no.216 District 9
I haven't gotten the special features disc, but wanted to report this as my last movie of the year. Can't think of a more imaginative and creative idea. The fact that it's set in Johannesburg? Brilliant.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
cake eaters
no.215 The Cake Eaters
When I was 18, I was kinda seeing someone who was in a relationship - I know, not the nicest thing, but I made it very clear it was his baggage not mine. So now that you've judged me, I'll tell you that one of my friends called him "the cake eater," which doesn't take any explaining. So of course, I was inclined to watch a movie that shared the name.
Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it, too. I think that's universal, but very much an American philosophy. Kristen Stewart's character wants to have sex before she dies and picks the most unlikely candidate, but it's kinda cute. Every one around her manages to be a cake eater in their own way, some almost exploitative. Not a great watch, but cute.
When I was 18, I was kinda seeing someone who was in a relationship - I know, not the nicest thing, but I made it very clear it was his baggage not mine. So now that you've judged me, I'll tell you that one of my friends called him "the cake eater," which doesn't take any explaining. So of course, I was inclined to watch a movie that shared the name.
Everyone wants to have their cake and eat it, too. I think that's universal, but very much an American philosophy. Kristen Stewart's character wants to have sex before she dies and picks the most unlikely candidate, but it's kinda cute. Every one around her manages to be a cake eater in their own way, some almost exploitative. Not a great watch, but cute.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
the holiday rush list
no.213&214 Che
OMG. Epic. Big. Too bad I don't know the history well enough to fully appreciate what Steven Soderbergh completed. Benicio, as always, well done.
no.212 A Christmas Tale
Catherine Deneuve still has the most amazing legs! She truly is the most amazingly beautiful woman in modern time. After I'm done having a bit of a girl-crush, the story tried very hard to weave the complicated back stories and current emotions of a French clan at the holiday, but it didn't fully mesh for me, although it was a great French cast.
no.211 The Prisoner
Does this count as a movie or just an entry? Angels counted, but that was something of merit. I found this to be flat. I never watched the original, but got the end game way early. Jim Cavieziel was really dull, and that's being polite. Sir Ian? Really?
no.210 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
It was amazing to sit next to my nephew, finally proving to him that a battle between Anakin and Vader is impossible. Although, I think he asked more questions than paid attention to what was really going on! I was really happy to give him the prequels for xmas and he'll get the real trilogy next month for his 8th bday. Those are the movies I cannot wait to watch with him!
no.209 White Christmas
This should deserve it's own entry. A truly perfect film, at least in my heart and the best version of Blue Skies ever.
no.208 Never Again
The predecessor of all the mid-life romance films to hit us in the past 18 mo.
no.207 The Education of Charlie Banks
I enjoyed this more than I thought, although it was really just another peek into a world I have seen, tasted but will never be a part of.
no.206 Julie & Julia
Meryl Streep. Need I say more? Yes, and that is I must go back, pick through good recipe days and watch Julia Child. Will I try my own experiment with French cooking? Butter. Butter. Butter.
no.205 The Pianist
Hadn't seen this since the theatrical release - there are so many Holocaust movies that the memory of most get muddied with the rest. I'm really glad I went back to see Adrien Brody's physical transformation which was Oscar worthy.
no.204 Gosford Park
Hands down, the one movie that I can guarantee I'll walk away with something new every time I watch it. Huzzah to Altman, the master at keeping all eleven plates spinning!
no.203 Mozart and the Whale
Interesting take on Aspergers, something you wouldn't expect from Josh Hartnett. Cute, not fully actualized, but I don't think it could be.
no.202 Land of the Lost
I loved this show as a kid, WPIX afternoons. Why did Will Ferrell have to totally fuck it up? Although, the Sleestak looked perfect!
no.201 Away We Go
I know this was on some best of and worst of lists. I thought it was smart, of course, it's Dave Eggers ;)
no.200 Holly
Puts a real face to child sex trafficking. Ron Livingston? Really curious as to the causes he works with - this was a powerful tale, he also pulled off the ADA movie, too.
no.199 The Stone Angel
When isn't Ellen Burstyn amazing?
no.198 UP
Fabulous!!
no.197 War, Inc
Cheeky war torn tale. Ben Kingsley is brilliant as the evil villain. John Cusack, as always...
no.196 Star Trek
Must admit, this might have been my favorite release of 2009. Believe me, I'm really surprised! JJ and crew did a magnificent job taking a very well loved and mythological deep franchise and didn't muddy it, but upped the ante. Alternate Time Line? Spock shagging the hottest piece of ass in the Galaxy? Chris Pine pulling off James T.? Loved it.
OMG. Epic. Big. Too bad I don't know the history well enough to fully appreciate what Steven Soderbergh completed. Benicio, as always, well done.
no.212 A Christmas Tale
Catherine Deneuve still has the most amazing legs! She truly is the most amazingly beautiful woman in modern time. After I'm done having a bit of a girl-crush, the story tried very hard to weave the complicated back stories and current emotions of a French clan at the holiday, but it didn't fully mesh for me, although it was a great French cast.
no.211 The Prisoner
Does this count as a movie or just an entry? Angels counted, but that was something of merit. I found this to be flat. I never watched the original, but got the end game way early. Jim Cavieziel was really dull, and that's being polite. Sir Ian? Really?
no.210 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
It was amazing to sit next to my nephew, finally proving to him that a battle between Anakin and Vader is impossible. Although, I think he asked more questions than paid attention to what was really going on! I was really happy to give him the prequels for xmas and he'll get the real trilogy next month for his 8th bday. Those are the movies I cannot wait to watch with him!
no.209 White Christmas
This should deserve it's own entry. A truly perfect film, at least in my heart and the best version of Blue Skies ever.
no.208 Never Again
The predecessor of all the mid-life romance films to hit us in the past 18 mo.
no.207 The Education of Charlie Banks
I enjoyed this more than I thought, although it was really just another peek into a world I have seen, tasted but will never be a part of.
no.206 Julie & Julia
Meryl Streep. Need I say more? Yes, and that is I must go back, pick through good recipe days and watch Julia Child. Will I try my own experiment with French cooking? Butter. Butter. Butter.
no.205 The Pianist
Hadn't seen this since the theatrical release - there are so many Holocaust movies that the memory of most get muddied with the rest. I'm really glad I went back to see Adrien Brody's physical transformation which was Oscar worthy.
no.204 Gosford Park
Hands down, the one movie that I can guarantee I'll walk away with something new every time I watch it. Huzzah to Altman, the master at keeping all eleven plates spinning!
no.203 Mozart and the Whale
Interesting take on Aspergers, something you wouldn't expect from Josh Hartnett. Cute, not fully actualized, but I don't think it could be.
no.202 Land of the Lost
I loved this show as a kid, WPIX afternoons. Why did Will Ferrell have to totally fuck it up? Although, the Sleestak looked perfect!
no.201 Away We Go
I know this was on some best of and worst of lists. I thought it was smart, of course, it's Dave Eggers ;)
no.200 Holly
Puts a real face to child sex trafficking. Ron Livingston? Really curious as to the causes he works with - this was a powerful tale, he also pulled off the ADA movie, too.
no.199 The Stone Angel
When isn't Ellen Burstyn amazing?
no.198 UP
Fabulous!!
no.197 War, Inc
Cheeky war torn tale. Ben Kingsley is brilliant as the evil villain. John Cusack, as always...
no.196 Star Trek
Must admit, this might have been my favorite release of 2009. Believe me, I'm really surprised! JJ and crew did a magnificent job taking a very well loved and mythological deep franchise and didn't muddy it, but upped the ante. Alternate Time Line? Spock shagging the hottest piece of ass in the Galaxy? Chris Pine pulling off James T.? Loved it.
experiment success???
It's the end of the year and so we naturally reflect...how did my experiment go? Some days, I didn't hesitate to spew. Hell, it's been six weeks since my last entry and I had been feeling guilty that to keep up with my count, I wasn't able to really write about anything. As for cataloguing films, I think I've given a realistic and really accurate account. Granted, these are films only seen from beginning to end, not counting the million times I've watched Enchanted and sung along, tuned into Say Anything, sighed at any movie with Hugh Jackman. I didn't do a good job listing tunes, but I really didn't do a good job following up with artists that I've liked on XPN, I think my download list might be 100 deep. I really enjoyed quiet time in my office this year! Books? I didn't read nearly enough. Magazines? Oh god, the pit of lost time!
I guess I have about 26 hours to decide if I'm going to catalogue again - I think I'm going to have an interesting time looking through what I did watch this year. There's no doubt that I'll LOST blog in 2010. I just printed out all my post-show rants to read before my rewatches. Dude, I know I'm good, but I'm astonished at some of the things I nailed.
I guess I have about 26 hours to decide if I'm going to catalogue again - I think I'm going to have an interesting time looking through what I did watch this year. There's no doubt that I'll LOST blog in 2010. I just printed out all my post-show rants to read before my rewatches. Dude, I know I'm good, but I'm astonished at some of the things I nailed.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
secret diary
Yes, the concept of the eight episode season is both love and hate...but love today. I hadn't realised that somehow I forgot to watch Season Two of Secret Diary of a Call Girl - I mean, how did I just forget? Well, thanks to On Demand and 20 minute episodes, I managed to watch all of Season Two (I HAD watched the first episode in real time last year) between last night and this morning. Considering I'm mid crash-course with the Doctor, I couldn't help wishing that David Tennant might show up at her door. Now THAT would be an interesting episode.
I just looked to see if there's a Third Season in the works...and found out Billie Piper was preggers for Season Two. No wonder they put her in some horrendous and shapeless frocks. That C-section scar is going to be covered up from now on!
I just looked to see if there's a Third Season in the works...and found out Billie Piper was preggers for Season Two. No wonder they put her in some horrendous and shapeless frocks. That C-section scar is going to be covered up from now on!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
mad for men?
I didn't blog about Mad Men at all over the past three months, I'd be kidding myself if I thought I could do Season Three any justice, so I'm not going to try.
Go Joanie, you're back.
Betty, your Main Line brat act is going to crumble like a toll house cookie.
Sally has been used perfectly to sit in as the audience - I liken her to Hurley.
Peggy needs to stop fucking Duck.
Men? I want to see you all grow up in Season Four. Catch up to the ladies.
Go Joanie, you're back.
Betty, your Main Line brat act is going to crumble like a toll house cookie.
Sally has been used perfectly to sit in as the audience - I liken her to Hurley.
Peggy needs to stop fucking Duck.
Men? I want to see you all grow up in Season Four. Catch up to the ladies.
bored to death
Although I'm loving the 6-13 episode format that's jumped the pond and infested our pay channels, I'm left up in arms that so little of a story is being given to me!
Bored to Death, case in point. Can't wait to see what Jonathan Ames pulls out of his hat next, but hell, how long will we have to wait? Ted Danson's got one hell of a head of hair, but it might sorely recede before he's back on the air again.
Bored to Death, case in point. Can't wait to see what Jonathan Ames pulls out of his hat next, but hell, how long will we have to wait? Ted Danson's got one hell of a head of hair, but it might sorely recede before he's back on the air again.
where are the angels?
no.195 Angels In America
Does a mini-series count as one film? Doesn't matter when it's something as amazing as Tony Kushner. I remember when the tour came to Eisenhower, I only had money to see one night, not both and I regretted not asking to borrow it, still do. This is the first time I've watched it since it's original airing. How fun it was to see some parings - the cast was amazing, in all it's versions. This IS A PLAY - the dialogue is rambling and awful and beautiful and engaging and thought provoking in it's word play. I miss spending my days in battling conversation, one word punctuated by the next.
Change. Under ALL those words, change is where it's at.
Does a mini-series count as one film? Doesn't matter when it's something as amazing as Tony Kushner. I remember when the tour came to Eisenhower, I only had money to see one night, not both and I regretted not asking to borrow it, still do. This is the first time I've watched it since it's original airing. How fun it was to see some parings - the cast was amazing, in all it's versions. This IS A PLAY - the dialogue is rambling and awful and beautiful and engaging and thought provoking in it's word play. I miss spending my days in battling conversation, one word punctuated by the next.
Change. Under ALL those words, change is where it's at.
the doctor
Thank goodness DR doesn't take the time to read this, or I'd be eating crow. Yes, I did say that Doctor Who was so cheesy and not me, I'm so not that goofy sci-fi and bad aliens. Okay, I'm still not, I have no desire to run off and watch the seventeen renditions of Star Trek (I'm classic all the way). However, I got sucked into the world of the Doctor. It started on Monday mornings; every Monday morning a new Season One (Christopher Eccleston) episode popped up on On Demand. Granted, I was going there to watch the Director's Cut of Being Human. I figured, I'm laid off, I have nothing better to do on this fine late Monday morning while I drink my coffee.
Then I was hooked. I think what really did it was the swap to David Tennant. Again, no DR to push my face into the "skinny pale guy" pile of crap he tries to play with me.
Good thing I have to start my LOST rewatch now, I have to cut back on my Doctor time, although, I would like to get all the episodes in before the last two movies with David. I think I have enough sense then to go all the way back to the sixties and go nuts with the Daleks. I think...
Then I was hooked. I think what really did it was the swap to David Tennant. Again, no DR to push my face into the "skinny pale guy" pile of crap he tries to play with me.
Good thing I have to start my LOST rewatch now, I have to cut back on my Doctor time, although, I would like to get all the episodes in before the last two movies with David. I think I have enough sense then to go all the way back to the sixties and go nuts with the Daleks. I think...
rip offs
They've all been written before. As I go back and watch the classics, one realises that there are no new ideas, they've all been repurposed with a new backdrop and modern characters.
no. 194 The Apartment
First off, how can you NOT love a movie with Shirley and Jack? They are amongst my favorites.
Where it's ripped off?
Loser. Jason Biggs gets pushed around by his "buddies" into using his place as party central. He's so enamored by Mena Suvari that when she's incapable of taking care of herself, he fawns over her in the name of the unwilling boyfriend.
Harry and Sally. Running on New Years Eve to find the right person to spend your life with.
no.193 Out of Africa
So many iconic scenes!
Rip off?
Australia. Drover getting off his horse, running into Miss Boss' arms ie. Dennis' safari car and Karen. Strong willed woman running her own show. Amazing geography, wildlife and land. Big fire so I can find you - sing me to you.
no. 194 The Apartment
First off, how can you NOT love a movie with Shirley and Jack? They are amongst my favorites.
Where it's ripped off?
Loser. Jason Biggs gets pushed around by his "buddies" into using his place as party central. He's so enamored by Mena Suvari that when she's incapable of taking care of herself, he fawns over her in the name of the unwilling boyfriend.
Harry and Sally. Running on New Years Eve to find the right person to spend your life with.
no.193 Out of Africa
So many iconic scenes!
Rip off?
Australia. Drover getting off his horse, running into Miss Boss' arms ie. Dennis' safari car and Karen. Strong willed woman running her own show. Amazing geography, wildlife and land. Big fire so I can find you - sing me to you.
nightbefore nightmare
no.192 Nightmare Before Christmas
The bi-annual screening! Once before Halloween, once before Christmas. It's never been the same without Smoothie signing "What Is This?" making up half the lyrics as he went.
The bi-annual screening! Once before Halloween, once before Christmas. It's never been the same without Smoothie signing "What Is This?" making up half the lyrics as he went.
Really?
It's been over a month? Really? I'm pathetic. No NAMI, I should have time and I haven't blogged. I'm going to make a big old "I'm a loser" list.
no.191 The Time Machine (2002)
Toss your fucking bowler.
no.190 Adventureland
Ah, old Kennywood! It's a sleeper, but the music is fabulous. It's an awkward love story, almost written backwards, they start and stop very quickly, we kinda get it's about her mom. Not enough big Pittsburgh hair.
no.189 Suddenly Last Summer - BBC
I hate it when people do NOLA accents wrong. Shouldn't do them at all, even if you are a Dame. Hello, Rob Lowe in a BBC production? Lighting was horrible, they tried to convey stage to screen, but this time, it was bad.
no.188 Dirty Pretty Things
Immigrant's story - how can people survive in London/NYC, so expensive yet people migrate there from other countries with their big dreams. Doctors are driving cabs and watching the overnight desk.
no.187 House Bunny
Good to see Kiely, I remember her when she was 12! Katherine, too.
no.186 Charlie Bartlett
Sometimes, all you need is a little validation, someone who believes in you.
no.185 Choke
It's a little slow, but how fast can you make a film about a sex addict who is a con-choker to get money to pay for his mom's spiral from an radical Vicks inhaler junkie to a stomach tube while making a stop in Colonial America by way of the Vatican and Jesus' foreskin?
no.184 From Hell
Johnny chases the dragon...and finds a really horrible dye job called Heather Graham. I really must pick up this book.
no.183 Nim's Island
Abigail Breslin, Gerard Butler and Jodie Foster make a good lookin' island family.
no.182 Hounddog
Was there really any need for this to see the life of day?
no.181 Cube
Individuals at their most extreme, tested, pushed, strained. Yet these characters are trite caricatures. The Doctor is horrendous.
no.180 Bride With the White Hair
Had to fast forward through the "sex" scenes, they were more like really bad make out scenes that only eleven year olds might find remotely interesting. The Cheesy song montage ending was borderline love and hate.
no.179 Cassandra's Dream
Collin Farrell doesn't fit the Woody Allen neurotic schmuck very well.
no.178 310 to Yuma (2006)
I've seen them both, but I think Russell makes a better bad guy.
no.177 The Women (1939)
Now I get a Reno Divorce. Thank goodness I watched this then, or I wouldn't have understood what Betty was going to do...
no.176 The Happening
Glad M.Night keeps putting money into the PA Film Industry, but it would help if it was a good film.
no.175 I Could Never Be Your Woman
Mother Nature was a decent idea, but she never worked, threw off the flow of the film. Paul Rudd was sooo funny, too bad this went straight to DVD. Reminds me of a relationship I thought would never end, but sadly enough, laughter didn't win in the end.
no.174 Howard's End
I'm having a go around with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins.
no.173 Oscar and Lucinda
Weird vehicle for two great actors. Weird. Did I mention it was weird?
