Technicolor Commentary » Films

Movie Quote Horoscope: April 4

movieguyjon — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:20:33 +0000

This week I've decided to start a new game here on Technicolor Commentary. It's called the Movie Quote Horoscope. I've pulled quotes from films based on the characteristics listed in the Western Horoscope. It's your job to guess who said each quote and what movie the quote is from. Obviously it's easy to find the answers by looking it up on the web, but if you're a true quote connoisseur you should be able to get these without having to leave the page.

You can guess the answers in the comments section and I will replace the blanks below with the right answers as you guess them, giving you credit for the guess. Also, feel free to discuss the films mentioned here as they are definitely worth talking about!

Your Movie Quote Horoscope can be found right after the jump!

Aries

"Your Eminence, I should write the history of France." ___________

Taurus

"Actually I'm the woman with the scented waste receptacles, but yes." ___________

Gemini

"I've made a decision, I'm gonna live in Morocco for one year. I need a new crowd. Do you wanna come?" Penny Lane, Almost Famous - Guessed by Jandy

Cancer

"She took a giant shit on my face. Literally." Tom, (500) Days of Summer - Guessed by Akewedviews

Leo

"Dreams, dreams always dreams with you, never common sense." ___________

Virgo

"It could get wrecked, stolen, scratched, breathed on wrong...a pigeon could shit on it! Who knows?" Cameron, Ferris Beuller's Day Off - Guessed by Aden

Libra

"I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight." Emily, The Devil Wears Prada - Guessed by Tinypants

Scorpio

"There's not a lot of money in revenge." Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride - Guessed by Tinypants

Sagittarius

"So, because I'm a beautiful woman, the only reason any man wants to talk to me is because he wants to fuck me?" Alice Harford, Eyes Wide Shut - Guessed by Akewedviews

Capricorn

"And Nietzsche, with his theory of eternal recurrence. He said that the life we lived we're gonna live over again the exact same way for eternity. Great. That means I'll have to sit through the Ice Capades again." ___________

Aquarius

"Uh, no. It's an agreement reached by mutual consent. Now, here's the way it works. You concede the necessity of goin' to school, we'll keep right on readin' the same every night, just as we always have. Is that a bargain?" Atticus Finch, To Kill A Mockingbird - Guessed by Curtiss Grymala

Pisces

"I said, "Do you love me?" and she said, "No, but that's a really nice ski mask."" Lloyd, Dumb & Dumber - Guessed by Akewedviews

Diagnosis: Film-Weekend of Mar. 11

movieguyjon — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:00:43 +0000

This weekend there are a lot of interesting films to check out, which is a spike from last week. I still haven't gotten to Rango from last week yet, which means I'm already behind. Wonderful /sarcasm. The big ones this weekend are Battle: Los Angeles and Mars Needs Moms. If you're interested in a Twilight'esque Red Riding Hood, that's available for you as well. It's directed by the same lady who did the first Twilight film, so it will no doubt be lavish and full of sexually charged youths....and Gary Oldman.

Are you seeing anything this weekend? Did you get a chance to see anything last week? Let us know in the comments. Films after the jump!

