One of the biggest events in the world is taking place this weekend – The Super Bowl (the NFL’s annual championship game.) The two teams who will compete for the title are the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. And if you didn’t know it already, the head coaches of the two rival teams are also brothers!  It’s not all that special, considering we’ve already seen something very similar in the movie Warrior. What would’ve made it really interesting was if they were identical twin brothers… then there would have been no way of knowing who’s coaching which team!

We know that many people can’t wait to find out who the winners will be, so we decided to help and predict (accurately; no doubt) the game’s outcome. We chose five representative titles from Baltimore and five from San Francisco for a final confrontation. The city with the better movies/TV shows will also be the winner. You don’t believe us? Just wait and see (the movies never lie. And they can also predict the future.)

Which city has the better Hitchcock?

Vertigo (San Francisco) VS. Marnie (Baltimore)

Recently Vertigo was chosen as the greatest film of all time in an important critics’ poll. While I disagree and think that Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore is a far superior movie, Vertigo is still fantastic, and one of Hitchcock’s finest films. Marnie is another great film by the master of suspense, but not nearly as good as Vertigo.

1-0 San Francisco.

Which city has the better cops?

Dirty Harry (San Francisco) VS. The Wire (Baltimore)

There is no denying that Dirty Harry is a classic, essential law enforcement cinematic piece. But The Wire is better than family, friends, love and nature put together. Well, it might not be as good as that extremely exaggerated superlative, but it’s pretty close. The Wire is a TV masterpiece.

Baltimore equalizes, it’s now 1-1.

Which city is more romantic and funny?

Going the Distance (San Francisco) VS. Cry-Baby (Baltimore)

Going The Distance is a very nice and funny  romcom, with Drew Barrymore managing to be tolerable, or even a bit beyond tolerable in it (saying she’s likable might be taking it a step too far.) The musical comedy Cry-Baby is campy and quite weird. I can’t stand musicals, and yet, I love Cry-Baby, which means it must be really good. I guess there’s an important lesson in that – we shouldn’t be prejudice or generalize. Not all musicals are bad, and even not all cats are bad (There are Garfield and Heathcliff for example.)

2-1, Baltimore takes the lead.

Which city has the better gender benders?

Mrs. Doubtfire (San Francisco) VS. Hairspray (Baltimore)

Mrs. Doubtfire isn’t a musical, and that already gives it an advantage over Hairspray. It was also made in a time when Robin Williams‘ insanity was still cute. Robin Williams in drag beats John Travolta in drag (and not a word about Travolta’s latest scandals, because we don’t care about gossip and we don’t do yellow blogging; but did you hear that Shakira had a baby?!)

2-2, San Francisco equalizes.

Which city travels better in time?

Time After Time (San Francisco) VS. 12 Monkeys (Baltimore)

I’m not particularly interested in time travel since I don’t make mistakes (and therefore don’t have to go back in time and fix them), but other people do find the subject fascinating. In Time After Time, a very good 1979 movie with Malcolm McDowell, Jack the Ripper escapes 19th-century London in a time machine stolen from H.G. Wells and time travels to 20th century San Francisco. Against it stands 12 Monkeys; a modern classic and one of the best time travel movies ever made. It’s definitely Terry Gilliam’s best movie (at least in my opinion. I think that while Brazil the country is awesome, Brazil the movie isn’t.)

3-2 Baltimore! What a dramatic victory, now all the Baltimore Ravens have to do in order to win, is just show up. Congratulations!

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Technorati Tags: Super Bowl, NFL, Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Warrior, Baltimore, San Francisco, Hitchcock, Vertigo, Marnie, Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore, Dirty Harry, The Wire, Going the Distance, Cry-Baby, Drew Barrymore, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray, Robin Williams, John Travolta, Time After Time, 12 Monkeys, Malcolm McDowell, Jack the Ripper, H.G. Wells, Terry Gilliam

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With the cheerful holiday season around us, it’s time to list some of our favorite festive titles. Since Christmas and Hanukkah sometimes collide (as well as Passover and Easter) we’ve decided to mix these two December holidays together… the more the merrier, right? So bring on the Latkes and Eggnog!

