Breakdowns, Blood, Bowling Pins and Milkshakes

This is an entry into JD of Valley Dreaming's blog-a-thon about our favorite endings in film. So, thank you JD, for (giving me something to write about!) letting me, in a way, relive one of my favorite endings.

In the childish theme of "There were no films made before 2001," I have to say that There Will Be Blood's manic ending is certainly one of my favorite endings ever. I'm watching a replay of it on Youtube. It has been uploaded a bunch of times. You see Daniel Plainview, an older man, now, explaining an analogy to Eli Sunday, his rival. He talks about his oil and how it reaches to other places, getting more oil. He compares this situation to having a milkshake and using his straw to drink up other milkshakes.

And, um, then Kelis's "Milkshake" song keys up and this uploader messes with rewinding and fast-forwarding so it looks as though Daniel is dancing in the bowling alley. Which brings me to the first reason this ending is great:

1. It sparked a cultural phenomenon: Despite being "An Important Film", There Will Be Blood's meaningful ending became an ongoing joke throughout the media. Youtube has, like, hundreds of parodies of the ending. SNL did a skit of it. People who don't follow Oscar season ardently (like us!), were drawn into this baity film. Simply, because of the supposed, goofy ending.

2. Daniel Day-Lewis's Brilliance: Daniel Day Lewis pulls this scene off spectactularly. It's a testament to a great actor, one who can nail a scene so oddly-written.

3. This is a model of 2007's cinematic dominance: You don't see this kind of scene every year. This ending may go down in history. And...history doesn't happen every year.

4. PTA's genius and guts: A director who can film this scene perfectly, a writer who can write the dialogue and outcome of this scene so outrageously. We're lucky to have a young director like P.T. Anderson. Love him or hate him, he'll be making ambitious and unique films for years to come.

5. A question: We learn so much in this scene. Yes, it's in-your-face and kind of fun, but it also raises a question about the two characters in this scene. Daniel is the one mainly pissed. Obviously he dominates Eli...you know, with the bowling pin and all...but you wonder: who's worse? These are clearly two vile men. Yet, a casual viewer will think Daniel is worse because he's a tad insane. Eli is more smug and could probably hide his feelings of self-contempt.

I saw two main things in this scene: Eli is very, very scared of Daniel and insecure about himself, alone. That's a given. But, I also saw that he is a total hypocrite and lacks any passion in his life. He's Daniel. But he hides what Daniel willingly expresses. Therefore, I believe he's the more awful individual.

2008 In Music

So, I don't follow music as ferverently as film, but I have enough taste to be able to barely assemble a list of my favorite songs of 2008. This will probably be a patchwork of Indie-ish to more mainstream songs. So, here are the best songs of '08...

10. Chairlift - "Bruises"

With the cute choruses cutting in at times and the interesting WTF lyrics, Chairlift's hit is a unique masterwork. Ever since I saw the hip Apple commercial, I haven't been able to get this song quite out of my head.

9. Beck - "Chemtrails"

The best song on a pretty good Beck album. Beck's faraway voice throughout what is much a ballad, give the song a great sound.

8. Coldplay - "Viva La Vida"

One of the biggest hits of the year on the airwaves was also among my favorites. It's so Coldplay-ish but the volume is turned up a bit. The beating drum in the background is the star of the song.

7. Estelle feat. Kayne West - "American Boy"

Probably my "Summer Song", and it was commonly tuned up on iTunes for me. Though a pretty stupid theme, Kayne's high tempo rap contrasted well to Estelle's beautiful, soulful voice.

6. Coldplay - "Lost"

Cheesy in the best kind of way. Pretty clever, deep lyrics set the tone for a meaningful and addictive listen. The acoustic version is a must listen.

5. TV On The Radio - "Dancing Choose"

Um, yeah, I love TV On The Radio, and despite the disappointing album (what could compare to Cookie Mountain?!), this song is easily the best. It's a dance song (as evidenced by the title) and is also full of smart guitar riffs throughout.

4. Weezer - "Pork and Beans"

No, it's not just the stupid video that had me sold. It was the funny lyrics and just, flat-out rocking that made this one of my favorite songs this year.

3. M.I.A. - "Paper Planes"

Favorite "Paper Planes" Memory #32 was the awesome montage in Slumdog Millionaire that actually played a pretty significant role in the film. The rap/hip-hop style and uniqueness made this a constant listen for me this summer.

2. Radiohead - "Bodysnatchers"

The 2008 Radiohead single off of In Rainbows is so complex and smart. Though there are several great songs on In Rainbows, Bodysnatchers may be the one I've listened to the most.

1. Vampire Weekend - "Oxford Comma"

There was a crazy, one to two week period where this was all I listened to. The only thing. I'm a late bloomer with Vampire Weekend love. Supposedly, I should hate them in a few months or so.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button **

The Curious Case of Bejamin Button is curious, yes. But also ordinary. The film in which I have anticipated so mightily (an unhealthy obsession to be honest) in my eyes, ended up far too flawed for me to like it. There were redeeming qualities, and you can perhaps assume what the qualities are that I speak of, yet certain underlying factors made the film less than average and forgettable.

David Fincher's film is homey and sweet in the sense of the setting. You really felt this was Benjamin's home, this New Orleans neighborhood, and everytime the film came back to this place, you felt comfortable, like Benjamin. This feeling can be attributed to the film's utterly stunning art direction and costume design. The world created in the film was incredibly realistic. Did they film in 1930s Louisiana? Also, Claudio Miranda's (I'm naming my son Claudio Miranda...) cinematography was a perfect blend of being artistically beautiful, along with not being all in your face.

The acting was consistently good, spanning the whole cast. Brad Pitt's performance was impressive. Focus on that wording. I didn't say it was great, but you cannot help but be impressed in how epic that performance was and he never was bad or anywhere close to it. Throughout the performance, you would notice little subtleties, especially when he played a child. This performance was not flashy or at all well-written (we'll get to that later), but Pitt made the most of this character and fleshed it out as well as he could. Certainly Oscar-worthy.

Cate Blanchett was the same drill as Pitt. Very good, a flashier character and dreadfully-written. Again, a good, Oscar-worthy performance. Taraji P. Henson was just average, yet was kind of the crowd-pleaser. She garnered a decent amount of laughs, but had a minor to zero emotional punch (we'll get to that later).

Continuing with the good, the make-up was stunning. Duh. The visual effects were a sight. Maybe the best I've ever seen, to be honest. These effects may end up setting the industry standard for this decade.

And you see, the film looks good and performances are well-done. On the surface, it is a "well-made, quality film." The film is like a snowglobe (This is going to be an awful analogy.) Yes, it's a beautiful, clever item. Very pretty. But...you can shake it. And that's about it. You don't have a big connection with this snowglobe, beyond it just looking nice.

I had, basically, no connection with Benjamin Button, the character, nor the film overall. Eric Roth's script doesn't even attempt to emotionally captivate. This story, a story about love and death and living, could have been an incredibly moving masterpiece. Yet we never have a connection to the characters.

Take, for example, Daisy, played well by Cate Blanchett. You never really get to know her. She gives Benjamin the cold shoulder a number of times and never respects him as she should. Oh, wait, but she's also madly in love with him. And I'm all for Benjamin to be the passive, kind, observer, yet Roth never surrounds Benjamin with good enough characters or story. This script is a mess, as the characters never develop.

The ending is not satisfying enough. A story like this needs a big ending, in a sense, to compliment the big movie proceeding it (See: Forrest Gump). Now, I don't mean there has to be a climatic action sequence, but something that has you leaving the theater a little more moved. The ending in this film was executed poorly and bordered on disturbing.

Wait it comes down to is this: the script was too ambitious. The film itself was a little too ambitious. The screenplay was so caught up in telling this beautifully unique tale and Roth knew it had to be told right. But, during all this, we lose the feeling of it all. An epic failure in terms of emotion.

