Recently in Matthew McConaughey Category

Directed by Matt Waters. Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Michael Douglas, Emma Stone, Breckin Meyer, Robert Forster, Anne Archer. Romantic Comedy. Synopsis: A successful and womazing fashion photographer returns home for his younger brother's wedding and meets up with an old flame. Upon making his disdain for the institution of marriage very clear at the rehearsal dinner, he is visited by the ghost of his playboy uncle and, thereafter, the ghosts of previous girlfriends. 

There is a reason good stories get told over and over. Its because they are good. Seems obvious, huh? Well, of course it is. We're talking movies, here, not rocket science. Most of us born or living in any part of the second half of the 20th cenury into this century have seen countless takeoffs or adaptations of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol (a novel that is close to two hundred years old, by the way) and the reason we have is because the story is good, compelling, and real on so many levels it became timeless.

So, why not an adaptation that takes the lessons of a Holiday out of it, replaces it with romance, and keeping the rest of the basic structure? O.k., by me, I'm always up for something new. So, you basically know the premise of the story before you even watch one second of it, plus the fact that it stars McConaughey. (No, I'm not accusing him of always playing the same type of character, if not role, since Amistad. I'm not...really. I'm just sayin')

Now that we've established that we all know how this one is going to play out before we even pick it up, the next question we need to grapple with is the age old mystery: Will I enjoy it?

I believe you will.

Why, you might ask?

Because I did, and I'm generally unsympathetic to romantic comedies as a genre. (Talk about formulaic and seeing nothing new) For reasons I can't adequately explain, even to myself, I really like McConaughey and generally enjoy his movies. For reasons that should be obvious to all when I state that I am red blooded male, I also like Jennifer Garner.

The story plays out like you know it would, beginning with a glimpse into the sexy, successful, and ultimately empty life of one Connor Mead (McConaughey Two For The Money) who juggles aspiring super model girlfriends with his aspiring super model flings and one night stands. And, to be honest, he seems to be having the time of his life. The first few minutes of the film, alone, give us enough laughs to justify the "comedy" in romantic comedy. 

Soon, Connor is off to the wedding of his little bro, Paul (Breckin Meyer) who is the polar opposite of Connor in that he wants to settle down with one woman. But, not all are awaiting Connor's arrival with bated breath. Those would include a number of the bridesmaids and Paul's slightly neurotic intended (Lacey Chabert), not to mention Jenny (Jennifer Garner), whom has known Connor since childhood, has experienced his "love 'em and leave 'em" ways up close and personal and is (HUGE SURPRISE!!!) the true love of his life.

Well, you put all those ingredients in the bowl, throw in some pre-wedding frivolity, add a little champagne, and you're going to get an interesting soup. As if our main characters are not interesting enough, the divorced parents of the bride, the sultry Anne Archer (Narrow Margin End Game) -herself a recipient of Connor's advances-and the father (Robert Forster Jackie Brown) add some serious spice and laughs to the flick. Especially Forster's character, the epitome of the stereotypical combat vet who is very reluctant to accept that the war is over.

But, my favorite character, and I bet your's too, is Uncle Wayne (Michael Douglas The Sentinel ) playing the Jacob Marley role as Connor's deceased uncle, who did raise Connor and Paul but also taught Connor his playing-the-field ways. Douglas, whom I've always thought brings a tinge of comedy to his dramatic roles, is simply hilarious and, to use a cliche, steals the show. 

We all know that romantic flicks don't work ultimately unless there is believable chemistry and empathy between the two lovebirds and Garner and McConaughey have that here. So, it woks well, largely because its hard for this story not to work if its acted well. And, it was. 

So, my verdict is predictable. You'll like it if you like the Dicken's story, romantic comedies in general, or Jennifer Garner. If you're a McConaughey or Douglas fan, I'd say its must see. 

Directed by McG. Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Matthew Fox, David Strathairn, Anthony Mackie, Ian McShane, Kimberley Williams, Robert Patrick. Drama/Historical/Sports Synopsis: A drama based on the true story of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team that was devastated by a tragic plane crash in November of 1970, tracing its resurrection as a school, team, and town through the eyes of the school president and new coach that began the rebirth of the football program.

For the first time since I wore a younger man's clothes and waited in line for over an hour in the Boston chill to gain a seat to Beverly Hills Cop , I treated myself to a big budget Hollywood movie on its opening night nationwide...and the funny thing is, I didn't intend to. Its just that Rocky Balboa was surprisingly sold out, even at the final showing on a dull Friday night in a mid sized town in a mid sized state in fly-over- country three days after its release. You see, I avoid opening night for some theater movies because I like to stretch out in the theater. Anyway, my next big surprise was that We Are Marshall was not sold out, or even close to it on its opening night. In fact, there were only a handful of people.

That's too bad, because this one should have been sold out, folks.