Life of Brian

This controversial - yet extremely hilarious - film follows a quasi-Christ as he reluctantly finds himself leading a popular movement against the Roman Empire. Of course, in best Monty Python tradition, the film is laced with biting political and social observations, some of which are still relevant today.

Bad Santa

Billy Bob Thornton is a criminal anti hero in this cynical skewing of the Christmas spirit. Working as a mall Santa, alongside Santa’s little helper, a constantly cursing midget, they use the holiday as an opportunity to pull off a heist. That is, until “Santa” creates an unlikely friendship with a young and bizarre kid, despite his antisocial behavior. But don’t you worry, this won’t make him a much nicer, or less funny, person.

Ushpizin

Set during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, this uplifting tale gives the audience a rare glimpse at the everyday lives and struggles of ultra-Orthodox Jews. A married couple is visited by a pair of old friends linked to the husband’s shady past. This visit makes him contemplate his life’s purpose and meaning.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

A Gothic stop motion animated musical for a family outing? This is not such an odd concept, apparently. This story of a Halloween skeleton who schemes to take over Christmas not only ends happily, but also won multiple awards and critical acclaim.

The Hebrew Hammer

A tough private detective is on a mission to save both Hanukkah and Kwanzaa from the clutches of Santa Claus’s evil son in this offbeat blaxploitation homage. It’s heavy on silly humor and light on political correctness. Beware - the creators of this silly tale are out there on a crowed-funding quest, targeting all of us as potential investors for a sequel!!

Lemale et Ha’halal

A tragic event during Purim (a Jewish holiday similar to Halloween, costumes-wise) sets a chain of events into motion, leading a young woman to face a moral dilemma. She must choose between her heart’s wish and her family duty in this Venice Festival winning, touching melodrama about Hassidic society.

Eight Crazy Nights

Adam Sandler brings his signature brand of gross out humor to animated form in this Jewish rendition of holiday redemption stories. As you can guess, being animated doesn’t hold Sandler back from being offensive. If anything, it only encourages him to push it to the limits.

Die Hard 2

John McClane, in a time when he was still surprised by the fact that “the same sh*t happens to the same guy twice”, fights terrorists and saves the day on Christmas Eve in the second, and arguably the best, installment in this ever expanding series of boys’ night blockbusters.

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

In this dark humored comic fantasy from Finland, based on a short film, some legends and myths about Santa Claus gets a fresh new twist. Instead of delivering gifts to kids, the old man is mostly responsible for putting children in danger.

It’s a Wonderful Life OR Christmas Vacation?

Not to be completely iconoclastic, we’ll sign off by giving you the opportunity to choose between the ultimate Christmas classic and a Christmas cult classic. Frank Capra’s paean for Americana and small town life, or Chevy Chase’s irreverent efforts to have his family enjoy a holiday vacation. Both make us feel good (as can be evident by those tweeting with #SMTA, at least regarding the later).

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Technorati Tags: Life of Brian, Monty Python, Bad Santa, Billy Bob Thorton, Ushpizin, Sukkot, Christmas, Chanukah, Hanukkah, Holidays, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Jack Skellington, The Hebrew Hammer, Santa Claus, Kwanzaa, Purim, Lemale et Ha’halal, Venice Festival, Eight Crazy Nights, Adam Sandler, Die Hard 2, John McClane, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, Its a Wonderful Life, Christmas Vacation, Frank Capra, Chevy Chase

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A new movie starring Adam Sandler called That’s My Boy is coming out about a father who’s way more immature than his son. Can you tell who’s the father and who’s the son?

