The Faded Silver Screen

Random Mix, Spring 2010

2010-03-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Some tunes I've been listening to lately:

1. "Feel It All Around" by Washed Out
2. "Deadbeat Summer" by Neon Indian
3. "Ecstasy" by jj
4. "Twin Peaks" by Surfer Blood
5. "Crazy/Forever" by Japandroids
6. "Nitetime Rainbows (The Buddy System Remix)" by A Sunny Day in Glasgow
7. "Ijere" by Dr. Adolf Ahanotu
8. "Bad Love" by Small Black
9. "Rhinestone Eyes" by Gorillaz
10. "Operation Costs" by Lusine
11. "The High Road" by Broken Bells
12."Big Love (Mathemagic Remix)" by CFCF

Cassette photo is courtesy of:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/esparta/ / CC BY-ND 2.0

Marine Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad

2010-03-12T10:45:00.001-08:00

Marine Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad, première mise en ligne par The Caribbean Photo Archive.

Every once in a while, I stumble across a photo of a foreign locale, one that makes me long for exotic places, and the heady adventure of international travel. This is one such photo, from the Caribbean Photo Archive on Flickr.

Top Songs of 2009

2009-12-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

I'll admit, I haven't been as fastidious about keeping up with the latest indie albums as I was last year. Nonetheless, I still managed to come across a number of really awesome tracks from various artists.

1. "Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke
2. "The Lisbon Maru" by Fuck Buttons
3. "Come Saturday" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
4. "Useful Chamber" by The Dirty Projectors
5. "1901" by Phoenix
6. "Young Forever" by Jay-Z
7. "Soft Shock" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
8. "Lovesick" by Lindstrøm & Christabelle
9. "Crystallized" by The xx
10."Twilight Galaxy" by Metric

Top 10 Movies of the 00's

2009-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Really, there are so many movies I could have chosen for a list like this. In the end, though, it all boils down to my own subjective perception of the past decade, and how certain films were best at portraying that perception. For me, the three prerequisites of a good movie are: cinematography, music, and the ability to evoke deep pathos regarding a specific subject matter. And so, without further ado, here is my list of the top ten movies of the 00's.

1. Almost Famous
2. Donnie Darko
3. Children of Men
4. The Fall
5. Paprika
6. The Science of Sleep
7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
8. Inland Empire
9. Zombieland
10. Coraline

1. Almost Famous (2000): This movie can be summed up in one phrase: "I dig music." Cameron Crowe's semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale follows the awkward, sheltered high schooler William Miller in his quest to become a rock journalist. The film focuses on the summer of 1973, when William follows around fictional band Stillwater on their U.S. tour. Along the way, William learns to let loose, falls in love, and manages to chronicle one of the most riveting eras in American music history. The memorable soundtrack includes notable artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, and Led Zeppelin.

2. Donnie Darko (2001): This moving is amazing in its blending of post 9/11 era dread, with a lighter, more hopeful 80's nostalgia. There's also the amazing soundtrack, with Gary Jules' haunting "Mad World," and the levity of witty dinner table banter between real-life siblings Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Arguably, the convoluted sci-fi plot is not for everyone, but the film's many other pitch-perfect elements manage to effectively overshadow this one oversight.

3. Children of Men (2006): This is not a movie that I'll ever find myself watching repeatedly, yet I still feel that it is one of the most important films of the decade. This film succeeds where Richard Kelly's Southland Tales failed, conjuring up the hectic frenzy of a not-too-distant dystopian future, while still managing to keep the plot somewhat grounded in reality and science. The plot focuses on one man's quest to save the life of the last pregnant woman on earth, in a world where conception is no longer a possibility for 99.9% of the population. The film is undeniably bleak, yet it paints the strokes of its dour canvas in wide, sumptuous arcs. Take, for instance, the extended single shot sequence towards the end of the film, in which Clive Owen's character guides the pregnant woman through a bombed-out building, in which survivors have gathered for shelter. In short, this movie takes viewers to the depths of despair, yet also manages to infuse utterly bleak moments with an abundance of pathos for the human condition.

4. The Fall (2006): This latest offering from Tarsem is a stunning visual feast, a veritable cornucopia of sights and visions. The story centers on Roy Walker (Lee Pace,) an injured stuntman who befriends a young girl who lives in the hospital where he is recuperating. To pass the time, Walker spins tales of elaborate fantasy, all in an attempt to get the girl to smuggle some drugs to him. The movie masterfully interweaves dreams and reality, hope and despair, fantasy and horror. Pan's Labyrinth is of a similar vein, but I found The Fall to be more invigorating because it was able to inject a skein of hope into an otherwise maudlin meditation on the sadness of growing up and facing reality.

5. Paprika (2006): This is a film for anyone's who's ever suffered from vivid, crazy, inexplicably bizarre dreams. This anime chronicles the development of a machine that allows psychologists to enter their patients' dreams. Things go out of control when the dreamworld takes on a terrifying life of its own, and it is up to psychologist Atsuko Chiba to set things straight. This movie makes apt use of searingly colorful visuals, making the viewer feel as if they too are lost in the land of dreams.

6. The Science of Sleep (2006): Michel Gondry's film also explores the dreamworld, but less from a frightening perspective, and more from a whimsical standpoint. Main character Stéphane (Gael Garcia Bernal) suffers from a condition in which he can't tell if he's asleep or awake. The film itself seems to blur the line between fantasy and reality, effectively sucking the viewer into Stéphane's confusing world. The landscape alternates between rainy city streets, and dreamworlds made entirely of yarn and cardboard. The dialogue cuts between English, French, and Spanish--seemingly without warning. Gondry conjures up for us a world of mystery, whimsy, and uncertainty, effectively giving us a passport into the "royal road to the unconscious."

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): This vibrant, bittersweet film allows the viewer to toy with the question: what if there was a device that could erase all memory of a romantic relationship gone sour? Color, sound, and camera work play a large role in bringing this movie to life. Plus there are memorable performances by Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, and Elijah Wood.

8. Inland Empire (2006): David Lynch's surreal meditation on the vacuousness of film industry offers us a menacing, dreamlike landscape, in which people may not be who they seem, and the line between reality and cinema is blurry and indiscriminate. This film is like a Russian nesting doll: there are plots within plots, movies within movies, and undiscovered worlds inside each character's consciousness. Best of all are the mysterious scenes with "the bunny people," undoubtedly a nod to Ionesco and the theatre of the absurd.

9. Zombieland (2009) : For me, this movie symbolized the emotional mindset of people living in the post-recession era. We'd all recovered from the initial reeling shock of the financial apocalypse. But now, finding our way in this barren, uncertain landscape, how were we to mentally cope with such an enormous change? "Enjoy the little things," as Woody Harrelson's trigger-happy character says. This movie is great in its ability to portray a bleak, seemingly hopeless situation (four humans make their way across a zombie-ravaged landscape) in bright swaths of color and possibility.

10. Coraline (2009): A movie adaptation of the brilliant children's book by Neil Gaiman, Coraline offers us what so many other movies failed to during the past ten years: an authentic sense of wonder, coupled with a shrewd acknowledgment of the harsh realities of life. An Alice in Wonderland for the modern era, this film depicts the troubles of Coraline, a girl who finds herself transported to a seemingly perfect shadow world--a mirror of her own life, in which all of her problems seem to have magically vanished. Aside from a pitch-perfect plot and well-developed characters, this film is also innovative for its usage of stop-motion effects.

Honorable Mentions: The Darjeeling Limited, A Very Long Engagement, Garden State, Amelie

"Hearing Damage" by Thom Yorke

2009-12-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Say what you will about the Twilight franchise, but you have to admit that Thom Yorke's contribution to the New Moon soundtrack, "Hearing Damage" is a masterful example of Mr. Yorke at his finest.

Hearing Damage - Thom Yorke

Three songs I've had on repeat lately

2009-09-04T11:50:00.000-07:00

These songs aren't exactly new or anything, but I've been enjoying them nonetheless.

1. "You're A Wolf" by Sea Wolf

This song is everything that's right about the music on the Gossip Girl soundtracks. A perfect mix of brooding guitar, mellowed-out strings, and sadly crooning vocals, Sea Wolf manages to conjure images of a cloudy, melancholy day spent walking through Central Park--or at least that's what I think whenever I listen to it.

2. "French Vacation" by The Walkmen

You can tell that autumn is fast approaching, because suddenly I'm listening to all these chill, mellow songs. At times The Walkmen seem to conjure fellow post-punk outfit Interpol. I don't know what I like more about this song: Hamilton Leithauser's playfully lackadaisical vocals, or the musical dreamscape created by the murmuring guitars and the stumbling drumbeat.

3. "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives" by Los Campesinos!

This last song is just plain fun. Los Campesinos! is made up of a bunch of Welsh college students,

and their quirky, artsy nature clearly shines through in this song. Oh, and the music video is a bit,

er, trippy.

2009-07-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band

Indie Rock Playlist, 4/4/09

2009-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some songs I've been listening to lately. Some are new, some are slightly old.

1. "Up Against the Wall" by Peter Bjorn and John
Boy likes girl. Girl plays games with guy. Guy listens to this song to comfort himself.

2. "Electric Feel" by MGMT
a feel-good song for the summer

3. "Autumn Sweater" by Yo La Tengo
Favorite Lines: We could slip away/Wouldn't that be better/Me with nothing to say/And you with your autumn sweater.

4. "City vs. Country" by Mobius Band
I'll admit it, sometimes I miss the suburbs. The city is too crowded and impersonal. The singer in this song seems to agree with me.

5. "You're A Wolf" by Sea Wolf

6. "Girl Sailor" by The Shins
Favorite Line: The gutter may profess it's love/Then follow it with hesitation...

7. "Twilight Galaxy" by Metric

8. "Soft Shock" by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

9. "Firefly" by Saves the Day
Fast-paced punk rock-esque ditty about the heady joy of high school crushes.

10. "Sweet Love for Planet Earth" by Fuck Buttons
For fans of Sigur Ros. Listen to this one cranked up on a really good set of headphones.

Songs I've had on repeat lately

2009-03-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

Felicia Day, actress and creator of The Guild, recently admitted on Twitter that she has the tendency to "frequently...get obsessed and have to listen to a song 50 times in a row. Literally." I must admit, sometimes I'm the same way. So, here are some songs I've recently been listening to endlessly--or at least a few times a day.

1. "Teen Angst" by M83

This is a song for fans of shoegaze and electronica: it's all about hushed vocals and streaming electronic blips. I can't describe exactly why I love this song so much, other than that I feel transported to another plane of consciousness when I listen to it. As the song progresses, the vocals and background audio combine into a halcyon rush of noise that envelops the listener in a soothing wave of sound and emotion.

2. "I'm Taking the Train Home" by The Twilight Sad

The Twilight Sad are from Scotland, and something about the rush of guitar distortion in the first few seconds of this song is highly evocative of a cloudy, windswept, Scottish moor. A stormy mood is pervasive about this song, which seems to be about a guy mourning the loss of a relationship. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what the lead singer is saying, as he speaks in a hushed Scottish accent. Nonetheless, I find myself enchanted by this track whenever I listen to it.

3. "Satellite" by Mobius Band (cover of a TV on the Radio song)

There's something haunting about this song's intro, in which lead singer Ben Sterling croons, "your voice...is a satellite," while plaintive instruments beat out a syncopated rhythm in the background. Fans of the Postal Service, electronica, and pining love songs will find something agreeable about this song, which is part of a compilation of love-themed cover songs that Mobius Band released on Myspace on Valentine's Day.

Lost: My thoughts on episode 5x8 "LaFleur"

2009-03-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

I have to say, this week's episode was full of shocking twists and turns. For me at least, here are some of the highlights:

1. Sawyer and Juliette: I had a premonition at the end of last season that these two might somehow get together. Not that they make a likely couple at first glance. This season has mostly had them tolerating each other, as they struggle to survive each episodic twist and turn. At times it seemed like Juliette was a tired mother, and Sawyer was the unruly child that she was scolding. Not so in last night's episode. Apparently spending three years trapped in the 70's is enough to make even the most unlikely couple fall head over heels. The question we need to be asking ourselves though is, are they really in love?

As I watched them being affectionate, I had the feeling that neither one was being entirely honest with each other. My theory: Juliette, as usual, is feigning emotion affection, in order to somehow advance some scheme she's plotting. Because let's be real, folks: Juliette is always plotting something. Whether it's how to get back at Ben, or the quickest route off the island, this woman's mind is always at work. As for Sawyer...I think he was just using Juliette to distract himself from Kate. But I suppose next week's episode will shed some light on this idea.

2. OMG, the Losties spent three years in the 70's: I mean, it's shocking enough when, in episode 7, Jin shows up on the island in a Dharma initiative truck, having apparently integrated himself into the group while he's been marooned there. But the back and forth jumps in time in episode 8 are frankly a bit mind-boggling. Aside from the thrill of this surprising narrative twist, the idea of actually being stuck in the past is quite shocking. I mean, does it create a time travel paradox of sorts? What if you run into your parents/grandparents/great-grandparents? Although on the other hand, it might be kind of cool to see how life really was back then. At least for me, it would be quite fascinating.

3. In the past, there's a mysterious statue on the island, holding two ankhs: By now there has been much speculation on the Internet, over the significance of this statue. What we know for sure is that this statue symbolizes fertility. Which is somehow linked to the fact that Juliette was able to deliver a baby born on the island back in the 70's. My theory is that the ankh statue = the mysterious four-toed statue. So, somewhere between the 70's and the present day, the upper half of the statue was destroyed. So, is there a correlation between the wholeness of the statue, and the ability of pregnant women to successfully conceive on the island? This would seem to make sense to me.

Of course, I could be totally off base. I'll admit, I haven't been as fastidious about re-watching episodes this season, so I may have missed a few minor details. Anyway, for what it's worth, this week's episode was one more awesome episode in what for Lost has been a stupendously stellar season, in my opinion.

Torchwood's Eve Myles and Euros Lyn at New York Comic Con

2009-02-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to snag front row seats at the Torchwood panel (moderated by Pop Candy's Whitney Matheson) at this year's New York Comic Con. Here are some pictures of actress Eve Myles, director Euros Lyn, and moderator Whitney Matheson:

io9 has two videos and a recap of the Torchwood panel here.

Tutorial9 Presents: The Gift of Knowledge GIVEaway!

2008-12-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

The cool people over at Tutorial 9 are having a design contest with a unique humanitarian component. The idea is to have bloggers in the design community come together to a) donate their knowledge, b) help out a charity, and c) win cool prizes in the process!

(Prizes include awesome stuff like Wacom tablets, camera lenses, and a 1-yr subscription to the design tutorial website Lynda.com.)

The "donation of knowledge" required to enter the contest can be in the form of a tutorial, a collection of cool links, or even an article with a design-related theme. For each person that "donates" their knowledge, $100 will be given to the Save the Children organization.

IMO this is a pretty cool way to help out kids, while also sharing your design expertise in the process. So, anyone reading this who has even a modicum of interest in graphic design or Photoshop, definitely consider contributing to this contest.

Click here to enter Tutorial9's Gift of Knowledge GIVEaway!

Bloc Party's Intimacy delivers as promised

2008-11-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

Bloc Party has returned to musical brilliance with its latest album, Intimacy. (The album could also have been titled Lust Lust Lust--but alas, that title was already taken by The Raveonettes with their most recent musical offering.) Basically, Intimacy is about the sometimes romantic, sometimes casual, and sometimes intense love affairs that complicate, confound, and enrich human lives.

