Movie Night: Miss Pettigrew, Zombieland, and Dodgeball
Feb182010
So after a hellish couple of days–spring, please, God, arrive–Krissie and Lani and I decided to treat ourselves to a movie night. We let Krissie pick the movies and she chose Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day and Zombieland.
Yes, we saw the problem there, too, but Krissie knows what she likes.
So first we watched Miss Pettigrew, and I could do a whole post just on that movie, it was so lovely. Gorgeous to look at–the clothes, the sets, the people–fun to watch, and an ending that’ll melt your heart. Beautiful little gem of a romantic comedy. I felt wonderful after we’d seen it. Well, look:
It’s just so beautifully done with such a sweet heart. Really, you should watch it.
Just not with Zombieland.
I should first mention that I showed Lani Hot Fuzz once because I thought it was hysterical, and she freaked over the violence that I hadn’t really noticed, so I was fairly sure that Zombieland was not going to go well for her, but as she said, if it was too bad, she could go upstairs and read. What I didn’t realize was that ten minutes into it, I’d be sick to my stomach. For the first time in my life, I said, “I can’t take this movie.” Lani was already in the fetal position, so Krissie threw in the towel. For the record, she adores it, thinks it’s the funniest farce ever. She’s wrong.
Dodgeball is the funniest farce ever.
It took me a long time to watch Dodgeball. People kept telling me how good it was, and I’d think, “Yeah, yeah, dumb sports comedy, whatever,” and then one day I bought it for the hell of it. I don’t know what I was expecting beyond Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and Christine Taylor, but it wasn’t Justin Long getting hit in the head with a wrench, or Rip Torn punching Stephen Root in the crotch (which is even funnier when you remember he hit Normal Mailer with a hammer), or David Hasselhoff screaming at the German dodgeball team, or William Shatner grappling for the dodgeball trophy, or Gary Cole doing color commentary with a stoned Jason Bateman or . . .
Dodgeball is my favorite farce of all time. More than Airplane, more than Hot Shots, more than anything, Dodgeball is the movie that can make me choke because I’m laughing so hard. Justin Long getting beaned over and over again. Christine Taylor ramming Ben Stiller’s head into a wall. Lance Armstrong asking Vince Vaughn what he’s dying of and Vaughn saying, “Well, right now, shame.” Stephen Root getting hit by the car. The team’s motto: “Aim low.” Ben Stiller saying, “Damn you, Chuck Norris.” And every time I see the movie, I catch some other little thing they threw in there, although this time Lani was the one who caught that the cheerleader is pregnant in the last scene. The movie is brilliant with only one false move, the obligatory fat girl joke which is just gross and stupid. Everything else in the movie is stupid, too, but it’s brilliantly stupid.
So I’d told Krissie and Lani about how glorious it was, and Lani needed some brain bleach after ten minutes of Zombieland, and Krissie wanted the laughs she was missing in not seeing Zombieland, so she said, “Well, let’s try Dodgeball.”
There is nothing better than laughing hysterically with your two best friends. If you haven’t seen Dodgeball, you must grab your best friends and watch it. If you have seen Dodgeball, you must grab your two best friends and see it again. No, really. Look:
Just don’t see it with Miss Pettigrew and Zombieland. No matter what Krissie says.
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58 Comments to 'Movie Night: Miss Pettigrew, Zombieland, and Dodgeball'
On February 18, 2010 at 3:47 am Moth said...
I absolutely adore Miss Pettigrew. (Especially the part where Michael lifts her onto the piano- HAWT.) Such a cute movie.
On February 18, 2010 at 4:18 am Annie said...
To be fair to Zombieland, it’s only really horrible in the very beginning. The beginning is ROUGH but it gets better, funnier and much less graphic.
Also, there is this cameo by a famous comedian (too good to tell you) that is hilarious. I was still laughing 10 after he/she left just thinking about the scene.
You might want to give it another try, though to be 100% honest, it certainly is no Dodgeball.
On February 18, 2010 at 5:16 am Marleen said...
I’ve never seen the film of Miss Pettigrew, but I’ve read the book (by Winifred Watson), published by the wonderful independent publisher Persephone Books in the UK. They specialize in beautiful editions of forgotten books, mainly by and for women. Miss Pettigrew is a lovely book, funny, romantic, slightly bittersweet and completely enchanting. Read it, please!
