03/27/06 Thank You For Smoking

Thank You For Smoking (2005), directed by Jason Reitman

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Brier Creek Stadium 14 Cinema, Raleigh, NC); free screening

I'm not at all an advocate of smoking. Actually, I think it's quite gross and makes you smell like butt all day long. However, I leave it up to people individually to decide for themselves if they want to smoke cancer sticks to their heart's content (and past their lungs' capacity). Hopping off the soapbox now, this film is quite possibly the most brilliant analysis of not only the cigarette industry, but the smoking culture, side-effects, politics, cool factor, and Joe Camel all wrapped into one. I'm sure the original book of the same title by Christopher Buckley may be even more scathingly funny than the flick...but kudos are in order for rookie filmmaker Jason Reitman here for one hell of a cast & funny script (he's got it in his genes from "Ghostbusters" dad Ivan). The story revolves around one man (Aaron Eckhart on point) who is a lobbyist/spin doctor for Big Tobacco, who admittedly doesn't necessarily report the truth but filters it (insert clever pun here). All the while that Eckhart is trying to win debates over the heated topic of smoking vs. health by proving everyone else is wrong but him, he must remain a role model for his young son. Tackling all the ridiculous jabbering of topics like this in today's government is satirized splendidly here; involving talk show banter, Congressional hearings, kidnap plots, Hollywood product placement, over-media saturation, backstabbing, radical activism, big business lackeys...you name it. Some of the best jokes come at the pow-wows the lobbyist has with his drinking buddies, both heads of the alcohol lobby and firearm rights committee (played by Maria Bello & David Koechner), affectionately nicknamed the "Merchants Of Death." There is a great commentary running throughout the film, with sight gags and labels that run as captions to the scenes in some parts. If the book is as good as the screenplay, it seems as if we have a comedic novel along the lines of a Kurt Vonnegut or Al Franken, mixed with the coolness of the "Daily Show" w/ Jon Stewart. One of the best satires I've seen in quite awhile. Hilarious.

5 out of 5 stars

03/26/06 Doppelganger

Doppelganger (2003), directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home & parents' house (Southern Pines, NC)

Not to be confused with the awfully bad quasi-horror 1993 flick of the same name with Drew Barrymore. Will just call that her dark years, before she got hot again. I digress...but do I really? It's odd that the fact that I'm mentioning a Drew Barrymore B-movie with the same name, while actually watching the low-key sci-fi Japanese version. Weird...there their own natural doppelgangers in a sense. Duality in film, duality in nature. Nice segue into my spiel. OK, so this story deals with a meek scientist who's working on a robotic chair that will react to human will in order to function. Unable to create things from his own willing, the scientist is confronted with his exact double (doppelganger) who helps him do all the things he was afraid to. At first terrified, he soon embraces the split-personality, it takes advantage of him, and he is soon driven mad by the thought of it. Throughout this downward spiral, the film travels from being clearly a sci-fi thriller to that of almost a comedic romp. It's a strange balance that the director tries to intentionally take. Think part "I, Robot" and part "Short Circuit." I leave you pondering that alternate reality with your own doppelganger. Good luck debating.

3 out of 5 stars

03/25/06 Basic Instinct

Basic Instinct (1992), directed by Paul Verhoeven

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

We all know what people want to see when they see this movie. It's quite possibly on of the most controversial scenes ever in Hollywood, and one of the most talked about flashes of a big star's nakedness. Yes, I'm talking about Michael Douglas' butt. It's tragic that this sculpted piece of wrinkly flab had to cause such an uproar from the censors. I mean, c'mon, his dad being Kirk Douglas got him into film to begin with, so now we have to see his butt just to mark his cinematic territory?! Alright, this is a big title that I'd never got around to seeing, and man am I glad I waited nearly 15 years for it. That's sarcasm folks. You know the plot right? Washed up temper-tantrum detective investigates grizzly murder of rock 'n' roller, finds sexy temptress ex-girlfriend is prime suspect, she's a crime thriller author who just so happened to right about same said killing, he falls for the bad girl, people die, people have naughty intercourse, Sharon Stone shows her...acting skills. You know the drill, or should I say ice pick in the bedroom by Mrs. Blonde. Did I miss anything? This is supposed to be Hitchcockian, but is more Verhoevian like "Showgirls" smut. You see the plot twists coming; no suspense; re-hashed characters; and while the sex scenes are steamy, I wish it involved two attractive people as opposed to one vixen & a skeleton. It's funny when a film can be nominated for both an Oscar and a Razzie at the same time. I'm looking forward to the sequel...really just the next body part to be flashed.

2 out of 5 stars

03/24/06 Y Tu Mama Tambien

Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001), directed by Alfonso Cuaron

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home; suggested by Jenny

Let me start by saying this...I understand the intrigue and buzz about a movie like this. I also understand the detractors' comments about something of this nature as well. The buzz here is about a movie unashamed of displaying raw and realistic sexual relationships and political commentary. On the other hand, the detraction comes from the fact that the prior is what is thrown at you to cloud the subtler context of the latter...plus the fact that this being a foreign film draws the "artsy" tag. My point is that this film walks that line very well, and results in a good movie, despite what both sides say. The story follows two boyhood friends who are approaching manhood, looking to escape their own surroundings in order to find themselves. Along the way the encounter the seductive older woman who tags along for the ride, as they travel to the utopian beaches of Heaven's Mouth. Their intense friendship is challenged mightily as the woman seduces both boys, forces them to acknowledge their own relationships with each other, and ultimately find peace within the group and the world. It is the subtle background commentary that plays throughout their roadtrip that is most appealing to me. There are numerous instances where us as the audience will see the struggles of poverty and the police state in Mexico; while the characters are oblivious to them amidst their own joy. Also, there are times when the characters all face challenges head-on, understanding class systems, poverty, sexuality, and death. Yeah, ok, it's an "artsy" film because it's Mexican and exotic...but also because it's a solid story that hits close to home for many, and breaks down taboos of sex on screen with reckless abandon. Hey, and didn't this Cuaron guy direct a Harry Potter film? What kind of world do we live in?!

