10/04/06 If I Should Fall From Grace: The Shane MacGowan Story

If I Should Fall From Grace: The Shane MacGowan Story (2001), directed by Sarah Share

watched w/ Leslie (partially); DVD rental (Netflix) @ home; suggested by Jack F.

This is another musical documentary that had been suggested to me by a friend a few years ago, and upon my year-long Challenge has made a viable resurgence into movie suggestion making. It's just one of those titles that has been lost in the pack for too long, and finally I've taken the initiative to plop down in front of a TV and try my best to decipher (with a little help from the subtitles) the ramblings of this musical maniac that is Shane MacGowan. As lead singer for the seminal & raucous Irish punk rock band The Pogues, MacGowan may come across to many as a blithering idiot that has horribly bad teeth and a slight drinking problem. However, upon further review with this enlightening journey into the man's world and mind...one true fan can see that he is quite the opposite...simply a blithering genius that has extremely horribly bad teeth and a heavy drinking problem. With tons of archival footage of their stage performances, behind the scenes fights and partying, and intimate interviews with loved ones, and the man himself...the story weaves a complicated tale of success and turmoil in a very simplistic style of storytelling. Something that Irish culture is based on I suppose, along with the heavy drinking and loud music involving strings and horns (I can say this of course because I am of proud Irish descent). If you don't know the Pogues' music, look into it...you will love it. That is of course if you like good ol' rowdy drinking music sped up so that you can't understand a lick of what they're saying...bands of today that owe them a debt of gratitude include favorites like Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. The music is what drew me in, and it's the intriguing story of MacGowan's life that will keep you hooked in. However, the filmmaking itself does seem a bit rough around the edges (probably an obvious nod to MacGowan's own persona), but it does what it needs to. There are some erratic elements of interviews interspliced with live concert footage that seems to just play on as if it were a concert movie (not that I'm complaining), but it would have been nice to see more about influences on him and vice versa. It really opens your eyes to a rather under-appreciated punk legend...with all the tragic elements that make it a compelling story. And that scratchy evil laugh, half-smoked cigarette dangling between dirty fingernails and wild bug eyes that he's got...how can you pass that up?!

4 out of 5 stars

10/03/06 Just Like Heaven

Just Like Heaven (2005), directed by Mark S. Waters

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

Again, another seemingly sappy love story...that basically takes elements from "While You Were Sleeping" and "Ghost"...and introduces them to the artfully twisted director of both "The House Of Yes" and "Mean Girls." It's the latter of those two comparisons that drew me more to this project, and probably why my movie tastes mesh well enough with Leslie's. This is not your basic love affair here, as the story pits Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo in a very unique and compromising situation. It all starts when workaholic young doctor Elizabeth (Witherspoon) is involved in a terrible car accident on her way to her sister's, where she was to be set up on a blind date. However, after the accident, Elzabeth slips into a coma and is feared to be dying. Her family must deal with the fact that she may not live, and sublets her apartment in order to pay some of the pending medical bills. The man that rents the apartment is landscape architect David (Ruffalo), who upon moving in soon finds himself face to face with the spirit of Elizabeth. What Elizabeth doesn't know however, is that she is in fact a spirit, stuck between both worlds because she is in a coma. With her ghostly amnesia, and David's recent trauma at losing his ex-wife, he believes he's delusional and must fight to live a normal life. The odd pairing of Elizabeth and David move from an initial relationship of mutual animosity towards the other's situation, soon becomes a loving bond the two share in compatability and the unifying search to find out what exactly happened to Elizabeth and how to save her from life-support. Racing against time, the two go through wacky capers in order to find the truth, and mess with fate. It's a bit silly to think about, but sappy or not, it can be a moving little film. Waters' brand of off-kilter approaches to mainstream movie-making is not lost from his "House Of Yes" days...as the love stories always seem to have some sort of dark undertone to them. I don't want to ruin it for all of you die-hard (oops, is that the wrong choice of words when someone's in a coma?) romance fans out there...but the two must awaken Elizabeth's spirit into her real body, only to have her amnesia jump ship to reality and forget who David was. Everything comes back into focus when she realizes that the man she was originally meant to be set-up with on the blind date was in fact...you could have guessed it, but damn if it isn't bittersweet to the end. With support roles by the morally lacking best friend Jack (Donal Logue) and spaced-out new-age book store worker Darryl (Jon Heder), the quirky love story works for me.

3 out of 5 stars

10/02/06 Bewitched

Bewitched (2005), directed by Nora Ephron

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

Why on Earth would you think that a remake of this magnitude would be necessary or important to our pop culture or way of life in any respect?!? It wouldn't even strike me as all that lucrative of an idea for the executives to make in the industry. Heck, I know Nora Ephron hasn't done crap in years (I guess it's more like she's done nothing but crap for years), but this is her best attempt at a comeback? The only thing...and I mean the only thing that remotely saved this thing from being a useless piece of non-biodegradable garbage was a few flashes of brilliance in the zany comedy rants of Will Ferrell (and I guess both Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert thrown in for witty retorts). Seriously, think of the amount of talent that is wasted here (then think hard about how much these very talented people must command in salaries alone to have paid so much money in efforts to produce this piece of doggie doo). Yes, there's world-renowned actors in their twilight years trying to earn a little cha-ching on the side to pay for the medical bills (Michael Caine and Shirley MacLaine). There's also support comedic roles for the likes of the two Steve's, David Alan Grier, Richard Kind, Amy Sedaris, Jason Schwartzman, Mo Rocca, and Conan O'Brien...who all must have been lied to horribly to ever think they would be in a funny film. Then there's the unwavering academia of cinema himself, James Lipton (whom Will Ferrell did a hilarious impression of in his old "SNL" days)...making some completely bad career move by becoming an anecdote for this movie in one of his later "Inside The Actors Studio" guest interviews. And can anyone tell me why beautiful Nicole Kidman insists on making these wretched reamkes of old TV shows and movies (see another awful turn in 2004's remade "Stepford Wives" as a light-hearted comedy)?! Make it stop! I guess this one is not a true remake in the traditional sense...but rather a modern day movie studio's attempt to remake a television classic by enlisting a fading superstar Jack's (Ferrell) career and a no-name local casting call...and actual witch Isabel (Kidman). Yes, a film within a film if you will, where Jack and his agent think it smart to revive his acting career by casting him as Darrin in a sure-fire hit of a TV-show remaking "Bewitched." Looking for the right nose-wiggling beauty to be the famed Samantha, real-life witch Isabel falls in their laps. But when Isabel's attempts to hide her true bewitching identity come out in some wacky witching wizardry...she can't help but be herself. Much to the amazement of dim-witted Jack, and to the disapproval of her father (Caine)...Isabel must do what's right with her new-found fame. The story goes back and forth from so-called reality and television, back to reality than to film...but it maintains a consistent air of stupidity throughout the actual film. I've wasted my time now watching it, then explaining it to you all. Good night.

2 out of 5 stars

10/01/06 Dig!

Dig! (2004), directed by Ondi Timoner

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

This had been a documentary that I heard a lot of buzz about over the last few years, in both the cinematic and musical worlds. I knew that it wasn't necessarily based on a type of music that I would particularly like (honestly, other than hearing about both bands the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Dandy Warhols...I had only really heard the Warhols' one-hit wonder "Not If You Were The Last Junkie On Earth"...or better known as that "heroin is so passe" song). However, I thought if nothing else, the scope of this documentarian's work was spanning nearly a decade and involving a brand of drama that everyone should love...rock bands and the drugged-out turmoil their diva-esque personalities can create. That is sure fire entertainment folks. And considering that when the movie first begins, it is the unknown beginnings of both of these bands...the fact that they had such ego-driven mentalities from the get go was hilarious. Both bands evolved out of the West Coast of American fringe bands in the early 90's, and were part of a sub-genre of rock that was hell-bent on providing the disruptive revolution of the corporate music industry. A valiant ideology yes, but with poor execution on the parts of these hopeless dreamers. All of the bandmates offer strong personalities to the screen, but none more so than the two frontmen of the bands...and their bitter friendship/rivalry at becoming famous and furthering their art. Anton Newcombe of the Massacre, and Courtney Taylor of the Warhols play the foils to each others success most times...as the friendship begins in drunken excess and poetic license. The film follows all of the band members on their rocky road to promising stardom, witnessing as a video diary their collective drug abuse, violent on-stage antics, partying, arrests, death threats and love fests. It's compelling to watch such real-life people act in such larger-than-life kind of mentalities, when all of their talents usually end up in frustration and unfulfilled tragedy. This is what "Behind The Music" was all about, and unfortunately it's not around anymore either. It's ironic too, in that this film is trying to document each bands rise to fame, and when one band (the Warhols) seem to "sell out" in their friends' (Massacre) eyes...nothing is more bittersweet than their subsequent encounters with each other over the years...ultimately showcased in this very documentary on a large screen for them to become famous (or infamous) all over again. That's deep man...you should write a song about it, and sell out. Ultimately I wasn't overly impressed with the film...as it at times just seems to go through the motions of life and a petering out of a relationship. While documentaries will seem to always fascinate, these bands are just passe.

