Movie Roundup

Despite the fact that recently our lives have been full of yardwork, traveling, and weddings, Megan and I have had a little time to kick back a catch a few movies. Now, if it were up to me, I would have seen a lot more movies this season, but unfortunately our lives and how we live them are governed by things like money and time. That said, Megan and I tend to be much more particular these days about what we see at the cineplex, so it's been a while since we've seen any stinkers. In the past, for example, we might have taken a chance on M. Night Shyamalan's Lady In The Water, which because of utterly horrendous reviews got relegated to rental status. And even though there are movies that we really want to see that slip through the cracks, everything we end up seeing proves to be worthwhile.

So what have we seen recently? Well, let's start with The Departed. The Departed is Martin Scorsese's latest crime drama. It's premise intrigued me ever since I heard of it in it's original Hong Kong incarnation Infernal Affairs, which is taking the idea of an undercover cop infiltrating the mob and flipping it. Which is to say, you still get Leonardo DiCaprio getting Donnie Brasco on Jack Nicholson's crime family, but you also get Matt Damon going undercover for Nicholson into Martin Sheen's police operation. It's a genius idea that provides for unbelievable tension throughout the film. The direction by Scorsese is top-notch as always, and he proves once again that when it comes to crime drama, he's tough to beat. Not only that, but as fans of Scorsese's work know, he gives the actors room to do their thing. And they do not disappoint. Matt Damon is great in his turn as he makes his despicable character sympathetic, which is good since half of the movie centers on him. DiCaprio is astounding as well, giving his best performance since What's Eating Gilbert Grape? as a cop in over his head who's constantly on the verge of a complete breakdown. Scorsese, if you recall, had DiCaprio go undercover into a gang once before in Gangs of New York with mixed results. This time, DiCaprio knocks it out of the park. Scorsese gets solid performances out of the rest of cast as well, including Sheen as DiCaprio's surrogate father, Alec Baldwin as a pretty hilarious FBI agent, Vera Farmiga as a conflicted police shrink, and a surprising Mark Wahlberg as smartass cop. The best trick Scorsese pulled off though, is definitely reigning in Nicholson. After watching the trailers I was a little worried that we'd get Jack being a little too, well, Jack. There are still a couple of scenes where he starts to go off the rails, but Scorsese never lets him ruin the moment, or for that matter, the movie. If you're looking for a bit of light escapism during this holiday season I'd look elsewhere, though, because this movie is pretty heavy. But if you're in the mood for a terrific, character-driven ensemble piece that keeps you bolted to your seat, you won't find a better pick this season.

And if you like your movies dark, I'd also highly recommend The Prestige. I don't know how many of you saw the trailers for this movie, but I really think they could have done a better job of marketing it. The trailers make it look almost like a horror movie, but it's not. It is, however, horrifying in it's own way, depicting the lengths people will go for recognition, envy, and revenge. Did I mention it's brilliant? Seriously, this movie brings the goods. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised, as it's directed by Christopher Nolan, who has yet to direct a bad film. The movie is based on a book of the same name by Christopher Priest and the story centers on two rival stage magicians played terrifically by Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale (or Wolverine and Batman, if you prefer) who become caught in a game of one-upmanship that turns deadly. I've read a couple of reviews for the film that were fairly negative, because they found the two rivals unlikable. I can see where they're coming from, but I felt that both character's motivations were compelling and interesting. Jackman and Bale were able to infuse them with more than enough humanity and sympathy, with Bale, especially, giving another in a string of rock-solid performances. The supporting cast, which features Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, and Piper Perabo, are all great as well. As I said, the characters are compelling and definitely keep you invested in the film, but the real reason to see it is Nolan's deft direction. He conducts the movie like a magician pulling off a great trick, complete with a bit of slight of hand and misdirection. The result is pure magic. And like all great tricks, you'll want to see this one again.