4 out of 5 stars

03/23/06 Awesome; I F#$%in' Shot That!

Awesome; I F#$%in' Shot That! (2006), directed by Adam Yauch (aka Nathanial Hornblower); advanced one-night screening nationwide

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Garner Towne Square Cinema, Garner, NC)

When I heard about this film being released nationwide for a one-night only advanced screening, I thought that it would be the unique opportunity of the year not to pass up. However, who would have thought that the closest showing in the area would be Garner, NC of all places! Besides that random fact, we set out on the adventure of finding the lonely cinema. Maybe I'm showing my age a bit, or my maturity lack thereof, in claiming that I'm a huge Beastie Boys fan. Once seen as a gimmick band, they have proven to be not only hip-hop pioneers but gifted and creative musicians. They are one of the great bands that can be completely silly and down-right political all in the same set. Their sound, instrumental experimentation, and video stylings have been highly influential. Therefore, their feature length foray into concert films should be just as visionary. They decided to take their comeback tour at Madison Square Garden in '04 as the site; and handing out 50+ digital cameras to fans to record the event as the hook. It worked beautifully! This approach not only captures the raw energy of a live concert, but the fun of all the fans who get to share in that energy. Seen through many different points of view, the band is shown backstage, up close, far away, lip-synced by kids in the crowd, and pre & post performance. A chance of a lifetime of every fan, this is truly a way for them to contribute to the legacy that is their fantasy. The footage was compiled and edited into quick cuts, low-tech special effects, random shots of hot dog vendors & arena bathrooms, split screen action, and the appropriately grainy film. Plus, this is just a great performance by a fun band. They hit all the bases from new stuff to old, and props go out to the guys wearing t-shirts displaying their nicknames as board games of the past (Boggle, Scrabble, Electronic Battleship). One last touch of this unique showing was the short film beforehand that starred comedian David Cross as the ever eccentric Hornblower during a day in the life on the NYC streets. If only all Bavarian skiers could sample the chocolate fresh in the factory.

5 out of 5 stars

03/22/06 Shopgirl

Shopgirl (2005), directed by Anand Tucker

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

Let's be honest...this is "Lost In Translation" with more of the sex and much less of the allure. I fully credit Steve Martin with being able to crossover mediums and produce a novella that is interesting and artsy all in one. I mean, c'mon, this guy usually does Cheaper By The Dozen 15. This allows him to flex his creative spirit, bring in some quality actors to flesh out his words, and get borderline Woody Allen-creepy with his young women taste. The story revolves around a bizarre love triangle (shout out to Frente), involving a disenchanted salesgirl, grubby aspiring musician, and wealthy divorcee. Older man can give her the world...a world which includes money, power, nice things and hot steamy sex. Younger man can give her a cheap date...but also emotional attachment, sweet hugs & kisses, awkward conversation and awkward steamy sex. Caught between what she wants & needs, the young girl grows into a woman of some substance. A coming of age tale that is sometimes tender, and other times trite. A good attempt, and decently entertaining.

3 out of 5 stars

03/22/06 Man With The Movie Camera

Man With The Movie Camera (1929), directed by Dziga Vertov

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Pure original and experimental film, one that is a major influence on cinema even today. This Russian film, set in the late Lenin-era of the Soviet Union and early days of moving pictures, is a documentation of everyday life and society. Relying heavily on the childlike fascination with a new medium, Vertov employs the technique of a film within a film in order to make his commentary. Using tons of special effects (i.e. stop animation, split screens, stills/action splicing, art posters/signage, clever shooting angles/props), the movie captures aspects of life as if the lens of the camera were the point of view of a personal diary. It's an extreme juxtaposition of subject matter as varied as marriage/divorce, play/work, human/machine, clean/dirty, proletariat/aristocrat, birth/death. It also focuses on the era that was industrialism and thriving, showing factory settings, mine shafts, athletics, art, and vehicular street life. Images are all set to the updated score of tempos that range from haunting, playful and militaristic; like a late night techno video on MTV's "Amp." All the frenetic editing (which is also layered into the actual images on film), keeps you glued to the screen. This is one that is analyzed to death in film studies college course, and over-appreciated in fancy museums of modern art (Although it took my beautiful girlfriend to introduce me to its genius) . Simple in title, as form follows function, the film is described as "part documentary, part magic show." On with the show...