The 2nd Act is so sad - flip side of the comedic Jack Lemmon. Reminds me of "Loser" with Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari - Biggs likes her so much that he's willing to do things in the name of the slimy Greg Kinnear. Oh, what about Harry and Sally - running on New Years Eve
no.172 A Knight's Tale
A guilty pleasure - there's only one new film to show his dear face and smile. Plus, who doesn't want to see a little mockery of Shakespeare in Love? (Yes, that's where you remember the dance class from.)
no.171 Sex and the City
Maybe I would have enjoyed this had it come out the year after the show ended. They really needed to add a good poor girl to the mix.
no.170 Last Chance Harvey
It's great to see a love story that isn't all hokey and filled with 18-year olds. You can feel the level of unease...which melts away into something new.
no.169 The Tale of Despereaux
I picked up the book the next day. The palate was gorgeous, choosing a painting as the basis of each environment. A hero comes along when the world needs one.
no.168 The Remains of the Day
So shallow and surface the character, glorious the acting.
no.167 Night of the White Pants
I love Tom Wilkinson, he pulls of a great Texan accent, whereas the rest of his family can't seem to figure out where they're from. PUNK. Did I mention this was a horrible film?
no.166 Age of Innocence
Loved the specials - the DP had a great idea I can't remember seeing in a film - made it feel as if it were on the stage. She never asked yet he gave her up - he does the same in the end, never asked, yet walks away. DDL's method is insane, but it does make him the man on the page.
no.165 Kalifornia
It took Kalifornia to remind me why I started thinking the man from Californication was hot in the first place.
no. 164 Miracle At St. Anna's
I thought this was supposed to feel like a "black" WWII film? Spike didn't do anything different, if felt like every other except the language was a bit more hip. Where did Spike go?
no.163 Autumn Hearts: A New Beginning
Totally different take on the victims of the Holocaust. Beautiful and heartfelt.
no.162 And Then She Found Me
"You can't really love until you make peace with betrayal."
no.161 All The Pretty Horses
Sometimes it feels good when the gorgeous girl doesn't get everything she wants.
no.160 The Soloist
This should have a huge entry itself, but all I can say is that, "It gives me hope."
no.159 M.Butterfly
How blind we are when it comes to love - or is it that we see only what we want to see?
no.158 Ash Wednesday (2001)
Irish Catholic guilt and New York; it's an Ed Burns film.
no.157 Five Children and It
Why was my childhood never this fun?
no.156 Bottle Shock
Who doesn't love an underdog story about Napa Valley wine (or Alan Rickman!)
no.191 The Time Machine (2002)
Toss your fucking bowler.
no.190 Adventureland
Ah, old Kennywood! It's a sleeper, but the music is fabulous. It's an awkward love story, almost written backwards, they start and stop very quickly, we kinda get it's about her mom. Not enough big Pittsburgh hair.
no.189 Suddenly Last Summer - BBC
I hate it when people do NOLA accents wrong. Shouldn't do them at all, even if you are a Dame. Hello, Rob Lowe in a BBC production? Lighting was horrible, they tried to convey stage to screen, but this time, it was bad.
no.188 Dirty Pretty Things
Immigrant's story - how can people survive in London/NYC, so expensive yet people migrate there from other countries with their big dreams. Doctors are driving cabs and watching the overnight desk.
no.187 House Bunny
Good to see Kiely, I remember her when she was 12! Katherine, too.
no.186 Charlie Bartlett
Sometimes, all you need is a little validation, someone who believes in you.
no.185 Choke
It's a little slow, but how fast can you make a film about a sex addict who is a con-choker to get money to pay for his mom's spiral from an radical Vicks inhaler junkie to a stomach tube while making a stop in Colonial America by way of the Vatican and Jesus' foreskin?
no.184 From Hell
Johnny chases the dragon...and finds a really horrible dye job called Heather Graham. I really must pick up this book.
no.183 Nim's Island
Abigail Breslin, Gerard Butler and Jodie Foster make a good lookin' island family.
no.182 Hounddog
Was there really any need for this to see the life of day?
no.181 Cube
Individuals at their most extreme, tested, pushed, strained. Yet these characters are trite caricatures. The Doctor is horrendous.
no.180 Bride With the White Hair
Had to fast forward through the "sex" scenes, they were more like really bad make out scenes that only eleven year olds might find remotely interesting. The Cheesy song montage ending was borderline love and hate.
no.179 Cassandra's Dream
Collin Farrell doesn't fit the Woody Allen neurotic schmuck very well.
no.178 310 to Yuma (2006)
I've seen them both, but I think Russell makes a better bad guy.
no.177 The Women (1939)
Now I get a Reno Divorce. Thank goodness I watched this then, or I wouldn't have understood what Betty was going to do...
no.176 The Happening
Glad M.Night keeps putting money into the PA Film Industry, but it would help if it was a good film.
no.175 I Could Never Be Your Woman
Mother Nature was a decent idea, but she never worked, threw off the flow of the film. Paul Rudd was sooo funny, too bad this went straight to DVD. Reminds me of a relationship I thought would never end, but sadly enough, laughter didn't win in the end.
no.174 Howard's End
I'm having a go around with Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins.
no.173 Oscar and Lucinda
Weird vehicle for two great actors. Weird. Did I mention it was weird?
The 2nd Act is so sad - flip side of the comedic Jack Lemmon. Reminds me of "Loser" with Jason Biggs and Mena Suvari - Biggs likes her so much that he's willing to do things in the name of the slimy Greg Kinnear. Oh, what about Harry and Sally - running on New Years Eve
no.172 A Knight's Tale
A guilty pleasure - there's only one new film to show his dear face and smile. Plus, who doesn't want to see a little mockery of Shakespeare in Love? (Yes, that's where you remember the dance class from.)
no.171 Sex and the City
Maybe I would have enjoyed this had it come out the year after the show ended. They really needed to add a good poor girl to the mix.
no.170 Last Chance Harvey
It's great to see a love story that isn't all hokey and filled with 18-year olds. You can feel the level of unease...which melts away into something new.
no.169 The Tale of Despereaux
I picked up the book the next day. The palate was gorgeous, choosing a painting as the basis of each environment. A hero comes along when the world needs one.
no.168 The Remains of the Day
So shallow and surface the character, glorious the acting.
no.167 Night of the White Pants
I love Tom Wilkinson, he pulls of a great Texan accent, whereas the rest of his family can't seem to figure out where they're from. PUNK. Did I mention this was a horrible film?
no.166 Age of Innocence
Loved the specials - the DP had a great idea I can't remember seeing in a film - made it feel as if it were on the stage. She never asked yet he gave her up - he does the same in the end, never asked, yet walks away. DDL's method is insane, but it does make him the man on the page.
no.165 Kalifornia
It took Kalifornia to remind me why I started thinking the man from Californication was hot in the first place.
no. 164 Miracle At St. Anna's
I thought this was supposed to feel like a "black" WWII film? Spike didn't do anything different, if felt like every other except the language was a bit more hip. Where did Spike go?
no.163 Autumn Hearts: A New Beginning
Totally different take on the victims of the Holocaust. Beautiful and heartfelt.
no.162 And Then She Found Me
"You can't really love until you make peace with betrayal."
no.161 All The Pretty Horses
Sometimes it feels good when the gorgeous girl doesn't get everything she wants.
no.160 The Soloist
This should have a huge entry itself, but all I can say is that, "It gives me hope."
no.159 M.Butterfly
How blind we are when it comes to love - or is it that we see only what we want to see?
no.158 Ash Wednesday (2001)
Irish Catholic guilt and New York; it's an Ed Burns film.
no.157 Five Children and It
Why was my childhood never this fun?
no.156 Bottle Shock
Who doesn't love an underdog story about Napa Valley wine (or Alan Rickman!)
Friday, October 9, 2009
changeling
no.155 Changeling
Great acting all around. Although Angie had me sold, her scene throwing Northcott up against the wall was a little too action-Angie and a little out of character. Malcovich was able to turn that sneering typecast in a weird twist that really worked.
Great acting all around. Although Angie had me sold, her scene throwing Northcott up against the wall was a little too action-Angie and a little out of character. Malcovich was able to turn that sneering typecast in a weird twist that really worked.
kate & leo
no.154 Kate and Leopold
Yes, it's my favorite Aussie, but who can resist this silly time travel rom-com when surfing the vastness of my cable selection? Nothing spectacular, but it's one of Meg Ryan's last decent films.
Yes, it's my favorite Aussie, but who can resist this silly time travel rom-com when surfing the vastness of my cable selection? Nothing spectacular, but it's one of Meg Ryan's last decent films.
pi
no.153 Pi: Faith in Chaos
See multiple entries: Darren Aronofsky is amazing, he does so much with so little. I can't believe this was made on 60k. I haven't seen this in ages and I'm so amazed this is where he started. Honestly, his presence is so powerful that I forget he has only done a few films.
It's hard to delineate where Max's obsession and health crisis begins and ends, which you can also say for Sol's strokes. Self awareness, whether it be the men or the computer (how weird is the literal melting of the silicone?) is our impending meltdown brought on by beating our heads against the wall, trying to solve the same problems over and over only to find ourselves in this giant loop?
I think Max needed to disconnect in terms of survival of the fittest. Max does haven't a gun, but he's got the name of God. The film doesn't get into politics, but religion and money. So many groups claim God is on the side - Max is making sure that gun isn't pointed at anyone else by "disconnecting" or removing the knowledge, the number, the name, from his head. He no longer holds the key, he isn't sought after, although, he is the fittest.
See multiple entries: Darren Aronofsky is amazing, he does so much with so little. I can't believe this was made on 60k. I haven't seen this in ages and I'm so amazed this is where he started. Honestly, his presence is so powerful that I forget he has only done a few films.
It's hard to delineate where Max's obsession and health crisis begins and ends, which you can also say for Sol's strokes. Self awareness, whether it be the men or the computer (how weird is the literal melting of the silicone?) is our impending meltdown brought on by beating our heads against the wall, trying to solve the same problems over and over only to find ourselves in this giant loop?
I think Max needed to disconnect in terms of survival of the fittest. Max does haven't a gun, but he's got the name of God. The film doesn't get into politics, but religion and money. So many groups claim God is on the side - Max is making sure that gun isn't pointed at anyone else by "disconnecting" or removing the knowledge, the number, the name, from his head. He no longer holds the key, he isn't sought after, although, he is the fittest.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
time crimes
no.152 Time Crimes
LOVED THIS! Granted, I graduated from Time Travel Paradoxes 401 via LOST last season, so once I was given Hector #2 in bandages, the dominos fell into place. Not that it's predictable, but I saw a large part of the picture quicker than I should have. The film's dialogue was fevered and fast paced; I found it difficult to watch and keep up with the subtitles!
LOVED THIS! Granted, I graduated from Time Travel Paradoxes 401 via LOST last season, so once I was given Hector #2 in bandages, the dominos fell into place. Not that it's predictable, but I saw a large part of the picture quicker than I should have. The film's dialogue was fevered and fast paced; I found it difficult to watch and keep up with the subtitles!
too many, can't remember everything blog
no.151 Joint Security Area
Is this about politics or the men who are really on the ground with guns? People are people, no matter what side they're on. You could pull back and look at this film as we see children play - they have no eye for color, belief or money. Too bad we grow up and lose that ability, the world would be a much better place.
no.150 Hard Boiled
Need an example of how Hong Kong films go to extremes? I give you Hard Boiled with at least 45 min of dialogue-free gratuitous shoot em up. I made myself push through and watch the film, it's a different kind of action film, it's more of a semi-automatic opera. Little Tony gave a great performance, topping Chow Yun-Fat. You really can see how this was the transition film into Hollywood fare.
no.149 King of California
Loved Michael Douglas' conquistador look! He was Don Quixote. I believe he was called a deluded optimist. How that fuels his manic nature which pushes him toward his task, no matter how absurd or out of reach. Rachel Evan Wood really helped to sell the movie, she was the kid who took care of her parents, a role I understand too well.
no.148 Suicide Club
Another j-horror which really isn't scary, thank god. The Pleasure Room and Genesis was pulled directly from Rocky Horror. Everything from the way he sat on his throne, crossed his legs...
no.147 Swordfish
Again, another film that ran on cable forever...that I never saw from credits to credits. Hugh Jackman, again, what's with me and the hot? What was hot was Halle Berry nekked-ness. Seriously, can I just BUY her tits? Can I go to a doctor and say, "this is what I want!"?? It wasn't John Travolta's first turn and as the bad guy certainly not his best. At least they didn't make him dance.
no.146 Bedtime Stories
Sandler got a bad rap with this film, but it is a kids film, it's NOT the Sandler we've grown up with. I think it's the same reason why Zohan didn't do well, people want to see Happy Gillmore, not Sandler doing other funny things. I thought it was cute. Loved the gum balls.
no.145 Thomas Crown Affair
Again, that Steve McQueen. I wasn't sure what to expect considering I saw the remake a million times in the 90s (it was on USA, TBS, etc all the time.) I loved the 60s feel, especially Faye Dunaway's unbelievable outfits, so mod! The classic "what do you get for the man who has it all?" It's not always about having things, but how you obtain them. I know plenty of guys like that...
no.144 Color of Freedom/Goodbye Bafana
Honestly, I don't know how well this follows the true history of Nelson Mandela's time in prison. Although Mandela could be seen as the pivot for this film, it's really about the relationship between Dennis Haysbert and Joseph Fiennes, how both men are changed by being in one another's lives. Although it's kind of a sleeper, I enjoyed it.
no.143 Towelhead
Alan Ball does not disappoint to shock, never. This film wouldn't exist if we were Pre-American Beauty. It taps directly into the young girl next door, which isn't close to barely legal. I liked seeing Aaron Eckhart pile on the charm then turn into the peevo down the street. Again, characters who live on the fringe, just on the edge. Toni Collette, as always, makes an indelible mark as the woman who thinks she's doing everything for the right reason but shocked when faced with reality. The father/daughter chemistry seems overwhelming, but hits the mark. Do as I say, not who I fuck is a very interesting line to walk. I guess it goes with the idea that a man beats his wife everyday, even if there appears to be no reason.
no.142 RocknRolla
My mind must be on hotness. Gerard Butler, hello? Thandie Newton is SOOO hot, they really are steamy together. Tom Wilkinson never fails to impress me, he can do it all. I think this was probably a little more accessible than Guy Richie's other films (ie. my brother would be able to follow along because the accents are easy.) A good way to waste the time, a really hope he DOES do a follow up.
no.141 The Magnificent Seven
Another one of those "I can't believe it's taken me this long to watch it!" films. Although Yul Brenner didn't feel like a gun for hire (his walk is so regal!) I really enjoyed the film. Being a big Kurosawa film, I loved being able to draw the parallels and misfires. Steve McQueen is really hot, seriously.
Is this about politics or the men who are really on the ground with guns? People are people, no matter what side they're on. You could pull back and look at this film as we see children play - they have no eye for color, belief or money. Too bad we grow up and lose that ability, the world would be a much better place.
no.150 Hard Boiled
Need an example of how Hong Kong films go to extremes? I give you Hard Boiled with at least 45 min of dialogue-free gratuitous shoot em up. I made myself push through and watch the film, it's a different kind of action film, it's more of a semi-automatic opera. Little Tony gave a great performance, topping Chow Yun-Fat. You really can see how this was the transition film into Hollywood fare.
no.149 King of California
Loved Michael Douglas' conquistador look! He was Don Quixote. I believe he was called a deluded optimist. How that fuels his manic nature which pushes him toward his task, no matter how absurd or out of reach. Rachel Evan Wood really helped to sell the movie, she was the kid who took care of her parents, a role I understand too well.
no.148 Suicide Club
Another j-horror which really isn't scary, thank god. The Pleasure Room and Genesis was pulled directly from Rocky Horror. Everything from the way he sat on his throne, crossed his legs...
no.147 Swordfish
Again, another film that ran on cable forever...that I never saw from credits to credits. Hugh Jackman, again, what's with me and the hot? What was hot was Halle Berry nekked-ness. Seriously, can I just BUY her tits? Can I go to a doctor and say, "this is what I want!"?? It wasn't John Travolta's first turn and as the bad guy certainly not his best. At least they didn't make him dance.
no.146 Bedtime Stories
Sandler got a bad rap with this film, but it is a kids film, it's NOT the Sandler we've grown up with. I think it's the same reason why Zohan didn't do well, people want to see Happy Gillmore, not Sandler doing other funny things. I thought it was cute. Loved the gum balls.
no.145 Thomas Crown Affair
Again, that Steve McQueen. I wasn't sure what to expect considering I saw the remake a million times in the 90s (it was on USA, TBS, etc all the time.) I loved the 60s feel, especially Faye Dunaway's unbelievable outfits, so mod! The classic "what do you get for the man who has it all?" It's not always about having things, but how you obtain them. I know plenty of guys like that...
no.144 Color of Freedom/Goodbye Bafana
Honestly, I don't know how well this follows the true history of Nelson Mandela's time in prison. Although Mandela could be seen as the pivot for this film, it's really about the relationship between Dennis Haysbert and Joseph Fiennes, how both men are changed by being in one another's lives. Although it's kind of a sleeper, I enjoyed it.
no.143 Towelhead
Alan Ball does not disappoint to shock, never. This film wouldn't exist if we were Pre-American Beauty. It taps directly into the young girl next door, which isn't close to barely legal. I liked seeing Aaron Eckhart pile on the charm then turn into the peevo down the street. Again, characters who live on the fringe, just on the edge. Toni Collette, as always, makes an indelible mark as the woman who thinks she's doing everything for the right reason but shocked when faced with reality. The father/daughter chemistry seems overwhelming, but hits the mark. Do as I say, not who I fuck is a very interesting line to walk. I guess it goes with the idea that a man beats his wife everyday, even if there appears to be no reason.
no.142 RocknRolla
My mind must be on hotness. Gerard Butler, hello? Thandie Newton is SOOO hot, they really are steamy together. Tom Wilkinson never fails to impress me, he can do it all. I think this was probably a little more accessible than Guy Richie's other films (ie. my brother would be able to follow along because the accents are easy.) A good way to waste the time, a really hope he DOES do a follow up.
no.141 The Magnificent Seven
Another one of those "I can't believe it's taken me this long to watch it!" films. Although Yul Brenner didn't feel like a gun for hire (his walk is so regal!) I really enjoyed the film. Being a big Kurosawa film, I loved being able to draw the parallels and misfires. Steve McQueen is really hot, seriously.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
lions for lambs
no. 140 Lions for Lambs
We have the indulgence to ignore the world around us. We're so steeped in twitter feeds from Chris Brown's past domestic abuse issues, MJ's drug us that we don't have to pay attention to the work around us. In 1968, people had no choice. There were three tv channels, one main paper in town. War is what you heard about, it's what everyone talked about, it's what everyone knew. Now I have the luxury to ignore the pain and suffering. I can block out today's tally of death in a war we're not actually taking part in. It's almost not fair that we have that ability to choose to ignore and not participate. I can watch a French New Wave film rather than understand why our country is losing solider after soldier. I envelope myself in security via Vogue and ads for clothing I could never afford rather than accept the reality. It's not that I choose to deny it, I just don't want to be reminded every moment about the waste of precious life and the horrible decisions occurring in the great hall of our government.
