Nerd City has moved!

Come see the all-new Nerd City at www.nerdcityusa.com.

Sydney Brown’s Sixty Seconds

Well, it's that time again, and provided the rapture didn't hit (6/6/06), I'm Sydney Brown with another edition of Sixty Seconds. And man, if the rapture DID hit, well then, boy is my face red. That's what I get for mocking Satan and his minions.

No crazy intro this time, I really got some goodies for you. Of course, then again, I try to. I don't want to waste your time- which any sentence in this paragraph after this will do. So…..

Capote (2005) Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, ***

Fact-based film about Truman Capote's research for his 1960's book In Cold Blood, in which two drifters murdered an entire family. Hoffman gives a great performance, (Oscar winning), and the subject matter is fascinating. Capote's research drawing him so close to the killers that he almost sympathizes with their plight sounds like a great film idea, but in all honesty, Capote is such a self-centered egoist, it's often difficult to know when he's actually caring about his subjects and when he's "playing for the camera," (which appears to be a non-stop problem for him.) A very good film, but not quite what I would call great, though it is certainly recommended.

George Washington (2000) ***

Slow-moving, yet realistic-feeling film about poor children in the South, and a terrible accident that occurs over their summer vacation. Difficult film to describe, and possibly even moreso to appreciate. (I'll admit, much of it went over my head.) Key character is a young boy whose skull never quite fused together and must always wear a helmet, and the lengths to which he goes to help others in need. Some great dialogue makes up for some of the slower passages. Definitely not for all tastes.

The Shape of Things (2003) Paul Rudd, Rachel Weisz **

Disappointing Neil LaBute stage-play-turned-film about a female artist falling in love with a nerdy museum worker. Two problems hinder the film: too much stilted pop-culture dialogue that just sounds like off-off-Broadway schtick, and a "twist" ending that all but gives itself away an hour into the movie. Rudd gives a great performance and there's a terrific scene between him and Gretchen Mol, but the message and point of the film is a waste of one's time, (which, in essence, could be the point.) Film DOES, however, contain perhaps the most ridiculous pratfall in recent cinema history.

Gates of Heaven (1980) ***½

Wonderful and quirky documentary about pet cemeteries in California. What's astonishing is how captivating so much of the film is, despite much of it having little, if anything, to do with cemetaries. If anything, the film is more about the American dream, the afterlife, and our relationships with each other. An old lady in the span of five minutes steals the entire film with a brilliant rambling monologue that couldn't be anything but off-the-cuff in what is quite possibly one of the greatest scenes I have ever seen. Emotionally touching, strangely funny, and quite brilliant. Documentary debut of Oscar-winning director Errol Morris.

Modern Romance (1981) **** Albert Brooks

Easily one of the greatest films I've ever seen, Albert Brooks pretty much explains why neurotic people can never be happy as he spends the entire film breaking up with and getting back together with his girlfriend. Countless classic scenes ranging from Brooks' rebound date to an infamous sequence involving a George Kennedy movie to the greatest Harlem Globetrotter cameo ever to the Incredible Hulk's footsteps. If you've ever been even the SLIGHTEST bit neurotic, this is an absolute MUST-SEE. One of my 10 all-time favorite films.

Yeah, I'm building up Modern Romance big time. I say that because if you ever see the DVD cover, you'll think I'm a lunatic for thinking so highly of it.

That's all. Back with more, I don't know, maybe in a month? Maybe?

Sydney Brown’s Sixty Seconds

Back once again with more of what you should, and MOST DEFINITELY, should see. Not the most thrilling intro I know, but I’m on a deadline, what do you people WANT from me?

Oh sure, I know I’ve had a month to write these. Sure, Sydney, you’re thinking, you’ve had to watch what, FIVE movies, and now because you procrastinated, now you want us to give you a pass on your lousy intro? Hell, you don’t even write FULL reviews. I’ve seen longer reviews when I read the Weekly Reader back in school. Hell, look at you now, switching from first to second person in mid-stream like this. You think we’d let you get away with this? You think just because you’re an internet columnist, you can break all sorts of literary rules just to save time? Just because you’re too lazy to hit the backspace button? Just because the little red squiggly line only busts you for spelling, not poor grammatical choices? And to think, I had high hopes for you. I thought you’d be one of the good ones, the talented ones. And you try to pull a stunt like this, writing a nothing intro. No wonder you make a crummy first impression……..

And to those of you thinking that, I say……..

That hurts.

A Sound of Thunder (2005) Ed Burns, Ben Kingsley *

Time-travel story with the age-old “what if you changed the past?” question. Horrible script and even worse special effects. Somewhat infamous in that the film producers ran out of money before completing the special effects leading to visuals that look more suited to a Playstation game than a movie. Laughable (almost MST3K-worthy) dialogue and Ben Kingsley sports what could possibly be the worst rug in recent memory. So bad it’s almost good, but also so bad it’s pretty bad.