5 out of 5 stars

03/21/06 A History Of Violence

A History Of Violence (2005), directed by David Cronenberg

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Although I've only seen a few of his films, Cronenberg has a history of not only violence, but twisted science fiction and depraved mutations of the human body & mind. Knowing his penchant for these grotesque techniques, one must find the underlying thread of morality and social discourse under a lot of his work. The beauty of a film like this one is that it displays the violence in such a quiet and poignant way (if such a thing is possible). Played subdued by Viggo Mortensen, this fable follows the family & community life of one hard-working diner owner named Tom. Tom is faced with the sudden danger of robbers and weapons, exploding in what seems to be a heroic flash of brilliance against them. However, as media and public attention is shifted his way, his new found fame brings some very bad men looking for him...believing him to be a fellow bad guy himself. People (including his wife and kids) begin to suspect what the truth is, which unleashes the depths of Tom's former life of violence. Not only a taught thriller, it also showcases the emotional scars left on a family under severe circumstances. Although William Hurt's bad guy bossman is such a small role, it eanred him a well deserved Oscar nom. Ed Harris is another great bad dude too. Full of bad boys & good acting, and the occasional Cronenberg depravity.

4 out of 5 stars

03/20/06 H.O.T.S.

H.O.T.S. (1979), directed by Gerald Seth Sindell

watched w/ Leslie; DVD (personal copy) @ home

To give this film critique any ounce of dignity or self-respect, I must firmly state that this viewing came out of two necessities...I was tired and needed something very short (but still within the requirements) to watch, and that this DVD was originally intended to be a gag gift for a friend (but miraculously they already had this as a gag gift). That being said, we proceeded to shut down our brains for this one and at least hope for the gratuitous T & A. At least we got the latter. I found myself analyzing this ridiculous film too much...why would the girls need to follow the strict guidelings imposed by the university on sororities? Would any of these girls honestly know the first thing about home renovation, in repairing a dilapidated fire-ridden building? How could the inept gangsters convince the peppy cheerleaders that they in fact were robots or pest controllers in order to score the hidden loot in the attic? Why does there always need to be one of the frat guys who's crazy, and nicknamed Mad Dog or something animalistic? And most importantly, why did no one notice the giant grizzly bear drinking from the moonshine distillery bathtub...or moreover, would said bear ride a hot-air balloon over the valley? All these questions to life seem deep, but you may find that introspective solace in this soft core teenage romp. I've always said that Playboy centerfolds needed to pose as college co-eds, begin an environmentally friendly club (yes, H.O.T.S. stands for Help Out The Seals), and prove once & for all, blondes do have more fun. One final note...this film introduced me to one of the greatest camera angles ever...the hole-in-the-ground looking up into a huddle of a topless female football team. Priceless. However, it also introduced me to one of the worst selling gimmicks ever...a starring/musical role for Danny Bonaduce. Pointless.

1 out of 5 stars

03/19/06 V For Vendetta

V For Vendetta (2005), directed by James McTeigue

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Mission Valley Cinema; Raleigh, NC)

Finally, a movie that not only lives up to its own hype, but continues to mesmerize beyond the trailers and promos throughout the entire film. With a gluttony of graphic novels becoming cartoonish films, this one stands above them with a pertinent historical message. Basically, if we cannot learn from our past, we shall be condemned to repeat it (a quote I'm sure, but from who I don't know). Based on the Alan Moore story, but owing mostly to the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 in which a group of conspirators attempted to blow up Parliament, leaving Guy Fawkes to be the fall guy (a fascinating bit of history...please check it out www.guy-fawkes.com). However, back to the film...set in future London, where government has turned to a totalitarian state, striking fear into society of anything strange or different. Fed the everyday lies for too long, and surviving a horrible medical experiment in his youth, a vigilante fighter "V" (who fancies speaking in alliteration & collecting banned pieces of art while wearing a Guy Fawkes' mask) calls on all to stand up against their native oppressors. Employing the unlikely, and at first unwilling, help of young Evey (Natalie Portman, even hot bald), V uncovers the truth and readies the nation for a revolt. This one will go down with many of the great futuristic, propaganda-filled, heavily censored tales of revolution, like 1984 or Farenheit 451. Directed by the Wachowski Bros.' protege McTeigue; with visuals & pageantry of violence and revolt, the film will be fantastically burned on your brain. "Remember, remember, the 5th of November. The gunpowder treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason, should ever be forgot."

5 out of 5 stars

03/18/06 Die! Die! My Darling!

Die! Die! My Darling! (1965), directed by Silvio Narizzano

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

In what seems to me to be a lesser quality role-reversal of Hitchcock's "Psycho" mixed w/ the old Hollywood glamour fall from grace (meaning, seeing older movie vixens that have not aged well), this debacle of a horror film would serve better as an MST3K track. This idea is dumb, and although it is supposed to be fictional, what idiot would ever do what this genius Stefanie Powers' character does? Here's the plot...woman has recently deceased fiance, but is now engaged to a new man (doesn't take her long, eh?). On a trip, the woman decides to get closure over the sudden loss of her first fiance, she will meet his mother to ease both their pains. In a remote country home, filled with odd caretakers, woman finds out that the mother-in-law is a psychotically pious woman who grieves in some sort of weird Oedipal shrine to her fallen son. Seeing the sinful nature of the woman who would have been her daughter-in-law, crazy old bat imprisons, tortures, and tries to kill her; all in the name of the Lord. The weak woman plays so easily into the twisted trap, as she manages to stumble on every cliche in the captured-by-maniacs genre (i.e. tripping in her high heels trying to run away). The wicked mother is played by Tallulah Bankhead (formerly the Black Widow from TV's "Batman"), in her last film role. As I stated before, if you look at her photos from the early 30's & 40's, she was a hottie, but I'm sure years of smoking & drinking in Hollywood royalty caused the downward spiral of career choices.

