Changing Things Up!

For those of you who follow this blog, which I think for the record is only one person officially, you know that when I work outside of my home, I like to hack away at any one of my favorite mobile offices aka Starbucks. But every now and then I like to think... pardon the overused expression, "Outside of the Box," and today that is the case. Today I'm working at Mayorga Coffee Factory in Silver Spring. It's a different vibe here and for the most part, I enjoy working here from time to time. The one issue I do have is that their server goes down from time to time and if I'm working on the web, I lose things. But for the most part it's a cool place to work.

Currently I'm working on an edit of my new screenplay. I like where it is right now, but am always working on getting it a little tighter and stronger. I just got done reworking a scene to have it flow better and I really love the new feel of it.

Now on this blog I list what films I'm watching and of course there is the big "Library Project," I have going right now. (Making it through all of the films in my library) Last night in addition to watching a great German film, "Run Lola Run," I started watching a DVD compilation I have called, "Cult Classics." It came with my subscription to MovieMaker Magazine when I signed up last time. It's a collection of 20 films from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Last night I watched the first film called, "Marijuana Menace" or it's original title, "Assassin of Youth." I figure the more film I can watch, from every source possible... all of it will help me be a better filmmaker. MM, wasn't the strongest film in the world, but you can imagine that it was pretty scary or powerful back when it was made in 1937. I love watching these old films and seeing the sets and costumes and listening to the dialogue. I grew up watching films from the 40s and 50s so this is fun to look back even further.

So that's what's going on right now, lots to do and I like it that way. Hopefully I'll have some big news to pass along in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out. And for those who do actually read this... thanks!

Funny In Any Language!

**** 05.21.09 – Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown... 1988... Director Pedro Almadovar

I saw this film for the first time in one of my favorite theaters of all time, the "Minor" theater in Arcata, California. I remember seeing the trailer for it during another film and it just blew me away. The film lived up to the trailer and it still does today.

This was also my first Almadovar film and I've been a fan of his ever since. The story is great, the performances spot on and it's funny, as the film was starting I was thinking to myself I wonder how you can tell if the acting is really good because I don't speak Spanish so basically you're reading subtitles and I can't tell per say. Then the first part of the film... actually about folks doing voice over work for foreign films, dubbing English language films to Spanish.

Not at lot of extras on the DVD, but the trailer is there. You will notice a very young Antonio Banderas in a key supporting role in the film, so that's kind of nice.

This is the kind of film that if you have a glass of wine and cuddle up on the couch, it's a perfect date film! For the record however I watched it alone last night. :)

One Great... One Not So Great... You Make The Call!

* 05.20.09 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s... 1961... Director Blake Edwards

I have to admit, while I’ve always been aware of this film… Audrey Hepburn and all, I had never seen it. Further, I was aware of the fact that it came from a Truman Capote novella, also which I had never read.

My friend, who I’ll change here to “Edwina” to protect their identity, loves this film! It’s one of their favorites of all time and they saw the movie first, and then read the book.

Trying to shake things up in my world, thanks to a gift from “Edwina,” a copy of the novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I decided I would read the book first then see the movie… a little exercise if you will.

Well the book and the film are NOT THE SAME IN ANY WAY! Yes the titles are the same, the names of most of the characters are the same, and it does take place in the city so nice, they named it twice New York, NY, but after that the film crushed me. I was so excited about this plan, because I like Truman Capote and the images of Audrey Hepburn in this film are iconic, the film Directed by Blake Edwards veers so far away from the novella it’s not even funny to me.

When I read the novella I had an image in my mind about everything and the feeling of the book is much, much darker than the light and airy version of the film. I won’t go into too many details here, but if you do a little surfing around the Net, you will find that Capote did not like the treatment of his story at all on the screen and with good reason.

I understand the time period in which the film was made. I understand the “Hays Code” was in effect in Hollywood and that filmmakers were not going to be able to be as true to the novella as they should, but the changes they made to give it the old, “Hollywood Touch” stripped away the heart and soul of the picture. And the role Mickey Rooney played in the film… well all I will say about that is that it is one of the most racist I’ve ever seen.