Man On Wire ***1/2

The unending precursor love and Oscar hopes are in the right place with 'Man On Wire'. The story of Phillipe Petit and his dreams of tightrope walking between the Twin Towers doesn't seem as though it is the most interesting story ever told. Yet director James Marsh makes the film a visual masterpiece as well as a thrilling, unique narrative.

One of the best parts of the film is Petit himself. He's truly crazy. Crazily enthusiastic, more so. He narrates and gets on these fast-paced monologues that you can barely understand due to his thick French accent and sheer speed of how the words escape his mouth. He yells at the camera and stands up, acting out scenes.


The retro footage of free-spirits during the seventies and the whole way these people went about reaching this goal is told beautifully. The planning of how this ensemble would indeed walk between the towers is expressed as though a bank robbery was being planned. The ensemble ranging from Petit to his accomplices like Jean-Louis are sewn together, revealing the true feelings they hold for one another.

James Marsh could be a serious dark horse contender for my Best Director prize, once I see all the 2008 films. He makes what could have been a mundane topic into a thrilling story, put together in a beautiful, visual fashion. He gets the most out of the cast of characters (and they are characters, let me say). Overall, a beautiful, emotional and very fun yarn that is certainly one of the best films I've seen this year.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It's the big day, finally. It's kind of funny that the day Christmas actually comes, after all the fanfare proceeding it, it seems like the end. Like, I wanna take the tree down. But, whatever. End of rant.

Here's a cute little Holiday Dark Knight pic. God, there are so many Dark Knight fan-made posters. Here:

(Thank you, /Film)

SO, I got the TDK DVD and cannot wait to watch it. Plus - I might get to see Benjamin Button tomorrow! Also, I got this United Artists Deluxe Film Set. It has a bunch of classics from the 50s to now.

Here is the list of films:
Marty
Twelve Angry Men
Some Like It Hot
The Alamo WS
Disc 6: The Apartment
The Magnificent Seven
Judgment at Nuremberg WS
Disc 10: Westside Story WS Disc 1
Disc 11: Westside Story WS Disc 2
Disc 12: Birdman of Alcatraz WS
Disc 13: Dr. No WS Disc 1
Disc 14: Dr. No WS Disc 2
Disc 15: Manchurian Candidate WS
Disc 16: The Great Escape WS Disc 1
Disc 17: The Great Escape WS Disc 2
Disc 18: The Pink Panther WS
Disc 19: The Greatest Story Ever Told WS Disc 1
Disc 20: The Greatest Story Ever Told WS Disc 2
Disc 21: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly WS Disc 1
Disc 22: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly WS Disc 2 D
isc 23: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang WS Disc 1
Disc 24: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang WS Disc 2
Disc 25: Thomas Crown Affair (1968) WS
Disc 26: The Battle of Britain WS Disc 1
Disc 27: The Battle of Britain WS Disc 2
Disc 28: Midnight Cowboy WS Disc 1
Disc 29: Midnight Cowboy WS Disc 2
Disc 30: Fiddler on the Roof WS Disc 1
Disc 31: Fiddler on the Roof WS Disc 2 Disc
32: Rocky WS Disc 1
Disc 33: Rocky WS Disc 2 Disc
34: Annie Hall P&S
Disc 35: A Bridge Too Far WS Disc 1 Disc
36: A Bridge Too Far WS Disc 2
Disc 37: The Spy Who Loved Me WS Disc 1
Disc 38: The Spy Who Loved Me
Disc 39: Raging Bull WS Disc 1
Disc 40: Raging Bull WS Disc 2
Disc 41: Rain Man WS
42: Manchurian Candidate WS
Disc 43: Goldeneye WS
Disc 44: The Birdcage WS
Disc 45: Bowling for Columbine WS
Disc 46: Hotel Rwanda WS

(Sorry the list is a bit of a mess...)

Lovely Riff, I Must Say

Lucky by Radiohead

Slumdog Millionaire ****

To be honest, I didn't know what to expect going into 'Slumdog', and, truly, I didn't think I'd like the film. The detractors who declared the film too inspirational (get a heart, freaks) or too over-the-top visually got into my mind before I watched the film. But, really, that was all total horseshit. This film is something unlike anything I have every seen. Not even close. It teems with originality. It wants to be different and it is.

A film can be different, hooray, but there needs to be substance beyond its sheer, plain-old originality. And this is where Slumdog Millionaire reaches another level. It has an incredibly layered and complex story filled with interesting characters.

The acting isn't other-worldly, as maybe the only "weakness" in this film. But, the fact that the acting simply doesn't quite keep up with the impressive screenplay and direction isn't really a weakness, just an aspect that isn't amazing. Dev Patel is good, but I can't really describe with a more extravagant or enthusiastic lable other than he was simply good. Freido Pinto is absolutely, stunning -- in looks. Damn, she's hot in that awesome, exotic, goddess sense.



Yet, beyond the acting is the screenplay that really is a sight. The star of the film, in my opinion. The splendor of the script isn't just in the contents of the script but more so the structure. Simon Beaufoy complicates the story in the perfect way, cutting from the 'Millionaire' show to the corresponding story, while developing the viewer's knowledge of the characters. The scattered pieces of these characters, mainly Jamal, are brought together perfectly.

The overall feeling was that I was completely immersed in this film. I think it might the most I've been "into" a movie in a few months or so. Never looked at my watch (And I always look at my watch!), or turned away from the screen (and, yes, you should try to see this on the big screen).

Overall, the film is an original patchwork of great characters and story. Bravo, Simon Beaufoy for crafting a hell of a screenplay. And, Danny Boyle, you clearly didn't slack on what will probably be considered your masterwork. This isn't the greatest movie I've ever seen, but something about this unique story and overall filmmaking spells out the words 'instant classic'.

Hell. Yes.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a monumental achievement—not only one of the best films of the year, but one of the greatest films ever made.

- Rex Reed in the New York Observer

Yay.

Vampire Weekend and A Bonus Grammar Lesson!

I have been listening to this incessantly. Just had to share:

Oxford Comma by Vampire Weekend



I was so amused by the title because, just recently, I randomly learned what the Oxford Comma is. I will proceed in giving you a grammar lesson:

Which sentence is correct?:

I am festive, extravagant, and a grammar-freak.
or...
I am festive, extravagant and a grammar freak.

The second sentence. As you hopefully noticed, sentence no. 2 lacked a comma for the third listed article. So the Oxford Comma is indicated correctly when you leave out the comma linking 'and' in a list of items.

Just had to get that off my chest. I like feeling smart.

Dances With Wolves School Essay

So, for school, I had to write about a book that has been made into a movie. I then had to summarize and compare the too.