The album starts out with "Ares," a song named after the ancient god of war. Naturally this song is fast-paced and frenetic, punctuated by a cacophony of drumbeats and a wailing electric guitar. In short, the song seems to associate starting a new relationship with "starting a war."

The second track "Mercury" has the singer launching headlong into a new relationship, despite having some initial trepidation about his new love interest. A complex percussion pattern and the menacing sounds of trumpets and trombones underline the singer's sense that "this is not the time to start a new love."

The visceral sensuality of the album cover is best evoked by "Halo," the third track. (Musically, this song is most similar to "Helicopter," from Bloc Party's first album Silent Alarm.) Lyrically, Okereke is recalling the intense physical attraction often felt in the beginning stages of a relationship, as he croons "paralyze me with your kiss."

The hallmark of Bloc Party's musical style is their ability to channel the spirit of 80's New Wave bands--most notably The Cure. Arguably, most of Bloc Party's better songs are the fast-paced ones. However, on this album, equal care seems to have been taken with the slower songs as well as the faster ones. The slower songs masterfully combine tender, thoughtful lyrics with carefully sampled electronic beats.

After being somewhat disappointed by A Weekend in the City--Bloc Party's lukewarm sophomore effort--I felt like Bloc Party had really lost its way as a band. Thankfully, they have once again found their way with Intimacy, in which every song is packed with meaningful emotion and well-phrased musical motifs.

12 Movies Meme

2008-07-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

When Nick at Fataculture listed a 12 movie meme that he had been inspired to participate in by Lazy Eye Theatre, I knew I just had to take a stab at it as well! The idea is to imagine that you have your own film festival, and pick twelve movies that you think best exemplify your hypothetical film festival.

My festival includes travel films, period pieces, sci-fi epics, and movies that pay respect to the golden age of cinema. Without further ado, here it is.

1. Donnie Darko: I love this film because of its 80's homage, great soundtrack, and engaging characters. Jake Gyllenhaal is amazing as the lead character Donnie, a troubled teen who is haunted by apocalyptic premonitions and visions of a creepy bunny.

2. Children of Men: An utterly bleak film, yet also a stunning example of cinematography. Clive Owen stars as Theo, a man trying to make it in a dystopian world where no one is able to bear children anymore. When he discovers a teenage
girl with a shocking secret, he suddenly becomes the guardian of hope for the entire human race. With its grim yet insightful meditations on the future of the human race, this film is very relevant to our times.

3. Metropolis: The original sci-fi epic, this movie paved the way for other great films such as Star Wars and Blade Runner.

4. The Beat that My Heart Skipped: A fast-paced French film with an amazing soundtrack and exquisite cinematography. This film explores two intriguing themes: music appreciation; and the conflict between family duty and loyalty to oneself. Romain Duris stars as a young man torn between his desire to become a concert pianist, and his obligation to help out his gangster father.

5. The Darjeeling Limited: This movie explores several themes that are dear to my heart: travel as a means of self-discovery, dysfunctional families, and the dichotomy between first and third world countries. It's also my favorite Wes Anderson film.

6. Lost in Translation: If The Darjeeling Limited is a film about the hope and sense of connection that travel can bring, then Lost in Translation can be seen as the direct opposite. This film directed by Sofia Coppola centers on the story of Charlotte (Scarlett Johanssen), a young woman who travels to Japan to accompany her husband on a photo shoot. She discovers upon her arrival that while travel is exciting and breathtaking, it can also be incredibly lonely and isolating. The soundtrack (partially composed by Kevin Shields), and the pristine shots of Tokyo help emphasize the sense of distance and isolation that permeates the film. Bill Murray rounds out the film as Bob Harris, an aging actor whose path intersects with Charlotte's during his time in Japan.

7. Almost Famous: For me, this film encapsulates a time period as well a biographical story. William Miller (played wonderfully by Patrick Fugit) is a precocious writer who goes on tour with Stillwater (a fictional version of the rock group Led Zeppelin). As William goes on a journey from innocence to experience--led down this path by frenzied groupies--we get to see the world as it was back in the early 70's. This film also has an incredible soundtrack, and includes stunning supporting performances from actors such as Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Frances McDormand, and Billy Crudup.

8. Cinema Paradiso: For me, this film describes what it feels like to truly care about movies and the lost art of moviegoing. We live in an age where technology has transformed moviegoing into a very individualistic experience. In other words, it's quite easy to experience any film from the comfort of your own home, and never have to interact with another human being in the process. Cinema Paradiso takes us back to a time when going to the theater was a community event, in which the local theater became a social gathering place, and the premiere of the newest film was heralded as a monumentous occurrence. In an era before television and the Internet, the movie theater was the community's gateway to the outside world.

The film chronicles the life of Salvatore, a boy growing up in a Sicilian village in the 50's. Throughout the film, we see how the local movie theater and its employees directly impact Salvatore and his life choices.

9. A Very Long Engagement: This period film stars Audrey Tautou in one of her lesser known roles, as a French woman during World War 2 who is waiting for her boyfriend to come home from the war. I would argue that the cinematography in this film is equal to--if not better than--the cinematography in Amelie. This film has everything: suspense, romance, violence, despair, and hope. Also, there's a brief cameo by Marion Cotillard, who would later go on to win an Oscar for her performance in La Vie en Rose.

10.All About Eve: This movie about bickering actresses during the golden age of cinema is a stinging indictment on the duplicity and transparency of Hollywood. Several decades before tabloids, paparazzi, and the Internet, actresses still managed to accomplish plenty of backstabbing as they clawed their way to the top of the Hollywood food chain. Bette Davis and Anne Baxter are amazing in their respective roles as the established actress and the doe-eyed ingenue.

11.The Great Debaters: For me, this film is an example of African American cinema at its best. The story centers around four black students during the 1930's who are attending Wiley College--at the time one of the few colleges in the South for African American students. When the four students are recruited by Professor Tolson (Denzel Washington) to be part of a debate team, they find that they are up for a challenge that will not only test their ability to spout rhetoric, but will also challenge their beliefs about love, truth, and justice.

12. The Science of Sleep: This artsy movie might be difficult for some people to comprehend, but for me it is an amazing treatise on the surreality of the dreamworld. Gael Garcia Bernal stars as Stephane, a young man who has trouble distinguishing between reality and the dreamworld. When he falls in love with a woman named Stephanie, he must fight through the uncertainty in his head in order to make his relationship with Stephanie work.

I love this film because it takes risks. Michel Gondry is unafraid to mix standard shots of Paris life with surreal dreamscapes made of cardboard and yarn. He also mixes languages, with characters that randomly jump between French, English, and Spanish during mid-conversation. At times the plot meanders or seems unclear, but in reality this only plays into the theme of the film: that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality, truth and fantasy. The soundtrack is also a plus, a mix of dreamy French tunes and more familiar songs from groups such as The
White Stripes.

It's official: paparazzi are completely out of control

2008-07-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess we already knew that they were out of control. But still...

Stories like this make me understand why Shia LaBeouf has a tendency to run away at the mere sight of a paparazzi's telephoto lens:

Police: Paparazzi, guards, fight at Jolie chateau - Yahoo! News

I mean, it's one thing if you're waiting outside a movie set to snap photos of an actor leaving the set. It's another thing entirely if you're trespassing on private property, invading someone's home and essentially disturbing the sanctity of their privacy. I guess it's just another symptom of the media's rampant frenzy for the latest bit of news information and photos.

Christian Bale: Say it Ain't So!

2008-07-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

According to a recent Yahoo News story, Christian Bale--the star of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight--was arrested today on charges of assaulting his mom and sister.

I cannot help but be surprised by this revelation. I never imagined him as the type of person that would be abusive to women. He always seems very mild-mannered and classy, both on and off-camera. He is a talented actor, and let's hope that this predicament is merely an exaggeration, and really not as serious as the press is making it out to be.

Update: According to anIMDB article, Bale's attorneys released the following statement:

"Christian Bale attended a London police station today, on a voluntary basis, in order to assist with an allegation that had been made against him to the police by his mother and sister. Mr. Bale who denies the allegation, co-operated throughout, gave his account in full of the events in question, and has left the station without any charge being made against him by the police. At this time, there will be no further comment by Mr. Bale."

Photo courtesy of ChristianBale.net.

What if Michael Bay had written the script for The Dark Knight?

2008-07-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you thought the film Batman and Robin was potentially the lowest point in the Batman franchise, think again. An intrepid fan over at The Spill Movie Community has provided a script for The Dark Knight--imagining if Michael Bay had been the one to pen it. Naturally, the script includes all of Michael Bay's prerequisites for a "good" film: hot yet incredibly smart blonde chicks, flashy car chase sequences, and lots of explosions.

Check it out here. After you're done reading, take a moment to thank God that such a script never came into existence. :)

Don't get me wrong, Michael Bay knows how to make a mindless yet satisfying summer blockbuster. But I don't even want to imagine what he'd do to a revered comic book movie franchise such as Batman.

The Best Summer Movies So Far

2008-07-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten a chance to catch up on some summer films, so without further ado, here are my favorite summer movies so far:

Iron Man: Let's face it, this movie plain rocks. Even if you aren't a big fan of comics, I'm sure you can find something to like about this movie, whether it's the awesome special effects, fast-paced plot, or Robert Downey Jr.'s witty repartee as the dashing millionaire playboy Tony Stark.

The Fall: I was very much impressed by Tarsem Singh's latest film, in which a paralyzed actor befriends a young girl at a hospital, spinning a fictional tale in order to manipulate her into procuring pain medication for him. It's hard to aptly describe such a film in a short paragraph, but believe me, The Fall is a visual journey that is well worth taking.

Wanted: This movie isn't exactly Oscar material, but what it lacks in cinematic sophistication, it more than makes up for in heavy doses of action, violence, and incredibly fun mayhem. Granted, this movie isn't for everyone. If you don't like Fight Club or The Matrix, then don't watch this film. But if you're the kind of person who's willing to sit back for two hours and be wowed by awe-inspiring special effects and gritty fight scenes, then this is the movie for you. Also, it doesn't hurt if you happen to be a fan of James McAvoy and/or Angelina Jolie, as both actors spend ample amounts of time onscreen.

Here are two films that I haven't seen yet, but based on the hype I think they'll be pretty awesome:

The Dark Knight: What can I say? This is probably the most anticipated film of the summer. Batman Begins was a superb film, and I expect no less from this latest entry in the Batman franchise. With an all-star cast consisting of Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, the late Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman, this film can only be the stuff of comic book legend.

Wall-E: Most people I've talked to have had only good things to say about this film. Some are even calling it "the film of the summer." Personally, I've been eager to see it since I first saw a few preview clips at NYC Comic Con.

So, what are your favorite films of the summer? Which ones would you recommend to friends, and which ones are you looking forward to seeing in July and August? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Nicole Kidman gives birth to a daughter

2008-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nicole Kidman, who just welcomed a daughter into the world! Sunday Rose Kidman Urban was born today in the U.S., and is Kidman's first child with country singer Keith Urban. (She has two adopted children--Isabella and Conor--from her previous marriage to Tom Cruise.)

This news makes me happy, considering that Kidman had two miscarriages--one early on in her marriage to Tom Cruise, and another after she and Cruise divorced. I'm glad that Nicole can finally move on and start another family with her new husband.

Kidman gives birth Monday to girl named Sunday - Yahoo! News

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

2008-07-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Faded Silver Screen will be on hiatus until after the 4th of July holiday weekend. Enjoy the fireworks and barbecues!

Theater in Perth, Australia to be named after Heath Ledger

2008-07-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

I think this is really cool. What a classy way to pay tribute to Heath Ledger's acting career:

Heath Ledger's hometown to name theater after him (Yahoo! News)

Screaming Shia, Decepticons, and Transformers 2 filming wraps in Princeton

2008-06-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Filming for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen wrapped in Princeton yesterday. Here's a blurb from The Prox, a Daily Princetonian blog:

Today was the final day of shooting with most of McCosh Courtyard blocked off. We've got a pretty skilled photographer on our hands -- here's a shot of Megan Fox on a motorcycle kissing Shia LaBeouf while Director Michael Bay watches. They both play lead roles in "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and their romance (obviously) plays out in the film.

Presumably there will be a brief hiatus before filming moves to the West Coast.

In the meantime, here are a few tidbits from the Princeton shoot:

io9 has a brief article with video, in which a Decepticon is seen attacking a car in which Sam (Shia LaBeouf) is seated, apparently screaming his head off.

An obligatory shot of Megan Fox.
A wide-angle shot of Shia filming a scene.

Lastly, I saw this kid on Penn's campus when he was getting his Bumblebee car signed by Shia LaBeouf and Michael Bay. He's a lucky kid, but also a very patient one. I heard his mom chatting with a friend at Penn, and apparently in some cases they waited more than four hours to get autographs!

Photo courtesy of Just Jared.

Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Saturn Astra on Princeton set

2008-06-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

The Daily Princetonian has provided coverage of the Princeton Transformers 2 shoot. Here are some choice links:
an article
a set report with an exclusive pic of Megan Fox
a brief slideshow

For any Shia fans out there, here are some amazing onset pics of Mr. LaBeouf filming at Princeton.

Here are more Princeton set pics, taken by Flickr user Biblicone:
Shia strolling
larger version of first picture
scene filmed inside car
another shot of the same scene

Lastly, here's a video of Shia goofing around onset at U.Penn and Princeton (courtesy of PhillyGilmGirl):

Photo courtesy of Just Jared.

Battlestar Galactica cast members react to fanmade "Thank You" scrapbook

2008-06-24T12:21:00.000-07:00

For any of you rabid Battlestar Galactica fans who are feeling the effects of withdrawal, here's a little something to pass the time.

Apparently a fan scrapbook was recently sent to the BSG cast and crew, thanking them for all their hard work. Well, not only did the cast and crew read the scrapbook, but one lucky person snapped photos of many of the cast members reacting to the scrapbook. There are some great candids of Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer, Michael Trucco, and more:

So Say We All: Battlestar Fanatica "Thank You" Scrapbook complete! - SCI FI FORUMS

Note: You have to scroll through a few posts to get to all of the pictures, but it's well worth the effort!

Set Report: Monday at Princeton

2008-06-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

Prox, a blog run by the Daily Princetonian, has an in-depth set report, detailing the first day of Transformers 2 filming at Princeton. Check it out here.

Transformers 2 at Princeton: Shia, Megan, and the Saturn Astra

2008-06-24T07:39:00.000-07:00

Transformers Live has a comprehensive rundown of filming on Princeton's campus so far. There are details about cars appearing in the film, and pics of Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox.

Here are some additional pics of Shia, courtesy of Flickr user MyCine, whose website can be found here.

Shia leaning out of the Saturn Astra
Shia gets in the car
Nice Shia close-up
Shia walking around

And here's a photo of Megan Fox from the Air and Space Museum shoot:
Megan Fox at the Air and Space Museum
(Courtesy of flickr user Rorys_Long_Kiss.)

Lastly, here's a random shot of the props table, taken during the Eastern State Penitentiary shoot:

Princeton is the latest location for Transformers 2 filming

2008-06-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

According to a blogger for the Daily Princetonian, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has started setting up for filming at Princeton University. Read a small blurb here: Transformers 2 is at Princeton U.

Transformers Live has all the latest scoop, with pictures and info submitted by readers.

More on the Transformers 2 concept cars

2008-06-23T09:16:00.001-07:00

Slashfilm has more info about the Chevy concept cars that I mentioned in a previous post. There are also photos of various other cars that will be making an appearance in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Check it out here.