The DVD extras are the strength of this film because they give you some insight into some of the changes, but after watching everything you’re definitely going to want to surf the web and get additional information.

My advice to you when it comes to this film… read the novella first, then see the film because that’s where it all began, afterwards… come to your own conclusions and see whether or not we’re really that far apart. Sorry “ Edwina”… although Hepburn DID look marvelous!

****1/2 05.19.09 – The Big Chill... 1983... Director Lawrence Kasdan

It had been some time since I last watched, “The Big Chill” and I was just in “that kind of a mood” when I pulled it out to screen it. And once again, it did not disappoint!

The writing… the screenplay stands out as much as the amazing cast in this film. The themes and subject matter in the film crosses generational lines and is today, still relevant.
The DVD extras are great, including a look back at the making of the film. Fun stories about what happened during their shoot and more, all worthwhile, including some deleted scenes from the final cut.

The “Big Chill” is the kind of movie you can turn on any time, sit back relax and relate it to your own life and enjoy.

Four Films... Three Worth Seeing!

** 05.18.09 - 21... 2008... Director Robert Luketic

This film is truly a 1980's throwback with a little "Ocean's Eleven" thrown in for good measure. 21 feels like a John Hughes/"Brat Pack" kind of a film, complete with the awkward geek love affair plus a James Spader bad little rich kid look-a-like.

Kevin Spacey is one of the stars of the film and he is solid as usual. I saw it on cable for free and it was worth about that.

**** 05.17.09 - The Negotiator... 1998... Director F. Gary Gray

Director F. Gary Gray's film is brilliant. Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey are outstanding in this film along with the rest of a stellar cast. Using the city of Chicago in the film was great, because it becomes another character.

The DVD has a lot on it, including a wonderful interview with the director about the overall project.

***** 05.16.09 - Dog Me: Potluck... 2003... Director M. David Lee III

In all fairness and in the spirit of full disclosure, this is my film and the more I watch it the more I love it. The performances make me laugh over and over again and when I look back at the behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the film, I'm reminded of what fun we all had making the film. It was long, hot, hard, but I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world!

*** 1/2 05.16.09 - Pulp Fiction... 1994... Director Quentin Tarantino

It's one of Tarantino's best film and it gives you a clear look at his earlier style and what he was all about. Great dialogue, smart performances, well shot it's worth taking a look at again if you haven't seen it in awhile.

The star of a Tarantino film, tends to be the script and that's the case with Pulp Fiction. My DVD didn't have any extras, but it was still good to watch.

One Interesting Day of Films

*** 1/2 05.13.09 - Frankenstein... 1931... Director James Whale

I remember being a little kid and seeing this version of Frankenstein and being terrified! I was scared, but I loved it at the same time. The monster was amazing and Boris Karloff was the best! It was all a part of the Universal Monsters, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Werewolf. I loved them all, but Frankenstein was the one that kicked it off for me.

Director James Whale for the most part does a marvelous job of adapting Mary Shelly’s story to screen. There are some major jumps in the story and a lot of stuff left out that could have made the story and the film more complex, but I don’t think that was deal with films back then at this time.

Karloff is outstanding as the Monster, but as I look at it now the film holds up in some areas and in others stumbles a bit. The acting is very stiff, almost like if you were doing a parody of 1930’s acting, this is what it would be like. (Considering this was made in 1931, that make sense) The film is also surprisingly short, only 71 minutes long, barely a feature.

Now my DVD has some extras on it and the commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer that accompanies the film is very good. I’ve just ordered the 75th Anniversary version of the film, because there are a couple of documentaries on the making of the film that I want to see, so I’ll update you when that comes in.

All in all, I still love the film and this was another influence in me becoming a filmmaker so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

** 05.13.09 - Sex with Strangers... 1002... Directors Harry and Joe Gantz

I am very open-minded about a lot of things and that includes sex, but for those in the “Swingers” lifestyle, I felt a little sorry for you with this documentary.

