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Catching up on movie reviews!
Feb 17th
Been a bit since I put some movie reviews up here. NOTE: These are movies that I *don’t* review on my podcast Seattle Geekly, either by being Dared them or just reviewing them. So these are not always “geeky”, if you want “geeky” listen to the podcast! 
Jennifer’s Body – Diablo Cody written horror movie vehicle to show how *hot* Megan Fox is.
Plot: After stumbling into some “bad seeds” Jennifer starts to have a lust for human flesh…of the High School boy kind.
Geek Gal says: I loathe, no really…LOATHE Megan Fox, and I actually enjoyed this movie. Not up to Cody’s “Juno” reputation, but a fun romp.
Verdict: Worth renting: 3 out of 5 Geek Glasses
Slumdog Millionaire – Winner of the Best Picture Oscar 2008. Directed by Danny Boyle.
Plot: A young Indian man must convince the producers of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire that he really DOES know all the answers and is justified in winning the jackpot.
Geek Gal says: I swear I must’ve been the only person who didn’t enjoy this movie. Maybe it’s because I saw it after all the hype and knew the story. Loved the music…could live not seeing it again…ever… Not one of Danny Boyle’s best. Didn’t have the edge of Trainspotting.
Verdict: Be wary of renting, the hype is better than the film. 2.75 out of 5 Geek Glasses
Crank 2: High Voltage – Chev Chelios is back! (Yes he DID die in Crank 1…but…FRANCHISE!)
Plot: Same as Crank, except this time it’s not poison, it’s a bum heart!
Geek Gal says: Very fun, total brain Twinkie like the first one, but a fun ride nevertheless. Would be fun to ridicule with a bunch of friends and beer.
Verdict: Best to watch with people, not alone. 3 out of 5 Geek Glasses
Funny People – Judd Apatow directed, Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen star.
Plot: Well to do funnyman treats people like crap until he finds that he may not live much longer. Finds a struggling comic to help him see the light.
Geek Gal says: Though Apatow’s movies are hit and miss with me, I found Funny People actually moving and good. The movie is heartfelt, and has to be not only my favorite Judd Apatow film, but my favorite Sandler & Rogen film as well.
Verdict: Get the tissues out folks – 4.5 out of 5 Geek Glasses
I Love You, Man – a “chick-flick” for men.
Plot: A groom labeled “too feminine” tries man dates out to find a candidate to be his Best Man for his impending nuptials.
Geek Gals says: I’m not a fan of “chick-flicks”, and this one was no exception. The only difference was that the lead characters were male.
Verdict: Want a good buddy movie? Watch The Hangover, skip I Love You, Man 1.5 out of 5 Geek Glasses
Year One – a run through history from Adam & Eve through Moses and Roman times with Jack Black and Michael Cera.
Plot: Zed gets thrown out of his idyllic home to roam the countryside and time with Oh, and hilarity ensues.
Geek Gal says: Was expecting to hate this, and found I loved it. Very reminiscent of Wholly Moses!
Verdict: The cameos alone (David Cross as Cain) are worth the watch. 4 out of 5 Geek Glasses
Reviews!
Dec 27th
So many movies watched in the last 2 weeks!
Silent Scream – 1980 horror movie that *just* came out for the first time on DVD. Stars Yvonne DeCarlo as Mrs. Engels.
Plot: Slasher movie from the golden age of slashers, college boarders find out a secret that the house is hiding in the attic. how many of the boarders will survive?
Geek Gal says: Definitely worth a watch for fans of 80’s horror or slasher films.
Verdict: Worth renting 3.5 out of 5 geek glasses
Inglorious Basterds 2009 Quentin Tarantino film starring Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz & Eli Roth.
Plot: The “Basterds” led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Pitt) try to end WWII by helping a Jewish cinema owner get revenge on the Nazis.
Geek Gal says: Not typical Tarantino fare, but very interesting film. Lots of characters to keep up with, and Brad Pitt is amusing as Lt Raine. Pace is slower, but the interweaving of the plots are well done and bloody enough to keep with Tarantino’s other films.
Verdict: I may end up buying it, I thought it was better than the Kill Bill movies. 4.5 out of 5 geek glasses.
Deception 2008 movie starring Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor and Michelle Williams.
Plot: Jonathan McQuarry (McGregor) is introduced to “The List” (a high end sex club) by his lawyer friend Wyatt Bose (Jackman). He falls in love with “S” (Williams) and is blackmailed into a scheme to imbezzle money from a client.
Geek Gal says: Shirtless action: Jackman = 1, McGregor = 7, all done in the 1st 45 minutes. The next hour is a boring, predictable double/triple cross that you end up not caring how it turns out.
