Tucker & Dale vs. Evil

Beeps Pick:  Tucker & Dale vs. Evil [Blu-ray]



Why we picked this film:  I had heard good things about this film last year, and I was super excited when I saw it available for instant streaming via Netflix.  I'm not sure that Apes will approve, but it is my pick and she has to watch. Muahahahaa!


Beeps:  Ok, so I think we all know the horror movie cliches.  This movie takes them and tosses them on their head.  There's something fantastic about the idea of a horror/comedy to me.  It's like taking two things that just don't go together and somehow making them work out.  How well the two meld and play off one another is a good test of how successful the film is.  In the case of Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, I'd say quite successful.  Basically, 2 hillbillies come out to the woods to fix up their vacation home, and the nearby college students assume that they must be killers.  Hilarity ensues.  That's it, that's all you need to know.  If you're looking for a silly comedy that's a huge deviation from your normal Hollywood comedy, do yourself a favor and watch this film.  4 Stars!

Apes: OK so this isn't the type of movie I would pick. The title alone is enough to make me pass. Come on, say it out loud... Tucker and Dale VS Evil... there is NO way to say it and not sound like a redneck... sort of like the word TUBE TOP.... In the end I'm glad that I relented and let Beeps pick this one. Other than being a little too stereo typical it has everything that a good spoof needs. The stereo types and awkward situations combined with the mostly plausible events made this movie funny and enjoyable.  I laughed more than once, enjoyed the don't judge people message, and in a creepy way it was sort of a feel good movie. I give it 4 stars for totally destroying my misconceptions, making me laugh, and for being completely enjoyable! (That's a NICE change for a Beeps Pick!)

Overall we give this film 4 stars!

~Beeps and Apes

Mission Impossible

Apes Pick: Mission Impossible



Why we picked this film: We opened all of our Christmas blu-rays and I figured we should watch one... Especially since this one had a free ticket inside to see the new Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

Beeps: I've seen Mission Impossible probably 3 or 4 times now, and I'm happy to report that the film holds up somewhat well.  My biggest gripe is the way technology is portrayed in the film.  My personal favorite is when the main character does a search for "Job" and gets no matches found.  Try that and get back to me.  I also like the fact he sends e-mails to an address without a .com or .net or dot anything.  My complaints with the tech aside, I really like the film.  They do a great job of making this film Mission Impossible and not Mission Improbable.  There are some really epic special effect scenes in this movie that do stand well against the test of time.  The ending and the assault on the mainframe are two of my all time favorite action movie scenes.  Again, the impossibility of what must be overcome makes the movie what it is, and it is a delightful popcorn movie that requires you to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the show.  4 Stars!

Apes: I've seen this one before maybe a couple of times, and I have to say its getting a bit dated.... I mean zip discs? 250 mega bytes - funny! Plus the cell phones are a little big and a few things here and there are funny, but for a 15 year old film, Mission Impossible still kicks a ton of butt! The special effects are pretty awesome (and a little over the top) the acting is great, the story is interesting, and if you haven't seen it before its definitely worth a watch. Its interesting, action filled, well written, impeccably acted, and a just great popcorn flick! I give it 4 stars for holding up well after all this time and still kicking butt!

Overall we give this film 4 Stars!

~Beeps and Apes

Castle In The Sky

Apes Pick: Castle in the Sky



Why I Picked this Movie: So Beeps broke me into the anime world with Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and from that point on I've been trying to get him to watch more anime with me. Especially the Studio Ghibli films. So I checked this one out from the local library and forced him to watch it! :)

Beeps:  I like this film.  Maybe it's the goofy way that James Van Der Beek sounds as the main character, but he sounds as if he was the right choice for the role.  I know that anime elitists are rolling their eyes right now... I can hear them saying to themselves, "I can't believe you didn't watch the film in its native language..."  Well believe it dorks.  The movie is a good mix in that it has some elements that are quite cute and some elements that are very exciting.  The typical Miyazaki film follows one of the two paths, but this one treads a line between them both and it really works for me.  4 Stars!

Apes: I don't think this is my favorite anime this far, but I did really enjoy it. I mean whats not to love about flying pirates, escaping the government, magical powers, and finding a mythical floating city? Actually now that I list all that out maybe it is my favorite anime. The characters are great! Some are always sweet and lovable while others are a bit rough around the edges, but they too some how grow on you. Most of the studio Ghibli films this is a coming of age story with love, adventure, and danger all while a young girl finds out about her families past and her heritage. I give this movie 4 stars for animation, character development, story line, adventure, and most importantly flying PIRATES! :)

Overall we give this movie 4 Stars

~Beeps and Apes

Food Inc.