I liked 'Dances' (as you'll read) and its worthy of a strong three stars, bordering on three and a half. Recommended if you haven't seen it. The book is also good, too, if a bit draggy.

~~~

Dances With Wolves by Michael Blake is the epic story of one man’s unexpected transformation. The reader met Lieutenant John J. Dunbar, an American soldier who slowly met and befriended the Indians who shared the frontier he currently called home. Soon, Lieutenant Dunbar embarked on this journey of discovery as he moved into a tipi among the Comanche Indians. With Dunbar’s new home and family, came great self-discoveries and awakenings for the lieutenant.

The story began with Lieutenant Dunbar living alone, except for his gentle buckskin horse, Cisco. He had just been released from serving in the Civil War. His life at the time was simple and ultimately boring. Dunbar found basic jobs such as washing his dirty clothes in the nearby river, adjusting the awning of his sod hut and slowly acquainting himself with a friendly wolf native to the woods, whom Dunbar names Two Socks. Yet everything changed for the lieutenant on the fateful day on which he was spotted by a local Comanche Indian.

Soon various, high-ranking Comanche came to see this mysterious white man. Little interaction occurred among the Indians and Dunbar, until the day Kicking Bird came to see the white man. A formal sit-down was organized yet the language barrier between Kicking Bird and Lieutenant Dunbar was evident. Though, through sign language, the two different men unexpectedly earned one another’s trust.

The Comanche’s acceptance of Lieutenant Dunbar was gradual, but as Dunbar grew friendly with various Indians, such as Wind In His Hair and Stone Calf, things began to seem more normal. Dunbar soon had a tipi of his own, with a fire pit and just a few belongings. His skin grew deeply tan and his hair was soon down to his shoulders. After only a few months among the Comanche, Dunbar’s transformation was clear. The way Dunbar’s life changed was further evidenced by the new name he was given by Kicking Bird: Dances With Wolves.

Dances With Wolves later fell in love with a fellow Comanche whose name was Stands With A Fist. Their love had to be kept a secret for many months, yet they found it difficult to conceal the affection they felt for one another. Eventually, though, their love is announced to the tribe as the two wed. Yet following the wedding, came a striking event. The Comanche enemy, the Pawnee attacked, and during this event, Dances With Wolves proved to his new family that he was a worthy Comanche warrior.

Only about a year prior, Lieutenant Dunbar was a lonely soldier, unaware of what life held for him. Yet through entering the unknown and joining the Comanche, he discovered something completely alien to him that ended up changing his life forever.

Michael Blake created a whole world, full of complex characters and frequent, subtle details that made the story seem very true. This fact is mainly a good thing, though the unrelenting detail that consumed every page, at times, took some enjoyment out of the story. Then again, these frequent details also contributed into making every scene in this story seem as if it actually happened. I suppose you could say I had mixed feelings about Dances With Wolves.

One thing I enjoyed about this story was Lieutenant Dunbar’s, or Dances With Wolves, transformation as the story developed. This story is truly a model of how a character can seem completely different to a reader from when the reader first read the book to when they turn the last page. Dunbar sincerely became a new man. This change was very realistic and gradual, as the story took its time.

I found the beginning of Dances With Wolves to be pretty dull. The story took awhile to really plunge into some action or conflict. The first hundred pages of the novel dragged at times as the reader was introduced to the main character’s past, personality and surroundings. The best part of the story, which was Lieutenant Dunbar interacting and befriending the Indians, was approached slowly and did not occur until the second half of the book. Lieutenant Dunbar would see the Indians, and then have a brief confrontation, yet nothing dramatic happened between the two parties until deep into the book.

The research and authenticity of the story impressed me, as you felt the author really knew a great deal about the customs and daily life of Comanche Indians. The daily worries of these Comanche, such as concerns about not having enough game to feed the family or the dangers of impending severe weather, were true and reflecting in the characters of Dances With Wolves.

Throughout my reading of Dances With Wolves, I had a definite idea of how the scenes described in writing would translate into the film version of the story. Yet, the film had many differences from the story. The pace of the film was faster and the central focus of the film was mainly on Dunbar, opposed to the Indians. Even the first scene of the movie, which involves Lieutenant Dunbar being operated on due to a severely bleeding foot, was far more dramatic and heart-wrenching than in the novel. The scene was accompanied with poignant music and Dunbar, played by Kevin Costner, shrieking in pain.

A scene that I thought was brought to screen masterfully was a scene in the beginning in which Dunbar rides across a battlefield acting as an open target to enemy snipers, intent on killing himself. If Dunbar had been shot dead in this beginning portion of the film, would there really be much of a film at all? Of course not, so Dunbar rides his horse by the shooting enemies, unintentionally dodging every bullet, and coming off the battlefield unscathed. This is a perfect cinematic scene, blending suspense and action along with the beautiful landscape of the frontier.

The characters in Dances With Wolves were done justice by a variety of great actors and actresses, and were actors that I would definitely choose to play the parts. Kevin Costner’s tall, lanky frame and long hair was just how I envisioned the gritty Lieutenant while reading the book. Mary McDonnell plays the frightened, grieving Stands With A Fist perfectly, with each mannerism and line reading reflecting the character that Michael Blake created. Graham Greene, who plays Kicking Bird, displays the serious, gentle man who shows great concern for his fellow Comanche.

Overall, I enjoyed the film very much and see it as a worthy winner of the Best Picture Oscar in 1991. The acting was great all around and the sweeping landscapes that are displayed in the film are genuinely beautiful. This was certainly a film I would like to see on the big screen someday for it is so epic and large in scope. The running time for the film was over three hours long, so at times, the story inevitably dragged. Scenes of just panning over the expansive frontier and aimless horse riding could be cut slightly. Yet, this immense length works in the films favor in most areas. In the three and a half hours, the characters develop, and, by the end, you feel as though you know them. Lieutenant Dunbar’s transformation into becoming Dances With Wolves was gradual, so inevitably, the film had to be gradual in its storytelling.

I believe that I enjoyed the film more than the book, yet both had specific positive attributes that the other lacked. In the novel, the visual beauty that the film offers is obviously absent. The visual splendor of the film unleashes a whole new dimension to this narrative. Various, brilliant elements of the film like the score and the set pieces are impossible to convey in a book, yet in a movie, they bring the story to a new level. The story in the novel is certainly enhanced from the technology you can utilize in a film.

An expression of the character’s feelings is something that the book did better than the movie. The narrator in the book told the thoughts and feelings of the characters simply and accessibly. Yet in the movie, the viewer must rely on the actors’ facial expressions and dialogue to tell how the character truly feels. I felt as though I knew the characters better in the novel, than in the movie.

In the end, after experiencing Dances With Wolves in two impressive mediums, I felt I gained a complete understanding of the complex story and characters. Both the film and the novel offer different pieces of the story that contributed to my understanding. After both reading the book and watching the movie, I felt closeness to the landscape and to the people of the Western Frontier.

[I think its "A-worthy", don't you?]

Branching Out, Yo

I've been a little depressed with my iPod offerings over the past few days. Nothing is exciting me, currently. I mean, I can always go back to the essentials (Radiohead, Arcade Fire, etc...), but I want something a tad more world-shattering, at the moment. Lately, I've even been...turning on the radio.

But I'm a reactor. I did something about my dilemma. I decided that I simply needed more songs on my iPod. This group of 1500 songs was currently not working. I did my research, I looked at reviews and lists and Amazon/iTunes and came up with a simple, but plentiful list of albums I'd like to explore. They are:

Burial - Untrue (For the depressing artsiness)

Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam (For the whimsical!)

M.I.A. - Kala (For the Sri Lankan rap)

Radiohead - Hail to the Thief (For the - OMG WHERE HAS THIS ALBUM BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!)

Sufjan Steven - Illanoise (For the folksiness)

Thom Yorke - The Eraser (For the techno, solo Radioheadacity)

So the requests are in to the library. A few should came in the next few days. I'll update soon, maybe.

[In other news: I love Vampire Weekend, suddenly.]

A Little 'Diving Bell' Music to Make Your Day Colo(u)rful

Love this song so much - Don't Kiss Me Goodbye by Ultra Orange and Emmanuelle

This comes as I remember Schnabel's interview on 60 Minutes last Sunday. The guy flipped out when Morley Safer brought up Robert Hughes, the art critic who is a frequent detractor of Shnabel's work (calls it schlockey). Anyway, see for yourself:



Lighten up, dude.

Underrated Band of the Day - Camera Obscura

The above song, 'If Looks Could Kill' is probably my favorite song by the band. It's more of a rock n' roll song with great guitar and really loud drums.

The great vocals of the lead singer, Traceyanne Campbell is displayed below in the song, 'Tears for Affairs', one of my favorites.

A nice little band. Not the best ever, but certainly worth a listen.

A Day of Romantic Comedies and Christmas

I try not to bring religion onto this blog, but I love Christmas. Who doesn't, besides Scrooge? So yesterday was a hang-in day, besides the fact that I went-out to the movies to see the annual shitty Christmas romantic comedy. I've seen them all. Like, seriously. And they all suck ass.




But anyway, the film I speak of is Four Christmases, the one that mocks Reese Witherspoon's petite height on the poster. Based off of the crummy reviews and the pretty bad trailers ("Every time I sneeze, I pee a little."...classy flick, huh?), I had pretty low expectations. Yet, to my pleasant surprise the film was pretty good, registering a few laughs. You could tell the crowd fliggin' loved it. People were, like, barreling over in laughter when Vince Vaughn barfed because he saw barf. Kind of stupid, but marginally grin-inducing (...'cause Vaughn is pretty funny sometimes).

Remember Vince Vaughn had that pointless cameo in Into The Wild? That was so pointless...

So, did I like the movie? Kind of. It had its moments both good and bad. Some horrible parts:

• Reese Witherspoon beating little kids on a moon-bounce-type structure in order to retreive a pregnancy test her evil little neice stole when she bombarded into the bathroom and found her aunt on the toilet.
  
• Vince Vaughn inserting a satellite dish on his father's (Robert Duvall) house in the sticks. Vaughn goes on to fall of the roof in a dose of epic hijinx.
  
• Vaughn and Witherspoon perform a religious play at the church of Reese's stepfather (He's a Joel Osteenesque priest). Reese forgets her lines and Vince has to steal the show. Kinda dumb.
  
• (I love bullet points!)

But there was some funny so it gets a pass, and, contrary to many reviews, I thought Vince and Reese had pretty good chemistry, in fact. Worth seeing, three stars.

After my family and I put up the tree and its ornaments, I watched Along Came Polly. Why? you ask. It was on TV and my parents refused to go to the video store and get me Being There or My Left Foot or one of the other films I'm obsessing over seeing. I watched the film with my laptop stationed on my lap, so I wasn't giving 100 percent attention. But overall, I saw enough to give the common-for-a-rom-com score of two and a half stars. Ben Stiller annoys me, but I like Jennifer Aniston and Phillip Seymour Hoffman (who had a surpringly large role (and gut)).

Happy Thanksgiving...

Family Tree by TV on the Radio

Revolutionary Road is a corrosive and heartbreaking masterwork. Sam Mendes'
best film yet is exquisitely cut, blended and calibrated with superb music by
Thomas Newman and legendary performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet
and Michael Shannon. It's the strongest heavyweight drama I've seen all year so
far -- much more searing and moving than I expected.

-Jeffrey Wells

[New Oscar predictions coming later this week]

My Fantasy Line-up Week 11: Make or Break

For some reason I have this gut feeling that I'm effing myself over this week. I have some mainstays in my line-up that will always do well (Kurt Warner, Calvin Johnson), but then I have some risky little bitches in there (Jerious Norwood, hell, Maurice Jone-Drew). And the thing is?

I can't afford to take any damn risks. If I lose this week, I'm basically knocked out of the playoffs, mathematically. Not that I have the greatest chance, now, as it is, but really all hope is lost if I don't win today.

Here's the line-up...

QB: Kurt Warner
Pro: Well, he's Kurt Warner 2008. An MVP candidate. Seattle sucks against the pass, Warner has the best receivers at his disposle, etc. Can you believe I traded Justin Fargas for Warner, straight up?
Con: No con here really. Seattle has made a few strides as of late, yet mainly on the offensive side of the ball, so it shouldn't affect Kurt's performance.

RB: Jamal Lewis
Pro: Jamal's had a good(?) year. He's been Rain Man-consistent putting up fourteen points in four of his last six games. Not 15, not 13, just 14. Buffalo hasn't looked top notch against the run lately, so Jamal should be in double digits.
Con: When he's not getting fourteen points, he kind of sucks, on average getting about 7 points in non-14-point games.

RB: Maurice Jones-Drew
Pro: He is clearly the goal-line back after that three touchdown ass-kicking last week. Jones-Drew is always a threat through the air, as well.
Con: Well, Tennessee's defensive line is great, and the Jacksonville O-line is made up of mainly back-ups at this point. Fred Taylor actually didn't elicit routine cringing from me last week and could outcarry Jones-Drew. Which would suck.

RB: Jerious Norwood
Pro: He's had three really good games this year and should be able to run all the hell over Denver's shitty defense. He also caught a 68-yard pass last week as well, so watch out for the air strike.
Con: Well..ugh, he's back-up. Yeah. This is realy the run-down for Norwood: he may get 20 points, he may get a goose egg. Make or break for him.

WR: Calvin Johnson
Pro: Catches the deep ball better than anyone else in the league. There, I said it. If he can get a touchdown (WHICH HE USUALLY DOES), than 15 points or more is almost guaranteed.
Con: He's the only valid receiver on the Lions, yada, yada, yada. He still gets open though. Carolina has a great pass defense, too.

WR: Laverneous Coles
(Played on Thursday. Only got 3 points. Dammit, I should of started Donnie Avery.)

TE: Owen Daniels
Pro: Is one of the most consistently good tight-ends (TE) in the league. Its a little hit or miss, but I can see him being open every once in a while, so 5 or more receptions is almost likely.
Con: Indy has a very good pass defense, as always. Owen has a chance to be shut down.

Defense: Tampa Bay

Kicker: John Kasay

So, I'm confident in most of my players that week, but if Jones-Drew or Norwood or both disappoint..well, I'm broken

You used to be alright, what happened?

Et cetera ... Et cetera ... Fads for whatever ...

Time To Worry About 'Australia'?

Probably. And I say that with a heavy heart, for the most part. The truth is, though, I've never been psychopathically excited for this film. I've always thought the idea of it reeked of the faint scent of ... materialism? Is Baz putting story first, or ... bigness first?

Well, obviously bigness. And that may be its fall. A fall at the Academy and possibly a fall in fanbase. I mean, at least Moulin Rouge! had the musical excuse, so it didn't need the most vibrant story. But, Australia may fall short on pulling audiences in for three goddamn hours. Yes, its pretty. The cinematography will be delectable. The costumes and sets are clearly masterworks. But is that enough?

Oh, and then, don't even start me on, um, how it's not finished. Cripes. The show's coming out in a few weeks, Baz! Speed the hell up! So, we're going to rush this Gone With The Wind-big movie through post production? That's wise.

Oh, and now we're changing the ending? Are we? After a dreadful test screening?

I don't want to have to sasy this, but:

Epic Flop Time. The studio execs will be hesitant with Baz from now on.

At least, we'll always have this...

Random Hilarious SNL Clip of the Day, A Very NBC Couch-Sitting

Randomly, NBC played a repeat of that Presidential Bash 2008 episode they had on Monday (Election Eve) and luckily I caught half of it. Most of it I had seen (those Palin skits are starting to get really annoying), but before commercial they would show a quick clip of a past political sketch. This one is poking fun at the mentally-unstable James Stockdale, along with H. Ross Perot. It's pretty damn hilarious.



On another note...

I had 30 Rock and The Office on Tivo. 30 Rock had Oprah on. As always, the 30 Rock writers came up with a hilariously unexpected and goofy twist on Oprah's cameo. I especially loved the part where "Oprah" talked about her favorite things, which included saltwater toffee, sweater capes, high-heeled sandals, and calypso music.