Transformers 2: Bumblebee, Shia LaBeouf make an appearance at Eastern State Penitentiary

2008-06-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

I stopped by the Eastern State Penitentiary around 6:30pm, and a small crowd was gathered at the main entrance. We waited for about an hour, then the crew told us that they were going to be filming a scene outside, so we had to go across the street to watch. As soon as we crossed the street to the other side, tons of crew came out with equipment. Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox also came out! Here is a pic of Shia chatting with a friend (Shia is on the left):

Then they blocked off the road (Fairmount Ave. in front of the penitentiary) and brought out Bumblebee! The bright yellow and black car zoomed around, and fans rushed to furtively snap photos. Here are two shots of Bumblebee in action:

Bumblebee was soon followed by a sporty green Chevy Beat, and the crowd wowed in appreciation. Last was a red Chevy Trax concept car. Once all the cars were assembled outside, they started filming.

It was a short scene, consisting of Bumblebee zooming into the penitentiary entrance, followed by the green and red cars. (As Bumblebee drove by, I could see Shia's stunt double in the passenger seat. A man dressed in black from head to toe was doing the actual driving.)

The scene was re-shot a few times, and then they called it a wrap! Shia and Megan watched the entire scene, and Michael Bay could be seen walking about as he worked his director's magic.

Galactica's crew has finally found Earth. Or have they?

2008-06-20T11:55:00.000-07:00

After watching BSG's episode "Revelations," many fans were convinced that the ruined landscape viewed in the final scene was none other than the backdrop of New York City, specifically the area surrounding the Brooklyn Bridge. Still other fans speculated that it was the area surrounding Ellis Island, based on a few fleeting glimpses of a cupola-shaped structure--one that purportedly resembled the architecture characteristic of the main Ellis Island building. In short, many people were pretty sure that the Galactica's crew had landed on none other than a post-apocalyptic version of our beloved planet Earth.

From the start, I was skeptical about the whole idea that the Galactica crew had actually landed on Earth. To me at least, all the burnt-out ruins were too vaguely strewn about to really signify any specific city. Furthermore, I think that as American viewers we are conditioned to assume that any such ruined cityscape would automatically represent a large American city such as NYC. This TV show has never been about pandering to viewers' assumptions, so it didn't make sense that the ruined cityscape would represent an American city, let alone any city on Earth.

Apparently I'm not the only one who thought this way. io9 has an article in which scientific evidence is used to postulate that the planet shown in the final scenes of "Revelations" really isn't Earth. Read it here.

Photo courtesy of CIC Photo Gallery. Image is copyright of NBC/Universal and Sci-Fi Channel.

Set Report: Transformers 2 at City Hall

2008-06-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

When I arrived at Philadelphia's City Hall around 3:45pm, extras were in place, and the crew was just about to begin filming.

The inner courtyard of City Hall had been transformed to resemble Paris, France--specifically the exterior of the École Militaire subway station. Next to the station exterior was an outdoor eatery featuring tables with large red umbrellas.

Once cameras started rolling, a bunch of extras milled about, pretending to be tourists or Paris natives. A man on a silver vespa drove past the scene. At the eatery itself, a red vespa and a green vespa were parked. A string quartet played a jaunty tune, and a waiter rushed about, taking people's orders.

As far as I know, none of the major actors were present. Kevin Dunn was rumored to be there, but I did not see him at all from my viewpoint. At one point before I arrived, Bumblebee was seen on the set.

As you can tell from the photo above, security was fairly tight. All four entrances to City Hall were blocked off with large metal gates. Fans were only allowed to watch the filming from the south gate, where a security guard and two assistants prevented people from taking photos--or at least tried to. Obviously I snapped a shot, and I also saw a woman taking photos on her cell phone camera.

Lastly, here's a fascinating pic of some of the many wires and cables snaking throughout City Hall during the shoot.

Transformers 2 filming at Philadelphia's City Hall today

2008-06-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Philly Chit Chat has an excellent post with several pictures from the Transformers 2 filming currently taking place at Philadelphia's City Hall. City Hall will be standing in for Paris. In the pictures on Philly Chit Chat's blog, you can see that French signs have been put up, in order to add more of an air of authenticity to the set.

I had previously mentioned that filming might be taking place today at Rittenhouse Square, but as of today I have no firm confirmation of the fact. However, based on the pictures that have recently been taken at City Hall, that seems like the place to be to see Transformers 2 filming today. No word on whether or not Shia or the other actors will be there today.

Note: According to Tim Formas at TFW2005,Kevin Dunn and Julie White will be at City Hall to film scenes set in Paris:

"Kevin Dunn and Julie White (possible confirmation of her return) will be filming scenes (as Sam's parents, of course) in this area which will double as their vacation destination in Paris while their son is away at college."

According to Transformers Live, on Wednesday the crew was also shooting scenes at the Richmond Power Plant. Click here for Bumblebee pictures and a description of the shoot.

Photo courtesy of Philly Chit Chat.

Transformers 2: Megan Fox, video game updates, and more

2008-06-18T07:44:00.000-07:00

Slashfilm has a detailed post with updates on Transformers 2. There's a blurb about the new video game, a pic of Megan Fox on set, and some speculation on when a full-length trailer will be released. Check it all out here.

Locations for the remaining Transformers 2 Philly shoots

2008-06-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

According to Transformers Live, here's a tentative list of the remaining locations in Philadelphia where Transformers 2 will be shot:

June 17
The Eastern State Penitentiary

June 18
Richmond Power Plant

June 19
Philadelphia's City Hall. Supposedly it is doubling for Paris.

On June 22nd, production moves to the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

Please note that this is a tentative list, so I can't guarantee 100% accuracy. I will provide updates if I find out about any schedule changes.

Note: Philly Chit Chat informed me that on Tuesday and Wednesday, the crew was seen setting up for a Thursday shoot at Philadelphia's City Hall.

Leaked Transformers 2 script: real or fake?

2008-06-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

I was browsing io9 recently, and I happened upon this link to a supposed copy of the Transformers 2 script. (io9 found the link by perusing the CobaltSS forums.)

Now, before you click on the above link, be forewarned: the plot of the script treatment sounds a little, well, far-fetched. Here's a snippet from io9's summary of the alleged script:

In a nutshell, Sam goes to NYU and gets drawn into the world of street racing. And Megatron gets resurrected thanks to Soundwave's "mystic healing" harmonizing his particles. It turns out that Las Vegas' glittery lights were powered by the Allspark, and there's still enough stored Allspark-energy to power Vegas for generations — but the Decepticons and Starscream are coming to claim Vegas' power source for themselves. There's a massive battle for Las Vegas, and specifically the Luxor casino, which is the gateway to the remaining Allspark energy...

Considering that we've already heard reports that Sam will be attending Princeton in the upcoming Transformers film, it's safe to assume that this script is most definitely a fake. What do you think?

3 more weeks of Transformers 2 filming in Philadelphia!

2008-06-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Transformers Live has a full report on the Transformers 2 filming that took place at the Vine St. branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia last weekend. The blog post also gives details about another shoot along East River Dr. that included Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Optimus Prime. (The East River Drive shoot took place last Friday.)

Lastly, the post states that there will be 3 more weeks of Transformers 2 filming in Philly. Shia LaBeouf fans, maybe there's still hope that you'll run into your favorite star somewhere in the city!

Friday: Shia LaBeouf, Michael Bay sign autographs on Transformers 2 set

2008-06-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

Bumblebee is in full view
I arrived at the Castle frat house set around 5:30pm on Friday, and a crowd of people were gathered around outside. I walked over to a crowd standing to the left of the frat house, and lo and behold, the Bumblebee car was right there! I saw it just as someone pulled a tarp over it, and I was able to catch a brief glimpse of the familiar yellow and black exterior. A security guard standing close by was repeatedly telling people not to snap photos.

Shia makes an appearance
I waited around for an hour, and suddenly tons of college-aged extras came out of the frat house. They milled around for a bit, and finally Shia LaBeouf came out! At first he sat on a curb and smoked. Finally he decided to come over to the crowd where I was standing!

At one point he was literally a hair's breadth away from me. (He's a bit shorter in person, and very tan. He seemed nice, shaking people's hands and looking very serious and quiet.)

Shia autographed a kid's toy Bumblebee car, and also autographed several other people's items. The guards kept telling us not to take photos, but I think a few intrepid fans managed to snap cellphone pics.

Eventually Shia and all the extras went back inside the frat house for more interior scenes. I waited around for another hour, and struck up conversations with some other fans. One girl told me that Shia is happy to give autographs, but that he stoutly refuses to take pictures. Apparently he only takes photos with little kids. Sounds like he's had some bad experiences with paparazzi before.

Michael Bay surveys the scene
Later on, Michael Bay came out and walked around the perimeter of the barricade, followed by an entourage of about 10 people. He seemed to be planning out a scene in his head. He came over to the same little kid from earlier, and autographed the kid's Bumblebee car. Bay chatted with the kid's parents, and explained that they would be bringing out Bumblebee in an hour, to shoot some exterior scenes.

Sure enough, an hour later (9pm) they brought out the car. By this time it was nightfall. Shia came back outside, and came fairly close to the crowds in order to throw away an empty coffee cup and grab a water bottle.

Basically they were filming a scene in which Bumblebee drives up to the frat house, trampling some bushes in the process. Shia runs out, followed closely by two angry frat boys. The angry frat boys yell at Shia, who trys to talk his way out of the situation. End scene.

Angry Frat Boy 1 looked somewhat like Jonah Hill, so I wonder if this was the role that Jonah Hill would have played if he had decided to stay with Transformers 2.

When I finally left (10pm or so) they were still filming, so it sounds like it was probably a late night shoot. At any rate, filming in Philadelphia wraps today (Saturday), so that will be it for my reports from the set of Transformers 2.

Note: An anonymous source informed me that filming in Philadelphia did NOT end on Friday, as I mistakenly noted earlier in this post.

Battlestar Galactica: what the frack is going on?

2008-06-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

In his article railing against the apparent shortcomings of Battlestar Galactica's 4th season, John Plunkett does make a few good points--I'll give him that much. Yes, there are a few plot holes in certain episodes, most notably "Sine Qua Non." There are also moments where characters do things that don't quite make sense and seem, well, out-of-character. (Again, please reference the episode "Sine Qua Non.)

But I thought he took things too far by comparing BSG to Springwatch, a British TV show that features videos of wildlife, and tends to be a bit--well, on the boring side. For evidence, watch this Springwatch Nightshift video, in which the camera focuses incessantly on several owls doing nothing at all. Hardly British TV at its finest.

Anyway, John Plunkett is certainly entitled to his opinions. And in some ways, he is right. But perhaps he should think twice before comparing a captivating sci-fi saga to a sleep-inducing nature show.

Photo courtesy of The CIC Photo Gallery.

Even more Transformers 2 set pics!

2008-06-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

Can't get enough Transformers 2 set pics? Head on over to Transformers Live for an exhaustive collection of pictures from multiple days of shooting throughout Pennsylvania.

Photo courtesy of Dueling Tampons.com

Pop Candy and IESB.net mention The Faded Silver Screen

2008-06-13T06:19:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Pop Candy and IESB.net for featuring the pictures I took on the set of Transformers 2!

Michael Bay, Sam Witwicky's Dad on set of Transformers 2

2008-06-11T16:45:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, Transformers 2 is currently filming in and around Philadelphia, most notably at a University of Pennsylvania frat house and at a student dorm building known as the Quad. I was lucky enough to pass by both locations, and snap a few pictures.

Here is Michael Bay as he is leaving the Quad after a long day of shooting:

Mr. Bay was kind enough to sign autographs and chat briefly with fans who had been waiting outside in the hot sun for at least half an hour.

Here is Kevin Dunn, who plays Sam Witwicky's father in the film:

This is the U. Penn frat house known as "The Castle." Crew have spent the last two days here setting up lights, equipment, and props, getting ready for shooting to take place.

Lastly, here's a close-up of the sign on the frat house, a decoration for one of the movie's scenes.
Note: An anonymous source informed me that they are no longer using the graffiti banner for any frat house scenes. Also, another person claims that the graffiti banner is actually left over from a party that took place at the frat house during the semester. (Director Michael Bay opted instead to use a fraternity flag above the front entrance.)

The sign reads:

Saturday 10pm
Graffiti
18 to Vandalize
21 to Scandalize

Battlestar Galactica: Jane Espenson talks about The Hub

2008-06-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

If you've watched "The Hub," the 9th episode of Battlestar Galactica's season 4, then you may be interested in reading this io9 article, a Q&A with Jane Espenson, the former Buffy and Firefly scribe who penned the episode:

Battlestar Galactica: Jane Espenson On Battlestar's Morbid Humor And Superstitious Atheists

Photo courtesy of The CIC Photo Gallery

Katee Sackhoff at Wizard World Philly

2008-06-07T05:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Katee Sackhoff--better known as Starbuck on the Sci-Fi Channel's hit series Battlestar Galactica--stopped by the Wizard World Philly convention. Sackhoff was on hand to greet fans and sign autographs. I was one of the lucky few who was able to meet Starbuck in person. In honor of this exciting event, I've collected a few videos, links, and pictures, for those of you BSG fans who weren't able to make it.

Flickr photosets from other BSG fans who attended:
Photoset 1
Photoset 2
Photoset 3

Even more Katee Sackhoff pictures, courtesy of Pop Candy.

YahooTV interviews Katee during the convention:

One lucky fan was able to videotape their Katee Sackhoff encounter:

Going on Hiatus...

2008-05-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

I've decided to take some time off from blogging, in order to focus on other creative pursuits. I may post the occasional movie review here and there, but otherwise it'll be pretty quiet. Thanks to those of you who have read and/or commented on my posts, and best of luck in your own blogging endeavors!

Roman de Gare does well at indie box office

2008-04-29T11:15:00.000-07:00

Roman de Gare, a film that I reviewed a few weeks ago, did very well at the indie box office this past weekend. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys intrigue, suspense, and/or French language films.

Top 5 indie films of this past weekend (according to Box Office Mojo):
1. Up the Yangtze ($15,851)
2. Roman de Gare ($25,484)
3. Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Oceans 3D ($125,762)
4. Then She Found Me ($72,594)
5. Standard Operating Procedure ($14,108)

NYC Comic Con and upcoming films

2008-04-23T11:24:00.001-07:00

I'll admit, I haven't been posting as frequently recently. In the midst of being busy, however, I did find the time to attend New York City Comic Con, where I was treated to trailers and preview clips from upcoming films such as Wall-E, Prince Caspian, Wanted, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Hellboy 2.

By far my favorite preview clip was from Wanted. The movie stars James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie, and is based on a comic book series by Mark Millar. Granted, I've never read the comic, so I really have nothing to base my opinion on. But I have a soft spot for visually stunning films, and that is what Wanted promises to be.

Suffice it so say that Angelina Jolie really knows how to handle a gun--and engage in a high speed chase at the same time. Watching Wanted's crazy car chase sequence reminded me of how I felt the first time I watched The Matrix. Nothing compares to the first time you see Neo bend impossibly backwards to dodge several bullets. Likewise, there are moments in Wanted's car chase sequence that make you scratch your head in bemusement--but by then you're too busy trying to pay attention to the next crazy moment in the scene.

Overall, attending the con was an entertaining experience. There were plenty of people dressed up as stormtroopers, Jedi knights, and anime characters. It was fun to attend the movie panels, because several celebrities showed up, including: Selma Blair, Guillermo del Toro, Ron Perlman, and Peter Dinklage.