Verdict: If you want more shirtless Jackman, watch Wolverine. 2 out of 5 geek glasses
The Soloist 2009 movie based on a true story starring Robert Downey, Jr. & Jamie Foxx.
Plot: LA Times reporter Steve Lopez (Downey, Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx), a homeless musical genius, and helps him get a better life, while discovering his own.
Geek Gal says: I was ready with tissues, but the movie turned out to be uplifting, although bittersweet. I’m not a *huge* Jamie Foxx fan (loved him in Ray!) and he was extremely devoted to the role of Ayers, and played him as a very real person and not a caricature. Downey, Jr. is very emotional in this film, and does more with his eyes than with his mouth.
Verdict: Worth watching, even if you’re down! 4 out of 5 geek glasses
Punisher: War Zone 2008 movie directed by Lexi Alexander (a former world karate & kickboxing champion) starring Ray Stevenson (Rome), Julie Benz (Angel, Buffy & Dexter) & Dominic West (300).
Plot: Frank Castle (Stevenson) is once again rebooted in this movie to try to get revenge for the killing of his son and wife. He comes across a threatened woman (Benz) who is terrorized by baddie Jigsaw (West).
Geek Gal says: Most of the actors in the movie were British or European and could not hold a “Sopranos” style Italian accent to save their lives. Stevenson doesn’t even speak for the first 26 minutes of the film, but does end up killing a lot of the bad guys in interesting ways. Great cast, but obviously the director didn’t know how to make the movie show their talents.
Verdict: Fun to watch with buddies ala Rifftrax, just for the death scenes. 3 out of 5 geek glasses
Doubt 2008 movie starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams & Philip Seymour Hoffman, set in 1964, but dealing with current issues (priests with altar boys). Based on a John Patrick Shanley’s Tony-winning play.
Plot: Nuns in a parish school start having suspicions about the relationship between Father Flynn (Hoffman) and the first African-American student in attendance.
Geek Gal says: Completely understandable in regards to the Tony award and Oscar nominations this year. I wasn’t aware of the plot nor the time period of the film, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Verdict: Not a very uplifting film, but well worth watching for the acting (is there anything Streep can’t do?). 4 out of 5 geek glasses
Paranormal Activity filmed in 2007, and just released on DVD, this faux documentary wowed audiences around the world in 2009.
Plot: Katie and Micah try to deal with an entity in their San Diego Home by deciding to videotape their house at night.
Geek Gal says: I found it better paced than the Blair Witch Project, and though it didn’t genuinely scare me, there were a few good jump scares. Sometime the characters seemed over the top and whiny, but overall done very well for the budget. Watch the movie in a dark room, otherwise you might miss some of the nuances. Also watch the theatrical version then catch the alternative ending after.
Verdict: Watch it with a group of people for the most fun! 4.25 out of 5 geek glasses
Coraline 2009 movie based on a Neil Gaiman book of the same title. Stars Dakota Fanning, John Hodgeman and Teri Hatcher.
Plot: Coraline and her family move to a new apartment, and she finds a magical world through a small door in her house where there seems to be a better family to take care of her.
Geek Gal says: Did not watch it in 3-D, but was still impressed by Henry Selick’s (Nightmare Before Christmas) grasp of the magical world of Gaiman. Dakota Fanning didn’t annoy me as much as I thought she would, and the addition of Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders’ voices were very welcome! I can’t believe that parents’ took their children to see this, there were definitely really disturbing parts of the film.
Verdict: Be careful showing this to children! 3.75 out of 5 geek glasses
And last but not least!
Sherlock Holmes 2009 movie opened Christmas Day, starring Robert Downey, Jr. & Jude Law, directed by Guy Ritchie
Plot: Sherlock Holmes (Downey, Jr.) and Dr. Watson (Law) must stop a brutal nemesis (who has come back from the grave) from using black magic to take over Victorian London.
Geek Gal says: I knew from the trailers that this was not going to be a serious take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos. However, the trailer did make the movie seems more action based than it truly is. Though not a fan of Jude Law, I found his straight-man Watson to Robert Downey, Jr.’s witty Holmes very sincere and the chemistry between them magical. The movie uses characters that fans of Conan Doyles’ books will find refreshing, but don’t think this is your grandfather’s Holmes. Ritchie (Lock, Stock & 2 Smoking Barrels, Snatch) does wonderfully with the ensemble cast, and Hans Zimmer creates a fun soundtrack. Go into the film not expecting anything but a fun ride, and you’ll have a great time!