3 out of 5 stars

09/30/06 Hard Candy

Hard Candy (2005), directed by David Slade

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

Here's what happens when you take a timeless fairy tale of murder, morality and loss of innocence ("Red Riding Hood"), give it a modern day twist on abuse of technologies (sexual predators surfing the internet)...and flip the usual ending on its ear by giving a hard dose of payback to the unsuspecting audience (ummm, you'll just have to see it to believe it). In what is a thoroughly creepy plot, we follow the online chatting of young 14-year old Hayley as she uncomfortably flirts with the inappropriate 32-year old fashion photographer Jeff. What starts off as a creepy virtual relationship, soon becomes a real-life encounter as the two plan to meet in person a local coffee shop. As unsettling as that sounds, the meeting takes place, and is seen that Jeff is an unassuming average guy that has an unhealthy fascination with young teenage girls. What is more unsettling is that Hayley feeds his flirtations with her own, posing the question to every good parent in America...do you know where your children are right now? This scenario is an awful one, and one that I'm sure every parent has their deepest fear. The one thing that this story has to it though is its share of disturbing twists. Very much in the vein of a "Red Riding Hood" re-telling like the violent "Freeway" film, this one has some feminist kick-ass punch. Once the odd couple move their rendezvous to a more private location, namely Jeff's bachelor pad, Hayley takes the sick game to a whole other level. Jeff thinks himself to be the older, wiser and more devious of predators in this situation, but what he didn't bet on was Hayley's own sick brand of revenge and her willingness to create her own victim. Full of evil thoughts and retribution for past teenage sexual abuse victims, Hayley poisons, kidnaps, and basically tortures Jeff for the remainder of the movie. Pinning him against his will in his own home, she forces her mental imprisonment upon him...giving him a taste of his own manipulative medicine. The poster art for the film tells volumes, as it shows an innocent looking hooded figure of Hayley standing nearby an open steel-claw bear trap...as if to bait an unsuspecting predator into her clutches. Using her nubile body as the bait, she gets what she wants...and makes him pay for it dearly. Although it is graphic and unsettling, hell even offensive in some parts, it is the angry response that most normal people would have in reaction to horrible atrocities that these kind of perverted crimes can stir up. Finally, we get to see the bad guy played off their own tactics of manipulation and dominance, and put into the vulnerable spot of victim. The darkness of subject and the exploration of characters in almost a stage production here is evident by first-time feature director Slade...and it will be a film that will have people talking for some time.

4 out of 5 stars

09/29/06 Snakes On A Plane

Snakes On A Plane (2006), directed by David R. Ellis

watched w/ Leslie, Mike A., Janine, Z, Eric, Ryan T., Alex, Matt M., Dave ? & others; theater (Blue Ridge Cinema, Raleigh, NC)

The one you have been waiting for all year long. The one that has had Samuel L. Jackson fans eagerly awaiting his awe-inspiring screen presence for one more glorious bad-ass ride. The one that has had millions upon billions buzzing about it worldwide through some of the most clever and unabashed marketing campaigns ever (www.snakesonaplane.com). The one that was going to have you either rolling in the aisles with laughter, or wincing in fear under the protection of the closest shoulder/arm to hide beneath in the movie theater. The one that promises to have tons of sequels/copiers/posers to its coolness. The one that gives certain serpents the coolest logo usage since the dawning of the Rx prescription one (snakes intertwined around an airplane). The one that wins for the best movie title ever...based solely on mere beautiful simplicity. Yes, it has arrived (to the dollar theater...because there ain't no way in hell that you'd want to see it any other way)..."Snakes On A (insert expletive here) Plane." Do you really need to know what the plot is about, when it lays it out for you so effortlessly as it does in every poster, teaser and webpage in America?! I mean, my best friend Jason managed to work into his prank-phone call repertoire one that enlisted the help of Samuel L. Jackson and the advent of modern technologies such as the internet. Using the movie's homepage, he put some of my personal info down on a call list that had a pre-recorded message of Jackson cursing at me to stop what I was doing with my life in order to run out and see this movie...taking my friend along with me for the ride. As blatant as a prank call that was, and as shameless of a promotion as it was for the filmmakers...it caught on and worked tremendously! In the vein of such cult classics/viewing experiences as say a "Rocky Horror Picture Show," going to the theater to see this tongue-in-cheek thriller was just that...an experience! You knew what schlock you were in for, you paid a dollar to see it, and you enjoyed the hell out of it! We went with a large crowd to see this, and that made for all the more fun! It's planes set loose on an airliner full of people, full of criminals & detectives, full of rap stars and models, full of annoying children, full of mile-high club wanna-be's, full of suspense, action and mayhem...and did I mention full of highly venomous snakes! As stated by Jackson's bad-ass personified street-smart detective Flynn, the plot is one centered on a terrorist scheme that most would have never thought of to be ready for...and you can tell very quickly that the security is anything but ready for it. Sure there are millions of completely obvious oversight in plot and reality...but that's where the fun comes in. I've heard rumors that the film crew spent tons of time on just additional shoots & footage of snakes attacking people (and biting various naughty body parts) and Jackson attacking with his razor-sharp tongue one-liners (an expletive induced mofo line that will live in infamy)...just for more laughs! It all worked brilliantly! I'm sold, perhaps on never flying again, but definitely on watching this one over & over again...just to find all those little nuances that over time hold more appreciation in cinematic lore. I can't describe this film any further without getting choked up & emotional...a bit misty eyed if you will. Snakes are not just on a plane here...but they've found a way into this cold heart.

4 out of 5 stars

09/28/06 The Lake House

The Lake House (2006), directed by Alejandro Agresti

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

Stay with me on this one...and don't make fun of me for being soft. I rented this one with the intention of making Leslie happy, seeing as it was a tear-jerker of a sappy (yet fantastical) love story. However, I was impressed by the romanticism that was the re-teaming of "Speed" co-stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu "I'm Neo" Reeves. Granted, I think the whole idea of a magical mailbox ranks right up there with the acting efforts of Mr. Reeves in most of his movies, but alas, I was willing to give it a try. What I came to find out is that this film is yet another remake of a foreign film that you've never heard of, but is probably even better than the Americanized one. Its predecessor was the Korean film "Siworae" made in 2000 where the setting was a city apartment building, as opposed to the re-telling with the titular lake house. Once you get past both the facts that I was watching a "romantic" movie and that it was about a magical time-altering mailbox...it wasn't half bad. A lonely and lovelorn doctor Kate (Bullock) tries to get away from the hustle & bustle and constant reminders of a harsh city by moving into a remote lake house. Once she moves in, she begins to experience an odd delivery in her mailbox...letters coming from the mysterious previous owner of the house, one frustrated architect Alex (Reeves). The two lonely souls begin a time-travelling correspondence, which begins with disbelief and intrigue, to blossom ultimately into a torrid love affair that may never come into existence. Somehow their lives are happening simultaneously two years apart from each other, but their paths seemingly cross over many times before they can be brought back together. Proving that love can defy all odds (and freakin' laws of physics), the two somehow maintain their affair through sentimental gestures big (at one point Alex plants a tree outside a construction site that is to one day become the current apartments that Kate lives in...while she's standing on the sidewalk, a tree miraculously appears full-grown beside her) and small (Alex goes back to a train depot to retrieve a book that Kate lost their two years prior). All of their friends and family think they are insane, but still support them in the notion of finding that elusive true love. What makes matters even more deep, the lake house in question was designed by Alex's famous architect father (Christopher Plummer) for his mother...which created so much lovelorn affliction for his family, and manifests itself into his relationship with Kate. Confusing yes...completely unbelievable true...but visually captivating and intriguing. Doesn't everybody wish they had a magical mailbox? One that perhaps didn't contain bills and junkmail every month?!