What I've Been Watching Recently

2008-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

Where Are You Going Moshe?: I caught this foreign language film at a local film festival this past weekend. It provided an informative perspective on life for Jews living in Morocco during the 1960's. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had a better understanding of the historical context on which the movie was based. However, I was impressed by the dramatic and comedic talents of the lead actor. A more in-depth review is available here.

Doctor Who, Season Two: I've enjoyed watching David Tennant this season as a darker, more brooding Doctor. My favorite episodes of the season were "Rise of the Cybermen" and "Age of Steel." Also, the season finale was excellent, being both heartbreaking and satisfying all at once. Without giving too much away, there's a certain character that I'm really going to miss. Nonetheless, I look forward to catching up on season 3, and seeing what else the Doctor and his companion have in store for intrepid viewers. I am amazed at the quality of this television show. If only there were more television producers like Russell T. Davies!

Battlestar Galactica, Season Four: I won't give away spoilers for those of you who haven't seen any season 4 episodes yet, but suffice it so say that Roslin is officially my least favorite character right now. She really annoyed me during the episode "He That Believeth In Me." The writers tried to paint her in a more sympathetic light in the episode "Six of One," but I still have a hard time liking her. She's currently my number one choice for the fifth and final Cylon.

Lost hiatus suggestions, continued

2008-04-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some more Lost-related links to keep you busy until new Lost episodes start on April 24th:

Ack_attacks's Lost recaps: Nowhere else on the Internet will you find such hilarious, visually-themed recaps of Lost episodes.

Fan videos on Youtube:
There are tons of them, but my current favorite is I Might Be Lost, which mixes clips from earlier Lost seasons with "I Might Be Wrong" by Radiohead. Thom Yorke's gloomy vocals provide an atmospheric backdrop the video.

Another favorite of mine is this one, which features Radiohead's "Everything in Its Right Place." If Radiohead's not your thing, then a search for "Lost fan videos" on YouTube will provide you with some other equally interesting results.

LOLLost
If lolcats are your thing, then you may be amused by LOLLost, which is like lolcats, except it uses scenes/characters from Lost episodes.

How to Keep Your Sanity during the Lost Hiatus

2008-04-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

New Lost episodes do not start again until April 24th. In the meantime, those of us who enjoy Lost are left with a gap in our lives on Thursday evenings. So, what's a Lost fan to do? Here are some suggestions:

Re-watch old episodes: There are multiple ways to do this. The easiest way is to watch old Lost episodes online at ABC's website, or through Hulu.com. There's also Tivo, or purchasing Lost episodes through iTunes.

Reminisce about episodes: Have a friend or two who also enjoys Lost? Call them up and chat up a storm about some of Lost's best/worst moments.

Suggested conversation topics:
Who are the Oceanic 6?
Does Sawyer look better scruffy or when he's cleaned up?
Favorite emotional Jack moment?
Are Dominic Monaghan and Evangeline Lily still an item?

If you don't know anyone who likes Lost, then check out some Internet forums where people can't stop talking about the show:
The Lost Forum
4815162342.com
Television Without Pity's Lost forum
The Fuselage
Compare Lost theories at abc.com
Pop Candy's Lost discussions

Watch movies that Lost actors have appeared in:
Matthew Fox has recently been in Vantage Point and We Are Marshall, and will soon appear in Speed Racer.
Dominic Monaghan was in that obscure little fantasy trilogy The Lord of the Rings.
Naveen Andrews was in Grindhouse, Planet Terror, and The Brave One.
The Internet Movie Database is a good place to research recent movie roles of favorite actors.

Watch another show on Thursday night: Obviously, nothing can replace Lost. But maybe, just maybe, you'll find another show on the same night that will temporarily fill the void. I've heard that Eli Stone is pretty funny. And hey, 30 Rock is back on the air! Check out tv.yahoo.com for your local listings.

Movie Review: Roman de Gare

2008-04-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

An intriguing French film full of twists and turns, this movie at times appears to be a thriller, and at other times appears to be a clever romantic comedy. The cast is virtually unknown in the U.S. (save for Dominique Pino, who played a supporting role in the film Amélie), yet every actor in the film is pitch perfect in his or her respective role.

The film begins with a woman being questioned in a dimly lit room. We don't know who this woman is, but we can tell that she is in deep trouble with the authorities. As the film progresses, we learn that she is Judith Ralitzer, a famous author who has hired a ghostwriter named Pierre Laclos. Ralitzer is being questioned regarding Laclos' recent disappearance. Several scenes later, we are introduced to Louis, a man who may or may not be a professor/estranged husband, an escaped criminal, or even the ghostwriter in question. When Louis pulls over to a gas station in the middle-of-nowhere, he offers a ride to Huguette, a doe-eyed twentysomething stranded at the station. They take off on a road trip that will be revealing in more ways than one. As the movie progresses, it becomes apparent that Louis is not the only one hiding something.

The tone of the movie remains intense and mysterious for several scenes, slowed only by shocking reveals, marches through the windswept French countryside, and languorous boat rides on the Mediterranean. When the film comes to its stunning conclusion, the audience feels like they've been taken on a wild goose chase that spans the country of France itself. Claude Lelouch, who directed and wrote the film, is best known for winning two Oscars in 1967 for the film Un homme et une femme. Indeed, hints of his earlier works manage to creep into this film, with its overarching themes of passion, intrigue, and deception.

My opinion: I found this film to be a cinematic gem, except for one thing: it sets itself up to be a nailbiting thriller, yet ends on a light note, more reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's romantic films of the 20th century. However, there is a tendency for French thrillers to be less gory and horrific than American thrillers, so maybe I viewed this film with too much American bias.

Viewed at the Philadelphia Film Festival. Running time of 103 minutes. Written and directed by Claude Lelouch. Actors include Dominique Pinon, Fanny Ardant, and Audrey Dana.

Movie Review: In Bruges

2008-04-02T09:08:00.001-07:00

In Bruges is a dark comedy about three hit men at odds with each other, but it is also a sanguine meditation on death, redemption, and the afterlife. "Maybe...hell is...an entire eternity spent in Bruges," Colin Farrell's character says at one point in the film. The irony of this statement is reflected throughout the film, in both the works of art displayed in Bruges' museums, as well as in the unfolding of screenwriter Martin McDonagh's brooding narrative.

First off, let it be said that this is one of those films that manages to offend nearly every possible social group. Whether it's Ray (Colin Farrell) denigrating the sanctity of religious art, or a drug-addled dwarf discussing his twisted theories on race relations, this film is full potentially offensive statements. Furthermore, none of the characters in this film are particularly likable in a moral sense. Indeed, the suicidal hit man Ray and his love interest Chloë (played by the stunning Clémence Poésy) have little more going for them than their aesthetic appeal.

Bruges is depicted as a waiting place between heaven and hell, a purgatory of sorts wherein one might make up for past wrongs or regrets. Brendan Gleeson's character Ken redeems himself by standing up to his boss, the brutish psychopath Harry (Ralph Fiennes). In a sense, Ray also repents, expressing deep regret for causing the accidental death of a young boy. Arguably, Harry is the least likable of the three hit men. Everything Harry does is either an expression of rage or an attempt to wrest power from another person. In the end he gets his just rewards, due to a case of mistaken identity. Still, with his maniacal intensity and bloodthirsty nature, Harry is not the type of person you'd want to meet alone in an alley late at night.

This film follows in the tradition of cinematic bloodbaths like Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, in which wrong is pitted against wrong, and no one really wins in the end. Regardless of its rather dour, hopeless subject matter, this film still manages to be darkly humorous in presenting the inevitable pitfalls of human nature.

Coming soon to The Faded Silver Screen: A review of Roman de Gare, an intriguing French thriller full of stunning plot twists and deceptions!

Lost: Why I'm Starting to Like this Show Again

2008-03-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Warning, Lost season 4 spoilers below

A few weeks ago I wrote about some of the reasons that Lost was starting to get on my nerves. You know. The pacing of episodes. The fact that every question answered only leads to another question asked. The fact that they killed off Charlie Pace.

Well, I'm here to say that I'm eating my words. The past five episodes of Lost have actually answered some questions instead of leaving us hanging with half-truths and vagueness. The focus has been taken off the Jack/Kate/Sawyer love trial (and thank goodness) and has started focusing more on the nature of the island itself. We've met some new characters, but they actually happen to be relevant to the storyline--most notably the spacey physicist Daniel Faraday. Also, Ben Linus' "man on the boat" was finally revealed--although we're still not sure at this point where Walt is.

At any rate, these past few episodes have left me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting the next scene. Most notable was "The Constant," an episode in which Desmond and Penelope are tearfully reunited--if only by telephone. Another awesome reveal was in the episode "The Economist," in which we find out that future Sayid is working for Ben. This is Lost at its best: action-packed episodes with unexpected plot twists that manage to thrill and confound us--while also managing to answer crucial plot questions.

Image taken from Lost Media.

What I've Been Watching This Week

2008-03-19T08:54:00.001-07:00

I had every intention of making it out to theater to see In Bruges this past weekend, but sadly homework got in the way. However, I did manage to re-watch The Darjeeling Limited. I swear, I never get sick of this film, and I notice something new each time I watch it. This time I was struck by Wes Anderson's use of symbolism in explaining how each of the three brothers is dealing with the death of their father. Peter (Adrien Brody) deals with his grief by repressing his emotions and hoarding his dead father's possessions. Furthermore, he spends several scenes wearing sunglasses--even while indoors. For me, the sunglasses represented his emotional repression (his eyes are obscured so that no one can easily interpret his facial expressions), and also his need to hoard his dead father's items.

The shoes. People have been endlessly debating the significance of Jack (Jason Schwartzmann) walking around barefoot for much of the film. I still have not arrived at a plausible explanation for this, although I do have a random theory. Maybe Jack walks around barefoot to draw attention to himself, to say, "look at me, I'm a martyr, pay attention to my (emotional and physical) suffering." This is perhaps the same reason why he lays bare his emotions in the short story that he makes his two brothers read. Jack makes art out of his suffering, and he wants everyone to notice while he does so. This seems to be directly in opposition to Owen Wilson's Francis (the responsible older brother who acts like nothing's wrong), and the somewhat repressed Peter, who prefers to cry in the bathroom rather than admit that Jack's story has touched him.

This week I also saw Zero Effect, an indie drama from the late 90's that was surprisingly clever and entertaining. Several recommended it, so naturally I had to check it out. The film centers on Daryl Zero (Bill Pullman), a paranoid agoraphobic who happens to be a brilliant detective. Since Daryl is to scared to leave his house most of the time, he gets his assistant Steve Arlo (Ben Stiller) to do all the negotiations and transactions with prospective clients. One day, Daryl and Steve receive a case from a wealthy man who has misplaced his keys. This case places Daryl in a tricky moral dilemma, in which he must decide between his love for a woman and loyalty to his client. The acting in Zero Effect is quite good. Bill Pullman is quite convincing as the ingenious, emotionally detached Daryl Zero, and Ben Stiller is effective in a role that departs considerably from his usual comedic fare.

Anthony Minghella: 1954-2008

2008-03-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

Anthony Minghella, the Oscar-winning director best known for The English Patient, Cold Mountain, and The Talented Mr. Ripley died today. His death was the result of a hemorrhage during a neck operation. He was a talented individual, and will very much be missed, both by members of the film community and by his family and friends.

IMDB biography
article on cnn.com

My predictions for the 2009 Oscars

2008-03-12T08:55:00.001-07:00

This is no ways a complete list, but merely a compilation of five movies that I think have a chance of winning the 2009 Oscars:

1. Revolutionary Road: It's a period film about a disaffected couple who moves to France to start life anew. Stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo di Caprio.
Why I think it will win: An allstar cast, including Kathy Bates. Furthermore, director Sam Mendes previously won an Oscar for American Beauty. Also the Academy seems to love period films.

2. Synecdoche, New York: A film with a sad yet profound plot, focusing on the life and loves of an ailing theater writer.
Why I think it will win: Overall the cast looks very promising, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman is an Oscar shoo-in. Also, writer Charlie Kaufman previously did screenplays for Eternal Sunshine and Being John Malkovich.

3. Milk: The story of California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk.
Why I think it will win: Cast includes Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch, both of whom were snubbed for Oscar nods in '08. Also, Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Elephant) is directing.

4. The Argentine/Guerrilla: Two movies about the life of Che Guevara.
Why I think these films will win: Cast includes Benjamin Bratt and Oscar-winning actor Benicio del Toro.

5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: A story about a man who is aging backwards.
Why I think it will win: Cast includes Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, and recent Oscar winner Tilda Swinton.

Movies I've Watched Recently

2008-03-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg)

This romantic drama is about two starcrossed lovers--Guy and Geneviève--who are torn apart by circumstances beyond their control. I found the plot to be simple and somewhat melodramatic, but I was blown away by the stunning use of color in both set decoration and costume design. Scene after scene in this movie is ripe and exploding with color. Metalluk, a reviewer on epinions.com has aptly described this concept:

Every frame is eye candy, splashed with an artificially rich assortment of colors. There are bright pinks and reds, blues and purples, oranges and yellows, especially pastels. Set designer Bernard Evein built this incredible spectrum of colors into all aspects of the film, including the costumes, the wallpaper for the interior settings, and the cars and houses outside. In addition, the color schemes are closely coordinated and matched to changing moods of the story.

This movie can best be described as a French romantic drama performed in the style of an opera. However, even if you're not a fan of this subgenre, you can still find merit in this film, at the very least for its masterful use of color.

Charlie Bartlett

The best way to describe this movie would be to call it "Ferris Bueller for the 00's." Indeed, this film about a rich kid trying to fit in is reminiscent of Matthew Broderick's 1986 film in more ways than one. The movie stars Anton Yelchin as Charlie, a smart high schooler who has been thrown out of every private school in the area. As a last resort, his slightly whacky mother sends him to public school, hoping that he will at last find a school that he won't be expelled from. (Charlie was most recently expelled from private school for running an illegal business selling fake ID's to his classmates.)

Charlie is a skinny, friendless kid who carries around a briefcase, so it comes as no surprise that he gets beat up on his first day at public school. To make matters worse, his would-be oppressors film the whole thing, ensuring that Charlie's humiliation will live on in infamy. However, not to be beaten down so easily, Charlie determines to make the best of the situation. After being sent to a psychiatrist, misdiagnosed for having ADD, and tripping on a full dosage of Ritalin, Charlie realizes that he could easily make money and friends in high school by selling them prescription drugs. The rest of the movie follows Charlie doing just this. He earns tons of money, becomes friends with everyone in the school, and even gets to date the principal's daughter. However, such a lucrative enterprise is not without its dire consequences, as Charlie soon learns.

Anton Yelchin steals the show as the main character, a versatile youth who illegally peddles prescription drugs as easily as he accompanies his mother in a piano duet. Director Jon Poll has made a film with the same heart and sense of humor as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, while updating the storyline to make it more socially relevant to our times.

Umbrellas of Cherbourg poster courtesy of Amazon.com

Superman will return with a new sequel

2008-03-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Bryan Singer confirms that there will be another Superman film, and promises that it will be much better than Superman Returns.
Cinematical blogger Elizabeth Rappe takes a look at why Superman Returns was so lackluster.

Personally, I'm a bit wary about a sequel to Superman Returns. The movie was effective as an homage to Richard Donner's Superman (1978). However, the plot itself was little more than a rehash of the 1978 film. It remains to be seen if Singer and his screenwriters can pull off a Supes sequel with a plot that is entirely new and innovative.

