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?
Friday, July 31, 2009
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.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
firestarter
no.96 Firestarter
I can't believe I've never seen this until just now! I was a huge Uncle Stevie fan growing up, but this is one book I missed. Then I got over King for authors like Keroac. What's funny is I'm going back to King and his amazing storytelling this summer by finally picking up The Stand. Anywho, there's a long gag about optioning King's books just to make a flat movie. Don't know if that's the case in particular here, but I dug it. I love watching older films and their visual effects. It's amazing how far along film magic has come, from fireballs to Transformers.
Drew Barrymore is adoreable, but you can see the actor that she will become. There were characteristic features, looks, ticks, if you will, that we see in the 34 year old woman now producing her own films (despite her not being in the cast.) Most kids grow out of their look, but she is just a little version of her.
I can't believe I've never seen this until just now! I was a huge Uncle Stevie fan growing up, but this is one book I missed. Then I got over King for authors like Keroac. What's funny is I'm going back to King and his amazing storytelling this summer by finally picking up The Stand. Anywho, there's a long gag about optioning King's books just to make a flat movie. Don't know if that's the case in particular here, but I dug it. I love watching older films and their visual effects. It's amazing how far along film magic has come, from fireballs to Transformers.
Drew Barrymore is adoreable, but you can see the actor that she will become. There were characteristic features, looks, ticks, if you will, that we see in the 34 year old woman now producing her own films (despite her not being in the cast.) Most kids grow out of their look, but she is just a little version of her.
running on karma
no.95 Running On Karma
There isn't enough I can say about this film. It's an excellent example of how Hong Kong film can mix every genre under the sun and get away with it. It's an action film, at the same time, a love story, a kung fu movie, a comedy, a piece on fate, destiny and religion. Only Andy Tu can pull off something this perfect.
Biggie (Andy Lau in a monstrous muscle suit) left the monkhood (is that even a word?) because his faith was tested - karma was no longer a concept, but a visual medium, literally. It's almost like being at Gram's as a kid, watching tv with the big plastic dial that moved the antenna on the roof, the picture is there, but blurry and off center combined with a bad transmission being beamed to Kirk on the original Enterprise. We are asked what is karma, have we lived a life where we have done good and are we able to look at ourselves in the mirror and see that we've bettered our path?
We see that Biggie has bettered his path, it appears that he has been in a karmic loop with a man who changed his current life - when they are pitted against one another, Biggie takes a big step to release himself from the bond of their souls. He has tried to help Yee better her path until he realises that he has not indeed seen her karma, but one that she is tied to.
Biggie isn't huge as a comic gag, although, it certainly is, and not due to the villains he must overcome in order to help Yee. He is utterly huge because his greatest enemy is fate and the force of destiny; both much larger than any foe who might stand at his ready.
There isn't enough I can say about this film. It's an excellent example of how Hong Kong film can mix every genre under the sun and get away with it. It's an action film, at the same time, a love story, a kung fu movie, a comedy, a piece on fate, destiny and religion. Only Andy Tu can pull off something this perfect.
Biggie (Andy Lau in a monstrous muscle suit) left the monkhood (is that even a word?) because his faith was tested - karma was no longer a concept, but a visual medium, literally. It's almost like being at Gram's as a kid, watching tv with the big plastic dial that moved the antenna on the roof, the picture is there, but blurry and off center combined with a bad transmission being beamed to Kirk on the original Enterprise. We are asked what is karma, have we lived a life where we have done good and are we able to look at ourselves in the mirror and see that we've bettered our path?
We see that Biggie has bettered his path, it appears that he has been in a karmic loop with a man who changed his current life - when they are pitted against one another, Biggie takes a big step to release himself from the bond of their souls. He has tried to help Yee better her path until he realises that he has not indeed seen her karma, but one that she is tied to.
