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Darren Lynn Bousman (of “Saw” fame) will be directing a feature film (spawned from a 2006 short he directed by the same name and based upon a stage play - sound convoluted? Well read on…) and written by Terrance Zdunich and Darren Smith due out 7 November 2008 entitled “Repo: The Genetic Opera” and coined as a Rocky-Horror-meets-Blade-Runner rock opera/movie/musical. I think if Bousman is involved, it should read more like a Rocky-Horror-meets-Blade-Runner-meets-Freddy-Kreuger rock opera. The plot, briefly, entails an epidemic of organ failures which has hit the planet, and biotech company GeneCo has decided to finance organ donations to save lives. How altruistic, eh? Of course, nothing is ever as it seems (particularly in horror films); therefore, should one fail to keep up with his/her payments, watch out for the organ repo man, employed by GeneCo to, shall we say, reclaim the company’s property. This film stars Paul Sorvino, Bill Moseley, Alexa Vega, Anthony Head, Paris Hilton, and … Sarah Brightman?!. Just the cast alone has significantly piqued my interest, because, seriously, when will you ever again in your life watch a movie with Paris, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s ex, Otis Driftwood, Det. Sgt. Phil Ceretta, and Carmen from “Spy Kids”??? Check out the link above for more information and the trailer, or read the stellar reviews on imdb.com, fangoria.com, or bloody-disgusting.com for what looks to be a truly unique experience for which I cannot wait!
This 2000 comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt, Candace Bergen, and priceline.com’s own William Shatner (who I have to say I had a major crush on when he was in ‘Star Trek’, had his own hair, and didn’t weigh the equivalent of a domesticated pygmy elephant.) I want a pygmy elephant! Oh look, here’s Movie_Maven_Jr, just in time to assist with this blog. She’s as big a fan of ‘Miss Congeniality’ as I am. I guess. I like watching Batman’s butler. (She proceeds to sing) “You think I’m funny, you want to laugh at me…” So, I guess we should tell our readers (reader?) that we try to quote movies as much as humanly possible to annoy the heck out of everyone to whom we are related as well as our friends (who are not likely to stay our friends if we keep doing this.) My favorite part of the movie is the “Donut Nazi” part. I like the interview at the end. Where Bullock’s character says, “…we’e become really good friends. I mean, I know we all secretly hope the other one will trip and fall flat on her face…but, oh wait a minture, I’ve already done that.” Oh, and Cheryl’s (Rhode Island) answer to the perfect date. “That’s a tough one. I would have to say April 25th, because it’s not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket.” Why is New Jersey called the “Garden State”? Because “Oil and Petrochemical Refinery State” wouldn’t fit on a license plate? LOL!! I know you like the “harsher penalties for parole violators, Stan…and world peace” part. Yes, I’m a fan of that line as well. Oh, and Cheryl’s “My parents don’t like anything ostentatious. And they really don’t like fire.” Whatever. Hmm, I seem to have lost Movie_Maven_Jr to her drawing obsession. No worries. Anyway, I think I’ve seen “Miss Congeniality” nearly 50 times and I never tire of it. Particularly when nothing is on and it’s being rerun on USA or TBS. In fact, I watched it twice (consecutively) last week on TV, commercials and all, despite the fact that I own the DVD. Hmm, not sure if that makes me a fan or just incredibly lame with no life. Incredibly lame!! That was rhetorical, but thanks for the input, honey! You’re welcome. And, you know, mom, you’re not as funny as you think you are. I love you too.
(Source: imdb.com - just to ensure that we got the quotes right!)