	BATTLE: LOS ANGELES Directed By: Jonathan Liebesman Written By: Christopher Bertolini Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez and Bridget Moynahan Release Date: March 11, 2011 (3,300 screens) Synopsis: A Marine platoon faces off against an alien invasion in Los Angeles. Thoughts: I'm mostly just curious to see this based on the trailers. Ebert gives it a half-star review saying it's abysmal. Not sure if that means it's so bad it's good or that it's just plain bad. Still....I'm curious. Diagnosis: Curious to see.
	MARS NEEDS MOMS Directed By: Simon Wells Written By: Simon Wells & Wendy Wells Starring: Seth Green, Joan Cusack and Dan Fogler Release Date: March 11, 2011 (3,000+ screens) Synopsis: A young boy named Milo gains a deeper appreciation for his mom after Martians come to Earth to take her away. Thoughts: I'm almost afraid to say that this is perhaps the dumbest thing I've ever seen, because then someone would go and make something even more stupid than this. Seriously. IQ points, so long and thanks for all the fish. Diagnosis: Pass x 10,000
	RED RIDING HOOD Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke Written By: David Johnson Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas and Gary Oldman Release Date: March 11, 2011 (2,900 screens) Synopsis: Set in a medieval village that is haunted by a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter, much to her family's displeasure. Thoughts: It's the tale of Red Riding Hood given the Twilight treatment by the lady who directed the first in the Twilight series. Chances are, both the scenery AND the people will be sexy as hell. And then there's Gary Oldman. Diagnosis: Pass.
	3 BACKYARDS Directed By: Eric Mendelsohn Written By: Eric Mendelsohn Starring: Embeth Davidtz, Edie Falco and Elias Koteas Release Date: March 11, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: The story of three people from the same suburban town during the course of one curious autumn day. Thoughts: Just based on the trailer alone I'm interested in seeing this. Nice use of sound to blend the various story threads together. Seems like the same type of film as Some Days Are Better Than Others. I hope they weave the three stories together better.. Diagnosis: Curious to see.
	BLACK DEATH Directed By: Christopher Smith Written By: Dario Poloni Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean and Carice van Houten Release Date: March 11, 2011 (2 screens) Synopsis: Set during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk is tasked with learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village. Thoughts: I got to see a sneak preview of this film a few weeks ago and I rather enjoyed it. An interesting look at how people reacted to the plague, with some strong performances by Bean and others. Definitely a good one to see if you want to see something in a similar vein to Centurion. Diagnosis: Go See It!
	BONNIE AND CLYDE VS. DRACULA Directed By: Timothy Friend Written By: Timothy Friend Starring: Jordan Baranowski, Katie Barker and Ari Bavel Release Date: March 11, 2011 (3 screens) Synopsis: When gangsters meet vampires, there's bloody hell to pay... Thoughts: ...I don't really know what to say after that trailer, other than.. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant
	CERTIFIED COPY Directed By: Abbas Kiarostami Written By: Abbas Kiarostami Starring: Juliette Binoche, William Shimell and Jean-Claude Carrière Release Date: March 11, 2011 (5 screens) Synopsis: In Tuscany to promote his latest book, a middle-aged English writer meets a French woman who leads him to the village of Lucignano. Thoughts: This looks like an interesting film. It played at AFI Fest, but I didn't really know enough about the film to be interested in seeing it. Not only that, there were a lot of other films there that took precedence. Diagnosis: Want to see.
	CLASH (BAY RONG) Directed By: Le Thanh Son Written By: Johnny Nguyen Starring: Hieu Hien, Thanh Van Ngo and Hoang Phuc Nguyen Release Date: March 11, 2011 (9 screens) Synopsis: Trinh, a mercenary, must complete a series of organized crime jobs for her boss in order to win the release of her kidnapped daughter. She hires several mercenaries to help, including Quan, who she becomes attracted to. Trinh and Quan's relationship becomes complicated as it becomes evident that their motivations are not the same. Thoughts: The trailer is essentially a bunch of people beating the crap out of each other and shooting at things while looking sexy in key moments. Diagnosis: Want to see.
	ELEKTRA LUX Directed By: Sebastian Gutierrez Written By: Sebastian Gutierrez Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Carla Gugino and Ermahn Ospina Release Date: March 11, 2011 Synopsis: Life for porn actress Elektra Luxx gets turned upside down when she finds out she's pregnant. Thoughts: Despite the interesting cast, this isn't the type of film I'd go out of my way to see on opening weekend. Major points lost for the "NOT NOW MOM" joke, which no one seems to want to retire. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant, maybe.
	JANE EYRE (2011) Directed By: Cary Fukunaga Written By: Moira Buffini Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender and Jamie Bell Release Date: March 11, 2011 (4 screens) Synopsis: A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret. Thoughts: I've absolutely no experience with the source material or it's other film iterations, but I would see this one. Diagnosis: Curious to see.
	KILL THE IRISHMAN Directed By: Jonathan Hensleigh Written By: Jonathan Hensleigh & Jeremy Walters Starring: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken and Vincent D'Onofrio Release Date: March 11, 2011 (5 screens) Synopsis: The true story of Danny Greene, a tough Irish thug working for mobsters in Cleveland during the 1970's. Thoughts: A period mobster film with a trailer full of modern music. What's not to like? Oh, right. Everything. Diagnosis: Pass.
	MAKING THE BOYS Directed By: Crayton Robey Written By: Starring: Edward Albee, Candis Cayne and Andy Cohen Release Date: March 11, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement, the film explores the drama, struggle and enduring legacy of the first-ever gay play and subsequent Hollywood movie to successfully reach a mainstream audience. Beloved by some for breaking new ground, and condemned by others for reinforcing gay stereotypes, The Boys in the Band sparked heated controversy that still exists four decades later. Thoughts: Looks like an interesting documentary. Too bad it's only playing on one screen this weekend. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant
	MONOGAMY Directed By: Dana Adam Shapiro Written By: Dana Adam Shapiro & Evan M. Wiener Starring: Chris Messina, Rashida Jones and Meital Dohan Release Date: March 11, 2011 Synopsis: The strained relationship of an engaged Brooklyn couple, Theo and Nat. Theo is bored with his job as a wedding photographer-the generic backgrounds, the artificial posing, the stilted newlyweds-so he develops an unconventional side business, called "Gumshoot," a service where clients hire him to stalk them with his camera. Becoming infatuated with one of his clients, a mystery woman who goes by the name Subgirl, Theo develops a voyeuristic obsession that forces him to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and his impending marriage. Thoughts: They make a comparison in the trailer to Sex, Lies and Videotape. I'm not sure it's apt. That said, the film looks interesting and I don't think I've seen Rashida Jones do drama yet. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

