FP4 pick of the week

"The Dude" has words of wisdom for one and all

PICK #12: “The Big Lebowski” (1998) Director: Joel Coen

Info & Trailer:
http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/115093

or

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Big_Lebowski/1181532?strkid=694495589_0_0

ENTRY: Thought I would lighten it up with a smart comedy this week. A classic Coen film.

SYNOPSIS: Mistaken identity is the setting for this movie. "The Dude" gets pulled into a tangled web. He lives a simple life but get pulled further into the creepy and strange world of a rich man by the same name. It gets freaky from time to time with great character profiles.

Scope: I love the Coen's and this movie is on the top of my "Coen list." If you liked Fargo, O Brother Where Art Thou, Barton Fink, Raising Arizona, No Country for Old Men, etc... then this one needs to be added to your list. This is a comedy, yes. But be forewarned that it is considered by most a "dark-comedy" or at least a little off-color. There is some light violence and sexual situations. If you like suspense, mystery (with a healthy sprinkling of comedy) then this is combo for you. I know I have been picking some older movies recently but be assured, this one is worth the step back in time. A must see for the dark-comedy lovers. The cast has some incredible names: John Goodman,Jeff Bridges, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, etc.... Let me know what you think!!!

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FP4 pick of the week

Love for a woman, music, and the instrument

PICK #11: “The Red Violin” (1998) Director: Francois Girard

Info & Trailer:
http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/129368

or

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/The_Red_Violin/5670353?strkid=1620467862_0_0

ENTRY: After starting this blog a few months ago, I received several recommendations in return (which is a fringe benefit of the blog). This one, frankly, has been head and shoulders even above my own picks since FP4 started. This is a true winner.

SYNOPSIS: A long lost, hand-crafted violin from the Renaissance era is the central theme in this movie. The story follows the instrument from player to player... though the instrument carries a long held secret through the centuries that waits to be unearthed. The passionate and tremendous journey is a gripping tale. I can't give away more of this plot away... sorry. Let's just say that the scenes (along with the instrument) span the centuries well and across multiple societies.

Scope: I absolutely adored this movie. There is no other word for it. As far as a scope, you must be a romantic OR at the least, an aspiring Romeo/Juliet. If you have ever been in love, this movie is for you. It's not a overly sappy love story you might see in the theater. It's not that trite. If you don't mind the sub-titled during certain scenes in the film, you'll enjoy this film. It is shot partly in classical film during the "flash backs" and then jumps ahead to modern day scenes also. The story lines envelope themes of love, passion, obsession, music, and much more. It is a more than worthy of the academy award winner. Thank you for the person that recommended this to me! It is the best I have seen in quite a while. I hope you agree.

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FP4 pick of the week

War, peace, arms sales... what's your take?

PICK #10: “Lord or War” (2005) Director: Andrew Niccol

Info & Trailer:
http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/254719

or

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Lord_of_War/70038796?strkid=1151747238_0_0

ENTRY: I recently recommended this movie to a friend for the surround sound and the cinematography. It's a winner on that note. Lord of War is a movie that you will love or hate. It tackles the personal profile and a side of a man who is deep inside the world of warfare. It tackles some tough issues but leaves the final analysis to you for to decide.

SYNOPSIS: Nicholas Cage was looking for a way to make a living. You might say he lived on the notion "find a need... fulfill it." He does that in a big way. And it he plays both sides of the war too. As you go through the movie and see him make arms deals, you may decide that some are more "ethical" than others... but why is that? You will have to decide. Not a huge surprising plot but lots of action and moderate violence. The movie is really a "profile" of a man that makes the world of war go round. I hope you like it.

Scope: This will sound a little generalized but if you love war movies and war technology, you will like this. Also, if you challenge the idea of warfare over peaceful resolution, you may also like this. This is because it raises tough questions like "why blame the gun or missile for war - it's the person pulling the trigger." I have mixed emotions on this subject so don't ask for my final analysis. It is a great movie for home theaters and has lots of great surround sound and great cinematography. If you can watch it on HD DV or Blue Ray, hold on to your seat because it will be good.

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See rules of blog at very bottom of this post: http://zozfp4.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html

FP4 pick of the week

A little Tim Burton for you...
...Tall tales tell no lies?

PICK #9: “Big Fish” (2003) Director: Tim Burton

Info & Trailer:
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Big_Fish/60031268?strkid=1703699852_0_0

ENTRY: Welcome to week number 10. Sorry about missing last week but I will make up for it by doing one Monday and one on Friday. We have a story-telling type of movie. I am a Tim Burton fan, yes. However, I realize that a lot of people don't really go for his movies. This one is what I consider a little conservative for him (but conservative is a matter of opinion).

SYNOPSIS: This is a series of somewhat interconnecting tall tales that are threaded with "reality" and the "tall-tale" storyline. Ewan McGregor and Helen Bonham-Carter stand out as the strong actors in the movie who portray most of the "story-line." The movie starts with very separated boundaries between reality and the dream world. However, by the end, the two are meshed together.

Scope: Having recently viewed this movie, I realized how much of a potential classic it might become. I have been trying to work this into the blog at some point. If you have seen Tim Burton movies and hated them, this one is not for you. If you haven't seen any of his movies, this is a good starting point before moving in the bazaar world of Eraser Head or Nightmare Before Christmas. The storyline does have some great themes which are intertwined around a very intense love triangle. If you are going to connect to the movie, you will find it isn't exactly a comedy or a drama but a little of both. Enjoy.

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See rules of blog at very bottom of this post: http://zozfp4.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html