Amy's Movie Reviews

so, summer's here, that means the big guns have been drawn and the movies are big and loud. There are art house films out there as well, but sometimes they get lost. Here are a few reviews of some of the movies I've seen lately.

Art School Confidential (dir. Terry Zwigoff)- They had me at "from the director of Bad Santa". If you haven't seen Bad Santa do yourself a favor and check this one out. It's a hateful little gem of black comedy. Zwigoff is a director that follows his own path. He has directed documentaries and also heartfelt drama, but with this film and Bad Santa, it's obvious that his heart is with black comedy. There isn't really a plot here, but Zwigoff and writer Daniel Clowes have a huge bone to pick with art school and the people who go there. The film makes it known that talent is there, but will be destroyed by the staff and other students. The teachers are seen as failures, with the exception of Angelica Huston's art history professor who it is made clear isn't a painter trying to cash a paycheck. There was a lot of humor, but it was aimed directly at the people who were watching the film. If you are not offended and want to laugh while choking down some bile then you should enjoy it.

Mission Impossible III (dir. JJ Abrams)- So, when I saw the trailer for this movie I wanted to see it, but I was conflicted. The conflict is in the fat that I love JJ Abrams' work on Felicity and Lost, but I hate Tom Cruise. So, I wasn't sure if I wanted to see it. However, my love of Abrams and many of the other actors won me over. And, what can I say. It was great. It was definitely the best of the bunch. That might be damning it with faint praise, but that's not what I mean. This film follows the TV much closer and has a lot of life and some great sequences. The acting is good, it is well directed, and the main bad guy is a Republican!!!! That's an Amy Patrick special. Don't let Tom Cruisazzy keep you from seeing this film. It is actually really good.

My TV Exploded!!!!

It's true. Your #1TV fan had her hubby's fancy flat screen pop and shut off. Right in the middle of The People's Court no less.
I turned it off and have been doing nutty things like cleaning, reading, and actually blogging since then. It's amazing what happens when you stop looking at a screen.
So, I am hopefully going to find out about the job I went to 2 interviews for. All of you out there, pray to your higher power for me. I really want this job.
If I don't get it, I already talked to a manager at West Elm. So, retail might be back in my future. I'm going to hit the bricks next week when I find out what is going on with my dream job.
And, lastly, my comedy career is finally hitting the mid-level. I am producing, along with my buddies Josh and Sim, a comedy show in Brooklyn. June 15th is the first night. $5 gets you some really great comedy. Come check us out. I need to feel like I have some kind of career!

Found this and Had to Post it.

http://www.mcsweeneys.net. They always have some great stories. I am copying a recent article they had up. As a comic, writer, and a liberal, this was the funniest thing I've read in a long time.


WHY THERE AREN'TMANY RIGHT-WINGOBSERVATIONALCOMEDIANS.
BY TEDDY WAYNE
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You ever see a roomful of old white guys trying to dance? They're bumping along out of rhythm to some corny '50s song in their tuxedos, like three feet away from their wives, and you're just like, "Yes—that's exactly what respectable nightlife socializing should be."
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I'm in the supermarket checkout the other day, and this woman is taking forever to pay—with her checkbook, of course. So I lean over and say, "Hey, lady, you know what we're all thinking when you pay by check? That you're not reaping any potential benefits from a cash-back or frequent-flyer credit card." I mean, how stupid can you be not to know that most major cards give triple miles for supermarket or drugstore purchases? Am I right, people?
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My wife complains like it's her job. About out-of-control government spending and affirmative action. And I totally agree with her. She's a spokeswoman for Rick Santorum.
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The other day, on a flight, I open up my package of peanuts, and there are five peanuts inside. I ask the flight attendant if there's a mistake, and she says it's a cost-cutting procedure to help save the airline from bankruptcy. I go, "Oh, yeah? You want an idea for another 'cost-cutting procedure'? How 'bout taking a stand against the pilots' union and raising the retirement age to 65 from the current 60 so the 401(k)s aren't depleted and the average middle-to-upper-class passenger doesn't foot the bill?" Boo-ya!
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I once had this real tight-ass boss who constantly yelled at all his employees for slacking off. For our Christmas bonuses, he gave us tube socks. Tube socks. And, by saving money, he was able to hire new, better employees the next year, fire us, and improve profit margins. That man knew how to run a fiscally responsible company.
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The other night my wife and I are watching Hannity & Colmes, and she goes, "I'm cold—let's turn up the heat." So I say, "Just put on a sweater." And she gives me this look that's like, No missionary sex in the marital interest of procreation for you! And I'm thinking, "Man, if only the pansy liberals let the military flex a little more muscle in the Middle East and force an effective European coalition, we might be able to dissolve the OPEC terrorists, gain some leverage over oil prices, and avert domestic crises like this." The fellas know what I mean!
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You guys seen Brokeback Mountain? I actually thought it could've been a good movie. If one of the guys were a woman. And they were married. And practicing Christians. And they didn't outsource the directing to Taiwan.
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Where are you folks from? Paris? Really? Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir? Ha ha, just kidding, madame. But get out of my face. Seriously. You make me sick.
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I Like Doctor Who (Holy Crap!!!!)

