Kick ass! 24: The end is coming.

KICK ASS (In Theaters)
Part superhero mythos, part Superbad, and lots of Tarantino inspired "Kill Bill" mayhem, this is a truly super-violent display of both tone and film-making bravado. The hero of this, Kick-Ass, is an average teenager who just wants to do something amazing. There are so many spoilers here that I don't want to give too much away. I'll leave it at this - the actors here are top notch. Particularly the kids. And especially that little girl who plays Nicholas Cage's (Cage is excellent here) daughter. I kind of loved this movie, even though while it presented its superheroes in somewhat realistic light, the bad guys and scenarios were a lot more by-the-book than you'd expect. I kind of need to see a sequel. (Although I don't quite know if this made enough money to warrant one.)
Grade: B +


24 (Fox)
With all the hype surrounding the LOST finale, not enough attention has been paid to the closing out of one of our greatest modern action hours, 24. No spoilers here, but the last 4 or 5 eps have been truly dazzling and is serving as a masterfully satisfying finish to what is sure to become a great film franchise. Jack has never been more ruthless and haunted. And the twists keep piling up. I fucking love it.
Grade: A


FRAT HOUSE (HBO DOC)
This is a banned docu that I got a chance to see (a friend had the original tape from HBO - I think it aired once.) Let me save you all the trouble. It is good filmmaking. Very good. I just don't think you're going to see anything much here that will surprise you. People are aware of just how crazy pledging a frat can be, and there is nothing here that calls for public outcry. Still pretty fun if you haven't seen it, and if you have no idea what goes on in these pledge weeks, by all means seek this out. But honestly, this was just okay.
Grade: C


DO I DRINK TOO MUCH (BBC DOC)
A fascinating docu by a guy who always had seen himself as a "regular" drinker. He starts to go to doctors to see what the alcohol is doing to him. He takes part in a variety of tests administered in offices to see what effects alcohol have on him. This is probably easy to find on the internet, and if you ever wondered about the effects of alcohol, seek this out.
Grade: B

The Breathing Technique (A Magazine)
Sorry. Can't remember the magazine, but I read about this technique and actually tried it - and it actually worked! The next time you're feeling stressed out and anxiety is over-taking you, try this: put your thumb lightly under your right nostril, and then breathe in through your left nostril deeply 30 times. You may not make it all the way to 30, but think about the process while it's happening and I swear, there are all kinds of reasons why this happens, but I'mn not a doctor and I don't even remember where I read about this. But - this will actually give you a physiological change that will mellow you the fuck out!
Grade: A

30 ROCK (NBC)
Jack choosing between Julianne Moore and Avery is ridiculous. Julianne Moore is one of my all time favorite actresses. But this is not a good role for her, the accent is truly beyond cheesy or cute, and Avery is every man's fantasy and the actress playing her is hilarious. So give us a break. And I still really like this show, even if its gotten too surreal for its own good.


WHITE POWER (DOCUMENTARY)
Another BBC docu on a subject and frankly, all these docs on white power are usually about the same. Very grim, depressing and rather boring subject matter. The skinheads or nazis or whoever is talking is usually really fucking super size dumb. We get it. It's not good to be a nazi. Point taken.
Grade: D


PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (DVD)
I recently saw this again on DVD just to catch the "alternate endings." There are no extras here. Just a chilling film perfect for a rental and of the 3 existing endings (one which is not on the dvd) I have no idea which I prefer. I think I wish they never showed the alternate endings so I can just have one idea of what happened. If you see this, stick with one or the other, but looking at the other endings exposes the whole docu feel of this subtle creep fest.
Grade: B +


PORT OF CALL: THE BAD LT. (DVD)
This was one of my favorites of the year. I just looked at the DVD and am sad to report there are NO extras whatsoever. Still a great movie.
Grade: A