Like many other Sandler movies, the lead character played by Sandler will be some kind of a man-child – a child trapped in a man’s body. In honor of this highly expected movie (well, at least for Sandler fans), we looked at TV and movies to try to find 10 parents that haven’t really fully embraced all of their responsibilities, parents that have yet to mature into fully grown adults:

10. Phil Weston – Kicking and Screaming (2005)

Will Ferrell plays a dad (Phil Weston) who becomes the coach of his kid’s soccer team in order to be a better dad and support his son. His ultra-competitive father, played by Robert Duvall (Buck Weston), coaches a competing team. Pretty soon Phil, determined to triumph over his dad’s team, becomes blind to anything besides winning.

9. Sonny Koufax – Big Daddy (1999)

Adam Sandler’s Sonny Koufax is a lazy law school graduate who does more or less nothing,  while living off the money he got a while back from a petty lawsuit. When a young kid appears at his front door, he becomes an unlikely foster parent. This is one of Sandler’s best movies in my opinion; it’s funny and sweet, silly and warm.

8. Royal Tenenbaum – The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

20 years ago Royal Tenenbaum suddenly moved out of the house, leaving his wife and young children behind, ruining their lives. From happy and successful geniuses, his children became alienated with a strong sense that their best years are long behind them. Even when Royal was still at home, he wasn’t much of a parent to begin with: he constantly demonstrated favoritism among his kids, even shooting one of them intentionally with a BB gun, and he couldn’t help but repeatedly remind his daughter that she is in fact his adopted daughter.

7. Thornton Melon – Back to School (1986)

Rodney Dangerfield is hilarious, as always, in the role of Thornton Melon, who enrolls in college in order to help his son get through his academic years. Thornton is a free spirited, rich businessman, who spends his time as a college student, not doing much studying, but doing a hell of a lot of partying instead. However, the thing he does the most, is embarrass his son.

6. Hank Moody – Californication (2007-?)

Hank Moody is a respected writer, a father and a husband, but he is first and foremost a playboy. When Hank was in his teens and the teachers at his school explained to the students that they should say no to drugs, alcohol and sometimes even to sex, Hank was at the beach doing all these things. Hank’s lifestyle of drugs, sex and alcohol makes it kind of hard for him to be a good role model for his daughter Becca.

5. Peter and Kate McCallister – Home Alone (1990)

It’s forgivable if you leave your dog behind, or even if you go down the elevator and then remember that your elderly parent is still upstairs, but it’s never ok to forget your young kid. Peter and Kate McCallister flew to Paris and forgot their 8 year old son, Kevin, at home, a whole continent away.

4. George Bluth – Arrested Development (2003-?)

George Bluth redefines the term irresponsible – when his kids were still in school he gave their teachers’ poisoned muffins in order to intimidate them. Later on, he was separated from his family because he went to jail following some creative accounting on his behalf. He continued his somewhat irresponsible behavior when he faked his own death and performed some light treason in the form of dodgy dealings with Saddam Hussein.

3. Homer Simpson – The Simpsons (1989-?)

Homer Simpson is probably the most famous lazy, irresponsible father figure in the world. Here are 2 examples of Homer’s parenting style: “Kids, you tried your best and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.” Talking about his younger days, Homer said: “It’s not easy to juggle a pregnant wife and a troubled child, yet somehow I managed to fit in 8 hours of TV a day.”

2. Wayne Szalinski – Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

When a parent has something dangerous around the house like a gun, or a machine that shrinks things as in this case, he should tell his kids to be extra careful or just hide the bloody thing. Wayne Szalinski forgot to tell his kids to be careful (or hide the bloody thing) and had to tell his wife: “Honey, I shrunk the kids.”

1. Kenny Powers – Eastbound & Down (2009-2012)

The lifestyle of Kenny Powers includes a lot of drugs and alcohol. Kenny is extremely rude and has a poor work ethic. In the beginning of season 3 the worst role model in the world becomes a single father. At one point Kenny makes a Moses out of his son – he puts him in a basket and sends him up the river… How’s that for good parenting?

