Extract 2009

Between Extract and Office Space, I wonder what kind of jobs Mike Judge has had that have led him to make so many funny observations about the American workplace. The best moments in the movie are the small moments that explore sexuality and racism and drug use. Whether in subversive commentary or obvious fingerpointing there are some really funny places that this movie takes us.

I really enjoy the way this movie explores personal relationships. Conversations within the workplace lead to conversations at the bar and then back to the house. Sometimes, it seems, we lead several lives at once. We have a tendency to be different people at different times and this movie's humor lies within that dynamic.

Somewhere within these factors we have a man who is complacent in his marriage, a girl who wants to make a quick buck and a great Trump style cameo by Gene Simmons.

Jason Bateman is perfect, as always, and who better to let us know that there can be a happiness found our everyday lives, as long as we enjoy who we are and what we do.

The Hangover 2009

This is a classic case of the trailer giving away all the best parts of a movie. Typical of most comedies lately, all the moments that make you laugh out loud are given to you months before you take the time to see the movie, and you don't laugh out loud. Granted, the cast and the situations do bring a great deal of unexpected and random humor, but in the end I got exactly what I expected.

All that being said, it is definitely worth spending some time on the couch and watching this movie. If you need something light and easy and a bit off center to kill a couple of hours, this will suit you just fine. Mike Tyson brings the best cameo performance and I love the chicken.

Blue Thunder 1983

The 80's had so many new gadgets to deal with. Computers, Calculator watches, Atari and BADASS helicopters! This particular helicopter was manned by Ray Scheider for the LAPD. The quote before we see the machine is 'crowd control from the air'.

Premise being that with the Olympics coming to LA they will need a new and more effective way to deal with terrorism. When this thing flies out of the sunset, all decked with missiles and machine guns, you can't help but get a little excited. Turns out, this movie is just a car chase in the sky. For a couple of reasons, Schieder ends up essentially stealing the chopper and being chased for it throughout the last half of the movie. All the while he destroys the LAPD's cars and copters and then the US Government starts getting their machines busted as well as destroying the city with guns and missiles. So much for Anti-Terror.

There is also a police murder and a conspiracy or two some Vietnam flashbacks and a rather awesome 360 helicopter loop!