, after my first time watching it (in the midst of my senior year), I had a pretty hard time finding someone to discuss it with.  But once your failure to see it becomes known on a college campus, you might go one more hour without this apparent sin being rectified.  So why is it so popular?  The fact that it is arguably Brad Pitt's best role (and that he's shirtless and buff for a good deal of it) has a lot to do with it.  Ed Norton also has a pretty big collegiate following.  But it's probably that huge WTF? ending that makes watching it, often more than once, such a necessity.  

2.  Garden State (2004)

Who would've thought that Scrubs's most cheerful manboy, Dr. John Dorian, had so many inner demons?  Certainly not most of Zach Braff's pre-established fans.  The sheer surprise at his oh-so-artsy tribute to New Jersey might explain some of the interest it it, but really we all know that the soundtrack is what made this movie so popular.  It almost single-handedly launched the career of The Shins and made "Such Great Heights" a new favorite song of teens and countless commercials alike.

3.  Almost Famous (2000)

I was most surprised to discover that this was such a college must-see, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.  First and foremost, it pays homage to '70s rock 'n roll, a genre rivaled perhaps only by the bro music of Jack Johnson and Co. as the most preferred of college students.  Secondly, it laces this music into a sweet coming-of-age tale featuring a blend of wonderful under-the-radar actors and NBC's comedy line-up (including Rainn Wilson as a Rolling Stone editor.  If you didn't notice it the first time, rewatch it!  Trust me, seeing Dwight Schrute in a curly '70s fro and equally amusing outfit is so worth it).  You really have to wonder why Kate Hudson doesn't make movies like this anymore...  

  

4.  Pulp Fiction (1994)

This one's kind of a no-brainer.  It's got cult figure Samuel L.  "Motherfucking Snakes" Jackson as the ultimate badass, paired with the quirky choice of John "Grease Lightening" Travolta in one crazy bloody (hot? tranny?) mess of a movie.  The dialogue is offbeat, the sequences memorable, and structure as non-linear as you can get, making it the perfect companion to the equally offbeat, memorable (and regarding our recollections of some particularly inebriated nights, non-linear) college experience.

      

5.  At Least Two "Classic" Will Ferrell Comedies  

You're bound to get introduced to a few new comedians while at college, but it would seem that Will Ferrell is the most universal fail-safe.  Which is why I think it's safe to say you'll have to watch not just one, but two (or, depending on the crowd, closer to twenty-two) of his movies.  It's a bit unfair to call Wedding Crashers a Will Ferrell movie, considering he's barely in it, so I'd bet that those two choices are going to be the middle-aged, contemporary retelling of Animal House, Old School, and what is probably Ferrell's Citizen Kane, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.  If you're looking for a little-seen toned-down Ferrell though (contrary to popular belief, it does exist), definitely check out Stranger Than Fiction, or Dick for all you history nerds out there (despite its X-rated title, it's a Watergate spoof, with Ferrell as Bob Woodward).     

The Indie Review Series, Part 3

I ended the indie streak with Lars and the Real Girl.  The titular Lars (Ryan Gosling) is a sweet, fragile man who, rather than taking a chance on a real relationship, adopts Bianca, a sex doll, as his girlfriend.  His concerned brother and sister-in-law (Paul Schneider and Emily Mortimer) play along, as does the rest of the small town, in hopes of his eventual psychological healing (if you couldn't already tell, Lars has some deep-set intimacy issues to resolve).

What's good about it: Like my other two choices, Lars and the Real Girl features superior acting, namely the standout performance by Ryan Gosling.  He brings deep sympathy to Lars, who would normally be seen as absolutely insane or perverted, making the entire town's involvement seem at least somewhat plausible.  The story, though not really the comedy it was marketed as, is also very original and touching (Bianca's introduction to Lars's brother and sister-in-law is, however, pretty funny).

What's not so good about it: Despite the strong writing, the film drags briefly in the middle.  Some may also find the story hard to buy.

Bottom line: If you can believe the premise, chances are you'll love this sweet and creative tale of boy meets (plastic) girl.

That's it for the indie trilogy.  Maybe give one of these movies a try next time you're having a Blockbuster or Netflix dilemna.  In the meantime, I'll get back to coming up with some more recommendations...

The Indie Review Series, Part 2

Next up was The Savages.  The two-time Oscar nominee tells the story of two middle-aged siblings, Wendy and Jon Savage (Laura Linney and Philip Seymour Hoffman), who must deal with their father's ailing health.  Wendy and Jon must also juggle their own personal ordeals, including Wendy's professional failures and Jon's commitment issues, as they struggle to care for a man who never cared for them.

What's good about it: Really, just about everything.  Writer and director Tamara Jenkins has crafted two of the most interesting, well-developed characters in recent memory and provided a somber yet moving (and sometimes even humorous) story as their backdrop.  Lucky for her, the seemingly invincible Hoffman-Linney duo not only skillfully interpret her screenplay, but enhance it.  If the Academy were to give out MVP awards, Hoffman would surely have nabbed it for his past year's work.  Between this and Charlie Wilson's War, he has cemented his spot as one of my all-time favorite actors.