1 out of 5 stars

03/17/06 The Secret Of Roan Inish

The Secret Of Roan Inish (1994), directed by John Sayles

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Winner of the St. Patrick's Day poll, we watched this strangely beautiful fairy tale of a small fishing village in Ireland that holds a secret. The secret begins to unfold when a young girl Fiona (who totally reminds me of both my little sisters when they were young), comes to town to live with her grandparents. Her younger brother's cradle was washed out to sea years earlier, and upon learning of mythical selkies (a seal who sheds its skin to become human) she believes her kin to be a part of their world. Gathering the creepy stories of magical happenings and the arrival of "the dark ones" to their village, young Fiona explores the mystery and her curiosity in earnest. This seems a rare family-oriented tale from lauded filmmaker Sayles, who usually tackles more adult & controversial subject matter. Gorgeously shot upon the rolling hills and islands of rural Ireland, this wondrous tale further proves to me why I want to travel to Ireland (my ancestors' homeland). It also goes to show what drinking all day in a pub can do for storytelling. Please check the credits for a few cast members with my last name (you know it), one cameo as Bar Patron #1. Aside from all my pale brethren, maybe now I can see if my family derives from seals. Gives a whole new meaning to a family seal, eh? I think I'll stick with a family crest...maybe it's a symbol of how my people came from toothpaste tubes...we are pasty white after all. Here's to a Happy St. Patty's day to one and all! Now, off to a pub to get my drinking on.

3 out of 5 stars

03/16/06 The Magic Christian

The Magic Christian (1969), directed by Joseph McGrath

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

It's weird how one week you will have absolutely no clue about one particular subject, hear about it in passing, then that same subject seems to be everywhere you look and you are keenly aware of it. This is how I approached "The Magic Christian." Hearing the Badfinger song "Come And Get It" on the radio (you may recognize this as a song that sounds like the Beatles, so you thought it was the Beatles, but it's not...I'll explain), I got some of the background info on it. Apparently Paul McCartney wrote the song for them, they did it, later the Beatles did too, it's famous, but they originally did it for this movie alone. Totally fascinating I thought, then I read the plot of the movie. At the peak of their tripped-out psychedelic Sgt. Pepper's era, Ringo Starr plays the newly adopted adult son of a wealthy bored guy, Peter Sellers. They go on numerous silly adventures, out to prove the over-commercialization & greed of the world wrong, and basically do as many random things as possible. Sounds fun, but the Badfinger song is the best part. It had potential for a great drug-influenced movie, a la "Head" by the Monkees. That movie made no sense too, but it was entertaining and creative. This one proves that even with a ton of cameos (Raquel Welch, Richard Attenborough, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Yul Brynner, Roman Polanski and Christopher Lee) and nudity, nothing could save this flick. The whole story culminates aboard the Magic Christian pleasure cruise-liner where, well, I'm not sure what the hell the point is. Just look for Raquel Welch being the slave-driving mistress of about 100 topless women rowing the boat in the galley. Oh, and there's a bunch of suits who go swimming in stinky sewage for money, do I hear Fear Factor anyone? "If you want it, here it is, come and get...but you better hurry 'cause it's going fast."

2 out of 5 stars

03/15/06 American Dreamz

American Dreamz (2006), directed by Paul Weitz

watched w/ Leslie, Brad B., Allyson & Lia; theater (NC State University Cinema; Raleigh, NC); free screening

Brought to you by the clever idiots who made "American Pie" and "About A Boy." Yes, stupid college humor that tries to come across as a moral tale of finding one's true self...just in the juvenile limitations of sexual innuendos, and fart jokes. However, the Weitz Bros. team tries to in this film take juvenile humor to a whole other level, challenging the American socio-political atmosphere of today. The film revolves around two major American phenomenons...the incredulous popularity of a certain American Idol-ish TV show called aptly "American Dreamz," and the equally incredulous second re-election of one idiot savant president of the country (me- thinks they may be jabbing at Dub-ya here, just a hunch). The ridiculous nature of both popular TV and politics collide head-on here in a ratings battle of the minds. A certain terrorist operative from Afghanistan is instructed to live with his relatives in America, where he accidentally ends up on the wildly entertaining Dreamz show, where he can finally showcase his flashy love for showtunes. On the other hand, an idiot president is trying to fulfill his newly elected 2nd term to office, while struggling to come to grips with his new found interest in what it means to be "Ruler of the Free World." The president is basically a puppet to someone quite resembling V.P. Cheney (played brilliantly by character actor Willem Dafoe), in all his male-pattern baldness glory. Hi-jinks ensue as many storylines intertwine over these two major forces, with sex, bombs, and pop music (not quite drugs & rock-n-roll). It remained highly stereotypical in a lot of the portrayals, but went right for it with the same juvenile humor. It was silly, but it worked enough for me to laugh. Don't take it too seriously, as you must certainly not take the real-life targets of the humor seriously either.