First, “Sex with Strangers,” does a pretty good job of following three different couples in the lifestyle and their ups and downs with it. I think it will give those on the outside looking in some interesting things to think about before they decide whether or not to try it.

But where the film falls a little short or rather scares me, is the fact that the couples in the film are all very, very scary . Kind of hard to really explain without offended a ton of people, but I think if you decide to see the film, you’ll get what I mean, but just remember ALL swingers are NOT like these folks! Lol

The DVD has some good extras and the guys who created HBO’s “Taxicab Confessions,” made this documentary so kudos to them for at least helping to expose this lifestyle to the world. The more we all see what’s out there in life, the more tolerant we can all be of each other.

One Of The Best Ever!

***** 05.10.09 - Singin' In The Rain... 1952... Directors Gene Kelley and Stanley Donen

For me, maybe the second greatest musical ever made. Gene Kelley is not only the star of this flick, but also a co-director and along with Stanley Donen, they've created a classic that will go down as not only one of the best musicals, but films ever made.

Kelly is fantastic, Debbie Reynolds outstanding and she wasn't even a dancer but a gymnast. The two supporting players may have stolen the film, Donald O'Connor... incredible. And Jean Hagen, who did get an Academy Award nomination for her role as "Lina Lamont" is a joy to watch.

My DVD doesn't have any extras, so I need to get the newer version of the DVD which I understand has a documentary and a scene cut out of the movie.

I think, "The Bandwagon," is the best musical ever made, but this is just under it... enjoy!

A Classic To Remember!

**** 05.09.09 - Diner... 1982... Director Barry Levinson

First of all I can't believe this was made back in 1982! It's still a classic and is a great film. My Dad took me to see this film in 82, I would have been a junior in high school. I remember he really liked it and as I grew older I understood why... at the core... it's a guy film. Not a blow'em up shoot'em up kind of a film, but a film about guys and their relationships. It's male bonding at it's best and still stands up over time.

Barry Levinson's script is fantastic, but this film is made with it's cast. Levinson put together a group of people that were just starting out that were a perfect ensemble cast in every sense of the word. Think about it... Ellen Barkin, Mickey Rourke, Tim Daly, Steve Guttenberg, and Kevin Bacon just to name a few. When you look at this film and look at the cast list, you'll see everyone went on to have a successful career after this film.

The DVD has some pretty good stuff, including most of the cast telling stories about making the film. I would have loved to see some footage from back then as well, but the documentary is a good piece of the film to watch too because you hear from everyone.

Diner was a period film when it was made and a classic then that remains a classic today!

Three's A Charm!

***1/2 05.07.09 - Any Given Sunday... 1999... Director Oliver Stone

Underrated as a film I think. Oliver Stone does one of the best jobs I've ever seen in giving you a look inside the pro football game.

There are too many to name in the cast and the cameos are sprinkled all over this picture, but the actors are perfect in this film. Cameron Diaz, someone I'm usually not a huge fan of, is brilliant in this film and and so is Lauren Holly as a pro football player's wife. Lawrence Taylor crushed players on the field in his day and crushed his role in this film as well.

There is a behind the scenes documentary on the making of the film which is fun to watch and the end of the film... I'll just say... stay until the end of the credits, Al Pacino makes an exit that NFL head coaches around the league would all like to do!

***1/2 05.06.09 - The King is Alive... 2000... Director Kristian Levring

The fourth film to use the "Dogme 95" rules of filmmaking, it's a very compelling piece. Director Kristian Levring had access to a very good cast and a location that is truly memorable.

The film, about a group of tourist stranded in the desert and while waiting to be saved, stage "King Lear" is really engaging from the opening shot.

Now I'm a huge fan of the Dogme rules, I've made a film with them... number 278 "Dog Me: Potluck" so I appreciate the use of the rules, but even if I hadn't embraced the philosophy I would really like this film.

As for the DVD, I wished there were some extras with it. I'd love to know what it was like to shoot this film, but all in all the film draws you in and it's a very, very solid piece of work.