Engagement - personal interest in the world around us.
Buy ins - whatever it takes.
Self Interest - almost feels like a propaganda film, not pursing self thought, banking on our ignorance.
How easy it is to not make a choice at all. just sit back and bitch without responsibility. Oh yeah, I was supposed to talk about the film, right?
We have the indulgence to ignore the world around us. We're so steeped in twitter feeds from Chris Brown's past domestic abuse issues, MJ's drug us that we don't have to pay attention to the work around us. In 1968, people had no choice. There were three tv channels, one main paper in town. War is what you heard about, it's what everyone talked about, it's what everyone knew. Now I have the luxury to ignore the pain and suffering. I can block out today's tally of death in a war we're not actually taking part in. It's almost not fair that we have that ability to choose to ignore and not participate. I can watch a French New Wave film rather than understand why our country is losing solider after soldier. I envelope myself in security via Vogue and ads for clothing I could never afford rather than accept the reality. It's not that I choose to deny it, I just don't want to be reminded every moment about the waste of precious life and the horrible decisions occurring in the great hall of our government.
Engagement - personal interest in the world around us.
Buy ins - whatever it takes.
Self Interest - almost feels like a propaganda film, not pursing self thought, banking on our ignorance.
How easy it is to not make a choice at all. just sit back and bitch without responsibility. Oh yeah, I was supposed to talk about the film, right?
sucked, sucked, sucked
no. 136 Toi et Moi
Cute little french ditty.
no. 137 Ghost Town
As usual, I don't like Tea Leoni. Ricky Gervais tried to make this movie funny, but he couldn't. I could do without seeing Greg Kinnear play another self absorbed asshole, has he gotten type casted or is that who he truly is, not acting at all?
no.138 The Mummy - Dragon Emperor
I can see why Rachel Weiss wouldn't sign on for this third Mummy movie. I hope Brendan Frasier made a pretty penny.
no. 139 Virgin Territory
As much as I love to look at Hayden Christensen, I can see why this went straight to video. Try reading the DeCameron, it's a much sexier read than this mockery. They totally tried to pull the Baz Luhrmann approach, but failed miserably with their musical choices. Can we please get Tim Roth some good scripts?
Cute little french ditty.
no. 137 Ghost Town
As usual, I don't like Tea Leoni. Ricky Gervais tried to make this movie funny, but he couldn't. I could do without seeing Greg Kinnear play another self absorbed asshole, has he gotten type casted or is that who he truly is, not acting at all?
no.138 The Mummy - Dragon Emperor
I can see why Rachel Weiss wouldn't sign on for this third Mummy movie. I hope Brendan Frasier made a pretty penny.
no. 139 Virgin Territory
As much as I love to look at Hayden Christensen, I can see why this went straight to video. Try reading the DeCameron, it's a much sexier read than this mockery. They totally tried to pull the Baz Luhrmann approach, but failed miserably with their musical choices. Can we please get Tim Roth some good scripts?
rabbit proof fence
no.135 Rabbit Proof Fence
I can't imagine having the will and drive as a child to walk 1500 miles alone, in the dark, with no food or shelter, to find my way back home. Knowing this is based on a true story is mind blowing. The three girls were amazing, this being their first acting experience. Kenneth Branagh is amazing as usual, but I wasn't impressed with Christopher Boyle. He has the most amazing eye and I love everything he does. I think he needs to go back to Hong Kong, really.
I can't imagine having the will and drive as a child to walk 1500 miles alone, in the dark, with no food or shelter, to find my way back home. Knowing this is based on a true story is mind blowing. The three girls were amazing, this being their first acting experience. Kenneth Branagh is amazing as usual, but I wasn't impressed with Christopher Boyle. He has the most amazing eye and I love everything he does. I think he needs to go back to Hong Kong, really.
lars and the real girl
no. 134 Lars and the Real Girl
It's amazing the lengths one's brain will go to cope with a difficult or horrific situation. What's even more amazing is when the people who surround that person support what appears to be an outlandish and possibly perverted coping mechanism in order to make sure s/he comes out the other side. Ryan Gosling really did well with a character that is very difficult to portray without seeming too sappy or possibly perverted. I think it's adorable that Bianca sleeps in the house and he is looking for a relationship, clearly not sex.
It's amazing the lengths one's brain will go to cope with a difficult or horrific situation. What's even more amazing is when the people who surround that person support what appears to be an outlandish and possibly perverted coping mechanism in order to make sure s/he comes out the other side. Ryan Gosling really did well with a character that is very difficult to portray without seeming too sappy or possibly perverted. I think it's adorable that Bianca sleeps in the house and he is looking for a relationship, clearly not sex.
children of heaven
no.133 Children of Heaven
This film made me feel so warm and fuzzy. I thought we were poor, but at least we owned more than one pair of shoes and didn't have to share. It's amazing how poverty can breed a level of un-selfishness that we, the middle class, cannot imagine. Although Zahra finds her shoes, she does not try to take them back. Although she needs her own shoes, she doesn't want to get her brother into trouble or push the family's rent back another month.
I know I'm not the only one who cried when Ali won the race, rather than coming in third. The pain on his face, feeling that he let his sister down, was so real.
This film made me feel so warm and fuzzy. I thought we were poor, but at least we owned more than one pair of shoes and didn't have to share. It's amazing how poverty can breed a level of un-selfishness that we, the middle class, cannot imagine. Although Zahra finds her shoes, she does not try to take them back. Although she needs her own shoes, she doesn't want to get her brother into trouble or push the family's rent back another month.
I know I'm not the only one who cried when Ali won the race, rather than coming in third. The pain on his face, feeling that he let his sister down, was so real.
rififi
no. 132 Rififi
Can you imagine a film with thirty minutes of silence, no soundtrack, nothing? It was challenging not to roll through at 8x but I'm better for it. Blacklisters heading to France getting paid pennies in order to make art. Sad, but he made a great film!
Can you imagine a film with thirty minutes of silence, no soundtrack, nothing? It was challenging not to roll through at 8x but I'm better for it. Blacklisters heading to France getting paid pennies in order to make art. Sad, but he made a great film!
RL sucks part deux
Yeah, it does, doesn't it? I feel lame that I haven't taken the time to catch up. This was supposed to be an exercise in writing, not just cataloguing. Sharing the fun stuff I was listening to, watching, reading. It still is, but when I have to just make a list to catch up, it takes all that away, ya know? At least this past week, new brain enhancing drugs (plus the extended release muscle relaxers and pain killers) have freed up my mind. It feels great not to have a 24/7 headache, even better that I can actually see the world as it is intended to be (well, that's questionable.) At least it's not blurry and hopefully I can drive at night a little better.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
special
no.131 Special
This movie hit home, I'm ashamed to not have written about it immediately after I saw it, where my nerves were raw and exposed. Michael Rappaport's character starts a psych med clinical trial - he shows signs of moderate depression. He's a guy who doesn't have much, is terribly normal, a meter maid who loves comic books. Then everything goes haywire. The sideeffects of the meds lead Les down a really interesting and silly path. Don't get me wrong, I might come down hard, but I would recommend this, just know, it's not all comic book geek jokes, it's really serious.
Although every trailer made this out to be a comedy about someone who thinks they are a superhero, it's really a socially irresponsible way to treat the film. As someone who lives with a serious mental illness, I totally understood this film. As serious as the side effects of reverse psychosis were real, they were funny. But were the filmmakers trying to make a statement about corporate Rx greed or the fact that we are all just such small specs on this planet, in the universe?
"I suppose this will be my final journal entry. I'm not looking forward to returning to my old life, the truth is, with so many billions of people on the planet most of us can't be unique or important in any meaningful way. We go to sleep, we wake up, we go to work, we eat, we spend time with friends, we watch tv, maybe we even fall in love. But we don't have any magical powers and we don't have any great fights to fight, no evil forces to defeat and no mysterious men in suits chasing after us. We just have reality, and believing anything else is just, well, believing anything else is crazy, isn't it?"
This movie hit home, I'm ashamed to not have written about it immediately after I saw it, where my nerves were raw and exposed. Michael Rappaport's character starts a psych med clinical trial - he shows signs of moderate depression. He's a guy who doesn't have much, is terribly normal, a meter maid who loves comic books. Then everything goes haywire. The sideeffects of the meds lead Les down a really interesting and silly path. Don't get me wrong, I might come down hard, but I would recommend this, just know, it's not all comic book geek jokes, it's really serious.
Although every trailer made this out to be a comedy about someone who thinks they are a superhero, it's really a socially irresponsible way to treat the film. As someone who lives with a serious mental illness, I totally understood this film. As serious as the side effects of reverse psychosis were real, they were funny. But were the filmmakers trying to make a statement about corporate Rx greed or the fact that we are all just such small specs on this planet, in the universe?
"I suppose this will be my final journal entry. I'm not looking forward to returning to my old life, the truth is, with so many billions of people on the planet most of us can't be unique or important in any meaningful way. We go to sleep, we wake up, we go to work, we eat, we spend time with friends, we watch tv, maybe we even fall in love. But we don't have any magical powers and we don't have any great fights to fight, no evil forces to defeat and no mysterious men in suits chasing after us. We just have reality, and believing anything else is just, well, believing anything else is crazy, isn't it?"
forbidden quest
no.130 Forbidden Quest
This movie was absolutely fabulous, and I don't mean that in a campy, English, fag hag way. This was a stunning take on what we consider the first amendment and how its non-existence affected lives in Korea. I can't help but think of the Marquis de Sade and smile ;) This is something you definitely want to watch with friends. I mean, it's not like Knocked Up's Flesh of the Stars, but think 18th century Korea. Yeah, it's a stretch, but if you watch it, you'll know exactly what I mean!
The story follows the preeminent writer/scholar and his adventure to find new passion in his writing. At first, he is shocked when he is given a piece of erotic pulp, even more so when he realizes the money that is made. This begins his exploration into thoughts and feelings on paper which elicit the "flavor of life." He starts to drop his pretensions and high rank by taking off his noble hat in front of the lower class, dons sunglasses like the other writers he feels are below him, but it's like he's shedding his skin, reminds me of what might have happened in the 60s when folks started dressing down, realising that the high maintenance of presentation wasn't warranted.
There's a high importance placed on cowardice. He's too subtle, he's one to put his head down and follow a path laid before him. His family feels he is a coward for not pursuing any sort of vengeance for his brother's death, when in fact, moving within the King's Court, he has the power to do so, but will ruffle feathers, totally against his nature. However, he has the balls to write and distribute illicit material with full illustrations based on his affair with the Queen.
Ultimately, this is a story about societal restraint - there is what is expected of us within the bounds of society and what it needs us to do, then there is our natural curiosity that leads us into darker corners, pulls us in. Treason and imprisonment are the end game but our man show not only lack of cowardice but the strength in his bonds of camaraderie.
I can't begin to touch on the great scenes, the collaboration of questionable men with a noblemen, the shenanigans involved. In order for the illustrator to understand what he is to draw, the old man is used to practice "tactical maneuvers", but at a point, he is dismissed because he's too old and not flexible enough to pose.
This movie was absolutely fabulous, and I don't mean that in a campy, English, fag hag way. This was a stunning take on what we consider the first amendment and how its non-existence affected lives in Korea. I can't help but think of the Marquis de Sade and smile ;) This is something you definitely want to watch with friends. I mean, it's not like Knocked Up's Flesh of the Stars, but think 18th century Korea. Yeah, it's a stretch, but if you watch it, you'll know exactly what I mean!
The story follows the preeminent writer/scholar and his adventure to find new passion in his writing. At first, he is shocked when he is given a piece of erotic pulp, even more so when he realizes the money that is made. This begins his exploration into thoughts and feelings on paper which elicit the "flavor of life." He starts to drop his pretensions and high rank by taking off his noble hat in front of the lower class, dons sunglasses like the other writers he feels are below him, but it's like he's shedding his skin, reminds me of what might have happened in the 60s when folks started dressing down, realising that the high maintenance of presentation wasn't warranted.
There's a high importance placed on cowardice. He's too subtle, he's one to put his head down and follow a path laid before him. His family feels he is a coward for not pursuing any sort of vengeance for his brother's death, when in fact, moving within the King's Court, he has the power to do so, but will ruffle feathers, totally against his nature. However, he has the balls to write and distribute illicit material with full illustrations based on his affair with the Queen.
Ultimately, this is a story about societal restraint - there is what is expected of us within the bounds of society and what it needs us to do, then there is our natural curiosity that leads us into darker corners, pulls us in. Treason and imprisonment are the end game but our man show not only lack of cowardice but the strength in his bonds of camaraderie.
I can't begin to touch on the great scenes, the collaboration of questionable men with a noblemen, the shenanigans involved. In order for the illustrator to understand what he is to draw, the old man is used to practice "tactical maneuvers", but at a point, he is dismissed because he's too old and not flexible enough to pose.
planet of the dead
no. 129 Planet of the Dead (Doctor Who)
I'm American, so Doctor Who doesn't hold a candle like it does to my British counterparts. I really did enjoy the camp of David Tennant, who for me is still Barty Crouch, Jr. I'm definitely going to make the time and go back and start watching the last five years of Doctor Who. Who knows, I might just enjoy giggling at the low end special effects (can you still call them special when they look like any twelve year old did them on home video?)
I'm American, so Doctor Who doesn't hold a candle like it does to my British counterparts. I really did enjoy the camp of David Tennant, who for me is still Barty Crouch, Jr. I'm definitely going to make the time and go back and start watching the last five years of Doctor Who. Who knows, I might just enjoy giggling at the low end special effects (can you still call them special when they look like any twelve year old did them on home video?)
heaven and earth
no.128 Heaven and Earth
Although the story line of rival lords is interesting, I really didn't like the medium - Japanese feudal war. The fighting did not have alot of specific shots, like what we would see in an Hollywood Civil War piece. Loads of wide angle, field battle. The worst part I couldn't make heads or tails out of the action - all I saw were horses and flags/banners. What few one on ones that were shot were lackluster at best.
Although the story line of rival lords is interesting, I really didn't like the medium - Japanese feudal war. The fighting did not have alot of specific shots, like what we would see in an Hollywood Civil War piece. Loads of wide angle, field battle. The worst part I couldn't make heads or tails out of the action - all I saw were horses and flags/banners. What few one on ones that were shot were lackluster at best.
torchwood
Torchwood Seasons One, Two and (Three) Children of the Earth
WOW, I went for the full on Torchwood review. I'd seen an episode here or there, but wasn't really interested because it was a spin off of Doctor Who and I'm not a Doctor girl. DR is the Doctor type, it's just so campy and goofy, although, I'm going back and watching it starting with Russell Davies run with Christopher Eccleston for posterity's sake...ha! I'm so glad that I decided to watch Children of the Earth on it's BBC America run because I loved it! It seems that I was horribly wrong to dismiss Torchwood so quickly because it's a world that I totally love.
Season One was good, but I concur with many that it was iffy. I made the Netflix commitment, so I went through with it and glad I did. Season Two was great, excellent. Aliens, supernatural, guns and sex. hmmmm, is that right up my alley?
I really enjoy the characters - to me, they are real people, I can see them sitting in my living room enjoying a pint and laughing about a blowfish, that is, if they had the time. The casting is excellent - granted, I don't know UK tv, so I'm not versed on their CVs and other actors that might have fit the bill. John Barrowman is overwhelmingly intense, over the top in his actions, I can't help but laugh out loud everytime he pulls out his antiquated pistol and starts waving it around. And the coat...I read that he was one of the three candidate for Will (and Grace) and he didn't get the part because they felt he wasn't gay enough. Did they know he WAS gay? I think the world might be a better place that he didn't get the part. Although, he would have been able to do Broadway rather than West End and Americans would have been wowed by him on stage.
WOW, I went for the full on Torchwood review. I'd seen an episode here or there, but wasn't really interested because it was a spin off of Doctor Who and I'm not a Doctor girl. DR is the Doctor type, it's just so campy and goofy, although, I'm going back and watching it starting with Russell Davies run with Christopher Eccleston for posterity's sake...ha! I'm so glad that I decided to watch Children of the Earth on it's BBC America run because I loved it! It seems that I was horribly wrong to dismiss Torchwood so quickly because it's a world that I totally love.
