Hey folks, Harry here... First up, I'd like to apologize to all you readers of this column. I know how much so many of you love it. When this month started I had no intention in taking a hiatus. I had meant to get the first week of February up prior to leaving for Berlin. That 6 days worth of travel and the following write up took a lot out of DVD viewing. And when I came back, the first film I put in was SPACE BUDDIES - and frankly. It really kicked the shit out of me. I'm not sure why I put it in. I suppose it was duty to this column - but man. It really made me kinda hate my life for a bit. I decided that I would combine up a couple of weeks worth of columns and take some time off to just view some of the films in my collection for me. To take a few days to not watch anything. Just sort of clean the slate. 2 weeks turned into 3 weeks and nearly 4 weeks. So I've put together this catch up list. The titles that would have been in the last 3. Sometimes there's comments. Sometimes there isn't. And I'm going to hop back into the flow of things.
I hope to keep this column coming as regular as humanly possible. There's some very good titles I've missed recently - as always - the box art and titles are clickable to Amazon where you can learn more on the titles in question and purchase them if you feel like it. Here we go...
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009
SPACE BUDDIES
This film… and I use the term lightly… has a 4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon.Com. I know you think it highly unlikely that I actually submitted myself to this dog shit, but I did. Now I know. I know. I’m not the audience for this film. This is meant to entertainment for our children. For kids ages 4-10. Do we really think so little of children? One of these dogs has a hip hop gangsta wannabe personality. The Russians are portrayed as alcoholic musical dimwits. It is a collection of fart and shit and piss humor. It is the worst of entertainment. A film that fails to invite even the slightest amount of wit, charm or education. At no level does this dreck do the slightest to further the minds of our young ones. It is offensively inoffensive. Be forewarned.
MADAGASCAR – ESCAPE 2 AFRICA
A lacking follow-up to a fun Animated film.
ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO
The title was ZACK AND MIRI in the copy I bought at Target - but on AMAZON they seem to have the full title. Or is that an outdated graphic? I don't know, but god damn this is a funny movie. Though upon reflection of the Blu Ray... I found myself wondering... Is it just me, or does the film feel awfully short. I never really look at running times on films. I just don't obsess on that sort of thing, but I really wanted a longer film here. I think it is that I loved these characters and wanted to spend more time with them. Kevin done good.
YENTL
For Jeff Mahler
NICK & NORAH’S INFINITE PLAYLIST
Missed this at theaters, but I thought it was a cute little film on Blu. Cera is just so easy to watch do his thing... but as I watched the film, I did wonder what else he can bring to a role. He's got this sort of character down to a science. And the entire time I was watching this, I was wondering exactly what Edgar Wright was going to do with Michael in SCOTT PILGRIM, that latest pic with the samurai sword got me giddy. Fun flick though not great.
FRIDAY THE 13TH Uncut (Blu-Ray)
Wow. The word on the street is that later this year we're going to get a huge BLU RAY box set of all the existing JASON films. So you may want to hold off, but man... this looks fantastic. And I really found myself wishing these next two were in Blu Ray too.
FRIDAY THE 13TH Part 2
The original BAGHEAD! Actually, I think technically its Sackhead. This is such a strange beginning for a series. The first one with the mother, then this odd Baghead thing. Then the next one...
FRIDAY THE 13TH, PART 3 3D
I kinda found myself wondering how this series survived long enough for Jason to get this Iconic Hockey Mask. I met the screenwriter of this one on INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, he was the script continuity supervisor on Quentin's film. And he says - they really had no idea what they were doing on the first 3 films. Just sort of making it up as they went along. And I have to say it really shows. The 3D on this release is hilarious. LOTS of blatant slowly stabbing something at the audience moments. Cracked me up. However, a very chaste film. No titties - and really lacking gore, but Jason does get his mask!
HIS NAME WAS JASON: 30 Years of Friday The 13th
Fun doc about the making of all the Jason flicks. Some of this is terribly serious - and unintentionally funny and arty. Which kinda makes it awesome. A must have for Jason junkies.
OFFICE SPACE (Blu Ray)
You must see the stapler in perfect 1080p. It's like... awesome!
