Amanda Ondretti: The Thoughts and Meanderings of a Certain Cinephile

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237

2012-02-12T14:52:00.000-08:00

Coming out of Sundance Film Festival, what some are calling an experimental documentary, Room 237 was just acquired by IFC Films. Directed by Rodney Ascher the film explores theories behind Stanley Kubrick's The Shinning. The film discusses possible subtext behind The Shinning, things like Kubrick showing justification that he faked the footage of the moon landing. Who's excited!? I am, that's for sure. All in all this should be a must see for any cinephile and any fan of the film in general. I cannot wait for it to come out. No release date has been set, but look out for this Summer or Fall 2012.

Happy moviegoing!

Miss Bala (2012)

2012-01-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Posted about this film a while back, check it out here. However, I finally saw it. It is quite something. Please go watch if you can.

It's beautifully photographed and the acting is surprisingly wonderful too. Even filmed on location, this film has the echoes of the neorealist traditions and it aids it so well. This is director Gerardo Naranjo hanging dirty laundry out to dry for sure. The emotional space is tense and with all the long takes the audience is presented with a world where no one helps each other and you cannot look away, literally. I originally posted saying "Blow, Boobs and Blood, Oh My!" however you almost never see all three of those things and it's wonderful. It draws the viewer in without ever showing the main protagonist of the film, drugs.

However first and foremost this is a piece about a victim and the film takes it to heart and so did I as an audience member. The film is riddled with long takes and P.O.V shots. Each frame is composed for the protagonist and keeps the audience in the same mind frame as her, in the dark. It's wonderful what is and isn't' show in the film, both in story and in the cinematography. But you don't need to see much, you can tell what is happening. There is very little dialogue yet you're kept on point throughout the whole film, entranced almost in a way.

This is a film that doesn't treat it's audience like a child. It doesn't need to say much, but it shows all. I can only applaud filmmaking like this and continue to hope that more films are made just like it. Again go watch it if you can.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Moonrise Kingdom

2012-01-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

Wes Anderson's new flick. Moonrise Kingdom. Keep an eye out for this one folks. It's going to be.....Well just watch. It says it all for itself.

Happy moviegoing!

Geroge Harrison: Living in the Material World

2011-10-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

For Adriana.

      It's Thanksgiving season! Or at least it's Thanksgiving in Canada today, which is where I'm from. So I decided why not have a thankful post. I posted about this a while back. Check it here. But I've finally watched Martin Scorsese's documentary George Harrison: Living in the Material World, at a screening hosted by ULCA with a Q&A with producer Nigel Sinclair.
     So firstly thank you UCLA for hosting this great screening and having the chops to show it in full to boot. Thanks to Scorsese and editor David Tedeschi for putting together such a masterful piece of work, it's truly something despite the subject. Really amazing. Mostly though, thank you to Olivia Harrison for allowing the film's team to excavate all her husbands things and go through a lifetime of materials, cause after three and a half hours I still wanted to see more. There's some truly amazing stuff shown in the documentary.
     Beyond the amass of entertaining footage and anecdotes about George the film is a spectacular accomplishment. The way the actual footage of George is used and intertwined into the chronology, and perspective is amazing. Interview footage of George is used to almost haunting quality because, I, for a second almost forgot this was about someone who's passed. We see everything through George's perspective in the first portion and only does the real great material come after the apple doors had closed for The Beatles. It's about him, good and bad. So don't think you're going to go in to this and get a neatly shaped film that mostly chats about his time with the popular group. Expect to see a overwhelming film about a man, who was loved and loved so many. I will admit I'm a bit sad that there wasn't any interview footage with Ravi Shankar on George's passing, but this is such a small small thing. There's so much here and I heard there's almost another 50mins of footage on the DVD release.
   Go see this if you can! Even if you don't like the subject matter, support quality filmmaking. It's remarkable to say the least. For a little taste of the film, check out the website here. For anyone who's ever felt that maybe, just maybe, wanting some beyond this material world; whether is be spiritually, emotionally or existentially, wasn't as "fantastical" or "mystical" as some might say, I'd say: "Here comes the sun."

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out: Miss Bala

2011-09-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Blow, Boobs, and Blood Oh My! Trailer for new film by director, Gerardo Naranjo, Miss Bala. Produced by Gael Garcia Bernel & Diego Luna. I'm excited to see what happens with this once it leaves TIFF, but no release date has been set for the US. :( This makes me sad because it looks pretty freaking good.

Check out the trailer below and keep and eye out for this one!

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep An Eye Out: Tyrannosaur

2011-08-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

The directorial debut of Paddy Considine. Ya Paddy Considine. The guy from In America, Hot Fuzz, Cinderella Man. He kinda looks like Gary Oldman but he's not. YES Him! He directed this....check it out.

Not gonna lie. This looks good. Considine said it's his "interpretation of life, and trying to function as a human" /Film reported. Well whatever it may be this looks like something I wanna see.

Keep an eye out for this one folks!

Happy moviegoing!

Keep an Eye Out: and Making My Heart Swell, Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist

2011-08-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Watch the trailer below from Michel Hazanavicius' newly released silent film The Artist (IMDB). Ya I said that...S I L E N T F I L M. Trust and watch it!

Well I don't care what you say. I like silent films! So :P. I think the aesthetic is worthy of the praise it's getting right now and you can see the high attention to detail this has here just from less than two minutes. Plus, I'm a hopeless romantic. I'm glad something like this is being highlighted in a culture like today's because it allows people to understand the eras and boundaries cinema can cross. You don't need to be living in that era or with those people to understand their plight and emotion. No fancy SFX and 9 months of sound mixing either to get to the heart of it. Maybe the popular film industry today just needs to K.I.S.S all the way. Keep it simple stupid and have faith in your audience! To be able to release such a feat today is worthy of applause in my books anyhow. So well done. I'm excited to see this and would encourage anyone reading this to show this some love when it does come out.

Projected release date is in November so keep an eye out for this one!

Happy moviegoing folks!

It's Here: Wong Kar Wai's Trailer for The Grandmasters

2011-07-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

I posted about this feature being in production a bit back now. (See here) But as it is with most Wong Kar Wai films, they take a while, so patience is key. But now a teaser trailer has emerged and I am beyond excited. With Wong Kar Wai at the helm and Tony Leung at his side, this rendition of the story of legendary martial artist Yip Man sure looks like one hell of flick. Ya that's right a Wong Kar Wai martial arts film. My response: Where can I buy my tickets? See the trailer below:

There is still no release date but definitely keep and eye out for this one before the year is through. I cannot wait. Can you?

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: The Myth of the American Sleepover

2011-07-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer for David Robert Mitchell's The Myth of the American Sleepover. This looks like a well thought out and furthermore well executed film. A time past with a unbiased tone? There is a level of honesty even in the aesthetics that cannot be denied here. This is a first feature for Mitchell and looks like it's going to be well received and might actually be really great. I look forward to watching it. Keep yours eyes and ears peeled.
Check the trailer below:

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep And Eye Out For: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

2011-07-01T21:26:00.000-07:00

Just watch the newly released trailer for Let the Right One In director, Tomas Alfredson's, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Now this is how you make a trailer. Jesus Murphy this cast! I can't even begin to verbalize how the entire aesthetic of this film insights so much excitement in me. I can't even begin to describe here. Just look at the composition alone. This is beginning to remind of the great Alan J. Pakula films, like The Parallax View. There is some Gordon Willis magic here. Definitely keep and eye out for this one. Looks like it's free of your run of the mill Hollywood malarky. But damn, these are the movies I want to see more of. Keep and eye out folks. Looks like it's going to be gooooood.

Happy moviegoing!

Cronenberg's Trailer for A Dangerous Method

2011-06-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ummm it's here folks. The trailer for David Cronenberg's A Dangerous Method. Still not excited about Keira Knightly, but you're sure to know that Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender and Vincent Cassell will make up for whatever faults she has. Very excited about this indeed. Looks a lot different in terms of story than I had thought for some reason. I'm intrigued.... and this trailer has only heightened my level of excitement for its release. /Film noted that the trailer has a lot of "Dead Ringers feel to it...." I have to agree. There is that oddity of eerie in the trailer's tone. Guess we'll see if it takes quite the turn that Dead Ringers did. With Cronenberg, you're sure it's going to be so, but I am not quite sure with this trailer here. Watch it below:

If you haven't seen Dead Ringers, get on that and keep and eye out for A Dangerous Method. Looks likes it's going to be great. I don't expect much else from David Cronenberg though. Supposed to be due in theaters this fall. It's going to be opening in the fall festival circuit, for TIFF I could only assume, first.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep Your Eyes Open: Living in the Material World: George Harrison

2011-06-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Just read on this blog that Scorsese plans on releasing his George Harrison documentary titled, Living in the Material World: George Harrison, by then end of this year. Pardone moi? I didn't even know such an endeavor was happening. Ooo the excitement! Scorsese & Harrison? My fav Beatle & Cinema? Ohhhhhh glorious film gods how worthy are we? Guess we'll see. It's supposed to be good...and...as I read on...in Rolling Stones Magazine Scorsese was quoted saying "I was interest in the journey that he took as an artist. The film is an exploration." Ya so stoked to this!... anyone seen The Last Waltz? how bout No Direction Home? Study up folks cause it's about that time. See the Rolling Stones Magazine post here. AND here's the No Direction Home trailer as a refresher:

I'm very excited to hear about this project and look forward to it's release. Keep your eyes open folks. It's going to be good.

Happy moviegoing!

'Dost my ears deceive me?' Beatty Says Dick Tracy Sequel May Happen.

2011-06-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

/Film just posted that Warren Beatty is considering doing a Dick Tracy sequel. Pardon?

See the post here.

“I’m gonna make another one.” he said at a Q&A, after a screening of the film yesterday, at the Hero Complex Film Festival in Los Angeles. Ummm sorry what sir? Let's try this again. Dick Tracy? One of the best comic adaptations to date in American Cinema. A sequel? With whom I might add? You going to get Al to come out of hiding? And where is Charlie Korsmo after 1999? Not sure it will be quite like it was. There is a genius blend of the 2D world in that film that only the 90s aesthetic provided. Think you're even going to get close to the same essence?

How are you going to do this again?

*please disregard the cheesetastic trailer V.O....It's Disney. It's the 90s.

/Film also reported that Beatty didn't say much else as he's a doesn't like to talk about films before they're made. He comes from old Hollywood, he knows better. Great form I say! But what to do? What to do?.....My nostalgia meters is going off. But think it's hitting red. I worry. Really unless you're going to get some of the genius' working in Japanese anime right now to help you with this and get some no namers to bring the characters a fresh breath then I think you're going down a lonesome road. But my interests are peeked. Beatty out of waiting and for Dick Tracy nonetheless. Well I am in. Just hope it come out s'wonderfully.

Otherwise, if you haven't seen Dick Tracy please get on that. I'll reiterate, especially with all the comic adaptations going on these days, that it is indeed one of the best you'll see and it came before the year 1999. Oh dear! Say it again so! Trust. Beatty is good. Member, Reds? (he directed this and Dick Tracy) and Shampoo? Ahhhh The Parallax View!? Watch these too. Happy moviegoing folks!

Finally Another Alexander Payne Film!

2011-05-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

/FIlm just posted this, with the title "First Clip of George Clooney in Alexander Payne's 'The Descendants'".....Conclusion.... two of my favorite men in this business in the same sentence and the long awaited follow-up to one of my favorite films after 2000, Sideways. Gahhhh! I gasped. My neighbors at work only looking at me with slanted eyes from their computer screens. Ha! So I'm stoked anyhow. It's scheduled for release this December. Now this is how you advertise people! Click here to see the clip!

Alexander Payne Amen.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Managing to Amaze Beyond the Grave, a True Artist: Stanley Kubrick

2011-05-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

/Film just posted this really amazing animated video of Kubrick's filmography (see below) and it reminded me of something I must recall. I only graduated about a month ago from a film production program at the Los Angeles Film School. And one day in my final course my teacher said to an innocent film student passer by and in the most mater of fact fashion "Hey! Do you want to watch one of the greatest movies ever made?" He was of course referring to Kurbrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, which we watched in one the purest of forms, 35mm, and with the volume up nice and high! Sure to say this made my entire day and I watched 2001 in the happiest mood I've ever screened it in.

To honor such feeling only Kubrick can instill. I am posting this little beve of photos that were sent to me that I'd yet to figure out how to present, until now. These were taken in 1949, in Chicago, by Kurbrick on an assignment from Look Magazine. Marvel. Just Marvel. Here are just a select few:

Full post is here. The assignment was called. "Chicago City of Contrasts." How this man amazes me and it isn't even from old thrills from his past flicks, but from shit I've never seen before. Just can't help but smile. Always a good day when Kubrick is involved.