Review of Black Death

movieguyjon — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:00:59 +0000

A TCC RATING OF
***~~ (3/5)

Directed By: Christopher Smith
Written By: Dario Poloni
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean and Carice van Houten

I feel like I could copy and paste my review of Centurion here and it would pretty much express how I felt when I left an advanced screening of Black Death. This is yet another sword and sandal epic that doesn't pull any punches when it comes to grisly and harsh realities of "back in the day" and it does so in a way that makes you think.

The story is such: A young monk is tasked to go off with a band of holy mercenaries who are off to investigate a plague-free village in the monk's homeland. Along the way they learn some startling truths and are forever changed by them. The standout here are the performances, with Sean Bean giving a weighted performance comparable to his Boromir in Fellowship of the Ring. It's tough not to enjoy every moment he's on screen. Contrasting his role quite nicely is Eddie Redmayne, who plays the troubled monk Osmund. Really, everyone delivers a strong performance and for it the film is much stronger than you might guess from the trailers.

Thematically, this film is strong. It was interesting to see how the main characters placed themselves in this battle between "good" and "evil." There's a particularly strong moment where Ulric mercy-kills a young woman accused of witchcraft, which speaks quite well to how complicated that time period was. It was also a strong move on the filmmakers part to not take a side on the issue or attempt to force some sort of moral choice on the audience, which I appreciated by the time I was well into the third act.

I do have some gripes about the film. Namely, I'm not entirely sure I like having that epilogue tacked on at the end. Compared to the rest of the film it feels clumsy and like something that could just as easily have been given to one of the other characters as a somber voice over. In fact, just before the epilogue starts there's a rather nice voiceover by one of the remaining soldiers which serves as a nice objective look at what happened, and wondering what the events of the film meant. If it had just been that moment and then the credits, I would have been perfectly fine with this film and would have probably given it an extra star in the rating up top.

Just like with Centurion, some of the side characters don't get a whole lot of attention, which really detracts from their eventual demise in the film. With these films, I'm always interested in these guys and how they develop with the story. And while there weren't any "Mickey" level performances from these side characters, I still felt myself wishing the film would stop for a few moments and give them something more. But given how tightly paced the film was, I feel like this is more of a personal gripe than a legitimate one.