OUR MAN IN HAVANA
One of the top 5 Alec Guinness films ever made. Directed by Carol Reed, the man behind THE THIRD MAN - and a hilariously awesome spy tale. GREAT FILM also starring Maureen O'Hara, Burl Ives, Ernie Kovacs and more!
BEING THERE (Blu Ray)
After DR STRANGELOVE, my favorite film with Peter Sellers... and my favorite all time PETER SELLERS role. A film of haunting beauty, frighteningly dead on satire and poignance. It also has simply one of the greatest last shots in film history. Just... breathtaking. We lost Sellers too soon.
NATALIE WOOD Collection ( SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS / SEX AND THE SINGLE GIRL / INSIDE DAISY CLOVER / GYPSY / BOMBERS B-52 / CASH McCALL )
This collection isn't quite for me. I love SEX AND THE SINGLE GIRL and SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS, but the others have never really left an impact on me. But if you're a huge Natalie Wood fan... feel free to scream at my ignorance and enjoy them all!
VIBES
It stars Cyndi Lauper! That's all I need. Oh and it's cute as hell!
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (Blu-Ray)
I really dislike this movie.
SIDEWAYS (Blu-Ray)
The film that made me stop drinking Merlot. Thank you all involved!
CLERKS II (Blu Ray)
I know most people tend to feel CHASING AMY is Kevin's best film, but honestly... I love CLERKS II. It is just fucking great. Rosario? OHMYGOD! She's just the girl you must love. And PILLOW PANTS? Genius.
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Romantic Comedies (ADAM’S RIB / WOMAN OF THE YEAR / THE PHILADELPHIA STORY )
3 of the greatest Romantic Comedies ever bundled for 19.99
INSIDE MOVES
You read Beaks' interview with Richard Donner, but I'm betting you still haven't seen this absolutely wonderful film. I know it doesn't have a Superhero or Mel Gibson... but I promise you this is a film you won't forget. Great work by all involved and one of the great John Savage characters!
BRAIN STORM
After REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE, this is my favorite NATALIE WOOD film. I love BRAIN STORM! It is directed by brilliant visual effects man, Douglas Trumball - who brought some of the most flawless and stunning visual effects that have ever shaped our collective imaginations. And here, he brings soul and elegance and beauty to memories, lives and being. This film is brilliant. I love love love it! Wish to God it was on Blu Ray!
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: ROMANTIC DRAMAS ( EAST OF EDEN / CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF / A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE / REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE )
Speaking of Rebel. 4 Brilliant movies - 1 cheap price: 24.99. Good deal!
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: BEST PICTURE WINNERS ( CASABLANCA / GIGI / AN AMERICAN IN PARIS / MRS. MINIVER )
GIGI and AN AMERICAN IN PARIS are about to hit on Blu Ray! But if you don't have these four brilliant films - for 19.99... they're yours.
PAURA – Lucio Fulci Remembered Vol 1
A must for all who love the works of Fulci. Fascinating look at his work and life through his collaborators and friends. Loved it.
XANADU
Fuck you, I love it!
THE WIZ
Goddamn this movie is a weird load of shit.
THE MAGNIFICENT TRIO
This is a very fun Shaw Brothers flick. Definitely worth checking out!
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009
W.
I really like this film. I like that it doesn't flat out lampoon George. That it works to actually attempt to humanize Bush, while also showing why he is so loathed and possibly why he came up so short. A great film by Oliver Stone of his most difficult topic to date.
AMADEUS (Blu Ray)
I actually tried to write this column during this movie. Couldn't. Fucking film refuses to let you be distracted. I found myself constantly looking at the film, then sitting on the couch and finishing it. One of the greatest Biopics ever made.
THE BOONDOCK SAINTS (Blu Ray)
One of Massawyrm and Rav's favorite films.
FROZEN RIVER
WOW. See it!
TIM AND ERIC AWESOME SHOW, GREAT JOB!: SEASON 2
Brilliantly sublime.