3 out of 5 stars

03/14/06 Junior Bonner

Junior Bonner (1972), directed by Sam Peckinpah

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from parents) @ home

Continuing with the Americana theme for the day, as well as fulfilling my Challenge requirements, I chose this supposed classic of Peckinpah & McQueen's careers. However, I was highly disappointed in the film. Not knocking westerns in any way, but this was more of a slice of country life revolving around rodeo bullriders and their dysfunctional families. I expected more from the brilliant Peckinpah, but was left with a disjointed tale of family drama & a personal road-back-to-glory. McQueen plays Jr., who comes back to his hometown to compete in a traditional rodeo to win back his pride & find himself. He has to deal with his separated parents, dissolute dreamer dad Ace, money hungry trailer-selling brother Curly, and a random love interest thrown into the mix in the last half hour. There a good ol' bar fight towards the end that shows despite all the turmoil, family & friends can mend old wounds with fisticuffs. There's some cool layerings of quick camera shots & vignettes at the beginning of the film that show the director's play with styles, but ultimately the story and direction fall flat. Too bad there's no rodeo clown to save it's butt, and make people happy in the end.

2 out of 5 stars

03/14/06 Okie Noodling

Okie Noodling (2001), directed by Bradley Beesley

watched w/ Leslie; DVD (borrowed from Joe) @ home

Right off the bat, I know this film is too short to count for the Challenge, but it should still clock in for minutes watched, etc. I have to comment on this film, because it came highly recommended for a good time (not scribbled on any bathroom stall mind you). This documentary delves into the subculture of rural Oklahoma (one of only four states that "noodling" is legal in) and its unusual love for a long-lost sport of "noodling." If your not hip to the game, it basically consists of grown men (who in turn pass the tradition on to their offspring) sticking their hands into rivers & lakes to catch big ol' ugly catfish with their bare hands. And this practice is actual not legal in the other 46 states believe it or not. Harking back to a Native American hunting traditions, this sport has grown into a veritable cult phenomenon. The film follows some of the local eccentric heroes of noodling, their trials & tribulations, and finally into the first ever competitive tournament of its kind. It's really fascinating, like some wild nature show or Crocodile Hunter adventure, to watch how serious these men take to the murky waters. It's a redneck battle of man vs. beast in epic proportions. Mullets, trucks, southern accents, and frayed short jean shorts. All the makings of an instant cult classic, or at least a soon-to-be-seen channel on your local cable network.

4 out of 5 stars

03/13/06 Domino

Domino (2005), directed by Tony Scott

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

To think that this story is based on truth is completely crazy. Seriously, truth is stranger than fiction. Based on the life of one Domino Harvey, born into wealth from famous actor father Laurence Harvey and model Pauline Stone, the young hellion decides to leave the pretentiousness of Beverly Hills behind...to become a bounty hunter. That's right. A bad-ass bounty hunter, swimming with the drug dealers and hardened criminals of the world. She latches onto the crew of leader Ed (played great by the gnarly-faced Mickey Rourke) and love-interest Choco. They begin a whirlwind life of taking out the bad guys, while blurring the lines of right/wrong. The beautifully dangerous Domino uses her wile and seduction to become a natural at the hunting game. It's a truly incredible story of leaving one world behind to pursue a completely different one altogether. Tony Scott does a great job of directing here, in similar fashion to his better masterpiece "True Romance," all the way through with a violent crescendo leading up to a mirror-image of the bloodbath massacre final scenes. I must steal a quote from my good friend Jason here in claiming that the kinetic pace was a bit too much "MTV-style editing that gave me a headache." However, if you take a few aspirin and a shot of whiskey (just kidding, don't mix 'em) this is fun ride of a film. The special features on the disc show lots of cool info on Domino with some of the last footage ever of her before her untimely death in 2005.

4 out of 5 stars

03/12/06 Baadasssss!

Baadasssss! (2003), directed by Mario Van Peebles

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home

Paying homage to his revolutionary father Melvin Van Peebles, son Mario writes, directs and stars in this biography of the elder's life. Serving as the soul godfather of early independent African-American cinema, Melvin was seen as both a controversial and groundbreaking auteur. He stood up for what he believed should be a fair fight in Hollywood, to include black people in the same status as white people, as well as exorcise all the years of persecution and prejudice suffered by his race. Melvin had a rebellious soul, incredibly intelligent social acuteness, and a tough-as-nails demeanor that carried through to his parenting. It's fascinating to see this protrayal on film of a grown son not only paying respects to his father's work, but living vicariously (and I'm sure therapeutically) through the role of his father. It pulls no punches in the seedy underbelly of Hollywood production, racial discrimination, drug & sexual exploits of the hippie-fied late 60's, and family drama. It's amazing to think, that with no budget, no proven actors, his failing health, and a rag-tag crew to work with; that Melvin ever got the groundbreaking film that would be Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song of the ground. It served as a milestone and catalyst for the 1970's black cinema explosion. Mario displays the character and cinematic skills that he gained from his father, and put into action with this biopic. Really impressive. Paved the way for Superfly & Shaft. One random trivia fact that I found amusing...guess who plays Melvin's best friend hippie Bill? Yup, Rainn Wilson, better known to fans probably for his dorky office worker in Steve Carell's sitcom "The Office." Threw me for a loop
4 out of 5 stars

03/11/06 Wings

Wings (1927), directed by William A. Wellman

watched w/ Leslie; theater (Sunrise Theater, Southern Pines, NC); w/ piano accompaniment by David Drazin

