In the era of streaming, binge watching and not wanting to ever leave the house anymore I rarely get to a first run film. I am in the midst of St. Elsewhere season four and after watching Fleabag, Letterkenny, Killing Eve and so on there leaves little time for an hour and a half, let alone a two hour film.
Nevertheless here is the modest list of films I watched, streamed, saw on TCM, watched during international flights and the handful I went out in public to view.
It Happened in Flatbush
11 Harrowhouse
Way Out West
Solo: A Star Wars Film
Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
The Lobster
The Great Buster
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Teenage Superstars
That’ll Be the Day
Two For the Road
Ghostbusters (1984)
Tootsie
King of Jazz (1930)
Captain Marvel
US
Casino Royale (2006)
The Favourite
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
The Catcher Was A Spy
Avengers: Endgame
Rolling Thunder Revue
Paris je t’aime
To My Great Chagrin: The Unbelievable Story of Brother Theodore.
WLIR: Dare to Be Different
Local Hero
The LEGO Batman Movie
Dolemite is My Name
Dolemite (1974)
The Human Tornado
Parasite
Scotch: The Golden Dream
Knives Out
Echo in the Canyon
Die Hard
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Saturday, May 14, 2016
The last of the cast
Madeleine LeBeau has died, aged 92. She's one of the faces who are given emphasis in this powerful scene from Casablanca.
LeBeau was one of the many cast members from this scene who escaped nazi Germany and moved to Hollywood to act in films about escaping nazi Germany. A heck of a life and she was the last living member of the cast.
LeBeau was one of the many cast members from this scene who escaped nazi Germany and moved to Hollywood to act in films about escaping nazi Germany. A heck of a life and she was the last living member of the cast.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Big screens and small
After bringing Netflix into the home, I thought I would watch more films than last year. That was not the case, but I still managed just over one a week, which is ok. I did not binge watch anything but the last season of the Thick of It.
So I saw some movies, liked some of them. Some were better than others.
1) It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
2) The Conversation
3) Blazing Saddles
4) Tiny Furniture
5) Charley Varrick
6) Amour
7) Ruby Sparks
8) Two Days in New York
9) Monty Python & the Holy Grail
10) The Muppet Movie (1979)
11) Dial M for Murder
12) I Know Where I'm Going
13) Yo-Yo (1965)
14) Beasts of the Southern Wild
15) A Fond Kiss
16) Submarine
17) The Philadelphia Story
18) Iron Man 3
19) Dumbo
20) Jiro Dreams of Sushi
21) Laughter in Hell
22) The Little Giant
23) Fever Pitch (1997)
24) Hobo With A Shotgun
25) Spaceballs
26) The Lavender Hill Mob
27) Frances Ha
28) Before Midnight
29) The Princess Bride
30) World War Z
31) Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
32) The Magnificent Seven
33) The Palm Beach Story
34) Red 2
35) Bonnie & Clyde
36) Silver Linings Playbook
37) Slam
38) The Little American (1917)
39) Planes
40) The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
41) The Man in the White Suit
42) This is Spinal Tap
43) Europe '51
44) The World's End
45) Blue Jasmine
46) Star Trek Into Darkness
47) Rollerball
48) 12 Years a Slave
49) Somm
50) My Name is Nobody
51) An Adventure in Space and Time
52) Gamera (MST-3K)
53) Pod People (MST 3K)
54) The Punk Singer
55) The Decoy Bride
56) Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
57) Robin Hood (1973)
58) Kings of Pastry
59) American Hustle
60) The Shop Around the Corner
61) Love Actually
So I saw some movies, liked some of them. Some were better than others.
1) It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
2) The Conversation
3) Blazing Saddles
4) Tiny Furniture
5) Charley Varrick
6) Amour
7) Ruby Sparks
8) Two Days in New York
9) Monty Python & the Holy Grail
10) The Muppet Movie (1979)
11) Dial M for Murder
12) I Know Where I'm Going
13) Yo-Yo (1965)
14) Beasts of the Southern Wild
15) A Fond Kiss
16) Submarine
17) The Philadelphia Story
18) Iron Man 3
19) Dumbo
20) Jiro Dreams of Sushi
21) Laughter in Hell
22) The Little Giant
23) Fever Pitch (1997)
24) Hobo With A Shotgun
25) Spaceballs
26) The Lavender Hill Mob
27) Frances Ha
28) Before Midnight
29) The Princess Bride
30) World War Z
31) Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
32) The Magnificent Seven
33) The Palm Beach Story
34) Red 2
35) Bonnie & Clyde
36) Silver Linings Playbook
37) Slam
38) The Little American (1917)
39) Planes
40) The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
41) The Man in the White Suit
42) This is Spinal Tap
43) Europe '51
44) The World's End
45) Blue Jasmine
46) Star Trek Into Darkness
47) Rollerball
48) 12 Years a Slave
49) Somm
50) My Name is Nobody
51) An Adventure in Space and Time
52) Gamera (MST-3K)
53) Pod People (MST 3K)
54) The Punk Singer
55) The Decoy Bride
56) Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
57) Robin Hood (1973)
58) Kings of Pastry
59) American Hustle
60) The Shop Around the Corner
61) Love Actually
Thursday, July 4, 2013
I hate zombies, but went to the zombie movie
Almost two years ago, on our first day in Glasgow, we stepped out of the Queen Street Station and into George Square and saw this.
It was the last day of filming World War Z. The filmmakers were substituting Glasgow for Philadelphia. Banners were strung up, street signs were added.