Beeps Pick: Food Inc.



Why I picked this film: I love a good documentary, and I know that Apes would be interested in it.  I'll let her talk about why she was interested in seeing this film.  I'm (Apes) a big supporter of buying locally - not because imports are bad, but because I like to support small business owners and people who live in my community - This goes for veggies at the farmers market (when I make it), local restaurants instead of huge chains, and beef from a local farmer. Plus I like knowing that my money is helping a family I know instead of making millionaires richer.

Beeps:  A solid documentary, the producers do a good job of getting their point across without showing you stomach turning images.  If you're expecting to see animal slaughterings, there's not really much of that.  A few scenes of prepping for slaughter, and a farmer taking care of a chicken in the background while another farmer talks about the issue.  After watching this, I am very happy to say that most of the beef we eat at home comes from a local farmer, and so I feel much more at ease.  It's easy to turn away from this documentary, I mean no one really wants someone to tell them that there is a problem with what they're eating.  So it's easy to just not bother with this film, and that would be a shame because there is some good information here, and it's presented quite well.  3 and a half stars!

Apes: Wow - Some of this I already knew - I won't call it revolutionary, mind blowing, or even a surprise; yet still some how I am shocked - I know I shouldn't be, but I am. Maybe I'm young and naive, or maybe I just want to believe the best in people. I can't believe the way food (both meat and veg) is grown, processed, packaged, sold, overseen, lobbied for, and protected in this country. Its just DISGUSTING and honestly sad. For a little over a year we've been buying our beef from a local farmer and picking it up at a local butcher - not because we were being "green" or "natural" but because it was cheaper and tastes AMAZING! Now all I can say is THANK GOD! The part that bothered me the most is a meat filler that is sold that they clean in AMMONIA to kill the E. COLI! - Granted e. coli is BAD - deadly even, but is ammonia really the BEST answer? GROSS!! I highly recommend this film not for its entertainment value, its high quality graphics, or amazing script, but because I do truly believe it is our duty to be informed and maybe for you (and maybe me) this is the first step! - I'm looking into some better options for foods for Beeps and I - Maybe you will too! I give it 4 stars for being well put together, informative, and having my new all time favorite farmer in it! (and maybe for making me a bit misty eyed at the end)

Overall we give this film 4 stars!

~Beeps and Apes

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

Random Pick: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope




Why we picked this film: We are making an attempt to watch all of Blockbuster 100 most loved movies through the crazy use of my Random Movie BINGO! We landed on D2 so we've begun the Star Wars Series in release order because that is the PROPER way to watch them! (And should we ever have crotch fruit the way we will make our children watch them)

Beeps:  Hooray for random movie bingo.  It's only fitting that the single greatest science fiction epic, be selected for us on our first attempt.  This film really did stand up well to the test of time.  A few minor annoyances aside, (God, does Luke have to be so whiny?)  this movie is the quintessential science fiction film.  It has everything that you'd want in an epic, and it is just as awesome now as it was back then.  It's interesting, but this may be the first time I've ever been speechless in a review, I mean c'mon it's Star Wars... everyone should watch it at least once.  The hardcore nerds among us, have probably seen it 10 times or more. (present company included)  If you haven't seen this film, stop what you are doing, and invest the time.  4 Stars!

Apes: It truly has been FOREVER since I had seen this, and it remains as much a classic today as it was when I first saw it. I love how the story is just as EPIC in subsequent viewings. The characters develop strong, the plot is easy to follow, and the acting is great for the time period and not to bad for modern day. Even the special effects aren't terrible 30 years later. I really, really enjoyed watching this again. I give it 4 stars for being a classic and holding up to the test of time!

Overall we give this film 4 stars

~Beeps and Apes

Inside Job

Beeps Pick: Inside Job



Why we picked this film:  I had heard about this on the radio as being a good film that explained the causes of the financial meltdown of the late 2000's.  So I decided to give it a whirl.