Verdict: Even if you were on the fence about seeing it, go see it in the theater for at least matinee price! 4.75 out of 5 geek glasses
Catching up on movie reviews
Dec 16th
It’s been awhile, but, I’ve decided that I’ll be using this blog for movie/tv reviews, that aren’t quite geeky enough to mention on our podcast.
Sunshine Cleaning 2008 movie with Amy Adams, Emily Blunt and Alan Arkin, directed by Christine Jeffs.
Plot: Two sisters get into the crime scene cleanup service. One sister is too dependable, the other not so much.
Geek Gal says: Billed as an indie comedy and hyped as such in the trailer, this movie is really more of a drama about sisters. Slower paced, but overall well worth the watch.
Verdict: Rent it. 3 out of 5 geek glasses
Stan Helsing 2009 movie with Steve Howey, Kenan Thompson & Leslie Nielsen, written and directed by Bo Zenga.
Plot: Stan finds out that he’s from the legendary line of the Van Helsing family and must deal with movie monsters on Halloween night with his friends.
Geek Gal says: If you took the 1980’s tv series Police Squad and the Scary Movie franchise you’d get Stan Helsing (just not as good as either). This movie tries too hard to be the end all of parody. Overacting, strange costuming and makeup and over the top spoof didn’t impress me. Might be a good movie to make fun of with your buddies and some beer.
Verdict: If you can see it for free, it might be worth it. 2 out of 5 geek glasses
Monsters vs. Aliens 2009 Dreamworks animated film, starring Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, & many more!
Plot: A mysterious meteor falls to Earth at Modesto, California, and turns Susan (Witherspoon) into a giant woman. Captured by a secret government agency, Susan finds herself teaming up with a group on monsters to stop an alien invasion.
Geek Gal says: Fun movie, even though the actors almost take you out of the film, since you recognize their voices. Animation is top-notch (the fur on Insect-o-saurus is AMAZING). Definitely one of those films that parents will enjoy as much as the kids, M vs. A is a fun romp.
Verdict: Rent it, then possibly buy it. Sad I didn’t see it in the theaters. 
4.5 out of 5 geek glasses
Adventureland 2009 movie with Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, and Ryan Reynolds, written and directed by Greg Matola.
Plot: Bent on going to Europe after he graduates, James’ (Eisenberg) parents decide not to give him money to go. He gets a summer job at Adventureland and finds out that the amusement park has an underlying drama he gets caught up in.
Geek Gal says: Fun but poignant movie of growing up in 1987. Trailer tried to make it seem more of a comedy than it really is. Ryan Reynolds billed highly in the trailer is barely in the film.
Verdict: Rent it, but be ready not to laugh. 4.5 out of 5 geek glasses
Confessions of a Shopaholic 2009 movie starring Isla Fisher & Hugh Dancy, directed by PJ Hogan.
Plot: Addicted to shopping and seriously in debt, Rebecca (Fisher), accidentally lands a job at a financial magazine giving advice that she doesn’t follow herself. Based on book of same name.
Geek Gal says: Formulaic romantic comedy. I normally love seeing Isla Fisher in things, but she plays Rebecca waaaaay too over the top. Creepy moving/talking mannequins keep popping up throughout the movie. Joan Cusack and John Goodman plays wonderful parents and the scenes with them are highlights in the film.
Verdict: Forget this movie and rent The Proposal. 2 out of 5 geek glasses
Taken released in 2009, starring Liam Neeson & Maggie Grace, directed by Pierre Morel.
Plot: While on vacation a former spy’s daughter gets kidnapped and he fights to get her back.
Geek Gal says: Co-written by one of my faves, Luc Besson, this movie is to the point and doesn’t fall into the American preconceptions of what *has* to be in a movie. The running time is 93 minutes and no time is wasted. Even though Neeson isn’t typically cast as an action hero, he REALLY kicks butt in the film, and might be a good replacement for the aging Harrison Ford.
Verdict: Almost worth buying, but ultimately not rewatchable. TOTALLY Rent it. 4.75 out of 5 geek glasses
Public Enemies 2009 movie starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Billy Crudup directed by Michael Mann
Plot: It’s 1933 and John Dillinger is being targeted by G-men who’ve named him public enemy #1.
Geek Gal says: The costumes are amazing in the film, and if they aren’t nominated for an Oscar for costuming I think the Academy is blind! Only small problem I had was with some of how the film was technically shot. Many scenes had a “handheld” motion quality that made the film seem claustrophobic at times. It would’ve been better using a stationary camera, in my opinion. Depp blows away all of the other actors, including Bale, who plays a character named Melvin Purvis. If you love bio-pics or 1930’s gangster films, this is one to see.