Overall, I enjoyed the film and thought it presented some really interesting ideas. If you get a chance to see it in the near future, you should. It's only opening in two screens this weekend, but I expect it will open to more screens soon or at least make it's way to Netflix Instant. And hey, it will at least give you a decent fix of medieval Bean until Game of Thrones arrives on HBO!

Diagnosis: Film-Weekend of Mar. 4

movieguyjon — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:25:35 +0000

After a few relatively dry weeks in the film release department, we're blessed with a bunch of interesting gems this weekend. Highest on my list to see this weekend is The Adjustment Bureau, followed very closely by Rango. I've been trying to decide which one I want to see first, but to be honest that's been a difficult decision. Rango is the first CG animated film I've heard about in awhile that doesn't look the same as all the other ones out there, and it's directed by Gore Verbinski. But still, The Adjustment Bureau tugs at me. AHHHH. CHOICES!

What are you guys seeing this weekend? Anything good? Any of these? If you aren't, you should.

Films after the jump.

	THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU Directed By: George Nolfi Written By: George Nolfi Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Lisa Thoreson Release Date: March 4, 2011 (2,840 screens) Synopsis: The affair between a politician and a ballerina is affected by mysterious forces keeping the lovers apart. Thoughts: It's a bunch of guys in suits, running everywhere. Oh, and the premise seems pretty damn interesting to boot! Diagnosis: Want to see.
	BEASTLY Director: Daniel Barnz Written By: Daniel Barnz Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens and Mary-Kate Olsen Release Date: March 4, 2011 (1,952 screens) Synopsis: A modern-day take on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale where a New York teen is transformed into a hideous monster in order to find true love. Thoughts: You know, they didn't really do a good job here of making the guy look ugly. They just put a bunch of indents and tattoos on him. Unless the message here is that people are REALLY superficial. Also, Neil Patrick Harris is in this? I feel like this is the only thing that keeps it from being a complete and total pass. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.
	RANGO Director: Gore Verbinski Written By: John Logan Starring: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher and Timothy Olyphant Release Date: March 4, 2011 (3,917 screens) Synopsis: Rango is an ordinary chameleon who accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. Thoughts: It's neither Dreamworks nor Pixar, and the character designs are grotesque. Also, Gore Verbinski. In short, sign me up! Diagnosis: Want to see.
	TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT Director: Michael Dowse Written By: Jackie Filgo & Jeff Filgo Starring: Topher Grace, Anna Faris and Dan Fogler Release Date: March 4, 2011 (2,003 screen) Synopsis: Follow an aimless college grad who pursues his dream girl at a wild Labor Day weekend party. He, his twin sister and their best friend struggle with their burgeoning adulthood over the course of the night. Thoughts: A fairly standard comedy set in the 80s where Topher Grace becomes Veynom. Or, well, that's at least what I think should happen. Diagnosis: Pass.
	HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE Director: Josh Radnor Written By: Josh Radnor Starring: Josh Radnor, Malin Akerman and Zoe Kazan Release Date: March 4, 2011 (2 screens) Synopsis: Captures a generational moment - young people on the cusp of truly growing up, tiring of their reflexive cynicism, each in their own ways struggling to connect and define what it means to love and be loved. Thoughts: The guy from How I Met Your Mother wrote and directed a film. I'm curious to see this. Could have done without the quirky, hand drawn title cards and twee music though. That's a little played out. Diagnosis: Curious to see.
	THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Director: Eran Riklis Written By: Noah Stollman Starring: Mark Ivanir, Reymond Amsalem and Gila Almagor Release Date: March 4, 2011 (4 screens) Synopsis: A tragi-comedy centered on the HR manager of Israel's largest industrial bakery, who sets out to save the reputation of his business and prevent the publication of a defamatory article. Thoughts: This looks like it will be an interesting film. Not only that, but it looks quirky and layered without any sort of hand drawn title cards to try and drive the point home. Diagnosis: Curious to see.
	I SAW THE DEVIL Director: Jee-woon Kim Written By: Hoon-jung Park Starring: Byung-hun Lee, Min-sik Choi and Gook-hwan Jeon Release Date: March 4, 2011 (2 screens) Synopsis: When his pregnant wife becomes the latest victim of a serial killer, a secret agent blurs the line between good and evil in his pursuit of revenge. Thoughts: If you're into excessive vengeance and a lot of fucked up shit, then this film might just be for you. Might be just a little past what I'm interested in seeing. Diagnosis: Pass.