For somewhat lighter fair, I'd recommend Stranger Than Fiction. I say somewhat lighter, since although this movie is a comedy that stars Will Ferrell, it's not exactly what I would call "light" as it deals with impending death. The movie stars Will Farrell as a IRS agent who discovers that his life is not of his own making, rather he is a character whose life is being written by an author played by the great Emma Thompson. At first Ferrell is moderately concerned when he starts hearing Thompson's voice narrating his inner thoughts and actions, but becomes scared for his life when he learns that he is about to be killed off. Ferrell enlists the help of an English professor to help him figure out not only who's writing his story, but what type of story it is. Along the way, Ferrell decides to become more of the person he always wanted to be and even falls in love with a baker played by Maggie Gyllenhaal who he's auditing. The movie is pretty meta, but it's easy to follow and it's a pretty genius idea that plays to the paranoid schizophrenic in all of us. Plus, it's sweet without ever being saccharine and, on top of all of that, it's pretty darn funny. Just don't go expecting to see Ferrell hamming it up Ron Burgundy-style; he's dialed down here and gives an earnest and warm performance. So, if you're looking for a romantic comedy that's actually a good movie, this one's for you.

Our final stop on the movie roundup is for those of us that like our movies shaken, not stirred. I'm talking, of course, of the latest James Bond flick, Casino Royale. A lot has been made of this movie being a reboot for the James Bond franchise, much in the way Batman Begins was for the Batman franchise. With Casino Royale, we not only get a new Bond as played by Daniel Craig, but a Bond who is new to being a Double 0 agent. It's a move made, along with de-gadgeting Bond, to make him more fallible, and in turn, more believable. And it works like a charm. Now, I grew up watching Bond movies, and loved them all as a kid. As I grew up, and they continued making the movies, I found myself feeling less and less attraction to them. I wanted to like them, but the last one I actually saw in the theatre was Tomorrow Never Dies (which sucked), and the last one I actually enjoyed was Goldeneye (which, to be honest, wasn't that great of a movie). Casino Royale has me back on board. Not only is it the best Bond movie ever made (with the possible exception of Goldfinger), it's the first to actually be what can be considered a good movie (with the possible exception of Goldfinger). And a lot of the credit has to got Craig. Daniel Craig is magnificent as Bond. First off, his Bond, despite still being suave and debonair, is the first one to be imposing in a way that you know just by looking at him that he could kill you. With his bare hands if need be. Can you say that about any other Bond? Does anyone believe than Roger Moore could handle himself in a fist fight? Second, his Bond is a broken man. For the first time you get a glimpse of how messed up you'd have to be to actually be James Bond and to do what he does. That's not to say that movie doesn't have it's problems, it does, but overall it's pretty much everything you like about James Bond movies with pretty much none of the stuff you hate about James Bond movies. The took a major step in the right direction here, and as long as the keep going, I'll keep buying tickets.

Well, that's all on the movie front for now. Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to catch a couple more flicks this season as there are quite a few that I'm dying to see. Until then, I guess I'll actually have to come up with something meaningful to write about...

Introducing The McSchwiegers

The last event in the Thom Theme Park/Wedding Tour (or TTPWT for short) was Katie and Josh's wedding. I'm sure that a lot of people would think that after our trip down South, Megan and I would want nothing more than to stay at home and relax. Normally, that would probably be true, but in this case, it couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact we were both looking forward to this wedding quite a bit.

The reasons we were both so excited are legion, so in the interest of me actually trying to keep this post shorter than a small novel, I'll just focus on the major ones. The first is that it was almost guaranteed to be a good time. So many of our close friends that we have back here in Omaha were going to be there that it would be nearly impossible not to have fun. Second, we've been looking forward to this wedding for a loooooooooooong time. Seriously, it was a long time coming. Take it from someone who dated the same girl off and on from 1995 to 2002 before finally getting hitched. I have a special affinity for these two, as they were the only couple that I knew that dated longer before getting married (for which they'll also always have my gratitude, since they took some of the heat off). I know it sounds like I'm giving them shit here, and maybe I am just a little bit, but I also know from experience that everything has it's time and place. I know that Megan and I could not have gotten married any sooner. We just weren't ready. Knowing that, and seeing that Katie and Josh are actually married now, I should probably stop teasing them about it, but I just couldn't help one last dig. Which brings us to the final reason we were looking forward to the wedding, which quite simply, is that it was Katie and Josh. I mean, who wouldn't be excited to see them get married? Yeah, yeah, people who don't actually know them, sure, but people that do know them? I'd be willing to bet that there aren't any out there (and if there are, let me know and I'll go straighten the out). Katie and Josh have become two of my favorite people, and like all of Megan's former high school friends and their partners that I have gotten to know better since getting married, I am extremely grateful for their friendship. I couldn't have been happier to see them tie the knot.