On February 23, 2010 at 4:38 pm Electric Landlady said...
I agree! (And seeing the movie, then reading the book is definitely the way to go — I did it in the opposite direction and found the movie disappointing.)
On February 18, 2010 at 7:04 am Emily said...
Each time I’ve seen you mention Pushing Daisies (or re-read your posts) and a couple of other times, I’ve thought you might enjoy Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day (mentally associating them because of Lee Pace). It’s one of my favourite movies, and I have good memories of the first time I saw it – was feeling down, went to the movies by myself and ended up in the main theatre of the Rivoli in Melbourne, which is gloriously art deco – it just seemed so suited, and I ended up leaving with a big smile.
On February 18, 2010 at 8:41 am Chelle said...
I loved Miss Pettigrew! Every time that poor woman almost got to eat I loved her more.
I’ve been avoiding Dodgeball, even though Sunshine said it was fantastic. Looks like I might get snowed in again on Sunday. Maybe that will be my treat!
On February 18, 2010 at 9:03 am Egads said...
[i]You know where you are with an honest pair of socks.[/i]
*sigh* I loved the romance in Miss Pettigrew.
On February 18, 2010 at 9:51 am Dee said...
Dodgeball was funny, but Hot Fuzz made me laugh so hard I nearly peed myself. “Have you ever fired your gun in the air and yelled, Ahhhhh?” Brilliant.
On February 18, 2010 at 10:06 am Bill Peschel said...
What, no love for “Zoolander”, although I had forgotten how much I loved “Dodgeball” and I’ll definitely check out Miss Pettigrew for my wife. I think she’ll love it.
Amy Adams and Francis McDormand. Mmmmmm.
On February 18, 2010 at 10:08 am Shangrila said...
This post is channeling-my-life-bizarre. I love, love, love Miss Pettigrew. Absolutely beautiful movie. My husband tried to talk me into Zombieland several days ago. I talked him out of talking me into it. As penance, I finally caved and watched Dodgeball with him last night and laughed until I cried. It is the kind of comedy that I don’t WANT to like (on par with Napoleon Dynamite and Talladega Nights) but ultimately can’t resist when it’s done so damn well. Did you watch the bonus feature Justin Long-Ham and Cheese?! That kid is a GENIUS.
On February 18, 2010 at 11:38 am Jenny said...
We watched ALL the bonus features. The Alternate Ending is brilliant.
On February 19, 2010 at 2:09 am Shangrila said...
I know, right? After resisting the movie for so long, I was the one who kept us both up saying, “No, just one more! Wait, go back and turn on the commentary!” until we’d watched it ALL, too!
On February 18, 2010 at 10:24 am Karen Templeton said...
Well, if you liked HOT FUZZ, have you seen SHAUN OF THE DEAD? One of my grown sons brought it home one Christmas vacation (because nothing says warm holiday fuzzies like zombies) and we all nearly peed ourselves laughing.
Loved Miss Pettigrew, haven’t seen DODGEBALL (although I believe another son has deemed it brilliant) and probably won’t try Zombieland. Sounds like you and Lani reacted to that the way I did in a movie theater in 1974 with CLOCKWORK ORANGE. Still shuddering at that one.
On February 19, 2010 at 10:45 am Jenny said...
We have Shaun of the Dead on DVD but haven’t watched it yet. And frankly, I don’t think Lani is going to go for it, so I’ll be watching it alone. In a double feature with Hot Fuzz, probably, because I do love that movie.
On February 22, 2010 at 3:37 pm Cally said...
Shaun of The Dead is stupid. Hilariously stupid. Its the perfect way to make fun of a creepy movie. I actually prefer it over Hot Fuzz, even though I enjoy that movie too. But I absolutely love Zombieland. I think its worth another go, as well. Especially if you’re a big fan of Twinkies. Lol.
On February 18, 2010 at 10:29 am Beki said...
Jason Bateman on THE OCHO was so hilarious he makes me cry laughing, and how Ben Stiller makes himself so perfectly, seriously WRONG is wonderful whether you’re watching Dodgeball (if you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball), Zoolander, or Anchorman.
