Movied: 'Public Enemies' and 'Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'

Hollywood’s giving us something for the grown-ups as well as the kiddies this weekend with the release of Michael Mann’s Public Enemies and the third Ice Age installment, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Here’s the mini-stack of movies I’ll be watching this week:

Public Enemies

More of Michael Mann

The Insider – By far my favorite Mann film, The Insider takes an interesting look into the tobacco industry that no one had really seen before this film (and probably acted as a jumping point for anti-tobacco organizations like Truth). Russell Crowe and Al Pacino play beautifully off one another, making the film really intense throughout.

Manhunter – This was the first Mann film that I saw, and despite a “meh” performance from William Petersen (better known as Gil Grissom from “CSI”), I absolutely fell in love with Mann’s style. The dark tones, combined with blues and reds (especially toward the end), really play up the symbolism in the plot itself. It’s a great watch.


Featuring Johnny Depp

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Who doesn’t love Depp in this movie? Honestly? I know I do. He’s a wacky character who portrays Hunter S. Thompson AKA Raoul Duke perfectly (then again, if you lived with the guy for a while, I’m sure you could catch on quickly). It’s pure imagination on director Terry Gilliam’s end and it’s beautiful.

Blow – This is one of my favorite performances from Depp. He plays a bone-chillingly good drug dealer, who at parts made me feel ridiculous uncomfortable, which is matched by the rest of the cast (particularly Ray Liotta and Paul Reubens). While it’s not a story we haven’t seen before, it’s still an enjoyable watch.


Wildcard

Sleepers – Public Enemies actor Billy Crudup stars in Sleepers, about a group of boys who pull a prank that lands them in a detention center where they are brutalized. It’s a heartbreaking yet justifying film that doesn’t get enough credit. Plus, the cast is incredible: Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt, Kevin Bacon, Dustin Hoffman and more.



Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Starring Simon Pegg

Hot Fuzz – I was never really into cop movies, particularly buddy cop movies, but this is just perfection to me. It paid homage to a lot of greats while still maintaining a unique storyline in itself. The editing and cinematography are beautiful, and you couldn’t ask for a better team with Pegg and Nick Frost.

Shaun of the Dead – Ah yes, the movie that started my obsession with these three: Pegg, Frost and Edgar Wright. Not only do they know how to write a script, but they do it superbly and in the end made one of my all-time favorite movies (or horror movies). It’s great for those who love zombies and for those who are just starting out.


Dinosaurs!

The Land Before Time – Despite having 13 sequels (I kid you not), this is the only one that really matters. I don’t know a single kid who didn’t love this movie as a kid, despite being scared of the T-Rex. It made me laugh and cry, being one of the first movies to really connect me to a group of characters. It’s still awesome.

“Dinosaurs” – Watching this as a pre-teen was SUCH a bad idea (because it’s pervy as hell), but years later I really began to appreciate it. It has great jokes that are easily disguised in case kids are around, and one can’t help but laugh hard every time Baby’s on screen. NOT DA MAMMA!


Wildcard

95 Miles to Go – This is not something to watch if you already find Ray Romano annoying. However, for those who find him relatively amusing, this will be gold for you. It’s a documentary about Romano and a friend going on a small stand-up tour and you find out just how truly neurotic Romano is. It’s hilarious.