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Technorati Tags: Adam Sandler, That’s My Boy, Phil Weston, Kicking and Screaming, Will Ferrell, Robert Duvall, Buck Weston, Sonny Koufax, Big Daddy, Royal Tenenbaum, The Royal Tenenbaums, Thornton Melon, Back to School, Rodney Dangerfield, Hank Moody, Californication, Peter McCallister, Kate McCallister, Home Alone, George Bluth, Arrested Development, Homer Simpson, The Simpsons, Wayne Szalinski, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Kenny Powers, Eastbound & Down

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Nearing the end of the TV spring season and looking forward to the summer season, we have mixed feelings of disappointment and hope. We had high hopes for some of the new series that came out this spring but they were all more or less disappointing. In this bittersweet post we’ll mention the 5 spring TV shows that disappointed us the most and the 6 upcoming summer shows we are most looking forward to (that’s one “hope” more than “disappointments” to show you that we’re positive and optimistic in nature). First the bitter part, the 5 shows that left us demanding a refund on the precious time we lost watching them (although, to my surprise, none of them were cancelled so far):

5. Missing

Missing promised to be just like Taken, only on a smaller screen and with Ashley Judd instead of Liam Neeson (huge difference as we soon discovered). Unfortunately, it lacked the fast and exciting pace of Taken, including its suspenseful action scenes and everything else that made Taken what it was (a very good action film in comparison to the boring Missing.)

4. NYC 22

Produced by Robert De Niro and with a nice ensemble cast that included Leelee Sobieski and Adam Goldberg, NYC 22 is about rookie cops working the streets of New York. It tries to be as realistic as possible and was done in the spirit of Detroit 187, Southland and The Chicago Code, but sadly it’s not nearly as good as either of those shows.

3. Veep
We hoped it would be a clever, witty and most importantly hilarious political satire. What we got instead was a silly (stupid would be a more appropriate word) series that doesn’t offer many laughs (if any). The actors and writers of Veep think it’s fresh and edgy, but the biggest compliment this series deserves is that it’s sporadically mildly amusing.

2. Magic City
Just like in other Starz productions like Spartacus and Boss, Magic City enjoys a generous amount of female nudity combined with some splashes of violence. It tries to imitate Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men but it isn’t nearly as good as the two. Magic City can be proud of an almost impossible achievement – it manages to be boring despite the violence and the nudity.

1. Girls
HBO’s comedy drama is produced by the king of comedy Judd Apatow, and Lena Dunham is the star and the writer/creator of the show. Sadly, it’s much more similar to Dunham’s film Tiny Furniture (which showcased a bunch of obnoxious and self-involved twentysomethings) than to Apatow’s previous works; it also borrows a little bit from Sex and the City which is obviously not a positive thing.

And now to the sweet part, 6 upcoming new shows we’re looking forward to:

6. Common Law
Warren Kole and Michael Ealy star in this humorous USA network series about two police detective partners who can’t stand each other, and get an order from their commander to go see a couple’s therapist. The trailer for this series, premiering May 11th, suggests that they are in fact the craziest misfit partners since Lorena and John Bobbitt.

5. Longmire
Some dare call it the new Justified, which means it will definitely be worth checking out. This new series by the A&E network (premiering June 3rd) is based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson and will revolve around a Wyoming sheriff, his family and his friends.

4. Moone Boy
Rising star Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) and comedy great Steve Coogan will star in Sky’s new comedy coming out this May. The series will take place in 80’s Ireland and will focus on a little boy and his imaginary friend (played by O’Dowd). The show will also include animated segments and will have a unique visual style.

3. Sinbad
Sky’s production Sinbad promises to be an epic adventure fantasy series. Elliot Knight and Naveen Andrews will star in this 12 part exciting sea escapade. The show’s creators are calling it a combination between Doctor Who and The Prince of Persia. It’s going to be great even if they’re only half right.

2. Copper
The first original series by BBC America is set in 1860 New York and follows a tough Irish cop working the tough streets of New York. Tom Fontana is the series creator and with Oz and Homicide: Life on the Street on his resume, he will probably get this one right to.