Here's the video:

Stanley Kubrick - a filmography - from mwoutisseth on Vimeo.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Zemeckis' Yellow Submarine is No More

2011-03-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Just read on /Film that Robert Zemeckis's retelling of Yellow Submarine is no more. Apparently due to the failure and utterly tanked filmed Mars Needs Moms Disney has decided to not continue with the project because of it's use of intensive motion capture. For something that might actually be really awesome have the door closed on it because of some fluff like Mars Needs Moms is sad indeed. This needs to change. Hopefully Zemeckis finds another studio to bring it out and that Disney lack of involvement doesn't scare people away.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Mildred Pierce (2011) HBO Mini Series

2011-03-07T02:55:00.000-08:00

Ya. You heard me correctly. In my nostalgia for writing papers and being in University level classes I looked at a great post about 1949's classic noir Mildred Peirce. Now I hear Kate Winslet stars as Mildred Peirce in a five part mini series for HBO directed by none other than Todd Haynes. Say whaaa? I heard rumors about this, I didn't know it was in the works, done and ready to air. In case you care. Which you should. It will air, March 27th 9PM on HBO. Check it out! Saw the post in an awesome blog called, Cinema Style. Check out the post here! PS. Even Rachel Wood will play Mildred's treacherous daughter and Guy Pearce her treacherous lover. So excited!

What in god's name!? Remake of the 47 Ronin with Keanu Reeves in the works???

2011-03-04T09:19:00.000-08:00

Ya you read that correctly. What the fuck?! I'm sorry but I'm not gonna lie I almost threw up a little when I first read this. /Film reported, saying, "With Keanu Reeves set to star in Carl Erik Rinsch's 47 Ronin, by my math, still leaves about 46 Ronin to be cast." You've got to be kidding me? I will speak no further about the subject matter after this. With the amount of money spent on this kind of bullshit there has got to be a better use for it, this just seems plain wasteful. All that poor film or digital storage (probably going to use some crap Beta camera). I am shocked to know someone even had the gull trying to pitch this BULL. Someone please smack these people out when they come into your office with this shit. Why isn't anyone doing anything about this? Check out the /Film report here.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Movie Wrap-Up!

2011-02-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

So it's the beginning of the year and it's of course award season. In my life this subsequently means, in the truest of holiday fashions, a slew of movies are viewed. In no particular order of appreciation here's what has been watched recently and some thoughts on em. Enjoy.

127 Hours

So 1. You're not going to faint it's not that graphic. Be that as it may the success of the film comes from the editing, writing and of course the acting which is in turn from the directing. Ha! No it's not perfect, but it's really well done and goes back to more of the Trainspotting (1996) Boyle traditions than those of Slumdog Millionaire (2008) which is oddly refreshing. The film is smart and manages to keep pretty well on the ball for an action movie about a man who doesn't move for 127 hours. Every visual is anchored with meaning so inevitably the film is beautiful. However it's also impassioned despite how stripped down Franco becomes as Aron Ralston and how brutal his story is. It's easy for something like this to fall into just another Alive (1993) but it works on another wave length and allows for you to be in engaged weather you know the true story or not. Go watch.

True Grit

Oh fratelli coen! Firstly I had a chuckle and a half through this film, so A+. But the more and more I think about it, it wasn't mainly due to script or anything of that fun O Brother Where Art Thou? manner but to Jeff Bridges' performance. So I began to wonder why I was going around telling people I liked it. So it's a great text, but when the DP of your film is saying it's not his best stuff and that DP is Roger Deakins.....it's time for.....awkward silence....and....oh fratelli coen how I wish you would do something like Fargo again. Good effort but you are committing the crime of making us all think your under studio eye and trying to pump out films like it's the 30s and it's just not working for you. Close but no cigar.

Black Swan

It's interesting to watch Aronofsky over the years. But I feel like no one scares me quite like him. For some odd reason I just always feel some type of frightened watching his films. I don't know if it's the ultra reality of the world of the film or further more the ultra reality of the emotions and obsession of the film world. Perfection is not a word I'm unfamiliar with, but I believe I have the sense to realize that it's not possible. But where I find this ultra reality comes from is in the sense that I can understand the roots that the protagonist's obsession has. It's a matter of giving up every fiber of your being for your art. No matter how you slice it, you'll find a Nina in every artistic medium and that is what's important here I think and it's done wonderfully. Must watch!

Tron

Watched this with my Brosome! and Pa on a sunny winter's afternoon. FUN AS HELL! Who cares the script is a crapola pot. And who cares that the protagonist doesn't quite live up to any of the acting skills of his counterparts he shares the screen with. Forget it all....cause it's zen Jeff Bridges time! and you know the "dude's" and "awesome's" were improved and kept because they didn't care either. It's the Dude in sci-fi, gaming, zen, magical white castle, in the digital world, fun times and that's it. Just go and watch some cool shit and don't be so up tight! Enjoy!

Black Dynamite

I can't believe I've finally watched this. Michael Jai White is the screenwriter and star of the film and is quite fabulous. Although I enjoyed it immensely, this movie is too funny at times I think and I wouldn't do it justice to even begin to describe it correctly to you. Just watch it! Trust it's a good time. It parodies the American 1970s blacksploitation films, mostly things like Shaft and Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song. But it's this sense of parody as opposed to satire that deflates it's moments of genius and it falls flat at times. But this film is refreshing to say the least and continues to provide contemporary moviegoers with new avenues to understand cinema a little more.

Get Low

This film is an exemplar to why casting is so, so, SO important to a film, cause I'm not sure I would have watched it otherwise. Robert Duval is a revelation. Although not sure why I say revelation cause who didn't know he was an amazing actor; but this is definitely one of his best performances. Bill Murray is top notch as usual and I think I might have actually liked Sissy Spacek. A. The story is great. B. You have amazing actors. C. Pretty good script. But unfortunately due to "C's pretty good script" somewhere along the lines the film just looses the roll it had at the beginning and becomes quite flat toward the end. It was a little sad I must say.

Harry Potter

This is a perfect example of a stellar opening set of lines. The image itself is also awesome. (Looked better when I watched it then this screen grab <--) But that's about it that I enjoyed. Which is sad since I am a Harry Potter fan. But I feel now I need to clarify and say I am a Harry Potter book fan. This film is unfinished to say the least and is lacking on so many levels. It's too bad they're making them into two films in order to bank on the franchise as opposed to presenting an audience with a finished narrative. What ever happened to intermissions? Fail. Just Fail.

The Social Network

Now this I loved. I don't know why, but shit, it just hit somewhere. I am not a fan of some of the situations that revolved around the release of this film, particularly TIME putting Mark Zuckerberg on their cover as "Man of the Year." Jesse Eisenberg's crazy amazing performance has nothing to do with, in actuality, who this person is. But I believe one thing is true about why I liked this film. I do not see this as a film about Facebook. It's about friendship, loyalty, honor, pride, shame. It's about deep rooted evils in humans and how they come to pass and how they decay what they've touched. Fincher is getting better and better I think. And despite what all might think right now, I liked the look. It was filmed mostly with practical light and I believe it aids to nature of the film. There are moments when parts of the frame are full of action but hardly visible or in complete darkness. This is the nature of humans, no matter how much we see or think we know about someone there are pieces of us in darkness that only come out to play when we're being challenged (or when money and credit is involved) . How we meet that challenge is the question. This movie is no solution to what has happened but it's definitely asking the right questions. And if Andrew Garfield had a vagina this film could have quite possibly swept the top five nods at the Oscars this year, which hasn't been done since Silence of the Lambs. Watch it!

Somewhere

Probably one of the best representations of celebrity I've seen in a while. Nature to Coppola the film is quite static, there are many shots that just sit and watch. It must have been a joy to shoot...I'm not lying. It's a wait. We see people and things move in an out of frame slowly, swiftly, with gusto at some points, which present itself within the narrative as well as on the screen itself. Elle Fanning is a marvel as usual and Stephen Dorff is actually quite good and these are the only two constants and anchors here. But I feel indifferent to this film. I feel like I might have caught something undone or that something was missing when I left the theater. But maybe that's the very nature of the film, and maybe my indifference is a garnered and focused response to a very bleak vision of the nature of celebrity and that entire lifestyle. Go watch it's a interesting text to say the least.

No matter what you agree or disagree with, that's about it for now folks. Happy moviegoing!

Amelie

2011-02-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

These are my notes as they were written....

JESUS CHRIST!

Narrative and Character - The character intros. The specific hobbies details what they like and don't. Wondrous way to introduce characters. The pasta making scene after the blind man. She speaks about her self in the third person, I never really noticed that.

Editing and Cinematography - The marriage between these two is best exemplified when Amelie brings the blind man across the street and she describes everything they pass. Movement of shtos with character pace time and the reality of sight and sound in this scene is bliss. The shots are quite blurred and if it wasn't for Amelie's descriptions to the old blind man you wouldn't know what they were either. It's like you become the blind man too. IT'S WONDERFUL!

The Script - I need to peruse this script as soon as possible. It's written like literature if it's written like anything the way it actually plays on screen. The first scene where the TV talks to her and makes her feel guilty about her self pity and "woe is me" attitude....brilliant! Another moment like this the TV says "if amelie chooses to live in a dream and remain and introverted young women she has an absolute right to mess up her life." HA! Loves it too much at this point.

* The final glances to the camera, while Amelie and Nino are riding on the bike together. First both look then just Amelie. Brilliant. Reminds us we're watching fiction. It's a concoction. If you notice each character has their own way they make up stories and life around them. It's wonderful. "Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality" - Jules de Gaultier

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

2011-01-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

A project that originated during my years in high school, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades is what I like to call a passion piece for me. It's a war drama, about a Soldier faced with life or death as a sharp shoot guns him down across the way. The question is raised, How do we consider the fate of someone based on their actions? And over and above that how do we deem someones actions right or wrong when in a situation of life or death? Do we condemn or acquit the behavior based on circumstance?

I'm posting to spread the good word and let all of you know we have a Kickstarter for helping to raise funds for the production. YOU CAN SEE IT HERE!

We're working really hard and we need as much of your support as possible. Help a great cause with an outstanding team! I'll be keeping a tally of our progress on the right sidebar until our goals are reached. Just got to get the widget up and running now! Fingers crossed and thanks to all who spread the word!

Happy moviegoing!

Keep and Eye Out For: Hitcock Biopic

2011-01-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

/Film just posted about Anvil! director Sacha Gervasi being in the talks to direct a biopic on Alfred Hitchcock. Check out the /Film post here. I posted about Anvil! The Story of Anvil a while back, check out that post here.

I am quite excited about the possibility of Gervasi to direct a biopic on Hitchcock. No one really has done Hitchcock biopic at least in a full length format so this should be quite interesting. Has the potential to go array but hopefully, with the success of Anvil! on his heels, Gervasi can keep it rolling and rock the house with this one. Either way keep an eye out folks cause this could be good. This could be really good.

Happy moviegoing!

The Brave Little Toaster

2011-01-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

When I can't remember the last time I watched a film.... it's time for a refresher. Due to recent mention of this movie and with the hard reality of my robotic response "Oh my gosh! I love that movie!" slapping me in the face I figured I needed to dust off the old VHS again and figure out why I like it so much. Yes I have a VHS copy and yes it still works. I know. I just watched it. Either way, I watched the film and these are my notes based on chronology of plot and not personal importance.

Fuck I love this animation! - It reminded me of the opening credits of The Land Before Time. Another childhood but recently viewed favorite of mine.

The frightening adventure aspect - I figured the reasons I was so enamored with it when I was a child was because of this main plot point, it was an animated adventure but with these odd frightening moments that kept my child ass seated for 90mins.

Appliances left in an old cottage set to find their "master" - the genius of this story - After my post viewing research did I find out that the film is based on a book by Thomas M. Disch with the tagline "a bedtime story for small appliances" HA! How wonderful! Time to get the book!

Is the Air Condition voiced by Jack Nicholson? - I found later on IMDB it isn't, but is voiced by Phil Hartman. Who frequently voices on The Simpson as Troy McClure.