I watched Miss Pettigrew and I liked it, but now I don’t remember it at all. Except for what Chelle said about the poor woman finally getting to eat something. Trust me to remember the lack of food.
Zombieland I can take or leave especially the ending that I found stupid. But if you liked Hot Fuzz, the much MUCH better zombie farce is Shaun of the Dead. Seriously, I’d watch that over and over again. It’s sweet, too, in a gross and funny way.
On February 18, 2010 at 10:43 am McB said...
Thank you for the report on Zombieland so I can be sure to never watch it. Not that I was inclined to anyway. I know movies like that have a fan base and to each his own. But I always think that gratuitious violence and obligatory gross out scenes just show a lack of imagination. Real talent is when a movie scares the *bleep* out of you without needing to get in your face.
On February 18, 2010 at 11:08 am Jeepgirl said...
I have Zombieland, Time Travelers Wife and Hurt Locker in my pile to watch. Gratuitous violence/gore doesn’t bother me. I watch a lot with a teenage son. Loved Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead and Dodgeball. I will get Miss Pettigrew today. I have about 4,000 movies/tv shows to pick from every day at work (library).
On February 18, 2010 at 11:18 am r. said...
Only agreed to go to Miss Pettigrew because of Frances McDormand. Have had a thing for her since Fargo (one of the best movies ever made). Have to admit, I liked it. Dodgeball is great. I love the older comedies. One of my favorites: It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. I may not have enough “mads” in there, but Spencer Tracy and the rest of the gang during that last car run? God, that was funny. It never gets old.
On February 19, 2010 at 3:15 pm Carol Anne said...
Marley – you are a very lucky woman.
On February 18, 2010 at 11:24 am Polly said...
I love the stupid funny movie. Zoolander, Dodgeball, Starsky and Hutch–these are movies it took serious smarts to make that silly. And let me make a plug for Pootie Tang, which is HILARIOUS and nothing I would have ever picked up on my own. For the uninitiated, it’s based on a Chris Rock sketch, about a superhero named Pootie Tang, whose weapon is a magic belt that he uses to beat the bad guys. Women can’t withstand him, and no one can understand him (all of his unintelligible dialogue is subtitled).
I really enjoyed Miss Pettigrew. Cold Comfort Farm is another wonderfully smart, funny period film.
I will watch just about any movie that can be described as any two of the following: smart, funny, and goofy.
On February 18, 2010 at 11:38 pm CatScott said...
Sa Da Tay!
The Ole Life Hostage incorporated quite a few lines from Pootie Tang into his vocabulary. I don’t even know how many times he’s seen that movie. Very funny and quite original.
On February 18, 2010 at 11:28 am Lori J. said...
If it wasn’t for your blog, I would have missed Pushing Daisies. Thanks for that.
On February 18, 2010 at 1:01 pm Kim M. said...
I loved Miss Pettigrew so much when I saw it a a friend’s house, that I went on line and ordered a copy of the book. I was given a copy of the movie for my own on my birthday. They are almost two different creatures, the book and the movie, but I love them both so much. The movie Miss Pettigrew is a stronger character, in my opinion, but the book Miss Pettigrew unfurls her petals in a way that makes me laugh at her and with her at the same time.
On February 18, 2010 at 1:38 pm Terrio said...
I adore Miss Pettigrew and got to see it in an old renovated theater, which as someone said above, was so fitting to the film. Haven’t watched Dodgeball because those kinds of movies aren’t really my thing, but I’ll have to give it a try. Kiddo and I could use a night of laughing our hind ends off.
On February 18, 2010 at 1:46 pm Sierra said...
I haven’t seen Miss Pettigrew, largely because it still needed one good recommendation from someone whose opinion I trust to tilt the scales. Now I must Netflix it.
I do have to second the recommendation earlier for Shaun of the Dead. Only two scenes I couldn’t watch due to how graphic they were, but it was about par to Hot Fuzz’s worst stuff. On top of that, I really really REALLY have to recommend Run Fatboy, Run. Don’t let the title or the cover fool you. It’s fantastic. My mom even watched it at my urging, and it’s on the list of her favorite movies now. Funny, sweet, and full of personal growth.