Anyhow, not only did we get invited to the wedding, Megan and I both were asked to take part in it. Megan was asked to be a bridesmaid and I got be an usher. I was, of course, honored, but was a little disappointed when I found out that being an usher had nothing to with Usher, as I had originally thought. I had already bought some new shades and was working on my rendition of "My Boo," when I found out that I would simply be escorting people to their seats. Which ended up being sort of blessing in disguise, since I hadn't yet found anyone to sing the Alicia Keys' part of the song. And at least I would get to wear a tux and hopefully not make an ass out of myself like I had the previous week. You see, being an usher meant that I could still look dapper and just hang back and not have to worry about how to enter the sanctuary, because I would be one of the first ones in there.

Being part of the wedding party had other benefits as well. Top of the list? Good food. The rehearsal dinner was at Lo Sole Mio, the best Italian joint in town, if not one of the best restaurants in town period. Dinner was a raucous affair, full of a bit of roasting of the couple as well as a couple of very moving toasts and a video slideshow that was head and shoulders above mine and Megan's. The only awkward moment (for me at least) was when I got carded at the bar. The bartender didn't think I matched the picture on my ID and I spent several minutes convincing her it was me. I even had to take off my glasses, show her my wedding band, and tell her that I had been married for almost 5 years before she would serve me. I had more trouble getting a drink than I had getting in and out of the country on our honeymoon! Anyhow, the food was delicious and the evening was great.

But the great food and didn't stop there. The next morning I met the rest of the guys in the wedding party at the Market Basket for breakfast. Having never been to the Market Basket, and not being a huge french toast fan, I took a gamble and ordered the Normandy Toast, which turned out to be the best french toast I ever had in my life. It was almost worth the wait. I say almost because our entire party ordered their food by 10:30 and it didn't start showing up at our table until 11:45. Since we were supposed to be at the church no later than 12:30 for pictures, and none of us came dressed in our tuxes, we were not pleased. A couple of guys had to cancel their orders and take off and I thought Mike Thomsen was going to hurt somebody when his order showed up and was not what he was expecting to say the least. I thought Josh was going have a heart attack. I ate my food in record time, which severely diminished my ability to enjoy it and I left vowing never to return to the Market Basket. To be fair, they've now earned a reprieve as they sent Josh a $100 gift certificate to make it right. And thanks in large part to some GTA-style driving by ace driver Jeff Cowman we were able to arrive at the church before too late and had more than enough time for pictures. My only concern was that this was not a precursor for the rest of the day.

My concerns proved to be unfounded as the wedding went off without a hitch. I was particularly impressed by how none of the groomsmen looked lost, as they were able to escort the bridesmaids down the aisle and didn't have to enter from a side door. Good plan. Katie was one of the most radiant brides I have ever seen. The bridesmaids, for their part, were all beautiful as well, especially Megan Thom. After taking one look at her, let me tell you, I knew which bridesmaid I'd be sleeping with! (Hey now! Before you get any ideas, she's a married woman! Besides we were sharing a room downtown with another couple, so get your minds out of the gutter.) And as far as ushering goes, my fellow ushers and I kicked it's ass. Let me tell you, we ushered like no one has ushered before. So, if you're thinking about having me in your wedding, I make a better usher than a groomsman. That is, unless I'm the Best Man. Just ask Zach or Max. Better yet, just ask Max. Better yet, I make a better usher...

The rest of the night is a blur. There were limo rides, more pictures, champaign, food, dancing, and post-reception drinking. Everyone I know had a great time. Plus, I got to sleep with a bridesmaid! How much better can you get? It was truly a wonderful way to end our wedding escapades which were beginning to make us feel a bit like Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. We both wish Katie and Josh all the best and look forward to our next round of weddings next year. In the meantime, Megan and I will be taking a break from the wedding circuit. Until then I guess I'll have to post about other stuff. Maybe Megan and I should take another vacation...