BREAKDOWN

Director: Jonathan Mostow

Starring: Kurt Russell, J.T. Walsh and Kathleen Quinlan

Your mom always told you not to talk to strangers, right?

Well, what if you had no other choice?I like Breakdown because I feel that it could actually happen to you. You’ve seen it before or maybe you’ve experienced it – a car breakdown. You’re in the middle of nowhere with no one you know around, and all you can do is hopefully trust the “good” Samaritan who happens to stumble upon your unfortunate situation. Well, unfortunately for Jeffery Taylor (Russell) and his wife, the person who stumbles across their car breakdown happens to be the lead ringer of a gang of murderous, kidnapping robbers. 

Now, I’ve always liked Kurt Russell, and in this particular film he really out performs, well, himself, I guess. In Breakdown, he does a great job of playing the scared/shaken/angry victim. It was interesting for me, especially when this movie came out, to see Russell in a more vulnerable, everyday-man kind of role. As a kid, I was used to seeing Russell star as badass characters like Snake in Escape from New York and L.A., as TODD in Soldier or, better yet, as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone. “You tell ‘em I’m coming! And hell’s coming with me!” Anybody…? Anyway, it was a great contrast to see Russell play the helpless victim and far less badass in Breakdown. But don’t get me wrong; Russell still retains some badass-ness in the movie, so there’s no need to fear, Russell fans.

Not to mention, Breakdown is a film where Russell actually shows emotion and heaven forbid it, speaks frequently. Face it, a lot of Russell’s past roles have him saying very few words and showing sparse hints of any kind of emotion. Perfect example: in the film Soldier, Russell is an emotionless, umm…soldier (of course), hand-picked from birth to be a lean, mean killing machine and nothing more. Breakdown, on the other hand, is a great contrast to many of his previous tough guy roles. Anyways, I recommend this film to anyone looking for a solid, action-packed 90’s flick. It’s one of Russell’s finest action movies.

 SWORDFISH

Director: Dominic Sena

Starring: Hugh Jackman, John Travolta, Halle Berry and Don Cheadle

The beginning of Swordfish is one of my favorite film intros. You have no idea what the hell is going on during the initial dialogue (nearly a Travolta monologue) because he’s ranting about how Hollywood, its movies and its actors, is crap. Then suddenly, you realize he’s holding hostages, and one of them blows up while simultaneously unleashing a barrage of speeding, flesh-destroying steel balls. What in H-E-double hockey sticks is happening, right? Well, then the movie rewinds back to the start of the events leading up to the hostage blowup and yada-yada-yada, the story unfolds.

Now, is it just me, or was John Travolta born to play two specific roles: a flamboyant, singing greaser and a psychotic villain? His several roles as Mr. Baddy in movies like Face Off, Broken Arrow and The Punisher have shown the movie-going world how much of a psychotic killer Johnny can be. Also, this movie (shortly after X-Men) helped pave the road for Hugh Jackman’s humble beginnings as a more action-oriented tough guy. Thank God too. Anybody remember Kate & Leopold? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Oh, and did I mention that Halle Berry gets topless in Swordfish? I’d say that alone makes this movie deserve a good, thorough watching…or two?

Anyways, the plot of the movie centers around Jackman, a retired and renown computer hacker, who gets bribed by Travolta to design a new computer worm that will hack a secret government slush fund and steal millions of dollars. Sorry Wolverine fans but there’s no snikt! in this film. From there, it’s a pretty straightforward ride with a few twists and turns along the way. However, where this movie really shines in lies with its cast. Its four big name actors make this movie incredibly enjoyable. I’m no Siskel or Ebert, but I’d give this film a thumb up or two.

APOCALYPTO

Director: Mel Gibson

Starring: No one you’d probably know

Okay, so Mel Gibson might be gradually slipping into lunacy, but the fact is, the man is a Hollywood genius. Not only was he one of Hollywood’s elite actors during his prime, but later in his career, he further displayed his talents by working on the other side of the camera (starring in and directing the best movie of all time: Braveheart). There are several reasons why Apocalypto is an excellent film, and in the next few paragraphs I’m going to let you in on ‘em.

First off, Gibson did an excellent job of capturing the feel of the jungle, especially what it would be like to live off it centuries ago as one of the first civilizations.  Simply put, the cinematography and the effects are stunning. In addition, the actors’ make up is amazing. Their piercings, their jewelry and their tattoos are emphatically realistic-looking.