We did not see Brad Pitt or any of the other actors. Principal shooting was completed. We just saw a few crowd shots. I'm not a zombie fan by any means, but since I saw some filming it went on the 'to see' list.
It was interesting seeing the film and noting what landmarks were altered. The footage was in the first ten minutes of the film as mayhem takes over the streets and the zombies are on the loose. There were explosions, and car crashes. I noticed this bus getting whacked in the film.
The original release date was in the summer of 2012, but that was pushed back a whole year due to internal squabbles and problems with the script. A bit of the ending of the film was reshot, and that shows in the completed work. It seems very tacked on, which is a shame because the film is neither a cinematic turd nor a piece of gold. It has its good moments of zombie attack suspense but it also has some horrible acting. Pitt was fine as the reluctant hero, the actress who played his wife had a thankless part of doing nothing but looking worried at a cell phone (including having her make one phone call that would have been a shaming event at Writers' Block) and the kid actors were not very good.
There was one great product replacement that still has me giggling and my wife reminded me of this video during another crucial scene.
I have not read the Max Brooks book but understand liberties were taken. So many that it barely resembles the finished film. That's Hollywood though. Overall it's a piece of summer entertainment that is worth seeing, if only to escape the local crowds instead of an evening of fireworks.
It was the last day of filming World War Z. The filmmakers were substituting Glasgow for Philadelphia. Banners were strung up, street signs were added.
We did not see Brad Pitt or any of the other actors. Principal shooting was completed. We just saw a few crowd shots. I'm not a zombie fan by any means, but since I saw some filming it went on the 'to see' list.
It was interesting seeing the film and noting what landmarks were altered. The footage was in the first ten minutes of the film as mayhem takes over the streets and the zombies are on the loose. There were explosions, and car crashes. I noticed this bus getting whacked in the film.
The original release date was in the summer of 2012, but that was pushed back a whole year due to internal squabbles and problems with the script. A bit of the ending of the film was reshot, and that shows in the completed work. It seems very tacked on, which is a shame because the film is neither a cinematic turd nor a piece of gold. It has its good moments of zombie attack suspense but it also has some horrible acting. Pitt was fine as the reluctant hero, the actress who played his wife had a thankless part of doing nothing but looking worried at a cell phone (including having her make one phone call that would have been a shaming event at Writers' Block) and the kid actors were not very good.
There was one great product replacement that still has me giggling and my wife reminded me of this video during another crucial scene.
I have not read the Max Brooks book but understand liberties were taken. So many that it barely resembles the finished film. That's Hollywood though. Overall it's a piece of summer entertainment that is worth seeing, if only to escape the local crowds instead of an evening of fireworks.
Monday, December 31, 2012
If it's not sports, it's sometimes this
I did vow to see more movies in 2012 than in 2011. I did accomplish that, for what it's worth. Out of this list, maybe a dozen were seen in a theater. The rest were DVD, a couple on TCM, some at a friend's house and more recently, home on Netflix.
This number may be even higher next year.
1) Louder than a Bomb
2) Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)
3) True Grit (2010)
4) The Artist
5) Ghost World
6) Haywire
7) One Day
8) Crazy, Stupid, Love
9) In the Realms of the Unreal: The Mystery of Henry Darger
10) Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
11) A Great Day in Harlem
12) Moneyball
13) A Separation
14) Tokyo Drifter
15) Casa de Mi Padre
16) Senna
17) I Like Killing Flies
18) Branded to Kill
19) Gate of Flesh
20) Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life
21) Scott Walker: 30th Century Man
22) The Thing (1982)
23) The Runaways
24) The Last Waltz
25) Cabin in the Woods
26) Drive
27) I Was a Maie War Bride
28) The Avengers
29) Captain America: The First Avenger
30) The Woodmans
31) Fighting Words/Street Poet
32) Cafe Lumiere
33) Perfect Sense
34) Moonrise Kingdom
35) The Grey
36) Resurrect the Dead: the Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles
37) Gran Torino
38) The Amazing Spider-Man
39) The Muppets
40) The People Vs. George Lucas
41) Quai des Orfèvres
42) Super 8
43) The Dark Knight Rises
44) The Power of Kangwon Province
45) The Adventures of Tin Tin
46) Expendables 2
47) Certified Copy
48) On the Town
49) Gun Crazy
50) The Descendants
51) Mickey
52) Murder, My Sweet
53) Kiss Me Deadly
54) Into the Abyss
55) Gremlins
56) Wreck it Ralph
57) Tommy
58) Casino Royale
59) Skyfall
60) El Bulli: Cooking in Progress
61) Hello Down There
62) Where are my Children?
63) The Card
64) Your Sister's Sister
65) Like Crazy
66) That Sinking Feeling
67) Django Unchained
So ends another year of blogging. Fewer posts. Fewer comments. Thank you all for reading, even you, especially you.
This number may be even higher next year.