Season One was good, but I concur with many that it was iffy. I made the Netflix commitment, so I went through with it and glad I did. Season Two was great, excellent. Aliens, supernatural, guns and sex. hmmmm, is that right up my alley?
I really enjoy the characters - to me, they are real people, I can see them sitting in my living room enjoying a pint and laughing about a blowfish, that is, if they had the time. The casting is excellent - granted, I don't know UK tv, so I'm not versed on their CVs and other actors that might have fit the bill. John Barrowman is overwhelmingly intense, over the top in his actions, I can't help but laugh out loud everytime he pulls out his antiquated pistol and starts waving it around. And the coat...I read that he was one of the three candidate for Will (and Grace) and he didn't get the part because they felt he wasn't gay enough. Did they know he WAS gay? I think the world might be a better place that he didn't get the part. Although, he would have been able to do Broadway rather than West End and Americans would have been wowed by him on stage.
RL sucks.
WOW, it's been three weeks since I posted. Real life took a swing at me, but luckily, it struck out. Is that a proper metaphor? I'm still standing and so far, it appears I'm winning, but the shit isn't sticking, so yes, I guess it does work. I'm going to cheat and list off what I've watched. I only write something mildly interesting if it's fresh in my mind.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
the wackness
no.127 The Wackness
You know a movie is starting on the right foot when you see a fantasy evoking the Fly Girls. Seriously, I needed this movie tonight. Not just for reminding me where I was the summer of 1994 (in Shapiro's shoes ready to walk into the rest of my life,) but for reminding me that you must keep everything in perspective.
"...you have this really shitty way of looking at things, ya know. I don't have that problem, I just look at the dopeness. But you, its like you just look at the wackness."
This is all about the journey of two men at very different and very similar points and times in life, crossroads, beginnings, endings all in one. Parallel honeymoons coming to the same unfortunate conclusion - be careful once you start tagging things or marking your territory. It's really a beautiful thing to see two very different people come together and be what the other needs, sometimes asking for help, sometimes offering.
I, too, felt the same as Shapiro about becoming a shrink, "I figure I'm an expert because everyone around me is so fucking crazy." The music was great, it really felt like that summer - well, if I would have been able to go to Fire Island rather than Woodstock's 20th anniversary. I remember all the talk about how Giuliani was changing the town - it's great to see how that time has stamped it's vibe. Anyone who didn't live in the city felt that Giuliani's clean up of Time Square's XXX peep shows was the next best thing to sliced bread. In fact, when I was in the city last month, I had to remind a friend's mom that the subway isn't what she remembered from her visits in her youth. It's interesting to see how some of the city felt that he might have been taking away a bit of their liberties. I can't imagine sitting in the park with a forty and a joint, and I am far from square. Best quote, "Try to fuck a black girl, I never got to in college." Believe me, we all can use a little variety and to have our hearts broken.
You know a movie is starting on the right foot when you see a fantasy evoking the Fly Girls. Seriously, I needed this movie tonight. Not just for reminding me where I was the summer of 1994 (in Shapiro's shoes ready to walk into the rest of my life,) but for reminding me that you must keep everything in perspective.
"...you have this really shitty way of looking at things, ya know. I don't have that problem, I just look at the dopeness. But you, its like you just look at the wackness."
This is all about the journey of two men at very different and very similar points and times in life, crossroads, beginnings, endings all in one. Parallel honeymoons coming to the same unfortunate conclusion - be careful once you start tagging things or marking your territory. It's really a beautiful thing to see two very different people come together and be what the other needs, sometimes asking for help, sometimes offering.
I, too, felt the same as Shapiro about becoming a shrink, "I figure I'm an expert because everyone around me is so fucking crazy." The music was great, it really felt like that summer - well, if I would have been able to go to Fire Island rather than Woodstock's 20th anniversary. I remember all the talk about how Giuliani was changing the town - it's great to see how that time has stamped it's vibe. Anyone who didn't live in the city felt that Giuliani's clean up of Time Square's XXX peep shows was the next best thing to sliced bread. In fact, when I was in the city last month, I had to remind a friend's mom that the subway isn't what she remembered from her visits in her youth. It's interesting to see how some of the city felt that he might have been taking away a bit of their liberties. I can't imagine sitting in the park with a forty and a joint, and I am far from square. Best quote, "Try to fuck a black girl, I never got to in college." Believe me, we all can use a little variety and to have our hearts broken.
Friday, August 7, 2009
horrible!
no.126 Dr Horrble's Sing-A-Long Blog
Technically, I haven't posted this yet this year, although, I've seen it a few times, but never on my tv screen until today, so now it counts. NPH, Nathan Fillion (ahhhh) and Felicia Day made my really shitty day. You can't help but giggle at the simple pleasure of a musical commentary. I mean, even if it sucked, although it didn't, you have to wink at the pure impishness of accomplishing the feat. "Better than Neil", "Asian Like Me" are so cheeky. Yes, I am a "huge fucking nerd" who thinks Neil isn't alone or just a douche ;)
If you haven't seen this, run, fast. Free at Hulu, although, it's so cheap to purchase, its worth it for when you just have a bad day and need a Horrible laugh. Don't forget, like pie, the third layer is just like the first.
Technically, I haven't posted this yet this year, although, I've seen it a few times, but never on my tv screen until today, so now it counts. NPH, Nathan Fillion (ahhhh) and Felicia Day made my really shitty day. You can't help but giggle at the simple pleasure of a musical commentary. I mean, even if it sucked, although it didn't, you have to wink at the pure impishness of accomplishing the feat. "Better than Neil", "Asian Like Me" are so cheeky. Yes, I am a "huge fucking nerd" who thinks Neil isn't alone or just a douche ;)
If you haven't seen this, run, fast. Free at Hulu, although, it's so cheap to purchase, its worth it for when you just have a bad day and need a Horrible laugh. Don't forget, like pie, the third layer is just like the first.
deception
no.126 Deception
This film stars two men I wish would show up in my dreams, so I should take the time to write something, but I won't. #1 Predictable #2 Falls flat on its face #3 Thank god it only took seven weeks to shoot and they could move on to better projects.
Ewan and Hugh give it a go, but it doesn't and didn't go anywhere. Too bad. The best thing about the film might be the black backless dress that looks amazing on Michele Williams.
This film stars two men I wish would show up in my dreams, so I should take the time to write something, but I won't. #1 Predictable #2 Falls flat on its face #3 Thank god it only took seven weeks to shoot and they could move on to better projects.
Ewan and Hugh give it a go, but it doesn't and didn't go anywhere. Too bad. The best thing about the film might be the black backless dress that looks amazing on Michele Williams.
appaloosa
no.125 Appaloosa
For the most part, I really dig the modern approach to the Western and I make it a point to see every new release of the genre. I was really hopeful for this film, being Ed Harris' directorial debut, being a big Viggo fan... Unfortunately, this totally fell short. Right off the bat, you knew Renee Zellwegger was going to be the root of all evil, very transparent. I thought the casting of Jeremy Irons was interesting, we've seen him as the villain so many times, but not in this setting. Too bad we didn't get to see more of his charming evil silky tongue.
For the most part, I really dig the modern approach to the Western and I make it a point to see every new release of the genre. I was really hopeful for this film, being Ed Harris' directorial debut, being a big Viggo fan... Unfortunately, this totally fell short. Right off the bat, you knew Renee Zellwegger was going to be the root of all evil, very transparent. I thought the casting of Jeremy Irons was interesting, we've seen him as the villain so many times, but not in this setting. Too bad we didn't get to see more of his charming evil silky tongue.
samurai fiction
no.124 Samurai Fiction
This is one of the best things I've seen in ages! Made by an MTV Japan staple, it brings Kurosawa fiefdom storytelling together with amazing music - the music creating an amazing mood, literally a character of itself. The story totally is based on Kurosawa-esque iconic characters, or well, caricatures there of, just a little over the top idiom players.
Filmed in 98, this was considered Volume One, but there were no further stories, unfortunately. This was so witty and a great way for the original MTV Generation (of which I totally consider myself) to be introduced to Japanese film. Granted, that's more for the Japanese, but I really think this could be a must first for Americans to enter into the amazing world on Asian cinema.
This is one of the best things I've seen in ages! Made by an MTV Japan staple, it brings Kurosawa fiefdom storytelling together with amazing music - the music creating an amazing mood, literally a character of itself. The story totally is based on Kurosawa-esque iconic characters, or well, caricatures there of, just a little over the top idiom players.
Filmed in 98, this was considered Volume One, but there were no further stories, unfortunately. This was so witty and a great way for the original MTV Generation (of which I totally consider myself) to be introduced to Japanese film. Granted, that's more for the Japanese, but I really think this could be a must first for Americans to enter into the amazing world on Asian cinema.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
mad for jon hamm
My weekend spent inside was not wasted - I managed to watch all 13 episodes of Mad Men's second season, which is excellent, I can start the season with the opener on 8/16, which makes me very happy. So far, I'm on par with my summer shows.
The writing on this show amazing me. How many shows have a writing staff deep enough to pull off four of the five Emmy nods this year? (#5 belongs to Darlton and The Incident, but do they even have a chance?) Sometimes I'll watch a period piece and really feel that the character are just cut out of an old Time magazine, they look good but they are flat and not real, a pale comparison, a sad attempt at a xerox, if you will. The depth of the characters, the red blood that I can feel pulsing through their veins compels me to spend my entire weekend watching On Demand...Season Two was in my queue, but when I realized I didn't have to wait (I'm already trying to plow through Torchwood 1 & 2) I grabbed my remote. I'll still line it up in order to watch the special features, which if I remember correctly, were pretty fantastic on the first go round.
One of my favorite stack em up, knock em down devices was used at the beginning and end of a few episodes. Working with stars, I've always told my friends that they're just people, they put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do, granted, they might be $1500 pants, but pants just the same. I loved showing how everyone puts on a face and even more so, the wear and tear at the end of the day when that mask is pulled off. I think it started with Maidenform, but it wasn't just the girls with a little Decemberists sprinkled on top, we see the guys as well, with Pete's wife handling his cuff links. What made this most real was Joan's bra straps, when we think of her, we think of that figure, for her, at the end of the day, she feels the pain of that persona. Colin Hanks really drove that home - which is more identifiable when you think of him as a priest, taking off his clerical black and white, removing his collar before he sits on his bed on his undershirt, with his guitar. Sometimes, even a priest just wants to be a rock out to Peter, Paul and Mary.
I could go through each character, their growth, their turn down a path they don't want to take but must, but that could take me hours. What are my highlights? Of course, everyone wants to know about Don, who the hell is he? Meeting Mrs. Draper, the path that took us there was well worth the nailbiting. Peggy is my bright star - Elizabeth Moss plays her so well - you never really know if Peggy's just a little slow, too dry, modest, etc, etc, but she pulls that silk handkerchief out of her sleeve so well. Just when you thought she might cave, she slams Pete out of no where, reminds you that despite her little visit to St. Mary's, she's a woman who actually does know what she wants, where she wants to go and that although she's no Joan, she's still learning how to walk in heels - the need to know what to do to get there - she's working on it. Granted, she's no Joanie, and quite frankly, I'm really sad for her character, horrified, actually. But it's Joanie and we know that her true colors will come through and she'll be resilient after the Missile Crisis blows over on Monday morning.
My big question is whether or not Betty will string Don along...we know the cat in her can come out, it's just a matter of whether or not she's going to do that to Don as a pay back. Don can talk anyone into anything; was this the purpose of his letter? Was he really being honest with Betty that although she can find another life after him, that he cannot? I think he was, he's past the point of playing games, we've seen his hand, really know him now. Will Betty allow him to think that she was with AWESOME (how awesome was it that Awesome was her fling?!) before that night and the bump isn't his? Does Don's letter allow her to play out a game? Honestly, I don't think Don cares, he wants his family back, whether or not it's his. I think grasping her hand was his gesture that he will do anything to be with her and his family.
Seriously, just how beautiful is Jon Hamm? Although the SoCal heat knocked him out, he looked dashing in white with a tan. Please tell me I'm not the only one who cringed thinking that Father Gill was gonna try to get a little cozy with Peggy? Personally, I have a notion she's gonna start taking Communion again. Father Gill might be a little confused because she hasn't confessed to him, but I don't know what else you'd call her little one on one with Pete, other than a nice tail between his entitled little legs.
The writing on this show amazing me. How many shows have a writing staff deep enough to pull off four of the five Emmy nods this year? (#5 belongs to Darlton and The Incident, but do they even have a chance?) Sometimes I'll watch a period piece and really feel that the character are just cut out of an old Time magazine, they look good but they are flat and not real, a pale comparison, a sad attempt at a xerox, if you will. The depth of the characters, the red blood that I can feel pulsing through their veins compels me to spend my entire weekend watching On Demand...Season Two was in my queue, but when I realized I didn't have to wait (I'm already trying to plow through Torchwood 1 & 2) I grabbed my remote. I'll still line it up in order to watch the special features, which if I remember correctly, were pretty fantastic on the first go round.
One of my favorite stack em up, knock em down devices was used at the beginning and end of a few episodes. Working with stars, I've always told my friends that they're just people, they put their pants on one leg at a time just like we do, granted, they might be $1500 pants, but pants just the same. I loved showing how everyone puts on a face and even more so, the wear and tear at the end of the day when that mask is pulled off. I think it started with Maidenform, but it wasn't just the girls with a little Decemberists sprinkled on top, we see the guys as well, with Pete's wife handling his cuff links. What made this most real was Joan's bra straps, when we think of her, we think of that figure, for her, at the end of the day, she feels the pain of that persona. Colin Hanks really drove that home - which is more identifiable when you think of him as a priest, taking off his clerical black and white, removing his collar before he sits on his bed on his undershirt, with his guitar. Sometimes, even a priest just wants to be a rock out to Peter, Paul and Mary.
I could go through each character, their growth, their turn down a path they don't want to take but must, but that could take me hours. What are my highlights? Of course, everyone wants to know about Don, who the hell is he? Meeting Mrs. Draper, the path that took us there was well worth the nailbiting. Peggy is my bright star - Elizabeth Moss plays her so well - you never really know if Peggy's just a little slow, too dry, modest, etc, etc, but she pulls that silk handkerchief out of her sleeve so well. Just when you thought she might cave, she slams Pete out of no where, reminds you that despite her little visit to St. Mary's, she's a woman who actually does know what she wants, where she wants to go and that although she's no Joan, she's still learning how to walk in heels - the need to know what to do to get there - she's working on it. Granted, she's no Joanie, and quite frankly, I'm really sad for her character, horrified, actually. But it's Joanie and we know that her true colors will come through and she'll be resilient after the Missile Crisis blows over on Monday morning.
My big question is whether or not Betty will string Don along...we know the cat in her can come out, it's just a matter of whether or not she's going to do that to Don as a pay back. Don can talk anyone into anything; was this the purpose of his letter? Was he really being honest with Betty that although she can find another life after him, that he cannot? I think he was, he's past the point of playing games, we've seen his hand, really know him now. Will Betty allow him to think that she was with AWESOME (how awesome was it that Awesome was her fling?!) before that night and the bump isn't his? Does Don's letter allow her to play out a game? Honestly, I don't think Don cares, he wants his family back, whether or not it's his. I think grasping her hand was his gesture that he will do anything to be with her and his family.
Seriously, just how beautiful is Jon Hamm? Although the SoCal heat knocked him out, he looked dashing in white with a tan. Please tell me I'm not the only one who cringed thinking that Father Gill was gonna try to get a little cozy with Peggy? Personally, I have a notion she's gonna start taking Communion again. Father Gill might be a little confused because she hasn't confessed to him, but I don't know what else you'd call her little one on one with Pete, other than a nice tail between his entitled little legs.
inkheart
no.123 Inkheart
So rarely do I get to say...I loved this!!! I didn't know anything about it other I normally watch anything Brendan Fraser does and it was a children's book adaptation, so the story was a wonderful surprise. What would be better than to read aloud a passage from a book, words that you hold to your heart, possibly bringing to life your heart's desire? Let me tell you, if it hadn't already appeared on screen as perfectly as it was written, there is this perfect hot scene in a terribly good book...I'll keep that to myself.
This glowing review is really short of the norm. Had I known this book and wasn't like a little kid with my bowl of popcorn, excited to see what happened next, I would be able to say this really fell a little flat, but I'm not going to ruin my fun by dicing this up. I loved the idea and the characters, but the second watch might hurt, once the shine wears away and I'm actually paying attention to the film. The acting was a bit phoned in at times. I'm not a kid and don't need how Mo became a Silvertongue, but there were some gaps, to say the least.
Moral of the story is that I will pick up the book - what I'm reading, now that I'm checking on actor's spelling, is that reviews were not good.
I was gleefully giggling as I realized who and WHAT was in the stable...Pan's Crocodile, the flying monkeys! oh yeah, and a unicorn, god only know where that was from ;) Although I normally melt watching the charming Fraser, it was great to see him as the smart guy, not the physical hero. He tried to act clumsy on the roof, but the next minute he's bounding up stairs three at a time, his normal aptitude. Rafi Gavron was the adorable thief (remember the cute slave in Rome?) As for Paul Bettany, my jaw dropped at his, well, fire throwing ability while, um, shirtless. How cute was it that Jennifer Connelly played the little part of his wife? Helen Mirran is great as the old dame who decides its time for her own adventure. Andy Serkis, is, well, Andy Serkis, I can never say words that are befitting other than Andy is as Andy does..and it is always a guilty pleasure to watch him. Jim Broadbent's intro was spot on, especially with cake batter on his face. Now that I've practically gone through the entire cast...