**** 05.06.09 - Chasing Amy... 1997... Director Kevin Smith

This is my favorite Kevin Smith film. I think he went back to his roots and delivered a really strong story and got it in the can for $250,000.00 That's significant, because he had $6 Million to do "Mallrats" his second film and it's not as strong this one.

Joey Lauren Adams is fantastic and I think he did an amazing job getting performances out of Jason Lee and Ben Affleck.

The DVD extras are great and it's worth spending the time watching them afterwards.

One I Forgot To Post And One That Is Truly Great!

**** 05.05.09 - The Opposite Of Sex... 1998... Director Don Roos

I loved this film when I saw it back in 1998 in the theater and I love it today! The screenplay is the star in this film, the dialogue just outstanding. Every time I watch it, I laugh at the places I know are funny, but find new places constantly that make me laugh just as hard.

Christina Ricci is great in the title role, Martin Donovon is solid and Lisa Kudrow steals the show and should have landed an Academy Award nomination and in my estimation the award for best supporting actress in a film for her role.

The DVD has a couple of extras, including some deleted scenes. All in all, when you plunk in this DVD and sit down to watch, you'll enjoy it and then some!

**** 04.28.09 - Thomas Crown Affair... 1999... Director John McTiernan

I almost forgot about, I watched this one again! I love this version on the film and it's a case where I think the remake, may be better... or at least definitely equal to the original.

Pierce Brosnon and Renee Russo are amazing in it and the whole idea of using art heists as the plot points is fantastic. I had heard a rumor that Russo, who was in her forties when they shot this film, said she wouldn't do the film unless they didn't use a body double for any of her scenes, she wanted to show everyone how beautiful a forty year old body can look on screen and it worked! She is stunning in it and there are at least three or four scenes in the film that make anyone just melt... male or female!

The locations, script and cinematography of the film make this worth seeing over and over again! It's also a great date film!

Getting Caught Up

**** 05.03.09 - Godfather 1, 2, 3... 1992... Director Francis Ford Coppola

OK, I'm giving this an overall grade of four stars as a trilogy, but as individual films Godfather is a 5, Godfather II 4 and half and Godfather III, two and a half stars.

The casts are so amazing, with the exception of three and I think that's where the overall trilogy fails for me.

For me this is some of Coppola's best work. The first two films are spectacular and he could have stopped after that. The DVD is amazing, I have the special edition with a fourth DVD with all of the extras, including screen tests, it's so great!

When I watch one, I end up watching all three, even though the third one is not nearly as good as one and two, it's not as bad as everyone says.

Watch these films and enjoy what great movie making is about!

** 05.02.09 - Amateur... 1994... Director Hal Hartley

I am not sure why I picked this film up, but I did. Director Hal Hartley tells an interesting story but it feels stiff in certain parts. There are a lot of cameos from actors who have gone on to have bigger roles in the biz.

Although shot in the nineties, it feels almost feels like the eighties. The performances are not that strong, but visually some interesting shots. The DVD extras have a making of piece that is worth checking out to get a sense of where folks were coming from in this movie.

*** 05.01.09 - State and Main... 1992... Director David Mamet

First of all, I am a huge fan of David Mamet's writing and rhythm of speech in his films. Now add a huge cast with people like Rebecca Pidgeon, Alec Baldwin, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and William H. Macy and you get a fun romp. (I think I may be in love with Pidgeon, I can see why Mamet married her and uses her in all of his work)

Being a filmmaker I love this film because it's about the filmmaking process and how crazy it can get at times. If you're looking for something fun to plug in and go... this is the film for you!

** 1/2 04.30.09 - Fetishes... 1996... Director Nick Broomfield

Bits and pieces are interesting. Broomfield gets into sessions and the life of mistresses and some subs/slaves. Would have love to see more about their home lives, but for the most part it gives you an idea of what the BDSM world is like from a professional take.

Sometimes... It's Just About Fun

*** 04.24.09 - Strictly Ballroom... 1992... Director Baz Luhrmann

I saw this film when it first came out, loved it then and still love it. It's not brain surgery, but it is very funny and I do love musicals and this is a film with musical elements.

