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.