MIRACLE AT ST ANNA
This film really got shat upon, and it seems critics love to crucify Spike Lee... but I really got caught up in this film. Tells a story of the Buffalo Soldiers of WWII and a little town in Italy called St Anna. It gets a bit weird and magical. But ain't nothing wrong with that. Sometimes that's how life goes. Just go with it.
DONNIE DARKO (Blu Ray)
Buy this instead of S.DARKO. Please.
MY NAME IS BRUCE
Sadly not the absolute perfect genius that we constantly hope from Bruce's every breath, but you know what. It'll put hair on chest! It's guaranteed to.
TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: The First Season
I remember having to put TIN FOIL on rabbit ears to get the station that played TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE to come in. It was agonizing, but I religiously did it. And I used this show to terrify my little sister. I look forward to revisiting them all.
RAGING BULL (Blu Ray)
Brilliant film in every conceivable facet.
PRETTY WOMAN (Blu Ray)
This is rated R. Really? I know it should be. How many escorts did PRETTY WOMAN create? I really can't believe it is R rated though. There's no nudity that I can remember and I just rewatched this two weeks ago. And hardly any cussing. It's just adult situations. I agree with the rating. Just seems so tame by today's standards. I love the movie though. Seriously. It turns me into a weepy vag.
SHAUN THE SHEEP: Back In The Ba-a-ath
Latest Aardman Brilliance.
BLINDNESS
A really brutal experience. Watch it if you like douching with Tabasco.
A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (Blu Ray)
What a great film. Seriously. I rewatched this the other day and again, could get no work done. It is a commanding film, with every step working to perfection. Ed Harris is chilling. But nowhere near as chilling as Viggo. Wow!
THE EXTERMINATING ANGEL – Criterion Collection
A truly great Bunuel film! Criterion did a great job with these extras:
SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET FEATURES:
New, restored high-definition digital transfer
The Last Script: Remembering Luis Buñuel, a 2008 documentary featuring Jean-Claude Carrière and Jean Luis Buñuel
New interviews with filmmaker Arturo Ripstein and actress Silvia Pinal
Theatrical trailer
New and improved English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by film scholar Marsha Kinder and a reprinted interview with Buñuel
SIMON OF THE DESERT – Criterion Collection
Surrealism at its best by the greatest surrealist filmmaker ever, Luis Bunuel! This and THE EXTERMINATING ANGEL are godsends to film geeks!
New, restored high-definition digital transfer
A Mexican Buñuel (1995), 50-minute documentary by Emilio Maillé
New interview with actress Silvia Pinal
New and improved English subtitle translation
PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by critic Michael Wood and a reprinted interview with Buñuel
CHOCOLATE
One of the absolute most fun modern martial arts films. One that will have you screaming OWWWW a bunch. and features a RAIN MAN-esque girl that instead of counting, has a penchant for ass-kickery! GREAT FUN FILM
STREET FIGHTER Extreme Edition Blu Ray
A terrible film. THAT I LOVE TO WATCH! Raul Julia was dying of cancer while making this film - and he poured 12 movies of enthusiasm into this last performance. He devours every moment of this film. And the fight between him and Van Damme. Hilarity! God I miss Raul.
THE FOOT FIST WAY
Now for a serious Martial Arts film about the angst and pain that a humble redneck Tae Kwon Do instructor goes through to give to his students and to his art. It will make you cry.
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009
CHANGELING
I hated the trailers to this movie, but when I finally sat down to watch it. It isn't so much about the police and Angelina. That's a big part of the story. But the story of what happened to the boy. That tale as told by that one kid. HOLY SHIT! Jolie is great, but what is really great is the period attention. And for some reason, I loved that Telephone bank shot of her on the old school roller skates. How cool.
DEAD LIKE ME: The Complete Collection
The whole series is finally out. I don't know about you, but I love this series about Reapers. It's really really great.
RELIGULOUS
Bill Maher can be one incredibly annoying smug fuck. But he's also mostly right.
BODY OF LIES
Watched Ridley Scott's latest. Honestly, I thought it was kind of a waste of everyone involved. It just didn't do anything for me.
HOUNDDOG
I won't watch this film.