The songs is this movie are priceless hilarity - I didn't know it back then cause to me they were just catchy tunes that I would hum and sing part of the lyrics to, but these songs are crazy! When they are singing about finding ways to get back to the master after the For Sale sign is hammered into the front lawn, they sing: "Master is a man of great reflection." Now I know why my parents refused to watch it with me. These weren't catchy Disney tunes but odd off Broadway animation crapola! Oh jesu the songs! And then they were followed by weird moments of action like when Blanket is being stuff into a mouse hole by a bunch of mice after the, what I'd like to call, "music of the forest sesh." Yes you could only imagine, what beauties only 80s animation can bring.

Quick sand! - Why they hell is this the second major childhood movie for me, which involves a quick sand scene. The other I memtion and much more effective scene (since I'm pretty sure I cried from being scared of that scene at least twice) in The Neverending Story, is where Artex gets caught in some and Atreyu tries to save him. I bet it'll be far more effective in writing but this is a question that will be answered with time as I don't have the book yet...off to Borders mayhaps?

The hardware store - This is a prime explain of singing moments that are frightening yet ever so leaning on the edge of creepy I was talking about above. I'll mention again this isn't frightening in a Disney Snow White's running through the woods kinda way but actually kinda creepy and I don't understand why I child would like this. Maybe cause I didn't know what was happening with my small child brain. But anyhow the appliances make it to the city but are found by a little plump man who looks innocent enough. Once at the store the appliances are bombarded by the "city" lamps and forgotten appliances in a pawn shop which are piece and ripped to shreds at the plump mans disclosure. It's weird and hard to explain. Just take a look below and see for yourself.

Because yes, this movie is grade B film. But it made me happy once and despite being more aware of the little odds and ends, I still enjoyed watching it now. Just now it's one of those little creepy diamonds in the rough I hold onto dearly in the cinema vault.

P.s. if you are a TBLT fan here's a little goodie for ya! A printable and then fold-able paper Brave Little Toaster!

Happy moviegoing folks!

Wong Kar-Wai's Grandmaster

2010-12-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

Yay! New Wong Kar-Wai film! /Film reports it's the story of Wing Chun master Yip Man who was instructor to Bruce Lee and has been chronicled recently in the films Ip Man an Ip Man 2. But Kar-Wai's adaptation stars Tony Leung, Zhang Ziyi and from the picture shown here, will probably be a marvel to watch. My excited is apparent I hope. Check out the /Film post here! And look out for the film.

Happy moviegoing!

What the F***? Iranian Flmmaker Jafar Panahi is jailed for trying to make a movie.

2010-12-24T08:57:00.000-08:00

I cannot even believe this. Is the world really still in the barbaric mode? It's the holiday's!

I was reading David Bordwell's blog yesterday and saw this: "One of the finest of Iranian filmmakers, has been sentenced to six years in prison." What???? I said aloud...just what? Filmmaker Jafar Panahi is apparently being imprisoned for preparing a film. The Iranian government believes that he's making an anti-government peice and even though he was filming in his home they seized all the footage and equipment and jailed him and his colleague Rasoulof. This is so sad to hear. Censorship is still alive an well folks and we should really do something about it! Check out the full Bordwell post here!

R.I.P. Irvin Kershner

2010-11-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

It is a sad day indeed. At 87 that man who was handpicked by George Lucas to direct The Empire Strikes Back has passed away. Take a moment and watch it if you can....thoughts to his loved ones.

Update: Baz Hires Carey Mulligan for the Lead in Gatsby

2010-11-16T21:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo taken by Lurhmann of Mulligan as Daisy in his development of another screen adaptation of The Great Gatsby...Red Curtain Style of course. J'adore!

Keep and Eye Out for: Barney's Version

2010-11-14T15:45:00.001-08:00

THIS LOOKS MARVELOUS!

Update: Zemeckis' Yellow Submarine Is Still Gonna Happen

2010-10-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

/Film reported that, yes, a Zemeckis enhanced version of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine, is still happening. I cannot express how excited I am to hear this. Despite my lack of love for remakes, re-imagining etc, when I first heard about this project I got instantly happy.

Check out the /Film report here! Here's my post from a while back. And don't forget to keep an eye on the project! The cast is now as follows: Cary Elwes (George Harrison), Dean Lennox Kelly (John Lennon), Peter Serafinowicx (Paul McCartney), and Adam Campbell (Ringo Starr). Can't wait!

Happy moviegoing folks!

Things That Make Me Happy: Warner Bros. Gets More Animated

2010-10-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

/Film reported on their site today that Warner Bros. is going to be taking from the plethora of animated characters, more and more out of the animation warehouses for development. This excites me to no end! So hence forward this will now be the start of new segment on my blog that I'll call Things That Make Me Happy. Although I've posted things that make me happy many times before it will now just have an official title and tag. Check out the article from /FIlm here!

/Film says "There’s a live-action/CGI hybrid Bugs Bunny film in the works, and a Pepe le Pew film with Mike Myers planned as the voice of the romantically aggressive little skunk. And now the studio has bought a pitch for a film that would revolve around the ACME Warehouse"

Sounds like so much fun! Can't wait to see how everything turns out.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Alejandro González Iñárritu's Biutiful

2010-10-19T10:27:00.000-07:00

From the genius who brought us Amores Perros, 21 Grams, and Babel. Alejandro González Iñárritu's newest film, Biutiful, stars Javier Bardem and looks just absolutely stunning. Javier Barden won best actor at Cannes for this role and it should be very apparent by the trailer itself that this will most likely earn him his second Oscar. Apple describes the film as a love story between a father and his children. Like seriously!? Just via that alone it should be a comfort to all moviegoers that there are still filmmakers out there. Watching a trailer for a film like this just makes my heart swell. I must point out how reassuring it is to see that the traditions of auteur filmmaking are still in full force and Alejandro González Iñárritu is apart of that. Check out the trailer below! The film come out in limited release December 29th so make sure you find that little art house theatre (in your downtown area most likely) and go watch it!

Happy moviegoing!

Observations on Film Art: One of the Best Film Blogs on the Net

2010-10-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to a lot of blogs. Some photo, some journal, some funny, some film. One of my favorite film blogs, though it is written mainly by David Bordwell and Kristen Thompson, is David Bordwell's Observations on film art. These two glorious people were the folk that wrote Film Art: An Introduction, which was my intro to film bible in my first year of Cinema Studies. This morning I came to the newest post, written by Bordwell, named Seduced by structure, and the beginning read:

"If you’re hungry to learn about the ways films can tell stories, a festival provides a feast. A huge array of narrative strategies is spread out for your delectation. You won’t like every movie you see, but thinking about the mechanics of each one can deepen your experience of it, as well as your appreciation for just how wide cinema’s resources can be. You also get to see how more unusual approaches to storytelling are often imaginative revisions of more traditional strategies."

*sigh* Sometimes I miss writing papers and doing research. This minor portion of the full post is just so reminiscent of when my days were filled with film theories, discussions and all things wonderfully scholarly about film. I just hope that you have read the above and this has incited your imagination enough to click this link and understand just why David Bordwell's Observations on film art is a must see for any film lover. Definitely one of the happiest moviegoing blogs out there. Check it out here!

Happy moviegoing!

Check it out! Films From the South

2010-10-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

So last week I posted about Films From the South Festival in Oslo, Norway. To my surprise & excitement they've added this blog's post to their press page. Woo! Check it out here! I'll say it again. If you're in Oslo, get over to the festival cause it's going to be magic.

Happy moviegoing!

OH MY! Baz Lurhmann to Direct Great Gatsby with DiCaprio

2010-10-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Just saw on /Film that Baz Lurhmann is set to direct a version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby with Leonardo DiCaprio. For the record I love Baz. Apparently he made a statement at The Social Network premier saying:

"I’ve got two [pictures] going. One is a musical and one is a period work, both based in New York City, and I’m about to make that decision. I’ve got the script for both of them and I’m making that decision in four to six weeks, no longer than six weeks…’Gatsby,’ it is the Fitzgerald book and I’ve been working on that quite a lot. The other one is also New York based and music-driven and it’s just a question of … what is the next right step for me."

Ummm YES AND YES. I don't care just do something already. Cannot wait to hear what he chooses.

Happy moviegoing!

Check it out! Films From the South

2010-09-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

On October 10th this year Film From the South, which is celebrating 20 years, is Northern Europe’s leading festival dedicated exclusively to film from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Festival runs from 7-17 October, 2010. This year they will be honoring The World Cinema Foundation, which Martin Scorsese founded, with a World Premiere of 1931 film Limite by Mario Peixoto's with live accompaniment. They will also be honoring 12 of the World Cinema Foundation's restored film all at the same time!

They festival's release states that:

Established by Martin Scorsese, the Foundation supports and encourages preservation efforts to save the worldwide patrimony of films, ensuring that they are preserved, seen and shared. Its goal is to defend the body and spirit of cinema in the belief that preserving works of the past can encourage future generations to treat film as a universal form of expression.

How marvelous no? It's nice to see people around the globe supporting other national cinema's and above all the preservation of those cinemas and their masterpieces.

Check out what Variety had to say!

If you're in Oslo, Norway. I say get your ass over to this festival pronto!

Happy moviegoing!

For more information, press inquiries and hi res photos, contact:

In Norway: Alexis Matos, alexis@filmfrasor.no; +47.47.83.44.59

In U.S.: Gary Springer, gary@springerassociatespr.com; +1.212.354.4660

Never Let Me Go

2010-09-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

Well shit sake you know! It's a thursday night and I am in ruins because of this movie. It's wonderful. I wish I would have read the book before, but seeing as the collaboration between Mark Romanek and Kazuo Ishiguro, the novel's author, is what produced this film I think it's safe to say it stayed true to form. This is a sci-fi film of the ages, and a love story to be studied. It's stunning, sincere and just astonishing. I can't help it but, it made me cry and I can't stop thinking about it.

Looking at the film you would never pick out the sci-fi element to the whole story but it's amazing how subtle it is and ever so present at the same time. It haunts the film to an extent and yet the aesthetic is organic and natural, lots of greenery, wool, wood, rolling landscapes. The performances are great, it's all about the subtly here. Kiera Knightly is actually good here, Carey Mulligan is too amazing I cannot wait to see what she does next, and Alex Garfield is quite astounding (not sure about spiderman but I guess we'll see) But getting every wince, and eye flutter, allowing us to see someone being stripped emotionally is what is captured so well. But it's so gradual and yet you know the outcome from fairly early on in the film. The pace, the pauses, the looks; everything is given due attention and is executed so well. Please go see this film. It will definitely leave you in a certain state but jeeze this is what film is about. It's not about what you see but what you make others see...no?

Go see this film.

Happy moviegoing!

Keep an Eye Out For: Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go

2010-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

It's getting outstanding buzz right now. The performances are supposed to be astonishing. Just check out this trailer. It looks just beautiful. It's rather intriguing given the trailer's bleak and vague glimpse at the picture. Gosh darnit it looks like it's going to be a good one. It's nice to know people are still making movies.

American Beauty (1999)

2010-08-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Now I haven’t watched this in quite a while. But due to the recent surge of examples being given from this film in my academic classes, reminded me to watch it again. Subsequently the film didn’t cease to floor me just as it did when I watched the first time.

There is something strangely beautiful and tragic about the mundane, or I should say the mundane on the edge of a nervous breakdown. Mendes really did something here and it’s truly wondrous. The screenplay itself is astonishing and it’s these little key moments that screenwriter, Alan Ball, allows into the drama that gets to the beautiful tragedy about the human condition. You can see it's something Mendes takes great interest in. It's amazing to see. It’s these little moments, these brief glimpses into someone’s soul that is amazingly captured in this film.

Which brings me to cast, let’s get serious here. Kevin Spacey, Annette Benning, Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, Wes Bently, Chris Cooper, Allison Janning and Peter Gallagher(who’s eyebrows are a marvel). What’s important is that each of these roles doesn’t serve the same purpose as the other but they’re all acted strongly. Providing these moments, these glances, I spoke about above. Each role, however small, has a moment where we see this glimpse of utter tragedy in their hearts. Mendes watches, he waits, watches the silent vulnerability that leaves their souls bare to us, and it’s beautiful. For example, in a scene with Allison Janning’s character she sits alone at a table; we just sit with her and watch. She’s empty; we can see the void in her eyes and it’s completely breathtaking.

With moments like these we get a chance to peek inside these human beings while they’re on the edge of reason and sanity. It’s so thoroughly compelling and wonderful. It’s sad, but it’s true to form and allows us to get a glimpse of the human condition.

If you haven’t seen it, I don’t think I need to say go watch. Just do it.

Keep an eye out for Mendes' new film On Chesil Beach. Based on a novel written by the awesome Ian McEwan and the screenplay will be written by him also. The film is set in the 1960s and revolves around a couple on their honeymoon. Much much to look forward to!