3 out of 5 stars

09/27/06 Miami Vice

Miami Vice (2006), directed by Michael Mann

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

Gone are the flashy dress suits of pastels, white and silver...but remaining are the flashy sports cars that detectives like to drive (real incognito if you ask me). Gone are the leading men/musical talents of Philip Michael Thomas and Don Johnson...but replacing them are the leading men/musical talents/sex-tape scandalizers Jamie Foxx and Colin Farrell respectively. Gone are the innocent times of prime-time television action/drama...and here usher in the violent tendencies of big-time blockbuster movies. I think it was probably a collective disbelief from most when the idea was announced to the world that the TV-show "Miami Vice" was going to be remade by known gritty filmmaker Michael Mann (best known for turns with "Heat," "The Insider," "Ali," and most recently "Collateral" with Foxx). Teaming up again with the new star-power of Foxx, and the Hollywood bad-boy Farrell...the respectable director had Rico Tubbs and Sonny Crockett back from hiatus to do some damage. Yes, that's where the great ideas basically stopped. What could have been a really cool action film, and truly a departure from presentation than it's original television predecessor...fell flat on its grainy camera lens face. The plot has the dynamic duo being asked to take part in an undercover sting operation of epic proportions. When there is a security breach in the agency's task force, the FBI taps Crockett & Tubbs to infiltrate a drug ring using their unorthodox style of law enforcement. Posing as outlaw smugglers themselves, the duo begin to unravel a huge arms & drug trafficking ring at their risk of their own lives. Emotions heat up when Crockett falls for the one woman he shouldn't...the beautifully deadly wife (Gong Li) of the biggest drug lord of them all. Tubbs tries to talk some sense into his buddy, but will the operation cost them everything?! Oh boy, I hope not! The action can be intense at times and fairly graphic (considering the 80's pop-culture approach from the old TV-series), but the acting is dumb and drug out. The grainy footage of Mann's shooting style (a la "Collateral") does not play well here with the characterizations of the players not worth the intensity of the filming. It's sad really, and totally laughable. Foxx is a good actor too, but he seems to be stuck in that post-Oscar winning funk that many fall into. Also, you can't take Farrell's lousy American-ized accent seriously, nor his so-called bad-boy antics any further than perhaps punching a paparazzo rather than taking down a Miami drug kingpin with an uzi. Yeah, but those pastel suits are still one of my all-time favorite Halloween costume ideas. A remake of someone making the old outfits of Crockett & Tubbs and wearing them for Halloween would have made for a better movie than this modern take on their exploits. We left the theater (some of us sooner than others...waiting in the car until it let out)laughing and shaking our heads...where have you gone Don Johnson?

2 out of 5 stars

09/26/06 Open Season

Open Season (2006), directed by Roger Allers & Jill Culton, Anthony Stacchi

watched solo; theater (North Hills 14 Cinema, Raleigh, NC); free screening

It's been quite awhile since I've had the luxury of picking up free passes to any new movie in the local area...so even though it was a silly cartoon (excuse me, animated feature film...they have Oscars for that now don't they?), I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, with the free screenings it's almost always a must to get there early enough (since they pass out much more tickets than they have seats) to get in. That being said, the screening for this one was at 7:00 p.m., giving me no time to be able to come home after work or shower (and barely get a meal in beforehand...and couldn't pick up Leslie since she was busy with grad school homework). So, I rush over to this fancy mall in North Raleigh to catch the film, and when I get there...tons of empty seats and most of the others filled with families and annoying kids. Yeah, should have known. Coming straight from the construction site, just to catch a film where some of the main characters are talking animals named Boog and McSquizzy. How seriously can you take that? Not very I might add...plus, the lead vocals provided by some Hollywood talent (they're usually over-animated actors anyway...ha ha) like Ashton Kutcher (Elliot) and Martin Lawrence (Boog). You throw in some ensemble talent...wait can you truly claim an animated film to be an ensemble cast...seeing that the actors probably never were in the recording studio at the same time, or perhaps never even met before...so where is the chemistry? Anyway, the ensemble (for lack of a better word) includes the voice-over talents of Jon Favreau, Gary Sinise, Debra Messing, Billy Connolly, and the ever distinct tones of Patrick Warburton (TV's "The Tick" and Puddy from "Seinfeld"). Some famous voices, and some constant comical gags for the children...throw in the occasional fart joke, balanced out with a zinger that only the parents will catch...and you have a hit. It's actually not that bad of a film, kept you laughing just enough. It's about Boog the grizzly bear, who was rescued & domesticated (yes, I said the bear was domesticated...he lives in a garage) by park ranger Beth. Used to his cozy surroundings and afraid of the outdoors...he unintentionally teams up & gets lost with a deer named Elliot, whom he rescues from evil hunter Shaw, to find their own way through the wilderness back home. The two buddies have to help their woodland creature brethren turn the tables on the local hunters during open hunting season. Kind of dumb, but I liked it. Plus, the atmosphere sold me after walking out of the fancy ol' north Raleigh cineplex, out to a fine fall night where a jazz band was playing in the open grassy courtyard. There I was, a weary construction worker having just watched a cartoon for the past hour & a half, being serenaded by some jazz in the cool night air. Unusually poetic.

3 out of 5 stars

09/25/06 The Alamo

The Alamo (2004), directed by John Lee Hancock

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from parents) @ home

An actual historic event given the ol' Hollywood razzle dazzle treatment, where we line up a list of famous actors to re-enact the roles and personalities of famed historical figures...but you can't quite get past the fact that you are staring not at Davy Crockett in the flesh, but rather Billy Bob Thornton wearing fake sideburns and a smarmy grin. However, all digressions aside...this is a decent historical drama, even if given the glitzy flare. The story is a momentous one...and let's set the tone if you were sleeping in history class in 5th grade. The Alamo served the site for a famous 1836 battle and siege of an abandoned mission in San Antonio, Texas. Standing as the symbolic stronghold to their city and state, native Texans and Tejanos forces of not even 200 men fought against a surging Mexican Army led by the tyrannical General Santa Anna that numbered in the thousands. What unfolded was a brutal and unforgettable battle between armies, but furthermore personified a mentality of the burgeoning country of America where people making the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of freedom could attain seemingly insurmountable odds. The ending to the battle would be tragic, especially for the Texan side...however it would lead to later battles that would shift the tides in favor of Texas' independence. Truly a time-honored story to tell, but it's still a cast of familiar faces playing these key historic figures...Thornton (Davy Crockett...of the coonskin cap fame), Dennis Quaid (Sam Houston...of the city named after him fame), and Jason Patric (Sam Bowie...of the knife fame) to name a few. Once (if you ever) get around the fact that the actors are who they are, the acting abilities on display here are good. The story itself engrosses you if nothing else...as I am a historical nut. I found myself trying to keep that inner balance as a viewer by appreciating the rememberance of such an important event in time, but also grounding myself by seeing the Hollywood aspects to the action and dramatic elements. Plus, another ridiculous thought that I couldn't get out of my movie-saturated head was wondering about the basement of the Alamo, and poor Pee-Wee Herman never finding his bike there on the guided tour. Plus, I believe that Ozzy Osbourne once peed on the landmark itself, getting himself a lifetime ban from the premises (don't mess with Texas). With those two tacky tributes, how could a film like this desecrate the memory of it any worse?