Movie Review: Rocket Science

2008-03-03T10:01:00.000-08:00

The acclaimed director of Spellbound brings us a quirky indie comedy about Hal Hefner, a socially awkward high schooler who tries to win the attention of a girl by joining the high school debate team. Reece Daniel Thompson gives a heart-wrenching performance as Hal, an earnest kid whose determination to win the local debate competition is eclipsed only by his monumental self doubt, which is largely fueled by his debilitating stuttering problem.

Hal is one of many quirky, vibrant characters who inhabit the universe of Rocket Science. There is Ben Wekselbaum, the champion debater who abruptly stops competing after suffering from an existential crisis. There is Ginny Ryerson, a Type A overachiever who also happens to be the object of Hal's affection. Vincent Piazza also gives an appropriately menacing performance as Hal's delinquent older brother Earl.

In the end, the movie is not so much about whether or not Hal wins the debate competition, or even if he manages to win Ginny's affections. Rocket Science is largely about what it feels like to be an outcast in high school, when four years of life seem to stretch on into eternity, and you long for a time when your social status will not be determined by what social clique you belong to, and who you're taking to the prom.

My opinion: I was very much impressed by Reece Daniel Thompson's performance as a socially awkward high schooler. It was very believable, and you could tell that he really got into the character. Also, I liked the soundtrack, which was a good mix of quirky and introspective tunes from Violent Femmes and Clem Snide.
My rating: A-

Music for the "In Memoriam" Oscars Montage

2008-02-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

A commenter recently asked what music was used for the In Memoriam montage during the 2008 Oscars. The song is called "Slow Dancing in the Big City," and it was composed by Bill Conti, for a 1978 movie of the same name. For more information about Bill Conti, check out this page.

Movie Review: Be Kind Rewind

2008-02-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

The plot of Be Kind Rewind centers around Jerry (Jack Black), and his friend Mike (Mos Def) who works at a video store. One day the store owner goes out of town, leaving Mike in charge of the store's collection of VHS video tapes. When Jerry accidentally erases all the VHS tapes, the guys must figure out a way to keep their loyal customers satisfied. They start sweding all the movies in the store, making their own low budget versions of popular films such as Ghostbusters and Driving Miss Daisy. The store's business booms--and all seems to be going well--until the government finds out and accuses the store of copyright infringement.

I wanted to like this film, really I did. After all, what's not to like: Michel Gondry, Mos Def and a whimsical plot about sweding, or the art of remaking movies using a home camera and your friends. Unfortunately, to enjoy this film, you have to hold a special appreciation for the comedic stylings of Jack Black. (To date, the only movie I've seen Jack Black in that I really liked was King Kong.) Therefore, it was somewhat painful for me to sit through this movie, especially when most of the comedy consisted of characters doing stupid things, and then reacting to their stupidity.

At several points in the film I found myself asking, "Can the main characters really be this dumb?" I suppose most of the people in the audience found this sort of humor to be amusing, (as was evidenced by the peals of laughter of the woman sitting next to me.) I, however, found myself checking my watch periodically, sitting stiffly through the "funny Jack Black moments" and waiting for the occasional genuinely amusing scenes. The best parts of the film were towards the end, when there was a montage of all the films that Mos Def and Jack Black's characters were sweding. It was only this portion of the film that lived up to Gondry's reputation for fanciful, visually stunning sequences.

As I walked out of the theater I heard another moviegoer say, "The film has some merit, but I don't know why it's here [at an independent theater]." Indeed, the film could have easily been marketed to a mainstream audience. The humor was nonintelligent, and the plot was somewhat formulaic, feeling at times like a poorly written 90's slacker comedy. There was a somewhat endearing subplot towards the end of the film, about the value of theater in bringing together a community, but even this subplot failed to redeem the movie as a whole. If Gondry was trying to make a film about the wonders of cinema, he needn't have bothered. Giuseppe Tornatore did the same thing--except much better--17 years ago with the exquisitely made Cinema Paradiso.

My rating: D+

Oscar Night in Retrospect

2008-02-25T04:28:00.000-08:00

Biggest surprise of the evening: Tilda Swinton winning for Best Supporting Actress.
Least surprising moment of the evening: Daniel Day-Lewis winning for Best Actor. Also, Javier Bardem winning for Best Supporting Actor.
Best Jon Stewart quip: When he mentions that Away From Her should be one of Hillary Clinton's favorite movies, because it's about a woman who "completely loses all memory of who her husband is."
Best montage: The memorial to actors who have passed away.
Worst montage: It's a tie between the binocular montage and the one showing people sitting up suddenly. Thrilling stuff, I tell ya.

My opinion about the 2008 Oscars, summed up in three statements:
-James McAvoy looked dashing!
-Of course Daniel Day-Lewis and Javier Bardem were going to win.
-The Diving Bell and the Butterfly was robbed. I mean, couldn't they have given it at least one award? At least one?

****

Coming soon to the Faded Silver Screen: reviews of Be Kind Rewind and Rocket Science

Oscars 2008: There will be montages, Jon Stewart, and political jokes

2008-02-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Quote of the night:
Jon Stewart : "All I can say is thank God for teenage pregnancy."

And the winners are...

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Winner: Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
Bummer. I really liked Keira's green dress in Atonement.

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Winner: Ratatouille.
The award goes to the fun crowd pleaser, not the serious, semi-autobiographical film. Personally I was rooting for Persepolis.

MAKEUP
Winner: La Vie en Rose

PERFORMANCE
“Happy Working Song" (sung by Amy Adams)
Amy Adams looks stunning as usual. One of the Pop Candy commenters likened her to "the new Julie Andrews," which I think is an accurate label.

VISUAL EFFECTS
Winner: Golden Compass.
Coolness. I really dug this movie. Transports you to another world. I loved the shots of Jordan College. Very reminiscent of Oxford.

ART DIRECTION
Winner: Sweeney Todd.
No hard feelings here, the competition was stiff. And...Jon Stewart makes the obligatory "Cate Blanchett plays a man/woman" joke.

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Winner: Javier Bardem.
Honestly, who didn't predict that he would win?

Binocular montage..."sitting up" montage...fascinating.

PERFORMANCE
“Raise It Up”
Performed by Jamia Simone Nash, Impact Repertory Theatre of Harlem, Total Praise Community Choir, and the orchestra

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Winner: Le Mozart des Pickpockets.

ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Winner: Peter and the Wolf.

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Winner: Tilda Swinton
I was rooting for Saiorse, but I'm sure Tilda was just as deserving.

SCI-TECH AWARDS RECAP
Jessica Alba presented this. Drool time for the fanboys, naptime for me.

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Winner: Joel and Ethan Coen, No Country for Old Men.
Hardly a surprising win..

PERFORMANCE
“That’s How You Know," sung by Kristin Chenoweth.

SOUND EDITING
Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen are introduced as Judi Dench and Halle Berry. They argue over who should be Halle or Dame Judi. Sort of LOL.
Winner: Bourne Ultimatum.
It was a cool movie, I must say. I have no problems with it winning for sound editing.

SOUND MIXING
Jonah and Seth still making "Halle Berry/Judi Dench" jokes. Kind of getting old at this point.
Winner: Bourne Ultimatum

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Winner: Marion Cotillard.
Very emotional acceptance speech--but those are the most fun to watch. Loved when she said: "There are angels in this city!"

PERFORMANCE
“Falling Slowly”
Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova
A hauntingly beautiful song.

Jack Nicholson presented a Best Picture winner montage. Yay for ROTK!

FILM EDITING
Winner: Bourne Ultimatum

HONORARY OSCAR TO ROBERT BOYLE

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Winner: The Counterfeiters (Austria)

PERFORMANCE
“So Close," sung by Jon McLaughlin

ORIGINAL SONG
Winner: Once

CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: There Will Be Blood

IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE

ORIGINAL SCORE
Winner: Atonement

DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Winner: Freeheld

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Winner: Taxi to the Dark Side

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Winner: Juno
Yay for Juno! Aww, Diablo got all teary-eyed towards the end of her acceptance speech.

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Winner: Daniel Day-Lewis
Finally, the moment we were all waiting for! And somehow we all knew that he would win. :) A very eloquent acceptance speech, I might add.

DIRECTING
Winner: Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men)
Oh well. No love for Diving Bell. But No Country was equally deserving of course.

BEST MOTION PICTURE
Winner: No Country for Old Men
I was rooting for Atonement or Juno, but oh well.

And that's it! It was a fun night, and there were certainly some surprises along the way. Looking forward to next year's Oscars. In the meantime,
we can all start predicting the noms for next year...

Some fun Oscars-related links

2008-02-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Academy Awards are almost here. Can you believe it? Are you excited? In just a few days, we will all be sitting excitedly in front of our TVs, anxiously awaiting the results. For now here are some interesting links to help you pass the time.

Here's a compilation of movie posters for Oscar Best Picture winners from the past 79 years. (Courtesy of Movie Poster Addict, via Pop Candy.)

80 years of Oscar facts: Learn interesting trivia, like what happened when Jack Nicholson's Oscar rusted, or the airdate of the first color telecast of the Oscars.

If you're as much of a Pop Candy fan as I am, you'll be excited to know that Whitney is doing an online Oscar's discussion during the ceremony on February 24th. To participate in the discussion, all you need is to be a registered user at USA Today.com

Finally, the Washington Post has a comprehensive Oscar's section, which includes interactive polls, profiles of nominees, and (of course!) an interview with Ellen Page. (Note: you may need to register in order to access the Washington Post's online content.)

Movies I Watched This Weekend

2008-02-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Spiderwick Chronicles
This is a rousing adaptation of the children's novel by Tony DiTerlizzi. Freddie Highmore stars as both Simon and Jared Grace, two twin brothers who stumble upon a magic book in the attic of the old house that their family has just moved into. When Jared opens the book and reads its contents, he discovers that there are many magical creatures that exist in the world around him--creatures both good and evil. He also discovers that there was a reason that the book has been locked away in the attic for all these years. It seems that the arch-villain Mulgarath has been plotting to get his hands on the book for years. Now that Mulgarath knows that Jared and his family are in the possession of the book, the evil goblin will stop at nothing to get it from them.

My opinion: I haven't read the book, but I thought that the movie was decent overall, fast-paced and engaging. The characters were believable and well-acted. The special effects were convincing, so they might possibly terrify very young children.

My rating: A

ATL
Well-known rapper T.I. stars in this independent film chronicling the lives of two brothers growing up in a working class neighborhood in Atlanta, Georgia. Rashad (T.I.) is the older, responsible brother. He works two jobs and has been saving for years, in order to allow his younger brother Ant (Evan Ross) to eventually move out of their neighborhood and make something of himself. In the meantime, Rashad has put his own dreams of being an artist on the backburner. Little does Rashad know that Ant has fallen in with a drug dealer. Ant's risky behaviors threaten to tear their family apart. Meanwhile, Rashad has his own issues to deal with, from maintaining friendships with three lifelong friends, to trying to win the heart of the popular girl New New.

My opinion: For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The storyline was engaging, and the relationship between the two brothers was believable and endearing. I also thought the movie was well filmed, especially in scenes filmed in Cascade, the local roller skating rink. My one complaint was that the plot seemed reminiscent of countless teen movies that have come before, such as Grease.
My rating: B

Why Did I Get Married?
Even though I am not married myself, I found this movie to be entertaining. It chronicles the trials and tribulations of four married couples, each with their own sets of issues and concerns. Every year, the eight of them go off to a secluded resort for a week, in order to sort through things and spend quality time with their significant other. One year, Mike brings along a "friend" named Trina, much to the chagrin of his wife Sheila. This causes the feisty Angela to start a fight with Mike, who retaliates by spilling the personal secrets of everyone who is at the retreat. Infidelities, unresolved anger, and dark feelings are revealed. The rest of the movie is spent trying to pick up the pieces in each respective relationship.

My opinion: Normally I'm not the romantic comedy type, but for some reason this movie was palatable. I think it was the genius of writer/director Tyler Perry, who managed to endow each of the eight main characters with three-dimensionality. While watching the film, I found myself laughing and crying with the characters onscreen. This movie isn't so much about marriage, but about the trials and tribulations of life, and the methods people use to deal with relationships.
My rating: A+

Lost: Why I'm Losing Patience with this Show (Spoilers Below)

2008-02-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

Warning, Lost season four spoilers below

Okay...so I'm sure I'll get attacked by Lost fans for saying this, but I am kind of fed up with the show this season. Back during season three there were a lot of people who completely gave up on the show. At the time I thought, "Well, why don't they just give it a chance! Give it some time and we'll start getting answers." Several lackluster episodes later, I have to agree with the haters. It has taken far too long for this TV show to give us any sort of real answers.

For instance:
1. Where is Walt? What is his importance in connection to the island?
2. What is the full story behind the island and it's special properties?
3. And last but certainly not least, what the hell is the deal with that freaking four-toed statue? It's like flash! they show us a fleeting image of it in season three, and then never mention it again.

Granted, J.J. Abrams manages to feed us a little tidbit or two each episode. For instance, in episode 4x1 ("The Beginning of the End") we learn that Hurley went nuts again after he finally escaped from the island. In episode 4x2 ("Confirmed Dead") we learn a few details about four new characters, who apparently will play a crucial role at some point during the season. (Excuse me for saying this but I really don't give a crap about four new characters. Lost's ensemble cast is already huge enough as it is. There's no possible way that they can wrap up all these extraneous storylines in the 46 episodes that remain. Well, unless there is a tsunami that sweeps in and conveniently gets rid of half of the characters.)

The thing I liked about Lost during seasons one and two was a sense that there was meaning behind all the mystery. I was fascinated by the coincidences between characters, and by Locke's futile quest to find meaning in his life. I was hoping that by season three everything would be tied together and start making sense. Unfortunately, mid-season three was an absolute trainwreck, and it was only the sheer brilliance of Brian K. Vaughan's writing that managed to save the show at that point.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy solving puzzles and trying to piece together all the little details. But what's the point of solving a puzzle that ultimately has no solution? It's pretty obvious that the writers are still somewhat clueless about the overall plot trajectory of the show. In the meantime they keep offering us useless easter eggs and references to antiquated works of literature, perhaps thinking that these little random tidbits will keep us entertained in the meantime. (And yes, the interactions between Sawyer and Kate and the Jack/Kate/Juliette love triangle are funny/amusing. But even that gets old after a while.)

Personally, I'm finished with all the pointless analyzing of plot points in every single episode. I will continue to watch the show, but I don't see the point in debating little details that end up being nothing more than red herrings.

Image taken from Lost Media.

Movie Review: Persepolis

2008-02-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

I went into the theater to watch Persepolis, not knowing what to expect. I already knew that it was based on a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi, and that it was a largely autobiographical account of Satrapi's youth in wartorn Iran. The movie had been highly recommended to me by three people, so I was curious to see what all the hype was about.

As it turns out, the film is entirely animated (mostly in black and white) with French audio and English subtitles. However, this film is much more than the sum of its parts. On one level, the movie tells the coming-of-age tale of a young woman who feels stifled by an oppressive, patriarchal society. On another level, Persepolis tells the story of the entire country of Iran, of its struggle to overthrow an unfair dictator, only to be subjugated by an equally controlling regime after that.

It is especially interesting to watch this film from the viewpoint of someone who has never lived under such intense oppression. Of course I had read articles about Iran and its troubles, but never before had I been able to experience that oppression up close. Persepolis' expressive animation draws in the audience, allowing them to experience hope, fear, and despair alongside the main characters.

Persepolis has been nominated for the 2008 Oscars in the category for Best Animated Feature Film, alongside Ratatouille and Surf's Up. At this point, it's a battle between Persepolis and Ratatouille (personally I don't think Surf's Up has any chance against such stiff competition.) It would make sense if Persepolis won, considering the intelligence and intensity of the storyline. On the other hand, Ratatouille was certainly a fun and friendly crowd favorite, so we shall see.