Beeps:  I guess the purpose of a documentary is to inform you of the subject in a manner that is somewhat entertaining.  To that end, mission accomplished.  After watching this film, I am now aware of how things ended up going so wrong in the economy.  The movie is dry, but there's a great story here that keeps you hanging on.  After watching this, I felt so jaded and disgusted by the greed of individuals, and then to see where those individuals are now... Wow.  It's a very good film.  It's a GREAT documentary.  If you have any interest at all in why we're in the financial druthers we're in now, go watch this film.  4 Stars!

Apes: This film will make you ANGRY... at least it should. Its crazy and informative. Like all documentaries I was a little hesitant, but agreed to watch this one. I'm really glad I did, but once again it only strengthened my doubt in humanity. How could so many people turn their backs on so many people it really is DISGUSTING. I recommend you watch this so I wont be the only angry person out there. Plus it really is informative about what a joke the government is. I give this film 4 stars for being informative, interesting, and having Matt Damon as the narrator.

Overall we give this film 4 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

Get Him to the Greek

Beeps Pick: Get Him to the Greek



Why I picked this film:  I chose this film because I love Russell Brand.  That's really the only reason.  Russell Brand is one of the funniest people alive today. 

Beeps:  This film is not for the feint of heart.  The drugs and drug usage flows, the women react much how you would expect them to with a rock star in their midst...  If you can get past that.  What you have at it's core is a genuinely funny film.  I just wanted to say, I have no problem getting past that, and in fact I believe that it lends itself to the affection that you can't help but feel for the characters.  Russell Brand reprises his rock star character Aldous Snow from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, if you enjoyed him in that film, you will most assuredly enjoy him here where he steps into the spotlight and shows that he can lead the way in a film.  4 Stars!

Apes:  Wow what a perverted roller coaster of a film. I feel almost dirty to admit that this is a very funny film, but its almost potty humor. Russell Brand is so funny check out our review of his stand up DVD! If you are mature, sophisticated, classy, or consider yourself an upright citizen then I'd recommend skipping this film. However, if you are a self proclaimed scum bag or shameless individual I say check it out. The comedy is low, the songs are terrible, and the whole movie is a whirlwind of shockingly tasteless jokes, but the acting is great, the script has a flow, and it really is funny. I give it 3 1/2 stars. I'd give it more, but I'm afraid it would make me feel dirty! :)

Overall we give it 4 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Apes Pick: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 




Why I picked this film: I have seen all the others so I figured it was about time to watch this one. Plus it just came out so what better time to watch and review it.

Beeps: I love Harry Potter!  I love the Harry Potter movies, although they had been progressively getting worse over the years.  Yes, I said it, the Half Blood Prince is an abomination of a film.  Nothing pleases me more than to tell you... Harry Potter is back!  Finally, they've managed to recapture some of the excitement of the earlier films.  This movie is a thoroughly kick ass ride back into the Harry Potter universe, and I really enjoyed the film.  4 Stars!

Apes: For as terrible as I find the books the movies are pretty great. The story line continues as expected, and I'm not a fan that this movie is a total cliff hanger, but it will be nice to see how they wrap the whole series. Although there isn't much you can say about the movies at this point... If you like the rest totally check out this one its not a waste of time, but be prepared for no conclusions and more questions than answers. I give it 4 stars because I didn't get bored once and because it is exactly what it promises a big box office popcorn flick!

Overall we give this film 4 stars.

Beeps and Apes

Kick-Ass

New Release Tuesday:  Kick-Ass



Why we chose this movie: Well there are 2 reasons.  First, it's new release Tuesday, and we wanted to review a new release.  Second, the only other major new release this week is Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  And well, we couldn't bring ourselves to do it.  Plus, we really like comic book movies.

Beeps:  I thought this was pretty good.  It features my new favorite character from any movie, ever.  I will give fair warning, it is pretty violent, but I didn't feel that the violence was excessive, it was necessary to bring the point of the movie home.  This had a great action/comedy feel to it, there were multiple scenes where I laughed out loud, but mostly because I'm a sick-o, and not because they were particularly hysterical.  My biggest problem with this movie is that it carries on for far too long, the story is engrossing, but it does drag at times.  This is most definitely worthy of a rental, and even a purchase if you're a fan of crime fighting/superhero movies.  3 1/2 stars.

Apes: This movie really does have something for everyone. There is action, comedy, superheroes, violence, and romance. I mean what more is there in life? This movie isn't your average superhero movie, but it isn't your normal spoof movie either. Its a horrifying, amusing mixture of everything. I'd say its definitely worth a watch. The language is pretty dirty especially Beeps favorite character! The movie can get a little long winded at times, but stick it out its worth the wait. I give it 4 stars.