What's not so good about it: In my opinion, it's nearly flawless, but some might find it a bit long and tedious.

Bottom line: Wonderfully acted and written; one of the best films of 2007.

The Indie Review Series

With little else to do right now besides laugh at the energetic little chipmunk trying to scale my window, I've finally been getting around to all those movies I'd been meaning to see.  While most of them are classics (I will now judge car chase scenes by impossibly high standards thanks to The French Connection) or just ones everyone has to see (I'm a bit ashamed I hadn't seen Bruce Willis/John McClane kick Alan Rickman's Germanic ass until now), I recently ended up watching three indie movies from the past year in a row.  This group of films was just like most decent film trilogies: there was a fantastic one, a pretty good close second, and one that could have used a little work, but that we still forgive for its minor flaws.  

I thought I'd break up my reviews into three separate posts (if you couldn't already tell, I can write a lot).  So without further ado, here is the first of the indie trio...

I started off with Steve Buscemi's Interview, one of three planned American remakes of the late Theo van Gogh's works (Stanley Tucci's Blind Date and Bob Balaban's 1-900 constitute the rest of the group).  Its premise is simple: Pierre Peders (Buscemi), a self-important political reporter, is sent to interview the seemingly vapid mega-star Katja (Sienna Miller), much to the chagrin of both parties.  When Katja inadvertently gets Pierre into a car accident, she invites him to her loft where the two carry on a highly unconventional interview that reveals surprising depth to the pair.

What's good about it: Sienna Miller.  I had never seen any of her movies, but she nails the messed-up starlet with more brains than she's given credit for.  The twist ending is also excellent.

What's not so good about it: Steve Buscemi is hit-or-miss throughout the film and, while sometimes entertaining and/or intense, the dialogue between the two is often exasperating.

Bottom line: Definitely not a must-see, but a good introduction to Sienna Miller and, I guess to a degree, Theo van Gogh. 

Comic Book Heroes, Steve Carell, and Shakespeare's Resurrection, Part 2

You didn't think I'd keep you waiting that long, did you?  Enjoy the rest of the list, and the first ever KMDB attached video!

3.  Get Smart (06/20)

Maybe it's just because, as a diehard fan of The Office, I adore Steve Carell (Alan Arkin is pretty cool, too).  Regardless, I think this may end up being the best comedy of the summer (since really, it only has two serious competitors, both of which appear on this list).  The original TV show is a little before my time, and I haven't managed to watch any reruns or DVD seasons, so I can't comment on the validity of the casting choices and premise.  If it's anything like Peter Sellers' brilliant Pink Panther series though, which I strongly suspect it is, we're in for one hilarious spy spoof.

4.  The Dark Knight (07/18)

Even before Heath Ledger's tragic and shocking demise, I remember seeing this trailer and getting goosebumps.  Sure, Ledger had credibility as an actor, but this I simply could not believe.  As I became absorbed in his eerie voiceover and creepy face paint, I had to keep reminding myself that this was the Australian heartthrob who won the unconditional love of my generation's female audience by singing a Four Seasons song with a marching band.  It was pretty damn near impossible to maintain this perspective, as I'm sure you all know.  By the trailer's end (and after getting over my initial stunned paralysis), I had already made a mental note of July 18th on my calendar.  You can imagine my devastation, then, when I later learned that I'd be overseas during its release (as much as I'm looking forward to Paris).  So if you happen to see a crazed girl with luggage dashing through the movie theater on, say, the 27th or so, don't forget to say hi.

5.  Hamlet 2 (08/27 - limited)

This comedy features a song called "Rock Me, Sexy Jesus" and is, indeed, about a sequel to what is perhaps Shakespeare's most famous tragedy (written by a high school drama teacher).  Need I say more?

Honorable Mention: Pineapple Express (08/08)

I have to admit, when I saw the early ads for the latest Judd Apatow project (though he only produces this one; in fact, he hasn't directed anything since Knocked Up, contrary to what almost every comedy since then has led us to believe) my mild curiosity was overcome by a strong skepticism.  However, if my recent funnyordie.com binges have taught me anything, it's that James Franco is one hilarious guy.  Check out the first episode of his "Acting with James Franco" series for evidence:

 

Comic Book Heroes, Steve Carell, and Shakespeare's Resurrection

Summer is (almost) officially here, and that means the blockbuster onslaught is as close as a worst acting by Nicolas Cage contest between National Treasure and all other Nicolas Cage movies.  I thought I'd celebrate the release of movies I'm genuinely excited about by highlighting the top five films I'm psyched to see.  (I don't know whether I'll write a companion "Movies I'll Be Avoiding like the Plague" list, so just in case I have to ask why Eddie Murphy is still allowed to act.  Is anyone honestly going to see Meet Dave?)  Carrie Bradshaw's bizarre wedding gown and hideous feather headdress sadly did not make the cut...