And, The Office, well, it's not what it used to be. Like, two seasons ago, it was possibly my favorite show on the telly (I'm not British.) Now, though, the writers seem to veer off on an odd track. Like, I never laugh while watching it. Luckily, though, this week's episode was probably the best of the season, so far.

I Needed That Hiatus

But now I think I'm back. I don't know. I'm sorry I haven't been around, but I felt comfortable not blogging. TCK became too routine and it began to feel like work. I structured things too much, but I love structure. I really do.

But anyway, I'm back for the most part. I'll make no guarantee that I'll firmly stay for good, but, yes, I'm back.

Things may be different around these parts, but maybe...for the better?

I don't know. It's just a little blog. Let's see what the hell happens.

The Many Mood Swings of Mark

...Or so it may seem.

As you probably noticed - if you didn't then you may need to be checked out - I have yet again changed TCK's "look". It's very similar to the previous "look", but it's now obviously pitch black.

I felt the last layout was really, really nice for a cool tricked-out bloggerific blog, but TCK is just my little blog. (Let's see how many times I can use the word 'blog' in a sentence!). It was getting too built-up, you know? Too...open. This now seems a little more sincere and 'cozy' - do I sound insane?

Anyway, expect this look to stick for awhile. I really like it. And you know what? I don't give I shit if you don't. Bam.

No, no! Please say you like it!

Song of the Week (ed. 13)

Fake Empire by The National

A really good song, with a hell of a crescendo. Don't you think this would make a good song for a movie trailer?

Fall Movie Preview - October (part 1)

The expansive preview continues into October. Hurrah. This time, it's a little revamped in terms of content. Enjoy...

October 3th

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

About: It's Michael Cera typecast (again) into the awkward "but-he's-sweet-is-he-gay?" role. I kind of dig that, though. We need a bit of that. Then there's Cat Dennings. Neutral. The story is about a night in New York City with teens and music and sprinkles of drama. If it's written well, it's gold.
Trailer Review: Cera looks absolutely hilarious. Kat Dennings seems to playing the "boring" protagonistic role. Actually, all the characters seem a bit like caricatures. Doesn't appear disgustingly in-your-face quirktastic. Some great lines in there that could be "CLASSIC". Where's the infinite playlist, though? Seriously, I need to hear some anti-folk or jazz-rock.
What I Say: It might just be a tamer, less-funny Superbad, which is great. It has the potential to have quotes printed on t-shirts, you know? VOTE FOR PEDRO. That's pretty old isn't it? Predicted Ending: It'll be honey-sweet, with Nick and Norah becoming more than fake dates. They see the beauty in each other as the hi-jinx ensue. Norah will make Nick a really good playlist and stuff with a ton of songs. Nick gets Norah pregnant. (Now Cera is getting really type-cast).



Religulous

About: Superatheist Bill Maher goes around and laughs at other people's religions. I'm there. No, he's apparently sensitive. I wish I got HBO, because he was on The View (those women have some good political insight, really...really) and was hilarious.
Trailer Review: Really hilarious. An awesome trailer. The thing I like is that he's making a mockery of it all. In a good way. Looks really good, I must say.
What I Say: I hope it gets a doc nomination. It certainly could. Thinking of it, God is kind of an odd thing...but let's not get into it.
Predicted Ending: Maher has a big monologue at the end about how he's learned a lot through the experience then unleashes a Jesus-zinger, that makes half the audience cringe. I love it.



Rachel Getting Married

About: Demme's return to dominance? Hathaway's first Oscar? Debra Winger bites an extra's lip off on set? The festival darling (for the most part) about a druggie's rekindling with her family as her sister (Rosemary DeWitt) gets married to one of my favorite band's frontman. I<<3tvotr. Trailer Review: The best trailer of the year? The hand-held camera seems fitting in an odd way. Makes the whole thing seem so authentic and real. Hathaway seems to have the perfect blend of drama/comedy. The dialogue: "Didn't I see you on Cops?" That's good. Looking very cheesy, though, at the end of the trailer. Hm.
What I Say: This just might be the Best Picture "dark horse". Not that the film is so off the radar, but I can't quite see it being up for the big prize. There is Anne, though.
Predicted Ending: It'll go out gritty, I say. A big fight at the end, and Hathaway storms out, never to be seen again. Too easy, though, isn't it?




October 10th

Body of Lies

About: It's another Aussie pairing of Crowe and director Ridley Scott. Yet, the X-Factor is now Leonardo DiCaprio. "In Jordan, an ex-journalist (DiCaprio) working to locate an Al Qaeda leader for the CIA faces pressure from an agent (Crowe) for whom failure is not an option." Leo looks a tad wolfy..and Crowe looks a tad very chubby.
Trailer Review: Ugh, looks so ridiculously intense. Ridiculously. Everything about it is over-the-top, in-your-face, conspiracy, Apocalypse, death, politics. Ah! Too much at once, I tell you. Oh, and Russell Crowe just slipped off of my Supporting (Lead?) Actor line-up.
What I Say: I really, kind of think this will bomb. If not, watch out for Russell Crowe. This could be a mighty fine performance.
Predicted Ending: I don't know. It'll be epic, and unhappy. Can we move on?



City of Ember

About: Watch out for this little sucker. I think it has something. Starring Oscar-nominated Saorise Ronan, it's based off a celebrated fantasy kids' book. There's no light or something, so Saorise has to go in a tunnel and find some with the help of Bill Murray? Who knows.
Trailer Review: Hm. Looks a little National Treaureish. Saorise seems annoying, but I bet she'll pull through. Murray looks old. Oh well. The visuals, though. Those look HOT.
What I Say: You can hold me to this, but I have a feeling this may spawn quite a franchise. Maybe not, but I think it could be respectably made and make some cash. I hope.

Predicted Ending: I have the novel..what, five yards away from me. Want me to skim through it and sheet. No, this is obvious. It'll be a bit of a cliff-hanger, so they can grind out a sequel.



Happy-Go-Lucky

About: The newest Mike Leigh film that's already pissing everyone off. It's about Poppy (yes, Poppy) played by the supposedly impressive Sally Hawkins, who is a primary school teacher who tries her hardest to keep her nauseating optimism with her despite outside forces.
Trailer Review: The trailer was kind of shitty, but Hawkins does look good, if not a bit aggravating. She's just so happy-go-lucky! Anyway, the film has already come out in Britain ages ago, and apparently the films quite good. Hm.
What I Say: I want to see it, but not terribly. I'm not at all familiar with Mike Leigh or Hawkins, but the plot is a tad intriguing. Can Hawkins squeeze her way into the already-crowded Best Actress field? Eh, I don't think so.
Predicted Ending: Knowing Leigh's a bit grim, I can't see the ending being too ... happy-go-lucky - but then will the film become inconsistent? I say Poppy cracks. Nervous breakdown. No. Yeah.



October 17th

W.

About: You know what it's about. Dubya's rare up's and common down's as the hopeless president of the US of A. Oliver Stone directs (the selling point) and Brolin stars as the man, myth and legend.
Trailer Review: Cliche movie music or what? But, hey, you gotta love some Talking Heads. Fitting. Damn, it looks great. Some of the dialogue makes me cringe, just because it's a little too easy, but still. Ellen Burstyn should be great and Brolin looks like a contender. I cannot wait.
What I Say: I can't really figure out the awards chances of this film. So many wild cards. Logically, the best chance is probably Brolin for Actor, but Elizabeth Banks seems like a "sleeper" for Supporting Actress.
Predicted Ending: Ugh, we get in a war. He leaves office and the country has gone to shit? Possibly.



October 24th


HSM3

About: The return of the Disney moneymakingmachine. So, like, Gabriella is, like, trying out for a show and it's like senior year. Troy doesn't want to, like, leave high school and be separated, ya know? Anyone have some razors I can chew on?
Trailer Review: Ashley Tisdale's character is still a huge bitch? Hm. TEN NEW SONGS?! You mean they'll have more dancing in the gym?! Seriously, haven't they already made this film twice?
What I Say: I saw the first one, and thought it was pretty stupid, yet I can see why it's the big craze. Never saw the second and most likely, won't see this one. You know what? This sort of has bomb material. Maybe I'm crazy though...
Predicted Ending: As the film tries to steer clear of blatant cliches...it'll be graduation and they'll have all their garb on. Then, as Troy goes up to get his diploma he looks at whatever girl he's going out with and starts to do that bratty singing. You know, like when he holds out one arm and stars he in the eye, kind of creepily? Yeah, you know.



