The Kee

I’m on a superhero kick. I just finished I Will Be Invincible, a novel depicting the social circles and emotional turmoil of a fictional gang of “exceptionally powered persons.” A fun read. Add that to my recent movie going habits and the need for friends to pose as X-Men, I think I have a soft spot for the topic. I do have to admit it, but superheroes, just like mustaches, have come on strong as of late. W is still rocking the best stache out there. (Good job). I just hope the quirkiness of it is not overtaken by latecomer dudes and douchebags hopping on the bandwagon to try their hand at imposter facial hair of the uncommitted. I’m not going to turn my back on either staches or heroes while they continue their rise to super-stardom. Just like when your favorite band finally makes it to the radio, I will celebrate knowing they owe their success to me and my undying support.

From left: Dave /Cyclops*, Kayla/Jean Grey, Lynda/Storm, Kyle/Wolverine
*Cyclops as a young Laser Boy

Since I can’t see The Dark Knight until July 18th, I’ve spent the recent weeks seeing some “run out the clock” films to get my theater fix. I wasn’t dying to see any of these movies but did experience a broad spectrum of emotions upon the completion of each. I hoped one might slip into the “Georgia Rule Category” — a film for which the expectations are SO low that the subsequent viewing and loving of the film actually blows your mind. None wowed me in that way, but I did love certain parts of each.

The Happening | “Unintentional Comedy”

I’ve been “swinging away” from M. Night Shyamalan since Signs made me laugh out loud at the green-leotarded man attempting to pass as a water-fearing alien. It’s almost a game to see how ridiculous the next installment will be. The Happening did not disappoint. I screamed and laughed in equal parts – the most intensely at a crazy lady (“Why you eyeing my lemon drink?”) and the creepiest doll ever recorded on film, neither of which have anything to do with the plot. Oh wait, it was actually sans plot, so that analysis applies to everything seen on-screen. I really do wonder if M. Night (I bet his first name is Michael or Mitch) even thinks his movies are good. Or does he shrug and say “eh” when he watches the final product? Lyn and I sat through it in a completely empty theater and got to talk the entire time — we immediately burst out laughing when the credits started to roll, said how great it was and then high-fived. Score: 2/10

Sex and the City | “I Feel Like a Woman”

After years of denying my womanly right of going gaga for Carrie and the gals, I finally succumbed. I saw it against my will and loved it. Previously, I only held Samantha’s “cancer is hilarious” quote near and dear to my heart. When my mom was sick a few years ago she promised we’d all look back at that horrible summer and laugh – she was right and so was Samantha. The full-length SATC pulled a few additional heart strings – all of which can only be appreciated by women. It made me cry between three and seven times, usually a good sign of a solid emotional connection if no other award winning qualities surface. Score: 7/10

Hancock | “Despite Throwing Up I Loved It”

The trailers totally misrepresent this one. It’s clever but not a comedy, exciting but not an action flick. I was unaware, but Peter Berg directed this one. It had Friday Night Lights written all over it from the first shot — I didn’t even need to see the credit to know who was responsible for those hand-held extreme closeups. This realization pumped me up and eventually made me throw up – really. (I did make it to the final scene before bolting for the bathroom). As we all know, shaky camera sequences, or entire films in this case, do not sit well with me or my lunch. Something else that pumped me up – Will Smith. He’s great. I don’t think I realized how I felt about the man until just now. Bad Boys? Come on! He and John Mayer should get together and talk about how it’s weird that all guys hate them and girls openly/secretly love them, record a duet about it, and then chest bump. I’d buy that. In regards to Hancock, I could have gone for 30 more minutes of plot development (if I closed my eyes) and more emphasis on certain relationships. All in all, surprisingly GOOD. Score: 8/10

Iron Man | “Robert. Downey. Jr.”

Beautiful. Magnetic. Scintillating. Enough said. The movie was pretty good, too. Score: 7/10