1) Louder than a Bomb
2) Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (2011)
3) True Grit (2010)
4) The Artist
5) Ghost World
6) Haywire
7) One Day
8) Crazy, Stupid, Love
9) In the Realms of the Unreal: The Mystery of Henry Darger
10) Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
11) A Great Day in Harlem
12) Moneyball
13) A Separation
14) Tokyo Drifter
15) Casa de Mi Padre
16) Senna
17) I Like Killing Flies
18) Branded to Kill
19) Gate of Flesh
20) Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life
21) Scott Walker: 30th Century Man
22) The Thing (1982)
23) The Runaways
24) The Last Waltz
25) Cabin in the Woods
26) Drive
27) I Was a Maie War Bride
28) The Avengers
29) Captain America: The First Avenger
30) The Woodmans
31) Fighting Words/Street Poet
32) Cafe Lumiere
33) Perfect Sense
34) Moonrise Kingdom
35) The Grey
36) Resurrect the Dead: the Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles
37) Gran Torino
38) The Amazing Spider-Man
39) The Muppets
40) The People Vs. George Lucas
41) Quai des Orfèvres
42) Super 8
43) The Dark Knight Rises
44) The Power of Kangwon Province
45) The Adventures of Tin Tin
46) Expendables 2
47) Certified Copy
48) On the Town
49) Gun Crazy
50) The Descendants
51) Mickey
52) Murder, My Sweet
53) Kiss Me Deadly
54) Into the Abyss
55) Gremlins
56) Wreck it Ralph
57) Tommy
58) Casino Royale
59) Skyfall
60) El Bulli: Cooking in Progress
61) Hello Down There
62) Where are my Children?
63) The Card
64) Your Sister's Sister
65) Like Crazy
66) That Sinking Feeling
67) Django Unchained
So ends another year of blogging. Fewer posts. Fewer comments. Thank you all for reading, even you, especially you.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Saturday, November 3, 2012
$2.50 cheaper than an adult
We went to see Wreck-it Ralph today. By we I mean my wife and son. It's only the second time he's been in a theater setting. This was his first full length feature.
At swimming my son's mother said she was taking him to Disney World for Christmas (I knew they were going to Florida) and that she was trying to introduce him to Mickey Mouse, whatever that means.
We got there just in time to take in the trailers. My son did very well. He did look around him a few times, maybe to look for an escape route. We brought in a lollipop for him and he was content enough with that as he babbled off and on during the film. It may have been a bit long for him as he was not very interested in the credits, which stop him dead in his tracks when they're on television. He did not hesitate to leave once his coat was on.
The film itself was quite enjoyable for kids of all ages. Enough video game nostalgia and double meanings to keep the adults entertained within the kid humor.
The voice casting was quite good with Sarah Silverman standing out and Alan Tudyk doing amazing work channeling Paul Winchell.
At swimming my son's mother said she was taking him to Disney World for Christmas (I knew they were going to Florida) and that she was trying to introduce him to Mickey Mouse, whatever that means.
We got there just in time to take in the trailers. My son did very well. He did look around him a few times, maybe to look for an escape route. We brought in a lollipop for him and he was content enough with that as he babbled off and on during the film. It may have been a bit long for him as he was not very interested in the credits, which stop him dead in his tracks when they're on television. He did not hesitate to leave once his coat was on.
The film itself was quite enjoyable for kids of all ages. Enough video game nostalgia and double meanings to keep the adults entertained within the kid humor.
The voice casting was quite good with Sarah Silverman standing out and Alan Tudyk doing amazing work channeling Paul Winchell.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Beautiful Ohio
Going into this exquisite theater is one of the best things about living in Columbus.
Originally built by the Lowes Theater chain in 1928, it was saved in the late 1970's by people with insight instead of destructive minds. It's been impeccably restored. I've seen a handful of concerts here including Brian Wilson, Yo-Yo Ma and Peter Serkin, but the main reason I go here is CAPA's Summer Movie Series.
The Mighty Morton Organ is brought up from the depths and these days is played by Clark Wilson. One of my memorable film experiences is seeing Four Horseman of the Apocalypse screened with the great Gaylord Carter playing his own, original, score. The theater was also home base to a Laurel & Hardy convention, where hundreds of convention goes all sang along to Sons of the Desert. It's always fun to see a Hitchcock film shown, where those in the know all cheer when the director makes his cameo.
It has been difficult for CAPA to assemble a quality series in recent years, with the studios reluctance to release film prints, but they do their best. The theater survives, and it's a wonderful experience.
It has been difficult for CAPA to assemble a quality series in recent years, with the studios reluctance to release film prints, but they do their best. The theater survives, and it's a wonderful experience.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Change of the wall calendar
Here's how it ends, with the Marx Brothers on TCM. You might make #54 Monkey Business unless I decide to watch the Blue Jackets.
The death pools have been posted to.
1) Brassed Off
2) Big Fan
3) Exit Through the Gift Shop
4) Triplets of Belleville
5) Five Easy Pieces
6) The Expendables
7) A Town Called Panic
8) House of Flying Daggers
9) Sunrise
10) Who is Harry Nilsson?
11) The Secret of Kells
12) Local Hero
13) Sherlock Holmes (2009)
14) Murder by Death
15) A Mother's Courage
16) Poetry
17) The Kids are Alright (2010)
18) The Town
19) Raging Bull
20) Bottle Rocket
21) Morning Glory
22) Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
23) Cave of Forgotten Dreams
24) Winter's Bone
25) Wallace & Gromit - A Matter of Loaf and Death
26) The Fighter
27) Beauty and the Beast (1991)
28) Partir
29) Romance and Cigarettes
30) Tristram Shandy a Cock & Bull Story
31) Airplane
32) Steamboat Bill Jr.
33) The King's Speech
34) Love and Other Drugs
35) Midnight in Paris
36) Blue Valentine
37) Empire Records
38) The Guard
39) Keyhole
40) Killer Elite
41) The Natural
42) Pearl Jam 20
43) Catfish
44) Passport to Pimlico
45) Whisky Galore
46) This is Spinal Tap
47) Mad Max
48) 24 Hour Party People
49) Hugo
50) Office Space
51) George Harrison: Living in the Material World
52) War Horse
53) Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten
Rest up!
Fewer posts this year than last. Readership is up, and I thank all of you for stopping by.
The death pools have been posted to.
