Recently viewed in my home cinema.

Recently viewed in my home cinema.

The following movies have been recently watched upon my fifty-two inch HD LCD screen with UltramegaOK Surround Sound™.

The Departed
Finally, a movie wins Best Picture that really deserved to win. of course Martin Scorsese SHOULD have won years ago for much better movies that he's done. Even though this isn't his best work though (and you gotta feel sorry since all anyone wants him to make are mob movies when he obviously wanted to branch out for a while) it is Oscar-worthy. Every actor is just balls-out ON throughout the whole twisting, gripping, story line. If you're one of the three people out there that haven't seen this yet(there were four of us, but I finally watched it) rent it now.

Casino Royale
Honestly? this is the first James Bond movie I have really dug since I was thirteen or so. It's kind of funny that they had to turn to the first Bond tale in order to finally update the character and get it right. If they keep along this course I might actually pay to see the next one in the theater. And that opening chase scene? Unbelievable. The bit at the airport? Literally pulse pounding. I like the concept; it's an action movie with brains.

Clone High
I am a SUPER late comer to this, but I ordered a DVD of the whole series from Canada and think it's hilarious. Think 90210 with Joan Of Arc, Abe Lincoln, JFK, and a perpetually horny Mahatma Gandhi. How can that not be funny? how could it have gotten canceled?!

Clerks II
This was my second viewing of this, primarily so I could enjoy the commentary track. As far as the actual movie goes, it's a Kevin Smith film. If you dig Kevin Smith you'll like it, if you don't, you won't. Well, you might. It'd funny, foul-mouthed, dirty, and even a little touching.

The Prestige
It's got David Bowie (with some pretty great nods to the T. Edison / N. Tesla (serious) rivalry) so you knew I was going to watch this one. It's a Christopher Nolan movie so you know from the outset to watch for the clues that will help unravel the mystery. I figured out half the question about halfway through, and I solved the rest of the riddle shortly thereafter (although I admit I slightly mixed up where the, um, multiplying personalities ended up). You know a movie is good when you're so wrapped up in the story that not even Scarlett Johansson's marvelous breasts can't distract you.

Borat
Another repeat viewing, primarily for the deleted scenes. I'm amazed at how much I laughed out loud, even the second time around. And the Baywatch Parody tacked on to the DVD had me choking on my own tears as I gasped for breath.

This American Life
I'm writing about this in Chicagoist later today, but suffice to say I think they have so far succeeded in transferring the tone of the radio program to the television. In fact, I've already shared my views on this in an earlier piece. Keep an eye out for the Chris Ware cartoon in episode three, it's awesome.

So, that about does it. As you can see, the fare I've been taking in isn't exactly challenging, but keep in mind most of these films have either been viewed late at night or taken in under less than ideal mental circumstances on a Sunday afternoon.

Wild Things was also on the list but as I started writing about it I discovered that I (surprisingly) had more to say about it than would befit the mini-review format. Who would've thought?