#adamon15th

The Best of the Best! Adam's Best Movies of 2014!

1. Her (A subtle take on sci-fi that blew me away.) 

2. The Tale of Princess Kaguya (The essence of Japanese cinema captured in breathtaking animation.) 

3. Under the Skin (A slow-burn of a movie that haunted me for months.) 

4. Edge of Tomorrow (HELL YEAH!)

5. A Touch of Sin (Violence has never been this beautiful.)  

6. Alan Partridge (A spot-on transition from TV to film, and funny to boot.)

7. Only Lovers Left Alive (Being a vampire is soooo BORING!) 

8. Like Father, Like Son (A toss up between this and Like Someone in Love; but this modern Japanese wonder gets my vote.)

9. Blue Ruin (A cut-to-the-chase thriller that gets revenge right.)  

10. The Lego Movie (A fast, frantic, imaginative family movie. DAT BLU-RAY!)  

Television You Say?

The #1 and Only: Sailor Moon (Re-release) (Usagi Tsukino...be still my beating heart) 

The Worst of 2014

BMEotD #157: True Lies (1994)

I grew up watching a lot, and I mean a lot of Arnold Schwarzenegger movies. From Commando to The Terminator, I couldn't get enough. One of my favorite "Arnie" films growing up was True Lies. However, re-watching it recently, I feel it may have been a little too adult for me. But no matter, I still loved it. And if you haven't yet had the honor, it's a must see.

I've always had this weird feeling that there is something off about True Lies, and I've finally figured out what it is. True Lies doesn't stick with one genre of film, it’s three rolled into one. The first third of the film is a suave/campy spy film, the second a funny romantic interlude focusing on husband and wife (played by Jamie Lee Curtis), and the third is an all out action frenzy with terrorists, guns, bombs, jets, car chases and everything else that will make any action fan spaz out. These three separate acts help True Lies carry on at a steady pace, and keep your interest for the entire film. It's pretty much an action movie for everyone.

The supporting cast in this film is awesome. You have the for mentioned Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Arnold (he has some great one-liners), Tia Carrere, a young Eliza Dushku, and Bill Paxton playing the sleaziest used car salesman you've ever seen. It's amazing.

So action fan or not, I recommend checking out True Lies. You are bound to have a BLAST! It's maybe not for the kids though.

BMEotD #111: Cowboy Bebop (1998)

Cowboy Bebop is a sci-fi anime which follows the adventures undertaken by the bounty hunters of the spaceship Bebop. The crew is composed of Spike, a former Triad member from Mars: Jet, a retired police officer; Faye, a feisty con-woman with a mysterious past; Edward (Ed), a genius hacker; and Ein, a super intelligent Welsh corgi. Over the 26 episode series, this crew hunts down bounties, engages in space battles, and uncovers truths from their pasts. Each episode brings you closer to the characters, and by the end you'll be wishing you could spend a bit more time with the Bebop gang.

Cowboy Bebop is the show that first got me interested in anime; and to this day is still one of my favorites. The one thing that makes Cowboy Bebop stand out is its atmosphere. The loneliness/vastness of space paired with an amazing jazz soundtrack help create a world that is not only unique, but realistic. The well fleshed-out characters also add a lot to this show's appeal. The Bebop crew members have more personality than you'll find in many fictional characters, and I guarantee you'll keep watching to find out what happens to each of them. Anime seems to be going in a strange direction lately, it’s more about making cute shows with school girls and talking animals then shows with any substance. It’s important to watch shows like Cowboy Bebop to remind us that the anime medium can be used for more than fan-service (look it up) and Pokémon. It can be used to create worlds and characters that can engage and make you think.

See you space cowboy...

BMEotD #33: Linda Linda Linda is a cute Japanese movie about four high-school girls who form a band to play their school talent show. The movie begins as two friends seek out a new singer for the band. They recruit Korean exchange student, Son (actress Doona Bae, The Host, Cloud Atlas), and rehearse non-stop during the weeks leading to the big show. There are plenty of hiccups along the way including jealous rivals, “boy issues”, and the language/cultural barrier between Japanese and Korean band members. But in the end, these four rocking girls perform in front of the entire school. Do they put on a good show? You’ll have to see for yourself.

No matter what kind of mood you are in Linda Linda Linda is bound to make you smile. The stars of the movie movie are portrayed well; they actually seem like real high-school students. And seeing how they deal not only with band practice, but with everyday life, is a real treat. Bae is especially charming as she goes throughout the movie with a continually perplexed expression, trying to fully comprehend the actions of the Japanese students around her. The music in this movie isn't bad either, and when you finally get to see the band jamming you can’t help but bob you head along with the beat. So, if you are looking for a delightful movie with rock and roll flair, check out Linda Linda Linda.