3 out of 5 stars

09/24/06 Gwendoline

Gwendoline (1984), directed by Just Jaeckin

watched w/ Jason; DVD (Jason's copy) @ Jason & Sabrina's house (Pinehurst, NC)

You have to know that you are in for a campy sci-fi treat when you have these two key elements. One: a title so long and ridiculous sounding that the marketing ploy for the advertisements must be shortened for simplicity/clarity of the B-movie budget and focusing the title solely on the sexy siren lead character to carry said campy sci-fi plot to its entirety (see original title being "The Perils Of Gwendoline In The Land Of Yik Yak" truncated to just "Gwendoline"). Two: Casting your aforementioned sexy siren lead character of titular renaming as the one & only Tawny Kitaen (foreshadowing of her famed notoriety from three major events in her own personal life). One: laying spread eagle on the hood of a sports car in the classc Whitesnake video "Here I Go Again." Two: being charged with domestic abuse for kicking pro-baseballer husband Chuck Finley with her high heels. Three: ending up shamelessly and sadly as a drug-addled & fallen idol on the VH1 series "Surreal Life" in all her post-op plastic surgery misfortune. And those factors are supposed to sell the movie, well...at least make it entertaining enough to watch. Oh it is entertaining to watch! It doesn't hurt either that the director's name can be a verb, noun or adjective (his name is Just Jaeckin)...to add to the outlandishness of circumstances. So, what we have here is an erotic adaptation from a French comic strip, based on the exploits of one Gwendoline who arrives in China shipped in a large crate...finds a weird friend in quirky Beth, a chiseled mercenary man-friend in Willard, and all kinds of bad guys to battle in her search for her father and a butterfly? Yeah, it's not worth trying to follow the plot...just follow the erotic S&M scantily clad (or nude) Yik Yak kingdom of women. That's all anyone watching this wants to see (bless you Jason for being visionary enough to buy this film and show it to me)...and anyone named Just Jaeckin would want to produce. C'mon, even his name sounds dirty. The dominant Amazonian women of this futuristic world will stop at nothing to spawn a race of their own female warrior kind...unless Tawny, I mean Gwendoline, can jump on the hood of a spacecraft listening to Whitesnake and save the day with her breast implants. If that doesn't work, she can always kick them in the head with her high heels...she seems to be good at that.

3 out of 5 stars

09/23/06 Be Here To Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt

Be Here To Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt (2004), directed by Margaret Brown; suggested by Mike

Two things need to be acknowledged today in successive importance. First, today is my youngest sister Rebecca's birthday, so happy birthday kid! She came up to visit & watch some movies on the Challenge last month, so like most other birthday shout outs this year...this particular title viewed on this day doesn't have any significance to her personally, but the day should be recognized. Second, my two good friends/co-workers Mike & Laurie will be quitting soon, and we threw a big shindig for their going-away on site today. Therefore, I thought I'd look into this great documentary suggested by Mike (and his warped folky sense of musical taste). Townes Van Zandt (no, not in Skynyrd) is one crazy s.o.b. While his music and lyrics are widely seen as some of the most beautifully tragic and talented of modern time...he also remains largely unheard of considering mainstream status of this country's popular artists. What you do see here in this tender-hearted documentary is a number of those more well-known names in the industry and genre of folk-country, including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Emmyloue Harris, Guy Clark, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, and Merle Haggard. All of these great musicians speak not only as fans of Van Zandt's timeless music, but more so as friends retelling tales of the man's troubled and talented life. With candid interviews of these artists, Van Zandt's own family members, as well as chronological footage of Townes himself...life is breathed into the colorful stories that are woven as a fabric to the film, backed by the man's own brand of musical storytelling. Just a sampling of how crazy Van Zandt's life was...while addicted to sniffing glues, he managed to permanently glue a bottle to the teeth in his mouth so he could continually smell the fumes. Once cemented on his teeth, an emergency dental procedure took place where a ball-peen hammer was taken with force to crack the problem...leaving him with only a few of his real chompers left in his head. Another out-there tale tells of how Townes, while drinking at a party in college, decided he wanted to let himself fall backwards off a balcony (3 stories up mind you!) just to experience the uncontrolled sensation of falling. Yes, just to see what it felt like...and he lived to tell the tale. Coming from a seemingly loving family, and producing a loving family of his own...the man was far too tormented of an artistic soul to survive for very long, but while he was here on Earth, he left a lasting impression. Even if many are ignorant to the magnitude of his musical impact (as I myself was before seeing this), lasting effects from this critically acclaimed piece can help to rectify that.

4 out of 5 stars

09/22/06 Facing Windows

Facing Windows (2003), directed by Ferzan Ozpetek

watched solo; DVD rental (North American Video) @ home

Falling on the first day of fall this year, and celebrating the Autumnal/Vernal Equinox (look it up kiddies, it's educational!), this lovely title was the selected in poll for my movie choice of the seasonal festivities. Actually, this and the title "Equinox Knocks" (which I found to be completely strange in reading about it, but nonetheless more apropos of a title) were landing in a dead-heat for winning the autumnal poll. However, not knowing up until the last minute which of the two titles would come out victorious (and I having the deciding vote), the only title I could scrounge up was this foreign fare "Facing Windows." Now having seen the film itself, and furthermore knowing of the other title I could have chosen in its place, I can't figure out what the hell this film has to do with Fall at all! Other than perhaps a portion of the film takes place in that colorful season...it has no significant bearing on the subject matter or plot...whereas many of the others on the list did. I'm confused, but regardless, intrigued by this penetrating drama. Stuck in a greying and dull marriage, Giovanna finds solace in gazing out of her apartment window into a stranger's window facing across the way. Growing distant from her husband Filippo, and their struggling financially to pay the bills & raise their children, Giovanna begins to fantasize about this other man Lorenzo. To further complicate the reasons to fight at home, humanitarian Filippo has come across an elderly man whose temporary amnesia has him at the mercy of the kind couple to bring him to their home to care for him. With Filippo always so busy and tormented, Giovanna takes to the help of Lorenzo to help the elderly man find his way back home. The elderly man is haunted by his own past transgressions and past nightmares of a by-gone Nazi era, and when his memory comes to...he shares his anguish with Giovanna to keep her from repeating mistakes he has made. The secret affair between Giovanna and Lorenzo comes to a boiling point, where she must decide once and for all whom she truly loves and is willing to hurt. The theme of beginning to love one's self before they can fully love another runs throughout, and despite their differences, you can't help but be angry with Giovanna's choices and feel sorry for Filippo's blind acceptance. This Italian film tugs at the delicate fabric of human emotions, caustic decisions and the damning consequences that come with them. It's definitely a downer, not an upper...which is what you should feel going into such a beautifully colorful and layered season as autumn. I guess it's symbolic in a sense to see certain life dying off, only to have others reborn...blah blah blah. Yes, a solid movie. Yes, a beautiful (and my favorite) season of the year). However...no, not at all related.

