Phil sees A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-Nov. 5, 2011

My massive movie binge weekend continues! Are you tired yet? Well tough, if I can sit through five films in one day, you can sit and read through them all! So my fourth film of the day was the hilarious comedy A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS! Now, in case you were thinking of passing this film up just because you think won't be funny, don't! Yes it is that funny, and yes, you will laugh so hard that milk will be coming out of your nose! Or soda, or eggnog, or whatever you happen to be drinking during the movie.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

So here's the plot in a nutshell: It's been six years since Harold and Kumar escaped from Guantanamo Bay and the two buds (pun intended) have grown apart from one another. Harold (John Cho) now has a high paying job and lives in a great big house with his beautiful wife Maria Perez (Paula Graces). Kumar smokes a lot of pot in his very messy apartment all alone because his girlfriend Vanessa (Danneel Ackles) broke up with him. But when Kumar shows up on Harold's front door during on Christmas Eve Day with a mysterious package that was sent to him by mistake, Kumar accidentally burns down Harold's father-in-law's (Danny Trejo) Christmas tree. Soon the old friends travel in search for a new tree to replace the destroyed one before his wife and in-laws come home from midnight mass. Also joining in on the holiday fun are Tom Lennon, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Elias Koteas, David Krumholtz, Patton Oswalt and, of course, the one and only Neil Patrick Harris!

The film continues the high standards that the two previous installments had set up. There was enough pot smoke and coke blown in you face that you could almost get high. Along with the usual pot shenanigans, look for beer pong battles, Ukrainian mobsters, blond nubile virgins, a severe acid trip that involves a 30 ft. snowman, a high and coked up baby, and the resurrection of NPH (who was killed in the previous film and sent up to heaven only to be cocked blocked by Jesus Christ). Presented in glorious 3D, the effect only heightens the cinematic experience! A lot of the humor uses or pokes fun at the 3D effects, but the effects are awesome so defiantly see it in 3D!

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS is one of the funniest, pot induced, politically incorrect holiday films ever made! What makes the film even more enjoyable is that the film is filled with Christmas cheer. The film (while filled with the traditional drug-filled comedy) has a lot of heart, which propels the film to the next level. So if you're looking for a new Christmas tradition to initiate, take the whole family to see this film. And don't forget to bring some munchies!

A VERY HAROLD & KUMAR 3D CHRISTMAS is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MARGIN CALL at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-November 5, 2011

Welcome back to my massive movie binge weekend special! So for the third film I saw on Saturday at the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Campbell was the financial drama MARGIN CALL. Featuring an all-star cast, the film was a pleasant surprise for this reviewer, as it showcased a story that is all to relevant in today's world.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

Inspired by a true story, the film takes place over a 24 hour period at a large investment bank (loosely modeled on Lehman Brothers) and focuses on the financial crisis of 2007-2008. The film focuses on a group of employees and their actions during the financial collapse. The film stars Kevin Spacey, Demi Moore, Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Stanley Tucci and Mary McDonnell.

As I stated previously, I had no real high expectations of the film. For starters, there hasn't been any kind of reviews for the film, nor have I heard anything else about the film since it's release. So here I was, going to see a film that I knew nothing about, and after it was over, I thanked my lucky stars that I decided to see the film!

OK, the film has a lot going on. It delves right into this abysmal financial crisis that has plagued this country for the past three years. It shows us how it was started, what where the actions taken to solve the problem, and the ramifications of their poor decisions. Names were mentioned, fingers were pointed, businesses as well as peoples' livelihoods were on the line. In the end, big business and mindless corporations were at fault, and we as a country are still paying for their grave mistakes.

The film was written and directed by J.C. Chandor, and this was his feature film debut! With only one short film under his belt, Chandor was able to create a film that starred many A-List Hollywood powerhouses and tackled a very heated topic that many Americans are still pissed off about. Leave it to the new kid on the block for taking on the financial establishments with a camera in one hand and torch in the other! Can't wait to see what this kid does next!

MARGIN CALL is a powerful, mesmerizing and intricate film that really hits close to home. With our economy still is a state of disarray, here's a film that really shows us how we got here and why we're still here.

MARGIN CALL is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE RUM DIARY at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-November 5, 2011

Welcome back folks to Day Two of my massive movie binge weekend! Alright, let's keep this party going. The second film I saw was the new Johnny Depp film THE RUM DIARY, based on the novel by infamous author Hunter S. Thompson.