Baz Luhrmann, does a great job of telling the story and creating interesting characters. There is a shot on top of the dance school that is beautiful and one of my favorites of all time. On the big screen it's even better.

The DVD is OK, there are a couple of extras that are interesting, specifically a short on ballroom dancing.

You want something fun to watch... something to laugh at... something to enjoy? Pick this film up.

* 04.24.09 - John Russo's Filmmaking Seminar... 2008... Director John A. Russo

This is basically a DVD copy of a video of a seminar and the quality is NOT very good at all. First the information is, pretty good although very, very dated. (It says it was released in 2008, but this film is really from the 90's or late 80's) There is a lot to take in, but one of the issues I have with this tape... I mean DVD is that it is like you're sitting at the seminar and in the back row and you're fighting to stay awake.

I'm giving this a one star rating, because there is a lot of information, however it is not put together at all.

Three For Fun

*** 04.19.09 - La Dolce Vita... 1960... Director Federico Fellini

Where do I begin? Federico Fellini creates a stunning visual film. Shot in black and white, it is beautiful to look at without the audio. But turn off the audio and you lose the score by Nino Rota which adds a beautiful layer to the film.

Let me warn you, the story does not follow in the lines of a traditional film. This film is considered the split for Fellini breaking away from his earlier "Neo-Realist" films and his later "Art" films. The film is more of a series of vignettes if you will, with Marcello Mastroianni as the lead character in the film, playing the role of a "tabloid" journalist. There is one scene, that even if you've not seen the film you may recognize, thanks to Anita Ekberg and the Trevi Fountains.

I was bummed because when I got this DVD from Netflix, the film on screen said, "Pop in disc two for more DVD extras." Well there wasn't a second DVD and I missed out on what other extras there were. There are some on the first DVD and they're good, but I wanted more.

I never saw this film growing up or in film school for some reason. I don't know that I would have understood it any better then, than now, but it definitely would have had an affect on how I shoot things visually. It's worth getting a hold of and taking a look at.

*** 04.16.09 - Desperado... 1995... Robert Rodriguez

"Desperado," is considered part two of Rodriguez's Mexican Trilogy, "El Mariachi, Desperado, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico" This is also his second film and like Kevin Smith with "Mallrats," this time Rodriguez has more money and a studio behind him, however unlike Smith Rodiguez made a much better film. He also had a better cast with Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayak, Quentin Tarantino, Cheech Marin, and Steve Buscemi.

The story looks and feels a lot like "El Mariachi," but on a bigger scale and does a wonderful job of bringing back several of the character actors who cut their teeth with Rodriguez in the first film.

The DVD is another good one, with a solid commentary and another "10 Minute Film School." My DVD is also a double DVD with "El Mariachi" and the extras and "Desperado" and it's extras all together.

**** 04.16.09 - El Mariachi... 1992... Robert Rodriguez

If you don't know the legend of Robert Rodiguez... learn it! lol He took a film, this film, made for about $7,000 dollars and landed a deal at Columbia Pictures and the rest is... as they say, history!

The film is a wonderful example of how to make a low budget film and a good one at that! In addition to the film, on the DVD there is a feature that really is one of the best parts of a Robert Rodriguez film and that's his, "10 Minute Film School." It gives you information on how he does certain things in his film and as a filmmaker myself I love these. The DVD commentary is also a very good one to listen to and learn from.

He's another director that gives all of us hope and it all started with this gem!

Just Off The Mark, But Not That Bad

**1/2 04.15.09 - Mallrats... 1995... Director Kevin Smith

This was the follow up film to, "Clerks" that didn't live up to the hype. Made for $6 Million dollars, Smith and his band of merry men had more money than they had ever had before, but it couldn't save this film.

For me, it's not as bad as many think. For me what killed this project more than anything is the casting of a couple of key people, specifically the lead Jeremy London as "TS" I don't think he delivered Smith's witty writing well at all. There were several times where he was more stiff than anything else.

The other problem I see with the film is that it got caught up between a couple of different genres and when that happens, you get in trouble right away. There are moments when I feel the film wants to be more of a John Hughes teen movie and others when they were trying to make a self-describe "Porky's" style of movie. It didn't work on either front.