I went to see Zombieland with my boyfriend in the theatre. I’m not great with graphic violence, and I’m even worse with anything resembling vomit. (And man, those zombies were drooling something gross…) I had to cover my eyes for a bit of the movie, but the rest of the time I was laughing my ass off. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. The violence did seem to taper off, or maybe it was the Hot Fuzz phenomenon. It was just that damn zombie drool that kept getting me.
On February 18, 2010 at 2:14 pm Flamingo Cherry said...
I adored Zombieland. For a Quentin Tarantino flick, I found the gore & blood to be fairly toned down and more theatrical (as opposed to realistic) than his usual stuff. I really liked Shaun of the Dead, but I thought Zombieland far exceeded it, and once I got into the story, I didn’t really notice the gross factor that much.
Of course, to each his own, and if gross is bad for you, this certainly may not be your cup of tea.
On February 18, 2010 at 2:16 pm Tawna Fenske said...
I’ve never seen Dodgeball, and I’ll admit I’d written it off as one of those movies my husband would adore, and I’d be left rolling my eyes as he quoted it for the next 50 years. After reading this, I might have to give it a chance. Thanks for the suggestion!
Tawna
On February 18, 2010 at 2:51 pm Dee said...
Sierra, LOVED Run, Fat Boy, Run. It was so sweet and very silly at the same time. But then I have a bit of a crush on Simon Pegg, so I suppose it’s only natural.
Polly, two words about Pootie Tang — Wanda Sykes. I could hate the whole rest of the movie and still watch it because of her character. Hilarious.
On February 18, 2010 at 4:50 pm Judy Long said...
This is great. I have a whole movie list now. I want to see Zombieland because I love Woody Harrelson but at the same time I’m afraid to cause gore makes me sick. I usually can’t do Tarentino.
Loved Dodgeball.
Thanks for reminding me of Fargo. I must watch that movie again! Francis McDormand rocks. Can’t wait to see Miss Pettigrew.
On February 18, 2010 at 5:02 pm Terri said...
Generally I hate horror and gore and all like that. But still. I think you guys really need to watch Cemetery Man with Rupert Everett. Screamingly funny in places. Kind of satiric. Bet you’ll get a kick out of it. Especially if you watch it together.
On February 18, 2010 at 5:29 pm Lisa O. said...
Great, another must add to Netflix movie…my husband will just love me for adding Miss Pettigrew. I’m another vote if you haven’t seen Shaun of the Dead, it’s a must. My husband and I actually like it better than Hot Fuzz. Plus, there’s so many good lines from both that we’ve started down loading wav files to add them into our playlists at random intervals.
On February 18, 2010 at 6:07 pm Glynis said...
I’ve been talking up “Shaun of the Dead” for a while now. There are some graphic scenes, but they’re used to such good effect that it’s difficult to condemn them. It’s a well-thought out, well put-together film. If you do see it, be sure to watch the DVD extras–both of the commentary tracks are grand.
Also, thanks to your recommendation, I’ll make the effort to see Miss Pettigrew. Ah lurves me some Frances McDormand.
On February 18, 2010 at 6:37 pm Caty said...
I haven’t seen Miss Pettigrew – but that recommendation (combined with the fact that I loved the book and I’ve been a fan of Ciaran Hinds since he played Captain Wentworth in the 1995 Persuasion adaptation) inspires me to remedy this oversight at the earliest opportunity.
On February 18, 2010 at 6:47 pm Nichole said...
First off, contrary to popular belief, “Zombieland” is not a Tarintino film (which to me is a huge plus, because that guy gives me the willies), it is directed by Reuben Fleisher, whose previous claims to fame are…. basically nothing. Secondly, “Zombieland” is great, yes there is crazy gore at the beginning, but once you make it past the credits it’s mostly smooth sailing. There are several reasons why I would suggest this film.