Diagnosis: Film-Weekend of Feb. 25

movieguyjon — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:00:41 +0000

There's really nothing good out this week except for Heartbeats, which is only playing on one screen. If you're into The Oscars, there's that too but it looks to be a fairly predictable ordeal. Do you plan on seeing any of these gems this weekend? How about that Drive Angry, which is shot in glorious 3D?

Actually, you know what? I dare you to see Drive Angry.

Films after the jump

	DRIVE ANGRY (IN 3D) Directed By: Patrick Lussier Written By: Todd Farmer & Patrick Lussier Starring: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard and William Fichtner Release Date: February 25, 2011 (2,290 screens) Synopsis: A vengeful father escapes from hell and chases after the men who killed his daughter and kidnapped his granddaughter. Thoughts: It's shot in 3D, so it has to be good, right? Diagnosis: Pass.
	HALL PASS Director: Bobby Farrelly & Peter Farrelly Written By: Pete Jones & Peter Farrelly Starring: Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis and Christina Applegate Release Date: February 25, 2011 (2,950 screens) Synopsis: A married man is granted the opportunity to have an affair by his wife. Joined in the fun by his best pal, things get a little out of control when both wives start engaging in extramarital activities as well. Thoughts: There's absolutely nothing about this film that interests me. Diagnosis: Pass.
	THE GRACE CARD Director: David G. Evans Written By: Howard Klausner Starring: Michael Joiner, Mike Higgenbottom and Louis Gossett Jr. Release Date: February 25, 2011 Synopsis: Everything can change in an instant...and take a lifetime to unravel. Every day, we have the opportunity to rebuild relationships by extending and receiving God's grace. Offer The Grace Card, and never underestimate the power of God's love. Thoughts: Seems like a pretty straightforward drama, with all the typical fixings you might expect. Trailer kind of gives you everything, though. Diagnosis: Pass.
	HEARTBEATS Director: Xavier Dolan Written By: Xavier Dolan Starring: Xavier Dolan, Monia Chokri and Niels Schneider Release Date: February 25, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: The story of three close friends who are involved in a love-triangle. Thoughts: Saw this at AFI Fest and loved it. Sadly, it's only playing on one screen but if it ever reaches any of you, you'd be an idiot to miss it. There's also Netflix too, hopefully. Diagnosis: Want to see...again.
	OF GODS AND MEN Director: Xavier Beauvois Written By: Xavier Beauvois & Etienne Comar Starring: Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale and Olivier Rabourdin Release Date: February 25, 2011 (3 screens) Synopsis: Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay. Thoughts: The trailer definitely has me curious. Diagnosis: Curious to see.

Diagnosis: Film-Weekend of Feb. 18

movieguyjon — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:11:11 +0000

There's not really much of anything worth journeying to the theater for this weekend. If any of these sound remotely interesting to you, let us know in the comments. Maybe there's a diamond in the rough amongst these that I just couldn't see in the trailers.

Films after the jump!