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Taking place in the early 1960's, Depp stars as an American writer and journalist named Paul Kemp who goes to Puerto Rico and gets a job at a rundown and failing newspaper as a writer. There he befriends some of the others who work at the paper such as Sala (Michael Rispoli) and Lotterman (Richard Jenkins). Soon Paul gets involved with a shady character named Sanderson (Arron Eckhart), and also falls for his girlfriend Chenault (Amber Heard).

The film stays pretty faithful to the book, and what I loved most about the film is that Thompson's spirit is predominant throughout the film. Depp is absolutely believable as a very young and constrained Paul Kemp (or as Hunter), and the cast could not have been more dead on. Depp is fantastic as Paul, who is one half of Thompson's personality, while Sanderson is the other half. Eckhart is suave and manipulative as the rich aristocrat Sanderson. However, it is Amber Heard that will be talked about. Not only is this woman just absolutely drop dead gorgeous, but her performance as Chensault was really well done. An excellent performance from an actress whose prior roles were as Nicolas Cage's daughter Piper in DRIVE ANGRY and as Angie Anderson in PINEAPPLE EXPRESS. She also starred in John Carpenter's THE WARD, which was released on Blu-Ray and DVD this past October. Hopefully we'll be seeing more form this beautiful and talented actress.

The film was written and directed by Bruce Robinson, who has only directed three other films (1987's WITHNAIL AND I, 1989's HOW TO GET AHEAD IN ADVERTISING, and 1992's JENNIFER EIGHT). Robinson was sober for six and a half years before writing the screenplay for the film, upon which he suffered a severe writer's block. To find inspiration, he began drinking again (about a bottle a day) until the script was completed. Afterwards, he stopped drinking, so goes the story. But it's a story that Hunter might of liked to hear.

THE RUM DIARY is a great, entertaining, art house film that some will like, and some won't. Fans of Hunter S. Thompson (and of the film FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS) will enjoy watching the film. I personally enjoyed the film, as it carried Hunter's own personal beliefs about life, love, and rebellion. Something that we all need more of in this world.

THE RUM DIARY is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE SKIN I LIVE IN at the Camera 7 Pruneyard-November 5, 2011

OK folks, welcome to Day Two of my massive movie binge weekend! So I went to the Camera 7 in the Pruneyard Campbell and saw five films there. The first film I saw was THE SKIN I LIVE IN (La piel que habito), the new film by Spanish director Pedro Almodovar.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

 Antonio Banderas portrays Dr. Robert Legard, a brilliant plastic surgeon who's wife burned to death in a terrible car accident. Haunted by this memory, he has become obsessed with creating a new type skin that is indestructible. To complete his vision, he needed a guinea pig. After spending 12 years experimenting in his mansion laboratory perfecting, he has succeeded, thanks to his guinea pig: a tempered and violent woman named Vera Cruz (Elena Anaya). However, his obsession with Vera turns into lust, but will she stay with him or destroy?

I have been a long time fan of Almodovar. His films are a religion to me. They are full of meaning, passion, symbolism, everything you would want in a film. But leave it up to Almodovar to take his film to another level.

Adapted from Thierry Jonquet's novel TARANTULA, Almodovar has cast aside the traditional horror conventions and clichés and made something very original. Banderas is very impressive in the lead as the vengeful surgeon, and throughout the duration of the film, becomes even more twisted as Banderas' true motives for the experiment and its full extents become clear. The big twist that happens in the third act will stun you, and make you realize just how amazing the film is.

THE SKIN I LIVE IN is one of the best art-house horror films that I have seen in a very long time! A truly incredible film that will become even more popular as time goes on. Two very big thumbs up!!

THE SKIN I LIVE IN is currently playing in select theaters nationwide, including the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees THE IDES OF MARCH at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-November 4, 2011

Welcome back to the conclusion of Day One of my massive movie binge weekend! The third and final film I saw Friday night at the Camera 12 in beautiful Downtown San Jose was THE IDES OF MARCH, the new political thriller directed and starring George Clooney.


Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film stars Ryan Gosling as Stephan Meyers, a young, idealistic top aide working for Democratic presidential hopeful Governor Mike Morris (Clooney). Also working for the governor is the campaign manager Paul Zara (Phillip Seymore Hoffman) and a young intern named Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). However, after having an undisclosed meeting with Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), campaign manager of Morris' opponent and learning a terrible secret about his boss, shakes his belief in him and sets out on a crash course in the world of dirty politics.

First off, I was completely blown away by the film. Here's a film that really takes a look at the shady, dishonest world of not only politics, but of politicians. The level that these people will step to; to achieve there goals without regret or remorse, and will step into the spotlight and be all smiles. It is outstanding!

