Thursday Movie Picks: The Band

A weekly series hosted by Wandering Through the Shelves

Between sleeping, working and numerous trips to the mechanic’s, I don’t really have a lot of time to write so this is going to be another short Thursday Movie Picks post. As you can tell by the title, we are dealing with bands this week — and since my brain isn’t functioning properly lately I had to google my way through it. 

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

It follows Lars (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit (Rachel McAdams), two Islandic outcasts who see their childhood dream come true as they are chosen to represent their country at Eurovision. Despite it being a Netflix original, it is a really nice film. The leading duo has a nice chemistry, McAdams’s comedy is on point and the songs are catchy. 

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016) — Review

It follows famous popstar Connor 4 Real (Andy Samberg) when he starts doing the craziest things to maintain his celebrity status when his latest solo album turns out to be a flop as he refuses to reunite with his old band. I first watched this film for Emma Stone — who is barely in the film, as it turned out — but I fell in love with it. It’s such a funny parody, and Samberg is so good. Not to mention the amazing songs.

The Rocker (2008)

It follows Robert (Rainn Wilson), an over-the-hill musician who gets a second chance to be in a back right when he’s about to give up on his dream. Yet another film I watched for Emma Stone, I remember it being quite funny. I could be wrong though since I was positive the film starred Bill Hader but as Google pointed out it’s Rainn Wilson. 

14 comments :

  1. I've only seen Eurovision from your picks and I thought it was fun. The songs were catchy.

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  2. I've only seen the Andy Samberg film but it while imperfect it was goofy fun. It helped that I'm a fan of his, love Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

    Despite my dislike of Will Ferrell that first one sounds just screwy enough to be worth watching. Wish the last did star Bill Hader I much prefer him to Rainn Wilson but I may still check out that movie.

    Sorry you're having car troubles that's always a huge pain. Here's my three for the week.

    Alexander’s Ragtime Band (1938)-In San Francisco near the turn of the last century concert violinist Roger Grant (Tyrone Power) abandons classical music when he falls under the spell of jazz much to his family’s disapproval. Circumstances lead to him renaming himself Alexander and forming a ragtime band with buddy, pianist Charlie Dwyer (Don Ameche) and singer Stella Kirby (Alice Faye) who both men love. Two decades, and a flock of great Irving Berlin songs, pass as they reach the heights of success even as their love lives founder.

    Strike Up the Band (1940)-Teenagers Jimmy Connors (Mickey Rooney) the drummer of the band he leads and his girlfriend, singer Mary Holden (Judy Garland) dream of winning a contest for school bands hosted by popular band leader Paul Whiteman. There’s just one hitch, the contest is in Chicago and for the band to take the train they need $200 (the equivalent to almost $3,800 today). They borrow the cash but when one of their number becomes seriously ill the money has to be used to help out. What to do now? Why put on a show of course!!! Mickey’s on the unctuous side but Judy is appealing and sings like a dream.

    The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band (1968)-The Bower Family Band (including Buddy Ebsen, Lesley Ann Warren and Kurt Russell) are newly arrived in Dakota Territory just as statehood talk is at its peak and the 1888 battle between Benjamin Harrison and Grover Cleveland for the presidency is in full swing. The Bowers are Republicans as are most of the other residents of their new town but Grandpa Bower (Walter Brennan) is a staunch Democrat which causes no end of trouble for the clan. All the strife doesn’t keep them from breaking into elaborate musical numbers from time to time in this Disney flick. In the small role of the “Giggly Girl” Goldie Hawn makes her screen debut.

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    1. I really liked Wilson in The Office but, yeah, Hader is so much better. I haven't seen any of your picks and probably won't check them out as I'm not a fan of musicals but I like that you picked films with "band" in the title.

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  3. EuroVision was hilarious and I'm really hoping that Rachel McAdams gets an Oscar nomination as she was just hilarious. I also liked PopStar as well as the "Bin Laden" song is my favorite while The Rocker is just damn good fun and really funny.

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    1. YES! The Bin Laden song (Finest Girl) is the best! I know the lyrics by heart haha

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  4. I'm pretty sure The Rocker is the only Emma Stone movie I haven't seen but it sounds like a lot of fun!
    I ADORE your other two picks <3

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    1. It really was from what I remember. Now I feel like I should rewatch it haha.

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  5. Popstar is amazing. I had such a blast watching that one. Haven't seen the others, yet.

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    1. It really is! It's one of my go-to when I want to watch something to cheer me up.

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  6. Eurovision was surprisingly fun, but I think most of that was thanks to Rachel McAdams

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    1. McAdams and Stevens, he was hilarious as the Russian singer!

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  7. I want to see Popstar since I've heard it's good. And I guess Eurovision too since you guys all seem to like it.

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    1. They are both very good. I hope you'll enjoy them.

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