Many of you, particularly if you are college football fans, have heard of the devastating plane crash carrying almost the entire Marshall team, coaching staff, and boosters from the area (Huntington, W.VA). It's mentioned, even just in passing, almost every time the now successful Marshall football team plays on ESPN and, of course, every time there is a tragedy involving a sports team in travel, such as the Oklahoma St. basketball plane that crashed a few years ago.

But, many of us, like me, did not know the complete, real story and this film does an excellent job of telling it, entertaining us, tugging on our heart strings and even making us laugh once in a while. No mean feat when you're dealing with such a terrible topic.

The film starts on the afternoon of Nov. 14, 1970, as the Marshall team drops a heartbreaker on the road at East Carolina. You will first notice that the film is pretty to see, beautifully shot, and those of us old enough to remember even a little bit of that era will appreciate the authenticity of the '70's feel. We are quickly introduced to the team and coach, whom the movie smartly assumes that we as viewers know are doomed. There is not much time to get to know them individually in the film, but enough time is spent in a quality way to let us know that these young men-save the afros, long hair, plaid pants, bushy sideburns, et\.- were no different than the guys you knew in college: whether that was the 50', 60's, 80's (my college time), 90's, right now or in the future. Full of life, mischief, dreams. Yes, we empathize, and with no sentimental overkill. 

The crash scene is well filmed, not exploitive in any way, but you will feel the immediate loss and tragedy. I think McG deserves special kudos for this scene, particularly knowing that this film would premiere in Huntington.

Just that quickly, the film changes which is an excellent metaphor. We are introduced to the main characters: the new coach ( Matthew McConaughey Failure to Launch, Two for the Money); the school president (David Stratharin Missing in America ); the bitter father of one of the deceased players (Ian McShane Deadwood) ; and the returning team captain who was not on the flight due to an injury (Anthony Mackie Haven) .

The story follows the path from there that you would expect, which is no criticism considering this is a real life story that most will be familiar with before they see it. That does not mean it does not keep you involved, it does. McConaughey does a great job, despite the annoying speech pattern he employs for his character. He injects humor into the part without compromising on the tragedy and spirit of rebirth that goes on throughout the movie. I'm not a regular viewer of Deadwood, but I can see the hype about McShane, he is wonderful in this.

I'm a little surprised that this movie, evidently, did not do well in its early release in the theater, but don't let that fool you into thinking its not a darn good feel good flick. Because it is, and there is nothing wrong with that. 

Directed by Tom Dey. Starring Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Bates, Terry Bradshaw, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Barth, Bradley Cooper, Tyrell Jackson Williams. Romantic Comedy.  Synopsis: A successful business man in his late 30's has it going pretty well: making good money, dating a lot of nice young women, and living in a nice house. There is just one thing: he still lives with his parents and has no intention of moving out. His parents conspire with a professional dater, a woman who specializes in this type of thing, to get him out of their house for good.

Failure to Launch is the kind of cutesy romantic comedy that, generally, I am not real anxious to watch. Or so I thought. I wanted to give it a shot, since I like both of the two stars and I had heard some good things about it. I am glad to report that this film is not, surprisingly, the sickeningly sweet romantic comedy that you might think it is, nor is Tripp (Matthew McConaughey Two For The Money) portrayed as the complete loser that you might expect in a 35 year old living with his parents.

In truth, there are many legitimate reasons why one might live with a parent into their 30's (something that your humble blog writer did as well), and most times the parent is more than happy with the situation. In this flick, Tripp is a successful, mature guy who dates a lot and just doesn't see a compelling reason to move out of his parent's (Terry Bradshaw, Kathy Bates Misery) comfortable home.

In fact, a couple of Tripp's best buddies (Justin Barth, Bradley Cooper) are also 30 somethings that live with their parents, so there is not even the peer pressure for Tripp to change up. Tripp's mom and dad love their son, but wouldn't mind it too much if he would just get out on his own and give them some space. 

Luckily for them, they find out about a professional dater, a woman who specializes in getting guys out of their parents home. Enter Sarah Jessica Parker (Spinning Into Butter) folks. Now, set aside the obvious question of how someone can make a living doing this, and you can appreciate that she is good at her job and dedicated to it as well.

Of course, we know that they are going to fall in love, but the good thing about this movie is that it keeps the story interesting along the way and the expected funny scenes, although not fresh or innovative, are still funny. Matthew McConaughey is the kind of pretty boy actor that guys can love, largely because of his "I know I'm getting over but I love it and I'm not sorry" attitude. Sarah Jessica Parker is wonderful with her comedic timing and talent, as always, and I really like her roommate in this one (Zooey Deschanel) who is the polar opposite of Parker, but manages to steal most of the scenes she is in.