1) Brassed Off
2) Big Fan
3) Exit Through the Gift Shop
4) Triplets of Belleville
5) Five Easy Pieces
6) The Expendables
7) A Town Called Panic
8) House of Flying Daggers
9) Sunrise
10) Who is Harry Nilsson?
11) The Secret of Kells
12) Local Hero
13) Sherlock Holmes (2009)
14) Murder by Death
15) A Mother's Courage
16) Poetry
17) The Kids are Alright (2010)
18) The Town
19) Raging Bull
20) Bottle Rocket
21) Morning Glory
22) Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf
23) Cave of Forgotten Dreams
24) Winter's Bone
25) Wallace & Gromit - A Matter of Loaf and Death
26) The Fighter
27) Beauty and the Beast (1991)
28) Partir
29) Romance and Cigarettes
30) Tristram Shandy a Cock & Bull Story
31) Airplane
32) Steamboat Bill Jr.
33) The King's Speech
34) Love and Other Drugs
35) Midnight in Paris
36) Blue Valentine
37) Empire Records
38) The Guard
39) Keyhole
40) Killer Elite
41) The Natural
42) Pearl Jam 20
43) Catfish
44) Passport to Pimlico
45) Whisky Galore
46) This is Spinal Tap
47) Mad Max
48) 24 Hour Party People
49) Hugo
50) Office Space
51) George Harrison: Living in the Material World
52) War Horse
53) Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten
Rest up!
Fewer posts this year than last. Readership is up, and I thank all of you for stopping by.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Two Nights in a Row at the Ohio Theater
It had been a long time since I've seen Airplane, and last night The Summer Movie Series at the Ohio Theater was showing it, one night only.
It still holds up very funny. A silly film that the large crowd really enjoyed. So much love was given Leslie Nielsen when he first showed up on screen, and when he delivered the seminal line, the masses nearly gave him a standing ovation.
Worth missing Writers' Block for it.
Tonight we hung out downtown as well. Columbus Commons has a Thursday night music series.
Nick Tolford was playing. That man can sing! We hung out there for awhile and enjoyed a decent, reasonably priced beer. This scene can only grow in such a large space, it's good to see steps taken to get people downtown.
A few eating establishments were still open as well. Great to see spots not shutting down at five. We went to one of our favorite places.
After dinner it was time to head to the Ohio for tonight's feature.
Each year, when the series presents it's silent, members of the local Ford Motor Club bring out some of their vehicles. This year they brought more than usual.
We got our tickets early enough to snag some front row balcony seats, which are great to get the whole screen in while watching the organist play to the film.
Clark Wilson is always exceptional.
We got one of his shorts, Neighbors, before the feature. Despite a seriously racist scene (thank you 1920) it's a witty short with some fun stunt work.
Steamboat Bill Jr. is not one of my favorite of his films, I've always thought the pace was slow and the plot rather dull. But the hurricane sequence, in which objects break apart, dissolve and reform into other shapes and angles is rather amazing.
The determination in which he fights the wind, fights nature, makes my jaw drop, every time. Everyone mentions the danger of the house falling scene, but the wind, his fight against God, that makes it for me.
My Scottish Wife tried a new candy (to her) also. She gave the counter a once over and got some Necco Wafers. I tried to talk her out of them, "Dear, they taste like chalk." But she would have none of it.
She said one tasted like Fairy Liquid, which is dish soap. Another root beer, which she hates.
Not sure if she finished them or not but I do not think she'll be getting them again.
Downtown Columbus is not dead, if you think it is you're going to the wrong places.
It still holds up very funny. A silly film that the large crowd really enjoyed. So much love was given Leslie Nielsen when he first showed up on screen, and when he delivered the seminal line, the masses nearly gave him a standing ovation.
Worth missing Writers' Block for it.
Tonight we hung out downtown as well. Columbus Commons has a Thursday night music series.
Nick Tolford was playing. That man can sing! We hung out there for awhile and enjoyed a decent, reasonably priced beer. This scene can only grow in such a large space, it's good to see steps taken to get people downtown.
A few eating establishments were still open as well. Great to see spots not shutting down at five. We went to one of our favorite places.
After dinner it was time to head to the Ohio for tonight's feature.
Each year, when the series presents it's silent, members of the local Ford Motor Club bring out some of their vehicles. This year they brought more than usual.
We got our tickets early enough to snag some front row balcony seats, which are great to get the whole screen in while watching the organist play to the film.
Clark Wilson is always exceptional.
We got one of his shorts, Neighbors, before the feature. Despite a seriously racist scene (thank you 1920) it's a witty short with some fun stunt work.
Steamboat Bill Jr. is not one of my favorite of his films, I've always thought the pace was slow and the plot rather dull. But the hurricane sequence, in which objects break apart, dissolve and reform into other shapes and angles is rather amazing.
The determination in which he fights the wind, fights nature, makes my jaw drop, every time. Everyone mentions the danger of the house falling scene, but the wind, his fight against God, that makes it for me.
My Scottish Wife tried a new candy (to her) also. She gave the counter a once over and got some Necco Wafers. I tried to talk her out of them, "Dear, they taste like chalk." But she would have none of it.
She said one tasted like Fairy Liquid, which is dish soap. Another root beer, which she hates.
Not sure if she finished them or not but I do not think she'll be getting them again.
Downtown Columbus is not dead, if you think it is you're going to the wrong places.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mutant Albino Crocodiles!
Tonight my wife and I headed to the Gateway Film Center for not just a film, but an event.