Clooney does an great job as both actor and director, but it is his directing that is really incredible. Sharp and precise style, he goes into the moments and really brings out the best in his actors and actresses. Gosling is fantastic as the wide-eyed Stephan and his decent into political cynicism. Wood's performance as Molly was just amazing and one of my favorite characters in the film. Of course both Hoffman and Giamatti do a tremendous job in their roles as well.

THE IDES OF MARCH is one of the best, intricate, thought provoking, political films to be made in a very long time. Kudos goes to Clooney for making this film, especially during this political climate that we are in currently in. A film that should be up for a Best Film Oscar nomination. Another highly recommended film for you folks to check out!!

THE IDES OF MARCH is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees 50/50 at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-November 4, 2011

Hello and welcome back to my massive movie binge weekend! So for the second film of the night I saw at the Camera 12 was the comedy/drama 50/50, which to my surprise was a really touching and funny movie about a very serious topic.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

Inspired by a true story, Joesph Gordon-Levitt portrays Adam, a twenty-seven year old radio program writer who is diagnosed with a rare form of spinal cancer. If that wasn't bad enough, his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen) catches his supportive girlfriend Rachael (Bruce Dallas Howard) cheating on him, as well as contend with his overprotective mother Diane (Anjelica Huston). He is recommended to see a psychiatrist named Katherine (Anne Kendrick) who helps him to deal with his cancer. When the big day of the operation, he reflects on what is important to him and what if he doesn't survive.

While the film has it's funny moments, it treats its subject matter with respect and integrity. Adam's reaction to his diagnosis is genuine and realistic, giving the film a level of credibility. Kyle's plan to use Adam's cancer to help get laid is only a cover for his fear of losing his best friend. His mother has to worry about her son, but take care of her husband, who has Alzheimer's. When Rachael is discovered cheating, Kyle helps Adam take out his anger while destroying a painting she made for him. The relationship between Adam and Katherine starts of as patient/doctor scenario, but it obviously grows into something more.

Director Jonathan Levine keeps the film well balanced, not too funny and not too sappy. Levine's previous film THE WACKNESS was one of my favorite films of 2008. With his film, he continues with entertaining audiences while simultaneously telling stories of human interests.

50/50 is a touching, funny, emotionally-filled film that movie audiences can relate to. This a heartfelt film that should get a Oscar nomination nod, but knowing Hollywood, it may be looked over. Hopefully you, my faithful readers, will go check it out and tell your friends about it. Highly recommended!!

50/50 is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including at the Camera Cinemas here in the South Bay. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees IP MAN ZERO at the Camera 12 Downtown San Jose-November 4, 2011

Hello everybody and welcome back to Phil's Film Adventures! After my month long dedication to horror films last month, I really needed to get caught up on what was playing in theaters. So, of course, I went on a massive movie binge! So for Friday night, I went to the Camera 12 in Downtown San Jose and saw three great films. The first film I saw was an amazing martial arts film entitled IP MAN ZERO!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film tells the story of the early years of the "revolutionary grandmaster" who trained the legendary Bruce Lee, Ip Man (portrayed by Yu-Hang To). From his first day of training in the ancient art of Wing Chun with his adopted brother Ip Tin-Chi (Siu-Wong Fan) and their childhood friend Lee- Mei Chun (Rose Chan) from their master Chan Wah-Shun to traveling to Hong Kong to continue his studies. There he meets his deceased master's senior Leung Bik (Ip Man's real life son Ip Chun) an alternative style of Wing Chun, which doesn't sit well with his new master Ng Chung-Sok. However, when politics and corruption threaten to destroy their lives, Ip Man must battle his step order to restore justice and balance to their world.

This was based on the true story of Ip Man, and the film (the third of the series) is the prequel to the previous releases. Director Herman Yau (2006's ON THE EDGE and 2008's TRUE WOMEN FOR SALE) does a great job of keeping the film well paced, focusing on character development when called for, and showing some amazing kung-fu action! Actor Yu-Hang To (also known as Dennis To) is unbelievably fast and just incredible to watch! Great story and great kung-fu equals on kick ass martial arts film!!

IP MAN ZERO is this fall's best action packed, kung-fu movie that fans of the series will love to see, while attracting new fans to the series! Defiantly a movie you should all see!!

IP MAN ZERO is playing in limited release in select theaters, including the Camera Cinemas here in San Jose. However it is ending this coming Thursday, November 10th. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!