Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
I sincerely believe that a visit to the sets of THE DARK CRYSTAL changed George Lucas' life, forcing him to rethink the opening of RETURN OF THE JEDI. I think he saw how beautiful the world that Jim Henson and Brian Froud created was, and he wanted to direct a scene full of these exotic oddball creatures. Honestly, I'm surprised the Ewoks weren't at least partially puppets.
THE DARK CRYSTAL is a film I have quite a bit of fondness for, even if I think it's hobbled as actual storytelling. It's a gorgeous, freaky, unorthodox slice of visual imagination served up without any filters. Love it or hate it, it's impossible to forget. Here's a buddy of mine with his call to arms for LA area geeks tonight:
Hey friends,
In addition to that OTHER '82 movie plastered on billboards and buildings all over town, there's a really great fantasy film also celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. And like "The Goonies," it's back in a grassroots way with everything from a forthcoming line of Sideshow action figures to t-shirts for the raver set at Hot Topic.
From the incredible Trevor Jones score (the bootleg of which I'm listening to as I type) to the Brian Froud design, this is one of Gary Kurtz's best productions.
And it's screening at the NuArt this Friday at midnight. The print will likely be excellent. If you saw it as a kid, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen it, come behold the wonder of a CGI-less fantasy film that earns its effects and emotions.
I can already tell from the phone calls I've been getting that this is gonna at least be a near-sellout. It's been drawing near-"Goonies" midnight cult crowds even out in Middle America, so be advised to line up early.
Here's everything you need to know on the theatre!!
And if you're up for two midnight movies in a row, head out to Pasadena's Rialto for USED CARS, one of the best movies Robert Zemeckis ever made. Rude, offensive, brilliantly juvenile, and insanely paced, USED CARS hasn't lost any of its kick over the years. The recently released DVD was a nice reminder of just how blisteringly funny this film was, but seeing it in a theater... with a crowd...
Well, that's what it's all about, right?
"Moriarty" out.