3 out of 5 stars

09/21/06 The Proposition

The Proposition (2005), directed by John Hillcoat

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

The only thing that "Battleship Potemkin" did not have as a brilliant film, was feature-length status (at least according to the Challenge rules). Yes, incredibly it fell around 30 seconds shy of the required length of film...so to play it safe, I searched for another dramatized tale of violence to finish off the evening. This one being far less historically meaningful, and taking place in a land very far from the country in the previous film today. Plus, I had heard through the grapevine about this particular film from the Outback being written by notoriously deep-scratchy voiced Nick Cave...which I thought was a bit interesting, as he seems like a weird dude. And how can I say enough about underrated actor Guy Pearce who plays in very slick & acclaimed films ("Memento," "Ravenous," and "L.A. Confidential" to name a few)?! He's really pretty good, and definitely carries this movie even through its slumping nature towards the end. With a recognizable storyline of revenge by the central hero, the bleak wasteland that is the Australian Outback in the late nineteenth-century is brought to violent life here by murderous gangs and gun-slinging. Pearce plays outlaw Charlie Burns, who upon his capture by the grizzled Captain Stanley (Ray Winstone), a man forced to take sides in a battle of sibling rivalry and moral/intestinal fortitude. Capt. Stanley knows he has Charlie where he wants him by taking his youngest simpleton brother Mike prisoner, charging him with counts of rape and murder...and threatening to hang him at the gallows if Charlie does not comply. Compliance comes in the form of Stanley's unique and deadly proposition to Charlie...bring in his eldest and most ruthless brother in the gang, Arthur, to gain pardon on his and brother Mike's souls. This doesn't sit too well with cunning Charlie, but caught between a rock & a hard place, he leads on as if he is doing what he's asked. Charlie sets out on a quest to find, and put a stop to his evil brother Arthur's pillaging, but still keep his family's checkered past from destroying its future. The moral ambiguity that plays out in all the men's heads doesn't stop with the outlaws, but spills over into the other side of the law as Capt. Stanley's tactics to capture a criminal suggest inhumane and devious plots. Supporting roles come in the form of Stanley's genteel wife (Emily Watson), psychopath Jellon Lamb (John Hurt), and Aboriginal tracker Jacko (David Gulpilil...who must be the only consistently solid Aboriginal actor used in Hollywood, as he's been reviewed recently in "Mad Dog Morgan" and the aforementioned classic "Crocodile Dundee"). It is obvious that screenwriter Cave is much better suited sticking with the songwriting that is evident even in the movie's soundtrack...as the story does tend to wander off into the sunset early on...as the actual end of the film action does later on. It's a very good effort by all, and a bewitching retro adventure into old Australia westerns.

4 out of 5 stars

09/21/06 Battleship Potemkin

Battleship Potemkin (1925), directed by Sergei M. Eisenstein

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

Perhaps one of the most influential and landmark films of all-time, this silent era epic is a moving and stirring account of Russian history. The movie recreates some of the heated events that lead up to the Bolshveik Revolution in 1917, leading to the demise of the Tsarist provisional government and the seeds of what was to become The Soviet Union. Eisenstein is key in portraying a part of his country's history, and showing with unflinching candor the conditions of society that were present in his day. "Battleship Potemkin" is the stage set for an uprising of sailors, who must suffer oppressive handling of their provisions, self-respect and basic human rights at the hands of their superior government officers. When forced to eat rotten maggot-infested meat, the men begin to protest. At this insubordination, the officers make an example of some by ordering them to shot execution-style by their fellow crewmen. When this injustice is challenged by the men, it starts an all-out riot of mutinous proportions as the officers are killed off and the men liberated. As the revolutionary lead man Vakulinchik is killed, his body is seen as a symbol to fight for, as the sailors join forces with the local people of port town Odessa to fight off the Cossacks. The revolution is brutal and bloody, as the government seeks to systematically slaughter all of the insurgents involved. The dramatized movie reflects the harsh conditions, treatment and ultimate sacrifice that is made in blood by the people of Russia to stand up against oppression. The chilling scenery, close-up focus on facial expressions and weapons of warfare, and haunting score tell the tale all too bluntly for the silenced audience. It is a truly remarkable film, and one that will always be remembered for its frankness and political message. It is a subject matter that is all too well-known in many parts of the world, and the terrible effects of war will always be captured by such filmmaking as Eisenstein's seminal picture of revolt.

5 out of 5 stars

09/20/06 What The #$*! Do We (K)now!?

What The #$*! Do We (K)now!? (2004), directed by William Arntz & Betsy Chasse, Mark Vicente

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

Considering that this film was coined as a radical departure from normal filmmaking, I expected a movie that was going to be strange. Also, going on both the recommendations from two usually trustworthy sources (Jenny & Jason) about this film, I figured it was indeed something that needed to be witnessed by me for entertainment's sake. However, the circumstances under which the film was suggested to me range from a whim (she'd never apparently seen the film, just heard the buzz surrounding it) to that of morbid curiosity (he's quote stated that the movie was "weird...(I) may love it. (I) may hate it." but to just watch it). Rave reviews if you ask me! Becoming partially a live-action drama, partially a scientific documentary, and completely a mind-altering joyride through oddities and intellectual gesticulating. Ummm...the movie is weird, and yes it did have a lot of buzz around it. Neither of those two qualities doth a successful movie make. As far as I can tell, I was sitting in the middle of science class in college...we were learning about quantum physics, uncertainty, and neurological processes...then all of a sudden someone put on a Pink Floyd album, dropped some acid, let CGI experts take over my dreams while reading "Alice In Wonderland" aloud to any Scientologist in the room that was willing to take photographs of a Jackson Pollock painting. You follow? Neither did I. The live-action portion of the film has protagonist Amanda (Marlee Matlin) as a photographer living a boring and mundane life where her encounters with people and within her own head lead her down a path of intellectual and spiritual questioning, unravelling her present state of mind. I'm sure it was fun to be there when the filmmakers pitched this plotline to the suits. Sure, they gave them some complimentary angel dust with the popcorn. Going with the documentary parts to the film, one gets a barrage of facts and terminology from so-called "experts" in the diverse fields of science, learning and thought from various academic and spiritual institutions (with a plethora of fancy degrees to prove it) that delve into the subject of brain function, reasoning and how one perceives life and the afterlife. Seriously, if you didn't know any better, it would seem like this is a Scientology recruitment video set to a pop soundtrack. I'm sure there are subliminal messages all throughout the film, as my brain is still trying to process weeks later what I saw & heard that one day. Just ask Katie Holmes...this must be how Tom Cruise got her hooked. With a combined narrative and animated action sequences, the story poses more questions than answers, but I guess that's the whole point. This is the type of film that will be seen as either revolutionary or completely insane...and it's purpose trying to bridge the synaptic gap between them. Other than a clever way to deliver the goods, what the #$*! do these people know anyway!?

2 out of 5 stars

09/19/06 Blackbeard's Ghost

Blackbeard's Ghost (1968), directed by Robert Stevenson

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

The day has finally arrived, and once again I have procrastinated and then forgotten to plan for anything that would remotely resemble a celebration that is fitting for such an auspicious occasion. Avast ye landlubbers, for today be Talk Like A Pirate Day. 'Tis true bilge rats, for this fine day deserves a swig of the ol' grog and a tune from the ol' hornpipe. If you know not of what I speak, I beg you to please do the research, fall in love with the concept, and begin to practice/recognize/celebrate this wonderful holiday every year until the fateful one where ye walk the plank. I have only come to know of this worldwide-celebrated day in recent years, but since it's such a random day within the year...I forgot to put up any quality pirate-themed film for this date...forcing me and my wench (I say that lovingly dear) to head to our nearest video-rental and borrow a flick from the scurvy dogs. Considering that I have seen quite a few quality pirate-themed films in my time (see either "Pirates Of The Carribbean" jaunt or "Princess Bride") or heard of classics (like Douglas Fairbanks in "The Black Pirate")...you'd think that selecting a suitable swashbuckling adventure would not be too hard. However, there is no specific "pirate" genre section in most video stores (perhaps I'm looking in the wrong places)...the buccaneer selection was limited. I don't know what it is with old Disney's fascination with the pirate attitude ("pirattitude" if you will), but they stuck with it (from early "Peter Pan", "Swiss Family Robinson" and then into the aforementioned "Pirates Of The Caribbean" franchise). This blip on the salty radar should have been all but forgotten over the years, but it somehow remains on local video store rental shelves. By title, this selection seems like it would be just as haunting and funny as any of those other Disney adventures...but shiver me timbers...it sucked. What you have is respected actor Peter Ustinov playing the titular ghost, and comic actor Dean Jones (that guy in all those old Disney live-action films like "That Darn Cat!" and "The Love Bug") playing the only man who can see the phantom. Jones plays a college track coach who relocates to a small island town to rejuvenate the athletics and try to get along as the new guy in town. Problem is, some don't want him there, and he makes no friends early on as he sticks his nose into the crooked business affairs of a gambler trying to turn a historic property into a casino for profit. When he settles into his rustic living arrangements, Jones soon finds the apparition of Blackbeard, who has been cursed to exist as a ghost until things can be set right for his spirit to rest. Guess what goofball gets to help him do that?! Yup...the antics that ensue are not even funny. The acting is flat, and not even the ham-fisted slapstick comedy can save it from its boring doldrums. The ghost is awakened for one last adventure on the high sea (errr, in the back seat of a car)...and you just wish he stayed dead. It's a very painful film to watch...considering it's impossible to force a smile out during it. The only thing that kept me from ripping this thing to shreds was the simple fact that I was honoring a tradition of pirate fare that people all over the world were partaking in that very same moment. I'm sure they would laugh and make fun of the choice of true "pirate" movie here, but c'mon, it's a bunch of grown men & women wearing eye-patches, wooden legs and dirty wench attire. How seriously can they take this movie? Focus not on this horrible pirate film, but rather on the lovable come-on lines that one can lay on unsuspecting lubbers at any given time...I'd like to drop anchor in your lagoon. Well blow me down (naughty).