Frances (1982) Jessica Lange, Sam Shepard ***

Docudrama based on the life of 40's actress Frances Farmer, a woman whose attitude and beliefs led her to be falsely (?) committed to a mental institution. Lange gives an amazing performance that is worth seeing on its own, but the film relies a little too heavily on the drama and less on the “docu.” Major character in the film never even existed and the controversial climax may also have been greatly exaggerated in real life. (Even Lange says there’s a 50/50 chance what happened at the film’s end never happened at all.) Recommended, though several scenes are very difficult to watch.

Junebug (2005) ***½

Small-town slice-of-life story about a man returning to his home with his new wife and his interactions (and lack thereof) of said family. Very much a dialogue-driven film with little in the way of plot, though Amy Adams as the pregnant sister-in-law STEALS the film with an amazing portrayal of both annoyance and sweetness. Don’t expect twists and turns and you’ll be fine. A movie that thrives on the little moments, it’s one that begs you to pay attention. If you’ve ever been to small town America, you’ll be hard pressed to not relate to some of it.

Manhattan (1979) Woody Allen, Diane Keaton ***

Woody Allen is a divorcee dating a teenage girl while falling in love with his best friend’s mistress. Visually stunning with a great Gershwin score. Oddly, it’s the plot (or somewhat lack thereof) that keeps it from being one of Allen’s best. Great dialogue and all, but truth be told, I found it difficult to relate to the characters or the situations. And the Allen-teenager scenes just seemed a little too icky. Not as good as his best films, and it’s rumored to be one of Allen’s own least liked films. But worth a look, I just didn’t see it as the masterpiece others did.

Living in Oblivion (1995) Steve Buscemi, Catherine Keener ***½

Hilarious film about making low budget films with the unique quirk in that in the entire film, only ONE take isn’t ruined by some outside element. Great script, great acting, and a complete movie-stealing sequence by actor-playing-an-actor James LeGros (as an egotistical stud rumored to be based on Brad Pitt.) If you’ve ever wanted to make a movie, this will show you exactly why you wouldn’t want to.

I’ll write an actual intro next time. I’ll even watch five films in under four weeks. Until next time.

-Sydney Brown

Sydney Brown’s Sixty Seconds

Well, it’s that time again. Welcome to the 2nd edition of Sydney Brown’s Sixty Seconds. I have nothing else to add. It’s just rude to not at least say hello. Well, maybe rude is a bit harsh…..impolite. It would be impolite. Here’s what I’ve been watching. And you should be too:

Jack Paar: As I Was Saying…… (1997) ****

Stunning documentary covering the TV career of one-time Tonight Show host Jack Paar, a brilliant yet egotistical man who never backed down from anything, and as such made his show a must-see affair. Tons of clips chronicling his career (including his infamous 1960 live quitting of the Tonight Show) demonstrates just what television could bring us, SHOULD bring us, and most likely will never bring us again.

Permanent Midnight (1998) Ben Stiller, Elizabeth Hurley ***

Harrowing fact-based tale of Jerry Stahl, a TV writer (most notably of ALF) who threw away his career, marriage, and family due to his addiction to heroin. Good film surrounded by great little scenes and shocking moments (the babysitting scene is especially uncomfortable.) Janeane Garofalo and Fred Willard have great cameos.

Strange Brew (1983) Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas ***

Cult film about the Canadian born McKenzie Brothers (a hit sketch from SCTV) and their travels to a beer company. Script has the balls to rip off Hamlet, and almost pulls it off. Script is ridiculous, unbelieveable, and quite stupid (much of the film has a “let’s just throw SOMETHING out there” feel.) But when Moranis and Thomas just riff off each other, there are moments of absolute brilliance. First ten minutes and last five are easily the best.

A History of Violence (2005) Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris ***½

Mortensen plays a small town diner owner who foils a robbery (a little too well) and suddenly finds himself the focus of a mob boss who may know a lot about his past. Great character study that questions what matters more: who a person was or who a person is. Very violent and some of the plot is a little too “actiony” but the acting is terrific. Infamous for earning William Hurt an Oscar nomination despite only appearing in one scene.

The Squid and the Whale (2005) Jeff Daniels, Laura Linney ****

Quite possibly the best film of 2005, director Noah Baumbach’s semi-autobiographical tale of his parents’ divorce and its effect on him and his younger brother. Daniels is the “too smart for everyone” father and Linney is the “free spirit” mother though it is MUCH more complicated than that. Sharp and crackling dialogue mixed with an almost realistic feel makes this an absolute MUST-SEE.