Happy moviegoing!

Quills (2000)

2010-08-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen this you should. I am not sure why Philip Kaufman isn't making more movies like this anymore. Mind you he hasn't made much since this. However, the film is masterfully done and has performances to astonish you. With a cast that includes, Michael Cane, Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, & Joaquin Phoenix you think it would surely be a mere performance film. But the film, despite it's perverse nature, is stunning with a color palette that only has muted creams, greys, and beiges powering ever scene. It was nominated for both costume design and art direction at the academy awards and it shows.

Now regardless of the fact that this could have turned to a performance film the actors cannot be wiped aside. Firstly, and most important the scenes that are filled with other characters then the above mentioned are riddled with performances that are brilliant also. However Cane, is devilishly creepy. Kate is mild, but she stays true to form an complements both Joaquin and Geoffrey's performances beautifully. Joaquin is wondrous and it's too bad he isn't focused anymore because giving more performances like these would make him a force to be reckoned with. Geoffrey Rush, Oh! Geoffrey Rush; I don't think I've seen anything with him where his performances was just so, so. He's brilliant. Truly you could should see this movie just for his performance and you should enjoy it just as much because of it.

Now I must remind you the film is about the Marquis de Sade, the man that the word Sadism comes from, and is set during his thirteen year stay at an insane asylum. So prepare yourself for something out of your usual viewing but definitely worth a look. "But in order to know virtue, we must aquanaut ourselves with vice, only then can we know the full measure of man." - Doug Wright Screenwriter and Playwright of Quills.

Happy moviegoing!

Inception & Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: Let's Talk About Alternate Filmic Realities

2010-07-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Even though I think it's obvious, I am going to start off by stating there is no comparison going to be made between Christopher Nolan's Inception and Edgar Wright's Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in this post. What I want to talk about is each films use of alternate filmic reality's or more specifically making a reality unto itself. Furthermore I want to suggest that these alternate realities are why both these films are outstanding and and how they work successfully in the film.

As I said, what works so successfully in these films are that the worlds in which out protagonists inhabit is entirely alternate to the reality in which we know and live in outside of the theatre.

So let's talk about Inception first. Nolan Nolan Nolan, how I love thee Nolan. I can't help but love this film. Some people think it's exposition heavy, but with a film with such complex nature it become essential to audience enjoyment. Now we know we're in for something when a film dares to tackle the dream world, let alone allow our characters and our narrative inhabit this world for almost 90% of the film. So when we begin to watch the film we've already placed ourselves in a state of suspended belief and allow ourselves to accept more of what we're going to see. But what makes this special also, is that the world in which the characters inhabit outside of the dream, also lives within an alternate reality. The process of extraction in the film, is where our characters enter into the dream of a subject to gain information. This process is something that is known and accepted within the film world outside the dream and so we as an audience accept it straight away. And furthermore once we're in the dream we know anything is possible just by knowing this. Now there is something to be said about an audience knowing the film deals with dream before seeing it. Because as I said we know we're in for something and so our beliefs are suspended before we enter the theatre. Overall to have this alternate reality allows the audience's expectations to be suspended and to allow for a more enjoying experience.

SPOILERS BELOW: Stop reading if you don't want to have the film SPOILED for you.

Now when watching Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, there is a expectation that the film will fall into a reality that is similar to what we know and live in outside the theatre. However as the film begins we are introduced to the alternate reality. What is clever here is that the director knows that once this reality is introduced the audience's beliefs will be suspended and furthermore plays with this once it's set in place. When we first meet Scott, he and his friends are introduced with text boxes, explaining age, or key traits, and character anecdotes. But this is something we've seen before, so Wright goes further and begins to have sounds have text associated with them. So the ringing of the phone, the shutting of a door etc. have text associated with them, usually protruding from the sounds origin, like in comics.(like picture above) To go even further he begins to associate actions with video game visuals. For example, a moment when Scott has to go to the bathroom a level bar appears in the top right hand corner saying pee and as he pees the level goes down. Now what's special here is, despite all this Wright plays with our audience. So once they've suspended their beliefs and accepted the format of the film's alternate reality the audience begins to be toyed with. A scene that stands out is Scott coming home, he's in a great mood and he's excited about a date he has. As the scene plays out and Scott tells his roommate about his day, an audience track can be heard, they laugh at his jokes, and clap at his triumph etc. However what happens is that Scott's roommate then turns off his wall radio and the audience track stops. Firstly we've melded the lines between diegetic and non-diegetic sound, and then furthermore what the audience thinks is just another feature of our alternate reality is really just a coincidental radio playing within the diegetic space of the scene. To play with diegesis like that so fluidly is quite something to see and I believe this shows just how strong a director Wright is.

Overall both films are great! Each film plays to each of their audiences expectations and deliver. They suspend their beliefs and allows their audiences to wade within an alternate reality where all is wonder and awe. Allowing for a great moviegoing experience. Hope you have a chance to see the films! If you're a film lover they're something to see even if you don't have much interest in the subject matter.

Happy moviegoing!

Adaptation of Will Eisner's Contract with God!?

2010-07-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

Why oh why? Like damn I'm intrigued, but my intrigue is mostly from worry. In my brain all I can think is "How are they going to screw it up?" I do hope they are very careful with this text, because it is the grandfather of a medium, the graphic novel, that I hold dear to my heart. Please oh please do something stunning, something outstanding. No stars, no celebrity directors, be fresh and innovative. Don't forget Eisner during this because he should be able to teach you a lot about how this material should be handled.

Good luck and happy moviegoing!

TIFF Announces Program!

2010-07-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

I wish I was going to the Toronto International Film Festival so badly. One of my favorite events in Toronto ever. The whole city is just cinema cinema cinema, it's glorious. Now with the opening of the official headquarters for TIFF, the Bell Lightbox, it's going to be a really exciting year. One of the things I am sorry to miss is the Essential Cinema program. They wont be showing all of the 100 films on the list but they will be a display and pieces of some of these films in the Bell Lightbox for moviegoers and tourists to enjoy. The list was decided by an expert panel of TIFF curators, it is as follows:

1 THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (Carl Theodor Dreyer)
2 CITIZEN KANE (Orson Welles)
3 L'AVVENTURA (Michaelangelo Antonioni)
4 THE GODFATHER (Francis Ford Coppola)
5 PICKPOCKET (Robert Bresson)
6 SEVEN SAMURAI (Akira Kurosawa)
7 PATHER PANCHALI (Satyajit Ray)
8 CASABLANCA (Michael Curtiz)
9 MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA (Dziga Vertov)
10 BICYCLE THIEVES (Vittorio De Sica)
11 ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL (Rainer Werner Fassbinder)
12 8 ½ (Federico Fellini)
13 BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (Sergei Eisenstein)
14 RASHOMON (Akira Kurosawa – 2)
15 TOKYO STORY (Yasujiro Ozu)
16 THE 400 BLOWS (François Truffaut)
17 UGETSU (Kenji Mizoguchi)
18 BREATHLESS (Jean-Luc Godard)
19 L'ATALANTE (Jean Vigo)
20 CINEMA PARADISO (Giuseppe Tornatore)
21 LA GRANDE ILLUSION (Jean Renoir)
22 LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (David Lean)
23 PERSONA (Ingmar Bergman)
24 GONE WITH THE WIND (Victor Fleming)
25 SUNRISE (F.W. Murnau)
26 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (Stanley Kubrick)
27 VOYAGE IN ITALY (Roberto Rossellini)
28 AMÉLIE (Jean-Pierre Jeunet)
29 CITY LIGHTS (Charlie Chaplin)
30 STAR WARS (George Lucas)
31 SHERLOCK JR. (Buster Keaton)
32 RULES OF THE GAME (Jean Renoir – 2)
33 THE LEOPARD (Luchino Visconti)
34 LA DOLCE VITA (Federico Fellini - 2)
35 L’ARRIVÉE D’UN TRAIN À LA CIOTAT (Frères LumiereLouis Lumière and Auguste Lumière)
36 THE WIZARD OF OZ (Victor Fleming – 2)
37 LA JETÉE (Chris Marker)
38 VERTIGO (Alfred Hitchcock)
39 NIGHT AND FOG (Alain Resnais)
40 PULP FICTION (Quentin Tarantino)
41 THE SEARCHERS (John Ford)
42 SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Danny Boyle)
43 THE CONFORMIST (Bernardo Bertolucci)
44 CITY OF GOD (Fernando Meirelles)
45 TAXI DRIVER (Martin Scorsese)
46 APOCALYPSE NOW (Francis Ford Coppola – 2)
47 SALÓ, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM (Pier Paolo Pasolini)
48 THE SEVENTH SEAL (Ingmar Bergman - 2)
49 LE VOYAGE DANS LA LUNE (Georges Méliès)
50 METROPOLIS (Fritz Lang)
51 THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS (Gillo Pontecorvo)
52 IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE (Wong Kar Wai)
53 VIRIDIANA (Luis Buñuel)
54 LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (Roberto Benigni)
55 THE SORROW AND THE PITY (Marcel Ophüls)
56 PAN'S LABYRINTH (Guillermo del Toro)
57 THE EARRINGS OF MADAME DE… (Max Ophüls)
58 BLADE RUNNER (Ridley Scott)
59 THROUGH THE OLIVE TREES (Abbas Kiarostami)
60 LES ENFANTS DU PARADIS (Marcel Carné)
61 BRINGING UP BABY (Howard Hawks)
62 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Stanley Donen)
63 JOHNNY GUITAR (Nicholas Ray)
64 A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (Stanley Kubrick – 2)
65 MEMORIES OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT (Tomás Gutiérrez Alea)
66 M (Fritz Lang – 2)
67 SCORPIO RISING (Kenneth Anger)
68 PSYCHO (Alfred Hitchcock – 2)
69 DUST IN THE WIND (Hou Hsiao-Hsien)
70 SCHINDLER’S LIST (Steven Spielberg)
71 NASHVILLE (Robert Altman)
72 CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (Ang Lee)
73 WAVELENGTH (Michael Snow)
74 JULES ET JIM (François Truffaut – 2)
75 CHRONIQUE D’UN ÉTÉ (Edgar Morin and Jean Rouch)
76 THE LIVES OF OTHERS (Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck)
77 GREED (Erich von Stroheim)
78 SOME LIKE IT HOT (Billy Wilder)
79 JAWS (Steven Spielberg - 2)
80 ANNIE HALL (Woody Allen)
81 THE BIRTH OF A NATION (D.W. Griffith)
82 CHUNGKING EXPRESS (Wong Kar Wai - 2)
83 LA NOIRE DE… (Ousmane Sembene)
84 RAGING BULL (Martin Scorsese - 2)
85 THE MALTESE FALCON (John Huston)
86 CHINATOWN (Roman Polanski)
87 ANDREI RUBLEV (Andrei Tarkovsky)
88 WINGS OF DESIRE (Wim Wenders)
89 VIDEODROME (David Cronenberg)
90 WRITTEN ON THE WIND (Douglas Sirk)
91 THE THIRD MAN (Carol Reed)
92 BLUE VELVET (David Lynch)
93 THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY (Sergio Leone)
94 BREAKING THE WAVES (Lars von Trier)
95 A NOS AMOURS (Maurice Pialat)
96 CLEO DE 5 A 7 (Agnès Varda)
97 ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (Pedro Almodóvar)
98 EARTH (Aleksandr Dovzhenko)
99 OLDBOY (Park Chan-wook)
100 PLAYTIME (Jacques Tati)

Magic no? WOW! I hope to possibly by some stroke of divine intervention, get sent over to TIFF this year. At least I shall enjoy the festival through my friends and movie lovers over back home in Toronto this year.

If you're in Toronto this year, between September 9th-19th, go make some time to see this exhibit or see a movie at least. TIFF has a great midnight movie program and obviously a really exciting group of films this year. Check out more information over at the website.

Happy moviegoing!

Disney's Press Release for Haunted Mansion. Guillermo Del Toro to direct!

2010-07-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

Guillermo Del Toro was at Comic-Con and spoke to the fortunate people who could attend about his newly spawned adaptation of Haunted Mansion. He says:

"It is going to be in 3D. And we’re making the Haunted Mansion the most haunted place on Earth. And we are doing it by being true to the spirit and the art and the aesthetic of the original Imagineers that created the mansion.

We are not returning Eddie Murphy’s calls."