So rarely do I get to say...I loved this!!! I didn't know anything about it other I normally watch anything Brendan Fraser does and it was a children's book adaptation, so the story was a wonderful surprise. What would be better than to read aloud a passage from a book, words that you hold to your heart, possibly bringing to life your heart's desire? Let me tell you, if it hadn't already appeared on screen as perfectly as it was written, there is this perfect hot scene in a terribly good book...I'll keep that to myself.
This glowing review is really short of the norm. Had I known this book and wasn't like a little kid with my bowl of popcorn, excited to see what happened next, I would be able to say this really fell a little flat, but I'm not going to ruin my fun by dicing this up. I loved the idea and the characters, but the second watch might hurt, once the shine wears away and I'm actually paying attention to the film. The acting was a bit phoned in at times. I'm not a kid and don't need how Mo became a Silvertongue, but there were some gaps, to say the least.
Moral of the story is that I will pick up the book - what I'm reading, now that I'm checking on actor's spelling, is that reviews were not good.
I was gleefully giggling as I realized who and WHAT was in the stable...Pan's Crocodile, the flying monkeys! oh yeah, and a unicorn, god only know where that was from ;) Although I normally melt watching the charming Fraser, it was great to see him as the smart guy, not the physical hero. He tried to act clumsy on the roof, but the next minute he's bounding up stairs three at a time, his normal aptitude. Rafi Gavron was the adorable thief (remember the cute slave in Rome?) As for Paul Bettany, my jaw dropped at his, well, fire throwing ability while, um, shirtless. How cute was it that Jennifer Connelly played the little part of his wife? Helen Mirran is great as the old dame who decides its time for her own adventure. Andy Serkis, is, well, Andy Serkis, I can never say words that are befitting other than Andy is as Andy does..and it is always a guilty pleasure to watch him. Jim Broadbent's intro was spot on, especially with cake batter on his face. Now that I've practically gone through the entire cast...
Friday, July 31, 2009
very long engagement
no.122 A Very Long Engagement
Loved nearly everything about this film. It's got the quirky Amelie Jean-Pierre Jeunet stamp all over it. Granted, it's no Alien Resurrection, thank god! It's all about the details, the little side notes and graphics are what make this movie. The cinematography is breathtaking, in battle or at the lighthouse. I love Audrey Tautou and Marion Cotillard as black and white portrayals of women who are desperate in seeking answers or vengeance for their lovers.
MMM - truly a very long engagement when you realize these two characters were made for one another from the age of six. Twenty years is more than enough to wait?
Loved nearly everything about this film. It's got the quirky Amelie Jean-Pierre Jeunet stamp all over it. Granted, it's no Alien Resurrection, thank god! It's all about the details, the little side notes and graphics are what make this movie. The cinematography is breathtaking, in battle or at the lighthouse. I love Audrey Tautou and Marion Cotillard as black and white portrayals of women who are desperate in seeking answers or vengeance for their lovers.
MMM - truly a very long engagement when you realize these two characters were made for one another from the age of six. Twenty years is more than enough to wait?
beowulf
no.121 Beowulf
I know this is my almighty, put him on a pedestal Neil Gaiman, but this sucked. The graphics were more annoying than inventive, do we need to see a naked Angelina Jolie, I mean, she's amazingly gorgeous, but it's just gratuitous and they did it because of the medium. There was so much "story" to flesh out the actions of the original work and took a great deal of imagination, research, etc, but I was totally unimpressed.
There you go, Todd. I'm putting down a Gaiman work; I know you're gloating.
I know this is my almighty, put him on a pedestal Neil Gaiman, but this sucked. The graphics were more annoying than inventive, do we need to see a naked Angelina Jolie, I mean, she's amazingly gorgeous, but it's just gratuitous and they did it because of the medium. There was so much "story" to flesh out the actions of the original work and took a great deal of imagination, research, etc, but I was totally unimpressed.
There you go, Todd. I'm putting down a Gaiman work; I know you're gloating.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
q & ichi
Takaski Miike...although these are two totally separate films, I really feel that I've got to make a comment on transgressive fiction as parlayed into film.
Transgress: 1) to violate a command or law, 2) to go beyond a boundary or limit.
When we talk about transgressive fiction or art, we're talking about characters and actions that push the boundaries of what we deem as normal in our society. Depending on your bent, you might see Weeds as transgressive, which I consider only mildly. I enjoy stories about people rebelling against the norm, knowing that they do not need to fall in line with the man, although it can reach pretty far and go to really dark places. This is where I think some of Miike's work falls. Granted, he's terribly prolific, he's even done kids films, but in regards to the following, he really pushes the limit. It begs to question whether he's pushing the boundary because he can, whether he's being shocking just because he can, if he's creating art in the sense of making the audience feel uncomfortable or just putting it out there because no one else is.
What makes Transgressive art/film/literature interesting and thrilling to me can be qualified by our friend, Kevin Smith via Seth Rogen in Zack and Miri: "...but I always wish I had and that's what porno is! It's fantasy, it's taking the normal and making it abnormal by fucking it!" (oh, that poor little dog.) Horrible actions, addictions, afflictions, while alone may be unspeakable, when put into a different environment, tied together by a narrative with tongue in cheek, witty dialogue with a comedic bent, voila, you've got something that you can't help but howl at, roll on the floor laughter. You may feel wicked for laughing, but you can't help it. Sometimes things are so ridiculous, there's nothing left to do but laugh at it's wrongness. It's about the sum of the parts.
no. 119 Visitor Q
The film starts out by asking, "Have you ever done it with your Dad?" WHOA. There is very little dialogue to accompany what can only be described as disturbing images that certainly made me feel uncomfortable, which mind you, is a feat in and of itself. We're asked questions then visually shown that scenario, although, while we are going through these steps, we have no idea that these people will inhabit the same home, as a unit, I wouldn't really call a family, but a family none the less. Are these acts meant to shock? In the end, what made this gel and ultimately work for me was the addition of a cohesive narrative and dialogue. If not, this could have just been a string of videos someone recorded on their phones and uploaded to YouTube. By the time we've hit the bathrooms scene, I'm laughing my ass off. The string of seeming random (although with each piece you put the people and actions together) and mostly horrific acts become an image, much like the mother's puzzle, you're able to appreciate, and I use that word sparingly, what Miike has tried to accomplish.
If the film was placed in the shoes of a bored Japanese housewife who started turning tricks to pay for her junk habit which allows her to cope with the physical abuse brought on by her son...and her party trick was lactation, it would be hysterical.
no.120 Ichi the Killer
I was a little fearful that this might be too over the edge and spark what can be an overactive mind. No way, I laughed my ass off throughout the entire film. Violent? Hell yeah. Gory? Well, we see the carnage of the aftermath, but the "violent" actions we see are so campy, it's hardly scary or unsettling. The Yakusa theme tied all the nonsense together.
The real transgression is not in the violent acts, the pleasure found in pain, but in the exploitation of Ichi. He is so scarred and his mind is easily twisted and literally washed out to believe that the bullying he received as a kid was tangled in rape which leads to his utter repulsion and confused sexual repression. It's sad how he's made to believe his actions are tied to vengeance toward the bullies who tortured him, the super hero outfit, while he's being used as a dull object to bluntly (well, sharply) act as a tool to wipe out part of the syndicate.
I nearly pissed myself over the tongue scene; his offering was completely repulsive and scared the shit out of everyone. One who could mutilate himself must be feared. Kakihara is a great character...
I'm going to have to pick up the manga series, although, I have a feeling I won't find it at the Camp Hill library :)
Transgress: 1) to violate a command or law, 2) to go beyond a boundary or limit.
When we talk about transgressive fiction or art, we're talking about characters and actions that push the boundaries of what we deem as normal in our society. Depending on your bent, you might see Weeds as transgressive, which I consider only mildly. I enjoy stories about people rebelling against the norm, knowing that they do not need to fall in line with the man, although it can reach pretty far and go to really dark places. This is where I think some of Miike's work falls. Granted, he's terribly prolific, he's even done kids films, but in regards to the following, he really pushes the limit. It begs to question whether he's pushing the boundary because he can, whether he's being shocking just because he can, if he's creating art in the sense of making the audience feel uncomfortable or just putting it out there because no one else is.
What makes Transgressive art/film/literature interesting and thrilling to me can be qualified by our friend, Kevin Smith via Seth Rogen in Zack and Miri: "...but I always wish I had and that's what porno is! It's fantasy, it's taking the normal and making it abnormal by fucking it!" (oh, that poor little dog.) Horrible actions, addictions, afflictions, while alone may be unspeakable, when put into a different environment, tied together by a narrative with tongue in cheek, witty dialogue with a comedic bent, voila, you've got something that you can't help but howl at, roll on the floor laughter. You may feel wicked for laughing, but you can't help it. Sometimes things are so ridiculous, there's nothing left to do but laugh at it's wrongness. It's about the sum of the parts.
no. 119 Visitor Q
The film starts out by asking, "Have you ever done it with your Dad?" WHOA. There is very little dialogue to accompany what can only be described as disturbing images that certainly made me feel uncomfortable, which mind you, is a feat in and of itself. We're asked questions then visually shown that scenario, although, while we are going through these steps, we have no idea that these people will inhabit the same home, as a unit, I wouldn't really call a family, but a family none the less. Are these acts meant to shock? In the end, what made this gel and ultimately work for me was the addition of a cohesive narrative and dialogue. If not, this could have just been a string of videos someone recorded on their phones and uploaded to YouTube. By the time we've hit the bathrooms scene, I'm laughing my ass off. The string of seeming random (although with each piece you put the people and actions together) and mostly horrific acts become an image, much like the mother's puzzle, you're able to appreciate, and I use that word sparingly, what Miike has tried to accomplish.
If the film was placed in the shoes of a bored Japanese housewife who started turning tricks to pay for her junk habit which allows her to cope with the physical abuse brought on by her son...and her party trick was lactation, it would be hysterical.
no.120 Ichi the Killer
I was a little fearful that this might be too over the edge and spark what can be an overactive mind. No way, I laughed my ass off throughout the entire film. Violent? Hell yeah. Gory? Well, we see the carnage of the aftermath, but the "violent" actions we see are so campy, it's hardly scary or unsettling. The Yakusa theme tied all the nonsense together.
The real transgression is not in the violent acts, the pleasure found in pain, but in the exploitation of Ichi. He is so scarred and his mind is easily twisted and literally washed out to believe that the bullying he received as a kid was tangled in rape which leads to his utter repulsion and confused sexual repression. It's sad how he's made to believe his actions are tied to vengeance toward the bullies who tortured him, the super hero outfit, while he's being used as a dull object to bluntly (well, sharply) act as a tool to wipe out part of the syndicate.
I nearly pissed myself over the tongue scene; his offering was completely repulsive and scared the shit out of everyone. One who could mutilate himself must be feared. Kakihara is a great character...
I'm going to have to pick up the manga series, although, I have a feeling I won't find it at the Camp Hill library :)
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
charlotte gray
no.117 Charlotte Gray
What would our lives be like if war actually came upon American shores? I can't imagine the upheaval in our daily routine, the fear. I don't think Americans could cope, adjust, period. We're too soft. It blows my mind to think about the devastation in Europe during WWII (and Japan), yet alone to see the rebuild.
I enjoyed the film, but it just made me think how we are so not equipped for real war in this country. As always, Cate Blanchett is stunning and a good pair with the gorgeous Billy Crudup.
Oh yeah - totally felt like I was heading to Hogwarts and was looking for the blue Anglia to appear. That and Michael Gambon...
What would our lives be like if war actually came upon American shores? I can't imagine the upheaval in our daily routine, the fear. I don't think Americans could cope, adjust, period. We're too soft. It blows my mind to think about the devastation in Europe during WWII (and Japan), yet alone to see the rebuild.
I enjoyed the film, but it just made me think how we are so not equipped for real war in this country. As always, Cate Blanchett is stunning and a good pair with the gorgeous Billy Crudup.
Oh yeah - totally felt like I was heading to Hogwarts and was looking for the blue Anglia to appear. That and Michael Gambon...
Monday, July 27, 2009
ashes of time redux
no.116 Ashes of Time Redux
Finally, we see Kar Wai Wong with a real narrative structure and dialogue! It took him dedicating himself to a book adaptation to do so and I really enjoyed it. Yes, I love him for his free flow, not knowing where he's going next, but I also know he's been a successful screen and tv writer and I wanted to have the chance to experience that (I'm pretty sure I can't get my hands on a translated or subtitled copies.) Although fully scripted, it still is cut up like WWK films and follows his desire to show the complexities of love.
He compares The Eagle Shooting Heroes to the Lord of the Rings, in it's scope and fantasty. I'm not sure if it's really considered wuxia, it's not as showy as other films that crossed over into Western audiences. There are two really great scenes which lean this way, where Yin/Yang has to sword practice against her/himself in the water which is breathtaking and when Little Tony has gone blind and is taking what should be a group of bandits but what appears to be a whole village.
I loved that in Redux, they chose to put in the seasonal titles, although Doyle's work showed us, with the help of the Chinese Almanac, which the book leans on heavily to push time, we're able to match the narrator with nature's shift with time.
Christopher Doyle, as always, is utterly amazing. I wish, for one day, I could see the world through his eyes, what a day that would be! The locations were so remote into the Chinese desert - the widest lens just couldn't capture it's beauty.
Finally, we see Kar Wai Wong with a real narrative structure and dialogue! It took him dedicating himself to a book adaptation to do so and I really enjoyed it. Yes, I love him for his free flow, not knowing where he's going next, but I also know he's been a successful screen and tv writer and I wanted to have the chance to experience that (I'm pretty sure I can't get my hands on a translated or subtitled copies.) Although fully scripted, it still is cut up like WWK films and follows his desire to show the complexities of love.
He compares The Eagle Shooting Heroes to the Lord of the Rings, in it's scope and fantasty. I'm not sure if it's really considered wuxia, it's not as showy as other films that crossed over into Western audiences. There are two really great scenes which lean this way, where Yin/Yang has to sword practice against her/himself in the water which is breathtaking and when Little Tony has gone blind and is taking what should be a group of bandits but what appears to be a whole village.
I loved that in Redux, they chose to put in the seasonal titles, although Doyle's work showed us, with the help of the Chinese Almanac, which the book leans on heavily to push time, we're able to match the narrator with nature's shift with time.
Christopher Doyle, as always, is utterly amazing. I wish, for one day, I could see the world through his eyes, what a day that would be! The locations were so remote into the Chinese desert - the widest lens just couldn't capture it's beauty.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
the doors
no.115 The Doors
GOD, it's been so long since I've seen this film, which totally captures a period of my teenage years where I was so attached to Jim Morrison. In fact, I was convinced that his death was staged and he was living in Bangor, Maine running a little head shop called the Grasshopper (watch Doors live at the Bowl and you'll find the seed that got germinated during a visit to see the twins in the northern wonderland.)
Although this was inspired by Riders on the Storm, the remaining band members felt that Oliver Stone went too far when portraying Jim as asshole, self centered, etc. Most accounts I have read is that he really was shy, a poet, and needed to gear himself up for being the rock god on stage, drinking into a stupor. I think Val Kilmer was amazing, the fact that all the live singing was actually him, any song as part of the soundtrack was the real recording with Jim's voice. I remember hearing on MTV that Michael Hutchence was actually in the running for the part - the one film he did was shite, but I would have loved to see him pull off the Lizard King.
There are alot of great scenes, classic lines. Meg Ryan is brilliant, tripping her ass off screaming, "you killed my duck!" (I use that all the time.) Kyle MacLachlan is nearly unrecognizable in his depiction of Manzarek.
Dana and I met Robbie Kreiger when we were like 18 - we were so unbelievably excited. I remember them asking if we were of age, which makes me laugh. If I counted the times I've had to ask that in a day's work...
"Teenage death girls want my dick, not my words."
"Come on, let's get some tacos."
GOD, it's been so long since I've seen this film, which totally captures a period of my teenage years where I was so attached to Jim Morrison. In fact, I was convinced that his death was staged and he was living in Bangor, Maine running a little head shop called the Grasshopper (watch Doors live at the Bowl and you'll find the seed that got germinated during a visit to see the twins in the northern wonderland.)
Although this was inspired by Riders on the Storm, the remaining band members felt that Oliver Stone went too far when portraying Jim as asshole, self centered, etc. Most accounts I have read is that he really was shy, a poet, and needed to gear himself up for being the rock god on stage, drinking into a stupor. I think Val Kilmer was amazing, the fact that all the live singing was actually him, any song as part of the soundtrack was the real recording with Jim's voice. I remember hearing on MTV that Michael Hutchence was actually in the running for the part - the one film he did was shite, but I would have loved to see him pull off the Lizard King.
There are alot of great scenes, classic lines. Meg Ryan is brilliant, tripping her ass off screaming, "you killed my duck!" (I use that all the time.) Kyle MacLachlan is nearly unrecognizable in his depiction of Manzarek.
Dana and I met Robbie Kreiger when we were like 18 - we were so unbelievably excited. I remember them asking if we were of age, which makes me laugh. If I counted the times I've had to ask that in a day's work...
"Teenage death girls want my dick, not my words."
"Come on, let's get some tacos."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
caveman's valentine
no. 114 Caveman's Valentine
Is there something about gifted musician and Julliard that makes people want to write about how they lost everything due to mental illness? Seriously, it's old, people.
Samuel L. should have just stayed away from this, although, it plays well and isn't horrible, gave him a chance to act and not the crap he's been doing lately. Anthony Michael Hall is well cast as a vacuous yupppie asshole.
I did like the twist regarding the definition of art as something that should hurt. Loved when we went to the heart of the beast's domain. An interesting juxtaposition of high art mixed with utilitarian design (ie, amazing artwork v. the open barn with exposed beams.)