Secondly, I marveled at the fact that Gibson comprised his cast with completely unknown actors and decent ones at that. Of course, he was looking for actors who actually fit the old native civilization look, so that could be in large part why there are none of Hollywood’s several diverse stars in the film. Oh, that was me being facetious, sorry. The majority of Hollywood’s stars is whiter than my lightening thighs.

Third thing: although the plot is rather straightforward and quite unbelievable at times (all these crazy events seem to just coincidently happen), Apocalypto’s story truly shines through its dialogue. The movie is in subtitles, much like Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, and overall, the story is mostly told with little to no words. It’s rather impressive to see the entire movie unfold simply through its visuals and character interaction.

Fourthly, Gibson spares nothing when it comes to adding that much appreciated but not necessarily needed, over-the-top gruesomeness. Many of the films he has directed have painted the screen crimson red. I love it, and I love this movie. Check it out!

As always, thanks for reading

-Dillon (D Dub)

Hey everybody, I’m going to start something new here on Geekvolution.com. Every other week I’m going to offer three choices of movies that I feel you should rent, buy or netfilx. Each week the movies will share a common theme or genre. Starting this week, I’m going to offer you three under-the-radar comedies that you should check out if you haven’t already. I strongly recommend that you give these flicks a shot, and whether you “like ‘em, love ‘em or hate ‘em,” I’d love to hear your feedback.

In Bruges

Release date: February 2008

Starring: Collin Ferrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes

Director: Min McDonagh  

In Bruges is a dark comedy about two hit men, Ray (Collin Ferrell – S.W.A.T. and Phone Booth) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson – Braveheart and Gangs of New York) who are ordered by their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes – Red Dragon) to go into hiding in Bruges (by the way it’s in Belgium) after Ray accidently kills a child during his first assassination attempt. The comedy in lies with their time spent while hiding in Bruges. Ferrell’s character hates the idea of having to lay low in “s@#% hole” Bruges, while Gleeson’s character is trying to make the best of their situation by enjoying Bruges’ gothic scenery and tourism.  It’s funny watching these two bicker back and forth about their experience like an old married couple. Everything seems fairly light-hearted and comical until Harry gives Ken the order to kill Ray for his ugly, child murder mishap. This movie has a simple storyline and plot, yet the witty dialogue and the characters introduced are sure to keep you laughing all the way from beginning to end. 

Cash Back

Release date: January 2007

Starring: Sean Biggerstaff, Emilia Fox and Sean Higgins

Director: Sean Ellis

 Cash Back is a film that takes the simple tragedy of a break-up and turns it into a full-fledged comedy that is as sincere and imaginative as it is funny. Art student Ben Willis (Sean Biggerstaff – Harry Potter series) and his girlfriend suffer a catastrophic break-up. She moves on easily, but break-up causes Ben to go into an obsessive, insomniac state in which he now has 24 hours of the day to waste and further dwell upon his ex. So, what does Ben do? He gets a job at a 24-hour grocery store to turn his newfound time into money – cash back. While working at the store, Ben meets a group of employee misfits and a lovely yet reserved cashier. With his newly allotted time and his new job, Ben’s artistic imagination takes off. Imagine all the things you used to do during late night shifts at your past part-time jobs, and you’ll feel right at home with the laughs that this movie has to offer. 

Chaos Theory

Release date: October 2007

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Emily Mortimer, Stuart Townsend and Sarah Chalke

Director: Marcos Siega

Ryan Reynolds is quickly becoming one of my favorite male comedians, and this movie only further exploits his hilariousness.  Reynolds (Waiting and Just Friends) stars as Frank Allen, a man who lives life by lists. Everything in Frank’s life is listed and allotted a specific order, importance and time period. However, when Frank runs late to his organized efficiency lecture and finds out his life is far from what he had envisioned, his obsessive nature begins filtering out and the laughs begin filtering in. A superb performance by Reynolds allows the movie viewer to see all emotions of life as he fights the battle between love and forgiveness. Well, there you have my three comedy picks for “Rent ‘Em, Buy ‘Em or Netflix ‘Em.” Oh, and don’t forget to check back next time for my three action/adventure picks. As always, thanks for reading.-Dillon (D Dub)