This special screening proved to be a once in a lifetime event. First off, this was my first ever silent movie that I watched in a theater, and furthermore it had a wonderful piano accompaniment by renowned silent movie artist David Drazin. Also, the showing had a reception with wine & cheese (very high class for my ass), and an appearance by silent screen legend Diana Serra Cary of "Baby Peggy" (precursor to Shirley Temple) child fame. Trust me, I know how to take my lady out on a dinner & movie date! This film also is famous for being the first ever Oscar for Best Motion Picture, and seems typical of early film epic stories. I have to admit, putting the era of actual filming (1920's) into perspective with actual viewing (2000's), there are many parts of the story and acting that seem corny. Still playing more to the theatrical stage, there is plenty of overacting, heavy makeup, spastic editing, and low-budget effects. However, it is simply remarkable that the infancy of this cinema medium could produce such a beautifully realized piece of art. Many of the effective parts could play well to today's audiences. The story follows two young men, romantic rivals back home, who start a budding friendship as airmen serving in World War I in France. Clara Bow stars as the hopeful love of one of the young men, and follows his exploits by both serving in the Women's Motor Corps in the war and pining for him to return home. The director's undertaking of reenacting war scenes was exemplary, involving hundreds of extras and brave pilot stuntmen in crashing planes. Their are interesting special effects that were used in showing the planes burning in air, as well as silly ones that included the young soldier drunkenly dreaming of bubbles floating out of his champagne and other objects. The story follows the two men throughout the horrors of war, struggles of friendship, rivalries of romancing women, and ultimately borderline platonic love. There are definitely some homo-erotic situations involving these very very close friends. And one of them has a teddy bear, that's all I'm saying. Besides my digression here, this is a great classic film of the silent era. I'm glad that I've finally reached back into the Oscar history books to see this one, and at such a unique viewing opportunity.

4 out of 5 stars

03/10/06 Fun With Dick And Jane

Fun With Dick And Jane (2005), directed by Dean Parisot

watched w/ Leslie & Joel; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

An update on the 1977 comedy of the same name (which I never saw), this film goes on to prove the staying power of all that is Hollywood. Yes, I know frequently I watch and on this website comment about movies that are simply remakes or sequels to something already produced into cinema. However, being of a generation X, or Y, or "tweeners"...whatever the hell you want to call us; maybe it's fitting that I blindly go into a movie considering that it may be fresh and new, and disregarding the original in context. Aw, forget it...this film was entertaining. I know fully that Jim Carrey can sometimes be too Jim Carrey-ish, but this is a vehicle that allows him to be himself. It's a story that is a bit too comical to be real, but it's done in a tender sort of way. Carrey & Tea Leoni play the title yuppie characters, who must battle Dick's job loss & their family's financial decline amidst keeping up the appearances of everyday yuppie life. This leads them to the depths of becoming common criminals, robbing & thieving. Some scenes were very funny, including Dick stealing sod in the night like a masked murderer to replace his lawn, or both of them dressed in all black-ninja style w/ Frampton-Comes-Alive voice modulators, imitating Styx's "Mr. Roboto." The son speaking fluent Spanish was funny, but goes furthermore to prove that Dick & Jane are bad parents who leave it up to their housekeeper to raise him, rather than communicate with him . Another upsetting fact is that their life of high crime seemingly goes unpunished in the moral world, as they are seen as modern day Robin Hood's giving back after stealing from stingy magnate Alec Baldwin. Set that aside, and it's a funny flick. Look for the hilarious Enron send-up at the closing credits.

3 out of 5 stars

03/09/06 The Legend Of Zorro

The Legend Of Zorro (2005), directed by Martin Campbell

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

The legendary swashbuckler Zorro comes out of retirement (thanks, Antonio) in pre-statehood California to save the day once again from bad guys. The bad guys here are many, and all mixed up together in a bad-guy stew of French royalty, gun-toting religious zealot cowboys (w/ wooden teeth), and undercover American agents. The good guys are the family Zorro, with his elegant wife (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and mischievous son carrying on the brave de la Vega name. In order to save the Californians from eminent danger, Zorro must put his life on the line to protect his family's honor and his superhero secrecy. This is typical of any sequel that knows going into production that it will never match the charm of the original, nor have enough bite to the script in order to keep it entertaining for over an hour. So, let's throw in some love affairs and a sweetheart child actor into the mix, and everyone will love it. Also, you gotta love Antonio's accent...which must prove that Governor Schwarzenegger must really be saying "Cali-four-knee-a" correctly. They played this less-threatening action film down to its PG rating. I don't think anyone actually dies in this one, kind of like in the old G.I. Joe cartoons where planes got shot down, but the guys always managed to eject safely just in the nick of time. Unfortunately, my seat on the home movie theater (my couch) didn't have the same eject button.

2 out of 5 stars

03/08/06 Guess Who

Guess Who (2005), directed by Kevin Rodney Sullivan

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Record Exchange) @ home

Based loosely (and I do mean loosely) on the classic "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner," this feature turns the tables on the leading character roles. In this instance, a black woman takes her white fiance home to meet her parents for the first time, causing some unexpected racial tensions. While trying to remain a light-hearted comedy that also touches the raw nerve of racial issues in our American society, the film isn't quite sure as to what message it's trying to convey. I am all for using comedy as a cathartic release for any hot button issue in life, as nothing should be so negative as to cause terror and turmoil. However, using pretty boy Ashton Kutcher to drive home that point? That's like using Fabio to sell me on solving third-world hunger. It doesn't compute, too cliche. I have to admit, there were some scenes in the film that made me laugh, mostly where Bernie Mac showed his great comic delivery. The film jumped between the usual sitcom routines of a guy trying to impress the future in-laws by going over the top, lying about something major, hi-jinks involving some machismo test, losing his lover to the same idiot hi-jinks, and having to win her back & the respect of the parents all in one motion. Good luck Ashton, some of us are rooting for you.

