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The Women - starring Meg Ryan, Eva Mendez, and Annette Bening in a (big surprise) remake of the 1939 Joan Crawford classic. Loved the classic, hate the fact that it has been remade. Burn After Reading - another vehicle from the marvelously talented Coen brothers, starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Frances McDormand (Coen). A definite must-see for me despite not being a fan of either Pitt or Clooney. Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro are together again in John Avnet’s Righteous Kill, about cops and murders (really, what other genre would you expect Pacino and DeNiro to co-star in??) Pass. Tyler Perry’s The Family that Preys, starring Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, and Sanaa Lathan. Again, pass. Surfer, Dude - with Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Willie Nelson. Definitely not a stretch for surfer dude McConaughey who, now he’s a father, needs to grow up and stop making films which are rumored to be in the running for a Razzle award. Do I even have to say pass here, or is it assumed?? Proud American - a fully-scripted, non-Michael-Mann-type documentary about five Americans realizing their dreams in the face of adversity. This could be interesting despite the presence of “gooey, Lifetime TV flourishes.” Hey, I like Lifetime movies in certain circumstances. Towelhead - with Aaron Eckhardt. A typical coming-of-age story about an Arab-American teenager who is sent to live with her strict father and “struggles to find love and acceptance in a her new surroundings.” How angst-ridden. I’ll pass on this. I have enough angst with Movie_Maven_Jr. For more information and trailers on these films, visit imdb.com.
After seeing “Hard Candy” during my 3 months of free Showtime since DirecTv failed to send me my free dvd player for signing up and I raised not only Cain, but Abel too, I was immediately taken by the diminutive Ellen Page and immediately went to imdb.com to find out more about her. Therefore, I recently rented “An American Crime” - which I have wanted to see since studying this horrific case during my college career - and “Juno” - which my redneck hunter hubby did not want to see, but I figured that if he can rent “The Scorpion King”, “Hitman”, and “AVP” (to name a few) - then dad-gummit, I was going to rent “Juno” and watch it with my 13 y/o daughter, Movie_Maven_Jr. “An American Crime” is not for everyone (certainly not Movie_Maven_Jr). Even though I knew the tragic story upon which it was based, the acting by Ellen Page and Catherine Keener was amazing. The tasteful way which some of the more questionable scenes were filmed spoke volumes about the filmmakers (as opposed to Jack Ketchum’s “The Girl Next Door” which came out the same year and is loosely based upon the same case, and is considerably more graphic.) Interestingly, I read that Ellen Page was the only actress considered for the role of Sylvia, and I believe that nobody else would have brought to the role what she did. Then, tonight, Movie_Maven_Jr and I watched “Juno.” OMG, I haven’t laughed so much in a very, very, very long time, so, first of all, THANK YOU to Diablo Cody, who wrote a brilliant Oscar-deserving script and Ellen Page, whose comic timing is impeccable. (And I hang my head in shame for waiting so long to view this gem.) I loved Juno’s character. Her witty sarcasm and ultra cuteness made me want to adopt her, fetus and all, and Ellen’s portrayal of her was beyond perfection. And as there are gads of blow-by-blow plot analyses on the web, I will not add one here, but I will iterate that I told Movie_Maven_Jr that if she got pregnant at 16 it would be far from cute and funny. It is so nice to see a young actress in this day and age who has such a great sense of self, intelligence, and class, and who doesn’t want to conform to the popular, irritating, diabetes-inducing, mindless “actresses” far too prevalent in an unfortunate majority of contemporary cinematic fare. (Quite frankly, I’d rather watch my husband’s testosterone-filled, explosion-packed plotless drivel with zero character development than, say, anything starring Lindsay Lohan, ex-Mouseketeers, or any cast member of “The Hills.” Or maybe I’d just rather poke my eyes out with a rusty drywall screw.) I hope this talented Nova Scotian reads this…and likes it…and, perhaps, sends me some lox.
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 minute, 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??) |
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