Changeling

About: The Angelina Wants Another Friggen' Oscar Engine, right? Actually, no. It's going to be a highly respectable, ultra-dramatic, subtle film that probably will kick ass and take names on Oscar night. Isn't this routine getting tired, though?
Trailer Review: Looks very...boring. Seriously, does Jolie have to yell so damn much? Hey, hey, don't chew up all the scenery. The costumes and set pieces and all of that seem extremely well done, though.
What I Say: I'd be genuinely surprised if Jolie didn't land a nomination. Seems like a killer role, for her. But, otherwise, I'm not very excited. I'm certainly looking forward to Gran Torino, opposed to this.
Predicted Ending: Jolie's character will probably die. Seems logical. Malcovich seems a tad shady, if I may notice. He could end up being bad. I don't have a clue, really.



October 31st

Zack and Miri Make A Porno

About: Elizabeth Banks shows up again - AGAIN - with Seth Rogen, one comedian who isn't having trouble finding work. Kevin Smith directs this film that clearly wants to be very raunchy. Have you seen the poster? Titillating?
Trailer Review: I'll watching the racy redband one. Oh, fun! Geez, Craig Robinson seems to have a surprisingly large role. Good for him, he's good in The Office. The Glengarry Glen Ross line is pretty good. Maybe I shouldn't repeat it at the moment ... but, ah...
What I Say: It's going to have its fans for sure, and probably be one of Smith's best. Can this film equal the successes Rogen has had with Apatow? Possibly.
Predicted Ending: I don't know. Probably something putrid. Again, I probably shouldn't get into details. This is a family blog, remember?


So that's that. November should come...at the beginning of Nov./End of October.

The Gold Rush - The Sure-Bets

You know that "weekly Oscar column" I mentioned a little while ago? Yeah, this is it. So, readers, every Thursday (our at least within ... a week of Thursday) I'll post my thoughts on the race. I'll highlight certain categories, talk about sleepers in the race, focus on a certain aspect of the Oscar, start assembling some thoughts on the foreign film race, look at the techs and so much more.

I haven't even started to make up my updated line-ups, but, every year, whether it's due to film festival raves, favorable history or an intense gut feeling, there are some sure-bets in the fight for the Oscar.

But what is a sure-bet, Marko?

It's someone/something that appears definite in terms of getting a nomination. No shit. Let's just say I would surely bet my life on them getting nominated. Let's just get the obvious one out of the way, shall we?...

Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

It's a no-brainer. Possibly, at the end of the year, we'll still be calling this the best performance. Maybe. Or they'll be a ton of backlash. Yet, not on this performance. I may be sounding a little over-the-top, but his performance displayed exactly what acting is. He got into that character so severely, that you just got so ridiculously captivated. Purefection...



Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

The festival raves did it. The career resurgence hoopla helped. Mickey Rourke, I believe is a sure-fire nominee, just because he's another (like Ledger) who so early in the year has a chance to be the year's best performance. So we know he's in, but what about his film? Can it nab a Best Picture nom? Director nom? A supporting actress nod for Marisa Tomei? Well it can get...

Bruce Springsteen's Original Song, The Wrestler

Arronofsky cries every time he hears it. Damn. He seems like the crying type. He annoys me. Anyway, I think the Academy would love to reward Springsteen, a true icon. And if the song's that good? It may just win.



The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Cinematography nod

For Claudio Miranda! What a jazzy little name that one is! Have you seen those goddamn trailers? The camera shots, and the perfect lighting in terms of the setting seem spot on. The camerawork has potential to be classic.



Benjamin Button's Makeup

They've made good-looking man, Brad Pitt into a disgusting little shit of a mutant. Seriously, it borders on the freaky in the best way ever. A costume nod could follow this in as well.



Simon Beaufoy's Writing Nod For Slumdog Millionaire

Has a sad chance to be this film's only nod, though that is kind of unlikely. Could Beaufoy revisit the magic that was The Full Monty? Could this nod come crashing along with Best Picture and Director nods? Who knows?



Meryl Steep, Doubt

Don't be a DOUBTIN' Meryl. The kid can act, obviously. The material and film as a whole seems stellar in my eyes (though I have bad eyesight..ha..ha..ha). If any one thing about Doubt will get noticed big-time, it has to be Streep.

Mandy Walker's Orgasmic Cinematography, Australia

All of the shots, and everything, look incredible. Really seems like a film that's beauty lies mainly within the cinematography. Wow.



Wall-E, Best Animated Feature

I forgot about Wall-E. The film has really slipped off the face of the Earth. Yet, not for long. You know what's a sure-bet for Wall-E? A win. It's obvious.

Sean Penn as Harvey Milk

Could be the one to beat in the Lead Actor category. It's all about the biopic, recall? Could be another one of those TRANSFORMATION performances, which can be a clinic at times.



Milk, Best Picture

I'm getting freakishly bold now, aren't I? I'll say it again. This has everything, I say everything, on paper to get a nomination. You got your dominating Lead Actor, more-than-capable director in Van Sant, and a possibly magical supporting cast with Franco and Hirsch and Brolin. Yes, I said magical.


Hell, maybe there are no sure bets. That's why they make tankers, right? But how can some of these babies fail?

Tootsie (1982)

So the film ended and the credits began to roll for Tootsie. I like how TCM shows the credits, making it a more authentic experience. Anyway, as the film ended, I wondered to myself: Why name it Tootsie? The word, term of endearment, what have you, came up in a very short instant, where the soap opera director calls Dustin Hoffman's iconic cross-dressed character 'Tootsie'.

So, you name a film for a brief line that's uttered and forgotten about soon after? Yet, I realized: NO. NO. (Doing all caps for a word isn't classy, is it?). The whole damn film is about "tootsie" and its meaning. But I don't feel like explaining it okay? It's really simple, so don't worry. Like, it's really obvious.



You know the plot, so I won't bother. Let's just say, Dustin Hoffman is brilliant. Really, the other day, I was thinking about how many classics he's been in. The Graduate, Midnight Cowboy, Kramer Vs. Kramer, Rain Man, hell, Tootsie. Oscar-worthy, indeed. I also dug Teri Garr. She did feed off of how well her character was written. Then there was Jessica Lange, and then I get confused. Why did she win the Oscar?

I did some research and the Best Supporting Actress field sucked badly. But, she was possibly the most boring part of the film. I'm just stumped. I even read that she admitted that she was confused when doing Tootsie and "didn't know what she was doing". Wait..but she won.

Anyway, I'll wrap things up. I love, love, loved the dialogue in the screenplay. Sydney Pollack directed extremely capably and also lent a great supporting character into the mix. The cast was excellent, let's just say.

This shows Hoffman's brilliance:



A high ***1/2

Song of the Week (ed. 11)

Energy by The Apples In Stereo

This is really fun. Wait--no it isn't. How can a song be fun? Can you play with it? Can you rub it on yourself?

The creepy video (they all look too happy..) is directed by someone kind of random. I'll give you a hint: he's a Hobbit.

Brilliant New 'Australia' Trailer

Yowza.

Am I Getting Annoying?

Let's pretend I've signed a contract with David Fincher, describing that I must post every speckle of Benjamin Button news that comes my way.

Kind of.

Anyway, this is huge. The 2 and a half plus minute trailer has surfaced. Some new little images and clips within. Ugh, so exciting.



In other news, I'm starting to become obsessed with Slumdog Millionaire, ever since I heard the film has an entire montage queued up to 'Paper Planes'. Dreams do come true.

In the meantime, watch this 80-second clip from the film that makes no sense.



Why are they chasing her?

An Even Newer Benjamin Button TV Spot

Nothing terribly notable in it, with scenes that may look familiar from the trailer and other spot. No embedding unfortunately, for it's "not allowed" by whoever the hell posted it. Bullshit.

Follow the magical link here.

Cannot frickin' wait...

Song of the Week (ed. 10)

Dancing Choose from the new TV On The Radio album (that I dig..)



Awesome, huh?

TCK Outlook

It's Fall Film Time. Get pumped up.

As I bat away evil thoughts of me giving up blogging that have occupied my brain the past few days, I have decided to have a very enthusiastic approach and, sort of, revamp.