Biggie isn't huge as a comic gag, although, it certainly is, and not due to the villains he must overcome in order to help Yee. He is utterly huge because his greatest enemy is fate and the force of destiny; both much larger than any foe who might stand at his ready.
get smart
no. 94 Get Smart
I walked in having no expectations, again, a great plan that seems to work well with me. There were very few times where Steve Carrell wasn't Steve Carrell and trying to channel Don Adams' version on Maxwell Smart. There was enough action, comedy, a little bit of a love story all balled into one. Anne Hathaway was breathtaking as usual, but shows us she's got a little more under that skirt (a gun, that is.) The Rock is just there are a foil, he doesn't give us anything, could be played by any big buy with a gun.
Great for a Saturday afternoon who's rainy and hot and you need an escape to airconditioning and a comfy couch and laughs.
I walked in having no expectations, again, a great plan that seems to work well with me. There were very few times where Steve Carrell wasn't Steve Carrell and trying to channel Don Adams' version on Maxwell Smart. There was enough action, comedy, a little bit of a love story all balled into one. Anne Hathaway was breathtaking as usual, but shows us she's got a little more under that skirt (a gun, that is.) The Rock is just there are a foil, he doesn't give us anything, could be played by any big buy with a gun.
Great for a Saturday afternoon who's rainy and hot and you need an escape to airconditioning and a comfy couch and laughs.
evil dead trilogy
no. 91 Evil Dead
It was painful to sit through this, but I knew I must if I was going to do a Bruce Campbell Birthday Trilogy Celebration. My idea with my Jooper friends, so I had to watch the entire movie. I had heard great things about II and Army, that I had to find something good in this. Didn't. Gore for gore's sake. I realise this was their first "professional" film, with financiers being local Michigan dentists and what not.
no. 92 Evil Dead II
Where we see the Sam Raimi we have come to know. Three Stooges gags left and right. Quick jumps, really interesting framing. Bruce went from just the good looking guy in the scary flick to funny, charismatic and a little more buff. This had a plot and actual dialogue (I'm not saying it was Oscar worthy, but they said more in ten minutes than the entirety of the first.) Who in the world wants to take a new girlfriend (same name) to a creepy old cabin that already tried to kill you? Ted Raimi makes an appearance, which is really funny. The gore is more colorful - they used milk, black blood, all different substances so that the ratings board wouldn't tell them to tone down the bloodiness.
no. 93 Army of Darkness
Did not fail...whatever happened to the B movie, I ask? Campy, funny, more Three Stooges. Bruce becomes this arrogant stud, much different than the Ash he's portrayed in the past, but he carries it well. Another case of blending current with past culture, it's own comedy genre to itself.
It was painful to sit through this, but I knew I must if I was going to do a Bruce Campbell Birthday Trilogy Celebration. My idea with my Jooper friends, so I had to watch the entire movie. I had heard great things about II and Army, that I had to find something good in this. Didn't. Gore for gore's sake. I realise this was their first "professional" film, with financiers being local Michigan dentists and what not.
no. 92 Evil Dead II
Where we see the Sam Raimi we have come to know. Three Stooges gags left and right. Quick jumps, really interesting framing. Bruce went from just the good looking guy in the scary flick to funny, charismatic and a little more buff. This had a plot and actual dialogue (I'm not saying it was Oscar worthy, but they said more in ten minutes than the entirety of the first.) Who in the world wants to take a new girlfriend (same name) to a creepy old cabin that already tried to kill you? Ted Raimi makes an appearance, which is really funny. The gore is more colorful - they used milk, black blood, all different substances so that the ratings board wouldn't tell them to tone down the bloodiness.
no. 93 Army of Darkness
Did not fail...whatever happened to the B movie, I ask? Campy, funny, more Three Stooges. Bruce becomes this arrogant stud, much different than the Ash he's portrayed in the past, but he carries it well. Another case of blending current with past culture, it's own comedy genre to itself.
playing catch up
Again, I don't know why I don't sit in front of the computer every day. When I don't, it becomes an awful habit and I'm backlogged beyond all belief.
Playing catch up. Forgive me if the thought are unoriginal and lack cohesion.
Playing catch up. Forgive me if the thought are unoriginal and lack cohesion.
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