The last time I saw a film in 3-D, my wife was not even born. It was House of Wax, in a re-release. I remember putting on the paper frames with the colored lenses and really not being able to see a thing except a paddle ball flying at me in a blatant film making stunt.
It was not an enjoyable experience, the frames were awkward fitting over my own glasses, the film is not very good either.
I've been reading up on the current trend to make movies in 3-D and not hearing very good reviews of them from friends or reading decent reviews either.
What would it take to get me to plunk down my money, put a questionable pair of plastic frames over my glasses to attempt to see a 3-D movie?
Werner Herzog.
His new documentary, Cave of Forgotten Dreams, shows cave paintings in Southern France. Paintings that were discovered in 1994 and proven to be almost 30,000 years old. These are the oldest paintings, the oldest art, on the planet. It's a wonderful story that Herzog tells with his usual skill and narration.
The amazing thing is the 3-D projection inside the cave. You can practically feel the walls of it. The paintings are pristine, you can see the stalagmite crystals sparkle. The texture of the walls is spectacular. The glasses worked for me most of the time. There were a few moments of rapid camera movement that gave me pause, but these were seldom. I'm not sure if the film seemed darker with the lenses on, or how out of focus the film was because I had two pairs of frames on. All I can say is it did not really bother me
I do not know what people with normal vision got out of the experience, but I think ours were similar at worst. This was an impressive documentary in itself and the 3-D in the hands of Herzog presented the images remarkably. You feel like you're in the cave with them, that's how the depth of field felt.
I'm not sure I'd want to see Hobo with a Shotgun in 3-D, but if another film I was interested in came along, I would not be as fearful. This may not be the future of film making (and I hope it is not) but this is a good commercial to justify the process.
It's not a perfect film, the soundtrack swelled during moments the images should have been given silence and there is a bit of choral padding. Yet, this is essential viewing, enhanced by the technology. This is how 3-D should be used.
Here's the trailer.
Herzog also adds a postscript that is quite random and I really do not want to spoil it, but Ebert did. It's the subject line.
Get in the cave, and see it in 3-D!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Tougher than it seems
Day 14 - A song that no one would expect you to love.
What would surprise you? What would surprise me.
It's not Don Ho or throat singers from Tuva.
Maybe it's this one, from my favorite musical. Yes, I have one of those.
In the original form, it was a Roger Corman film. In the eighties it became an off-Broadway musical then a big budget film. I saw it onstage and was totally charmed by the story of a boy, girl, and man-eating plant. The film was uneven, but the performances of the leads were decent. Rick Moranis, once of Canada's SCTV was pleasant enough as Seymour, but Ellen Greene, as she did onstage, made the part of Audrey her own.
I would also be greatly amiss if I did not put the great Levi Stubbs in here.
What would surprise you? What would surprise me.
It's not Don Ho or throat singers from Tuva.
Maybe it's this one, from my favorite musical. Yes, I have one of those.
In the original form, it was a Roger Corman film. In the eighties it became an off-Broadway musical then a big budget film. I saw it onstage and was totally charmed by the story of a boy, girl, and man-eating plant. The film was uneven, but the performances of the leads were decent. Rick Moranis, once of Canada's SCTV was pleasant enough as Seymour, but Ellen Greene, as she did onstage, made the part of Audrey her own.
I would also be greatly amiss if I did not put the great Levi Stubbs in here.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
People who worked and suffered and struggled for fame
I've enjoyed reading Scott Woods' recap of his year in poetry. Don't know if I can do a top ten, but I think I can go back and pull of few of the most memorable moments down. Give me a day or two.
Headed back to work after a six day vacation. The child goes back to school on Monday. Not a moment too soon. He was bouncing off the walls from about six yesterday morning to ten at night. At least he slept without interruption.
Here's a list of all the movies I saw this year. They're not ranked. If I hated any of them I would have mentioned that already. Ok, I hated Hamlet 2. A few might be missing due to the hard drive failure but most of them are here. It's a pathetic list, but I don't get out to see movies as much as I used to, and I suffer through a lot of Blue Jackets games. Time in which it could be said would be better spent watching a good film.
Film 2010
1) I've Loved You So Long
2) The Horse Boy
3) What's Up Doc?
4) How to Draw a Bunny
5) Slamnation
6) In the Loop
7) The Crowd (1928)
8) Midnight Cowboy
9) The Hangover
10) District 9
11) The Reader
12) Kill Bill Part One
13) Kill Bill Part 2
14) The A-Team
15) The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo
16) The Art of the Steal
17) Dumbo
18) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
19) Hot Fuzz
20) Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World
21) Matinee
22) Crazy Heart
23) Au hasard balthazar
24) Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne
25) Sherlock Jr.
26) Horse Feathers
27) Duck Soup
28) Second Chances
29) Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
30) Inception
31) This Mortal Coil
32) To Be or Not To Be
33) The Kinks: You Really Got Me
34) Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff + Robert Mapplethorpe
35) The Sting
36) The Kid
37) Anvil - The True Story of Anvil
38) The Girl Who Played With Fire
39) The Girl Who Kicked in the Hornet's Nest
40) Where the Wild Things Are
41) Hamlet 2
42) A State of Mind
43) The Great Santini
44) 101 Dalmations
45) Toy Story 3
46) Peter Pan (1953)
47) Black Swan
48) Red
Headed back to work after a six day vacation. The child goes back to school on Monday. Not a moment too soon. He was bouncing off the walls from about six yesterday morning to ten at night. At least he slept without interruption.