That's what I love to hear. Can't wait! After I heard this though, I went to look at Del Toro's IMDB, he has SO much in the works. The ones that stand out are Pinocchio, Frankenstein, & The Witches. The Witches!? AHHHHHH stoked! Firstly I just want to see. I just want to see what he will concoct for this. Real excited. I hope he gets Angelica Houston to come back. Frankenstein, I'm not too excited, since there have been SO many adaptations, but I'm intrigued nonetheless. Pinocchio I think will be exciting too since it will finally be the scary story it was originally written as. Should be interesting. Very exciting stuff. This man is a marvel.

Happy Moviegoing!

Inception: Update

2010-07-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is proving to be really difficult. I'm trying my hardest not to read any reviews. I need to watch this movie ASAP. Damn six day week schedules. Though can't wait to see it on Sunday!

Happy moviegoing!

Wicked Film Adaptation?

2010-07-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

Ah Hollywood, how you fascinate me. This is the newest lineup for possible directors for the film adaptation of the widely popular stage musical, Wicked. Check it out: J.J. Abrams, James Mangold, Ryan Murphy and Rob Marshall. Ya I know. This is a little sad. This was already an adaptation of a book and luckily the musical went on to garner numerous awards and accolades. But do they really think that can happen again? All I can say is please no Rob Marshall. After he reduced Nine to a racist copy of Italians and a copy of 8 1/2 by Fellini, all I can say is NO ROB MARSHALL.

Fun, Fun Times alla Disney

2010-07-14T23:04:00.000-07:00

Beginning August 2, ArcLight Cinemas will present the Disney classics selected by D23, Disney's official fan club, every Monday at ArcLight Hollywood, Tuesday at ArcLight Sherman Oaks, and Wednesday at ArcLight Pasadena.

Ya, I just wrote that. Cool huh!? Gotta love it.

Check out this schedule:

The focus is on Disney science-fiction and fantasy films at ArcLight Hollywood, with the following schedule:

•Monday, Aug. 2: Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
•Monday, Aug. 9: The Rocketeer (1991)
•Monday, Aug. 16: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
•Monday, Aug. 23: The Black Hole (1979)
•Monday, Aug. 30: Escape to Witch Mountain (1975)

Disney animated classics are in the spotlight at ArcLight Sherman Oaks all throughout August:

•Tuesday, Aug. 3: Cinderella (1950)
•Tuesday, Aug. 10: Pinocchio (1940)
•Tuesday, Aug. 17: Alice in Wonderland (1951)
•Tuesday, Aug. 24: The Jungle Book (1967)
•Tuesday, Aug. 31: Peter Pan (1953)

ArcLight Cinemas in Pasadena will be home to tune-filled Disney musicals every Wednesday in August:

•Wednesday, Aug. 4: Newsies (1992)
•Wednesday, Aug. 11: Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
•Wednesday, Aug. 18: Pete’s Dragon (1977)
•Wednesday, Aug. 25: Mary Poppins (1964)

Amazing Inception Comic on Yahoo! Movies

2010-07-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

The story line leads right up to the beginning of the where the movie starts. Really cool shit! Check it out here!

The Last Airbender

2010-07-08T06:37:00.000-07:00

Despite its really slow start I kinda liked it and I am excited to see it counterparts. Mind you I went with fans of the T.V. show.

Some things:
A. This movie really made me want to see the original T.V. show. Super cool story line. Mind you I've always had an affinity for far away lands and people with powers.

B. Really made me want to take on Tai Chi. Really cool stuff. Look into it!

One more note: When this was getting ready to open on July 2nd the theatre in front of my school had protesters marching out front. People were complaining about casting still. Saying it was racist that certain characters were casted differently from their "likeness" to the animated characters. What people don't seem to realize is this was an American animated T.V. series so all this garb about it being racist in casting is garbage in my books. Animation and film, if it's about one thing, it's about imagination, wonder, awe and reaching people despite their color or creed. People need to find something better to do with their time. Everyone did well and overall I liked it. Could have seen it on DVD and would have been fine too, but I did enjoy it.

Favorite things:

This creature was magical, it's supposed to be a flying bison named Appa. It flies and has six legs. All I know is I want one.

I also liked Uncle Iroh, he was throughly into his character. Nothing like the animated character. But very fun. Love the dreads.

Be good folks and keep that vision out of the tunnels.

Happy moviegoing!

My Birthday Gift

2010-06-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

Since it's coming out on July 9th. I'm considering it my birthday gift from the industry.

Thank you!

Happy moviegoing!

I'm Just Saying...

2010-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Fraggle Rock movie better be awesome. AMAZING! You hear? I'm just saying...

Happy moviegoing!

It's Here! It's Here!

2010-06-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

The official international trailer for Sylvain Chomet's The Illusionist. Take a look. I'm dazzled right now. So excited for this! Just watch:

Happy moviegoing!

Keep an Eye Out For: Sofia Coppola's Somewhere

2010-06-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love thee. Sofia is on a whole other level right now. It's so great. Really looking forward to watching this. You must watch out for Elle Fanning. She already light years beyond her sister. Watch Phoebe in Wonderland for proof. This looks so great!

Happy moviegoing!

Magnolia (1999)

2010-06-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

I just re-watched Magnolia. What a movie! Can't even begin to describe how well executed this film is. The structure, so sound. Watching it again now is making me love PTA more. It's futile to really try to give credit to this film in words. Just something you have to see to believe. The performances that are rendered are so outstanding it's unbelievable. Here's the trailer so you can get an idea of what I'm talking about.

Watch it, I doubt you'd be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Well Said: Rain Johnson on 8 1/2

2010-06-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

"Even though I was enamoured with film at college, I took literature classes and was reading a lot of great novels. Film and great literature seemed to feed two very different appetites for me – until I saw 8½. It was the first movie that bridged the two and opened up the idea that a film can have the complexity of a great novel. … I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie like it, it seems to capture what memory – or the reverie of reliving a memory – feels like. The experience is almost tangible." - Rian Johnson on 8 1/2

Get Inspired! Director Gareth Edwards, Shot His Film Monsters for ONLY $15,000!

2010-06-04T19:26:00.001-07:00

There's been a lull...I know.

2010-06-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

So crazy around here. But please stay tuned for some new posts coming soon!

Kick-Ass!

2010-04-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

So finally saw Kick-Ass. It's living up to its praise. It definitely is. Couple things of note: Keep an eye out for Chloe Moretz. She plays Hit Girl and I would go as far to say that she kinda stole the show. Despite that the film isn't about one particular character, she definitely has charge and commanded of every scene she was in. Otherwise the construction of the film is really well done and obviously leaves room for another to be made, I can only assume, soon. I feel like this film is really an introduction of sorts and we've yet to see what's really up the sleeves of the Kick-Ass team. If you're a fan of the comics then I am sure you have a lot more criticism than I, but I loved the idea that Kick-Ass is all about standing up when no others will. It's actually quite something. The snapshot you see above is from a compelling scene where a slew of onlookers take pictures while a few gang members try and beat up someone and Kick-Ass intervenes and get's his ass kicked in the process. I just wished they would have continued on with this throughout the story then letting the revenge plot overtake by the end. I feel like it's important and would have made this film less just another comic movie and into something more. Otherwise though the movie did KICK ASS! The fight scene's we're stellar and really played well into the original mediums style and constructions as a comic would. They're really impressive and aren't getting enough praise. Overall though, bloody awesome!

Definitely go check it out!

Here are some pics:

Happy moviegoing!

Get Low Trailer - WOW I'm stoked for this!

2010-04-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

This looks so wonderful! I am so excited to see Robert Duvall and Bill Murray together. And Robert Duvall's performance is supposed to be absolutely amazing. Keep an eye out for this one!

Happy moviegoing!

Inception: New Photos

2010-04-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

HA! Warner Bros. just released new photos from the set of Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, Inception. I've posted about this before. Prepared to be amazed. Plus Ken Watanabe is in the movie! I just found this out. I am even more excited now. I am going to repost the trailer just so you can get an idea of how awesome this is going to be.

Here are the photos:

Enjoy!

Happy moviegoing folks!

I'm Here By Spike Jonze

2010-04-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the delay. But this brilliance needed to be given my full attention and I wasn't going to watch it until that was possible. So magic. I can't even begin to explain. But I'll try...

Firstly I was excited to see that I knew a good chunk of the places that this was shot in. A lot of the exteriors were filmed in Eagle Rock which is where I lived when I first moved out to Cali. So yay for that. But lets get down to it. The film is gorgeous and shot so incredibly. You have to hand it to Adam Kimmel for doing such a beautiful job. I'm posting some photos so don't fret, you'll see the magic soon enough. The music is also wondrous and it's refreshing to see that even for a short film people are taking the time to make an original score. Sam Speigel did a really good job and it sets the tone for the story perfectly.

The story is quite simple. Boy robot meets girls robot. I'm not going to tell you much more than that. It's presented online only by Absolut and you can watch the film here. Support filmmaking like this, it's a rarity in contemporary cinema and needs to be celebrated as often as possible. A HUGE round of applause needs to go to the Writer/Director Spike Jonze who is just brilliant. Jonze is one of the few contemporary directors who is taking chances and producing work that can last for ages. Another one in the can and it's a keeper. Bravo! Not many can say that and considering he's been active as a director for over ten years the quality of his work just seems to be getting better and better and this exemplifies a true artist. So excited to see what he's doing next.

Again you can watch the film here. Watch it if you can. You wont be disappointed.

Here are some photos, as promised:

Happy moviegoing folks!

Just got my VIP Pass for Spike Jonze's I'm Here

2010-03-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I just got a marvelous email with me VIP pass to the online screening of Spike Jonze's I'm Here. I am super excited so once I am out of class I am going to watch and write something up. Keep and eye out for my review.

Happy moviegoing!

I Finally Saw Anvil: The Story of Anvil

2010-03-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

So I finally saw it. I've been meaning to see this film since I first heard about it when I worked at Moving Pictures Magazine over a year ago. It's bloody AMAZING!

I've added a poster photo, which I usually don't do. But this one I needed to add because I want you to understand that everything it proclaims is true. This film is a masterpiece and is one of the best documentaries about rock n' roll I've ever seen. The fact that a film about metal music brought me to tears is just amazing to think about. The quality level of storytelling here just goes to show how much the spirit of two people never willing to give up their dream is insurmountably across-the-board touching. I can't even begin to tell to explain, you just need to see it. I don't even play an instrument let alone listen to metal music all that much but to see the passion and love these two have for their craft and for their music is just so inspiring. Best part about it is that they didn't even have much success. They didn't even make it half as much as the people they influenced and inspired.

Just look:

Any music or movie lover should watch this film....STAT!
Hope you like it.
Happy moviegoing!

History Has Just Been Made

2010-03-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

I'm kinda speechless. Kathryn Bigelow just won an Oscar for Best Direction and Best Picture for The Hurt Locker.

If tonight is any indication, if you haven't seen this film I would go watch it NOW. Here's a link to my post on the film a while back.

Happy moviegoing!

ARE YOU READY FOR THE OSCARS?!

2010-03-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you're ready. Who's excited? Anywhooo check out this great YouTube playlist of awesome Oscar Moments. Specifically check out the David Niven streaker moment, Chaplin's Honorary Oscar Speech, and Dustin Hoffman accepting for Kramer vs. Kramer. Magic. Oh and stay tuned for post Oscar Post!

Happy moviegoing!

Few Things of Note

2010-03-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

So today, while I was compiling an extensive list of screenwriters for my boss, I came across some titles for the near future that I think are of note.

A. They're gonna make a Forest Gump 2, and they want to call it Gump & Co.
B. There is a movie out there called We Gotta Get Buscemi
C. A film is in the works based on the novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

So firstly let us address A.... WHAT THE HELL?! Is the bulk of my reaction. Despite that it is written by the same screenwriter. Can anyone think this will be any good? Or comparable to the first for that matter. I wanna know how they plan on getting Tom Hanks to come back. I would also like to know how they're convincing someone to fork over cash for this. I would also like to know if they plan on getting Zemeckis. Too many question arise, but overall why? why oh why must you do such things?

Let's get away from this gray cloud and move onwards. B. We Gotta Get Buscemi. There isn't even a synopsis on IMDBPro. But for some reason I feel like this could be pretty stellar if the Buscemi they speak of is him name Steve who starred in classics like Reservoir Dogs, Ghost World and other wonders. So my hopes are set. Not high, but not low. Looks interesting nonetheless.

C. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. This book was purchased for me on accident and it turned out to be wonderful. I am excited to see the screenwriters are seasoned professional, who have worked on things like Dangerous Liaisons, and Atonement, to pictures like Gosford Park. Keep an eye out for this one folks!