2 out of 5 stars

03/07/06 Hellbound: Hellraiser 2

Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 (1988), directed by Tony Randel

watched w/ Leslie; VHS (personal copy) @ home

So, I didn't catch the original masterpiece Hellraiser...but fortunately for me (the eager viewer) most of the beginning of this sequel is a re-hash flashback of it. In case we get lost as a collective audience on this high-brow cinematic epic, the plotline is laid before us like a shimmering Yellow Brick Road of gory intestines and bloody mattresses. Yes, Mensa member...this intellectual mind warp is the equivalent of Einstein slamming his head into a car door repeatedly, then giving us all a dissertation on cannibalism and bad acting. You probably remember this one from USA's "Up All Night" or something, but I wish it would have stayed there. There's a mental patient who's lived the Pinhead terror before, a magical labyrinth puzzle box, a skinless woman who comes back from the dead to reclaim a body, monsters kissing, and possibly the dumbest doctor ever. This film did teach me what a cenobite (in the movie, they're a sadistic demon) is though...look it up, a member of a convent or other religious community. Maybe the people who made this piece of crap were in the same cult. Sickos. Quite possibly the worst movie I'll watch this year.

1 out of 5 stars

03/06/06 Cool Hand Luke

Cool Hand Luke (1967), directed by Stuart Rosenberg

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

"What we have here is a failure to communicate." OK, I just had to lead things off with the classic line from the movie. Not only is it a fun thing to imitate, it serves the dual purpose as being the basic premise of Paul Newman's title character Luke. Luke is a down-on-his-luck man who likes to do things his own way, and disregard any rules or regulations you throw at him. His petty crime (cutting the heads off of parking meters while drunk...hilarious) lands him in a harsh Southern prison camp where he's forced onto the physical labor of a chain gang. He's a stubborn guy who slowly earns the respect of his fellow inmates through his toughness and fearlessness. Upon learning of his mother's death, Luke tries what is the first of many prison breaks. This solidifies his hero status in the eyes of the imprisoned men, who begin to live vicariously through Cool Hand Luke. Never wanting the attention to begin with, Luke again has to prove his own mental toughness to overcome his position. The film is simplistic in its way that it portrays a man at his breaking point, who must soul search for morality, religion, violence and ultimate purpose in life. This is a famous role for Newman, who earns his legend of cool in a role of this nature...plus it doesn't hurt to eat 50 eggs in an hour. Don't try that one at home.

4 out of 5 stars

03/05/06 Ultraviolet

Ultraviolet (2006), directed by Kurt Wimmer

watched w/ Leslie & Jason; theater (Town & Country Cinema, Aberdeen, NC)

Let me just start by saying that director Kurt Wimmer's last film "Equilibrium" was amazing. It was a dark undertaking of a futuristic world where emotions are regulated by law, and people are either subjected to a life-altering drug or eliminated. Similarly in subject matter, Ultraviolet portrays a futuristic world where a blood-borne disease has infected the population, giving carriers superhuman abilities. However, the government (lead by the evil Daxus) tries to eliminate these Hemophages (lead by the rogue warrior Violet) before she can save her kind from extinction. Violet has the uncanny ability to not only change her hair or wardrobe color at the inkling of an emotional change, but has the coolest gloves that will produce any weapon she sees fit to kick butt against the bad guys, out of thin air. While playing to the comic book favorites of superhuman strengths, grotesque mutations of life, apocalyptic warfare, and over-the-top fight scenes; this film however falls flat on developing its plot (or covering up plot-holes for that matter). Wimmer used clever characters and dark socio-political dialogues in "Equilibrium" to convey the situation that the movie is involved. Here, most of the guesswork on what exactly a Hemophage is, or how exactly this world evolved, up to the viewer. Plus, the creepy maternal/sexual relationship that Violet has with the child lab-rat she rescues is unsettling. Milla Jovovich (playing Violet) is used simply as she was as the heroine in "The Fifth Element," except here she shouldn't have had much speaking parts either. Just let her kick butt.

3 out of 5 stars

03/04/06 Pride & Prejudice

Pride & Prejudice (2005), directed by Joe Wright

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (North American Video) @ home

Oh joy, another adaptation of a Jane Austen novel. Why does it seem that every year, like pornos, these period pieces are pumped out of the film industry at the rate of one a day? The most annoying part of the whole thing is that people eat it up, and love every second of the British acting (false accent or not, or is it naught?...since we're faking British with adding extra letter u's in places). Anyway, I'm not buying into the hype. Unfortunately (or rather fortunately) I have not read the Austen novel of Pride & Prejudice, but it seems to be one of the more likable ones out there. Keira Knightley plays the prominent role, the second oldest sister of 5 that all come from a poor (come on, everyone still tries to be high society) family that are trying to secure a profitable and happy future by marrying off all the sisters to wealthier suitors. It's a horrible way to live if you ask me...arranged marriages, caring terribly about class systems and image, and basically prostituting out your daughters off to any man with a wallet. But hey, with tons of witty Shakespearean banter and pretty actors, it's classic fare right? Maybe I'm being to harsh or simple-minded to a classic, but it's just an ok story. It's great that Knightley's character stands up for herself in this time to express true emotions and feelings of love & hate. It's those nagging title words of pride & prejudice however that keep it from happening. She then falls for the man she loathes...an ugly John Cusack with chops, all the while defending her family's dignity. It's an ok movie of a subject that I'm sure has been cranked out over a million times already. So, if you enjoy that kind of repetitive nature, by all means sink your teeth into this one.