Now, nothing too rash is going to happen, but I might introduce a few new things. Clearly, I changed how the blog looks. I love it, honestly. Do you? Just has a cool, simple look.

Oscar season is coming into full swing, in a sense, so lots of Oscar coverage, because I dig it. Aren't I so descriptive? Anyway, in terms of Oscar coverage, we'll have:

Monthly even-more-in-depth Oscar Predictions in (basically) all categories.
A weekly Oscar Column (can you think of a good name? Comment with ideas!)
Week-long Epic Best Picture Predictions, including my winner.

For general film apparatus:

I'll continue my Fall Film Preview, month by month
Various Lists, News, Trailers, Etc. concerning film

And, of couse:

Culture-realated musings!

..And that's only October.

A Very TV On The Radio-Related Post

I was flipping through Enterainment Weekly this morning (yes, just minutes ago) and I saw a few pictures of Rachel Getting Married in the Anne Hathway article. I looked a little closer at this picture:



It's THUNDE ADEBIMPE! The lead singer of TV On The Radio, one of my favorites. How hadn't I noticed this in the trailer? He's distinct-looking, you know? It even says in the article that he sings a beautiful rendition of Neil Young's 'Unknown Legend', which brings on the waterworks. He has a relatively prominent role, it seems, as Rachel's soon-to-be husband. Whoa. I never knew Adebimpe graduated from NYU Film School and has acted in a few indie films. Awesomenes.

So as my serendipity continued, I flipped a few more pages and came to this:



TVOTR has a new album!? And no one told me!? Well, I'm off to iTunes to grab it, and I can't frickin' wait. (Possibly) expect a review some time.

(Belated) Song of the Week ed. 9

Oh, Arcade Fire. How I love you, my all-time favoritest band ever. You are my world.

Aracde Fire: Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)



Sometimes this song makes me feel like crying. Just that huge guitar riff at the beginning. Oh, so many memories.

Dry Spell

I am on a huge, ridiculous dry spell right now with movies, blogging and other culture-related items. Will it pass? I mean, this is what I was "inspired" to write today. I was inspired to write nothing. Write about writing about nothing. Now I'm writing about writing about writing about nothing. Wait..? Sorry, my brain is cooked medium well, no mustard or relish. Am I having a nervous breakdown? Am I not having a nervous breakdown?

I started watching United 93, which I had on Tivo, and I turned it off and over-managed my fantasy team. Maybe, it was because I didn't like where the film was taking itself, and I was losing interest with rapidity. Maybe it was because I needed to overmanage my team because I'm yet to win a goddamn game. FU, Tom Brady, man who has brought pride to my city three times. You stink for getting hurt for the first time in your career! Or, maybe, possibly I'm having a cinematic dry spell.

I can still read blogs.

You know what I need? I need some crazy culture-related bracket that I can maniacly fill until Oscar season, comparable to the masterpiece, that Joe did at Low Resolution based on his favorite actresses. Any suggestions? Is this a blogging no-no? Comment with some suggestions for a little culture-realted tournament I could milk for all its worth until Oscar season graces us. Oh..oh, wait. I forgot, no one comments. No, some people do. There's a weird discrepency between the views I get to the comments I get. Suspicious.

Yeah, Um, My Hopes Are High...

Damn high.

Watch this, just, just watch it...



Yep..uhuh.

2008 Fall Movie Preview - September

Fall is basically upon us. For life, fall kind of sucks. End of summer, not yet winter. For movies, fall is a marvelous time as the Oscar season's curtains open and we get to see some great films. Buzz bops around at film festivals, like Toronto. Oscar charts start to make sense. And somewhere during breaks from the brilliance, we get a Disaster Movie or something, to remind us that Aaron Seltzer is still, unfortunately, alive.

But I, naive I, have decided to take on a little Fall Film Preview just to post my thoughts on some upcoming flicks. We'll go through the fall, two weeks per post, until we reach winter, and slam on the brakes once we hit January. I have blogging mood swings, so I might just buck the whole idea if I feel like it. So, September, here we come...

September 12th

Burn After Reading
Background: It's the Coens on their little playground, cooking up a criminal farce about fumbling idiots. The crucial memoirs of a former CIA agent fall into the unsuspecting hands of dumb gym employees who use it to their advantage. Then Anton Chigurh (Tilda Swinton) comes in and shoots all of them with a cattle gun. The Coens, crawling up from their indie roots, have come a long way, getting their hands on one of the most A-listy casts of the year (Pitt, Clooney, McDormand, Malkovich and Swinton).
Buzz: The film has gotten mixed reviews prior to opening the Venice Film Festival. The majority of British press fell ass over elbows for it, though some thought it was "too stupid". I myself, find it almost cocky for the Coens to pull such a dumb farce after No Country For Old Men. From what I hear, it almost seems like a sloppy effort. That's just me.
Interest Level: Pretty high. This almost seems Fargoesque and Fargo is probably in my top ten..ever. The trailer was brilliant and Swinton looks hilarious for some reason. Can we conclude that she's going to play a cold bitch in every movie now?
Oscar Hopes: Pretty little. A month ago, before Venice, an acting nod and probably a writing nod seemed possible. Doesn't look like that's the point of this film. It's a screwball comedy. End of story. (Not all of the Coens films have been mega Oscar darlings, like No Country).
Bottom Line: Not Coens Coens it seems, but still well worth seeing.



Towelhead
Background: It's Alan Ball at the helm, this time, of American Beauty and Six Feet Under fame. It's a story of growing up, as a Lebanese tween moves in with her uncle in suburban Texas. The script should be good with Ball running the show. The cast includes all-stars Toni Collette and Aaron Eckhart.
Buzz: There have been a few early screenings, and overall, the reviews have been positive. Supposedly, it's dark, funny, and despicable. The film has come under some fire for the racy, or maybe racist, title, but it firmly stands its ground in its naming.
Interest Level: It's an intriguing movie, with some good actors and a good writer. The trailer was pretty good, displaying that suburban angst as Ball is so good at doing.
Oscar Hopes: Eh, I don't think this really has much of a chance. The acting doesn't seem like it will land any nominations (Collette appears to have a small role), so its best chance is at writing, which doesn't seem entirely probable.
Bottom Line: May be a poor man's American Beauty, except this time, it's Lebanese Beauty. Doesn't have the same ring to it.



Righteous Kill
Background: It's a gritty crime drama decked out with a stellar cast and a...wait, it doesn't have a good director attached. Wait. It's going to suck. It's artificial-seeming, from the looks of the trailer. It wants to be The Departed, but let's face it: Pacino's last role was as some idiot (who didn't own a damn comb), fumbling around in some crappy movie. De Niro's last role was a gay pirate. It's not the '70s anymore, is it? 50 (or is it fitty?) Cent lends his acting gifts.
Buzz: This is obviously getting a lot of buzz due to the long-time-coming pair of Pacino and De Niro, among the best actors of their generation. No early word on how good the film is, but the general consensus is that it isn't going to be Goodfellas.
Interest Level: Decent. It will be interesting to see the two actors together, but overall...DVD?
Oscar Hopes: Who the hell knows? Maybe it's their comeback? Maybe there need be no Oscar-winning director or writer? Maybe they turn in great, harrowing performances instead of treating it like a Sunday drive? I highly, highly doubt it, but you can always believe. I mean, maybe, if you had a pretty high blood alcohol level, this might look good on paper.
Bottom Line: It's just for fun.



The Women
Background: It's the superchick-flick of the summer. Should do great at the box office. It's a story about..women..a lot of them..they're friends..they're catty..am I being sexist?..nah. It's epic, starring a handful of top actresses, like Annette Bening, Jada Pinkett Smith, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, the list goes on.
Buzz: The film, one by Diane English, has been in the works for over a decade. Meg Ryan wanted to star/produce, Julia Roberts, coming off Pretty Woman fame, wanted to star and produce. Lots of Women wanted to have their hands on this. In the end? We get the not-as-famous spouse of Will Smith, a sitcom star who hasn't done much since Will and Grace, Meg Ryan, hot off of her plastic surgery disaster and Eva Mendes, who isn't that great. Huh.
Interest Level: Not my cup of tea, at all, really. I do think it will serve its purpose and be an above-average chick-flick, there seems to be some passion put into this project. But, no really my thing. I'm one of The Men.
