Irrelevant But Awesome

Alexa:  By now, many people are at least somewhat familiar with the Russian state-sponsored doping scandal. But whether you know little about it or you’ve researched it thoroughly, there is lots to unpack in “Icarus.” This documentary feels like two distinct films. It was originally envisioned as an experiment by director Bryan Fogel, who decided to try doping while training for a cycling race and film the process to illustrate doping’s effects. That initial premise comprises the movie’s first act, but it quickly pivots when news breaks that Grigory Rodchenkov, who was helping Fogel with his experiment, was an integral part of Russia’s state-sponsored doping program. The quick shift in tone is distinct, but I think the first act, while perhaps a bit long, is essential because it establishes the friendship between Fogel and Rodchenkov, and that relationship is what drives the movie’s emotional core. I don’t typically like documentaries in which directors insert themselves into ...

Alexa:  Simon Pegg has made some great comedies, and he’s made his fair share that are instantly forgettable. “Absolutely Anything” definitely falls under the latter - entertaining enough while you’re watching it, but ultimately not funny or clever enough to leave a lasting impression. Yet it somehow assembled an incredible cast. Pegg is a charming lead as always. Eddie Izzard is a welcome presence, but underused. The Monty Python guys voice a bunch of aliens. Most notably, this is Robin Williams’ final film, and his Dennis the Dog is by far the most entertaining part of the movie. Its central premise about the consequences of unlimited power certainly has promise, and I always love a well-placed “Spaced” reference in Simon Pegg movies. But unfortunately “Absolutely Anything” just doesn’t live up to its potential. Its jokes don’t land. It wastes its talented cast on flimsy material. And it barely scratches the surface of its plot, so a story that could have some emotional re...

Vince McMahon is back at it again except this time, he claims the XFL will listen to their fans and take their considerations under review. Now, if you've been a fan of WWE over the past few decades or so, it was probably difficult to read that first sentence without passing out from laughing or you've become so angry that whatever screen you were reading this on is now smashed. Today, Vince McMahon made it official, the XFL is coming back and even though he's pouring $100 million into it, this will probably the last time we'd see him in regards to XFL. The press conference was amusing to watch, especially since I had just finished watching the "This was the XFL" documentary but it seemed like Vince was addressing all the ways the new XFL will not be like the original. Matter of fact, this almost seems like this will be the exact opposite of the original XFL as McMahon numerous times emphasized that they're not trying to reinvent th...

Alexa:  I have never seen “Man on the Moon,” and I wasn’t really familiar with Andy Kaufman’s work before watching “Jim & Andy.” But I walked away from the documentary feeling like I knew both Kaufman and Jim Carrey a little bit better. I imagine seeing “Man on the Moon” or at the very least some of Kaufman’s material would make for a more meaningful viewing experience, but I still found “Jim & Andy” compelling. I’m a sucker for behind-the-scenes stuff, and I think during our discussion of “Lost in La Mancha” several of us praised that film for its genuine fly-on-the-wall approach. “Jim & Andy” had a similar feel. It does not sugarcoat at all what a bizarre experience making “Man on the Moon” must have been both for Carrey and everyone around him. Carrey went about as method as you could possibly get playing Kaufman, which allowed him to delve deep into Kaufman’s psyche but understandably contributed to a frustrating experience for everyone else. Milos Forman is a ...

10. Pacific Rim Uprising Pacific Rim is on may people’s top ten list of 2013 movies, and deservedly so. A big budget, sci-fi action, monster movie based on a completely original idea, it felt like a miracle that Pacific Rim was made at all, not to mention how good it turned out. Unfortunately despite glowing reviews, Pacific Rim woefully under performed at the Box Office losing to Grown Ups 2 in its first weekend. It’s thanks to the movies success in other markets, most notably China, that we’re getting this sequel, but after watching the box office return of the first movie, the fact that we’re getting a sequel seems like just as much of a miracle as the first movie existing at all. With Kong: Skull Island out last year and a Godzilla sequel coming out next year, monster movies are coming back in a big way and it’s good to see some good original ideas getting made alongside the nostalgia acts. 9. Paddington 2 Already released in the UK back in November, Paddington 2 is one of the...

Alexa:  I had never seen a Laika film until “Kubo and the Two Strings,” and I must say I’m impressed. First of all, this movie is gorgeous. Even if the story were dreadful, I would have gladly sat through the entire movie just to watch the animation. The stop-motion style immediately sets it apart from other modern animated films, and on top of that the aesthetic is so visually rich that you’re immersed in it from the first frame. It’s the perfect canvas for the film’s magical elements. The story itself is pretty familiar and formulaic. The Monkey and Beetle reveals were predictable. But not everything has to be a cinematic game changer. The hero’s quest is a timeless story structure for a reason, and “Kubo” executes it in an emotionally compelling way. I loved its emphasis on the importance of storytelling as a tradition, and I completely agree with Jason that the ending was perfect. Particularly in today’s vitriolic political climate, it’s refreshing to see a resolution reac...

Alexa:  Thoughts that ran through my mind while watching “Apollo 13” - 1) I should really stop complaining about how cold it is, because at least I’m not trapped in a frigid spacecraft with low oxygen thousands of miles from Earth; 2) Everyone at NASA is so much smarter than I could ever hope to be; 3) I am totally fine never, ever going to space. “Apollo 13” was on my list of movies that I should have seen by now but never got around to watching, and it did not disappoint. I knew the outcome of the real Apollo 13 mission going into the film, but it kept me on the edge of my seat nonetheless. It starts a little slow, but quickly builds momentum once the mission actually begins. Director Ron Howard takes a refreshingly no-frills approach, opting to convey the story as realistically as possible. He doesn’t overdramatize anything because the intensity of the real-life events is enough. His attention to detail is impeccable. And the performances work so well for the same reasons, ...