Is there something about gifted musician and Julliard that makes people want to write about how they lost everything due to mental illness? Seriously, it's old, people.
Samuel L. should have just stayed away from this, although, it plays well and isn't horrible, gave him a chance to act and not the crap he's been doing lately. Anthony Michael Hall is well cast as a vacuous yupppie asshole.
I did like the twist regarding the definition of art as something that should hurt. Loved when we went to the heart of the beast's domain. An interesting juxtaposition of high art mixed with utilitarian design (ie, amazing artwork v. the open barn with exposed beams.)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
rev rd
no.113 Revolutionary Road
First off, if I had to pick an actress to play me - hands down, no question, Kate Winslet. Any time I get the chance, I put her on a pedestal, I have since Iris (I've seen every film she's been in.) She and Leo really work well on film, not only because they are best friends, but they look great together. I've enjoyed his work and find that he's really grown into a man, if you know what I mean, but for the love of god, he sounded like a 15 year old who's voice cracks left and right and hasn't fully changed during their argument at the beginning of the movie...and he looks so young with that clean cut 50s style.
It's ironic that the only other person who shares their loss of emptiness and a hopeless life is a man who suffers from a serious mental illness, we are the people who can see life for what it truly is, painfully. Michael Shannon makes the most of every moment he is on screen, he embodies truth, he has no filter which allows him to ask the hard questions and say what needs to be said.
Life is so idyllic after the big decision, but quickly turns south the minute that Frank feels some fulfillment in his work, which is what he really hoped to escape. Whether it be the next door neighbor who looks down on their house with longing or a rubber hose, it all falls to pieces. I'm interested in Frank's line about insanity being the inability to relate to another human being and it's relation to the inability to love. Are men truly that easy to fool? A scrambled eggs and a kiss overrides I hate you? April knew what the consequences were to her actions and she did it anyway. It takes courage to live the life you want, she chose to leap and hope it would pull her out of her quiet desperation.
This film brings great fear - I pray that Roe v. Wade is never overturned. How many women will fall to this fate? I can't image how barbaric women's lives may become if religious zealots are able to take away our choice.
Anyone totally notice Betty Draper's knotty pine kitchen making an appearance?
BTW: Kathy Bates looks amazing! Granted, anyone can look amazing when you are pressured by society to be completely dolled up, high maintenance and enough makeup and anyone can look great.
First off, if I had to pick an actress to play me - hands down, no question, Kate Winslet. Any time I get the chance, I put her on a pedestal, I have since Iris (I've seen every film she's been in.) She and Leo really work well on film, not only because they are best friends, but they look great together. I've enjoyed his work and find that he's really grown into a man, if you know what I mean, but for the love of god, he sounded like a 15 year old who's voice cracks left and right and hasn't fully changed during their argument at the beginning of the movie...and he looks so young with that clean cut 50s style.
It's ironic that the only other person who shares their loss of emptiness and a hopeless life is a man who suffers from a serious mental illness, we are the people who can see life for what it truly is, painfully. Michael Shannon makes the most of every moment he is on screen, he embodies truth, he has no filter which allows him to ask the hard questions and say what needs to be said.
Life is so idyllic after the big decision, but quickly turns south the minute that Frank feels some fulfillment in his work, which is what he really hoped to escape. Whether it be the next door neighbor who looks down on their house with longing or a rubber hose, it all falls to pieces. I'm interested in Frank's line about insanity being the inability to relate to another human being and it's relation to the inability to love. Are men truly that easy to fool? A scrambled eggs and a kiss overrides I hate you? April knew what the consequences were to her actions and she did it anyway. It takes courage to live the life you want, she chose to leap and hope it would pull her out of her quiet desperation.
This film brings great fear - I pray that Roe v. Wade is never overturned. How many women will fall to this fate? I can't image how barbaric women's lives may become if religious zealots are able to take away our choice.
Anyone totally notice Betty Draper's knotty pine kitchen making an appearance?
BTW: Kathy Bates looks amazing! Granted, anyone can look amazing when you are pressured by society to be completely dolled up, high maintenance and enough makeup and anyone can look great.
bullshit
I'd like to take the time to congratulate Penn, Teller and their amazing writing staff for their Emmy nomination!!! Those cunt pickles make me giggle every time ;) For example, let's look at three simple items from the last episode regarding Dec 21, 2012. They managed to pull in brown dwarf stars, Gary Coleman (he actually was in the episode and didn't throw a punch) and an Indiana Jones-esqe flight map in the shape of a penis.
Fuckety fuck fuck fuck.
BTW, it takes a lot of money and time to enter into the Emmy running, that's why you don't always see the BEST folks out there (like Terry O'Quinn, he didn't even enter this year.) Granted, these sick fucks deserve their nomination, period. They are so very un-pc (and throw in great little atheist jibs) that people would be against them just because - this is how you KNOW they are getting by on their own merit.
Fuckety fuck fuck fuck.
BTW, it takes a lot of money and time to enter into the Emmy running, that's why you don't always see the BEST folks out there (like Terry O'Quinn, he didn't even enter this year.) Granted, these sick fucks deserve their nomination, period. They are so very un-pc (and throw in great little atheist jibs) that people would be against them just because - this is how you KNOW they are getting by on their own merit.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
warehouse 13
Warehouse 13...
not so bad, lots of work to do, but the pilot and first episode were enough for me to continue to watch. It's based on a formula that has worked (and failed) a million times. It's enough parts XFiles and the giggles I dig in Castle, plus who can beat having a chubby geek full of good jokes? There were alot of really great jokes, just quick one liners, but enough to make me laugh out loud and right now, can't get enough of that.
Did anyone else see the promo photos and think that David Boreanaz was really dieing for another series? Eddie McClintock does have that going for him. They just need to die Joanne Kelly's hair red and I'm sold.
not so bad, lots of work to do, but the pilot and first episode were enough for me to continue to watch. It's based on a formula that has worked (and failed) a million times. It's enough parts XFiles and the giggles I dig in Castle, plus who can beat having a chubby geek full of good jokes? There were alot of really great jokes, just quick one liners, but enough to make me laugh out loud and right now, can't get enough of that.
Did anyone else see the promo photos and think that David Boreanaz was really dieing for another series? Eddie McClintock does have that going for him. They just need to die Joanne Kelly's hair red and I'm sold.
horton hears?
no.112 Horton Hears A Who
Can a Seuss film be made without Jim Carrey? Is it in the Geisel family contract? Jim Carrey or no one! Sure, you can throw in someone fun like Steve Carell, Carol Burnett to pull in the grannies, Seth Rogen to pull in...well, stoners have to watch cartoons, too.
I wanted to barf at the sing along at the end. Who in the world actually thought "Can't Fight This Feeling" was a good idea? Excuse me as I vomit in my mouth.
Nothing is out of bounds.
Can a Seuss film be made without Jim Carrey? Is it in the Geisel family contract? Jim Carrey or no one! Sure, you can throw in someone fun like Steve Carell, Carol Burnett to pull in the grannies, Seth Rogen to pull in...well, stoners have to watch cartoons, too.
I wanted to barf at the sing along at the end. Who in the world actually thought "Can't Fight This Feeling" was a good idea? Excuse me as I vomit in my mouth.
Nothing is out of bounds.
definitely, maybe, i'm not sure?
no.111 Definitely, Maybe
I've got (what should prove) to be an outstanding film that I loaded into my DVD tray about ninety minutes ago. In the time that I grabbed a drink and walked back to the couch, I couldn't help it, there are just some films that you have to watch, no matter how bad, no matter how sappy, no matter how embarrassed you are to report it in your blog. Is it so horrible that Ryan Reynolds is easy on the eyes?
It's just a really cute story of love won, lost and won again, all through the eyes of a seven year old, or at least, as told to her and her repulsion of her father's smoking, drinking and slutty ways. (Threesome is a game, you say?)
What a horrible life I lead. Nothing better to do than sit in the a/c and watch movies all night ;*(
I've got (what should prove) to be an outstanding film that I loaded into my DVD tray about ninety minutes ago. In the time that I grabbed a drink and walked back to the couch, I couldn't help it, there are just some films that you have to watch, no matter how bad, no matter how sappy, no matter how embarrassed you are to report it in your blog. Is it so horrible that Ryan Reynolds is easy on the eyes?
It's just a really cute story of love won, lost and won again, all through the eyes of a seven year old, or at least, as told to her and her repulsion of her father's smoking, drinking and slutty ways. (Threesome is a game, you say?)
What a horrible life I lead. Nothing better to do than sit in the a/c and watch movies all night ;*(
benjamin button
no.110 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
I throughly enjoyed David Fincher's tale of a very different and special man. Unfortunately, I was in horrible pain and debating whether or not I was going to head to the hospital, I'm hoping I can remember all the great things I wanted to note! (I'm okay, but it was one of those " the last time I felt like this they took my gall bladder out immediately. Could it be my appendix? TBD)
At some point, I believe I read that much like Marvel Comics, it's taken a long time to be able to represent this story accurately and at it's best because the technology wasn't there. Brad Pitt's acting was seamless with the stand in body actors, I can only assume it was so on a big screen or he wouldn't have gotten an Oscar nod. The beauty in the situation, how a child had such an understanding of life and death, raised as he was, and his perception of life was refreshing, new, lively.
Both Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchet were outstanding as the two loves of Benjamin's life. Foils, perhaps, but both captivating and nourishing his soul.
I throughly enjoyed David Fincher's tale of a very different and special man. Unfortunately, I was in horrible pain and debating whether or not I was going to head to the hospital, I'm hoping I can remember all the great things I wanted to note! (I'm okay, but it was one of those " the last time I felt like this they took my gall bladder out immediately. Could it be my appendix? TBD)
At some point, I believe I read that much like Marvel Comics, it's taken a long time to be able to represent this story accurately and at it's best because the technology wasn't there. Brad Pitt's acting was seamless with the stand in body actors, I can only assume it was so on a big screen or he wouldn't have gotten an Oscar nod. The beauty in the situation, how a child had such an understanding of life and death, raised as he was, and his perception of life was refreshing, new, lively.
Both Tilda Swinton and Cate Blanchet were outstanding as the two loves of Benjamin's life. Foils, perhaps, but both captivating and nourishing his soul.
burn after reading.
no.109 Burn After Reading
Yeah, I got a good kick out of the Coens' turn at spies and plastic surgery, but it just wasn't up to Coen standards. I loved the real "devil may care" attitude about us civilian...and the stupidty some people do have in regards to what intel is important and isn't. Frances McDormand wasn't her perkiest, George Clooney looks horrible with a gold chain (although he really does make a mean sex toy), Brad Pitt should play the idiot more often. The cast was a great ensemble, but what do you do with a silly story?
Yeah, I got a good kick out of the Coens' turn at spies and plastic surgery, but it just wasn't up to Coen standards. I loved the real "devil may care" attitude about us civilian...and the stupidty some people do have in regards to what intel is important and isn't. Frances McDormand wasn't her perkiest, George Clooney looks horrible with a gold chain (although he really does make a mean sex toy), Brad Pitt should play the idiot more often. The cast was a great ensemble, but what do you do with a silly story?
hp6
no.108 Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Not to be a nay-sayer, I enjoyed it, but wasn't jumping for joy. I'm not a fan of David Yates, don't think I will be, ever. There were lots of really great moments, Steve Kloves is a master adapter and knows when he can add new elements to make the story work, to build up anticipation and hit the right notes (even if it wasn't written by our beloved JK.) Who didn't feel the panic and the reality of the danger looming over every OftP member as they left their homes…Bellatrix sweeping in with her flames, Harry bolting after her (and Ginny wanting to Bat Bogey hex the bitch for stealing her xmas kiss.) Great scene, despite the loss of the Burrow. Is Molly moving the family to Diagon Alley?
My biggest beef, which was also in OftP, we crammed everything in the end, and it wasn't all that grand. As an artist, it's your eye against everyone else's and you hope they get what you see. IMHO, Kloves would serve the fans and the oeuvre some good if he would pepper some of the little things, things that don't take up six pages. Dude, Neville had one line and he was holding a tray in order to get that line (sounds a little like Cold Mountain.) I'm super glad that Luna got her QT (her Lion's head and wrackspurts!!) Bellatrix saw alot of screen time and liberal stretches, but I'm sure that's because they want to get blood from a turnip out of Helena Bonham Carter (she so looks the part.) I think we deserved to see the Gaunt family, I think we needed to truly see where Voldemort came from (I think Tom Riddle was truly transformed to Voldemort from seeing the bowels his family lived in - which literally turned his insides - and the path leading to kill his father's family.) Just as important as Slughorn's untainted horcrux memory. Even Snape and McGonagall didn't see much time (ahem, time is not being kind to Dame Maggie or Alan, so maybe...)
One thing that I was very glad to have read (I didn't read any "reviews", rather pre-filming bits) and everyone said the same thing, from actor to writer to director. At this point, it's film six; if the audience doesn't know something, we don't need to spell it out, there are a LOT of books that people can look to. Some liberties were taken in that sense (like speeding up Lupin and Tonks' relationship) and not including Fleur and Bill. With that omission, I'm interested to see how they transition without the wedding (I mean, they can still have a wedding, and he can still be attacked by Fenrir, but there is no Burrow!)
The ending wasn't nearly as bad or pathetic as the "everything's going to change" crap we got from GoF, but at the very least, could Ron have done something other than sit there? We get that whole bit about always making the audience feel that Harry is isolated and alone in his struggle, but the end needed the fight, needed to see that it isn't just the Chosen One, but his friends, that it will take the whole of the good wizarding world to win this war (isn't that what Lupin was referring to when he said they must stick together?) For the love…I even took tissues because I figured that I would need them. I didn't even cry…although it was filmed very well, with amazing heart and all students in unity destroying the Dark Mark. But dude, I wanted to cry! I wept both times I re-read HBP (before DH came out and again last month.)
Now that you want to jump down my throat, I loved that they played with the kids hormones, that even with adults around in a very serious situation, Hermoine and Lavender can go at it over Won-Won. Thank goodness we didn't have to see Harry and Ginny get in on all over the castle, but their little kiss left much for the imagination J Tackling the kids growth and push towards adulthood was smart and not overbearing. I loved the look of the cavern at the sea scene – the saturation of the colors (or lack thereof) was beautiful, the pace was perfect, the Inferi looked alot like Golum, but since they did want to get this a PG rating, they weren't scary at all (bummer!) There were a lot of great little laughs and I'm hoping when I hit this the second time with Farmer later this week, I'll enjoy them even more.
I finally could wear my DA shirt and not get dirty looks, although, as I shared with Maggie, when I arrived at the cinema with my pre-printed ticket, the kid looked at me sideways, asked if I was alone and directed me to what was an "adults" only theatre, the whole ways at the end and to the left. Didn't see any kids until after the show in the bathroom line. Not a bad thing, but it was nice!
My biggest beef, which was also in OftP, we crammed everything in the end, and it wasn't all that grand. As an artist, it's your eye against everyone else's and you hope they get what you see. IMHO, Kloves would serve the fans and the oeuvre some good if he would pepper some of the little things, things that don't take up six pages. Dude, Neville had one line and he was holding a tray in order to get that line (sounds a little like Cold Mountain.) I'm super glad that Luna got her QT (her Lion's head and wrackspurts!!) Bellatrix saw alot of screen time and liberal stretches, but I'm sure that's because they want to get blood from a turnip out of Helena Bonham Carter (she so looks the part.) I think we deserved to see the Gaunt family, I think we needed to truly see where Voldemort came from (I think Tom Riddle was truly transformed to Voldemort from seeing the bowels his family lived in - which literally turned his insides - and the path leading to kill his father's family.) Just as important as Slughorn's untainted horcrux memory. Even Snape and McGonagall didn't see much time (ahem, time is not being kind to Dame Maggie or Alan, so maybe...)
One thing that I was very glad to have read (I didn't read any "reviews", rather pre-filming bits) and everyone said the same thing, from actor to writer to director. At this point, it's film six; if the audience doesn't know something, we don't need to spell it out, there are a LOT of books that people can look to. Some liberties were taken in that sense (like speeding up Lupin and Tonks' relationship) and not including Fleur and Bill. With that omission, I'm interested to see how they transition without the wedding (I mean, they can still have a wedding, and he can still be attacked by Fenrir, but there is no Burrow!)
The ending wasn't nearly as bad or pathetic as the "everything's going to change" crap we got from GoF, but at the very least, could Ron have done something other than sit there? We get that whole bit about always making the audience feel that Harry is isolated and alone in his struggle, but the end needed the fight, needed to see that it isn't just the Chosen One, but his friends, that it will take the whole of the good wizarding world to win this war (isn't that what Lupin was referring to when he said they must stick together?) For the love…I even took tissues because I figured that I would need them. I didn't even cry…although it was filmed very well, with amazing heart and all students in unity destroying the Dark Mark. But dude, I wanted to cry! I wept both times I re-read HBP (before DH came out and again last month.)
Now that you want to jump down my throat, I loved that they played with the kids hormones, that even with adults around in a very serious situation, Hermoine and Lavender can go at it over Won-Won. Thank goodness we didn't have to see Harry and Ginny get in on all over the castle, but their little kiss left much for the imagination J Tackling the kids growth and push towards adulthood was smart and not overbearing. I loved the look of the cavern at the sea scene – the saturation of the colors (or lack thereof) was beautiful, the pace was perfect, the Inferi looked alot like Golum, but since they did want to get this a PG rating, they weren't scary at all (bummer!) There were a lot of great little laughs and I'm hoping when I hit this the second time with Farmer later this week, I'll enjoy them even more.
I finally could wear my DA shirt and not get dirty looks, although, as I shared with Maggie, when I arrived at the cinema with my pre-printed ticket, the kid looked at me sideways, asked if I was alone and directed me to what was an "adults" only theatre, the whole ways at the end and to the left. Didn't see any kids until after the show in the bathroom line. Not a bad thing, but it was nice!