Happy moivegoing!

Oscar Nominated Short Films

2010-02-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

So in my last Oscar post I wrote that I would be seeing all the nominated shorts for this years race at an event hosted in Detroit. The event was held at Detroit Institute of Arts and it was in a lovely theater. To my pleasant surprise the crowd was filled with an array of people from the very old to the young. It was great to see the entire house packed with excited faces and wonderful feelings that these events are still organized and enjoyed. It was also great to see that the shorts were films from all over the world including the USA, Sweden, France, Spain, Russia and India. So here is my take on what we saw.

Animated Shorts:

French Roast by Fabrice Joubert - This was a cute little film set in a cafe in France and follows a man who accidentally leaves his wallet leaving him penniless to pay for his coffee. The film was CGI animation. Most characters had very exaggerated features, which I love. It was lovely. You can watch it here.

Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty by Nicky Phelan, Darragh O'Connell - This was hilarious and had everyone laughing from the 60+ man sitting beside me to my 13 year-old stepsister. The story is very nicely constructed and presents a retelling of the famed Sleeping Beauty by a bitter elderly lady to her grandson. The film was mix of CGI and hand drawn animation. It was just a pleasure to watch and is my second favorite of the bunch. You can watch it here.

The Lady and the Reaper by Javier Recio Garcia - This was cute and had a great rhythm to it. The film parades a frenzy between an old women being taken by the Reaper and being saved continuously by a playboy doctor with a team of pin-up nurses. The battle is stellar in CGI. You can watch it here.

Logorama by Nicolas Schmerkin - This was my favorite. WOW when it says Logorama it means it. I wouldn 't be able to count all the logo's used in this short. I was also surprised to found out the this short film hails from France. The film has everything from Ronald McDonald shooting up the cops in the streets of LA, to the Pringles man hitting on a diner waitress. You have to see it to believe it. Watch it here. (It's not the best quality but at least you can watch it)

Wallace and Gromit in 'A Matter of Load and Death' by Nick Park - This was good to be expected as that which is Wallace and Gromit magic. But this time teaming up(somewhat) to beat a baker murderess on the loose.

Live Action Shorts:

The Door by Junaita Wilson, James Flynn - This film while depressing was shot wonderfully and tells the tale of a family in the aftermath of Chernobyl. Not my favorite of the bunch but very touching. Trailer here.

Instead of Abracadabra by Patrick Eklund, Mathias Fjallstrom - This was a hilarious Swedish film and for me one of the best of the bunch. It follows the misadventures of a 25 year-old, still living at home with dreams of being a celebrated magician. He has a dark sense of humor but an endearing quality shared by all in the film. The entire crowd was having a hoot with this one and I believe it is one of the top contenders to win for this category. I'm trying to find a full length version for you all to watch but for now you can watch the trailer here to get an idea of how great it is. Ps. the soundtrack is marvelous!

Kavi by Gregg Helvey - A submission by a MFA student at USC, this film shows some of the tragedy that is still occurring today with slavery in India. The film is quite sad, and follows a little boy in present day India working in a labor camp. What continues to amaze me and is demonstrated wonderfully here is the strength in child actors. This little boy (see pic) is amazing. Trailer here.

Miracle Fish by Luke Doolan, Drew Bailey- An Australian submission and with a surprise appearance(for me) by Tara Morice who played Fran in Strictly Ballroom. This follows a introverted little boy on the day of his eighth birthday. To retreat bullies he takes a nap in the nurses ward at school and wakes up to a completed empty building. What happens next you can watch here.(Got to the end of the article to play video) It's quite good and one of my favorites.

The New Tenants by Joachim Back, Tivi Magnusson - My absolute favorite of the bunch. I'm trying my hardest to get a full video of it so you can experience the genius. So wonderful and the entire crowd was roaring with laughter. Follows new tenants in a building, as we discover, inhabited with an array of characters from scorned lovers to drug dealers. The film features appearances by Vincent D'Onofrio and Kevin Corrigan. Trailer here. Website here.

And that's all folks...See who the winners will be March 7th!

Happy Moviegoing!

First Footage From Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist

2010-02-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

/Film just posted the first footage for Sylvain Chomet's The Illusionist. Here it is:

Who's excited now?

Happy moviegoing!

Sydney Chomet's The Illusionist

2010-02-16T17:33:00.000-08:00

Premiering at Berlin Film Festival. Sydney Chomet's latest, five-year-in-the-making, animated endeavor is co-written by Jacques Tati. Now who's excited even more? MOI! An unlikely friendship blooms between an aging French magician and a young Scottish girl. I'm only going to add some photos here, so you can get the best understanding of why I am so excited about this. If you haven't seen any of Chomet's stuff, I suggest you do. Particularly his 2003 Triplets of Belville. This is my favorite type of animation to date. I love it dearly. I'll also put a clip of Triplets at the end so you get an a sense of what awaits you in his newest film.

Cool Stuff: Cartoon Saloon Sells The Secret of Kells DVD and Original Sketch

2010-02-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

On March 6th Disney will release The Secret of Kells. Unfortunately I hadn't heard about this movie until the Oscar nominations; since it's nominated for Best Animated Feature. However now that I do know, I will spread the word as much as I can. Brought to us by Irish company Cartoon Saloon. It looks super cool. I'm gonna post some photos from the site, just so you can get an idea of how great this looks. But the cool stuff is that the site's online store is selling the DVD with a personalized original sketch signed by the director. AWESOME no!? Check it out!

Happy moviegoing folks!

Oscar Nominations Are In! Everything As Expected

2010-02-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

So they're in! Nothing was too surprising. But these are the things I've noted.

Best Picture: Blind Side?! Really? It wasn't even that good, but I guess they need 10 nominations so they had to it there. District 9 I'm happy for the recognition for this, but it wont win. Everything else was anticipated.

Best Actor: Yay for Jeremy Renner! Although its unlikely that he'll win. He's definitely next up after Jeff in my eyes. His performance was amazing.

Best Actress: Well no surprises there. Meryl Streep is a force to be reckoned with. No one can touch her now. The best part is she is so bloody humble. LOVE HER!

Best Supporting Actor: Well I think it will be a travesty if Christoph doesn't win this one. But I am happy Woody Harrelson and Stanley Tucci are there.

Best Supporting Actress: Again no real surprises here, except Penelope. I am not sure why she was nominated. I feel like her performance in Nine was the same as in Vicky Christina Barcelona.

Best Director: KATHRYN BIGELOW! Enough said.

Best Original Screenplay: Well this looks wondrous. I am happy Quentin is being recognized again. And I am pleased to see the writers of Up there also. I am hoping it goes to Mark Boal for The Hurt Locker.

Best Adapted Screenplay: I haven't heard of In the Loop but it's safe to say that I should take a look at it. This category is a little tight. All of the nominees seem great. One thing I can say is I rather see Nick Hornby get anything over Jason Reitman. Up in the Air, was a big let down for me. It was good. But it wasn't great. And the only reason it was as good as it was was because of the genuine performances the cast gave.

Best Cinematography: Harry Potter???? Really?...How bout Bright Star anyone? I am glad to see The White Ribbon up there though. Black and White is beautiful and I can't wait to see this film. All I can say here is a really hope Avatar doesn't get this.

Best Editing: Again anything but Avatar.

Best Art Direction: Again Bright Star anyone. As long as Nine and Avatar don't win here I think I'll be pleased with any of the others taking the prize.

Best Costume: Yay Bright Star! All these nominations are to be expected, I am please that Coco is also up here.

Best Make-up: Il Divo! Holy I finally saw what this is about. Why I haven't seen this, is beyond me. Toni Servillo's transformation is magic. Hope it wins.

Best Original Score: It's safe to say that Up composer, Michael Giacchino, will get this one. But I am happy Desplat got a nod here for Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Best Original Song: Faubourg 36... I heard about this film a while back but I didn't know this was in contention for anything. But I guess so. Very glad that clad of song "Cinema Italiano" wasn't nominated. Looks like "The Weary Kind" will take this.

Best Sound Mixing: I think it's safe to say that Avatar will sweep these technical awards. But you never know. A war flick might always take the cake, or even Star Trek.

Best Sound Editing: Up? Who knew. Avatar will probably take this one.

Best Visual Effects: Do I even need to write who will grab this one up.

Best Animated Feature: Ah animation, my love. The Secret of Kells was out of left field, but after seeing the trailer (which I'll post at the end of this) I'm please to see it up there. But I think Up will take it.

Best Foreign Language: The White Ribbon should get this one.

Best Documentary Film: Everyone is talking about The Cove. If you get a chance to see even some stills from this, you'll get a pretty good understanding as so why this will probably get this award.

Best Documentary Short Subject & Best Animated Short & Best Live Action Short: I am going to be seeing these all screened soon in Detroit. So I'll be putting up my thoughts later.

For now here is the trailer for The Secret of Kells. Enjoy!

Happy moviegoing folks!

History is in the Making! Kathryn Bigelow Wins DGAs Top Honor!

2010-01-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

Happy sunday! Kathryn Bigelow, director of The Hurt Locker won DGAs top honor yesterday. Being the first women to take this award home EVER! She's been winning everything except the Globe (but the foreign press is blah). She is the front runner for the Oscar because of this. She is making history here. So excited! Bravo Kathryn Bigelow! BRAVO!

Sita Sings the Blues

2010-01-29T14:25:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to see this film since I first heard about it when I was working at the magazine. Then I saw a post on it in Roger Ebert's Journal. As I searched for it on the World Wide Web with no luck, a sparkle of magic happened just recently when my wondrous cousin Jenna somehow found a full version of it on YouTube. So my search was over and I finally got to see it.

WOW. When Ebert says I was enchanted and swept away, I didn't realized just how much I would be too. The best description I've seen so far is the one the Hollywood Report gave. It says:

Being dumped has longed served as a catalyst for artistic inspiration, but rarely has a dumpee turned their heartbreak into an end result as charming as "Sita Sings the Blues." This low-budget animated film was written, directed, animated and edited by Nina Paley, who proves that an army of technicians isn't necessary to produce something as terrific as anything by Pixar.

So trust me it is as wonderful as it's sounding. This film wont disappoint, and if it does then I am sorry but your heart is stone. Nina Paley is a marvel. This film is a revelation. How Paley did so much all on her own with such a wonderful end result without the intervention of the money bags in Hollywood is just something to revel in. Bravo!

So as the Hollywood Reporter has alluded to the inspiration for the film comes from a break-up. So we see the story of the Ramayana-the love, marriage and break-up of the god Rama and his first wife Sita-and, one can only assume, Plaey's own break-up played along side each other throughout the film, with the focus staying mainly on India with Rama and Sita. The wonderful part about this touching break-up story is when Sita sings her blues, it is to 20s jazz vocals of Annette Hanshaw. It's stunning to say the least. All the different forms and types of animation that are used in this feature is just amazing, you can't imagine what you'll see. I am going to let the film speak for itself (you can watch it here) and I can't stress how much you should watch it. However, I am going to post a bunch of pictures here so you can get a sense of just why I and so many others are so amazed by this film.

Nina Paley will be someone to watch out for, for sure! I hope that when you do get a chance to watch this, you love it as much as I did.

Happy moviegoing!

Spike Jonze, you're amazing...

2010-01-22T13:30:00.000-08:00

This is why Spike Jonze is one of the most amazing contemporary directors working today. I don't think I don't LOVE anything he has done. Just amazing. Take a look at the trailer for his new short film I'm Here, below. It's a robot love story or "a love story in an absolut world". The website alone is amazing www.imheremovie.com. Sign up online to make sure to be the first to see it. Cause it's only being shown on the website. I'm beyond words for the most part. I just can't believe he doesn't get the praise he should.

In addition why has Where the Wild Things Are been completely over looked this award season? It's was clearly one of the best films of the year. Overrated recycled FernGully crap like Avatar being praised the way it is it better have bloody blue people and sparkly plants! But I guess the best filmmakers really never get the "awards". Too bad. I can't wait to see this though! Cannot wait!

Authenticity

2010-01-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

So I was having a heated - ya I would say heated - discussion with a friend about originality and remakes via chatting about the legitimacy of Scorsese's The Departed this morning. I would say both this friend and I are fans of the original Infernal Affairs then The Departed. But I was trying to argue that The Departed as a remake is good considering some of the crap that is being produced today. In addition we got into it about Scorsese's filmmaking in general as this friend considers his work to have "dwindled" since Raging Bull. Now I don't want to get into how we disagreed, however I would like to discuss a deeper issue that this conversation brought up.

