Trailer Watch
Posted by movieguyjon
I thought I would brighten your hump day by showing off a few trailers for films coming out this week. We've got a Matt Damon goes to war movie, a forgettable Robert Pattinson movie, and a movie about an exploding girl. I may just have to see that last one. Anyway, here you go, in no particular order.
Tron Legacy Trailer
Posted by movieguyjon
Found via CBR (THANKS!):
The film looks like it will be pretty cool. I just hope it's not another Alice in Wonderland in that it's pretty but with no substance. That would just be a dick move on Disney's part, right? Also, who's the Bowie wannabe in this trailer? He seems interesting. Note: If the trailer doesn't work, just follow the link to the CBR site.
Reflections on Gremlins
Posted by thegreatredhope
We'll be watching GREMLINS tonight, as I'm sure you're aware. Let's take a little time beforehand to share some reflections of a film that owns property on a small but valuable space of my brain. What do I remember, exactly? Well, it's been a while...
- Most would classify this film as "black comedy". More accurately, I think we could label it "wow, this is a black comedy?" Maybe I was too young (read: naive, sheltered) to realize this was supposed to be funny, nay, a PARODY of monster films. Guess I needed to bone up on my cheesy monster movies first.
- For a comedy, this specimen sure is violent. As tough as the gremlins look on the exterior, they're all goo and pulp on the insides. And don't worry; you'll get plenty of chances to see what they're made of. There was something about a blender, a microwave, maybe some getting run over...
- I recall the gremlins looking too terrifying and evil to be mischievous. For all I knew they could've crawled out from the pits of hell to feast on our livestock and kidnap our children. I'm much less likely to assume, based on their appearance, that they'd be running around like Daffy Duck on steroids. I think they tried to offset this in the sequel, but the goofy ones, somehow, are infinitely creepier.
- Man, this movie scared me something fierce when I was a kid.
- Regardless, the theme song is exceptional, and it'll stick with you forever...
- Setting this during the Christmas season is a nice touch, but it only adds to the creepiness factor. When is an invasion by terrifying monsters LESS funny than during the snowy, tranquil holidays?
- When I hear about gremlin lore, I think of these gremlins specifically. Yes, I'm aware they've been around for untold years, appearing in folk tales all over the globe, but...too bad, as far as I'm concerned they're the DEFINITIVE version of the creatures.
- My dog's mother was named Gizmo. And she looked like Gizmo. My dog doesn't.
There you have it, my collection of thoughts and memories about Gremlins. Will I have my mind changed? Will it reinforce itself as a film that's much scarier than people say? Will it be a 2 hour gloppy, gory, puppet orgy of mayhem? Find out when we watch it...TONIGHT!!!!!
After Hours
Posted by thegreatredhope
It's official: I've discovered the most forgotten mainstream film of all time. That distinction rests with the 1985 film "After Hours". I discovered it perusing the Netflix Instant Play library. The summary sounded intriguing:
"Paul Hackett (Griffin Dunne) embarks on a trip to New York City's SoHo district in hopes of hooking up with a recent acquaintance, the beautiful Marcy Franklin (Rosanna Arquette). But Paul loses all his money, and just to get back home he must endure a night of kooks, psychotics, punks and an angry mob trying to kill him."
Whoa, so like, his whole night just unravels and gets crazier and crazier? I love movies like that!! The downward spiral that takes place over one single piece of time! Well, the movie is most certainly crazy. But the "dark" seems to overcompensate loudly for the "comedy". It's strange to watch a film vacuum any humor out of its various situations. There's suicide, awkward meet-ups with the opposite sex, punk parties, all the wacky stuff that gets punctuated by a night alone in a New York City neighborhood. And yet...nothing the characters do makes any damn sense! Awkward scene after awkward scene between people play out, all the while you're thinking, "Who would do that?" or "There's a really simple way to get out of this situation". Kinda like watching Curb Your Enthusiasm, except EVERYONE is Larry David or weirder. There ain't a single "regular" person there to contrast the weirdness.
Maybe this movie was created in another, weirder dimension and was accidentally shipped to this one. Although that'd be tough, since the director was (get this) none other than (you ready?) Martin freakin Scorsese!!! In know, right?! There are certain shots that are very indicative of his work, like quick push-ins and long, long, looooong takes in a scene. But they really don't add anything to the story; they stand out like sore thumbs, mainly because the rest of the pacing, acting, and shot composition are so slowly-paced. This came off as a practice film; each scene had waaaay too much air. And the truckloads of cameos didn't help (although it does feature both parents from Home Alone...and Cheech...and Chong).
Ideally, a dark comedy should make me feel sly or mischievous, like I've gotten away with something. Instead I felt as weirded-out as the protagonist...but maybe that was the idea? There are way too many "but maybe's" when I reflect on this movie. Perhaps it would have fared better under its original director, Tim Burton (yes, really). He really had a knack for weird, dark, 80s cult comedies. And those were actually funny.