Verdict: Buy it! (Especially if you’re a Depp fan) 4.75 out of 5 geek glasses
That’s it for now!
–Shannon
Crappy Week
Nov 9th
Cons for last week:
1. Pulled something in back, had to go to Doctor.
2. Had said Doctor look at 2 spots on my face, he said 50/50 was early skin cancer.
3. Got flu shot, but had to go to grocery store since said Doctor was out. $30
Pros for last week:
1. Got muscle relaxers, so back feels a bit better.
2. Decided to start eating healthier, and exercising more to ward off any further “cancer” scares.
3. Played WoW again, got my mind off my health issues for awhile. 
Here’s hoping that this week will be better!
Left 4 Dead 2
Oct 17th
So last night we went over to my sister’s house to play Left 4 Dead 2 on the XBox. My bro-in-law works for Valve and had an actual copy of the XBox game that doesn’t come out until 11/17/09. We played through the whole Dark Carnival level…the concert at the end is AWESOOOOME! We played a bit through Swamp Fever, and then my dramamine wore off. Gotta say I’m VERY excited to play L4D2. The levels are gorgeous, and longer than before! The sounds are creepier..the Jockey sounds like a horse!
My great achievement of the night? Taking out the Witch with an explosive round…oh yeah!
I am one of those people who’ve had motion sickness problems since childhood. It really sucks that video games have gotten so good as to through my natural balance off. So…I have to take dramamine or some other meds to fake my balance out. FPSs are hell on me.
I’d better stock up on meds before L4D2 comes out!
Other games I have problems with:
Bioshock
HALO
Half-life 1 & 2
Portal (to the extreme urpy)
Two Worlds
Oblivion
and soooo many others…
We’ll talk more about L4D2 on our 10/22/09 podcast during our geek week!
The midwest right here in Ballard!
Oct 13th
Since Matt spent most of his day trying to fix the website that he upgraded without meaning to, he didn’t have time to make dinner before I got home.
We wanted to go to the gym tonight, we haven’t been in sooo very long… So we decided to grab a quick dinner before working out. Zayda Buddy’s is a Minnesota style bar and pizza joint. You can get Velveeta on your burger, drink Hamm’s or Schmidt’s Animal Beer, and eat fried cheese curds.
I had a personal pizza, and Matt had the Mac N Cheese (which I swear had a little Velveeta in it), and we were blown away by how the food was. Obviously, ZB’s is a “Comfort Food” joint, and it doesn’t disappoint. We’re vegetarians and could have easily had a veggie burger, or various veggie dishes to eat there.
We’ll be back to try some Leinenkugel’s Beer and more pizza!
Monday Night Football, no really!
Oct 12th
Matt works all day on Mondays, so I thought that I would go off to The Ram Brewery for dinner by myself. They have a great Happy Hour menu and their beer is good, plus they’re at the mall near my work, and I had to run some errands at said mall.
I’m not a sports watcher, I mean, I’ll watch sumo, but not normal “sports” like baseball, basketball, or football. However, when I’ve had 2 beers and am in the company of an entire bar full of sports watchers, I seem to morph. I could care less for either the Miami Dolphins or the NY Jets, but I was captivated by the HD show. Not sure why so many Seattle-ites were also at the Ram bar watching and cheering for the teams.
Kinda makes me yearn for the times my Dad and I sat watching football on the weekends when I was in Jr. High. Matt is not a sports fanatic, so no hope there. Oh well, maybe sometime I’ll go spend a Sunday afternoon with my Dad drinking beer and rooting for a football team!
Sigh…bye bye Monday!
First Norwescon meeting!
Oct 10th
Just got back from my first organizational meeting for Norwescon 33. I’m the Horror Track Lead, which means I’ll be coming up with content for horror panels at Norwescon. I thought I might have a sort of “pitch meeting” so I was all prepared to go in swinging. Apparently, I come up with names of people to invite first, THEN come up with panel ideas… I was overprepared. Now I need to back pedal a bit.
I also kinda roped Matt into helping, he’s got a “Pro Suite Coordinator” title now. Essentially gets to hang out with the pros all 3 nights from 9p-12a as a sort of liason/schmoozer. Sounds fun! Plus we’ll be able to hand out business cards for the podcast!
If you don’t know about Norwescon, please check it out!
–GeekGal
Welcome!
Oct 10th
Hey there! As if I didn’t need more to do, I thought I’d start up my own Geek Gal blog.
Are you a geek gut trying to get a geek gal of your own? Are you a geek gal and want some suggestions on being MORE of a geek?
ASK AWAY!
You can also email me at askageekgal@gmail.com!
–Shannon