The concerns deal with originality and with it, authenticity. Firstly this brought to mind a quote that Jim Jarmusch said about authenticity. He states:

"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. if you do this, you work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality if non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery—celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from—it’s where you take them to."

How could anyone say it better then this?

I completely agree. I think that having the ability to honor and commemorate, in any which way you can, the things that inspire and fuel your imagination, and further more you soul, is a great thing. Sometimes I don't think it needs to be done by remaking a film, like let's not have someone remake Gone with the Wind, it just should not happen. Even though in the end source material should not matter, it does. So to remake a contemporary film like Infernal Affairs (or Cache, which I wrote about yesterday) which went under the radar in America (like most great international films do these days) in order for people to discover the original isn't as much as a crime as some might think.

In my very first post on this blog I quoted one of my dear film professors saying: “More than simply a medium, film was one of the central social forces of the 20th century, and may be for this one as well. Film…gives us a rich language for discussing and describing the world.” If a remake, and I can't believe I am saying this, even a bad one(to some extent), outspokenly tells the world where its inspiration is based on and subsequently allows this to shed even a little light on its original source then I think this is good thing. This allows us to see how different parts of the world interpret the same story. Would we ever have the Kurosawa masterpiece Ran if it wasn't for Shakespeare's King Lear, and those two pieces are worlds apart. But nothing is really original these days is it? Everything either is adapted from a novel, short story, or other film, short film, anything. The point is to experience and discover new places and things, learn how others deal with and understand the world around them. I think this is something commendable.

Hope you agree even slightly.

Happy moviegoing!

Scorsese to Remake Caché

2010-01-19T10:15:00.000-08:00

Roger Ebert's Journal reported today that Martin Scorsese is going to remake Michael Haneke's Caché. The original film premiered at Cannes film festival in 2005. It stars Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche and is about how a family deals with recieving numerous videos of their home being taped for hours on end from across the street. The mysteries ensue. If you haven't seen it STOP, drop what your doing and go rent it, put it on your netflix queue, or whatever it is you do to access films these days, the point is just watch it. I had heard about this film when it came out but never really got the chance to watch it until a my Postmodern Film class in 2007. What was great about watching it in that class first was the forum structure the class took to discussing it. Which was great to understanding just how "Cache" resists any simple solution, like Ebert states. Everyone in the class had their own take on the story, what the solution was, and how it all happened and transpired. Yet as Haneke says, "No matter what you come up with, there's a flaw. And yet nothing in this film is impossible. These are the people, it happened to them. These are the events, they took place. No explanation is satisfactory." This film is shot so simply and is just gorgoues. The performances are stellar; Julliette is amazing as usual. However as Ebert says "Scorsese has his work cut out for him in making this film." If you haven't seen it, watch it and you'll understand why he has his work cut out for him, but I think if anyone can rise to the occasion it surely is Marty.

I'm excited to see how it turns out.

Happy moviegoing!

Zemeckis To Remake Yellow Submarine = I Just Died...in a good way.

2010-01-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

/Film reports that Zemeckis has now found his vocal cast for his remake of Yellow Submarine. They are as follows: Cary Elwes as George Harrison, Dean Lennox Kelly as John Lennon, Peter Serafinowicz as Paul McCartney and Adam Campbell as Ringo Starr. Now I am kinda ashamed to say this is the first I am hearing about this project. And with all the recent posts I've been doing about crazy remake endeavors, I am pleased to post this one. This is the first remake news I've heard that I'm excited about since I heard and saw the trailer for Tron Legacy. Zemeckis is magic and he's been working in the main stream animated field since The Polar Express so I am super excited about this. /Film also says that despite the new story Zemeckis is rotoscoping in CGI over the films original animation and using mocap to have the Beatles movements be more realistic. Like wow! I super super excited to see what turns out!

Nine

2010-01-04T11:01:00.000-08:00

So I've watched it. Finally. My conclusions? It's good. Not great. But good.

I don't mean any disrespect to the original source or it's creators, but I feel like the stage version, is a parody then homage to an artist, which I had hoped when I was an eager film student waiting for the curtain to roll back to begin watching the musical long ago. When something becomes mere attack then it's power deflates in my opinion and becomes less potent over time. The film though decides to try to make an homage and yet makes a continuous barrage of insult to the great maestro, by being chinzy and a deflated version of anything close to what Fellini could have created.

There are just too many frames that I noticed that are taken specifically from a film that I've seen of Fellini's. What is this a remake? I am sure there are even more from the films I haven't seen. The film still doesn't show the protagonist, Guido Contini, in a flattering light, not at all. Bad people can make great art this is true but what is the point of all this? Why are we being told this. Try and maybe be less accusatory and more understanding as a piece of art, and then maybe we will get somewhere. I'm not saying we have to praise praise praise but it's nice to be a little more objective in are understanding of things then ignorant.

Performance must be spoken about. I think the female cast is gorgeous. They're placed quite well from Sophia Loren down to Fergie (I wasn't as bothered by her as much I thought I would be, she's not bad). Judi Dench is marvelous as usual, and Marion Cotillard, who is superb, will join her as my favorites of the film. They're musical numbers are some of my favorite. Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz are great but just kinda there. Plus Cruz's performance just reminds me too much of Vicky Christina Barcelona to have her stand out enough. Kate Hudson is a token of decoration at best. Daniel Day Lewis though, I have to regrettably say, is in this film in my least favorite performance of his to date . He is beautiful, powerful and has that suffocating artist manner down, which saves him. But what ruins it for me is the accent. He just didn't get it. It was really not right actually, and it hinders the overall performance more then I would have thought.

I do hope you go out and see it still. Maybe you might feel the same as I. Maybe not. Despite whether you agree with me or not the film is not really bad. I don't think anyone can deny or not appreciate the mere mechanics of turning this original stage musical into what you'll see in theaters today. Bravo to that. However it falls short and it shows too much. Marshall did dedicated the film to the memory of Anthony Minghella, who co-wrote the screenplay, so that's always a bonus point in my book.

Happy moviegoing!

Remaking: Cronenberg's The Brood....Really? Quit While You're Ahead.

2009-12-16T17:36:00.000-08:00

I am really at a loss right now. How are these endeavors being financed? /Film reports that Crazies director, Breck Eisner, is in the talks to remake David Cronenberg's The Brood. Why are they even trying? This is totally having my faith in this industy, slip further. Cronenberg is a genius and cannot really be topped in my oppinion. Like how is anyone making Videodrome again...HOW? Or how bout Dead Ringers for that matter. Like give up before you start I say. How this is being approved for a remake is beyond me.

The Vicious Kind

2009-12-11T23:58:00.001-08:00

Went to a screening of The Vicious Kind this evening. You may have heard of this film more recently, since its been nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. One for Best Screenplay for Lee Toland Krieger, and one for Best Male Lead for Adam Scott. However this film premiered at Sundance last year and, if I am not mistaken, has been making the rounds to numerous film festivals winning all of the awards it been nominated for. Woohoo!

Firstly I must applaud the screenplay because it is quite something. I believe this brand of subtle comedy comes about-properly-very seldom. It's that type of laughter that is generated hesitantly...if that makes sense. That type of laughter that surfaces so subtly within a dramatic text that your not quite sure if you should be laughing or not. Which, I believe, further emphasizes the authenticity and human quality to the film. In doing so, the film very much deserves the praise it's getting. However, in addition to this the acclaim is duly noted and also depends on the acting; mostly and importantly due to Adam Scott's performance.

There is a reason Scott is being nominated with the likes of Jeff Bridges and Colin Firth he's quite the revelation in this film. It was revealed, at the Q&A after the screening, that a large portion of Scott's little quips in the film that highlight and generated the type of laughter I spoke about above were improvisation on his part. This shows a true understanding, on Scott's part, of the material at hand and demonstrates his abilities overall. In the long run we'll be seeing a lot more of him to come, that's for sure. Also I must mention J.K. Simmons as an unsung hero here, he was great too, but not featured enough to have the opportunity to outshine Scott's performance.

I must commend the film all around as it just goes to show how an emerging filmmaker, with the right components--a very hard working team, great performances, a superb screenplay etc.--can achieve the appropriate praise it deserves. Bravo!

I very much recommend this film to all, as it demonstrates a type of cinema that is authentically human. A type of cinema that is scarce these days, and shouldn't be. Spread the words folks! This is how films like these get around town...with the moviegoing public's help! So spread it!

Happy moviegoing!

Side Note: One of the producers of the film wrote a contribution to the magazine I worked for, Moving Pictures, here is the link.

Again happy moviegoing!

Requeim For A Dream

2009-12-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hoping to generate some type of discussion with my peers about it, I feel like this needs to be posted. Thing is I am at a loss on how to assess my verdict for the film (for this particular viewing) because I couldn't finish the last ten minutes. I fast forwarded through in addition to shielding my eyes. I have to confess that this reaction was mainly due to the snippets of Ellen Burstyn being electrocuted but that's besides the point. How does one assess or make final conclusions on a film that they couldn't see through? Normally I wouldn't think twice about it and merely pass it by. But the film is just too good to pass up a chance to talk about it.

I started the film and was amazed that this has slipped through the cracks in my years of continuous movie watching. The split screens, fish bowl lenses, the music, the score, cinematography. Holy shit the acting. Ellen Burstyn is absolutely amazing! She is a marvel unto herself. Scenes where there is split screen, stand out for me, like when Harry and Marion are right beside each other, just stunning. What's so impressive, in my book, is how each formal aspect of the film supports one another, they all play into each other, while simultaneously highlighting specifics where necessary. In addition I think, these formal features become a performance within it self. They further externalize either a state of mind or feeling, emphasizing the fragile or fractured state of mind each character may be in. I thought it was just impeccable!

But how to conclude? Questions arise obviously. Does this film still obtain it's potency when you don't finish it properly? Does it still carry the same legitimacy as a text when it makes an audience stop viewing it? Not sure. But I will say this...that this film is scary. Scary but fucken incredible. I recommend the viewing to anyone who want to see great quality within cinema. But with warning.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Finally Saw Inglorious Basterds

2009-12-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

And let me just tell you....HOLY MOTHER OF MERCY.

I went to a screening of Inglorious Basterds hosted by Creative Screenwriting Magazine on Wednesday with a Q&A following the screening with Quentin himself. I've had a few days to process now so this is what I've concluded. Quentin Tarantino is becoming just more and more impressive. He's unreal.

I don't want to talk about how the movie is about movies and such. Although that could be a whole other post to itself. But I'd like to focus on formal features which make the film quite the piece. The opening scene is absolutely impeccable, it's pretty much flawless. The genius in screenwriting is highlighted best here. Obviously the screenplay is one of the best features of the film, but I don't expect less from Tarantino. The cinematography in this film is also once of its outstanding qualities. The scene when Shosanna gets dressed for the premiere with "Cat People" playing along, stunning. You can see here, merely from the photos posted, how gorgeous the film is shot.

Acting. Unfortunately I have to mention that I feel like Brad Pitt's character could have been played by merely anyone. Not that he wasn't enjoyable but he was merely there, and not present. Now Christoph Waltz on the other hand, he plays Col. Hans Landa(seen above), was perfection. I can't imagine anyone else there. I can't believe how present he was. It's just odd cause that thin silver line that differentiates those moments of good acting between great acting in a performance disappears here and he was just on the whole time. Fucken brilliant.

Hearing Quentin speak about his process after the screening revealed just how much he goes through to punch out a product like this. He types out ever page by hand on an old Smith Corona from the 80s. One finger at a time. Wow huh?! In addition he explained how the story came into being, morphed into an insane 12hour mini series, soap opera and then widdeled down and polished into the piece you can see today. Finally finished for a 153min running time because Luc Bresson made a comment on how Tarantino is the one of the directors that actually make him want to get up and go see a movie in the theater.

The learning experience it would be to have a chance to work on a film like this is unsurmountable in my brain. I can't even imagine at this point, he was swearing up a storm and could not stop fidgeting or staying still. Mayhem!

Either way I recommend this to anyone who likes Quentin's previous stuff, and for anyone who wants to see a damn great movie.

Happy moviegoing!

Nine! It's About Time I Write About It

2009-12-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

So I have to say despite my hesitations about having any expectations for this film whatsoever I must say I am super excited for it already. Not only is one of my favorite actors playing my favorite director, but all of the released footage and photos look stunning. Here is the newly released trailer so you can see what I mean. I am really excited to see what Rob Marshal has cooked up now. He managed to make, the "unfilmmable" play, Chicago well. So I guess we shall see.
Happy moviegoing!