The DVD has some really good extras, which has become one of the best parts about a Kevin Smith film, because he lets you inside of his head and process, which as a filmmaker again I totally appreciate.

I've been through three Smith films, one on my "Library List" project so far and while this is not my personal favorite or anywhere close to it, it certainly is not as bad as all of the critics have made it out to be in the past. It just misses the mark.

Underrated... But Great!

***1/2 04.15.09 - Wildthings... 1998... Director John McNaughton

A wildly underrated film, Wildthings is a great modern day "Who Done It?" Strip the color out of this, take away some of the sexual stuff... which is hot... and you could drop this film in the 30's-40's or 50's and it would be dynamic! I will admit some times when I watch this, I feel like a dirty old man and you'll see why once you watch the film and may feel the same way.

The cast... outstanding! Denise Richards, Kevin Bacon, Neve Campbell, Matt Dillon and Bill Murray work together as a well oiled machine. The story is interesting, full of twists and turns and keeps you locked in from the first frame of the film! Make sure you watch through the credits because it's a part of the film and that's all I will say.

The DVD is OK, a couple of little things, but the bottom line, when you watch this film and finish it... you'll find yourself smiling!

** 04.14.09 - Julien Donkey-Boy... 1999... Director Harmony Korine

I believe in the Dogme 95 Principals of filmmaking and have made a film using them and this film is a Dogme 95 film. Director Harmony Korine does an interesting job of creating a look and feel to this film, which attempts to give you a look inside the world of someone with untreated schizophrenia.

Stylistically I think he does a good job of getting you into that world. However this film is not for everyone, it is often times hard to follow and on DVD hard to watch quality wise. I suspect on a larger screen perhaps is easier to view.

The DVD has some extras, in particular a behind the scenes talk with the director about the process of making the film and what he was trying to do and this was very helpful because I was able to understand more about where he was trying to take us with his film.

The biggest beef I have with this film and with the director is a statement he made during the extras segment of the DVD in which he said that he knew he wanted to shoot a lot of stuff because he didn't know exactly what he was shooting, but that if he had a enough he could find the story through editing and post.

I hate that kind of thinking and it offends me as a filmmaker. I realize that there are many different filmmaking styles, but the idea that you shoot without a plan or idea and just try to fix it in post pisses me off!

Overall an interesting film, but not my favorite Dogme 95 film by a long shot.

Two Very Interesting Choices...

**** 04.09.09 - Man On Wire... 2008... Director James Marsh

This documentary about artist/wire walker Philippe Petit's 1974 walk between the World Trade Center Towers is compelling from the second you put it in your DVD player.

Dating myself a little, I remember reading and hearing about this walk when I was a little kid and I remember when my parents took me to the top of the Twin Towers once, that a man had walked on a wire across them. Even if you never had the chance to be up on top of the buildings to see what it might have been like, you get a sense of the scope of this feat in this film.

At the core of it is the "Le Coup," the act of walking across the buildings, but this film is so much more. It gives you a look at the people involved and how they were brought together to do this amazing event and how they grew up as a family so to speak and how it changed them all the moment Petit comes off of the wire in 1974.

The DVD has a couple of interesting companion pieces, but the star of the DVD is the film itself and the passion for life, art and so much more!

*** 1/2 04.08.09 - Fight Club... 1999... Director David Fincher

I'm still not sure how this all worked out, but somehow "Fight Club" was the very first DVD I ever owned. I had a DVD player for a while, but never had owned a DVD until this one. And boy what a DVD it is... and that's what I mean... yes the film is entertaining. Brad Bitt, Helena Bonham Carter and Edward Norton are fantastic in it. David Fincher's unique visual spin on it is very hot as well, but what really makes this film was the DVD release.

There were so many extras in this DVD that it really set the tone for how a film should be marketed once it hit the home market. From the box to the menu screens this was and still is a very compelling DVD/Film.

The story itself is a good one and interesting on several levels, but if you want the true sense of what this film is about you have to buy the DVD and enjoy every bit of the marketing and more!