I can't believe that I'm saying this, but the new Doctor Who from the BBC is fantastic. It's going to be out on DVD here in the U.S. in July. I have a great connection here in the city for bootleg DVD's.

So, when he had the good doctor, my husband grabbed it up.
Joe is a big Doctor Who fan. I will call him out right now. He has been to a Doctor convention. With all of that in mind, he really wanted to see the show. I was reluctant to say the least.

A little back story on my love/hate affair with science fiction. I am a little schizo on this topic. I think in many things there are good ideas, but I also think that many times the execution is off. American Sci-Fi distracts you with amazing effects and British Sci-Fi distracts you with the lack of effects. It's a little weird. There are many things in science fiction I enjoy. My favorite books are Brave New World, Farenheight 451, and Slaughterhouse Five. I'm not sure how that happened. And, the big ideas in the first 2 Matrix films was right up my alley.

Sorry, tangent. But, the new Dr. Who is extremely well done. Good acting, clever scripts, and decent effects are all here. Christopher Ecclestone plays the Dr. Much more sour and sarcastic. He is not twinkly like Tom Baker. Billie Piper and John Barrowman play his traveling companions. John Barrowman plays a bi-sexual time traveler. The character is done very well and handled with wit and dignity.

Russell Davies is the new writer/producer. He created the original Queer as Folk. He brings the same good writing and strong show running to this new doctor. Doctor Who is really good. Everyone who enjoys science fiction or British humor should check it out. And, if you watch a lot of British product, look for a variety of guest stars.

Fliering with the Famous

So, I just got back from a tough room that I fliered for. The place is great, the other comics were great, and I have had amazing sets there. Tonight the crowd was tough, but every laugh was worked for. So, I did feel a bit of success.

But, I was able to flier in Times Square. Amazingly, Cee-Lo, rapper from Goodie Mob and currently out with the combo Gnarls Barkley was walking by. I said, "hey Cee Lo" and tried to sound like I knew him. It worked. He turned around and so did his friends. I worked my Amy magic and he took a flier. His friends laughed at my chutzpah and also took fliers.

They did not come to the show. But, they have my flier. Maybe they'll think about it and come another time.

I think the value in this lesson is to always be brave and do what you need to do.

I am so happy about this story, I've posted it on all my blogs! I'm such a loser.

The End of an Era

So, tonight Will and Grace had their series finale. I watched it. Full disclosure, I haven't watched this show in years. But, I wanted to watch the finale because I think this show, when it first aired, was a revelation. It had gay characters who spoke in a truly "gay" way. There were in jokes, sexy jokes, and a wealth of pop culture.

For me, I related to the show. When it first appeared I was still single and my best friend, then as now was my own Will Truman, Dale. I related to the closeness of the characters. Many things on the show seemed as if they were my life. I know if Dale reads this, he knows that Will and Grace's dominance at games was directly lifted from our lives.

After college I got married and moved to NYC. Dale came with his partner Tom and moved close by. As I watched the finale. All of the talk of destiny and how those who are supposed to be in your life will always be there, spoke to me. I got a little teary thinking about my life and how much richer it is because of all of those who have come into my life. Especially my best friend.