1. The Newsroom
There are at least three reasons that immediately come to mind for why it’s gonna be a great series: 1. Aaron Sorkin created it. 2. The series is written by Aaron Sorkin. 3. Aaron Sorkin. Beside these reasons, The Newsroom will also enjoy a terrific cast: Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, Alison Pill, Sam Waterson and Dev Patel. As the title more or less suggests, it’s going to be a media version of The West Wing - the series will follow a cable news anchor, his producer and the rest of the staff as they go about their business of delivering the news to the public, while also juggling their own personal issues.

Other shows that might turn out to be worth something: Hatfields & McCoys (The History Channel’s Western mini-series starring Kevin Costner), Anger Management (based on the Adam Sandler movie and starring Charlie Sheen), Political Animals (Starring Sigourney Weaver) and Dallas. (Dallas?!)

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Technorati Tags: Missing, Taken, Ashley Judd, Liam Neeson, NYC 22, Robert De Niro, Leelee Sobieski, Adam Goldberg, rookie cops, Detroit 187, Southland, The Chicago Code, Veep, political satire, Magic City, female nudity, violence, Boardwalk Empire, Mad Men, Girls, comedy drama, Judd Apatow, Lena Dunham, Sex and the City, Common Law, Warren Kole, Michael Ealy, police detective, partners, couple’s therapist, Longmire, Justified, mystery, novels, Craig Johnson, sheriff, Moone Boy, Chris O’Dowd, Steve Coogan, 80’s Ireland, Sinbad, adventure fantasy series, Elliot Knight, Naveen Andrews, Doctor Who, The Prince of Persia, Copper, BBC America, 1860, New York, Tom Fontana, Oz, Homicide: Life on the Street, The Newsroom, Aaron Sorkin, Jeff Daniels, Emily Mortimer, Alison Pill, Sam Waterson, Dev Patel, The West Wing, news anchor, Hatfields & McCoys, History Channel, Western mini-series, Kevin Costner, Anger Management, Adam Sandler, Charlie Sheen, Political Animals, Sigourney Weaver, Dallas

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This week two Hollywood giants are celebrating their birthdays – Jack Nicholson (75) and Al Pacino (72). Both are just about at the same age and hold the same prestigious status as two of the greatest actors who ever lived. While the last great movie by either wasn’t made very recently, we still think they deserve a high stakes head-to-head battle to determine, once and for all, which of them is the better actor??

10. Adam Sandler Collaborations

Jack and Jill (2011) VS. Anger Management (2003)

An almost scientific way to determine the quality of an actor’s career is to see how well he collaborated with Adam Sandler. Jack and Jill was scorned, but my unpopular opinion is that Al Pacino was absolutely hilarious playing a zany version of himself. Anger Management wasn’t the critics favorite either, but it offered some very funny scenes, including Nicholson singing I Feel Pretty while being stuck in a traffic jam, forcing Adam Sandler’s character to sing along. I call it a draw.

9. Trilogies
The Godfather Trilogy (1972-1990) VS. The Jack Nicholson/Bob Rafelson Trilogy (1970-1996)

There is no way there will ever be a trilogy better than The Godfather trilogy (unless someone will make Mary Poppins 2 and 3.) Jack Nicholson’s unofficial Bob Rafelson trilogy, which included Five Easy Pieces, The King of Marvin Gardens and Blood and Wine, is a pretty good one, but the Corleone family made me an offer I just couldn’t refuse. 1-0 Pacino.

8. Remakes
Insomnia (2002) VS. The Departed (2006)

Insomnia was as good as the Norwegian movie on which it was based. The Departed wasn’t as good as the amazing Infernal Affairs, the Hong Kong movie on which it is based. Nevertheless, The Departed was still better than Insomnia and even earned Martin Scorsese his first Oscar. 1-1 draw.

7. 1983 Successes
Scarface (1983) VS. Terms of Endearment (1983)

Pacino’s performance in Scarface is probably ranked 1st place in the overacting hall of fame (if such an hall of fame ever existed) and that’s precisely what makes it so great and fun to watch over and over again while shouting along “Say hello to my little friend!” Terms of Endearment is one of the most overrated and unjustified Oscar winners for Best Picture. Even Jack Nicholson doesn’t save it. Scarface shoots Terms of Endearment in the face and wins this round. 2-1 Pacino.