I'll post again once I get to see it again...
travellers and magicians
no.107 Travellers and Magicians
AMAZING FILM! I think it may represent Buddhism unlike any other film, then again it was written and directed by a Lama... Bhutan is a beautiful country and it's unbelievable to think that forty years ago they didn't have roads, electricity, any modern means. They still have national dress that is mandated by the government, they measure gross national happiness before product. It's a wonderful tale woven about the allure of something more and while being pulled toward that new place the final acceptance and beauty of the place you are leaving.f
I am the first person to remind that we should never judge a book by its cover. However, when it comes to film, we put that aside and take what the writer and director choose to tell us about a character as cannon; we have nothing else to base our opinions on. Dondup is painted as a self absorbed creature who has very little compassion or concern for those around him. Not caring about his responsibilities to the village or his family, purposely walking ahead of fellow travelers so that he may be the first to hitch a ride, knowingly and rudely ignoring people, not caring for his cigarette butts. Through the influence of a beautiful young girl, he starts to act more appropriately and kind, appreciate his immediate environment. At the end, he still heads off to America to full fill his dream, leaving everything behind, but somehow, we're supposed to "be okay" with this 48 hours we spent with him and realize that like a peach blossom, those 48 hours and experiences were temporary and we must accept all of this as Dondup. Maybe I'm missing something COMPLETELY, but I didn't want to like him and wipe his slate clean, a plus on the side of karma, as he laughed and was carted away to his destiny.
As for Khyentse Norbu, I had a difficult time allowing myself to understand why a spiritual leader of his stature could just take time to be a director. Yes, being "of the cloth" does not exclude you from personal endeavours, but a filmmaker? Writing, being published, yes, I see that, it's a natural extension of your teaching and wanting to share your insight with the world. Making a film is so labor intensive and would take so much time away from his real work, isn't that selfish and self gaining? Now that you are about to shoot me...I realise that film is just another medium, it could be poetry or painting. Film does allow him to get his message to many people who would not be picking up What Makes You Not A Buddhist or attend one of his schools or contribute to his non-profit. Film making is just a current and modern take on how he might share his voice, which he does so well.
AMAZING FILM! I think it may represent Buddhism unlike any other film, then again it was written and directed by a Lama... Bhutan is a beautiful country and it's unbelievable to think that forty years ago they didn't have roads, electricity, any modern means. They still have national dress that is mandated by the government, they measure gross national happiness before product. It's a wonderful tale woven about the allure of something more and while being pulled toward that new place the final acceptance and beauty of the place you are leaving.f
I am the first person to remind that we should never judge a book by its cover. However, when it comes to film, we put that aside and take what the writer and director choose to tell us about a character as cannon; we have nothing else to base our opinions on. Dondup is painted as a self absorbed creature who has very little compassion or concern for those around him. Not caring about his responsibilities to the village or his family, purposely walking ahead of fellow travelers so that he may be the first to hitch a ride, knowingly and rudely ignoring people, not caring for his cigarette butts. Through the influence of a beautiful young girl, he starts to act more appropriately and kind, appreciate his immediate environment. At the end, he still heads off to America to full fill his dream, leaving everything behind, but somehow, we're supposed to "be okay" with this 48 hours we spent with him and realize that like a peach blossom, those 48 hours and experiences were temporary and we must accept all of this as Dondup. Maybe I'm missing something COMPLETELY, but I didn't want to like him and wipe his slate clean, a plus on the side of karma, as he laughed and was carted away to his destiny.
As for Khyentse Norbu, I had a difficult time allowing myself to understand why a spiritual leader of his stature could just take time to be a director. Yes, being "of the cloth" does not exclude you from personal endeavours, but a filmmaker? Writing, being published, yes, I see that, it's a natural extension of your teaching and wanting to share your insight with the world. Making a film is so labor intensive and would take so much time away from his real work, isn't that selfish and self gaining? Now that you are about to shoot me...I realise that film is just another medium, it could be poetry or painting. Film does allow him to get his message to many people who would not be picking up What Makes You Not A Buddhist or attend one of his schools or contribute to his non-profit. Film making is just a current and modern take on how he might share his voice, which he does so well.
Monday, July 13, 2009
tristan and isolde
no.106 Tristan and Isolde
There are a million different versions of this pre-Arthurian (Lancelot and Guinevere) tale... but I think this might be my favorite version of the star crossed lovers. Wagner is really hard (Opera in German? That's like running in tar. Plus, this opera is so expensive to produce, I don't think I'll ever see it on stage.) Others take the story and put a clever current (to the production) twist with cultural or political and familial ties. I think I like this the best because the relationship is not one lead from potions or trickery. I like that it's the correct period. I hate admitting its more so because I really am a romantic at heart - I love a great story, but this is so much better told from the perspective of desire and need, not magic.
I could give up the Scott title (who needs another Tony and Ridley Scott movie, really?) But I think this might be the one role that I like seeing on James Franco's CV. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the stoner, pathethic rich boy missing daddy, gay lover, and really digging that he's taking his pretty mug off the screen to start writing (hint*hot boys who are smart are SOOO much hotter) and I cannot wait to see him as Ginsberg. It's been so long since I saw this I totalyly forgot Henry Cavill was in it!
There are a million different versions of this pre-Arthurian (Lancelot and Guinevere) tale... but I think this might be my favorite version of the star crossed lovers. Wagner is really hard (Opera in German? That's like running in tar. Plus, this opera is so expensive to produce, I don't think I'll ever see it on stage.) Others take the story and put a clever current (to the production) twist with cultural or political and familial ties. I think I like this the best because the relationship is not one lead from potions or trickery. I like that it's the correct period. I hate admitting its more so because I really am a romantic at heart - I love a great story, but this is so much better told from the perspective of desire and need, not magic.
I could give up the Scott title (who needs another Tony and Ridley Scott movie, really?) But I think this might be the one role that I like seeing on James Franco's CV. Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the stoner, pathethic rich boy missing daddy, gay lover, and really digging that he's taking his pretty mug off the screen to start writing (hint*hot boys who are smart are SOOO much hotter) and I cannot wait to see him as Ginsberg. It's been so long since I saw this I totalyly forgot Henry Cavill was in it!
hp5
no.105 Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix
Just need to say - I'm not a fan of David Yates and I'm not happy he's directing the last four. Period.
I really didn't like OtfP when I saw it the first time in the theatre. I know it was important to establish Harry's isolation, fear, anger, but man, even now, I think it's overpowering and taken to the extreme. I didn't like how everything went down at the Ministry, but then again, when it comes to HP, the adaptation is so difficult for most of us. Despite the computer wizardry, I think I like OftP the least.
With that being said, Harry's dream of Voldemort in the train station, man he looks good in black on black (that's a lyric and it's driving me crazy that I cannot remember the song!)
Since we've all seen the film and I don't want to be a negative nelly, I'm going to list some things I really liked:
Just need to say - I'm not a fan of David Yates and I'm not happy he's directing the last four. Period.
I really didn't like OtfP when I saw it the first time in the theatre. I know it was important to establish Harry's isolation, fear, anger, but man, even now, I think it's overpowering and taken to the extreme. I didn't like how everything went down at the Ministry, but then again, when it comes to HP, the adaptation is so difficult for most of us. Despite the computer wizardry, I think I like OftP the least.
With that being said, Harry's dream of Voldemort in the train station, man he looks good in black on black (that's a lyric and it's driving me crazy that I cannot remember the song!)
Since we've all seen the film and I don't want to be a negative nelly, I'm going to list some things I really liked:
- Creepy kittens and pepto painted brick walls
- Luna - she's really a beautiful character, she can afford to cut to the chase, she's not afraid of people and if they do or do not like her. She's so beyond her years and can ask adult questions - she's a great foil for Harry's pain/loss of parents.
- Umbridge's little ditty as she's walking through the castle "fixing" - it's like a "Whistle While You Work"!
- The DA isn't about fighting, it's about believing in yourself.
- Grawlp & Hermoine = King Kong & Fay Wraye
- Shacklebolt "You may not like him, but you've got to admit, Dumbledore's got style." If they would have known he was gay...this would have been fitting!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
hp4
no.104 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Well, we're back to the dark again. Mike Newell takes the helm and the palette changes, the tone changes. How is it possible that each had been adapted by the same screen writer but each feels so different? How much influence does a director have over the adaptation?
Drastically different from Azkaban, but not worse by any means. I'm not nearly as excited about GOF, obviously, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't the muscle relaxers I took at the beginning :) The twins came into their own in the last film and their personality and high jinx follow.
I love Krum - he reminds me of the 17/18 year old Czech hockey god who came to Pittsburgh and had no clue what to do in life off the ice (I don't expect you to know who Jamir Jagr was!) But he's got that same thing, on the pitch, he's the master, years beyond his time, unbelievabley mature. Off his broom, he's just another confused ball of hormones, who sits and watches the smart girl study in the library who seems to have no interest in him...
Again, as always, great casting. David Tennant is a creepy lip licking Death Eater; Brendan Gleeson is scary and charming all at one time (although we could do without the eye); Miranda Richardson - I can never say enough about her, everytime I see her on screen she sparkles! We won't even go to Ralph Fiennes because I can't begin to put words to my adoration. I CANNOT see anyone else as Voldemort, ever. (Richardson and Fiennes did this amazing film togehter called Spider. It is a must see and really shows off Richardson's unbelieveable talent!) Robert Pattinson makes his debut before running off to another huge franchise. Wait, I've never said anything about Maggie Smith? Oh my.
More great HP moments: "I love magic!"; Filtch's jog in and out of the Great Hall; Harry's asking Hagrid "Have you combed your hair?" akin to Malfoy's "I didn't know you could read." Hermoine's Cinderella moment, going to the ball!
Well, we're back to the dark again. Mike Newell takes the helm and the palette changes, the tone changes. How is it possible that each had been adapted by the same screen writer but each feels so different? How much influence does a director have over the adaptation?
Drastically different from Azkaban, but not worse by any means. I'm not nearly as excited about GOF, obviously, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't the muscle relaxers I took at the beginning :) The twins came into their own in the last film and their personality and high jinx follow.
I love Krum - he reminds me of the 17/18 year old Czech hockey god who came to Pittsburgh and had no clue what to do in life off the ice (I don't expect you to know who Jamir Jagr was!) But he's got that same thing, on the pitch, he's the master, years beyond his time, unbelievabley mature. Off his broom, he's just another confused ball of hormones, who sits and watches the smart girl study in the library who seems to have no interest in him...
Again, as always, great casting. David Tennant is a creepy lip licking Death Eater; Brendan Gleeson is scary and charming all at one time (although we could do without the eye); Miranda Richardson - I can never say enough about her, everytime I see her on screen she sparkles! We won't even go to Ralph Fiennes because I can't begin to put words to my adoration. I CANNOT see anyone else as Voldemort, ever. (Richardson and Fiennes did this amazing film togehter called Spider. It is a must see and really shows off Richardson's unbelieveable talent!) Robert Pattinson makes his debut before running off to another huge franchise. Wait, I've never said anything about Maggie Smith? Oh my.
More great HP moments: "I love magic!"; Filtch's jog in and out of the Great Hall; Harry's asking Hagrid "Have you combed your hair?" akin to Malfoy's "I didn't know you could read." Hermoine's Cinderella moment, going to the ball!
hp3
no.104 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Ah, there's the magic! It never really left, I just had to keep looking! I'm sure I'll comment on this after I've finished the lot, but Alfonso Cuaron may have been the best thing to happen to HP. Too bad he passed on directing Four - word is he was knees deep in Post and wanted to wrap Three, but they wanted to move on Four. Too bad! AC brought HP a sense of modernity; the clothing, the colors. Where Columbus saw the magic world as being a bit antiquated, AC pulled the magic world up by it's bootstraps and gave the kids clothes we'd see on the streets of London (well, maybe Surrey), but he put the magic and muggle world in even pace.
There were plenty of gags and giggles before, but screenwriter Steve Kloves must have clicked with AC's sensibilities - there's more comedy then before. Just the silly things - AC used nature as a transition, not only between beats in the story but to move us ahead through the seasons - the Whomping Willow as a centerpiece - and it's taking out of a bird. The Knight Bus was a perfect example of something of a giggle in the book, but it was fleshed out, complete with a shrunken head rather than fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview.
As always, the casting is amazing. However, with the death of Richard Harris and Micheal Gambon (who I believe was his stand in) makes for a VERY different Dumbledore. Before, he was subtle, soft spoken. The new Dumbledore is loud, his presence is never mistaken. I think his role also becomes more important to the storyline as the movie's progress, so this could be pointed, not just with the change of actor, but the buildup of his character. Emma Thompson is a perfect Trelawney; Timothy Spall on the money for Pettigrew; I wouldn't have come up with David Thewlis as Lupin, but I cannot see anyone else in the part.
I liked that AC moved around the castle grounds - the look of the castle the hill down to Hagrid's cottage. When I first watched it, I was angry that it wasn't the same, but now, I see that it was a wise choice and I like that it's a little different. Again, pushing the modern button, even if it's just the castle...and LOVE the huge clock, showing how important time is to this chapter.
Two of my favorite Potter moments come in this film: when Ron and the boys indulge in a little candy and Ron roars like a lion and when Neville confronts his boggart - Snape in his grandmother's clothing :)
Ah, there's the magic! It never really left, I just had to keep looking! I'm sure I'll comment on this after I've finished the lot, but Alfonso Cuaron may have been the best thing to happen to HP. Too bad he passed on directing Four - word is he was knees deep in Post and wanted to wrap Three, but they wanted to move on Four. Too bad! AC brought HP a sense of modernity; the clothing, the colors. Where Columbus saw the magic world as being a bit antiquated, AC pulled the magic world up by it's bootstraps and gave the kids clothes we'd see on the streets of London (well, maybe Surrey), but he put the magic and muggle world in even pace.
There were plenty of gags and giggles before, but screenwriter Steve Kloves must have clicked with AC's sensibilities - there's more comedy then before. Just the silly things - AC used nature as a transition, not only between beats in the story but to move us ahead through the seasons - the Whomping Willow as a centerpiece - and it's taking out of a bird. The Knight Bus was a perfect example of something of a giggle in the book, but it was fleshed out, complete with a shrunken head rather than fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview.
As always, the casting is amazing. However, with the death of Richard Harris and Micheal Gambon (who I believe was his stand in) makes for a VERY different Dumbledore. Before, he was subtle, soft spoken. The new Dumbledore is loud, his presence is never mistaken. I think his role also becomes more important to the storyline as the movie's progress, so this could be pointed, not just with the change of actor, but the buildup of his character. Emma Thompson is a perfect Trelawney; Timothy Spall on the money for Pettigrew; I wouldn't have come up with David Thewlis as Lupin, but I cannot see anyone else in the part.
I liked that AC moved around the castle grounds - the look of the castle the hill down to Hagrid's cottage. When I first watched it, I was angry that it wasn't the same, but now, I see that it was a wise choice and I like that it's a little different. Again, pushing the modern button, even if it's just the castle...and LOVE the huge clock, showing how important time is to this chapter.
Two of my favorite Potter moments come in this film: when Ron and the boys indulge in a little candy and Ron roars like a lion and when Neville confronts his boggart - Snape in his grandmother's clothing :)
hp 2
no.103 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
All hope has NOT been lost! I felt much better about re-watching HP2, the magic was there. The kids had grown so much between 11 and 12, though. I actually had to stop the movie to make sure I hadn't skipped a year :)
The second Chris Columbus movie wasn't as B movie-ish, thank goodness (the fx were much better!) Although darker (which can be said for every book and movie as they progress), I was glad to see Ginny make her real debut as part of the pack. Knowing how the entire HP saga ends, it's interesting to look back and see how characters make a tiny appearance, sometimes with no real lines, just a nod, with the purpose of just pushing them into the frame for a minute so that you'd know who they were when their story line becomes important in the future.
When they were casting, I was SOO hoping that Hugh Grant would sign on as Lockhart. Although Kenneth Branagh did just a great job, I still think Hugh IS Lockhart. The casting team does do such a great job...
BTW, this is the point where you think Wood is going to be really hot and you feel back for thinking Tom Riddle is! Then again, I had a bad thing for Alan Rickman, which is wrong beyond all wrongs. Seriously.
EDIT!!! I just read on imdb that Hugh Grant was the first choice! WOW, I remember visualizing Lockhart as Grant when I was reading the book. I'm so glad to know that I was right on the money!!!
All hope has NOT been lost! I felt much better about re-watching HP2, the magic was there. The kids had grown so much between 11 and 12, though. I actually had to stop the movie to make sure I hadn't skipped a year :)
The second Chris Columbus movie wasn't as B movie-ish, thank goodness (the fx were much better!) Although darker (which can be said for every book and movie as they progress), I was glad to see Ginny make her real debut as part of the pack. Knowing how the entire HP saga ends, it's interesting to look back and see how characters make a tiny appearance, sometimes with no real lines, just a nod, with the purpose of just pushing them into the frame for a minute so that you'd know who they were when their story line becomes important in the future.
When they were casting, I was SOO hoping that Hugh Grant would sign on as Lockhart. Although Kenneth Branagh did just a great job, I still think Hugh IS Lockhart. The casting team does do such a great job...
BTW, this is the point where you think Wood is going to be really hot and you feel back for thinking Tom Riddle is! Then again, I had a bad thing for Alan Rickman, which is wrong beyond all wrongs. Seriously.