	BIG MOMMAS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Directed By: John Whitesell Written By: Matthew Fogel Starring: Martin Lawrence, Brandon T. Jackson and Jessica Lucas Release Date: February 18, 2011 (2,821 screens) Synopsis: FBI agent Malcolm Turner and his stepson Trent go undercover at an all-girls performing arts school after Trent witnesses a murder. Thoughts: Perhaps the most retarded thing I've seen in a long time. If this trailer interests you, go punch yourself in the reproductive organ until it stops working. Diagnosis:
	I AM NUMBER FOUR Director: D.J. Caruso Written By: Alfred Gough & Miles Millar Starring: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant and Dianna Agron Release Date: February 18, 2011 (3,154 screens) Synopsis: John is an extraordinary teen, masking his true identity and passing as a typical high school student to elude a deadly enemy seeking to destroy him. Three like him have already been killed ... he is Number Four. Thoughts: The trailer reminds me a lot of Jumper. Is this another type of Jumper? Kind of makes me want to become a jumper....off a bridge. I guess it has Timothy Olyphant in it. But I'm not sure that's enough. OH LOOK BLUE LIGHT OUT OF MY HANDS! Diagnosis: Pass.
	UNKNOWN Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Written By: Oliver Butcher & Stephen Cornwell Starring: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger and January Jones Release Date: February 18, 2011 (3,000+ screens) Synopsis: A man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, (not even his wife), believes him. With the help of a young woman, he sets out to prove who he is. Thoughts: Someone messes with Liam Neeson and he effs shit up. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.
	BROTHERHOOD (2011) Director: Will Canon Written By: Will Canon & Doug Simon Starring: Trevor Morgan, Lou Taylor Pucci and Arlen Escarpeta Release Date: February 18, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: Adam Buckley finds himself in the middle of a convenience store robbery during his last night as a pledge for a college fraternity. When the initiation ritual goes horribly wrong, and every move proves disastrous, Adam is forced to confront a new challenge all together, and he has to take a stand. Thoughts: Seems like a fairly straight-forward story with some decent performances. Nothing I haven't seen before, though. Diagnosis: Pass.
	THE CHAPERONE Director: Stephen Herek Written By: S.J. Roth Starring: Paul Levesque, Kevin Corrigan and José Zúñiga Release Date: February 18, 2011 Synopsis: FAn ex-con on the run from his criminal past, hides out from those he ratted on by chaperoning a field trip to New Orleans. Thoughts: Macho wrestler-guy takes care of youngsters while oafish baddies attempt to get him back for some such thing. Brought to you by a trailer that can't decide if it's an indiewood comedy or that Vin Diesel film The Pacifier. Either way, I'm not buying that a giant like Triple H couldn't take these criminals down with his bare hands in an instant. Diagnosis: Pass.
	I AM Director: Tom Shadyac Written By: Starring: Tom Shadyac, Desmond Tutu and Noam Chomsky Release Date: February 18, 2011 Synopsis: Director Tom Shadyac speaks with intellectual and spiritual leaders about what's wrong with our world and how we can improve both it and the way we live in it. Thoughts: The guy who brought us Ace Ventura, Liar Liar and Bruce Almighty takes us on a journey about something. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what the documentary is about, but it seems uplifting. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.
	IMMIGRATION TANGO Director: David Burton Morris Written By: David Burton Morris Starring: Elika Portnoy, McCaleb Burnett and Carlos Leon Release Date: February 18, 2011 (30 screens) Synopsis: An American couple and a foreign couple test the limits of friendship and love when they switch partners and get married for green cards Thoughts: You know what's better than a love triangle? A LOVE SQUARE! Despite the silly premise, the trailer didn't seem too terrible. Not something I would see in the theater, though. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.
	THE LAST LIONS Director: Dereck Joubert Written By: Starring: Jeremy Irons Release Date: February 18, 2011 (4 screens) Synopsis: Fifty years ago there were close to half-a-million lions in Africa. Today there are around 20,000. To make matters worse, lions, unlike elephants, which are far more numerous, have virtually no protection under government mandate or through international accords. This is the jumping-off point for a disturbing, well-researched and beautifully made cri de coeur from husband and wife team Dereck and Beverly Joubert, award-winning filmmakers from Botswana who have been Explorers-in-Residence at National Geographic for more than four years. Pointing to poaching as a primary threat while noting the lion's pride of place on the list for eco-tourists-an industry that brings in 200 billion dollars per year worldwide-the Jouberts build a solid case for both the moral duty we have to protect lions (as well as other threatened "big cats," tigers among them) and the economic sense such protection would make. And when one takes into account the fact that big cats are at the very top of the food chain-and that their elimination would wreak havoc on all species below them, causing a complete ecosystem collapse-the need takes on a supreme urgency. Thoughts: It's a National Geographic documentary with voice-over by Jeremy Irons. Yes, folks, Scar has returned. Diagnosis: Curious.
	NOW & LATER Director: Philippe Diaz Written By: Philippe Diaz Starring: Luis Fernandez-Gil, Adrian Quinonez and Shari Solanis Release Date: February 18, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: Sex, politics and American culture are mixed into a combustible combination in Now & Later. Angela (Shari Solanis) is an illegal Latina immigrant living in Los Angeles who stumbles across Bill (James Wortham), a disgraced banker on the run. She takes him in. Through passionate sex, soul-searching conversations ranging from politics to philosophy, and other worldly pleasures, Angela introduces Bill to another worldview. As their affair heats up, the course of Bill's life begins to take an abrupt and unexpected turn. Thoughts: I think it's safe to say there's going to be a lot of sex in this film. I think I counted at least 5 or 6 "o" faces in the trailer. There's a story in there somewhere, but the trailer doesn't give us much of that. Diagnosis: Pass.
	PUTTY HILL Director: Matthew Porterfield Written By: Matthew Porterfield Starring: Sky Ferreira, Cody Ray and Dustin Ray Release Date: February 18, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: A young man's untimely death unites a fractured family and their community through shared memory and loss. Thoughts: It's about death and loss, shot in perhaps the gloomiest cinematography possible. There's a poignancy that they're trying to sell here, but the trailer isn't doing it for me. But since it looks to be on the gloomy side, I'm curious to see. Diagnosis: Curious.
	VANISHING ON 7TH STREET Director: Brad Anderson Written By: Anthony Jaswinski Starring: Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton and John Leguizamo Release Date: February 18, 2011 (1 screen) Synopsis: When a massive power outage plunges the city of Detroit into total darkness, a disparate group of individuals find themselves alone. The entire city's population has vanished into thin air, leaving behind heaps of empty clothing, abandoned cars and lengthening shadows. Soon the daylight begins to disappear completely, and as the survivors gather in an abandoned tavern, they realize the darkness is out to get them, and only their rapidly diminishing light sources can keep them safe. Thoughts: I've heard some negative press about this film, but the trailer hooked me regardless. Seems like something I might enjoy at home one evening, and it seems like it might be on par with I Am Legend. Let's just hope it doesn't have the same shit ending. Diagnosis: Netflix Instant.