Oh yes! How magic is this?

2009-11-13T14:23:00.001-08:00

Tim Burton's TV spot for his exhibit at MOMA.

Treasure Found: Charlie Chaplin Footage Purchased for $5!!!

2009-11-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

So this man, Morace Park, buys $5 can of film stock from an guy on ebay. What he ends up getting is all kinds of magic in my book. Footage of planes flying during World War I, some early stop animation and some outtakes of Chaplin films. WHAAAAAAA???? Can we say that's totally awesome! Forget the war footage, but animation and Chaplin from the early 1900s! Holy amazing. This would be the find of the century for me, aside from unseen Fellini footage. But wow! I'm excited for this guy, I am. Should be awesome. Hopefully they'll release some of it to the public. So we can all enjoy.

Happy moviegoing!

Look who's talking...Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters

2009-11-12T10:05:00.000-08:00

/Film just reported about Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters. Click here to see the post. Click here to see the post I did a while back about it. Looks like this thing is actually under way. I'm excited!

Happy moviegoing!

Steve Martin Co-Hosting the Oscars!...Umm Let Us Assess for a Second....

2009-11-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

I heard it several times in the past few days that Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were set up to host this year's Academy Awards Ceremony. /Film confirms that yes Martin and Baldwin will co-host the Oscars. Now let's just asses for a second cause, despite my reservations about Alec Baldwin, I am super excited about Steve Martin and I think it will be awesome because of him. /Film says Steve's statement on the decision is: “I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin.” This is why the show is going to magic! Can't wait!

Mary and Max

2009-10-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

This stuff just gets me going. I love it. From award winning director and writer of Harvey Krumpet, Adam Elliot, Mary and Max, tells the tale of two pen pals. Voiced by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette, Mary and Max form an unlikely friendship from across the world. Max, a forty-four-year old, obese man, with Asperger Syndrome hailing from New York and Mary, an eight-year old living in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. The film is being praised for its "genuine celebration of the value of difference." It opened up the Sundance Film Festival. Being one of the only, if not the only, animation film to ever open the festival since it's beginning. I am super excited to see this and I don't think it can disappoint. Trailer is below. Enjoy! Happy moviegoing!

Le Samourai Remake??? Please No!

2009-10-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

What the hell is going on here??? /film reports that John Woo wants to remake Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Samouraï. My response is simply NO. Stop this nonsense. Think of something else.

For those of you who don't know, Le Samouraï (1967) is a film starring Alain Delon, in one of his most memorable roles, as a contract killer with the distinction and poise of a samurai warrior. I own this on criterion and its one of my favorites. Criterion describes the film quite perfectly as: "A razor-sharp cocktail of 1940s American gangster cinema and 1960s French pop culture..." It's too plain to say but this film is just cool. It's just too perfectly cool. Alain Delon defines a history of assassins on film in this feature and does so in a performance met by no other. And despite the comment below the film is gorgeous, subtle, simple, but gorgeous, without even trying, which makes it brilliant.

Let me give you some words from the director himself. Melville said about Le Samouraï: “I don’t want to situate my heroes in time; I don’t want the action of a film to be recognizable as something that happens in 1968. That’s why in Le samouraï, for example, the women aren’t wearing miniskirts, while the men are wearing hats—something, unfortunately, that no one does anymore. I’m not interested in realism. All my films hinge on the fantastic. I’m not a documentarian; a film is first and foremost a dream, and it’s absurd to copy life in an attempt to produce an exact re-creation of it. Transposition is more or less a reflex with me: I move from realism to fantasy without the spectator ever noticing.”

Now please tell me how Mr. Woo plans on achieving anything quite like this? Has he seen his own films? I think not. Either way I urge seasoned filmmakers to take the time to sit down, read something, or maybe even just stare at some nature, but please don't make films you cannot live up to. Let's leave em where they stood. You want to honor it and bring it to the new generation? Fine. But do it in another fashion. Re-release, or do a lil party to commemorate. You want it to inspire your work? Fine. Let it, enjoy, nothing is truly authentic anymore. But please don't think that you can take on the task of remaking something that cannot ever be duplicated. Don't do it. I hope this never transpires.

Metropia

2009-10-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

Proof that the field of animation is the most exciting and innovative mediums out there today. This is beyond impressive and I can't wait to watch it.

Happy Moviegoing!

John Woo's Red Cliff

2009-10-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

All I can say to this is, simply, Tony Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro.

Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters

2009-10-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

Oh yes! You heard me correctly. Hansel and Gretel kicking witch ass. ImdbPro says this:

"Catching up with Hansel and Gretel 15 years after their incident involving a gingerbread house, the siblings have evolved into bounty hunters who hunt witches."

Paramount is backing this and Will Ferrel is listed as one of the producers. The director, Tommy Wirkola's, last film was about Nazi Zombies in the middle of a Student Ski Trip. Sounds like a good time to me.

So naturally I am kinda, really, excited about this. It'll most likely be an animated feature so there's lot running through my brain, resulting in just more excitement. Nonetheless this looks like this has the potential to be really awesome and I am intrigued to see how this goes. We'll see. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Happy moviegoing!

Spielberg to remake Harvey...really? are we doing this?

2009-10-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry but this is crazy now. What does this mean we're going to go back and remake A Philadelphia Story too; Starring Hugh Jackman, Greg Kenner, and Lindsay Lohan? Steven we love you and all but jeeze man. I really hope that this is done with the utmost respect and precision and only honors the old one as opposed to changing anything about it. Please read my review on the original Harvey starring Jimmy Stewart. I hope you agree that this is not the best idea.

Two more weeks folks...

2009-10-01T17:04:00.000-07:00

enough said...

The Proposition

2009-09-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

So after four years I've finally seen The Proposition. I've been meaning to see it for a while now, and I am ashamed to admit that it has taken this long. But I've finally seen it and it definitely delivered all that was anticipated. The director, John Hillcoat, has created, I think, one of the best movies about family I've ever seen. This film is not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely amazing. It deserves all the praise it was given and all the praise it receives further. The film aesthetic is so simple yet so intricate, it's a gorgeous piece. Everything is executed to a hill everything composed in a specific manner, colored specifically. You can feel the filth as everyone melts away in the Australian outback. Everyone is dirty in this movie, rightly so, but a dirt so black that you can feel it. Guy Pearce's transformation is one of sheer brilliance. This man can do no wrong in my book and I don't think he's given enough praise. He completely transforms himself each time he does a film, it's quite something to watch. Considering I posted a few weeks ago about The Hurt Locker. The fact that he does a very small part as an American soilder in that film and is a complete turn around here is just amazing to see. But the film stands alone, the characters are all equally complex, and only running 1hr44mins you think it would take longer to have characters develope like they do in the film. It's quite something to see. The screenplay is just so well done. The film begins with high energy and slows to a hilt, makes you wait, makes you anticipate, makes you wait real long, then the shit hits the fan. Like crazy. In the middle of an Austrailian christmas nonetheless. It's hard to decribe everything without giving it away, but the premise is this: Charlie Burns (Pearce), in exchange for the freedom of his younger brother Mike (Richard Wilson) is asked to kill his older brother Arthur (Danny Huston). Watch and support films like these folks it means a lot to getting the word out there and celebrating these artists accordingly. Hillcoat's newest cinematic endeavor The Road, starring Viggo Mortensen, looks to be just as good if not better. If you haven't heard about it, you will, but here's the trailer just in case.

Happy moviegoing!

Lets just assess for a second....

2009-09-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Be excited. Be very excited...
Yes Jeff Bridges with a braid!
Yes Kevin Spacey is back!
OH YES PEOPLE!
OH YES!

This looks magic! Why I am only hearing about it now? Not sure, but I am glad I stumbled upon it nonetheless.

Happy moviegoing!

I couldn't even wait to post this.... Chris Nolan = GENIUS

2009-09-26T00:36:00.000-07:00

San Diego "Hot" News

2009-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

So I wont usually do this, but I thought this was necessary considering the circumstances. I was in San Diego this weekend to enjoy a Killers concert and amidst the rendezvous of record shopping my roomie and I were informed of this...The San Diego Union Tribune, "Hot" News reads:

"Tony Curtis walked down Memory Lane here yesterday - in high heels. In a 50-year anniversary observance of the cross-dressing classic Some Like It Hot, filmed, in part, at the Hotel del Coronado, Curtis reminisced with reporters about wearing heels. The hardest part of walking in them, he said, was making sure one foot was firmly planted before the other was lifted. As for what it was like, in his role as Josephine, to have a bosom, Curtis quipped: "I couldn't see my wrist watch." He has returned to Hotel del Coronado this weekend for a series of commemorative events..."

Oh yes folks! Oh yes! Now I can't say I saw the glorious Curtis himself, but we definitely made a B line to the Hotel del Coronado and saw just how great this place is. Also there was a collection of paintings done by Curtis himself. Now I couldn't take pictures, but I managed to snap some on my phone so they are a bit blurry. If you notice in the corner Tony Curtis has signed all of them. Ahhhh! Oh yes ladies and gents, Tony Curtis, actor, author, and painter. In addition the Hotel was absoluetly stunning and if I could afford the $340.00 ticket I would have saw Curtis that night at his Q&A about him, his book, and the making of Some Like It Hot.

Happy Anniversary to one of the greatest movies of all time! AFI ranks this at the top of their list of best Comedies of the century. If this doesn't sway you to watch it, then how bout Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in drag. And if that doesn't sway you, how bout Marilyn Monroe singing, or Monroe herself. How bout one of the greatest writers Hollywood has ever seen? Wilder anyone?. Either way Billy Wilder is one of the greatest screenwriters/directors of all time. A good portion of his films are some of the most quoted in Hollywood history. His skills are key to creating some of the most memorable moments in American cinema history. "All right, Mr. Deville, I'm ready for my close-ip" anybody...anybody...? Oh yes folks, I cannot doubt that you wont be roaring with laughter from this film, it's so superbly executed and so well done. It's a gem!

Billy Wilder is a genius and if you haven't seen this film I suggest you do so straigth away...straigth away! Other examples of Wilder genius include but not limited to: Double Indemnity, Sunset Blvd., Sabrina, The Seven Year Itch, and The Apartment.

Enjoy folks & happy moviegoing!

Some Michael Caine Anyone?...

2009-09-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Holy who's excited about this???
Michael Caine is 76. 76! This man is going to kick ass, and it's going to be great!

P.S. The films director, Daniel Barber, was nominated this past year at the Oscars for The Tonto Women. The film actually looks well executed. I am rather intrigued to see this film, despite the fact that Michael Caine is playing the protagonist.

Kisses & happy moviegoing!

Mermaid (Rusalka) 2007

2009-09-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Though I've been meaning to write about this for some time now I feel that it's being posted just when needed. I watched Mermaid at the Palm Springs Film Festival. It was my first screening of the festival and it wasn't topped by any other. The film tells the tale of Alisa, a young girl coming of age in the big city, Moscow. She moves from a small coastal town at the edge of the world it seems with her mother and grandmother. And so begins her journey. I'm not gonna tell you much else beside this...Alisa is a very special person, she has the ability to make wishes come true.

Although I've read on several occasions that this film is "the Russian Amelie" I don't think it compares in the least. I believe the two films are much different from each other and cannot be compared as similar entities. So don't let that sway your perception of the film because it is a truly original piece.

The film is shot so beautifully and this is one of its strongest features. Within the walls of a gray city it's safe to say that to find such beauty, color and magic is quite a task and the director, Anna Melikyan, executes it so wonderfully and this show prominently in the films overall style. Not everything needs to sparkle to be filled with wonder and awe. And to achieve the pure sentiment of wonder and awe in Alisa's world shows just how masterful Melikyan is; she someone to look out for that's for sure. I think what best describes the personality of Alisa is this constant state of wonder and awe she's in throughout the film and it's her perspective that allows the audience to envelope themselves in this mind frame and enjoy everything as she does.

Although it's hard to get your hands on the film I shall leave you with a trailer; cause there are many. I think the films strengths ring true here. And it is made quite clear just how great this film is from this small taste . Enjoy!

Ps. Soundtrack is amazing. And if you are itching to watch it, which you should be, IFC has picked it up and it should be able to view on the IFC. If I am not mistaken its also still running along the festival circuit think it just played at Telluride so it might be closer than you think. Happy hunting! Spread the word and enjoy!

Holy Shit...Lars Von Trier's Antichrist

2009-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

I think the trailer speaks for itself, this is going to be really really good. Looks superbly executed. This is the only contemporary horror film I have been excited to see in quite a while. Take a look and enjoy.