So, the episode was fine. But, the feelings that it brought up meant something. Honestly, without this show I don't think acceptance would be where it is. We have a long way to go, but in it's own way, Will and Grace brought gay people into millions of homes and maybe a few out of their closets. So, with all that said, goodbye Will and Grace. The world is better because you were on the air.

Upocoming Amy Events

Wonder what Amy is up to? Want to see her hilarious comedy?
Then check out my MySpace page for all the dates, times, and prices.

http://www.myspace.com/amypatrick

All your Amy news in one place!

Happy Birthday!!!

So, my hubby is soon to be 30!
Holy Crap!
I just wanted to put this short post and say Happy Birthday and I love you so much.

Don't Fear the Reaper Joe!

In Search of the Real Me

So, because of the awesome Noushineh, I have done this test.

So, this is a way to see how you see yourself VS. how others see you. Go to the site and see what you would pick for me.

http://kevan.org/johari?name=Amy Patrick

Amy's Movie Reviews

So, I'm finally seeing more movies. Yay!!! I will also have more reviews coming next weekend. And, I am going to share stories about my DJ class on my MySpace and Comedy Soapbox blogs. But, for now, sit back and relax, enjoy the show!

Take The Lead: (director Liz Friedlander)
So, anyone who knows me, knows my favorite genre of film is the "ragtag group of ______ pulls it together and makes something of themselves" genre. This type of film can be found in almost every style of film. A few examples that I highly recommend; The Dirty Dozen, The 7 Samurai, The Bad News Bears, Slap Shot, School of Rock, and you even have documentaries like Spellbound and Mad, Hot Ballroom.
Take the Lead follows in the footsteps of all of these films. The movie is based on the life of Pierre Dulaine. He is a professional ballroom instructor and dancer. After seeing a troubled teen one night, he decides to work with kids who really need him. The story breaks no new ground. He has to get the kids to trust him and also get them to believe in themselves.
Antonio Banderas is very good as the teacher and he can really dance. The students are played by a variety of familiar faces from other teen flicks. Rob Brown from Finding Forrester and Coach Carter does a good job as does Lauren Collins from Degrassi and Yaya Acosta from America's Next Top Model.
The movie captures class difference and how race is important, but being poor can wear on you harder than anything. The NY scenes are captured well and uses locations not normally seen in the city. It's a nice change of pace.
Many of the kids are types and we also have an uptight teacher and a principal who loves the program but might have to shut it down. Will the kids make it to the big competition? Will the program survive? Will mortal enemies find love? You know all the answers already. But, that didn't stop me from getting misty and enjoying the film.

Silent Hill: (director Christopher Gans)
It's official. If you want to make a frightening film, you must decide to have it take place in an alternate dimension or hell on Earth. Silent Hill is based on a video game, but works as a movie. The atmosphere, tension, and general work on the film make it a pretty good horror film.
I am not a fan of PG-13 horror/suspense. I grew up watching horror in the 1980's and was weaned on films like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Dawn of the Dead, Jacob's Ladder, and various other gory and scary films.
Currently, horror has been pandering to teens and watering down the product. Only foreign horror has been stepping up. But, Silent Hill is gory, scary, and tense. It follows in the creepy tradition of Candyman, Hellraiser, and In the Mouth of Madness.
Lovecraftian horror is an idea using the work of H.P. Lovecraft. His work features an idea of unspeakable horror. And, unspeakable horror never works on film. Excluding a few films, that I already mentioned, it hardly ever works.
Silent Hill was directed by French director Christopher Gans. Check out his film Brotherhood of the Wolf. It's crazy, scary, and really well done. Silent Hill is muc better directed than most horror. The gore is there and the acting is fairly good. My biggest qualm is that you can really feel that it is based on a video game. Certain scenes, sound effects, and plot points seem very much like they were lifted directly from a game. During the last big confrontation my husband said, "That was one hell of a boss level".
But, if you just want to be scared and can leave a certain level of logic at the door, check this out.

Whatever Happened to TV Theme Songs?