1.  Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (05/23)

Yeah, Harrison Ford is old and yeah, both Spielberg and Lucas have been delivering less than their A-game lately.  But it's Indiana Jones!  And from the looks of the trailer, Crystal Skull had the potential to rank right up there with Raiders of the Lost Ark (I mean hello, they even brought back Marion).  The action sequences look pretty impressive, even with Ford's *ahem* advanced age, and I just want to hug the casting director who got Cate Blanchett to play the commie villain.  Like everyone else, I'm dying to know whether Shia LaBeouf's character is Indy's secret son, although I have to doubt the legitimacy of the name Mutt Williams.  I suppose we'll have all the answers in just a few short days, and I am so excited for it (I'm not even remotely excited, however, for the inevitable Star Wars: The Clone Wars trailer.  I'm starting to think that not even a nuclear holocaust will stop this franchise's continued, and completely unjustified, expansion).  

2.  The Incredible Hulk (06/13)

I have to admit that I could only sit through 10 minutes of Ang Lee's 2003 bomb, but I think (and hope) this version will make us all forget that excruciating experience.  The first and most obvious sign of the film's step in the right direction is Edward Norton.  The man has played everything from a neo-Nazi to a conflicted Catholic priest with ease; a quick look at his resume assures us that he has tortured souls down pat.  The story's alterations also look promising; a focus on the misunderstood hero on the run from the military is sure to be more entertaining than the weak family backstory of its predecessor.  Besting Ang Lee is no mean feat, but come June 13th, I think relative newcomer Louis Leterrier will have earned those rather exclusive bragging rights.

As much as I'd love to just wrap this up now, I suspect that would put me in the running for longest blog post ever.  Look out for the rest of the list (which constitutes the "Steve Carell" and "Shakespeare's Resurrection" sections of the title) in the next few days.     

An AFI Adventure

After years of devotion to the task of watching every movie on The American Film Institute's Top 100 Movies list (not the 10th anniversary edition, mind you.  Don't even get me started on that one), you'd think I'd be keenly aware of the existence of the AFI Silver Center.  Sadly, this realization came just last year due to random Internet surfing.  I thought this summer, then, would be as good time as any to pay a visit.  When my friend Adam and I discovered that Blade Runner (the final cut), which was both on our lists of movies to see, was playing, we soon made plans to brave the Metro and Silver Spring in a highly anticipated cinematic journey to the recently renovated theater.  

First let me say that I am not a fan of those stupid Metro passes.  Mere seconds after I put $10 on my newly printed pass, I was told by the unbudging gate to see the information booth.  We were already slightly panicked at our time constraints, and this did not help one bit.  The manager(?) seemed to think that I was reusing an old pass and tried to make me buy a new one.  After several minutes of more politely saying hell no, I was finally allowed to use the old-fashioned mechanical gate and we rushed to catch the next train.    

As soon as we reached Silver Spring and exited the station, I could see the red and silver AFI sign in the distance, and boy was it ever a welcome sight.  After walking about two blocks and buying our tickets, we finally entered the theater for the first time.  It's actually kind of small by comparison, but it sure is nice.  I think it was the James Dean (circa Rebel without a Cause) cutout, adorned with a black beaded necklace, by concessions that first told me I was in the right place.  

Once we were situated in our very comfortable plush seats, I surveyed the theater.  It was a pretty tiny crowd, as expected, which consisted of maybe four teenagers, including ourselves.  What really struck me though, was that once the film began, there was absolute silence.  And I mean absolute; it was almost as if we were all afraid of distracting Harrison Ford from killing those Nexus 6 androids.  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the lack of whispering and texting, but it was kind of a surreal experience.

Our return trip wasn't very exciting (except for the scary homeless man who seemed downright enraged that we weren't playing in traffic) so I'll just say that if you get the chance, I'd highly recommend visiting the AFI Silver Center.  I mean hey, if it's good enough for Todd Haynes and David Lynch (as they both insist in the introductory ad), it's gotta be good enough for the rest of us, right? 

Inaugural Post

Hello all and welcome to my blog.  I've never had one, but I love writing and have basically nothing to do this summer so I figured why not (also, my friend CJ made me start one).  I'm sure you've noticed the blog's title and have correctly deduced that I'll be writing about movies.  I could bore you with stories about my personal life, but frankly I think fictional films are far more interesting.  Plus, I've gained somewhat of a reputation as a movie freak; my roommate actually referred to me as "kmdb" once (in the middle of a phone call concerning The American President).  

Well I don't have anything film-related to divulge at the moment (strike that: I'm pretty pissed that my family's newly acquired Tivo won't record anything on Turner Classic Movies channel.  That little yellow "not recorded" sign is so unholy) so I guess that's it for now.  I suppose I could ramble on, but if there's anything I hate about movies (and writing), it's shitty, unnecessarily long endings.  Until next time then, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.