6. Confined
Dog Day Afternoon (1978) VS. The Shining (1980)

Dog Day is one of the most captivating bank robbery/hostage situation movies ever, and Pacino proves how versatile he can be, portraying a gay criminal 4 years after portraying Michael Corleone in The Godfather 2. The Shining is a Stanley Kubrick masterpiece, a horror movie better than Jaws and Alien put together. I regret saying that, because Jaws is awesome. But I just had no other way to prove that The Shining should be the winner here, which it is. 2-2.

5. Fighting the System
Serpico (1973) VS. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

This is a tough one. Serpico is one of the most famous cop movies ever, with a memorable performance by Pacino as an honest and determined law enforcer with a very honorable moral code. But One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is simply one of the greatest movies ever created in the history of the world and the worlds beyond it. Serpico loses, and it can use the famous line from this round’s winner: “At least I tried”. A dramatic overturn: 3-2 Nicholson.

4. Jack VS. Jack
You Don’t Know Jack (2010) VS. About Schmidt (2002)

Al Pacino’s TV movie was a solid biography of the extremely controversial Jack Kevorkian. In About Schmidt, an excellent and moving character study, Nicholson gave one of his absolute best performances. Jack (Nicholson) beats Jack (Kevorkian) this time, or gives him euthanasia if you like. 4-2 Nicholson.

3. (Slightly) Similarly Named Movies

Any Given Sunday (1999) VS. As Good As It Gets (1997)

Any Given Sunday was a very good sports movie with a convincing performance from Pacino. As Good As It Gets was one of the best feel good movies of the 90’s with an absolutely fantastic performance from Nicholson and therefore it is the winner in this round. 5-2 Nicholson, this is getting embarrassing for Pacino.

2. Acclaimed Crime Movies
Heat (1995) VS. Prizzi’s Honor (1985)

Heat is a strong contender for being the best movie De Niro and Pacino collaborated on, and just to remind you, they were together in The Godfather 2, so that says a lot. Prizzi’s Honor is a darkly humored John Huston movie that shows a battle between Nicholson and Kathleen Turner’s character, which Nicholson wins. However, Nicholson does not beat Heat. 5-3 Nicholson. Comeback for Pacino? Not if you’re good at math and see that there’s only one more movie-battle left.

1. Nose Related Titles
Scent of a Woman (1992) VS. Chinatown (1974)

First of all I’ll just clarify the connection – in Scent of a Woman Pacino uses his nose to smell the women (that was the more obvious one) and in Chinatown there’s that unforgettable scene where Roman Polanski cuts Jack Nicholson’s nose. As for the tough decision I have to make here, I’m gonna go with a draw. I really love both movies.

Conclusion: 5-3 in favor of Jack Nicholson which is the better actor apparently. I guess the fact that he worked harder (75 movie credits for Nicholson in comparison to only 49 for Pacino) benefited him in this case, and that should be a lesson to us all: Work hard and maybe one day you’ll win a completely insignificant blog post competition.

Technorati Tags: Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Adam Sandler, Jack and Jill, Anger Management, Trilogies, The Godfather, Bob Rafelson, Mary Poppins, Five Easy Pieces, The King of Marvin Gardens, Blood and Wine, the Corleone family, Remakes, Insomnia, The Departed, Infernal Affairs, Martin Scorsese, Oscar, Scarface, Terms of Endearment, overacting, overrated, Dog Day Afternoon, The Shining, bank robbery, hostage situation,   movies, Michael Corleone, Stanley Kubrick, horror movie, Jaws, Alie, Fighting the System, Serpico, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, dramatic overturn,   You Don’t Know Jack, About Schmidt, Jack Kevorkian, Any Given Sunday, As Good As It Gets, Heat, Prizzi’s Honor, John Huston, Scent of a Woman, Chinatown, Roman Polanski

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