Trask Avenue

I love all types of movies and watch the ones I enjoy over and over and over. It’s a bit of an obsession is what it is. In general conversation I’ll often quote lines from films as a way to separate other impassioned filmies from those who merely enjoy a fun movie now and then. It’s an inside joke which often falls flat. And so it goes.

For a while I’ve been considering posting movie reviews here, but I realized long ago I hardly qualify as an expert in judging other people’s creativity, at least with any sort of real legitimacy. Still, I have opinions. So I’ve decided the best way to get my feelings out there about certain films without coming off as a complete boorish snob nose who blathers on about cinematography, editing, camera angles, hidden meanings and the like is to set limits around my reviews. Actually, one limit. All my reviews will not exceed one sentence (20 word max). I know 20 words approaches run-on territory, but I need some flexibility, man. I’ll aim for 10-15 words, but having that additional buffer reduces stress and allows for me to move beyond “That really sucked” in creative ways.

The plan is to choose films using one of several methods: (1) Recently watched (2) Thought about while showering (3) Referenced during the day somewhere by someone (4) Popped into my head for no good reason. What I’m saying is it’s basically a crapshoot. Just like life.

Additionally, I’ll employ the standard 4 star rating system, with ½ star increments. The ratings appear at the end of the review in parenthesis and reflect my feelings when I wrote the sentence. In six months ask me about I movie I previously rated and everything may have changed. (I’ve also included the date of the review because I’m anal like that.)

You’ll also notice I’ve added a new page titled “Shorts” where I will compile these reviews alphabetically as they appear. Remember, this is an experiment and like all experiments it could unexpectedly blow up and wipe out the entire eastern seaboard. I’m hoping that doesn’t happen, but if it does you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Well, you can say it, but you’d be a big LIAR! Which brings us to our first film…

Liar Liar (1997) – Hilarious (board room), ludicrous (court room), ultimately unbelievable (dad/family behavior) Carrey offering – like every one of his comedies. (2½) – 11/14/11

Paul (2011) – Brilliant, funny, smart, crude with lots of “F” bombs for the kids. (4) – 11/14/11

Good Will Hunting (1997) – Must see complex and moving deal about a reluctant, troubled genius and a psychiatrist who’s dead inside. (4) – 11/14/11

What’s Up, Doc? (1972) – Popular comedy when released is painful to watch today, especially Ryan O’Neal’s “acting.” (1) – 11/14/11

Unstoppable (2010) – Surprisingly fun action yarn which is more exciting than it has a right to be. (3) – 11/14/11

Paths of Glory (1957) – Emotionally devastating anti-war film from a young Kubrick. (4) – 11/14/11

Star Trek (2009) – How Kirk and gang first got together is entertaining, but was unbelievably loud in the theater. (3) – 11/14/11

Big Fish (2003) – Off the wall story of a man’s life which makes my eyes leak every time because of allergies. (4) – 11/14/11

Dodgeball: An Underdog’s Story (2004) – Modern comedy mini-classic which demonstrates novel uses for wrenches. (3½) – 11/14/11

Billy Jack (1971) – Main character spends entire movie kicking ass as his way to promote peace as answer to society’s ills. (1½) – 11/14/11