Another Double Feature

**1/2 04.03.09 - Synecdoche, New York... 2008... Director Charlie Kaufman

I am not a huge fan of Charlie Kaufman and his storytelling. Now maybe it's just me, but he spends so much time trying to be inside of a dream that I think it gets lost on the screen.

I hadn't really heard about this film, until I was watching the "Independent Spirit Awards," and it won for best ensemble cast. At the head of the cast is Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who I love watching and love to see him work. Catherine Keener is in this and Emily Watson, showing off her bod... I like!

As for the film in general, I do think Kaufman gets lost again. There are moments that are really good but then far too many moments when you're straining to stay with the picture.

The DVD has some really good pieces on the making of it and some of the thought process behind the film, so that helped a lot.

But if you're going to sit down and watch this piece, be prepared to really concentrate and follow along otherwise you'll miss a little piece of the story and that will set you back and down the road of hating the film altogether.

**1/2 04.03.09 - Transamerica... 2005... Director Duncan Tucker

I remember when this film came out and what kind of Oscar buzz it had because of the performance of Felicity Huffman as the lead in the film. Huffman, plays a transsexual who on her way to reassignment surgery learns she has a son. Her performance in the film is very, very good and fun to watch.

The overall film, while not something to write home about... is a good, small little film. The DVD extras are interesting because there are interviews with the principals and I love when folks talk about the process of making the film, however I would have liked to see some more behind the scenes stuff. The blooper real is good though.

Catching Up

** 1/2 03.25.09 - 9 1/2 Weeks... 1986... Director Adrian Lyne

When I was in college, this was the hot film of it's time. There was so much sex in it that it was almost an X rated film! No one ever wanted to admit that they had seen it, but a lot of people did or at least said they did. That was then, this is now...

Wow, the film looks and feels dated in so many ways. Yes it pushed the boundaries back then, but now it doesn't seem as dynamic as it was then. Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke lead the film and are OK in it, but over the years it's lost it's steam... it's heat... it's cache.

** 1/2 03.24.09 - YPF... 2007... Director Martin Geros

Saw this film on Netflix, it was described as, "The tales of four couples -- and one bold trio -- are explored in candid and hilarious detail in this fresh Canadian comedy." So I thought I would give it a shot.

It's an interesting film, hits you right in the face from the word go and for the most part is pleasant. The performances are interesting and the subject matter, sex and relationships was pretty typical. As soon as I figured out the basic structure of the film... within the first 10 minutes, I could have finished the film myself.

The DVD doesn't come with anything extra and that's a pity.

All in all, if you don't have to pay for it... or pay a lot for it and you want something light, occasionally funny and some times a little interesting then check it out, but I think you can probably find other choices.

** 03.24.09 - Center Stage... 2000... Director Nicholas Hytner

OK, not a film that will set you on fire or win any awards, but it was a fun little sweet film about dance. I used to teach high school and had several students who were into dance and loved this film, so when it was on cable the other day, I actually stopped and watched as I was spinning through the channels. I was only going to watch for a minute, but ended up watching the whole film. Call me silly, but I did it for my old students and smiled.

**** 1/2 03.23.09 - Cinema Paradiso... 1988... Director Giuseppe Tornatore

I remember seeing this film, many, many years ago and loved it in the theaters and still love it today. Giuseppe Tornatore does an amazing job telling the story of a young boy and his connection with film, specifically the relationship between the boy and the projectionist in a small town in Italy.

For someone who loves films and can remember saving up his allowance and going to the theater on Saturday morning, I relate to this story on so many levels.

The DVD comes with extras and the director's cut of the film, which is a little longer than the U.S. theatrical release. The DVD is great!

For me, this film makes me feel warm inside and reminds me of my youth and my passion for filmmaking.

One Good... One Not So Good Treat

** 03.19.09 - Humboldt County... 2008... Directors Darren Grodsky and Danny Jacobs

I had hoped for so much from this film considering I went to grad school for a while in Arcata at Humboldt State and then lived and worked there for some time as well. I love the area and miss it a lot, so when I saw this film and how it was described I thought great! When I got the film and watched it, I was disappointed.