“Star Wars - The Clone Wars” - I have one word…WHY?? “Tropic Thunder” - This film will probably do well in the box office as there are undoubtedly many, many fans of Ben Stiller and Jack Black (although I am neither). Robert Downey Jr.’s turn as a white actor playing a black actor is intriguing, but not enough for me to venture past the previews I have been forced to see ad nauseum. “Mirrors” - Now I am a huge fan of Alexandre Aja (particularly “High Tension”) and horror films (a big DUH if you’ve read my blog longer than a minute); however, the reviews have not been favorable. Starring Kiefer Sutherland and Amy Smart, this remake of an Asian film (no way….really??!!) is supposed to be a bit subpar save for a few chilling and gory moments. Stay tuned for my review at a later date. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” - 4 words - Woody Allen…I’m there!! (Although, technically that could be construed as 5 words since I’m is a contraction for I am.) Nevertheless, I love Woody Allen and if I can’t bribe hubby to the theatre, I will purchase it on DVD to add to my “Woody Collection” and offer a review much later. “The Girl Cut in Two” - Riding the tide of the recent invasion Francais (French invasion) of art house films, critics cite that this one may not be the best, but should provide enough joie de vivre to please viewers. D’accord. (A big thank you to my jr. high and high school French teachers!!) “Henry Poole is Here” - Luke Wilson (”Cars” Lightning McQueen) stars in this “comedy-drama hybrid underdog” which, to me, looks an awful lot like John Travolta’s “Phenomenon”, a film I would have slept through had Movie_Maven_Jr not decided she was going to learn to run mid-film. “Fly Me to the Moon 3-D” - A movie about flies who sneak aboard Apollo 11. Hmmmm. (Source: imdb.com)
Just kidding….but I got your attention, didn’t I?? Now, here’s Movie_Maven_Jr. to give you a 13-year old girls-eye view of these two films by Guillermo del Toro. We thought we’d try a new slant on the whole blog thing…an interview session. That way I only have to pay her 1/2 of what I get. Hi Jr., how goes it? I hate the title of this blog and I love comic books. That said, I love these movies. The end. Very funny, NOT. What, EXACTLY did you like? It’s a comic book movie, stuff explodes. I like them both, but I like the 1st one better because the 2nd one is a wee bit too “Pan’s Labryinth” for me. But I also LOVE “Pan’s Labryinth.” Could you be a bit…. No. …more specific please? And stop interrupting. Well, you really don’t need to watch the first one to see the 2nd one and understand it. What if you watch the first one first? Then you’ve seen both of them. (Hysterical laughter.) Come ON….your readers (all one of them) want to know. You’re mean!! The soundracks for them both ruled the world!!! Marco Belltrami did the first one and Danny Elfman did the 2nd one and I love them both!! The beginning credits for the first one is, like, the BEST music!! It’s, it’s cool!! I wish iTunes had it. What else? The characters are pretty cool. I like Abe (the blue, fishy-thing with legs) the most. And of course del Toro is an awesome director. Can I have my $.50 now? Because of this movie, I am so much more into comic books now. Batman too. But I can’t afford them because they are collectors’ editions. Can I have $1.00 for this one? Anyway, the special effects and makeup are great. I love Doug Jones. He’s scary-looking, I guess that’s why he hides under makeup. Ron Perlman is scary too, but he has an awesome Hellboy-ish voice. I love that voice, it’s, like, so awesome! O.K, O.K., that’s enough honey. Thanks for the input. What if I’m not done talking? Oh, look, here’s Movie-Maven_Jr._Jr. (age 8). She saw Hellboy II too after much bribing by her older sister. What did you think? It was a good movie. Abe’s awesome!! Abe’s awesome!! Liz is awesome!! The popcorn was good. I’m busy. Bye!! Stop interrupting your sister!! She only said that cuz I’d smack her if she didn’t. Don’t talk about her like that. Nobody cares about our arguments. Now end the blog and gimme a dollar!! Do I get anything too? Yeah, you both get to go to bed!! Good night all!!
I figured I ought to round out my Christian Bale/Christopher Nolan month-of-blogs with Nolan’s first feature film “Following” (1998) which we recently rented. His first film “Doodlebug” (1997) can be seen in its 2:55 minute entirety here. Anyway, back to “Following” - Quite good for a film shot in black and white at a mere $6,000 and 71 minutes long. This film follows (no pun intended) the protagonist, a budding writer in search of character material (played by Jeremy Theobald, also the star of “Doodlebug”) as he follows a variety of individuals throughout the streets of London, eventually meeting a unique burglar who takes him under his wing. The remainder of the film, shot in non-linear fashion - an obvious precursor to Nolan’s “Memento” (also a fabulous film), takes the viewer on an interesting ride with an unfortunate ending. Nolan’s flair for storytelling and direction is very apparent in these early films, and he only gets better. From “Memento” to “Batman Begins” to “The Prestige” to “The Dark Knight” (also directing “Insomnia” which he did not pen), his talent is very obvious. I look forward to his next endeavor (or endeavour for all you U.K. folks like “me mum.”)