2 out of 5 stars

09/18/06 King Of New York

King Of New York (1990), directed by Abel Ferrara

watched solo; DVD (personal copy) @ home

Director Abel Ferrara is well known for his many gritty dramas (including the controversial "Bad Lieutenant") that show the seedy underbelly of urban life and sexual desires. This early 90's installment is right in line with the rest of his body of work, and is recognized as one of his most successful projects. Ferrara has, what seems to me, a sort of street credibility in his filmmaking that is reminiscent of Scorsese. And just like Scorsese, Ferrara is able to liven the already gritty script/plot up with plenty of star-powered talented and hardcore acting skills. Some of the best examples in his work come through here with the roles of Christopher Walken, Laurence Fishburne and Wesley Snipes (all three men who are capable of portraying the lowliest of hardened street thugs to the most charismatic of academic intellectuals). The story here revolves around drug lord Frank White (Walken) who is recently released from a Sing-Sing prison after serving many years convicted on drug trafficking charges. Upon his return to the city, White reunites with members of his gang, led by murderous Jimmy Jump (Fishburne) and involving his lover/legal advisor Jennifer. When White sees the terrible state that his beloved hood is in upon his return, and the many other thugs/gang lords that have taken over the turf, he sets out on a vigilante mission to clean up (see eliminate by lethal force and persuasion, not necessarily taking the drugs out of the ghetto) the wanna-be's and take their money in order to finance a South Bronx hospital for the needy. Such a humanitarian that Christopher Walken...but you wouldn't want to come across him in a dark alley...hell, even a lighted one. A particular group that is none to happy to see White's face back in town is that of the local law enforcement, where a band of revenge-seeking cops look to take down the again-powerful drug lord. The cops are led by the wise old timer Bishop, and his two hot-headed young guns Gilley (David Caruso) and Flanigan (Snipes). Hell-bent on taking out crime at any cost, the men find themselves in a tangled web of deceit and murder of epic proportions. Even though they take matters into their own hands, the cops have nothing to pin on White...and White has nothing but hatred to spew back at all of his enemies from the past. It's this vicious venom that pushes the fast-paced action forward, and it's an edgy interpretation on the "Robin Hood" theme of stealing from the rich (and corrupt) to give back to the poor (and corrupt). I want to delve further into Ferrara's body of work, if nothing more than to understand the controversy that swirls about most of his movies...and further appreciate this stylized gem of a gangster flick that flies under the radar of bigger brutal epics of Scorsese's ilk.

4 out of 5 stars

09/17/06 The Trouble With Harry

The Trouble With Harry (1955), directed by Alfred Hitchcock

watched w/ Leslie; DVD (borrowed from Eric) @ home; suggested by Eric

Dark comedy falls upon a quiet Vermont town during the middle of one fine autumn day. Hitchcock unrelenting and at his best, although it remains to be a very debatable final product with this particular film. People tend to either love it for all of its sinister fun, while others might still find it a misguided attempt at dark humor and his usual thrilling demeanor. Young Arnie (actually a young pre-"Leave It To Beaver" Jerry Mathers) goes gallivanting off into the woods to play...when his youthful joy is abruptly ended by coming across a body lying in a clearing. Upon investigating, he finds the man to be dead, then trots off to tell his mother Jennifer (a young Shirley MacLaine). Although not shook up in any way about this news (even though she is the ex-wife), Jennifer and the others in town begin to ruminate over just who this Harry fellow is and why he has come to the tragic end he has come to. The peaceful nature of the town and its inhabitants is played against the odd circumstances and the characters' less than normal reactions to them. The band of characters in this town consist of saucy Jennifer and young Arnie; struggling local artist Sam (John Forsythe); the aging hunter Captain Wiles; the homely spinster Miss Gravely; Deputy Sheriff & Mrs. Wiggs; a millionaire; a tramp; and a not-to-be-bothered bookworm...all of whom seem to come in contact with either the body of Harry or the story they think is behind it. Each one finds themself in a predicament of criminal proportions, and they must team together to figure out a solution. The wily artist Sam at first wants to portrait his findings, but upon the arrival of the old Captain on the hunt (who thinks he's accidentally shot poor Harry to death with an errant bullet)...the two men cook up a plan to bury the forgettable man, and no one will be the wiser. Their plot is often and regularly foiled by other passers-by, meddling nosiness, personal ineptness, and their respective courtings of both Jennifer and Miss Gravely. Various theories on Harry's untimely death abound, and plenty of hi-jinks ensue with their attempts to bury and dig up the cadaver. As the tagline to the movie suggests, the "trouble with Harry...is that he's dead." That's where the fun begins and ends, with the plot keeping you guessing and chuckling to yourself with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Hitchcock was brilliant when it came to this macabre style of comedy and wit, implications of sexuality, and morbid undertones...but he delivers it here with such deftness to keeping the track light with silliness. I won't ruin the ending for you, since it is very obvious what the plot is about. I've been wanting to find out just what the "trouble" was all about over the years, but leave it to Hitchcock to pull the rug out from under you every step of the way.

5 out of 5 stars

09/16/06 Turkish Star Wars

Turkish Star Wars (1982), directed by Cetin Inanc

watched solo; DVD (borrowed from Jason) @ home & car ride (Raleigh, NC); suggested by Jason

Where can you even begin to justify the existence of this movie? Granted, the mere audacity that one would have to possess in order to produce this epic theft is enough to get Homeland Security on the phone. The sheer smugness one would have to carry on their countenance as they not only filmed this joke, but then turned around to an adoring public to unleash its wrath. The utter brilliance one would have to control in order to acknowledge those said factors, not care, and boldly stand behing their product as simply that..."their product" is beyond me. It's all beyond me. Some things that aren't are the plot, delivery of lines and action, costume design, script writing, and pretty much every other essential element to a "film." While none of those things are at all talented in any way, the premise of this film is hilarious. You honestly have to see it to believe it (as I had to bring the portable DVD player with me tonight to a party just so others had the chance to catch a glimpse of this holy mess)...and then you shall enjoy it. Get beyond why this film was made (an unapologetic rip off of George Lucas famous global phenomenon with the "Star Wars" franchise), and get into the misinformed Turkish interpretation of it. This is low budget at its lowest, and sci-fi just because sci-fi was cool at the time. Basically, you have two Turkish intergalactic fighters Murat and Ali (a sort of Siegfried & Roy combo with "Battlestar Galactica" outfits on), that not only fight alien evil but their latent homoerotic emotions toward each other in physical fisticuffs. They shoot across the galaxy fighting bad guys (some of which are literally dancing Grateful Dead bears with weapons, and the only way to kill them seems to be rip their furry heads off). They do lots of stuff, and then some more stuff...stuff happens. What is insane is that they completely rip off ideas from not only "Star Wars" (which provides the better part of the opening 10 minutes of the film footage with erratic snippets of the Death Star blowing up and Tie Fighters flying)...but also "Indiana Jones" and "Planet Of The Apes." And these guys didn't even stop there with the stealing of a good thing...they made an entire franchise of their own out of it. Some other titles in this Turkish black market ring including "Turkish Exorcist," "Turkish Superman," "Turkish Star Trek," and "Turkish Wizard Of Oz." Can't wait to see that ridiculousness.