1. It’s hilarious
2. Jesse Eisenberg’s character Columbus is a totally lovable sap.
3. The “Rules of Zombieland” are classic, you will use them in everyday life.
4. Until you see Zombieland you will never fully appreciate the phrase “Double Tap”
5. I have never had a girl crush quite like the one I have on Emma Stone, she rocks. (also it is worth watching just so you can lust after her leather jacket, haircut, and boots)
6. Woody Harrelson… ’nuff said.
7. You can watch it and remark on how much Abigail Breslin has grown up. You will find yourself saying “Oh my gosh she’s getting so old/big/mature”.
8. The super secret special guest. Pure genius.
9. Everything Woody Harrelson does or says it this movie is comedic gold.
10. Twinkies. I never though Twinkies would be the complete driving force of a character’s actions, and yet Zombieland makes it possible and completely understandable.
If you can make it through the gore in “Hot Fuzz” you can totally make it through “Zombieland”. It’s worth it, I promise.
On February 19, 2010 at 10:52 am Jenny said...
I made it through the Hostess truck. It was the girl next door throwing up mucous that made me say, “Can’t do it.” I don’t know how many minutes in that was–felt like an hour–but the kicker was, I didn’t laugh much before that. The rules were cute but they were illustrated by blood, black bile, and mucous. The kid and Harrelson were good together, too, but again just about the time I’d relax enough to pay attention, somebody else would throw up something vile. Any movie that I literally can’t watch for the first fifteen minutes (or however long I lasted) is not my kind of movie. Many people loved it, it’s a cult classic. I was still sick to my stomach after we turned it off. So I’m a wimp.
Dodgeball cleared my head nicely.
Of course you have to remember that I’m also somebody who doesn’t find fart jokes funny, so I may just be too much of an old lady here.
On February 18, 2010 at 7:00 pm Moth said...
I agree with everyone else up-thread who recommended Shaun of the Dead. I love that movie. And I have a low ick-factor usually, especially zombie stuff, but I’m OK with Shaun. The romance in it is really cute too.
On February 18, 2010 at 7:41 pm Lora said...
I loved Miss Pettigrew and loved the Winifred Watson book even more (it is a lovely trade paperback edition and i’m a book geek).
I adore Talladega Nights for the dumb fun (replaced Vegas Vacation and Robin Hood: Men in Tights for guilty pleasure flick).
On February 18, 2010 at 9:12 pm JulieB said...
Yes, _please_ do give Zombieland another try. But first watch Shaun of the Dead. I think it’s the better order. And, I concurr that the movie is less graphic as it goes along. Also, it’s good practice for Inglourious Basterds. Tarrantino is like David Lynch. You have to be able to step back mentally.
I went through a very stressful time and told my husband I was not watching anything depressing or stressful. If he wanted to watch the movie, fine, but I’d only be joining him for the commedies and romances. It lasted about 2 1/2 years, but I finally decided, about a year after Kill Bill 2 came out that I was ready to try something edgier. So I can see Lani’s point too.
On February 18, 2010 at 10:00 pm Cindy said...
Another vote for giving Zombieland another try, the first 10 minutes were too much for me too, and I came thisclose to turning off the movie. But I’m glad I hung in there.
Miss Pettigrew is one of my favorite movies. It reminds me of the old comedies starring Carey Grant, Katherine Hepburn, etc. I watch it whenever it’s on.
And most definitely do watch Shaun of the Dead, if you loved Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead is a MUST! So many of the lines are shared, and you get the Nick Frost/Simon Pegg humor with zombies.
On February 18, 2010 at 10:59 pm Thea said...
Read the Ms. Pettigrew book, saw the movie. In Melbourne, as it happens, in bed in a glorious hotel on a rainy night. Way the film ends is more moving than the book, touching lightly to go deeply. Both versions reverberate.
On February 19, 2010 at 10:55 am Jenny said...
I cried at the end, it was that good.
And I really loved the way they gave Delycia the stupid romantic comedy ending where they kiss in front of the crowd and everybody applauds–I hate that ending, who does that?–and then gave Miss Pettigrew the truly romantic ending. Lovely, lovely romance.
On February 19, 2010 at 12:19 am CatScott said...
I loved Miss. Pettigrew Lives For a Day! Frances McDormand and Amy Adams…who could ask for more? Oh, right….Lee Pace
He’s quite dreamy in this, and I will always love him as The Pie Maker.
