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Sep
18
Written by:
Bill Bonfanti
9/18/2008 10:28 AM
Every now and again, I’ll be talking about movies, TV shows or books etc. that I’m currently enjoying. Whenever I discover or rediscover something that excites me I like to share it with the world. So without further ado, these are the things that have been bouncing around in my head recently.
Upon watching the second episode last night, I have to say that the new J.J Abrams show, Fringe, is going to be one of my favorite shows of all time. This isn’t much of a stretch for me as Abrams is also responsible for my favorite show (the best show in history, in my humble opinion) Lost. Fringe plays out like the offspring of The X-Files and Lost with a little Alias (another Abrams show) thrown in for good measure. Much like The X-Files, Fringe is a show that has its leads investigating far out cases that put Science Fiction in the context of the real world. In this world, there are seemingly unrelated cases that when looked at all together, become pieces in a very large puzzle, referred to as the pattern. Someone is pushing the boundaries of science and using the world as one big laboratory. In the pilot episode we are introduced to FBI agent, Olivia Dunham, played with steely resolve by Anna Torv, who is forced to work with an institutionalized scientist, Dr. Walter Bishop(the brilliant John Noble) in order to solve a case featuring an airplane arriving with everyone (pilots included) dead. Along for the ride is Bishop’s genius son, Peter (Joshua Jackson is a revelation in this role), who keeps his dad in line. The first episode was brilliant, filled with suspense, intrigue, some comedy for good measure and a couple of really nice twists. If you haven’t watched this show yet, make sure you jump in as soon as possible. If there is one thing I know about J.J. Abrams shows, if you don’t follow along closely from the beginning, you will certainly be lost (no pun intended).
I recently caught the 2006 indie thriller, The Night Listener starring Robin Williams and was floored. I really knew nothing about it and watched it out of desperation late one night in an effort to fall asleep on the couch. That didn’t happen. This movie captured me immediately and I was engrossed the whole way through. I don’t want to give too much away (for those of you who haven’t seen it), but Williams plays Gabriel Noone, a late-night radio storyteller whose life is slowly beginning to crumble. His 10 year relationship with his boyfriend is on the verge of ending, and he finds himself with writers block due to his depression. The only bright spot in Gabriel’s life is his blossoming friendship he has started with a 13 year old boy, Pete Lomax, who has written a book about his horrific past. Although the two never meet, they become very close through a series of phone calls and form an almost father son relationship. This is where it gets weird. Gabriel soon begins to wonder if Pete is even real, or is he an elaborate hoax concocted by the woman who is his guardian. Needless to say, Gabriel goes on a quest for the truth and what that truth is, I’m not saying. Anyway, I was completely absorbed by this movie, so much that I went and bought the novel it is based on by Armistead Maupin. The book was even better than the movie (which is usually the case) and I can’t wait to read more of Maupin’s novels. He’s an unbelievable writer. Even knowing how it all was going to end I couldn’t put the book down. I highly suggest you take the time to watch the movie or read the book (or both). You won’t be disappointed.
I finally found the time to see Tropic Thunder and I have to tell you that it is quite possibly the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. I have been a big Ben Stiller fan ever since his short lived sketch show, The Ben Stiller Show, was on Fox and I have to say that Thunder is his masterpiece. I don’t think that he can ever top it. I’m not going to talk too much about this, because the movie is a big hit and doesn’t need any help from me, but every actor in the cast is incredible in this. Robert Downey Jr. gives a virtuoso performance as the dude who's playing the dude who’s playing the dude who’s playing the dude, and Stiller has created his best role ever. Even Jack Black (whom I can usually only take in small doses) had me in stitches. The biggest surprise for me was Tom Cruise. I had heard great things about his performance, but I thought it was a cameo. I was thrilled that he has quite a few scenes in the movie. I’m very pleased to see Mr. Cruise get some good press for a change as I am sick of all the bashing. I mean it’s time to leave Tom alone. He has been entertaining audiences for 25 years and deserves to be treated with respect, but that is a topic for another day.
Anyway, that is what has been thrilling me lately. I’d love to know what you’ve been watching, reading or listening to and what’s making you happy these days.
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4 comment(s) so far...
Time to leave Tom Cruise alone?
You did it for George, Bill. But can you do it for Tom? Can you stop the Cruise-bashing - or will yours will be a minority report?
By Ange66 on
9/23/2008 12:27 PM
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Re: What I've enjoyed recently
I love the clever use of Minority Report. Well done! I intend to blog in defense of Tom Cruise one day soon. I mean really, he's been crucified ever since he jumped on Oprahs couch to proclaim his love for Katie. What a lunatic! He deserves a public lynching. How dare a man be excited about being in love! And then there's the whole Scientology thing. Yeah, to you, scientology may seem like a weird religion with strange beliefs, but really aren't all religions a little weird? That's what makes the world go round. Truly, when I'm watching The Last Samarai, I don't care that Tom Cruise is a scientologist. It shouldn't have any impact on his career. I can go on for quite a few pages on this subject, more to come some other day.
By bill on
9/24/2008 1:27 PM
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Re: What I've enjoyed recently
Dude I am loving Fringe! U are right it has that x-files feel which is one of my all time faves! I think the John noble is amazing in the show! He is playing the perfect mad scientist! I really enjoy the chemistry between him and Joshua Jackson(who in my opinion is pretty much great in everything he is in). I loved Tropic Thunder as well! Absolutely brilliant comedy! I have one last thing to add.. "You never go full retard!"
By Jbon821 on
10/5/2008 2:22 AM
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Re: What I've enjoyed recently
Just wanted to put my 2 cents in about something I've been watching on TV. Life On Mars is going to be a big hit. The cast is terrific. Jason O'Mara the star is excellent, he plays the role perfectly. Michael Imperioli has the wise-ass role down pat. Then there is Harvey Keitel, what can I say he plays Harvey Keitel and brilliantly I might add. Everyone should give this show a chance. You will not be disappointed.
By wjbsenior on
10/22/2008 4:43 PM
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