3 out of 5 stars

09/15/06 The Sound Of Music

The Sound Of Music (1965), directed by Robert Wise

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

Today is a very special day for me & Leslie...as it is our third anniversary of dating. For me, this is significant for not only sheer length of time to be in a strong and loving relationship, but also to be so damn in love that I'm blindsided by letting my guard down and finally getting around to seeing such a sappy musical classic as "The Sound Of Music." My lovey-dovey side must be getting the better of me, but who cares...I love her, and I'm sure giddy Austrian singing in the snow-capped mountains while escaping Nazi persecution and religious convents only to become a nanny of militaristic youngsters and fall in star-crossed love with a disciplinarian starched-collar type can't be so bad? Can it? Heck, this is Mary Poppins after all isn't it? She can do anything with a spoonful of sugar. Alright folks, everyone must know the tale by now, but for newcomers like me, here's the break-down. Maria (Julie Andrews, aka Mary Poppins) plays a troublesome nun-in-training who is sent to the estate of retired naval Captain Georg Von Trapp (who I didn't even realize until the end credits was a much younger Christopher Plummer...who sounds Shakespearean Brit, but is actually Canadian by birth) to care for the widowed man's seven rowdy children. As a rebellion to the Captain's strict rules, the children misbehave and scare off potential nannies right & left...that is until Maria. Setting her own pace at the job, this sweet fraulein sees to it that the children get more love & affection to avoid their attention-getting antics...and furthermore sets her flirtations with Georg on high to break into his tough exterior shell. Once Maria opens their world to love, song and dance, the family unit becomes stronger...only to come to a heart-breaking separation when Maria flees back to the convent and Georg is set to marry another Baroness. Well, guess what, once all the dust settles and the frilly attired musical numbers cease...it's actually a pretty decent touching story. Maybe I'm becoming an old sap myself, or maybe I like exotic Austrian singing, based on true stories. Whatever, it's my anniversary, and I can rock out to classics if I want to.With such well-known monster ballads as "Edelweiss," "My Favorite Things," "So Long, Farewell," and "Do-Re-Mi"...how can you go wrong?! My favorite is the naughty "Sixteen Going On Seventeen," which was later covered by Winger in the early 90's. OK, I'm lying, but I bet you never thought you'd hear references to Winger and Sound Of Music in the same sentence eh?

3 out of 5 stars

09/14/06 The Comedians Of Comedy: The Movie

The Comedians Of Comedy: The Movie (2005), directed by Michael Blieden

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

Considering I was both in a great comedy mood, and just bitter enough that I missed the recent Comedians Of Comedy Fall Tour that came through the Triangle...I felt like renting the next best thing to live comedy...watching live comedy & behind the scenes goodies of a comedy tour on my boob tube at home. Set in a personalized documentary format, the filmmakers get nice and cozy (sometimes frighteningly so) with this batch of misfit comedians. You have to get this brand of counter-culture slacker comedy and references to enjoy it, so hopefully you know what you're getting yourself into beforehand. Look no further than the title of the movie as a rip on the overly hyped (but still funny) "Original Kings Of Comedy" tour movie from Spike Lee...even more so when Posehn comments what his original title for the doc should be...the Martin Luther Kings Of Comedy. I am a big fan of all four of these talented young (and crotchety...and fuzzy) jokesters, Patton Oswalt, Brian Posehn, Maria Bramford, and Zach Galifianakis. We had the luxury of seeing Mr. Oswalt live this summer on the Bonnaroo festival circuit, so I can see his brand of angst-ridden dork-chic coming through the screen. With the film, you get an endless cascade of sight-gags, inside jokes, comic book shopping before the show, naked dancing in the woods, off-kilter piano numbers, anti-political rants, and Star Wars references. You tend to see all four of these talents either on half-hour comedy specials, bit parts in Hollywood films, or on the small screen in various television sitcom roles (Oswalt's obvious "King Of Queens", but the best is when Posehn is recognized on the streets by some pre-teen girls squealing about him being "that guy" from "Just Shoot Me"...priceless). However, what you need to recognize is their sheer brilliance in anti-mainstream live performances...where they cater to hipper audiences who get their messages, and share the stage in more intimate & smoky rock clubs/indie venues rather than the norm in usual comedy clubs. It's a great buddy/road flick, told in real time by some oddball comedians with a wicked sense of humor. It's not for all, but definitely for me.

4 out of 5 stars

09/13/06 School For Scoundrels

School For Scoundrels (2006), directed by Todd Phillips

watched solo; theater (NC State University Cinema, Raleigh, NC); free screening

Unable to convince my lovely girlfriend (who is battling a cold, so maybe it was unfair of me to expect anything different) or any other friend (what kind of friends are they really?) to go see this late night free screening of a delightful comedy...I set out on a rainy night to watch it myself. Kind of depressing and sad, yes...but I'll blame it on Mother Nature's mood for the evening and not my being lame. Speaking of lame...wouldn't you know, that is exactly what the plot is for our nerdy leading man Jon Heder (gimme your tots Napoleon). Being lame. Heder plays low self-esteem NYC meter maid Roger, who can't seem to get anything quite right in life...most notably luck with the ladies. With some not-so-subtle advice from fellow dork Ian (David Cross), Roger decides to enroll in a secretive confidence-building course taught by the ultra-suave and chauvinistic Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton). Upon arriving at the top-secret meeting of the geeks in an office building one night for the first class, the group realizes that they are in for a culture shock of epic proportions when Dr. P lays the ladies' man mantra on them. Trying to prove to these complete losers that they are worthy of respect and the occasional casual sex hook-up date...he starts challenging the inept men in battles for supremacy. When Roger begins to excel at the cocky teachings, showing his newfound affection towards his secret crush Amanda, Dr. P takes the stakes to another level. Soon Dr. P begins to compete for alpha male standing with the lovely lady, and each man will stop at nothing (and I mean nothing) to get what they want as suitors. It's a subtle hilarity that is brought to this ridiculous attempt to woo, as both men take their shenanigans so seriously as to ruin the other man's credibility and life. It's funny and touching at moments, while gross and pompous at others...kind of a more sedated "Old School" (director Phillip's 2003 hit thats spawning a sequel) frat boy mentality. The best parts throughout the film come more so from the band of talented comedians that make up the classes and sub-character friends...including Cross, Matt Walsh & Matt Besser (from "Upright Citizen's Brigade"), Luis Guzman, Sarah Silverman, Andrew Daly ("MadTV"), Horatio Sanz ("SNL"), DeRay Davis ("Barbershop"), Todd Louiso ("High Fidelity"), Paul Scheer ("Best Week Ever"), and Ben Stiller (from everything). Those guys are what make it so enjoyable...and oh yeah, Michael Clarke Duncan plays the right-hand man/hencman Lesher to Dr. P's ultra-smooth bossman (think Flavor Flav's "Flavor Of Love" cronie Big Rick, but with a penchant for sodomy). Ok, the name dropping will stop. The movie is funny and witty enough to be sophisticated...although watching it at a late-night screening on a college campus with co-eds all hopped up on God-knows-what while Heder launches tennis balls at Thornton's face for laughs can be a bit sophomoric, I'm not ashamed to say I too laughed hysterically.

3 out of 5 stars

09/13/06 District B13

District B13 (2004), directed by Pierre Morel

watched solo; DVD rental (Netflix) @ home

Following in a long line of gold-mining that comes with the stylized action-thrillers that are Luc Besson films (directed, produced or otherwise tagged by him)...we come with new director, old hat cinematographer Morel and this brilliant chaotic mess. What we have is a futuristic dystopia, where all of Paris, France has become a series of hardened ghettos...the worst of which is District B13. Walled off by its surroundings with huge concrete barricades, and ruled lawlessly by the ruthless crime lord Taha...the district is not a pretty place to be. When a young local punk named Leito; who just so happens to be the most incredibly athletic, agile and insance bastard in the world; wants to take down the boss, he's in for a rude awakening. Taha has his clutches in the local "law enforcement," which help him to put Leito behind bars, while he takes his beautiful sister Lola to become his drugged-out slave-like pet. Leito bides his time inside, until he can break free to rescue his sister, and have revenge on Taha. One slight problem with his loner plan...a neutron bomb has been stolen by thugs and brought into the possession of Taha. When the authorities catch wind of this, they employ one of their own...an equally athletic, agile and utterly insane bastard Damien to bust Leito out (for local street smarts) and defuse the wicked bomb. With his coy routine wearing thin with hardened Leito, cop Damien must soon join forces with rebel in order to both get what they want accomplished. Fighting to save Lola, and save the district from sure destruction with the atomic warfare...the two bad-asses form a tight bond (basically by taking turns kick each other's and many others' asses. When push comes to shove, will they kill each other before they can finish the mission?! What is the true meaning of this potential terrorist plot, and what forces had brought society to the blackened state that it is in? One thing is for sure, through all the choreographed fight scenes and extreme explosions...the French (namely Besson and his proteges) can do some serious damage to the action-thriller genre, can't they?! Think of a fast-paced race against time, a la "Run Lola Run" kicked in the head by one of Jason Statham's stoic "Transporter" suit & tie drubbings. Who knew those French could be so dark and brooding?