Here's a list of all the movies I saw this year. They're not ranked. If I hated any of them I would have mentioned that already. Ok, I hated Hamlet 2. A few might be missing due to the hard drive failure but most of them are here. It's a pathetic list, but I don't get out to see movies as much as I used to, and I suffer through a lot of Blue Jackets games. Time in which it could be said would be better spent watching a good film.
Film 2010
1) I've Loved You So Long
2) The Horse Boy
3) What's Up Doc?
4) How to Draw a Bunny
5) Slamnation
6) In the Loop
7) The Crowd (1928)
8) Midnight Cowboy
9) The Hangover
10) District 9
11) The Reader
12) Kill Bill Part One
13) Kill Bill Part 2
14) The A-Team
15) The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo
16) The Art of the Steal
17) Dumbo
18) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
19) Hot Fuzz
20) Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World
21) Matinee
22) Crazy Heart
23) Au hasard balthazar
24) Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne
25) Sherlock Jr.
26) Horse Feathers
27) Duck Soup
28) Second Chances
29) Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
30) Inception
31) This Mortal Coil
32) To Be or Not To Be
33) The Kinks: You Really Got Me
34) Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff + Robert Mapplethorpe
35) The Sting
36) The Kid
37) Anvil - The True Story of Anvil
38) The Girl Who Played With Fire
39) The Girl Who Kicked in the Hornet's Nest
40) Where the Wild Things Are
41) Hamlet 2
42) A State of Mind
43) The Great Santini
44) 101 Dalmations
45) Toy Story 3
46) Peter Pan (1953)
47) Black Swan
48) Red
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I'm Spying on You!
Turner Classic Movies had a neat feature last night. They were spotlighting some of the films of Thelma Todd. Naturally, they showed both of the Marx Brothers films she was in.
I forget how funny Monkey Business is. All four of the brothers get to show their chops. There's a wonderful scene in which they're trying to leave a ship. They steal Maurice Chevalier's passport and imitate him to try and fool the customs agents.
When you see a film multiple times, sometimes you find a gem you missed, or a little aside that suddenly strikes you as the best thing ever. This moment for me comes at about 4:50 of this great scene between Harpo and Chico, who are proving themselves to be tough so they can be bodyguards for a bad guy.
Groucho has one, perfect line in this scene.
After Monkey Business, Horse Feathers was shown. In the film, the song "Everyone Says I Love You" is used frequently and is performed by all the brothers during the film. I love the scene with Groucho and Thelma Todd as the College Widow.
I know Woody Allen did the film Everyone Says I Love You, and used the song as a tribute to the Marxes. What I did not know was that the song was written specifically for Horse Feathers. I always thought it was a popular song of the day. I liked Woody's film a lot.
Back to Thelma Todd, who appeared in a lot of films during her short career. Why was her career short? Because she was 29 when she died under mysterious circumstances. The official cause of death was a carbon monoxide overdose. She was found in a locked garage with her car running. There was also blood on her face and dress, she may have already been unconscious when the car was started.
I have a tendency to look back at my journal entries. This one from 2006 is quite spooky. It's a monthly horoscope that, if you push it back a month or two, has some dead on accuracy. Hindsight gives you the opportunity to do this.
"The winds of change are again blowing, and you are about to experience a radical shift in your career. The first week of September will be fraught with tension as unexpected news about a professional matter comes your way...
It looks like destiny has a plan for you. If you have been working long and hard, with too little reward or promise for a sound future, getting out of your current situation will be a blessing. It's time to clear out the dead wood that has weighed you down and wedged you between a rock and a hard place.
It appears your boss or client, most likely a female, is about to announce a surprise departure, and you will be distressed to hear this, for it looks like she was a strong supporter.
Before you get too worried, it's possible that you may have ALREADY seen a source of income dry up over the past few months. Let me show you how this could be by telling you a true story.
Summary:
A major, sudden career change near September 7, the full moon lunar eclipse - a change you won't see coming - will leave you stunned. A top-level woman who protected you may now suddenly depart, leaving you feeling orphaned. Or someone may attempt to harm your reputation, either through gossip or through a false accusation. In the latter instance, you'll soon find out who your true friends are, although the experience may turn out to be quite disillusioning.
While this sounds ominous, all this month will bring is a set of tests, albeit quite a number of them. On the upside, you will get them done all at once. October should be lively and productive, and November will be extraordinarily happy. December should be downright glorious."
I won't say November was happy, and December the opposite of glorious, aside from leaving CML - which was the relief of all reliefs. The crap really hit the fan in January when true, false identities and other craziness were revealed.
I forget how funny Monkey Business is. All four of the brothers get to show their chops. There's a wonderful scene in which they're trying to leave a ship. They steal Maurice Chevalier's passport and imitate him to try and fool the customs agents.
When you see a film multiple times, sometimes you find a gem you missed, or a little aside that suddenly strikes you as the best thing ever. This moment for me comes at about 4:50 of this great scene between Harpo and Chico, who are proving themselves to be tough so they can be bodyguards for a bad guy.
Groucho has one, perfect line in this scene.
After Monkey Business, Horse Feathers was shown. In the film, the song "Everyone Says I Love You" is used frequently and is performed by all the brothers during the film. I love the scene with Groucho and Thelma Todd as the College Widow.
I know Woody Allen did the film Everyone Says I Love You, and used the song as a tribute to the Marxes. What I did not know was that the song was written specifically for Horse Feathers. I always thought it was a popular song of the day. I liked Woody's film a lot.
Back to Thelma Todd, who appeared in a lot of films during her short career. Why was her career short? Because she was 29 when she died under mysterious circumstances. The official cause of death was a carbon monoxide overdose. She was found in a locked garage with her car running. There was also blood on her face and dress, she may have already been unconscious when the car was started.