3 out of 5 stars

03/03/06 Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four (2005), directed by Tim Story

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Another wasted comic book translation into celluloid crap. Following in the grand tradition of Catwoman or Batman & Robin, this adaptation of your childhood heroes falls by the wayside in the gluttony of comic movies in the last few years. This is just awful acting, too fast paced storytelling, and heroes/villains that wouldn't cause anyone's heart to race. The dialogues is hokey, the re-telling of how the Fantastic 4 receive their wonderous powers is trite, and even the Invisible Girl disrobing isn't appealing enough to warrant watching. OK, maybe that part is a bit of a lie, but seriously, don't pay to see this one. I'm ok with the overacting & cartoonistic approach to superhero tales in most cases, but they don't even really try here. And hey, the actor who plays the evil Dr. Doom is way scarier in his role as Cole the Source Of All Evil in the TV show Charmed. Trust me, I know.

1 out of 5 stars

03/02/06 Mrs. Henderson Presents

Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005), directed by Stephen Frears

watched solo; theater (Galaxy Cinema, Cary, NC)

Not always being a fan of either wry British films or musicals, you would think that this wouldn't be the first thing I'd run to go see. However, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised with this film the whole way through. The dry humor was punctuated with plenty of biting retorts and spicy language to kick it up that extra American notch. Dame Judi Dench has a mouth like a sailor for one, and kudos to her for stretching as a proper actress there. She plays a widow who eagerly wants an artistic hobby in war-torn high-society London. She finds it in purchasing & renovating an old theater in town, and hiring a stubborn yet inventive manager (played brilliantly by Bob Hoskins) to run its productions. They soon unveil the risque revue that involves completely nude performers, a veritable female "Full Monty" if you will. Quickly becoming a shocking hit, especially with the young male soldiers desperate for some "art," and brings the community together for something fun in the middle of everything terrible going on around them. Sort of the perfectly quaint British comedy, with tons of language (Frears' usual witty banter) and nudity to have them poking fun at themselves for their often uptight demeanor. It proves to be a whimsical metaphor for the ever present English resolve.

4 out of 5 stars

03/01/06 Munich

Munich (2005), directed by Steven Spielberg

watched solo; theater (Crossroads 20 Cinema, Cary, NC)

Based on the tragic true events of the now infamous 1972 Olympics in Munich, this film delves into the deeper war waged between the Israelis and Palestinians. While the actual terrorist event of the Israeli athletes' being taken hostage & eventually killed is the reason for the film, it serves more as a catalyst to follow the Israeli retaliation to it. Eric Bana is good as the leader of an elite Mossad task force sent out to eliminate the architects of the Black September terrorist sect. The story follows the hitmen throughout the world hunting the men down, all the while being hunted themselves. The battle goes deep into the moral psyche of the men, as violence begets more violence, and leaves a lasting toll on their consciences. It also tries to show how very corrupt both governments and separatist agencies can be.Although given the Hollywood slant by its poster boy Spielberg, it is amazing to see how he can tackle such gripping subject matter of pivotal historic events/themes, and make them into a remarkable film.

5 out of 5 stars

03/01/06 Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed

Ginger Snaps 2: Unleashed (2004), directed by Brett Sullivan

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home

Picking up where the first Ginger Snaps left off, this sequel follows younger sister Brigitte down the dark and drug-addled path of werewolf destruction. Seeing the visions of her older sister Ginger's death, and the lycanthropic beast hunting his maiden down, leads Brigitte to wolfsbane addicition pumped straight into her veins via needle. Admitted to a mental hospital for her condition, she begins to show the effects of her transformation, much to the liking of her creepy little Dakota Fanning-esque sidekick named Ghost. If you lust for teenage horror, drug addicts, and mental patients than this is your cup of tea. Think of it as sort of a Girl, Interrupted with killer werewolves. Unsure of reality, truth, and acceptance of what form she truly is, Brigitte must defeat the evils around and within her. A good scare, campy splatter-gore, and gothic frivolity.

3 out of 5 stars

02/28/06 Barbarella

Barbarella (1968), directed by Roger Vadim

watched w/ Leslie; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Pure cult classic fare, in all it's hippie sci-fi psychedelic glory. I have to admit that I honestly thought this would be a bit more sure of itself as a campy flick, rather than dabble as much in the punny Airplane style humor that Fonda desperately tries at. That part was stupid...as is anything Fonda does. I hate her, although as a young sex-kitten she is easy on the eyes floating around naked in her galactic pod. Playing the title role of Barbarella, she romps through the cosmos in search of an evil madman hellbent on celestial domination, encountering wild characters on crazy planetary adventures. Enjoy this ridiculousness for what it is...demonic dolls, doped up fembots smoking on a human hookah, fur-lined space portals, blind winged angel Adonis, the origins of Duran Duran, virtual sex, flesh eating canaries, and dream chambers. C'mon...who's not psyched about the future now?!?! Plus, Fonda must do at least a wardrobe change per scene which is exciting enough to be a dancing show in Vegas. However, for being the future where sex is literally mind blowing, the soundtrack of love is god awful. Aside from the Tom Jones-esque theme song (hell, it probably is Tom Jones), the score is terrible. Alas, Barbarella where have you gone?

3 out of 5 stars