Gawd, even the TRAILER'S pace is saggy.
Clouded Judgement
Posted by thegreatredhope
Having been bombarded with the ads for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs all year, I think it's finally getting to me. The film looks less than stellar in my opinion, and there are some strange things going on visually. Overall I think that's my biggest hangup with this thing. The original book has a very detailed, realistic look, no? So why then render the film's characters to look like they were ripped from a 1950's UPA cartoon? Additionally, why would you place those very simplistic, stylized characters in a world being overrun with photorealistic food? Anyone else see a slight disconnect?
I appreciate that animation studios are starting to branch out from the novelty of 3D and actually using the tool to push the medium forward, but you can only go so far when you're relying on visuals to support lackluster jokes, acting, and narrative. Now I'm not knocking the source material, but let's not kid ourselves...this ain't sticking too close to the book. We've still got a ways to go before some of these studios really start thinking about legitimate artistic quality. Sure, it looks interesting, but it's just empty calories.
You Basterds!!
Posted by thegreatredhope
I had the misfortune of going to film school after Quentin Tarantino burst onto the film scene. Needless to say, by the end of my run, I was sick to death of every cinematic trope he made "cool". I'd had it up to HERE with lengthy dialogue about some small piece of pop culture, references to film eras I was not privy to, and badass violence for the sake of pure, badass violence.
I'd been hearing about his latest, Inglourious Basterds, for a long, long time. There had been rumors of Tarantino making a WWII-era film for the last 10 years or so. Was I excited to learn that it would finally see the light of day? Not even close. I was ready for that guy to disappear forever, especially after the ultimate self-indulgent flick Death Proof. Goodbye Tarantino, you had your fun.
Yet, I started hearing more and more positive buzz about Inglourious Basterds, and I was hearing it from people who shared the same anti-Tarantino sentiment as me. Needless to say, after absorbing enough of this hype, I marched in to see exactly what they were talking about...
And I really liked it! My life wasn't changed, but I think that expectation is just a smidge unrealistic for his movies. All of his tropes were there, but they actually served the story very well. And any moments that seemed cool for the sake of being cool actually served the story. See, that's where I come away with the most respect for this film: It was self-contained. His other films feel like elements of cinema from many different eras all mushed together. Yet, you can tell that this new concoction is made up of tiny little pieces. This flick, however, really blended all the inspirational elements (and there are many) to form something entirely his own. For once he seemed to really use his influences to take this film to a level all its own.
So please do check this one out if you're at all curious, if not only for its (truly) unforgettable climax. My mind ain't totally changed on this Tarantino fella, but as an independent work it's something I can really respect. Looks like the guy finally found a story that suits him just perfectly.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Posted by thegreatredhope
For one brief second, today was like Christmas for me. After a long day at work and a never-ending softball game, I was eagerly anticipating my arrival back home. I would be receiving a much larger respite than normal.
Finally, finally, finally, Amazon followed through and sent me my copy of Batman: Arkham Asylum for the XBox 360. As a lifelong Bat-fan, I was oh so very excited. This was, however, the game that finally got me to buy the damn system way back when. Unfortunately the game was delayed for a few months, proving I could clench my jaw harder than I ever thought possible.
Because of this release delay, coupled with the fact that there's never really been a standout Batman game I can mention, I was concerned this would be a forgettable affair. Then the reviews started pouring in. Oh, how they praised the story, combat, acting, visuals, gameplay, and pacing. Oh, and how they're all exactly on the money. Without parroting too many of the reviews out there, I'd like to say that I am really digging this game.
Everything about this title just comes together exactly the way you think it should, right down to Batman's appearance (which I'm a pretty big stickler about. I'm looking at you, puffy outfit from Batman Begins). I was raised on the animated series from the 90's, and Paul Dini, one of the main creative forces behind that endeavor, provides the story for this game. It's wonderful, as to be expected. You'll also see the return of many cast members from the show playing the roles that were so very crystalized to me as a child.
The word on everyone's lips about this title seems to be "combat", and I can absolutely see why. Creating elaborate, flowing combos is quite easy, and holy hell is it satisfying. Punch, crack, slam...they're all there. You'll never again wonder what'd it be like to lay down a Batman-style beatdown. And, not to be forgotten, there's a "detective mode" that you'll be making copious use out of as you sneak through the various levels. Taking at least a small cue from The Dark Knight's x-ray lens thingies, you'll be able to spot clues and enemies in a very cool and scientific way. You really do feel like the world's greatest detective.
So yes, I'm writing in praise of this game. In a way, it's a rough representation of the pretend Batman games I played as a kid...and that's a compliment. Any time you can accurately personify an 8-year-old's imagination, you've really accomplished something. Go get this game. Go get it now.
And welcome to the madhouse.
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