I’m so psyched to find out there was a book! Can’t wait to read that
I also recommend trying Zombieland again. The beginning is gross, but after the first 15 minutes it calms down. Woody Harrelson is great, and the cameo Annie spoke of is really worth it.
Shaun of the Dead is another really funny movie. If you can stomach the few graphic scenes in Hot Fuzz then you’ll be fine with Shaun. Love, love, love Hot Fuzz.
Simon Pegg is a personal favorite, he’s great! Run, Fat Boy Run was a very funny, yet touching movie. Loved it.
I can’t watch Dodgeball enough. Jason Bateman was a real standout in a cast of standouts. Just reading the quotes on imdb had me laughing so hard. Kinda wish I had it right now to watch!
On February 19, 2010 at 1:10 am Carol Anne said...
I LOVED Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, watched it at Christmas. Currently reading the book. It is such a lovely movie and makes you feel so good after watching. Francis McDormand – I will watch anything she is in. Fabulous.
So glad you liked it. Did you watch the interview with Winifred Watson’s son? She wrote six novels, was a single mother for a time and lived a very long life. One of my favourites. Yes, write a blog about it, please.
On February 19, 2010 at 1:11 am Carol Anne said...
The interview is part of the extras at the end of the dvd.
On February 19, 2010 at 10:22 am Brenda Bradshaw said...
Last night, we watched Zombieland, and holy smokes, soooo funny! I loved it, so count me as another vote to watch it again. The gore goes down bigtime and the real story takes over. I thought it was fantastic and it’s definitely on my “to buy” list now.
On February 19, 2010 at 11:00 am Jenny said...
I’m trying to think of other movies I couldn’t finish.
Sahara. Too boring.
The Upside of Anger. Too annoying (and I love Joan Allen).
I think that’s it. I’ve never quit on a movie before because of gore or grossness, but then I generally don’t look for gore or grossness in movies so that may be why.
And then there are the ones I watch all the way to the end and think, “There’s two hours I’ll never get back. Like The Ugly Truth. I’m bitter about the The Ugly Truth. Ugly movie.
On February 21, 2010 at 1:08 pm EeeJay said...
No kidding – what really angers me is that these days all the comedies are made by the same group of people (Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen etc) and all the material is about naked girls and drugs or something…..Is this all that humor is reduced to? Why can’t I find a truly happy comedy free of such nonsense?
On February 19, 2010 at 10:27 am Flamingo Cherry said...
Inglorious Basterds is a lot harder to watch than Zombieland, because the violence is substantially more realistic and visceral (because while it is not necessarily gore laden, although there is some of that, it truly emphasizes how horrible people can be to one another in times of war). The “good” guys are only marginally less horrific than the bad guys, because even the “good” guys have been stripped of civilization.
Hans Leska (I think that’s how his name is spelled) is absolutely brilliant as the Nazi detective. Brad Pitt does a fabulous job and absolutely NAILS the upper East Tennessee accent.
The movie is also a great study in story structure (sometime a bit heavy handed) … there are places where it’s clear how achieving a short term or “scene” goal, has significant consequences on achieving long term or “story” goals. Fascinating!
And it’s screamingly funny, which juxtaposes so well with the uglier themes about war and inhumanity. I consider one of the movies that I will go to hell for finding it so much fun and enjoying it so much.
On February 19, 2010 at 5:15 pm Michelle said...
Ah yes, once you get past the girlfriend transformation, Zombieland is MUCH easier to take. But it still may be beyond what you can handle. I found it completely hilarious and surprisingly well-written for that type of movie. Then again, I’m not really offended by gore. I’m the one that if you bring up something gross at dinner to bug me, I’ll throw something worse right back at ya and shove a big bite of food in my mouth as punctuation.
But I do differentiate between zombie gore and realistic violence. I have trouble with war movies, but you can rip the arm off a slime-oozing zombie any day!
On February 19, 2010 at 10:07 pm Melissa Blue said...
I did not expect to like Zombieland, but I did. The rules are priceless, but it’s Woody’s character that won me over. What a man would do for a Twinkie.
Another one movie that surprised me is Up In The Air. Same with 500 Days of Summer. That’s about it. For some reason I can’t think of a movie that cracked me up.