Juno: Could it really win the Best Picture Oscar?

2008-02-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

When Juno was first released late last year, hardly anyone had seen it, except movie critics and indie film purists. Fast forward to early February of 2008, and suddenly you're an oddball if you haven't seen Juno yet. Ellen Page has generated enormous amounts of buzz for her portrayal of the quirky teen mother-to-be Juno MacGuff. A soundtrack brimming with indie cred and an all-star supporting cast (Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, and Allison Janney) certainly hasn't hurt either.

So, does Juno honestly have a chance of winning the Oscar for Best Picture? Some people seem to think so. For instance, Nick over at Fataculture is crossing his fingers for a Juno Best Picture win--and he is certainly not alone in this hope. In a year where indie audiences were oversaturated with grim, gray cinematic fare, the rare movie like Juno stands apart as something colorful, innovative, and just plain fun.

Nonetheless, Juno is up against some stiff competition. Both No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood have been rabidly acclaimed by the critics, and Atonement is another film that both critics and audiences alike have really responded to.

Not surprisingly, not everyone is hoping for a Juno Best Picture win. Matt over at From the Front Row is hoping that one of the "smart people movies" (e.g. any nominee besides Juno) will take home the Oscar. Frankly, this is more of the attitude that I expected towards Juno. Because let's face it, "colorful and funny" isn't the kind of phrase that I'd use to describe the majority of Oscar Best Picture nominees.

Movie Review: Eagle vs. Shark

2008-01-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

Eagle vs. Shark has been hailed as the new Napoleon Dynamite, but this quirky film by New Zealand director Taika Waititi has more to it than deadpan humor and romance between geeks. The movie stars Jemaine Clement as Jarrod, a callous gamer geek; and Loren Horsley as Lily, a wallflower who spends her days flipping burgers at the local fast food restaurant. Lily has had a crush on Jarrod for the longest time, but he only finally notices her when she challenges him to a video game contest at his animal-themed costume party. Sparks fly, and soon the two misfits are a couple. However, their relationship is far from perfect. Lily is an adoring, devoted girlfriend, but Jarrod treats her with little respect, focusing instead on his quest for revenge. Lily comes with Jarrod to his hometown, standing by while he hatches a plot to enact vengeance upon a former high school bully. Jarrod's desire to shame his tormentor--while also gaining the respect of his father--causes him to make poor decisions that endanger his relationship with Lily.

On the one hand, this was a funny, quirky movie. The idiosyncratic characters and the bright, colorful cinematography are reminiscent of Diablo Cody's 2007 film Juno. On the other hand, this film was somewhat painful to watch. The comedic moments center on making fun of the awkwardness of the main characters. At times this is funny, but most of the time it comes across as malicious. It's as if the funny moments are designed to make the audience laugh at Jarrod and Lily, effectively turning them into bizarre caricatures. Also, I felt sorry for Lily's character. Here is she is, a downtrodden protagonist with poor social skills, and the one guy who pays her attention happens to be emotionally abusive and--frankly, not the most sympathetic person.

Despite its shortcomings, Eagle vs. Shark manages to be a rousing, innovative film. It represents a departure from the standard, cookie cutter romantic comedies that Hollywood has been churning out for years. Hopefully in the years to come, other young directors will follow suit with like-minded cinematic fare.

Heath Ledger: 1979-2008

2008-01-23T10:58:00.001-08:00

As most of you already know, Heath Ledger passed away yesterday afternoon at the age of 28. He leaves behind loving family and friends, and a young daughter. This young, prolific actor--known for roles in such diverse films as A Knight's Tale, Ten Things I Hate About You, and Brokeback Mountain--will be missed by many.

Musical Foreshadowing in Cloverfield

2008-01-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Enough about the monster. What about the music? After all, the first twenty minutes of Cloverfield does take place at a party. And what would a party be without music? Indeed, what would Cloverfield be without music? Essentially the same movie, but with one less layer of subtle foreshadowing.

There are sixteen tracks on Rob's Party Mix CD, many of which provide musical background during the aforementioned party scene. (Fellow entertainment blog Hypeful has a post detailing the entire tracklisting.) Of the tracks played, four songs seem to stand out the most:

"West Coast" by Coconut Records
"The Underdog" by Spoon
"Four Winds" by Bright Eyes
"Seventeen Years" by Ratatat

The first of these songs is undeniably sweet, the middle two are portentous--if not blatantly apocalyptic--and the last one is innocuously catchy. These four songs represent Cloverfield's tendency to switch abruptly between scenes of tender humanity and scenes of hopeless destruction.

The first song, "West Coast," is fairly self-explanatory--it's about a guy who misses a girl, so he's moving back west to be closer to her. The song was written by Jason Schwartzman, the indie actor who once dated Zooey Deschanel, and who recently starred in The Darjeeling Limited. Basically, this guy embodies indie cred, the ideal which Rob and his hipster party guests no doubt aspire to. "West Coast" sets the tone for the earliest portion of the movie, hinting at the emotions that Rob and his ex-girlfriend Beth are no doubt experiencing as Rob prepares to move to Japan.

Next up is Spoon's "The Underdog." While hinting at a lurking menace beneath the surface, this song seems to warn both characters and moviegoers that the threat of danger is ahead, and that this threat should be taken seriously. After all, what could be more pointed than Britt Daniel's lyrics:

"You got no fear of the underdog/That's why you will not survive."

The sense of lurking danger is taken a step further with Bright Eyes' "Four Winds." An homage to an equally apocalyptic poem by W.B. Yeats, this song is essentially about the end of the world. If nothing else, this song is the ultimate foreshadowing of Cloverfield's plot. Granted, the Cloverfield monster does not bring about the destruction of the entire world, as is suggested in both Bright Eyes' song and in Yeats' poem. However, it causes enough damage to forever alter the way of life that Rob and his hipster friends have grown accustomed to.

Finally, right before all havoc breaks loose, Ratatat's "Seventeen Years" wafts over the sound system in Rob's Manhattan apartment. The quirky electronic song draws the moviegoer back into the world of Cloverfield, and back into a party scene which will abruptly be interrupted by a monstrous harbinger of doom.

Photo taken from MSN - Celebs: Photo Gallery - 'Cloverfield' Stills. Property of Paramount Pictures.

Cloverfield = Jurassic Park for NYC hipsters

2008-01-21T07:42:00.001-08:00

Regardless of how much people liked it--or didn't like it--Cloverfield did pretty well this past weekend. Reviews are a mixed bunch, with some people hailing it as the next best thing in cinema, and others lamenting losing 90 minutes of their lives.

Slashfilm's reviewer has only only good things to say about Cloverfield.

Apparently, the Washington Post is not impressed by shaky camera effects.

Find out what people thought of Cloverfield over at Rottentomatoes.com.

Lastly, join in the discussion over at Pop Candy.

Personally, I thought the movie was fast-paced and engaging. Loved the party sequence at the beginning, felt the ending was appropriate and not overly-sentimental. However, the one thing that really distracted me was the camera work. I basically felt nauseated throughout the entire film, and that detracted hugely from the overall experience.

So, is Cloverfield the future of film making? I think that future directors will follow J.J. Abram's lead with equally aggressive viral marketing campaigns. For many of us, half the fun of this movie was anticipating the film, and trying to figure out all the random clues on the Internet. In an age where consumers are increasingly ADD and overwhelmed by stimuli, companies have to work harder and harder to get people to notice their products.

The style of the film is certainly something to debate. On the one hand, the shaky camera effect adds to the realism of the film. It also makes a statement about how technology obsessed we twentysomethings are. The character Hud represents the mentality that if something isn't on Youtube or Facebook, then it never happened. "People will want to know how it all went down," he says early on in the film. On the other hand, the camera work really detracts from the film, as countless moviegoers have complained about. I mean, people want realism in films, but perhaps not that much realism.

There Will Be Blood

2008-01-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

What's worse: a hypocrite or an outright criminal?
How does power dehumanize an individual?

These are some of the questions asked by Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film. Unlike your typical old time western, this is not a classic tale of good versus evil. No, this film pits monster against monster--as epitomized by Daniel Plainview, the corrupt oil tycoon; and Eli Sunday, the hypocritical small town preacher.

The trouble with oil begins when Eli's twin brother Paul lures Plainview to the oil-rich town of Little Boston. Perhaps Paul hopes that his town will profit more from the discovery of oil than Plainview will. Furthermore, Eli, the shrewd family preacher, has his own ideas about what Plainview's presence in Little Boston will mean for both his congregation and the town at large. The Sunday family does not realize what they are getting into by allowing Plainview into their world.

The fun in watching There Will Be Blood is in observing the unfolding battle of wits between Plainview and Sunday--a struggle that is at times subtle, and at times outrightly vicious. There is plenty of blood and violence--as the title promises--but there are also many subtle moments of antagonism. In this light, mundane events like a blessing or a church baptism suddenly take on a menacing quality. The sense of dread that pervades the film is greatly aided by Jonny Greenwood's score. Screeching, discordant violins create an angst-ridden motif that is revisited throughout the film, creating a buildup of tension that is only released in the film's final, frenetic moments.

Regardless of who wins in the end, there are casualties on each side: men die in accidents, wealth is gained and lost overnight, and characters descend into madness. It seems that whoever comes into contact with these two men is ultimately changed--and most of the time, for the worst. In their vicious power struggle, each man cannot help but turn their loved ones and associates into hapless pawns. As in any good monster flick, the message of this film is startlingly clear: when two monsters are fighting, it's best to stay out of their way.

There Will Be Milkshakes: Viral video spoofs Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film

2008-01-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood has topped countless top movie lists of 2007, and now it's been spoofed in an oddly entertaining viral video. If you've seen There Will Be Blood, and if you're also familiar with Kelis' 2003 hit "Milkshakes," then you may want to watch the following fanmade video. I must admit, there is something amusing about a video in which a screaming Eli Sunday is juxtaposed with Kelis' crooning vocals.

Link courtesy of Slashfilm.com.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2008-01-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

In an article about The Best Acting of 2007, pop culture blog Pop Matters ranks Max van Sydow at #8 for his touching performance in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Sydow plays Papinou, the aging father of Jean-Do Bauby, the movie's protagonist. Sydow's performance is just one of the many enchanting things that have made this movie so beloved by critics. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly appeared at the top of many critics' film lists in 2007, and with good reason.

The story centers around Jean-Do Bauby--the prosperous French editor of Elle magazine--whose life is abruptly changed when he suffers a debilitating stroke. The stroke leaves him effectively paralyzed from head-to-toe. Bauby is a victim of the extremely rare "locked-in" syndrome, a condition in which all his vitals are intact are working, but his limbs are effectively frozen. Bauby's only source of communication with the outside world is through his eyes. Over the course of the movie, Bauby develops a system in which he communicate letters and words by blinking his eyes.

Amazingly, Bauby does not entirely give into despair, but instead works as well as he can with what is left to him. He takes refuge in his imagination, allowing it to transport him out of the paralyzed confines of his body. He even manages to write a book, a memoir with the same title as the movie. Bauby's story is a testament to the strength of human will, and to the power of the imagination to transform any situation, however bleak.

Obviously, this isn't the first movie to come along about triumphing over handicaps and struggles. What sets this film apart is director Julian Schnabel's storytelling style. The film starts out entirely from the viewpoint of a newly-paralyzed Bauby. The audience sits in the hospital bed with Bauby, seeing only what he sees out of his one good eye. A similar technique is used towards the end of the film, effectively heightening the sense of pathos. Throughout the film, gorgeous shots of the lonely French countryside are interspersed with close-up shots of the people that inhabit Bauby's world. Schnabel's technique works masterfully to contrast the vastness of the world with the claustrophobic smallness of the life of a quadriplegic.

Movie poster copyright 2007 Miramax Films

That Sunday Smile, You Wore It For Awhile...

2008-01-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm totally loving this band called Beirut. Led by indie darling Zach Condon, the band takes much of its musical influence from old French chansons and music from Eastern Europe. If you like folksy indie rock with a hint of Old World flavor, than may also like Beirut. I have yet to hear their first album Gulag Orkestar, but lately I've been enchanted by their newest album, The Flying Club Cup. You can buy the CD/listen to music samples here.

If you really like their music, then head over to flyingclubcup.com, where there are live videos of Beirut performing songs from their latest album. You can also buy the DVD there, if you're interested. Need more proof of Beirut's greatness? Natalie "the Shins will change your life" Portman has endorsed them as part of her latest charity product, an indie rock compilation that will benefit FINCA, a prominent micro-finance nonprofit organization.

Below is a live performance of Beirut's "A Sunday Smile."

Enchanted

2008-01-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you, I didn't walk into Disney's Enchanted expecting a particularly memorable cinematic experience. A romantic comedy spoofing animated films? Not exactly my movie genre of choice. However, it was the only movie that a friend and I could agree upon one rainy Sunday afternoon, so Enchanted it was.

Fortunately, I was proven wrong. The plot itself is relatively mundane--at least, at first. The plot begins in the animated world of Andalasia, where Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) meets Prince Edward (James Marsden), and they decide to marry. But then Princess Giselle falls down a magic well and gets transported to modern day Manhattan. It seems that the prince's wicked mother Queen Narissa has decided to break up the marriage by getting Giselle out of the picture.

Giselle struggles to adapt to life in New York City, until she meets Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey), a lawyer who agrees to take her in while she gets her life sorted out. Little does Robert realize just what he's getting himself into. When Prince Edward travels to the real world in order to rescue Giselle, Queen Narissa realizes that her plan isn't going to work exactly as she'd wanted it to. Soon several animated characters make the journey to the real world, and hilarity ensues.

What is different about the movie Enchanted is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. The movie isn't trying to win an Academy Award or give us a striking message on the importance of some moral treatise. It's a movie that's simply there to entertain, to take a story about a musical animated film and give the audience something different than the same, tired plots that they're accustomed to.

Poster is property of Disney Pixar, copyright 2007

A new year, a new blog post...

2007-12-31T18:48:00.001-08:00

There are many things that 2007 will be remembered for. One of the less fortunate things will be all the celebrity meltdowns/trips to rehab. Amy Winehouse, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears--mention any of these names, and images instantly flash to mind of young, jaded starlets with too much money and too little time on their hands. The latest in the string of screw-ups is Mischa Barton. At first we believed her when she claimed to "not be friends with Nicole Richie," but many pictures and an unfortunate DUI later, we know the truth about things.

It's easy to write off such blatantly irresponsible celebrities as unfortunate pop culture casualties, a product of both excess and a fame-hungry society. In short, it's a shame that stars like Angelina Jolie and Natalie Portman are the exception rather than the norm. And yet...a Washington Post article has somehow managed to find a fascinating intersection between a Vietnam war photo and a photo of Paris Hilton...and what it says about our society today.

Entirely unrelated, but if you like analyzing music, then you may also be entertained by Chuck Klosterman's recent Esquire article which contemplates the factors that make a good song a great one.

We at The Faded Silver Screen hope you've had a wonderful holiday season, and that you'll have a fantastic new year!

The Golden Compass

2007-12-27T05:14:00.001-08:00

I must admit, after watching this film adaptation of Philip Pullman's book, I really want a pet polar bear. Here's why: they're soft and cuddly, yet also massive and ferocious. On the one hand, they'd be really gentle, loving pets. On the other hand, they could easily defend you with the smack of one well-placed paw.