So, I recently downloaded the theme song to "Sanford and Son" to my iPod. Before you judge me, this is a great song. And, as a TV theme it's perfect. When you hear the song, it sounds like the instruments are found in a junk yard. There's funk in it and the overall tone captures the shambling spirit of the show.
As I listened to it, I thought about how great all the shows in the 70's and 80's used their theme songs to capture a feeling or mood about the show. Typically, songs with lyrics were organic to the show. The lyrics usually summarized the show or set the tone. Today, if there are lyrics they very rarely fit the show's content.
This is a short post, but something I've been thinking about recently. I wish we had more singable or recognizable themes. Even the old themes without lyrics set a tone. Think about "Barney Miller" or "Night Court". And, pretty much any show created by Norman Lear (Good Times, The Jeffersons, Maude) or Junger/Witt (The Golden Girls) had a song that made you fondly recall the show. I am pretty sure that these themes made the shows better and kept them on the air longer.
So, check out the themes now. You'll see that they are actually really good songs. They stand on their own merits. I wish TV shows had that today.

Lost Stuff

I'll admit it, I'm a nerd for this show!

http://www.thehansofoundation.org

1-877-HANSORG

Both are great timekillers. The tenacles of the conspiracy grows.

A Few Thoughts on Immigration

I am writing this short post because I truly supported the May 1st march. The boycott I'm on the fence about. But, I really just have a few thoughts on all of it and wanted to share them.

1. If your last name isn't KillingDear or RunninBear you have a stake in the march. Just because we subjugated people and ran rampant, that has somehow made us not immigrants anymore. I don't buy it. Every group that has come to this coutnry has been crapped on and treated badly. But, now, when the face of it is darker than khaki, we want to build a wall.

2. Building a wall around the United States is one of the worst things I've ever heard. A wall blocking us in is one of the tragedies of our lifetime. If we do it, we will fall the way Rome, Egypt, and other great Empires fell.

3. And, if people wanted to stop illegal immigration, they would force businesses to stop outsourcing, raise the minimum wage, and force employers to have ethics.

4. Also, if you don't want to lose a job to a "Mexican", then get a diploma, start a business, and get some training because honestly, that's the jobs they're allegedly taking.

5. And finally, most illegals pay into our system. In fact a large amount of them pay taxes into the system and get nothing back.

So, finally, can we stop this nonsense? We are the greatest country in the world, even though there are times when I get mad about it, but our time might be closing. Narrow minds and cold hearts are the problem in this world. Let's be open and honest and work as the nation of immigrants we are.

Lestat: The Musical (A Review)

Why is it that theater gets vampires so wrong? Literature and cinema have done, for the most part, right by the creatures. But, theater is either too campy or too boring.
The creators of "Lestat" have been handed a property that could have worked on stage. But, instead of working with just one novel they decided to do a "Lestat's greatest hits" and it fails miserably. I wish the musical would have been a huge debacle with just train wreck qualities. However, it's not even interesting as a failure. It's adjust standard, boring Andrew Lloyd Webber pap.
I'll handle a few elements and give some opinion on what I would have done better. I think there was a lot of talent involved and the actors on stage did the best they could. But, they were done no favors.
The music is not interesting at all. For a show that takes place in France, the Middle East, and New Orleans, the music conjures up none of these places. In fact, the music really conjures up Broadway circa 1987. A real chance was blown with that. Someone like Michael Chiusa could have done well with the concept or even working with an actual rock star. We should have felt some life or danger or sense of place. This was a score that went through a generic music machine.
Before I go on, the one interesting thing in "The Vampire Lestat" is that he becomes a rock star and uses the music to send messages. He is charismatic and sexy. His music is a huge success. So, why not bookend the play with two big moments and make the middle an extended flashback into who he is? That way we see who he is and how he got that way. It also gives the actor a chance for a big opening and closing number. And, it gives the writer a chance to let loose with a fun song and draws the audience right in.
No, we follow a chronological story that is both slow and yet not even vaguely complete. The "love affair" with his mother is just barely discussed in a song called "The Crimson Kiss" and his childhood companion Nicholas is seen as his true love but they never show us. We also never feel his connection with many of the people and Marius might as well not even be in the show.
The best thing about the play, to me, was that they gayed it up. At least Lestat was truly pansexual and the other people in his life were appropriately gay. However, the role of Claudia was too broadly played and I felt they were trying to create a camp icon with her and not a truly tragic figure.
Oh well, what do I know? The show got a standing ovation. I however, went home and watched the movie "Interview with a Vampire" over again and lamented what they could have done on stage.