Fictionalized History

thegreatredhope — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:00:16 +0000

Made it a point to stay up late and Finish "Frost/Nixon" the other night. Why did I do this? Well calm the hell down, I'm gonna tell ya...

I was extremely invested in the story, mainly because it extracted legitimate drama from real-world people and the situations they found themselves in. The real icing on the cake, however, was that it was all BASED ON A TRUE STORY. Oh, what a fun blanket statement. Hollywood can ride for miles and miles on that sentence.

I really enjoyed the movie overall, but I was hesitant to look up any info about the film afterwords (as I'm prone to doing) in fear of having the drama become undermined. I wanted to remain just a little naive and assume that whole thing was strongly rooted in reality. I mean, it was Richard Nixon after all. That guy could stir up some pretty dramatic shite. But, of course, curiosity got the best of me, and I looked it up. Go figure, a lot of it was altered for the purposes of drama. Should've expected this from the team that brought you "A Beautiful Mind". Ech.

I just wonder how much further films could ride on their drama if they didn't cling so tightly to the "based on a true story" angle. I'm guessing most people take that phrase with a grain of salt. And since the filmmakers never claim WHICH PART of the film comes from the real story, we're left to optimistically assume that all of this happens in the real world. Would it perhaps be easier to downplay the fact that these have their roots in true stories? An innumerable amount of films are based on true events, even if those events are just small moments of inspiration. Think about how many horror movies ride the hype of "based on a true story". Now think about how ridiculous it is to claim that a movie about ghosts is trying to recreate something that actually happened. OOhhhhh.

Maybe the most compelling angle you could hype is to keep the "true" parts to yourself. Compelling stories will sell regardless of their source material, and rigidly pairing a Hollywood film with reality can only harm its credibility.

Oh, and here's a funny article to support my argument.