Sentient warrior polar bears are just one of the fascinating themes found in Pullman's The Golden Compass. The story centers on a girl named Lyra, a mischievous child who spends her time roaming the grounds of Jordan College, with her daemon, a psychically-linked animal friend named Pantalaimon. Their lives are relatively innocent and carefree, until one day Lyra sneaks off into a forbidden room, and witnesses something that she should not have. This sparks a chain of events that ends with Lyra and Pantalaimon going to the North with a mysterious woman named Mrs. Coulter.

At first Lyra is excited and amazed by her travels, but she soon realizes that Mrs. Coulter is more of an enemy than a friend. Lyra and Pan escape from Mrs. Coulter's clutches,and take their first steps on a journey that will take them farther than they could have possibly imagined.

Without giving too much away, this is your typical, rousing fantasy story with a heroine, trusty sidekicks, loyal allies, and sinister villains. What makes this movie different from some other recent fantasy films is that the director is really able to capture a sense of wonder in each shot. The fantasy world is largely made up of CG, but somehow life has been infused into each building and structure, as if the world imagined in Pullman's book really does exist somewhere out there.

Of course, there has been much recent debate about this movie, because of the author's blatantly atheistic mindset. Religious debates aside, I thought this was simply a well-made children's film. Director Chris Weitz has managed to remove a lot of the religious (or anti-religious, if you will) overtones that were more present in the book itself. In the process, he has made a movie that, in my opinion, is not rife with the kinds of issues that could easily spark debate among conservative Christians. Removing religious references may prove more difficult in the movie sequels, however.

Poster is property of New Line Cinema, copyright 2007.

Juno

2007-12-24T06:02:00.001-08:00

As one of the most hyped indie films of the pre-Oscar season, Juno certainly lives up to all the critical praise. The storyline itself is relatively mundane, centering on a high school girl whose life is turned upside down when she discovers that she is pregnant. Ellen Page's honest, quirky portrayal of the main character is one of the highlights of the film. Far from being a stereotypical, vapid adolescent, Juno MacGuff is a unique girl who isn't afraid to show her idiosyncrasies to the world. Perhaps it is this quality that allows her to get through the whole pregnancy scenario with her sanity and her dignity intact.

When we're not being wowed by Page's emotionally mature acting performance, there is also the colorful cast of characters that inhabit Juno's world. There's Robbie Bleeker (Michael Cera), the geeky running enthusiast who ends up fathering Juno's child. There's the picture perfect adoptive family--a husband who loves indie music and obscure horror flicks, and the wife whose sole desire in life is to have a child. Most notably, The Office's Rainn Wilson has a brief yet ultra-hilarious cameo as a convenience store clerk.

Granted, at times the movie feels a bit overly quirky. Juno's response to every life situation is to strike back with some witty repartee or well-placed joke. You have to wonder, if this situation happened to a real teenager, would they be so upbeat and nonchalant about the whole thing? We do see a scene in which Juno breaks down and cries, but somehow this doesn't seem like enough. Of course, Juno is only a movie, and not some public service announcement on the dangers of teen pregnancy. Still, it seems only fitting that a movie about teen pregnancy would at least hint at the permanent psychological consequences of such a major event in the life of a high school girl.

Poster taken from IMP Awards. Poster is property of Fox Searchlight Pictures, copyright 2007.

Peter Jackson will produce "The Hobbit"

2007-12-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

Lord of the Rings fans can rejoice! Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema have finally come to an agreement: Jackson will be executive producer for the Hobbit movie. Or should I say, for the next two Hobbit movies? That's right, they've decided to split the book into two films. This is interesting because if my memory serves me correctly, The Hobbit in novel form was shorter than any of the books in the LOTR trilogy. But hey, anything so New Line Cinema can make as much money as possible off the franchise. Ain't It Cool News has more info, as well as the official press release.

It's That Time: The Top 10 of 2007

2007-12-17T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is by no means an exhaustive or an authoritative list; just ten things that made 2007 a little more exciting:

1. Best CD: The Shins, Wincing the Night Away--Before I get stoned by indie rock purists, let me just say that although I count this album as my favorite, this by no means negates the musical ingenuity of other albums released this year, such as those by Arcade Fire, Radiohead, and The National.

2. Best Movie: The Darjeeling Limited--Jason Schwartzman, Natalie Portman, family angst, brilliant cinematography, and an amazing soundtrack. Seriously, could you ask for anything more out of a movie?

3. Superhottie: James McAvoy--He's recently made waves starring in films such as Atonement and The Last King of Scotland. What makes him so appealing? For one thing, he has a Scottish accent, gentle blue eyes, and a flawless physique--and for another, he's quite modest. Here's a quote from the Internet Movie Database: "I always believed that I never wanted to be an actor. I only did it because I was allowed to do it and I had to do something."

4. Most eagerly anticipated book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--Much has already been said about the sheer brilliance of J.K. Rowling's most recent Harry Potter novel. Suffice it to say that Rowling's latest left devoted Harry fans both amazed and in tears, all at once. It's still hard to believe that Rowling won't be writing any more books about the beloved boy wizard.

5. Favorite Song: "Lake Michigan" by Rogue Wave--It's a simple, catchy indie rock song, the infectious kind that lodges itself in your head and stays there. In a good way, of course.

6. Most Underrated Band: Okkervil River--it seems as if so many top music lists of 2007 either overlooked Okkervil River's The Stage Names, or gave it very little notice. The truth is, this album is a hidden gem. Lead singer Will Sheff's crooning vocals overlay poetic, insightful lyrics, and masterful instrumental arrangements. If you like folksy, introspective indie rock, then definitely check them out.

7. Favorite TV Show: Lost--I know, I know, many people got off the Lost bandwagon after a slew of lackluster midseason episodes. But those of us who hanged in there until the finale are now eagerly awaiting season 4.

8. TV Show that you should be watching: Battlestar Galactica--If you're a fan of science fiction, political metaphors, or philosophical questions such as what makes us human, then BSG is a show that you'll want to start watching. It's got everything you'd expect from classic sci-fi, and more--robots, battles, interstellar adventures, love triangles, and family drama.

9. Random viral video: Dramatic Chipmunk--Sigh. Where would we be without the leering antics of this freaky little rodent?

10. Hilarity in human form: Flight of the Conchords--There are so many funny moments in this HBO show about Bret and Jermaine, two New Zealanders trying to make it as a band in New York City. This clip from the show is a spoof on The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Waitress

2007-12-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

In a year of predominantly dour and/or violent indie flicks, Waitress stands out as one of the bright, cheery gems of the pre-Oscar season. Keri Russell is outstanding as Jenna, a small town waitress whose only joy in life is the satisfaction she gets from baking pies for other people.

Trapped in an abusive marriage and stuck at a dead-end job, Jenna has plans to escape her lackluster existence. Supported by her friends and romanced by a dashing doctor (Firefly's Nathan Fillion), Jenna tries time and again to dig her way out of financial and marital dependence. But then she gets pregnant, and suddenly all her plans fall down around her. Add in to the mix an insecure, abusive husband named Earl--and an old, grumpy restaurant proprietor who may not be what he appears to be--and you've got the recipe for a rousing, sentimental film.

Waitress is one of those films which is greatly helped by the idiosyncrasies of the ensemble cast, as well as the excellent acting skills of all involved. It is a shame that director/writer Adrienne Shelley was killed before her time. Doubtless she would have contributed many more cinematic gems in the years to come.

Atonement

2007-12-11T09:50:00.001-08:00

While Atonement is one of the most beautifully filmed movies that I've seen this year, I can't count it among the most hopeful. Atonement is the kind of film you watch to be artistically and visually stunned, and not the kind of film you watch to put yourself in a good mood. Although the movie's trailer is deceptively simple--portraying the movie as your typical romance-meets-war-film--the plot itself entails so much more.

This is a movie that tugs at both the heartstrings and the conscience. The story centers around three main characters: Briony, her sister Cecilia, and Cecilia's lover Robbie. Briony, a precocious and imaginative girl, catches her sister and Robbie in a compromising situation one hazy summer evening. The lie that Briony tells as a result causes reverberating consequences for nearly everyone around her. Briony spends the rest of her life atoning for that lie--or at least trying to. Besides being a blatant morality tale, Atonement is also a study in human nature. It is largely about the ways we lie to ourselves, as well as to other people.

On a more aesthetic level, the movie is beautifully filmed, with excellent cinematography in nearly every shot. There are sweeping shots of soldiers trudging through poppy fields, juxtaposed with grim shots of bombed-out villages. Director Joe Wright aptly captures the elegant grandeur of British manor houses, alongside the grimy horror of war-torn France and England. There is an especially evocative extended single-shot sequence that perfectly captures the desolation of an exhausted military camp on a French beach. Furthermore, Keira Knightley and James McAvoy are perfectly cast as two star-crossed lovers who spend their entire lives trying to move past the consequences of one simple lie.

Zune: Competition for the iPod at last?

2007-11-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm basically a loyal iPod user. I love their commercials, I like how iPods are designed, and I squeal like a silly little fangirl each time Steve Jobs makes an announcement for a new piece of Apple technology. There are countless other technology users that feel the same way. How, you ask, has Apple managed to dominate the mp3 player market, and remain in that position for so long? Various web articles will give you varying reasons concerning the ingenuity of Steve Jobs and his team of technical wizards, but the simple answer is that iPods look pretty.

There's nothing that beats the sleek design of an iPod, whether it's a a first generation iPod classic, or an ultra sleek iPod Touch. Furthermore, Apple has managed to keep the attention of the average consumer by bombarding them with ads, both in print and on television. The ads manage to appeal to the average music lover, while also keeping iPod aficionados coming back for more. No other company has so aptly managed to capture the attention of millions of music lovers--until now.

I'm not saying that the new Zune commercial would make me want to trade in my iPod for a Zune--but it did make me come pretty darn close. Finally, Zune has managed to create a commercial worthy of computer geeks, movie buffs, and indie rockers all alike. How do I even describe this commercial? Well, it's Feist-meets-Alice-in-Wonderland-meets-psychedelic-bunnies-meets-random-craziness. And you know what? It works.

August Rush

2007-11-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

August Rush, a simple story about music, love, and identity, is the kind of film that Disney should be making. This film reminded me of some of the inspiring family dramas that I've watched over the years, such as Seabiscuit, Cool Runnings, and Remember the Titans. All these movies have diverse plotlines, but what unites them is the overarching theme of underdogs overcoming the odds to achieve fame, recognition, and a sense of belonging. In an era where films are often insipidly vapid or ponderously depressing, August Rush stands apart as the kind of film that an entire family could watch, and both the adults and children would find it interesting.

The plot centers on the main character August (Freddie Highmore), a diminutive boy who bides his time at an orphanage, determined that his birth parents will return and claim him. Despite being teased by the boys around him, August is certain that his parents have not abandoned him. He also claims to be able to communicate with his absent birth parents through music. August hears music in his head, as well as all around him in the mundane sounds of the everyday world.

The movie is essentially the story of August's quest to be reunited with his birth parents. Throughout the course of the film, August allows music to be his guide, taking him from the busy urban streets of New York, to the gritty entrails of the subway, to the ornate trappings of a concert hall. Along the way he meets an amazing cast of characters, while developing his musical virtuosity for all the world to see. By the end of the film, August has learned to play the guitar, the piano, and the organ. He also writes an orchestral masterpiece, which ends up being performed by musicians from Juilliard. For August, music is a way of life, as well as a signpost by which his birth parents can find and identify him. Lovers of both music and family films alike will find this film satisfying and thought-provoking.

Southland Tales

2007-11-23T12:11:00.000-08:00

T.S. Eliot. David Lynch. Dr. Strangelove. If any of these names interest you, then perhaps you'll find something of merit in Southland Tales, the latest cinematic offering from Donnie Darko scribe Richard Kelly.

How does one summarize the plot? Well, for one it's an apocalyptic tale, depicting a dystopian world in the aftermath of nuclear attacks on U.S. soil. Justin Timberlake plays a drug-addled, Bible thumping war veteran named Abilene. Abilene acts as narrator, telling us about the cast of characters who inhabit the Southland. The story centers on Boxer Santaros (Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock) and Ronald Taverner (Seann William Scott). Boxer Santaros spends the film trying to regain his memory, while writing a movie script with porn star-turned-conscientious-citizen Krysta Now (Sarah Michelle Gellar.) Ronald Taverner is also trying to piece together his life, which has become further complicated by the mysterious appearance of his twin brother. Little do Santaros and Taverner know how much their fates will become intertwined as the film progresses.

Unfortunately, about twenty minutes into the film, the plot becomes borderline incomprehensible, and it's up to the viewer to get what he or she can out of the film. There are manifold pop culture and literary references, and indeed entire scenes that are reminiscent of films by other directors (e.g. a scene in a diner that mirrors a scene from David Lynch's Mulholland Drive.) As the film drags on towards its inevitable conclusion, one is reminded of a bright, incoherent, overly-saturated music video that has been randomly put together for the sake of shock value, rather than aesthetic value. And indeed, in the end, maybe that's all that Richard Kelly intended when he made this film.

Arguably, Southland Tales could have been a good, perhaps even a great film if it had been slightly less intense, offensive, and literal. After all, the movie brings up a lot of good points, and provides insightful commentary on many things that are wrong in the world today. If Kelly had sorted out the plot, added in a little more humor and toned down the violence, he still would have gotten his point across. At any rate, Southland Tales stands as a testament to what happens when a good director takes on too many characters/plotlines/themes in one film.

Lars and the Real Girl

2007-11-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

Normally I'm not one who goes for romantic comedies, but this quirky take on life as a single twentysomething had me laughing along with the rest of the audience. The story centers on Lars Lindstrom, a religious guy in his twenties with a seemingly normal problem: he doesn't have a girlfriend. Lars is also a bit of a social recluse who lives on his brother's property, in a large garage that has been converted into an apartment of sorts. Lars' brother Gus isn't too concerned with things, but Gus' wife Karin (played by a splendid Emily Mortimer) continually tries to reach out to Lars, inviting him to dinner a number of times. For some reason Lars prefers to hide in his garage-turned-apartment, peeking out the window at the world outside.

It seems like nothing will change for Lars, until one day a large, mysterious package arrives at the door. Then one day Lars shows up on Gus and Karin's doorstep to give them the good news: he's found a girlfriend! Gus and Karin are ecstatic for Lars, until they discover that the new "girlfriend" is none other than a life-sized, (sort of) anatomically correct female doll named Bianca. Apparently Lars has developed a mental delusion in which he believes that the doll is an actual person. Gus is mortified, but Karin decides to play along. In time they have the whole town playing along, and Bianca becomes a popular, well-loved figure in the community.

When the movie started I was slightly dubious, because I had trouble believing that Lars was a realistic character. I was also confused as to whether Gus or Karin was related to Lars. In the beginning Gus is such an emotionally detached character that I found it hard to believe that he and Lars were actually related. I was surprised that Karin was the one who ended up sticking up the most for Lars. As the movie went on, however, I found myself admiring Ryan Gosling's stellar performance as an emotionally and socially stunted, yet altogether lovable guy. Also, the quirky cast of characters that inhabit the town do a lot to add color to the movie as a whole. Whether you enjoy sweet romances or innovative indie flicks, Lars and the Real Girl is a film that you may find interesting.

Photo courtesy of The United States of Gosling

Across the Universe

2007-10-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm not the biggest fan of Beatles music, but I did walk away from this movie impressed by two things: the imagery, and the film's ability to evoke the spirit of the 60's. Across the Universe centers around three youths (Jude, Lucy, and Max) whose lives are taken up in the turmoil of the late 60's/early 70's.

