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Pawn Shop Chronicles (2013)
Pawn Shop Chronicles (2013)
Back in 2006 I was blown away when I watched the film Running Scared (2006). I saw that movie in theatres three different times. It was that good. Paul Walker was the main star and Wayne Kramer directed. Yesterday I watched a preview for Pawn Shop Chronicles and thought it looked like it could be pretty awesome and it has a solid cast. Paul Walker is one of the main stars, but when I found out Kramer directed, that made me want to see it.
Pawn Shop Chronicles follows multiple stories involving drugged-out hillbillies, newlyweds, and an Elvis impersonator as their lives all intertwine because of their transactions made at a pawn shop.
The noteworthy cast includes Paul Walker, Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, Kevin Rankin, Vincent D’Onofrio, Elijah Wood, Chi McBride, Thomas Jane, Norman Reedus, Lukas Haas, DJ Qualls, Michael Cudlitz, Ashlee Simpson, and Matt O’Leary.
The movie is a disturbingly dark comedy and weird, white trash, hillbilly adventure.
Kramer continues the trend of super intense filmmaking with unique, quirky, fun characters in a brutally twisted storyline.
Just like Running Scared, the camera work and editing is very unique and fast-paced which helps to make the movie more thrilling.
The movie is very graphic. It was pretty shocking at times. F-bombs, nudity, and disturbing images were all overused.
Within the first ten minutes of the film, I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. But, then the movie hit its stride and got much better.
Walker plays a way different type of character than he has ever played. It was actually pretty refreshing to see him try something new for a change. It was a stretch for him, but he pulled it off nicely.
For you Reedus fans out there; his role will disappoint you because it is hardly noticeable. I felt like he was way underused.
This is Fraser’s best movie in over a decade. I was happy to see him in a likable role again.
Dillon stole the show, in my opinion. It never seems like he misses a stride. Every once in a while when he finds the right character, he gives a breakout performance that reminds us all that he still has the ability to take over a movie.
For the type of film that this is, it is an exercise in quality filmmaking. It will keep you guessing. It is a funny, messed up, shocking adventure like no other.
I rate this movie an 8 on a scale of 1-10.
Buy, rent, or run? Buy.
Jobs (2013)
Jobs (2013)
To me, Ashton Kutcher playing Steve Jobs is a sign that he is trying to shed his pretty boy image. He has been in a few serious films, but for the most part he has stuck with comedy. Usually you are unable to take Kutcher’s characters or the movies that he is in seriously. He has been a likable goofball for the majority of his acting career. Before watching Jobs, I knew that it had the potential to be a game changer for Ashton Kutcher’s career. If he played his part well, then in a sense, he could earn his wings and continue making real movies.
Jobs is inspired by the true story of how Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher) co-founded Apple Inc. after dropping out of college and became one of the most innovative creators and entrepreneurs of our time.
The film was directed by Joshua Michael Stern and the rest of the noteworthy cast includes Dermot Mulroney, Matthew Modine, Josh Gad, J.K. Simmons, Ron Eldard, James Woods, Lukas Haas, John Getz, Kevin Dunn, Nelson Franklin, Robert Pine and Elden Henson.
Since the movie is inspired by a true story, I would be interested in knowing exactly which parts are true and which parts are fiction.
I will admit that before watching Jobs, I knew hardly anything about Steve Jobs. I knew that he founded Apple and he had a major role in the company’s success, but that was about it.
As a child, the first computer that my family owned was an Apple Macintosh. That always stuck with me. Fast-forward to now and Apple is still the best in the business and always evolving.
Jobs is an intriguing story about a hippie college dropout with a vision for greatness and an overwhelming passion to follow through on trying to make the world a better place.
This is Kutcher’s best performance as an actor so far. He did a heck of a job as Jobs. The movie certainly has the potential to change Ashton Kutcher’s image and I foresee more serious movies in his future. Is it a game changer for him? I think that it certainly is.
The rest of the cast did an excellent job in their supporting roles.
The film felt a bit long-winded towards the end and it lacked more development of Steve’s family life. However, the film was uplifting and inspirational. It’s a worthy tribute to a genius who left his mark on the world.
I rate this movie an 8 on a scale of 1-10.
Buy, rent, or run? Buy.
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