Overall we give it 4 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

PS... I thought it looked like it had a little bit of an open end... They announced the sequel coming out in 2012... LOL 

Event Horizon

Beeps Pick:  Event Horizon




Why I Picked This Film:  I need to see this movie.  It's been years, but I remember it being in my top 10 all time favorite flicks.  I've been craving a space thriller, and to much to my shock Apes agreed to watch this.  (Horror is technically off limits for the purposes of this blog, but she will relent on occasion, and possibly for a theme week in October.)  Although technically, I suppose this is Sci-Fi and not horror.


Beeps:  Wow!  Maybe I was wrong about this film.  It definitely has a horror vibe to it, but not a cheesy horror vibe.  I was glued to my seat for the entire film.  Not for one second did I even think about anything other than the film.  I was totally engrossed by the story and the acting within.  What I love about this movie is that it explores the unknown, and plays upon our fears.  I just wanted to thank Apes for being a good sport about it, and getting through this film.  I HIGHLY recommend this flick to anyone looking for a sci-fi/horror film.  To me, this is the perfect movie.  5 stars.


Apes: Uggh! Remind me why I married that man again! I've said it before.... I HATE horror movies especially ones that show any gore! Beeps has been convincing me for ages that this isn't really a horror movie. Guess what... HE LIED. Its not that there are no good horror movies, its just that graphic images tend to stay in my mind for far too long. This movie was interesting and I did want to see what happens in the end. The problem with horror movies is that I like a happy ending, or at least an ending that doesn't have death and blood lol. I give this movie 3 stars for intrigue and story. Although I should take 2 stars away for gore.


Overall we give this movie 4 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

Yes Man

Beep's Pick: Yes Man




Why I picked this film:  I picked this film because it was late, it was on the new cable's on demand service, and because a co-worker told me that he had enjoyed it.

Beeps:  Fantastic!  I really liked this movie.  Jim Carrey delivers a great performance, with only a few over the top moments.  It wasn't what I would call a hysterical movie, but it was a funny one, and I felt for the characters in the movie.  I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something likable about Jim Carrey's character that makes you feel for the guy.  I felt bad for him when he was down and cheered for him when he was up, and really, isn't that what watching a movie is all about?  4 stars.

Apes: I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It was well written, acted, and delivered. It was thought provoking and interesting while remaining funny and entertaining. I think this is one of Jim Carrey's better films. Its not to idiotic nor too serious its just right for a comedy with a touch of drama or as I called them when I worked at Blockbuster a dramedy. I give this film 4 stars and think it was one of the better films I've seen this year!

Overall we give this film 4 stars.

~Beeps and Apes

Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine



Why we picked this flick:  We've decided to go with a new release for our first flick. This selection was sort of a joint decision between the two of us. We were going to go with a movie that held a special meaning to each of us, such as the first movie we watched together, Employee of the Month, or the movie we saw on our first date, Ocean's Thirteen but in the end we decided that we can get to those movies on another night, and we should go with a movie that we would choose if we walked through the door of our local Blockbuster.

Beeps:  I came into this with small expectations.  Some friends from work had recommended the movie as a "decent" film.  However, I was surprised by the number of laughs I got from this movie.  I don't watch a ton of television, so I had not seen a trailer for this before.  With a name like Hot Tub Time Machine, you are right to expect plenty of slapstick humor, and this film delivers.  At its core this is a classic tale of friendship and that's exactly what you get, with a blast of 80's, and a huge blast of comedy to go with it.  I also wanted to mention that Craig Robinson absolutely killed in this film.  His comedic timing is nothing short of genius.  He is definitely becoming one of my favorite actors.  I give this film 4 out of 5 stars.


Apes:  I must admit that I wasn’t exactly thrilled about watching this movie. I saw brief previews and expected it to be good, but nothing spectacular. I am pleasantly surprised! There were parts of this movie that I was laughing out loud and others that were full of chuckles. This movie had EVERYTHING I look for in a comedy, PLUS it has that classic 80’s vibe and enough romance to keep ladies who aren’t big into comedy interested. This is a feel good flick, but I definitely think it is worth a rental! Craig Robinson, John Cusack, and Rob Corddry team up to put on a funny and entertaining film. I am giving this film 4 stars!

Overall this we give this film 4 stars!

~Beeps and Apes