Jude is a Brit who has traveled from his native Liverpool, England to America to find his birth father, who happens to be a janitor at Princeton. While at Princeton, Jude befriends Max, who introduces Jude to his younger sister Lucy. Lucy and Jude fall in love...and you get the idea. The rest of the film has the three friends trying to keep their relationships intact, in spite of all the political turmoil going on around them. Lucy becomes involved with radical activists, Max gets drafted, and Jude tries to stay true to his newfound career as an artist.

While the storyline isn't particularly original, the music, the visuals, and the assorted side characters manage to keep the movie going. On a personal level, I especially enjoyed the musical number choreographed for when Max gets drafted, and the psychedelic imagery used with the song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite." If you're a fan of the Beatles, the 60's, or artsy films, then Across the Universe is sure to please you.

Mr. Cynic: Reminds me of a simpler time. Any movie with Beatles music is the movie for me.
Mrs. Romantic: The love story was so moving! To think, Jude went all the way across the Atlantic just to be with Lucy. -sighs-
Mr. Joe Everyman: Dude, some of that imagery was, uh, funny. The teens at the back of the theater were laughing 'cuz they didn't get it. And frankly neither did I.

The Darjeeling Limited

2007-10-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Very rarely a movie comes along that makes me wish I could sit in the theater and watch it all over again. The Darjeeling Limited is one of those movies. What exactly do I love about this film? There are just so many endearing aspects to it. For one, there's the storyline about a dysfunctional family (typical Wes Anderson fare)--specifically, three brothers who agree to meet up in India and reconnect to eachother. The three brothers are played exquisitely by Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman. The film is full of fun, quirky interactions between the three men. If you have siblings--or even if you have a best friend--you can totally relate to the kinds of situations that these three characters experience.

The overall feel of the film is another pleasing aspect. The cinematography aptly captures India itself, from bustling cities to mountainous retreats to rural villages. The film is replete with vibrant colors--from the spices in the market to the brilliant green of the train attendant's dress.

Having already seen the short film "Hotel Chevalier" on iTunes, I was somewhat prepared for the plot and the feel of the film. However, those who haven't seen the short film before seeing Darjeeling won't feel totally lost. If anything, viewing the short film adds a certain nuance to seeing Darjeeling itself.

With an all-star cast, humorous, believable characters, and a rousing soundtrack, The Darjeeling Limited is one of the best--if not the best film that I've seen so far this year.

Mr. Cynic: Good film, good film. Wes Anderson certainly knows how to use camera angles and slow-motion shots to his advantage. Who knows, I might even buy the soundtrack.
Mrs. Romantic: The colors were pretty. Makes me want to visit India!
Mr. Joe Everyman: Dude, did you see Natalie Portman in the short film?

The Beat that My Heart Skipped

2007-10-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that pianists and gangsters could mesh so well in a two hour movie?

The Beat that My Heart Skipped is essentially the story of Thomas Seyr, a young man who must choose between love and duty. The "love" of Thomas' life is music, and more specifically playing the piano. Throughout the movie we see him in various states of mind, always doing one of three things: listening to music on headphones, rocking out to songs in the car, or playing piano in his recording studio at home. Whatever else happens in his life, Thomas finds his emotional ballast in playing and listening to music. Arguably music is what keeps Thomas sane in the other half of his life--helping out his gangster father, and working as a crooked real estate agent.

Over the course of the movie, Thomas realizes two things: 1) he's sick of his gangster life, and 2) he wants to become a concert pianist. Most of the movie is spent with Thomas at odds over these two opposing lifestyles. Can the two really coincide? Or in the end will Thomas be forced to choose one over the other? All is revealed in the movie's suspenseful climax. If you like French cinema, then you will find this movie to be both aesthetically and stylistically pleasing.

Mr. Cynic: An excellent mix of two different genres. The French have a most rousing way of marrying the absurd to the mundane.
Mrs. Romantic: Er, it was a bit violent. But Roman Duris was cuu-ute!
Mr. Joe Everyman: That movie was tight. And the music wasn't too bad either.

Into the Wild

2007-10-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

On one level, Into the Wild is the tale of a rich kid who decides to escape the tedium and shortcomings of society by assuming a new identity and traipsing off into the Alaskan wilderness. On another level, the movie has a lot to say about the way we live now, about how our own beliefs and dependencies trap us in vicious cycles, keeping us from doing what we really want to do in life.

The movie was inspired by the real life story of Chris McCandless, a college graduate from a wealthy family who decided that he didn't want to lead the same type of life that many privileged rich college graduates go on to lead. He thought that all the trappings of modern society kept people in emotional cages, keeping them from experiencing life itself. The purpose of his wilderness trek was to remove himself from these barriers, so that he could experience what he considered to be "real life" and "truth." When he wandered off into the wilderness in the early 90's, he had already given away all of his money. In fact, in the months leading up to his odyssey, he'd given away the $24,000 in his college fund to a charity.

While many of have surely entertained fantasies about wandering off to some foreign locale to find ourselves, most of us don't actually end up doing it--or at least not to the extreme that McCandless did. Furthermore, how many of us can say that, if we had $24,000, we'd willingly give it all away to a charity? Into the Wild is a movie that makes you think, and it reminds you of the boundless possibilities in life.

Mr. Cynic: Now that was a movie. Had all the elements of a good film: stunning cinematography, excellent acting, and a compelling storyline. I give it an A+.
Mrs. Romatic: But it was sad! I feel sorry for the kid's family.
Mr. Joe Everyman: Dude, that guy was hardcore. Don't know if I could eat a squirrel if I had to.

About A Boy

2007-10-08T09:36:00.001-07:00

Perhaps I've written about this movie before, but I just can't say enough good things about it! When I first saw About A Boy 3+ years ago, I liked it on a basic level, as a romantic comedy that doesn't overdo it, and manages to be funny and endearing at the same time. The soundtrack is also brilliant, and the characters realistic and relatable. On re-watching it just a few weeks ago, I was able to appreciate it on a metaphorical level, as a symbol of things that are both right and wrong in our society. What's nice about this movie is that, it has a message, but it gets its message across without beating you over the head.

The movie starts with the John Donne quote "No man is an island." Throughout the movie we watch as Will, the protagonist struggles with the meaning of his existence, and ultimately discovers that he too can have a life worth living--if only he reaches out to others. Will's path intersects with countless people, all of whom he ends up helping out, in one way or another. Will discovers that the idea of community is essentially one of people mutually helping each other. In a world where money and fast cars seem to be the embodiment of the ideal lifestyle, the movie About A Boy gently reminds people that there are other things to aspire to in life--things that are perhaps more rewarding in the end.

Mr. Cynic: Bah! Love stories.
Mrs. Romantic: The little kid was so cute, how concerned he was about his mother. And Hugh Grant and Rachel Weisz make a cuuuute couple!
Mr. Joe Everyman: Uh, this would probably be a good date movie.

Paris Je T'aime

2007-09-04T10:47:00.001-07:00

I'd consider this to be one of the best movies I've seen so far this year. In a summer of good sequels, bad sequels, and the occasional decent comedy, this movie stands out as a unique cinematical offering. (Yes, I know it came out ages ago, but it took awhile to get to my local indie theater.)

Paris Je T'aime is basically a collection of film vignettes. The unifying theme throughout the series of (very) short films is a love for Paris. In most of the short films, the theme plays out as a love story of some sort. The romances range from your traditional boy-meets-girl in Paris and falls in love; to the less conventional story towards the end, in which an older, unmarried woman falls in love with the city of Paris itself.

My favorites were the story about a Hispanic immigrant who sings lullabies to her child, and also the story in which a naïve American tourist waits in a metro station. The stories ranged from happy to funny to sad, the acting was brilliant, and there were even a few familiar faces: Maggie Gyllenhaal as an aspiring starlet with a penchant for drugs, Elijah Wood as a youth obsessed with a blood-sucking monster, Gaspard Ulliel as an aspiring artist looking for his soulmate, and Natalie Portman in role that can best be described as "Garden State in Paris." There were tons of other notable actors as well, including Steve Buscemi, Juliette Binoche, and Gérard Depardieu.

Mr. Cynic: Love. Blecch. I only liked the short film that was supposed to be a social commentary on the state of immigrant employment in France.
Mrs. Romantic: The love scenes were lovely, and the scenery was beautiful, and all my favorite actors were in it!
Mr. Joe Everyman: That one scene with the salesman was bi-zarre.

Snakes on a Plane

2006-08-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

To call it a veritable Oscar nominee would be to stretch the truth. To call it the ultimate masterpiece in American filmmaking would be a bold-faced lie. But to call it random, off the wall and utterly hilarious would be the absolute truth. I went to see this movie and got exactly what I paid for. Which is more than I can say for most movies I've seen in the past year.

Basically the title sums up the whole movie, and if you want more details on this cinematic anti-masterpiece, then I suggest you should see it for yourself. As a friend of mine said after watching it, "I think my brain just broke."

Mr. Cynic: I don't do lowbrow humor.
Mrs. Romantic: Uh, I don't get it.
Mr. Joe Everyman: Dude that was funny! The snakes! And the plane! And the chicks man!

V is for Violent, Vindictive...and Visionary

2006-03-18T05:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I saw "V for Vendetta" with my sister and a friend. While the movie certainly does make you think, I'm not sure I agreed with its basic message. The problem I had with it was that it seemed to justify terrorist's actions (although my sister claimed that it was more about warning any well-meaning government against becoming totalitarian.) I don't know, somehow all the buildings being blown up reminded me of 9/11, so I had a hard time sympathizing with the protagonists until the second half of the movie (at which point we really discover just how badly the government screwed up their lives.)

Also, another message of the film seemed to be meeting violence with violence. On the one hand, there are times and places when violence is needed to defend oneself (e.g. war.) However, how can you still call yourself a "good guy" if, in exacting revenge, you become even more violent than those who oppressed you? Granted, it was good that the protagonists got rid of the evil totalitarian government. And in fact, all the people in this futuristic version of England were very much united in this way. But what happens afterwards? The main characters were fighting to get rid of the totalitarian government, but other than that they weren't really fighting for a cause. As my sister said, the point of the movie was that there was no point. Her theory was that the movie seemed to be espousing anarchism. Personally I wouldn't go as far as to assume that that was the Wachowski brothers' intention. However, based on their past success with the first Matrix movie, I would have expected a more well thought film from them, with a clearer message in its plot.

Mr. Cynic: This is the kind of movie everyone should be seeing. Thought provoking. Unlike your average primetime television show.
Mrs. Romantic: I saw it because I heard that it was a love story between Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving...and I was sorely disappointed.
Mr. Joe Everyman: My friend who collects comic books had to explain it to me afterwards.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2005-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

I went to see Harry Potter 4 over Thanksgiving break. I liked the first third and the end of the movie. The middle part...maybe I'm a little bitter and anti-romance films, but I just wasn't in the mood for the whole "directed like a romantic comedy" type feel. I know, I know, that's pretty much how it happened in the book. I know I'm being anal. But to me, Harry Potter 3 (Azkaban) still remains the best movie in the series.

Mr. Cynic: I can't handle films that veer in any way from the plot of the book. And I don't do romance.
Mrs. Romantic: I loved the ball at Hogwarts! All the students were so cute and the romance scenes were hi-larious.
Mr. Joe Everyman: I haven't read any of the books, but it was a pretty good standalone movie.

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

2005-05-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

So. I saw Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on Saturday night. I thought it was really good. They did veer away from the book plot during the second half of the movie. Somehow, though, I was okay with that.

Disney did a commendable job by not totally Disney-fying the entire storyline. Yes. It could have been much worse. Granted, they did take the artistic liberty at the end of the movie of recreating the Earth and all its people. That was certainly not in the book. But I guess it's just not a Disney movie if they don't manage to tack on a happy ending. It would have been too bleak of a PG movie for the ickle kiddies and their parents to watch.

Kid: Mommy, why did they blow up the earth?
Mom: Cause they're bad aliens, Tommy.
Kid: Oh. Is the earth coming back?
Mom: No, Tommy.
Kid: Why?
Mom: I don't know. It's just a movie.
Kid: Waaah!
Mom: That was the worst PG movie I've ever seen! What the heck does Disney think it was doing. Blah de blah de blah...(Mother goes on ranting forever. And that is why they had to make it with a happy ending.

I thought the Point-of-View gun was a pretty original concept. That could certainly be a very handy weapon to obtain. (FYI, it's not an actual, bullet-spewing gun. You fire it, and it makes the other person see everything from your point of view for a few fleeting moments. Such an item would vastly improve certain marriages which will not be spoken of.)

Contrary to some opinions, I actually liked Zooey Deschanel's performance as Trillian. I'd seen her previously in Almost Famous, which is one of my all-time favorite movies. Compared to the original Trillian in the BBC miniseries, I thought she was less of a sex object and more of a thinking, discerning character.

My favorite part was when Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect were tied up and forced to listen to Vogon poetry. There was a part when Arthur started b.s.ing about the meritorious traits of the Vogon poem. (Ahh. Brings back fond memories of many an English class.) Then, they were put in this chamber which would eventually throw them into the vaccuum of space. Ford Prefect says something to the effect of, "We're going to die." Why oh why does this scene vaguely remind me of graduation?

Mr. Cynic: I don't watch children's films, let alone anything made by Disney in the last half century.
Mrs. Romantic: But it's not a kid's film! It's based on that book written by, um, someone. Anyways, I thought Trillian and Arthur made a cute couple.
Mr. Joe Everyman: Dude, I liked the special effects.

Lock, Stock and Pleasantville

2005-05-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after finishing my 2nd out of 3 finals, I watched Lock,Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and Pleasantville. The former was violent and entertaining, with lots of cute guys with Cockney accents. In fact, one of the main characters looked kind of like this guy friend of mine who I secretly think is kind of hot. (But he'll never know that.) Pleasantville was good as always, with plenty of reminders of life in the 90's. For one, there's the clothing the high schoolers wear at the beginning of the movie. Then, there's the pair of unisex Airwalk sneakers that Tobey Maguire wears--I happened to wear the exact same pair from 9th to 12th grade. One thing I love about 90's movies is that reassuring feeling they give off that everything will be okay. If only reality were so reassuring.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

2005-03-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

Diary of a Mad Black Woman was a pretty good film. It had some good morals and some witty commentary on the potential highs and lows of dating relationships. However, at times it wandered into the banal, especially in the portrayal of the main character's relationship with a a new boyfriend after her husband kicked her out of the house. I mean, I guess I got what I asked for. It's essentially a romance film.

Somehow, though, I was expecting just a little more, a little something to distinguish this movie from other like-minded flicks that have come out in the past few years. Nonetheless, it was quite priceless when the main character Helen and her half-crazed grandmother Medea break into the house of Helen's philandering husband, and rip all the new girlfriend's clothes to shreds. Naturally the husband and the girlfriend happen to come home while the other two are still in the house. The girlfriend confronts Medea, who responds with the utterly profound and witty declaration: "Call da po-po, ho!" (Which translates to, "Call the police, whore!" Classic stuff right there, I tell ya.)

Mr. Cynic: I suppose if you like romantic comedies then this might suit your fancy. Personally I'd rather be sipping Merlot on a yacht in the Mediterranean.
Mrs. Romantic: Kimberly Elise and Shemar Moore make such a cute couple! I'm glad Helen got herself a real man in the end.
Mr. Joe Everyman: Guess it would be a good date film.

Hero

2005-03-22T02:59:00.000-08:00

I finally saw a movie this spring break: Hero. Visually stunning, especially the way they changed the color scheme with each new twist of the plot. This is the kind of movie that an art/graphic design major would really appreciate.