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (Blu Ray)
I love this movie. I love those creepy CG brown eyes - and the scary dwarves - and the bloodletting - and everything else. Just an absolutely brutal film featuring some of the most innovative and great gore effects in cinema history. Which you can now see in perfect clarity on Blu.
CHOKE
Must watch with your anal beads in place.
GANDHI (Blu Ray)
Wow. AMADEUS and now GANDHI. Another of the great Biopics. Ben Kingsley is so brilliant in this film. Wish the world had learned more from his messages and actions.
THE MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN
Surprisingly good. I'm so used to modern Clive Barker works sucking the ass out of a dead donkey, to find one that entertained and disgusted properly felt good. I still wait for something on the level of NIGHTBREED or better again.
HOBSON’S CHOICE – Criterion Collection
David Lean and Charles Laughton? Well, that's all folks that know cinema need to know. For DVD collectors - it's the name CRITERION. Great film and disc. Here's the extras;
New high-definition digital transfer--restoration by the BFI National Archive, funded by the David Lean Foundation and StudioCanal
Audio commentary featuring film scholars Alain Silver and James Ursini, co-authors of David Lean and His Films
The Hollywood Greats: Charles Laughton, a 1978 BBC documentary about the actor s life and career, featuring interviews with his friends and colleagues
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A new essay by critic Armond White
THE SILVER CHALICE
Bizarre to see Paul Newman in a religious classic tale, but here he is. This whole film is just weird. Really, check it for yourself. Very odd.
PULP FICTION (Blu Ray)
All Region, but PAL. Check your system and buy.
KRAMER VS KRAMER (Blu Ray)
Watched this last Monday morning and cried. Why in Blu? Think about that Hallway scene. Wow. You clicked already?
GOOD WILL HUNTING (Blu Ray)
Academy Award Winning screenwriters Ben Affleck and Matt Damon!
CAPOTE / IN COLD BLOOD (Blu Ray)
This is such a cool release. To have PSH's CAPOTE and IN COLD BLOOD in the same box is very cool. I love black & white on Blu Ray. Such rich tones and sharpness. Great great film.
FREDDY VS JASON (Blu Ray)
Remember Camp Hacknslash!
CONSTANT GARDENER (Blu Ray)
Love this haunting film. Technically it is a thriller, but it is absolutely haunting. Fiennes and Rachel are so great in this film. Just wonderful
THE PRIVATE LIFE OF HENRY VIII
One of the great Charles Laughton roles. Directed by the great Alexander Korda and it absolutely has held up over the last 75-76 years. And another of the great Biopics of all time.
FACES (1968) – Criterion Collection
Are you familiar with the directing work of John Cassavetes? Well, if you are - you know about FACES. If you're not, check this film out, then check out all the other great films in John's repertoire. Brilliant filmmaking, acting and general craftmanship. Here's what you get in this edition:
SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET FEATURES:
New, restored high-definition digital transfer
Seventeen-minute alternate opening sequence, from an early edit of the film
Cinéastes de notre temps (1968), a 48-minute episode from the French television series dedicated to Cassavates, featuring rare interviews and behind-the-scenes footage
Making Faces, a 2004 documentary including interviews with actors Lynn Carlin, Seymour Cassel, Gena Rowlands, and director of photography Al Ruban
Lighting and Shooting the Film, a short documentary from 2004 in which Ruban explains how he and the crew achieved the distinct look of Faces
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Stuart Klawans
This Tuesday, I'll have looks at FUTURAMA: INTO THE WILD GREEN YONDER, AKIRA (Blu), SEX DRIVE, FRENCH CONNECTION (Blu), FRENCH CONNECTION 2, IRONWEED, FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET , VANISHING POINT (Blu), THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, SAMURAI 7 (Blu), ZULU (Blu), BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (Blu), FRIDAY THE 13th Part 2, Part 3 (Blu), THE FOG (Blu), CYCLOPS, THE BUCCANEER, TOM BROWN's SCHOOLDAYS, THE WHIP AND THE BODY, HELL ON WHEELS, A POLICEWOMAN IN NEW YORK, And much much more. It will be up this Tuesday.