EDIT!!! I just read on imdb that Hugh Grant was the first choice! WOW, I remember visualizing Lockhart as Grant when I was reading the book. I'm so glad to know that I was right on the money!!!
last legion
no.101 The Last Legion
I'm not sure if this was meant to be a kid's film or not. It borders between kid and not so good period/mythology piece. It's rated PG-13 for mild violence, so that certainly doesn't answer that question. Surprising no gore, sex or foul language. How does that become PG 13? IMDB says that certain shots were removed so that it would get that rating in the US. Where does that leave us?
It's an interesting take on the Arthurian legend, for sure. How much is actually historical? Colin Firth is disheveled? Is that possible? He's always so damned tidy. Ben Kingsley? This just doesn't seem like a film he'd do. And the love interest? You've got to be kidding me.
Bit of filler, a rainy day watch. Nothing of real interest.
I'm not sure if this was meant to be a kid's film or not. It borders between kid and not so good period/mythology piece. It's rated PG-13 for mild violence, so that certainly doesn't answer that question. Surprising no gore, sex or foul language. How does that become PG 13? IMDB says that certain shots were removed so that it would get that rating in the US. Where does that leave us?
It's an interesting take on the Arthurian legend, for sure. How much is actually historical? Colin Firth is disheveled? Is that possible? He's always so damned tidy. Ben Kingsley? This just doesn't seem like a film he'd do. And the love interest? You've got to be kidding me.
Bit of filler, a rainy day watch. Nothing of real interest.
hp 1
no.102 Harry Potter and the Sorcersor's Stone
I've pre-purchased my tickets for the Midnight showing of HP VI: HBP, so it's time to rewatch the films. I re-read HBP last month, check. There was a long period where I didn't have cable, owned a ton of DVDs and had alot of Netflix envelopes in my mailbox. I used to watch the HP movies all the time. Then I realised that cable is great and one of my best coping mechanisms. Full cable is not a luxury, but a necessity in my house. That means that I haven't seen the HP collection in ages. It's funny, but I certainly have a new take.
HP & SS almost feels and looks like a B movie. I don't know how I came to that conclusion last night, but it doesn't feel like a big blockbuster/huge budget movie anymore. Some of the shots, the gags, the OVER the top acting by the kids, maybe it's just lost it's mystery to me, which is really sad. I didn't feel like the little kid in me was enjoying the story, I wasn't swept away and wound up in it, which is kinda sad. I'm hoping that in viewing the other four, I won't feel old and jaded ;*(
I remember this film being the jump point for me. We were living in LA and DR/T, Petey and I went to the midnight viewing. They had read all the books up to that point and I was skeptical at best about the Boy Who Lived. I hadn't bought into the hype of the books, naysayed a kids book. Once the film rolled, I was sucked in, totally and completely, into JK's world. The next day I drove the hour plus to DR/T's so that I could grab all four books, upon which I holed up in my room and read all four as fast as possible so that I could give them back when they arrived for Thanksgiving dinner. Since then, I've been an HP nut. I cannot wait until Tuesday night - unfortunately I have to go solo, so I won't dress up, but I'll be pulling out the Dumbledore's Army tshirt with pride!
I've pre-purchased my tickets for the Midnight showing of HP VI: HBP, so it's time to rewatch the films. I re-read HBP last month, check. There was a long period where I didn't have cable, owned a ton of DVDs and had alot of Netflix envelopes in my mailbox. I used to watch the HP movies all the time. Then I realised that cable is great and one of my best coping mechanisms. Full cable is not a luxury, but a necessity in my house. That means that I haven't seen the HP collection in ages. It's funny, but I certainly have a new take.
HP & SS almost feels and looks like a B movie. I don't know how I came to that conclusion last night, but it doesn't feel like a big blockbuster/huge budget movie anymore. Some of the shots, the gags, the OVER the top acting by the kids, maybe it's just lost it's mystery to me, which is really sad. I didn't feel like the little kid in me was enjoying the story, I wasn't swept away and wound up in it, which is kinda sad. I'm hoping that in viewing the other four, I won't feel old and jaded ;*(
I remember this film being the jump point for me. We were living in LA and DR/T, Petey and I went to the midnight viewing. They had read all the books up to that point and I was skeptical at best about the Boy Who Lived. I hadn't bought into the hype of the books, naysayed a kids book. Once the film rolled, I was sucked in, totally and completely, into JK's world. The next day I drove the hour plus to DR/T's so that I could grab all four books, upon which I holed up in my room and read all four as fast as possible so that I could give them back when they arrived for Thanksgiving dinner. Since then, I've been an HP nut. I cannot wait until Tuesday night - unfortunately I have to go solo, so I won't dress up, but I'll be pulling out the Dumbledore's Army tshirt with pride!
slumdog
no.100 Slumdog Millionaire
Go figure, this would be film 100 of the year. Then again, when I forget to blog, I could be at 115 for all I know!
For all the hype, I totally did jump on the bandwagon. Loved what Danny Boyle did for the slums of Bombay. I found it so ironic that I felt as if I knew every step of this story. I read Maximum City, which is a fabulous non-fiction book about Bombay. Everything from stories about the underworld, diapers full of shit flying in through the window in your terribly expensive apartment, cell phones, creeping along in traffic in your brand new BWM, toilet queues, kids on the street stealing scrap metal from the airport construction sites. It was as if Bombay jumped off the page and into my living room. I guess for some, they may have seen this as a hyper-reality of life in the slums, maybe glamorizing it (if that's possible), but all the things that I've read about the city, everything was so real. I laughed at the impossible situations that most might think contrived.
Now that I've (finally) seen it, I can see why everyone went gaga. It is a great film with a great message, I think I have a different opinion as I seem to have a pretty good understanding of the city and it's people. I'd be really interested to see what my friends who are Indian and still travel back and forth to visit family have to say, as I'm sure their REAL experience in the city will lend a different view.
Go figure, this would be film 100 of the year. Then again, when I forget to blog, I could be at 115 for all I know!
For all the hype, I totally did jump on the bandwagon. Loved what Danny Boyle did for the slums of Bombay. I found it so ironic that I felt as if I knew every step of this story. I read Maximum City, which is a fabulous non-fiction book about Bombay. Everything from stories about the underworld, diapers full of shit flying in through the window in your terribly expensive apartment, cell phones, creeping along in traffic in your brand new BWM, toilet queues, kids on the street stealing scrap metal from the airport construction sites. It was as if Bombay jumped off the page and into my living room. I guess for some, they may have seen this as a hyper-reality of life in the slums, maybe glamorizing it (if that's possible), but all the things that I've read about the city, everything was so real. I laughed at the impossible situations that most might think contrived.
Now that I've (finally) seen it, I can see why everyone went gaga. It is a great film with a great message, I think I have a different opinion as I seem to have a pretty good understanding of the city and it's people. I'd be really interested to see what my friends who are Indian and still travel back and forth to visit family have to say, as I'm sure their REAL experience in the city will lend a different view.
wendy and lucy
no.99 Wendy and Lucy
I'm not really sure what to make of this short film (no, not short, but short as in just over an hour.) It was paraded around as a fantastic piece for Michele Williams, a quiet and moving indie, where she didn't wash her hair for days to stay in character. Is it a story of desperation? One going to terrible lengths, literally to Alaska, to find their identity? Are we to see this as a statement of how Americans do not have a "life" or even exist if they do not have an address or phone number, both of which are required to get a job? Is this a piece about someone who is escaping?
Face value, your heart bleeds for Wendy as the very few things she has in life are being pulled from her, some lost. Her desperation to find Lucy is painful, her encounter in the woods in downright frightening. I wish I knew what way I should view this piece - my opinion varies greatly depending on which way my compass points. Maybe it's meant to be whatever the viewer wants it to be, a different film for everyone.
Opinion? For once, I'm totally not sure. Then again, that is an opinion, no?
I'm not really sure what to make of this short film (no, not short, but short as in just over an hour.) It was paraded around as a fantastic piece for Michele Williams, a quiet and moving indie, where she didn't wash her hair for days to stay in character. Is it a story of desperation? One going to terrible lengths, literally to Alaska, to find their identity? Are we to see this as a statement of how Americans do not have a "life" or even exist if they do not have an address or phone number, both of which are required to get a job? Is this a piece about someone who is escaping?
Face value, your heart bleeds for Wendy as the very few things she has in life are being pulled from her, some lost. Her desperation to find Lucy is painful, her encounter in the woods in downright frightening. I wish I knew what way I should view this piece - my opinion varies greatly depending on which way my compass points. Maybe it's meant to be whatever the viewer wants it to be, a different film for everyone.
Opinion? For once, I'm totally not sure. Then again, that is an opinion, no?
must see cable movies
Doesn't matter what time it is, how far along, I am plagued not by desire but necessity to tune into certain films. I think it's the curse of having full cable. At one point, it was the English Patient. I swear, I must have seen it 30 times over the course of an insomniac summer.
Atonement, Knocked Up and Enchanted. What the hell? You couldn't get any further apart in subject matter, genre, shit, just thinking about WWII, Disney and a foul Seth Rogen? I don't get it, but I'm stuck. They've been making their rounds, first at HBO, then SHO, now Skinamax.
I'm actually, VERY afraid for what will be the next round of must watches. How do you follow these three?
Atonement, Knocked Up and Enchanted. What the hell? You couldn't get any further apart in subject matter, genre, shit, just thinking about WWII, Disney and a foul Seth Rogen? I don't get it, but I'm stuck. They've been making their rounds, first at HBO, then SHO, now Skinamax.
I'm actually, VERY afraid for what will be the next round of must watches. How do you follow these three?
the wrestler
no. 98 The Wrestler
I have to admit I was really skeptical about this film. How could the subject matter be appropriate for a Darren Aronofsky film? DA deals with some serious stuff, not some has been story about men in tights who's glory day has past, how underneath him.
DUDE, I was totally wrong. This was SO an Aronofsky film, all the way. I loved it, every bit. His stamp was all over it, he took the material and made it his own, casting that eye on every detail. He has this amazing ability to bring out the best in his actors and this might be his crowning jewel. It had been touted as Mickey Rourke's big comeback, he did get a big Oscar nod, but again, I was skeptical. He brought the character to life, as if he had creeped into my life, hanging out with aged rock stars trying to still "live the life", although, it's clear, he's hanging on by his fingernails. Marisa Tomei was amazing - can you believe the body she still has!? OMG. In all of my straight-ness, I couldn't help but oogle over her.
It's painful to see Randy move through this short time we're allowed to see in his life. I've worked for enough celebrities to understand exactly where he is, the humble pie he's had to eat, the circumstances of his living arrangement, his job at the market. I LOVED the scene where he's getting ready to work at the Deli. I've walked this path, Scorpion in hand, walking along the white taped line to the stage. It was as if DA was channeling his inner live concert film maker!
My major disappointment was that there were no features. Then again, he's not known for doing this, I was just hoping he'd finally make a big jump and allow us inside his head. One of these days, he's going to cave in. I cannot wait.
I have to admit I was really skeptical about this film. How could the subject matter be appropriate for a Darren Aronofsky film? DA deals with some serious stuff, not some has been story about men in tights who's glory day has past, how underneath him.
DUDE, I was totally wrong. This was SO an Aronofsky film, all the way. I loved it, every bit. His stamp was all over it, he took the material and made it his own, casting that eye on every detail. He has this amazing ability to bring out the best in his actors and this might be his crowning jewel. It had been touted as Mickey Rourke's big comeback, he did get a big Oscar nod, but again, I was skeptical. He brought the character to life, as if he had creeped into my life, hanging out with aged rock stars trying to still "live the life", although, it's clear, he's hanging on by his fingernails. Marisa Tomei was amazing - can you believe the body she still has!? OMG. In all of my straight-ness, I couldn't help but oogle over her.
It's painful to see Randy move through this short time we're allowed to see in his life. I've worked for enough celebrities to understand exactly where he is, the humble pie he's had to eat, the circumstances of his living arrangement, his job at the market. I LOVED the scene where he's getting ready to work at the Deli. I've walked this path, Scorpion in hand, walking along the white taped line to the stage. It was as if DA was channeling his inner live concert film maker!
My major disappointment was that there were no features. Then again, he's not known for doing this, I was just hoping he'd finally make a big jump and allow us inside his head. One of these days, he's going to cave in. I cannot wait.
tender morsels
Margo Lanagan - Tender Morsels
WOW, this book is considered Young Adult...and I must say, the YA classification isn't exactly what I think it should be. This is the sceond YA book I read where I thought there was material that was DEFINITELY not what I'd want my kids to read. That doesn't mean it wasn't a great book.
I picked this up as it had been on a Gaiman reading list - it's been posted on my bulletin board for a couple months now, so I figured I needed to get at it.
The story is about innocence spoiled, reimagined and lost again. After horrific events, Liga stumbles upon a magic world, her heart's desire, for her and her daughters. It isn't until this world has been compromised that she realizes it is not the true world but one of her making. Her daughters are night and day, yin and yang.
A very clever and heartfelt take, blending fairy take and the brutal reality if another, older world into a story that questions what we need and what we create for ourselves in desperate measures. Adventure, skepticism and a curious nature hold hands.
Honestly, it's just a bit too graphic and the subject matter, in my mind, not appropriate for anyone under 16. I mean, the story, in and of itself can be appreciate by a younger audience, but the back story and its explanation; I wasn't comfortable with, even at my age...
WOW, this book is considered Young Adult...and I must say, the YA classification isn't exactly what I think it should be. This is the sceond YA book I read where I thought there was material that was DEFINITELY not what I'd want my kids to read. That doesn't mean it wasn't a great book.
I picked this up as it had been on a Gaiman reading list - it's been posted on my bulletin board for a couple months now, so I figured I needed to get at it.
The story is about innocence spoiled, reimagined and lost again. After horrific events, Liga stumbles upon a magic world, her heart's desire, for her and her daughters. It isn't until this world has been compromised that she realizes it is not the true world but one of her making. Her daughters are night and day, yin and yang.
A very clever and heartfelt take, blending fairy take and the brutal reality if another, older world into a story that questions what we need and what we create for ourselves in desperate measures. Adventure, skepticism and a curious nature hold hands.
Honestly, it's just a bit too graphic and the subject matter, in my mind, not appropriate for anyone under 16. I mean, the story, in and of itself can be appreciate by a younger audience, but the back story and its explanation; I wasn't comfortable with, even at my age...
eternals
Neil Gaiman - Eternals
I was able to pick up the Eternals at the local library - it wasn't a bad read. So many people have told me that I need to read his comics/graphic novels since I'm a big fan of his "prose" fiction, if you will. Some say that regardless of his prolific work, he's a hack, so I'm hoping to debunk those folks. I've got a long summer list of Gaiman, to say the least.
The Eternals, although the story line was not his, he picked up a "reboot" of Jack Kirby, you can see his finger prints all over it. I think that the story line was incomplete, that it should have gone further, more depth, but good regardless. It fell in line with a theme he digs, the gods of the past and how they exist in the future, ie. American Gods. I recently read Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny and when I posted it on GoodReads.com, a friend slammed me for not giving it five stars as it was amongst his favorite all time reads. I told him if he's like a better take on the subject matter to pick up American Gods. No, I'm not off topic - there's an interview included within the Eternals where Gaiman talks about how he wanted American Gods to be a book that Zelazny would like (he had recently passed and the two were friends.) The same themes roll around and around through the years, everyone just has a different take.
I was able to pick up the Eternals at the local library - it wasn't a bad read. So many people have told me that I need to read his comics/graphic novels since I'm a big fan of his "prose" fiction, if you will. Some say that regardless of his prolific work, he's a hack, so I'm hoping to debunk those folks. I've got a long summer list of Gaiman, to say the least.
The Eternals, although the story line was not his, he picked up a "reboot" of Jack Kirby, you can see his finger prints all over it. I think that the story line was incomplete, that it should have gone further, more depth, but good regardless. It fell in line with a theme he digs, the gods of the past and how they exist in the future, ie. American Gods. I recently read Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny and when I posted it on GoodReads.com, a friend slammed me for not giving it five stars as it was amongst his favorite all time reads. I told him if he's like a better take on the subject matter to pick up American Gods. No, I'm not off topic - there's an interview included within the Eternals where Gaiman talks about how he wanted American Gods to be a book that Zelazny would like (he had recently passed and the two were friends.) The same themes roll around and around through the years, everyone just has a different take.
wickerman
no.97 Wickerman
Man, I watched this a month ago, right before I left for PW. Locke and I were drunk dancing around the fire and I was describing to him about the pre-pubescent girls dancing around and jumping over the fire. When he asked why they were naked, I replied, "you don't want their clothes to catch on fire, now do you?" :)
This 70's take on Paganism being alive in Scotland and the great traditions which sicken the virgin detective is almost silly in 2009, but charming in the same breath. Christopher Lee is brilliant in this role; his devotion to the island, to the people, is downright heartfelt and utterly creepy. The Detective's die hard Catholic bent is his demise, the silly man. A virgin, at his age?!
I know there is a Wickerman Festival that still takes place on the island, I just don't know how true to the real May Day festival and ritual the film is. Either way, it's a refreshing, if not old, version of man being beholden to the land and his efforts to appease the god to shine favorably upon his livelihood.
Man, I watched this a month ago, right before I left for PW. Locke and I were drunk dancing around the fire and I was describing to him about the pre-pubescent girls dancing around and jumping over the fire. When he asked why they were naked, I replied, "you don't want their clothes to catch on fire, now do you?" :)
This 70's take on Paganism being alive in Scotland and the great traditions which sicken the virgin detective is almost silly in 2009, but charming in the same breath. Christopher Lee is brilliant in this role; his devotion to the island, to the people, is downright heartfelt and utterly creepy. The Detective's die hard Catholic bent is his demise, the silly man. A virgin, at his age?!
I know there is a Wickerman Festival that still takes place on the island, I just don't know how true to the real May Day festival and ritual the film is. Either way, it's a refreshing, if not old, version of man being beholden to the land and his efforts to appease the god to shine favorably upon his livelihood.
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