Keep an Eye Out For: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

A little late to the party....but wow....just wow...


The Tale of the Princess Kaguya - Official Teaser Trailer from GKIDS on Vimeo.

I personally cannot wait to see this! The North American release is October 17 of this year. Hope you all keep an eye out for it in a theatre near you. Happy Moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Ari Folman's The Congress

Since the 2008 release of Waltz with Bashir, I've been waiting for another Ari Folman Film. When The Congress was announced a year or so back, excitement was immediate. A loose adaptation of Stanislaw Lem's "The Futrological Congress," the film will be part live action and part animation. It'll follow a version of Robin Wright as herself, as she decides to sell her likeness to a movie studio. The rest, as you can imagine, will go from there as she travels within an animated world of wild imagination. To hear that it's now finally been picked up for North American release is quite exciting. Fresh from Cannes Drafthouse together with Films Will Like will be taken care of distribution, which is said to be sometime in 2014.

You can make up your own mind about it and check out the trailer below. But one thing I know is for sure, I cannot wait to see this.



Keep an eye out for it and happy moviegoing folks!

Room 237

    I was anticipating this film and it certainly did not disappoint. Lucky enough to have the director, Rodney Ascher, introduce the film at the screening I attended, he started by saying "I hope you like The Shinning." and that's as true as it'll ever ring because if you kinda like it or really don't then you wont enjoy the film. Interviewing five people concerning their deeper thoughts and conclusions about Stanley Kubrick's The  Shinning Ascher manages to weave quite a report.
    Some are calling this film more of an essay than a documentary and I would agree but that doesn't at all diminish it's quality in execution and overall meditation on the film. We never see the interviewees but their theories on The Shinning range from denouncing the genocide of the Native Americans to Kubrick giving an apology for staging the fake footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. In my opinion some seem to be stretching their conclusions about the film a bit much but what I thought would be the more far fetched of the bunch like Kubrick giving an apology for staging the moon landing footage aren't and seem rather plausible. It's amazing just how these people have dissected the film even going so far as to map out the entire set and provide shot by shot analysis of the film.
    Overall this film is further documentation on how amazing The Shining is and furthermore how it'll be rare we'll see a filmmaker like Stanley Kubrick in this industry ever again. Definitely worth your attention, Room 237 will hopefully allow Ascher the opportunity to make more films. I look forward to seeing them when he does.

Check it out where you can, here is the film's official screening schedule, or you can check it online on your iTunes or Amazon accounts. You can even inquire about setting up a screening of your own here.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep An Eye Out For: Reality pt. 2

March is here and so are two of the films I've been writing about recently. One being the documentary Room 237 which comes out on the 29th of this month and the other being Matteo Garrone's Reality which I spoke about here. This film will be a really interesting look into the modern family and its relation to each other, to society, to media and ultimately reality. I must say, my viewing experience of Garrone's Gamorra was intense and like no other I've had, so I cannot wait for this film.

Check the trailer out here:


This will definitely be something different and worth the wait since his last film almost 5 years ago. If you're on the fence about it though I would surely check out Gamorra which I wrote about here, so you can get a taste for how this man works. Otherwise you can check out the film on the 15th of this month in limited release. Hopefully it'll be in a theatre near you, but keep an eye out for it nonetheless!

Happy moviegoing folks!

Life of Pie: Thoughts

     Firstly I must say that this film is one of the better adaptations of literature I've seen to date. Having read the book before, overall I believe it includes the right amount without really tearing away from the majesty of the story. It's stunning and the visual effects are jaw dropping, not because of likeness but because of it's perspective and it's wonderful sense of magical realism that one seems to find so rarely in film these days. 

     I must address that it's rather awful what the company Rhythm & Hues, that did all of the VFX for Life of Pi, has been dealing with since the film and some of the protests that have been going on recently for the VFX industry in general. Besides the company having had to file for bankruptcy, the poor visual effects team that accepted the award at the Oscars this past Sunday were shooed off stage with none other then the Jaws theme just as they began to address the issue. I don't think it was clever or funny for the Jaws theme to be used in that manner, it was simply disrespectful, for any of the winners it was used on to sweep offstage. 

     Besides that take a look at an open letter that one of the lead compositors of the film addressed to Ang Lee. For a film and story that relies so heavy on one's imagination, the manner in which VFX was used was remarkable. It just shows the quality that VFX can produce if done properly, and it's unfortunate that all this negativity is being swirled up with all of this. 