The cast is a very good one with Peter Bogdanovich and Frances Conroy. Grodsky and Jacobs are first time directors, who clearly had some big time money attached to the project, but still missed it.

The film deals with a culture and life that does exist in reality, but they missed the mark on so many things and left me missing the real Humboldt County even more.

The DVD has a lot of extras, including a behind the scenes piece and special marketing piece shot with the two directors that was not funny at all!

The film gets two stars from me first because of the location and the feelings it evokes for me and the second star because I respect anyone who gets a film made.

**** 03.16.09 - Napoleon Dynamite... 2004... Director Jared Hess

This film caught everybody by storm and when you look at it again, it's still a very good film. The characters are well drawn, quirky and very funny. Jon Heder is phenomenal leading the way playing "Dynamite."

There are moments when you know exactly what these young kids feel like, despite how awkward they act. It's just a fun film from start to finish.

The DVD has a couple of extras, nothing big, but it's a nice package. See the film and there will probably be at least one or two moments that will hit home.

Getting Cold and Getting Religion

*** 03.16.09 - Religulous... 2008... Director Larry Charles

This film deals with questioning religion and that is controversial for many folks. So I won't go into it too much, but will say both sides should probably see the film, talk and form their own opinions. I liked the film... Liked Bill Maher and can also see why it didn't get a larger release. I do hope now that it's out on DVD more people will find it.

Make sure when you do watch the film, you check out the DVD extras, there are some really good extras.

**** 03.12.09 - Fargo... 1996... Director The Coen Brothers

One of my favorite Coen Brothers movies, "Fargo" has rich characters, a very interesting story and is beautifully shot. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards, winning two for Best Actress and Best Original Screenplay.

Frances McDormand steals the show and William H. Macy was amazing as well. The DVD has a lot of extras and it's worth spending some time going through.

I feel in love with the Coen Brothers after seeing, "Blood Simple" the lovefest continues with this film as well!

An Intersting Mix... Not As Great As I Had Hoped... And One Great One!

** 03.11.09 - Zack and Miri Make a Porno... 2008... Director Kevin Smith


This gets two stars for a couple of lines, some because of the premise of the the film, but mostly Kevin Smith's name, but for the most part this was not a good film. I had hoped I would like this film so much more, but I didn't. In places it felt forced and awkward and I get it... Kevin loves the kind of nerdy guy with the hot chick and feeling like the nerdy guy some times I appreciate that, but some times the nerdy guy just isn't the coolest guy in the movie.

The DVD has a lot of the deleted scenes or re-cut scenes, but nothing extra and I was disappointed in that as well because usually you get some really good insight from Kevin regarding his process.

Bottom line... this is not at all close to even one of Smith's best films... "Mallrats" is better!

***** 03.10.09 - Gladiator... 2000... Director Ridley Scott

I can watch this film over and over and over again! Russell Crowe is great in the title role and Joaquin Phoenix is amazing. Director Ridley Scott does a phenomenal job at drawing us right into the film right off the bat and delivers from the word go! Hans Zimmer's score adds such a dynamic layer to the film that helps set it apart.


As for the DVD... one of the best out there. So much on it plus a great piece with Zimmer talking about how he created the score which is as fascinating as the behind-the-scenes making of the film piece.


This is a must see for anyone who likes films... period!


** 03.07.09 - Starwoids... 2001... Director Dennis Przywara





Let me start off by saying I am a Star Wars geek! It's why I am a filmmaker, I love the orginal three films, very mixed on the last three, so I know of what I speak. This film gives you a look at some really obsessed fans standing in line getting ready for the release of "The Phantom Menace."

It's a little odd and creepy, but fun because it's made by an independent filmmaker and that I will always support, but unless you're really into Star Wars, you're probably not going to enjoy this ride.

The extras are pretty good, including a little something something from Kevin Smith so if you're a geek like me or love Star Wars put it on your Netflix queue and show some love for the Indie filmmaker community.