(My, that’s a big picture!)
Now that I have my daughter, Movie_Maven_Jr hooked on Christian Bale, we watched “The Prestige” the other night on DVD. Having seen Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece in the theather when it was first released, I had forgotten how wonderful the film is. The ensemble cast was outstanding: Bale, Hugh Jackman and Michael Caine were fabulous. David Bowie was unrecognizably young looking as the famed scientist Tesla, Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson are always capable and lovely. I remember my surprise at the virtual ignoring of this film at the Academy Awards that year; a feeling which was reignited last night. Christopher Nolan is truly a magician himself, from “Memento” to “Insomnia” (with Robin Williams, Robert DeNiro, & Hilary Swank) to this film, to the two “Batman” flicks. I am eager to rent his 1998 film “Following” as I haven’t had the privilege of viewing it yet. Anyway, if you haven’t seen “The Prestige”… rent it (or just buy it, like I did.) Oh and, “Are you watching closely?”
I saw “The Dark Knight” last night, and wow…..I have to say I loved it! First of all, I am a huge fan of Christopher Nolan, and his script doesn’t disappoint one bit. Albeit a bit long (2.5 hours) his characteristic trademark of interspersed humor in a largely dark story was great. Heath Ledger was fabulous. If Johnny Depp can amass Oscar nominations for “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Sweeney Todd”, then Ledger’s Joker is beyond worthy. What a tragedy for this planet to have lost such a gifted young actor. His mannerisms and speech throughout the movie were fantastic (although I did notice he sounded an awful lot like Christopher Lloyd in some scenes.) Besides, having been tragically overlooked by the Academy for “Brokeback Mountain”, Ledger is, indeed, due. Now on to Christian Bale….my stud du jour. OMG, what a gorgeous hunk!! And he seems to get better with age. While, as an actor, I have always been a huge fan of his, from “Empire of the Sun” to “American Psycho” to “3:10 to Yuma” (with my recently dethroned stud du jour Russell Crowe) to “The Machinist” to the “Batman” films, it is always nice (for me anyway) to enjoy a bit of eye candy while engrossed in a movie. I am further glad that Katie Holmes (who, in my opinion, can’t act her way out of a paper bag) was replaced by the superlatively talented Maggie Gyllenhaal. Rounding out the stellar cast: Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman are always a pleasure to watch, Aaron Eckhardt was more than capable, and Eric Roberts was his usual, cast-to-type bad guy. One caveat: remember the running time of the movie when ordering a drink. And finally, this movie is not suitable for young children. If you don’t believe me, read one of the myriad movie reviews out in cyberspace which attest to this. I leave you now with some fab pix of Mr. Bale….
My mother asked me the other day if I watch movies other than horror (she apparently read my blog.) Let me think….um, not really! Which got me thinking that my ideal evening would be a multi-course conversation-laden dinner with Wes Craven, Stephen King and Clive Barker. And, depending upon the restaurant (because these two are a bit, um, different…in a good way, of course) the Davids - Lynch and Cronenberg. So, if any of the above-mentioned highly talented masters of their art actually reads this blog, shoot me an email and we can make arrangements….my treat!! By the way, wives (or significant others) are welcome since my husband will undoubtedly want to tag along as well.
(Hmmmm, sounds like some eerie law firm, doesn’t it?) Followed by…
(Hmmm…barbers at Sweeney Todd’s perhaps??)