On February 20, 2010 at 2:50 am Tinapie said...
Voting for another try on Zombieland, too. Nichole explained it best. It helps that I usually have a strong stomach. But if something gory does turn me off, I just remind myself it’s fake. I’ve never seen Shaun of the Dead, so I will definitely try this one.
On Dodgeball, I don’t usually do pure comedies, but I ended up finishing the movie, which means I liked it. Will add Pettigrew to my movie list, too. And as suggested, not watching them together.
On February 20, 2010 at 12:18 pm robena grant said...
I’m with you Flamingo Cherry, Inglorious Basterds was horrific. I watched it at home with a friend and had my eyes covered most of the time. Then someone told me it was supposed to be dark humor, if it was I didn’t get it. : )
Loved Dodgeball, saw it with my mid-twenties son…his kind of weird humor, and we talked about it for ages afterward. Thanks for the heads up on Miss Pettigrew it had slipped off my radar. Will definitely rent it.
One movie I saw recently that left me feeling good was The Young Victoria.
On February 21, 2010 at 11:09 am EeeJay said...
For me, dodgeball was funny but I had to see it on your recommendation (again) well – if you tell the jokes out loud they loose the humor – but for me the funniest art was when the coach says bubye ( on the scarf to Peter)…
I hated Zombieland and seriously don’t understand the accent in Shaun of the dead – but I do love Monty Python and the holy grail ( and Airplane! ofcourse)
On February 22, 2010 at 11:30 am JLondon said...
I love Dodgeball, Zoolander and Simon Pegg, especially Sean of The Dead – maybe because lots of it was filmed in Crouch End and Highgate, where I live. The pub is based on The Winchester at the end of my street and I half expect to see grey faces every time I look through the window. Over Christmas I was introduced to the Adam Sandler movie Don’t Mess With The Zohan, featuring an Israeli special services agent who fakes his own death to move to New York and start a new career as a hairstylist. It’s not classy or tasteful and definitely not politically correct but I laughed a lot.
On February 22, 2010 at 2:22 pm Sara said...
I loved, Loved Zombieland. My husband is really into horror movies. I watch them so he watches The Ugly Truth or The Proposal. In the horror genre, Zombieland is very tame, and absolutely hilarious. (Never watch The Hills Have Eyes.)
The rules in Zombieland are awesome. The actors really pull it home. I totally enjoyed the guest star. Fantastically handled.
If you watch the extras you find that these Zombies are not the undead kind.
Try Zombieland again. For me the key to watching horror or horror-like movies is to ignore the gore. If you need to fast forward past the opening credits. In this movie the enjoyment comes in the quest for spongy goodness, rule 32, and the bond that builds between the four main characters. It really is character driven.
On February 22, 2010 at 7:54 pm Rosie said...
Movie reviews.. MMM. let me think.
Boondock Saints – Boston Irish twins take on the Mafia. Gay FBI profiler vs God’s vigilantes. Violent but fun (and I am waaaay squeamish – no zombie movies for me – not even Shaun of the Dead)
Miss Pettigrew – lovely film. Thanks for reminding me, I think I’ll have to buy it.
Upside of Anger – I despised the main character – kept wanting to smack her and then report her to child services
The Ugly Truth – nasty
500 Days of Summer – sweet
Last Chance Harvey – a wonderful romance with Emma Thompson. And Dustin Hoffman not even pretending to be taller than Emma.
Sense and Sensibility – Emma Thompson’s acceptance speech for the screen writing Golden Globe is a delight.
and I am working on a Veronica mars marathon – just starting Season 3.
Sorry. Babbling. Waiting for a virus scan to finish.
On February 25, 2010 at 5:23 pm Jules said...
Well, I don’t know if anyone will ever read this far, but I’ll add my post. I’m not usually a zombie fan, although Sean of the Dead is always good. If anyone has an Ipod Touch and would like to go for very tame zombies, there is an excellent game my son and I play called “Zombies vs. Plants”. Its easy (which is my first requirement for one of these games) and really funny – you just plant flowers and they shoot the zombies. And when you get to the level with the pool, the zombies can’t swim, but some find pool floaties and try to make it to your house. Its definitely “zombie lite”,,,,,,