Baby Steps

Some recommended pages of comedy and other comics. Enjoy!

http://blaggblogg.blogspot.com
http://www.iamtimwarner.com
http://www.adamsank.com
http://www.joshhomer.com
http://www.pattonoswalt.com

And, last but not least, my group's two websites:
http://www.myspace.com/neighborhoodwatchcomedy
http://neighborhoodwatchcomedy.blogspot.com

I'm Back

So, the Plow is back from her vacation. Much soul searching and thinking was done. Now, she is back and ready to write more, do more comedy, and generally try to actually get a career. So, watch this space for more writing and more concert dates and other amazing things.

A Small Service Interruption

The Plow will be back next week with many more informative and hilarious posts. I am off to discover the Caribbean on an amazing cruise.

Peace out!

I'm Going to be on MTV!

Ok, so maybe I'm only going to be part of a segment with no talking, etc. But, I can spin it as a TV credit.
Here's the truth. I currently do tutoring to make some extra cash. I am currently tutoring a young girl named P-Star (stage name) who is a rising actor and rapper. MTV came to film a "You Hear it First" segment. I got to hold the MTV News mic and say, "My name is Amy Patrick and I give MTV permission to use my image." Awesome!
So, MTV filmed us as we did our lesson for the day. It was bizarre. I'm sure I'll look completely insane. I did wear make-up and did my hair because I was told in advance of my brush with greatness. So, the whole thing is suppsoed to be on MTV next month. I will be honest and say that I am kind of excited. This is national TV bitches.
So, be on the look-out. I'm one step closer to fame and riches or at least infamy and bus fare.

Amy's Movie Reviews (back from hiatus)

So, it's been a while. I have not been to the movies as much as usual. A lot of things have gotten in the way. These include: Knicks games, theater, comedy, and just general fatigue. But, I have seen a few movies and wanted to write some reviews for you, my awesome fans.
Last night I was at the Tribeca Film Festival for the premiere of Jeff Garlin's "I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With". Garlin is best known as Larry David's friend/agent on "Curb Your Enthusiasm". With this film he takes on a romantic comedy. The film is sweet, weird, and funny. And, although the film is rough around the edges, it has a lot of charm and will hopefully get seen.
Before I start with the movie, at the Q and A following the film Garlin talked about the fact that he lost funding twice and the film took almost two years to shoot. He also created almost every character for the actor playing it. His reliance on several improv and comic actors that are recognizable to comedy viewers is a good thing. There are scenes where you feel that Garlin just wanted this person he really likes to have a chance to be funny. And, for the most part, it works.
As the two women that Garlin falls for, Bonnie Hunt and Sarah Silverman showcase their comedic strengths. It also helps that both woman are really funny and help Garlin with some of the comedic heavy lifting.
And, for comedy/improv fans be on the lookout for Amy Sedaris, Richard Kind, Wallace Langham, and Homer Simpson himself Dan Castelleneta. I enjoyed the film and I hope it at least gets some minor distribution.

Liza with a Z

So, I just watched the Bob Fosse directed special "Liza with a Z". It played on Showtime and is soon to be on DVD. I'm not a huge Liza fan, but I am a huge Bob Fosse fan. His films are filled with amazing imagery and his choreography is instantly recognizable. Probably only Twyla Tharp and Jerome Robbins have a style that you recognize immediately.
Fosse's style is filled with small gestures and precision. Hats, gloves, wide fingers, and subtle hip movements are his signature. On the aspect of the dancing, the show is a great success. Liza was raised to be an entertainment machine. You sense her professionalism to the core. However, because she is an entertainment machine, you never feel much joy. Liza seems to want to do the best show ever. And, the show is very good. Once Liza begins her singing, dancing juggernaut show picks up. The "Cabaret" themed finish is the highlight. And, Liza nails the title song the way she always does.
So, why am I not more excited? Two things; as much as I love Fosse, his directing style is distracting in the TV special form, and secondly, Liza never looks like she's having that much fun. Everything appears calculated and formed to the smallest detail. I want to see sexuality and joy and the art of having a good time. And, for much of the show this is missing.
Now, I would not say this is a pan. I loved the dancing and Liza sounds great. I personally was just hoping for a little more joy.