I have a tendency to look back at my journal entries. This one from 2006 is quite spooky. It's a monthly horoscope that, if you push it back a month or two, has some dead on accuracy. Hindsight gives you the opportunity to do this.
"The winds of change are again blowing, and you are about to experience a radical shift in your career. The first week of September will be fraught with tension as unexpected news about a professional matter comes your way...
It looks like destiny has a plan for you. If you have been working long and hard, with too little reward or promise for a sound future, getting out of your current situation will be a blessing. It's time to clear out the dead wood that has weighed you down and wedged you between a rock and a hard place.
It appears your boss or client, most likely a female, is about to announce a surprise departure, and you will be distressed to hear this, for it looks like she was a strong supporter.
Before you get too worried, it's possible that you may have ALREADY seen a source of income dry up over the past few months. Let me show you how this could be by telling you a true story.
Summary:
A major, sudden career change near September 7, the full moon lunar eclipse - a change you won't see coming - will leave you stunned. A top-level woman who protected you may now suddenly depart, leaving you feeling orphaned. Or someone may attempt to harm your reputation, either through gossip or through a false accusation. In the latter instance, you'll soon find out who your true friends are, although the experience may turn out to be quite disillusioning.
While this sounds ominous, all this month will bring is a set of tests, albeit quite a number of them. On the upside, you will get them done all at once. October should be lively and productive, and November will be extraordinarily happy. December should be downright glorious."
I won't say November was happy, and December the opposite of glorious, aside from leaving CML - which was the relief of all reliefs. The crap really hit the fan in January when true, false identities and other craziness were revealed.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
An old Meme I liked
Most memorable movie going experiences. In a theater setting, watching at home, on video/dvd, or someone else's home does not count.
In no particular order. I know I'm forgetting more than a few.
1) Mr. Mike's Mondo Video - East Islip Theater - 1978. A drunken audience watching a very bad movie. Beer bottles were rolling down the aisle, then being thrown at the screen. The film was then stopped when someone suggested the rabbit that Mr. Mike was holding be shot. On came the second half of the double feature. Flesh Gordon.
2) Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom - NYC - 80s. Not that this was a great movie, but we saw it on a huge freaking screen with the most amazing sound I've heard in a theater.
3&4) The General and Trouble In Paradise - McEwan Hall, SUNY Fredonia 1984. Dr. Shokoff has these on 16mm and played them for us in a class on narrative film. Changed how I look at film.
5) On The Town - Ohio Theater, Columbus Ohio 1998. The Summer Movie Series that CAPA puts on is one of the pleasures of living in this landlocked city. I'd never seen this movie before. The first ten minutes, the opening number on the big screen left me gasping with joy.
6) Four Horsemen of The Apocolypse - Ohio Theater, Columbus, early 90's. Gaylord Carter played the mighty Morton Organ. 'Nuff said.
7) Jaws - Bay Shore Theater - 1975. That head popping out of the boat still scares the crap out of me.
8) Aliens - Cine - Fredonia, New York 1980s - The last 45 minutes of this movie had everyone sitting on the edges, or with their eyes shut praying for their mamas.
9) Fresh Horses - Cine - Fredonia - 1980s. What a dud of a movie. About a third in everyone was talking, and no one cared enough to shhh.
10) Sons of The Desert - Ohio Theater - 2004. The site of hundreds of Laurel and Hardy fanatics, dressed in costume, linking their arms and singing along was one of the most heartwarming things I've ever seen in my life. Bless them. It's all about the fun.
This one goes to 11. This is Spinal Tap, in my friend Gregg's basement. It was the first time I'd ever experienced a great DVD commentary before.
12) Day of Wrath - The Wexner Center. 2006. There is not one frame of this film that will not suck the life and happiness out of you. Every scene is designed to make you cringe in despair and face your truth. To say this film is a downer is to insult the downer. Find yourself a batch of liquor after viewing. The higher the alcohol content the better. I cannot recommend this film highly enough. It will destroy you and the act of putting yourself back together will deliver the redemption the after effects which Day of Wrath will bring to your memories. This film lingers. It will never, ever leave you because in your worst moments you will remember viewing this film and realizing you do not have it so bad after all.
In no particular order. I know I'm forgetting more than a few.
1) Mr. Mike's Mondo Video - East Islip Theater - 1978. A drunken audience watching a very bad movie. Beer bottles were rolling down the aisle, then being thrown at the screen. The film was then stopped when someone suggested the rabbit that Mr. Mike was holding be shot. On came the second half of the double feature. Flesh Gordon.
2) Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom - NYC - 80s. Not that this was a great movie, but we saw it on a huge freaking screen with the most amazing sound I've heard in a theater.
3&4) The General and Trouble In Paradise - McEwan Hall, SUNY Fredonia 1984. Dr. Shokoff has these on 16mm and played them for us in a class on narrative film. Changed how I look at film.
5) On The Town - Ohio Theater, Columbus Ohio 1998. The Summer Movie Series that CAPA puts on is one of the pleasures of living in this landlocked city. I'd never seen this movie before. The first ten minutes, the opening number on the big screen left me gasping with joy.
6) Four Horsemen of The Apocolypse - Ohio Theater, Columbus, early 90's. Gaylord Carter played the mighty Morton Organ. 'Nuff said.
7) Jaws - Bay Shore Theater - 1975. That head popping out of the boat still scares the crap out of me.
8) Aliens - Cine - Fredonia, New York 1980s - The last 45 minutes of this movie had everyone sitting on the edges, or with their eyes shut praying for their mamas.