Terry Bradshaw is hilarious as Tripp's dad, he is a natural at the comedy thing, as those of us who watch him during the NFL season already knew. Sure, I could have done without the nude backside scene, but it is amusing in the context of the film. One of the more tender things that will appeal to many in this movie is Tripp's relationship with his "nephew" (Tyrell Jackson Williams), who we find out late in the film is related to a woman that the ever-playing-the-field Tripp actually wanted to marry.

My biggest complaint about the movie is that the most accomplished and, arguably, most talented, member of the cast didn't have enough to do. To me, when you have Kathy Bates in your cast, you have to make her the focal point of a few scenes, at the very least. But, this is minor in light of the overall movie. This flick delivers just what you think, a neat film with some touching moments and a lot of laughs. Nothing for the ages, nothing that we are going to be talking about on the next Oscar night. But, a good time and a good rental or even purchase. And, when you get right down to it, I can't really expect more than that, can I?     

Directed by D.J. Caruso. Starring Al Pacino, Matthew McConaughey, Rene Russo, Armand Assante, Jeremy Piven, Jamie King. Synopsis: A small time football handicapper, and injured former college football QB, gets  recruited to New York City by the owner of a highly touted sports tout service to be its new Golden Boy. While there, he is faced with fickle nature of his success in his profession and the riches it brings him. Drama.

This movie literally called out to me. Consider this: I'm a huge sports fan, a huge Al Pacino fan, like MCounaughey and Russo, and love to bet (legally) on sports. There was absolutely zero chance that I was not going to see this flick. Of course, when you look so forward to seeing any particular movie, no matter what the reason, the potential for the disappointment factor rockets up quite a bit.

Two for the Money is no disappointment, folks. The topic of sports gambling is, in my opinion, just the backdrop of this film as its really about naked ambition, the price of huge success, and dealing with personal demons. The movie is inspired by a true story, and don't get me wrong, there is enough there to satisfy those that want to see a sports movie, the gambling element and the dialogue are righteous, you will really believe these guys are in the business if you have ever dabbled in sports betting off shore or in Vegas, but saying this movie is about sports or sports betting is, to me, like saying General Hospital was about the medical profession. Not really.

Brandon Lang (McConaughey Failure To Launch, Amistad) is a college QB who lives for sports and his football career until he suffers a major knee injury that shatters his professional football dreams, not that he gives up easily, keeping himself in shape and begging anyone and everyone for a tryout. (There is a wonderful line in these opening minutes as McConaughey narrates that goes something like this "And, it didn't take long, but one day six years had passed..." Some of us know exactly how true that can be) Anyway, in addition to keeping shape, Brandon needs money to help his struggling family and has a collection of Las Vegas style jobs, working for 900 numbers and such, when it becomes apparent that he has a real talent for making sports picks.

One day, out of the blue, he gets an inviting offer from Walter Abrams (Pacino The Devil's Advocate, Cruising) who runs a highly successful sports touting service for gamblers and wants to give Brandon a shot. You know what comes next, the wide eyed, yet confident, young guy going to the Big Apple for the first time, awed by the plush Manhattan surroundings and the opportunity, not to mention smitten-a little bit-with the big man's wife (Russo Get Shorty, Ransom).

Abrams transforms Brandon into a smooth talking, telegenic, gem of a sports touter called John Anthony, and, initially, Brandon, more than earns his keep. But, as those of us who gamble on anything will know, losses are inevitable in the long run, and the clients are paying Brandon and Walter for the false hope of a sure thing. The clients are serious, big money players who don't pay for losing advice, such as the superrich client in San Juan (Armand Assante Q & A) who bet a million a game and expect to win.

The heart of the story is the relationship between Abrams and Brandon, moving between friends, to mentor-protege, to competitors, to nemesis and back again. Pacino, of course, is wonderful, stealing the screen with his manic portrayal of Abrams, a man who has made a mint and seems determined to lose it all, the former gambling addict who has stopped but now runs a tout service, a man who obviously has an eye for young ladies, but is maniacally faithful and devoted to his wife and daughter. Its hard for any actor to not disappear on screen next to Pacino, but McConaughey does well here, again realizing that his character is supposed to be a little intimidated by Abrams.

Russo is, as we know, good enough to carry the story herself, but does not have to here, but does well as the epitome of middle age beauty and class, even though she is playing a recovering drug addict.

Also, there are two real good supporting performances, one from Jeremy Piven as the displaced favorite of Walter when Brandon arrives, another by Assante as the filthy rich bettor. Jaime King (Sin City) makes an appearance as Brandon's main object of desire ( I did not say "affection") and succeeds, but she had little to do in the way of advancing the story or showing her considerable acting talent. She was there for eye candy and it worked.

Overall, Two for the Money, is an entertaining movie that does not break any new ground, but good movies do not have to, in my book. Pacino, alone, is worth this movie, and the story is good as well, though I would have liked a little more originality in the ending. There are some very good and interesting special features for those who pick this up on DVD.

A good flick that makes it to my favorites.

For what that is worth.