4 out of 5 stars

09/12/06 Challenge Of The Tiger

Challenge Of The Tiger (1980), directed by Bruce Le

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

How can I follow up something so poignant and powerful as yesterday's movie with something so stupid and trite as this wacky flick?! Such is the beauty of the Challenge Of Brad (as I would call it for this titular review's purpose)...and I cannot fight the powers that be by questioning their motives or methods. There must be a method to this madness...or else, I shall enjoy it along the way. And, letting myself be open to a silly martial arts film brought to us by a martial arts rip-off named Bruce Le (conveniently enough he lost the extra "e" so no one would be the wiser). Where can I begin with this one...and can I even remember what the plot was about?! Bruce Le and his Magnum P.I.'d moutached buddy Cannon are top CIA agents hell bent on retrieving a secret sterilization potion, that if fallen into the wrong hands (zoinks, it just might!) can be devastating to humanity as we know it. So might this movie's ridiculousness though. Cannon does naughty Maria (actually the real-life naught Nadiuska, a late 70's soft-core queen from Italy and Spain), but not before she can pawn the formula off to her bad guy boss. You can guess what hewants to do with it...rule the world...and that's exactly what Le and Cannon want to stop from happening. To be honest with you, it doesn't matter what the two sides are fighting for in the film, as the acting is bad, the hairstyles are over-the-top with hairspray, and the main feautre is naked chicks playing tennis. Yes, it's hard to keep your eye on the ball during this Wimbledon match...and it's not as if the dubbing ever matches the ball bouncing anyway. What more is there to say about this wonderful trip down USA "Up All Night" lane? Oh, according to imdb.com, there are a few cameos that go unmentioned and uncredited in the film's long list of qualified talent...those names of the well-known Jack Klugman (from TV's "Odd Couple" fame) and Jane Seymour (of TV's "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" notoriety). I wonder why neither of these two ever wanted their names attached to this...or is it all a lie to sell more movies off of bargain bin shelves like the weak attempt at stealing a martial arts icon name like Bruce Le?!?! Whatever their excuses, whatever drugs you have to take to enjoy this...please do, because I'm about to go see a raucous & rowdy psycho-billy rock show with Reverend Horton Heat and Horrorpops (Danish, but so what) tonight...so this off-the-wall action comedy seems to fit in nicely. None of this makes sense, not even my rating of the film...but did I mention the naked tennis playing?

3 out of 5 stars

09/11/06 United 93

United 93 (2006), directed by Paul Greengrass

watched solo; DVD rental (Blockbuster) @ home

Is it too soon? That is the question posed whenever such uneasiness arises where a terribly tragic historical event takes place, then someone somewhere wants to try and delve into the reasons/circumstances for why such a thing could have happened. I'm one who is all for trying to cope with tragedy, move on with life with a clear understanding of how precious it can be, and take whatever cathartic measures one needs to heal. That being said, I completely understand how devastating and galvanizing a force such a tragedy as the unforgettable terrorist attacks on America were back in 2001. Being that I come from a military family, there has always been a bred sense of patriotism in my life...as well as a great honor to live in a free country like this. Obviously there are others out there who do not like us, do not agree with a lot of our politics (heck, there are plenty of us here in this nation that don't agree with that), and are crazy enough to take lethal force into their own hands to produce a catastrophic effect. We need not go into the situation any more than that...as it has been the biggest issue the world has faced since the soul-ripping day that was September 11th, 2001. So many kind, beautiful and important people were lost on that day...all to a handful of idiots who didn't understand. The emotional rollercoaster that that day took us all on will never be forgotten, and how we all came together to help one another shouldn't either. What this movie does is tell a very personal side of one particular group who selflessly gave in the face of certain tragedy, and have become heroes to so many. Is it too soon to tell their story? I, like most of us not directly involved in this tragedy, would not be able to acurately answer that...it is something that should be left up to those who it matters to most. What is incredible about this fictionalized drama is that the filmmakers did just that, by getting the permission of the families of the victims to be a part of the process of healing. After the film was over, and I must say that I was speechless at how a fictionalized re-telling can be so moving as that gritty scenery, I turned onto the DVD's special features for a documentary. In this piece, you can see the real life anguish on loved ones' faces as they tell of their friends/lovers/children in memories...rather than in the present where they have been lost forever. It is this part that gets me most. We all know the horrible truth about what transpired that fateful day 5 years ago, but seldom is time taken to find out from those closely affected just what is still transpiring in their hearts. United 93 was the flight that, targeted by terrorists for the same dreaded end the other three flights took down, regular people took a stand against violence and stopped an evil act from spreading further. It is unfortunate that so many had to lose their lives, but so many more could have had it not been for the passengers on this flight. They stood up, with their now famous line of "let's roll," as they apprehended the terrorists...and fought the plane from crashing and killing many more. Maybe it is too early to tell some tales about real life situations like this...maybe it has been too long. Who am I to say? I didn't expect this film to be as powerful as it came across, but it did. The politics might get you angry, the senseless violence surely will drive you mad, the memories might make you cry...but the feelings are what should never be forgot, just like those people that day, and just like life never taken for granted.

5 out of 5 stars

09/10/06 Modern Times

Modern Times (1936), directed by Charles Chaplin

watched solo; DVD rental (North American Video) @ home; suggested by Mike A.

Chaplin remains one of those lasting icons of American cinema and comedy, and his simplistic yet affecting style captivates audiences even to this day. He had very early on in the cinematic world rocketed himself into the limelight by portraying his empathetic character, The Tramp, across to the entire country who where desperate for something happy in a situation that was so negative. His goofy facial expressions and body language spoke volumes to a nation firmly planted in an economic Depression, that was trying in vain to keep a positive outlook. His ragged attire was symbolic of the living conditions of many in his time (although, if you want to get very deep about it...he was probably one of the very few people of that era who had really no worries about finances and wealth...as he became rich on the very senses that he was portraying...not in any mean-spirited way, but very ironic don't you think?). And his carefree spirit and ridiculous antics gave millions a reason to laugh and step outside of themselves for a moment of emotional freedom. All of this, with predominantly silent filmmaking and elaborated set design and costuming. Some of his films are landmarks in not only cinematic value, but sheer iconic imagery that will never be lost on a movie-going world (i.e. Chaplin's famous gear grinding contortions inside the mechanisms of a factory machine). In this silly comedy, filled with constant real-life reminders of the nation's plight, Chaplin begins as a factory worker who can't quite seem to do anything right (think Lucille Ball's later "I Love Lucy" production line, chocolate eating routine)...and is promptly tested and then let go into a mental hospital. Upon his release, his many wanderings have him mistaken as a Communist, foiling a jailbreak, starting as a night-keeper of a department store, and becoming friends and falling madly in love with a young homeless woman. One escapade after another gets him into loads of trouble, but the hopeless sap seems to find a way out in the end...on to a better life. It's a beautifully simple, tragic tale of comedy that could not have been written better than by the tramp poet Chaplin. This particular film is also landmark in that it is the first and only instance where Chaplin speaks in a film (I think there's some French singing involved)...happening in a time when most films were moving towards "talkies" anyway. Always the offbeat genius.

5 out of 5 stars