     In the end, the film is outstanding and it should be viewed. It's a wonderful adaptation of a beautiful piece of writing by Yann Martel which you can grab from your local bookstore, library or even form Amazon. I'm sure most cities are extending their screenings of Life of Pi because of the recent awards it's garnered. So keep your eyes out.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Holy Motors: The Faculty of Film

With the Oscar's happening this Sunday and my disappointment that Holy Motors was not recognized at this gathering I feel it's about time I write about this glorious film.

It is, for me, a true love letter to the art of filmmaking. It allows the viewer to take a long ride with Monsieur Oscar, driving into many forms of cinema and the very act of honesty and authenticity in film today. All the while breaking every rule and paying due homage to all the wonder and magic that is film.

There are moments that require mentioning, because I feel like these attributed to why this film spoke to me in the fashion it did. There is a point where a man visits M. Oscar and says "it looks like you're getting tired...if your performance continues to disappoint, maybe you should stop..." Oscar replies he wont until he is dead..."it is the beauty of the act." How perfect is this? why tired? why would that matter? poor performance? why is this even contested? how can one even think to dispute the beauty of the act?

Another is when Oscar talks about the "machines" once being bigger than himself and now they're smaller than our heads.  It's mentioned more then once that "these machines" aren't wanted anymore as if to question why. The very performance of Denis Lavant is heart breaking because it's as if he represents pure truth in the act itself. Why he hasn't got extensive praise for his performance is beyond me and it just goes to show how rare acting like that is in today's cinema. As if to say most audiences today can't even comprehend such an ability.

The film itself begins in a theatre, whilst a child is present, as are the hounds as they prowl through the audience threatening to snatch them all. Overall this film captivated me, it ensnared my thoughts about film and filmmaking, and transfigured every notion I had about contemporary cinema's path. Forget ideas of narrative, because unfortunately our thoughts about it only condition us to assume it must be undeviating and straight as an arrow by today's standards. However remember your heart and open it up to the grandeur of the act.   Film is not dead my friends, it is only hiding, as if in a safe house, you just have to go find it.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237 pt. 3

Finally a US release date has happened. The film will be showing in select theaters March 29th 2013 my friends and if you're close to your iTunes, Xbox, or Amazon Instant accounts then I would check those venues out as well. Hope you all get a chance to see it and if you're in Los Angeles also check out the Kubrick retrospective at LACMA it's very fun.

Here is one more trailer for you...just to make sure you're listening:


Again it wont give away too much which is mounting my anticipation for this film. However fan of Kubrick or not, this will be a, sure to please, documentary about passion, insight and the power of observation, and subjectivity.

Happy movie going folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237 pt. 2

I have written about film Room 237 before....Stanley Kubrick genius mix with fan skepticism and lore......oh this shall be one to watch....oh yes it will. So now you really must keep an eye out for when this movie comes to a theatre near you because the trailer has just dropped. Just take a look...



It doesn't give much away and it shouldn't, but if this doesn't entice you to watch this flick, then I'm not sure what would. That disclaimer....HA! this shall be a site, that's for sure. There is said to be a release next year from IFC. Are you ready to return to Room 237? I know I am. Please keep an eye out and support some creative filmmaking. Happy moviegoing!

Keep an Eye Out For: Holy Motors

Just look at the poster art.

R.I.P Chris Marker

     Today filmaker, writer, photographer, and pioneer of the essay film, Chris Marker has passed. This is indeed a sad thing to hear. I remember watching La Jetee for the first time and being awe struck. The dedication to executing such an endeavor is one I haven't seen matched in filmmaking to this day. There is something deeply profound and poetic to his work that I'm not sure, even to this day, I grasp fully.  He died on his 91st birthday, may he rest in peace. Watch some of his films and prepare to be changed forever.

Keep an Eye Out For: Reality

Matteo Garrone's first film since Gomorrah in 2008. Reality is said to be a bleak look at the Italian public's obsession with reality TV; specifically Italian Big Brother. It premiered at Cannes on the 18th of May to very mixed reviews. However, I must say, just by this poster alone and the slight whispers about some Felini undertones I cannot wait to see this film. It's nice to see filmmakers who still have the gull to take shots at the societies they live in. The film is said to open in France in August and Italy in September; hopefully it'll have a more international release shortly after that. Keep an eye out nonetheless and if you haven't seen Garrone's Gomorrah then I say get on it. Probably one of the best mafia movies you'll ever see.

Happy moviegoing folks!

Keep an Eye Out For: Room 237

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)

     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

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

     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

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

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

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

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

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!