So, as those of you who actually do read my blog know, I am a horror movie nut. Despite the fact that they scare the bejeezus out of me, I persist in renting and watching them and, subsequently, having nightmares. Tonight’s fare was ‘Seance’, a 2006 film written and directed by Mark L. Smith, whose resume includes having written ‘Vacancy’ (2007) with Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson (and yes, I did watch - and enjoyed it); along with also writing ‘Vacancy 2′, scheduled for a 2009 release (of which I can only ask “Why?!”) ‘Seance’ is Smith’s directorial debut, if you will, and, frankly, it shows. The film was entertaining, somewhat. The actors stunk, particularly A.J. Lamas (yessirreee folks, Lorenzo’s kid who, by the way, looks exactly like his father) among a group of perky, 20-somethings with rather limited film experience, but impeccable makeup and wardrobe. The highlight of the film was Highlander’s eye candy Adrian Paul, still incredibly sexy a year shy of 50 years old, who plays the **SPOILER ALERT** executed serial killer who was brought “back” by the seance to terrorize the moronic college kids who remained locked in the dorm over Thanksgiving vacation. By the way, the little girl is, indeed, creepy (much creepier than my own!); although not as frightening to me as ventriloquist dummies. Dead Silence’ (2007) like, totally freaked me out!! OMG! For those of you who enjoy a more (slightly) psychologically-based ghost story with (relatively) limited gore (unlike recent splatterfests such as ‘Hostel’), and a lame ending, ‘Seance’ provides a reasonable distraction for an hour and a half; particularly if the only thing on television is ‘Hannah Montana’, ‘World Poker Championship 2003, or (which my husband loves) hunting/fishing programs on the Outdoor Channel, VS, or MAN (a clever acronym for the Maximum Adventure Network.)
(ooh, lookie….it even says ‘From the writer of Vacancy’ - I hadn’t noticed before!)
Again, here is Movie_Maven_Jr. to give a comical and (somewhat) literary review of the first four “Saw” films; in order of appearance. Needless to say, we are both psyched (or psychotic??) for “Saw V” and “Saw VI.” “Saw” rocks. The end. Only joking. Kay. “Saw” - The first “Saw” movie (originally intended for a straight-to-DVD release) is my least favourite (but still one of my overall favourite movie-movies), because there are less traps, and the traps you do see, you don’t get to watch people die. In the Barbed Wire trap, you only get to see the guy struggling, but you do get to watch Amanda struggle with the Reverse Bear-trap (My favourite trap in the franchise.) I also find it amusing to no end that we get to watch *SPOILER* Westly (Cary Elwes) of the “Princess Bride” hack off his foot. “Saw II” - This is my favourite in the “Saw” franchise, but I don’t know why. It might be on account of the group thing which allows me to watch more stupid people get caught in violent, somewhat-bloody traps. Or because of Daniel Matthews. (Hello, 13 year-old teen here.) I liked Daniel and Amanda the most. Laura reminded me too much of my sometimes crybaby little sister (watch this comment get deleted by the evil Movie_Maven) and her only purpose seemed to be to hold up walls and be the token blonde moronic character; so *SPOILER* I was happy when she died, but a little bummed that you didn’t get to see her die in a painful and violent manner. Xavier reminded me a little of my mom because he’s psycho, and my mom is too. (Only kidding. Maybe…) Addison was an incredible retard (-pokes the HUGE padlock on the Hand-Trap). Obi was fun to watch *SPOILER* get cooked in the oven. “Saw III” - This is the goriest of the “Saw” films, so you would think it would be my favourite. But it’s not. And I want bacon during this film (you know, cuz of all the pig references. That’s where bacon comes from, little kids!) It was pretty good, especially with the limb twisting Rack, the rib-ripping Butterfly, and the Clasroom Trap. And *SPOILER* seeing the big gaping hole where Lynn’s face used to be. Jeff is an idiot and Amanda is still my favourite character (besides Daniel) even if she is a pyscho. Like yours truly. And Movie_Maven. “Saw IV” - “Saw IV” is the fourth movie in the franchise (for those of you who can’t read Roman Numerals. Or count.) It makes me a little sad without awesome Amanda and still no re-apperance of Daniel. Much of the movie is done through flashbacks like ”Saw I”. I am looking forward to seeing the glass-filled box we see briefly in Jigsaw’s workshop be used. My favourite part in this movie would most definitely be when *SPOILER* Detective Eric Matthews gets his hobo-looking-head smashed between enough ice to make 199 pints of ice cream (on the wall.) Great job honey!! Yes, I will pay you the $1 I make on this entry.
(Severed foot, YAAAAAAY!!!) |
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