9) Fresh Horses - Cine - Fredonia - 1980s. What a dud of a movie. About a third in everyone was talking, and no one cared enough to shhh.
10) Sons of The Desert - Ohio Theater - 2004. The site of hundreds of Laurel and Hardy fanatics, dressed in costume, linking their arms and singing along was one of the most heartwarming things I've ever seen in my life. Bless them. It's all about the fun.
This one goes to 11. This is Spinal Tap, in my friend Gregg's basement. It was the first time I'd ever experienced a great DVD commentary before.
12) Day of Wrath - The Wexner Center. 2006. There is not one frame of this film that will not suck the life and happiness out of you. Every scene is designed to make you cringe in despair and face your truth. To say this film is a downer is to insult the downer. Find yourself a batch of liquor after viewing. The higher the alcohol content the better. I cannot recommend this film highly enough. It will destroy you and the act of putting yourself back together will deliver the redemption the after effects which Day of Wrath will bring to your memories. This film lingers. It will never, ever leave you because in your worst moments you will remember viewing this film and realizing you do not have it so bad after all.
Monday, February 16, 2009
This one is not going viral
EARLIEST MOVIE-WATCHING MEMORY: I think my mother took me to see Dr. Dolittle. Not sure if it was at Radio City Music Hall or not. I remember the ornate theater lobby more than the film. They dropped us off one afternoon to see Ring of Bright Water. I remember otters swimming.
LAST DVD YOU BOUGHT: I found a copy of The Saddest Music in the World at Big Lots for three bucks.
IF YOU WERE A TCM GUEST PROGRAMMER, WHAT THREE MOVIES WOULD YOU CHOOSE: This is like what would you play for an hour on the radio. It would change depending on my mood. Let's start off by scaring the kids with Au Hasard Balthazar, go right into Day of Wrath and if anyone viewing is still alive I'll save them with Duck Soup.
FAVORITE MOVIE ENDING: You have to love the Christ-like donkey in Au Hasard Balthazar, or maybe the rolling down the hill followed by an off camera splash in Mouchette.
Ok, what's Bresson doing in my head today?
WHAT MOVIE ARE YOU ASHAMED TO SAY YOU HAVEN'T SEEN, AND WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE: Ashamed? It's a matter of not having time or the inclination. Maybe The Matrix or Fight Club.
PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FOUR MOVIES AND WRITE TWO SENTENCES ABOUT IT:
The Goodbye Girl
Working Girl - Joan Cusack is a better actress than Melanie Griffith will ever be. Ok that's one sentence, but it's the correct one.
Funny Girl
Jersey Girl
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE AT A DRIVE-IN, WHAT DID YOU SEE: We're talking many years ago. I think it was E.T.
FILM ERA OR GENRE YOU'RE A LITTLE OBSESSED WITH: I'm a buff of the pre code era. Racy dialogue, Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck or Carole Lombard without undergarments, the last fifteen minutes of The Sign of the Cross. Pygmies on sticks! Who wants to go to hell with Madame Satan? I love that stuff. Will Hays was evil.
FILM CRITIC YOU TRUST THE MOST: wendersfan, except when it comes to Slumdog Millionaire.
FAVORITE BOOK ON THE SUBJECT OF FILM: The Parade's Gone By - Kevin Brownlow. 41 years later, it's still the book on the stars and crew members of the silent era.
DESCRIBE THE FREQUENCY OF YOUR FILM INTAKE: I try to watch one a week, some weeks it's difficult.
LAST DVD YOU BOUGHT: I found a copy of The Saddest Music in the World at Big Lots for three bucks.
IF YOU WERE A TCM GUEST PROGRAMMER, WHAT THREE MOVIES WOULD YOU CHOOSE: This is like what would you play for an hour on the radio. It would change depending on my mood. Let's start off by scaring the kids with Au Hasard Balthazar, go right into Day of Wrath and if anyone viewing is still alive I'll save them with Duck Soup.
FAVORITE MOVIE ENDING: You have to love the Christ-like donkey in Au Hasard Balthazar, or maybe the rolling down the hill followed by an off camera splash in Mouchette.
Ok, what's Bresson doing in my head today?
WHAT MOVIE ARE YOU ASHAMED TO SAY YOU HAVEN'T SEEN, AND WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE: Ashamed? It's a matter of not having time or the inclination. Maybe The Matrix or Fight Club.
PICK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING FOUR MOVIES AND WRITE TWO SENTENCES ABOUT IT:
The Goodbye Girl
Working Girl - Joan Cusack is a better actress than Melanie Griffith will ever be. Ok that's one sentence, but it's the correct one.
Funny Girl
Jersey Girl
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE AT A DRIVE-IN, WHAT DID YOU SEE: We're talking many years ago. I think it was E.T.
FILM ERA OR GENRE YOU'RE A LITTLE OBSESSED WITH: I'm a buff of the pre code era. Racy dialogue, Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck or Carole Lombard without undergarments, the last fifteen minutes of The Sign of the Cross. Pygmies on sticks! Who wants to go to hell with Madame Satan? I love that stuff. Will Hays was evil.
FILM CRITIC YOU TRUST THE MOST: wendersfan, except when it comes to Slumdog Millionaire.
FAVORITE BOOK ON THE SUBJECT OF FILM: The Parade's Gone By - Kevin Brownlow. 41 years later, it's still the book on the stars and crew members of the silent era.
DESCRIBE THE FREQUENCY OF YOUR FILM INTAKE: I try to watch one a week, some weeks it's difficult.
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