Oscar Hopes: Not a whole lot of Oscar bait here. A romantic comedy is never an Oscar darling. No way. If anything, Annette Bening will get some good press.
Bottom Line: Seems like it might end up coming together well, as well as getting all the women out to see it.



September 19th

Lakeview Terrace
Background: I don't really know squat about this film, other than the fact that the promos on TV look pretty good. I don't really know what to think of Samuel L. Jackson. He's in brilliant roles, like Jules of Pulp Fiction, but then he turns around and stars in Jumper. This might be more on the 'Jumper' region of the spectrum. This film is about a household's neighbor, a whacked-out cop, who appears to cause a hell of a lot of problems for this family, because they're an interracial couple.
Buzz: The director, Neil Labute, has made some horseshit over the years, so it kind of makes you think this will follow suit. The writers don't have tip-top credentials either. Hm.
Interest Level: My interest is lessening as I write this. It's probably going to be pretty bad, but whatever. I'll probably end up being dragged to it by some friends. And I'll like it. And the whole time I'll have to remind myself that I saw 12 Angry Men the other day, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Oscar Hopes: Yeah, no chance.
The Bottom Line: It's a little popcorn flick. Nothing more.



The Duchess
Background: It's the period drama of 2008, apparently. Usually I have a speckle of interest though. I don't for this. Keira Knightley's face annoys me at this point. That, along with everything else about her. Just (kind of) joking. It's an epic about Georgiana Cavendish who has her up's and down's with the Duke, who happens to be Ralph Fiennes. Expect corsets. And British people.
Buzz: The film has gotten some flack for appearing to be mirroring the life of Princess Diana, which understandably, would piss you off. Word out of the Toronto Film Fest: bland. I believe it.
Interest Level:

It's the period drama of 2008. Usually I have a speckle of excitement, though. I don't for this.

- The Culture Kid
Oscar Hopes: Should probably get some love for the corsets. Yet, word on the street is that Keira isn't that great in the role due to her lack of chemistry with Dominic Cooper. This should be limited to techs, and probably not that many.
The Bottom: The real epic of 2008? It's northwest of New Zealand...



Blindness
Background: It's got a good cast (Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Danny Glover..), a beloved director, Fernando Meirelles, of City of God fame, and it's based off of an award-winning literary masterpiece (that I could get through..). The makings of some movie magic, eh? But there's a catch: It sucks. (We'll get to that later). It's the story of a blindness epidemic, yet a woman (Julianne Moore) finds herself in an even worse position: being the only one that can see.
Buzz: A few months ago at Cannes? It was a failure and didn't even split the audience. Everyone hated it. But just a few days ago, it was apparently revamped and met with some positive press out of Toronto. But were the reviews positive enough?
Interest Level: Who didn't love that trailer? So, right off the bat, I've been excited. Yet that excitement has subsided a bit, due to its bad press. I still want to see it, but not with an aching desire.
Oscar Hopes: Julianne Moore seems like the best bet for any awards success for this film. But Best Actress is stacked this year. I have some doubts she can make the shortlist. Otherwise, this film has very little Oscar hope.
The Bottom Line: Expect a lot of blind people rolling around in feces.



Appaloosa
Background: Based off of the Robert Parker novel, Appaloosa is about two lawmen (Mortensen and Harris) who are sent to a small town, vying to bring down its tyrant, who just so happens to be Jeremy Irons. Who knew? Ed Harris is directing which, apparently, is a good thing. People liked Pollock.
Buzz: But then the shit hit the fan. Ed Harris directing isn't a good thing. Word out of Toronto is that..it's nothing to shout about. And here I was, nearly throwing it on my Best Picture ballot. Isn't my innocent stupidity endearing? No?
Interest Level: I witnessed one hell of a Western last year, in Jesse James, so the prospect of another Western, helmed by the impressive Ed Harris, seemed intriguing. And from the plot, it looks like we could be getting a really good villain in Jeremy Irons. I still want to see it, pretty badly.
Oscar Hopes: Very dim at the moment. If they can edit it, positively, before January 22nd they may have more hope. There are a lot of worms in this can, so it's a shame this isn't getting good reception.
The Bottom Line: Who isn't this really good? I'm still not sold on it's below-averageness.



September 26th

Miracle At St. Anna
Background: It looks like Spike Lee is sort of stepping out of his comfort zone here, which is refreshing. The cast kind of sucks, headed by Derek Luke..of no fame. It's about the connection of a 1984 murder to a battalion of black soldiers in WWII, brought together through an intense investigation.
Buzz: I guess this Fall Preview doubles as a Film Festival Wrap-up. Word out of Toronto? Decent, not really good. The expections, unfortunately were sky-high for some, and the final product apparently, doesn't live up to them.
Interest Level: I like Spike Lee. Most of his movies are pretty good. He has something to say. He's ambitious. But, from the start this never excited me too much. I would like to see it a little, I guess.
Oscar Hopes: I'm not taking this off my radar completely, but acting noms and anything major from there, seem unlikely. Too bad. This would have been a cool film to have in the Best Picture line-up.
The Bottom Line: Lee doesn't appear to be back in 'Do The Right Thing' form. Or 'Inside Man' form, for that matter.



Choke
Background: Written by Chuck Palanhuik in two mediums, now for film, is the story of sex-addict who pays for his sick madre's medical bills by gaining sympathy from those who witness him "choke to death". Oookaaayyy. Sam Rockwell stars. Clark Gregg randomly directs.
Buzz: Everyone has had their eye on this since they heard the name Chuck Palanhuik involved. (He wrote Fight Club). I'm skeptical, in a way. Might be a little too off-the-walls for some and can Clark Gregg direct? We're kind of still wondering if he can act.
Interest Level: I think it sounds freakishly interesting. That's not always a good thing. Will I see it? Probably not. Will I say that I want to see it now? Yeah.
Oscar Hopes: Maybe..maybe the screenplay could grab a nom if some crazy shit happened. Otherwise, I can't see the Academy enjoying this.
The Bottom Line: It will probably split audiences. Which is impressive, sometimes.



Eagle Eye
Background: After Disturbia's popularity, Dreamworks piled four screenwriters in a room and forced them without pay, food or any other emenities, to sit the hell down and write another script Shia LaBouef could star in and DJ Caruso could direct. That became Eagle Eye, a story about two strangers who are turned into pawns in a mystery woman's assassination plot. From there, comes a desperate attempt to outwit the woman. The pawns are LaBouef and Michelle Monaghan.
Buzz: There has been a deep ripple of excitement (from me) over this film. I think it has the chance to be pretty good, along with bringing moviegoers into theaters at an off-time.
Interest Level: Not through the roof, but hovering dangerously close to the ceiling fan. The Caruso/LaBouef (even though I'm kind of hating LaBouef lately..) pairing is uber-exciting and the teaser have all been pretty well done.
Oscar Hopes: If it really...and I mean really takes off, maybe some FX nods could come its way, but other than that, nothing looks to likely.
The Bottom Line: The only popcorn flick this year that I can barely hold my excitement for.



Nights In Rodanthe
Background: I didn't know the title was pronounced in a such a fruity way, since I saw the promo. Row-don-thee. Is it located in Middle Earth? East of The Shire, maybe? The new Nicolas Sparks film adaptation, like The Notebook. A lovey-dovey story about a doctor who meets an unhappily-married woman at an inn in North Carolina. That's all?
Buzz: The trailer actually looks pretty damn good, I must say. It also looks mega-cheesy. No early word on how good the film is.
Interest Level: I'm sort of into it. I mean, I never saw The Notebook, but I still know what to expect with this film. Gushy, kind of entertaining, the script begging you to tear up. Oh, yes I know. But I like the cast and the trailer, as stated, was really good. But still...eh...not to "interested".
Oscar Hopes: This is Diane Lane's film, I would think. Gere is an automatic out for some reason, when it comes to Oscars (why?! I ask!). Still, though, can this kind of film push an actress into that stacked of a category? I doubt it.
The Bottom Line: The Notebook with less dying and older people.



Whew. I'm done. October should come out pretty soon. No later than November...heh..heh. The movies look pretty decent, nothing really sticks out, though. September is kind of a down month, so the look ahead is better. Stick around!