Two Turned Into Three And Today Add One To Make Four!

**** 03.05.09 - The Wrestler... 2008... Director Darren Aronofsky

Wow... what a way to continue my run of movies. "The Wrestler," is a very good film and Mickey Rourke deserves all the accolades and awards for his performance. It's a rough life being in the ring and Director Darren Aronofsky does a brilliant job of giving you the flavor of Rourke's character's life. Marisa Tomei is sexy and interesting and I wished there were more to her character, because when she's on the screen... clothed and unclothed she is dynamic.

It is a sad, moving picture, but well worth seeing.

**** 03.04.09 - Local Hero... 1983... Director Bill Forsyth

This film wrapped up a day of watching films and continued the mood left over from "Big Night." If you've kept up with this blog you know I really love director Bill Forsyth's work and this is no different.

Like, "Gregory's Girl," Forsyth does an amazing job at bringing you into the culture and let's you feel apart of the town. The characters are well drawn, interesting and very funny.

It's a bitter sweet story about a big Houston oil company trying to buy up a town in Scotland and how the exec. sent over to negotiate the deal rediscovers what's really important in life.

No extras on the DVD, but you may not want them because after watching you'll be thinking about your own life and whether or not you're really living it or letting it drive you.

**** 03.04.09 - Big Night... 1996... Directors Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci

I am a sell admitted "Foodie" and from one Foodie to another, this is a fabulous film. Directors Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci does a a great job telling the story of two brothers from Italy trying to keep their restaurant afloat, banking everything on one huge night and superior meal.

Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub are perfectly cast and Minnie Driver... looking amazing, gives a strong performance along with Isabella Rosselini.

Nothing extra on the DVD, but make yourself a big bowl of pasta, pour a great glass of wine and enjoy a "Big Night," in.

***1/2 03.04.09 - Kill Bill Volume 2... 2004... Director Quentin Tarantino

OK as I recall, Volume 2 ties up and explains so much of what happens in, "Kill Bill Volume 1." Watching the films consecutively gives you a interesting look into what Tarantino might have been trying to do with both films.

I'm not going to compare the two, but I will say both films are good and Tarantino does a wonderful job with both.

The DVD extras are nice and Robert Rodriguez, who does the soundtrack for Volume 2 plays with his band at the premier party and it's hot.

A Sunday Double Feature

***1/2 03.01.09 - Kill Bill Volume 1... 2003... Director Quentin Tarantino

This is technically Tarantino's fourth film although it's broken up into two, Volume 1 and 2. The one thing clear to me is that Tarantino is a very unique and stylish director. "Kill Bill Volume 1" is lush in color, visuals and quirky characters. I remember liking it when I first saw it, but appreciating it more when I saw Volume 2... we'll see if that's the same this time around.

Uma Thurman is really good in the film and if you are not looking for reality, but a exploitative romp, then it's a good film. The DVD also comes with a lot of good extras including the behind-the-scenes doc which explains some, but not all things. It would be very interesting to sit down and have dinner or drinks with Mr. Tarantino and just talk shop... getting a glimpse into his mind and thought process in terms of filmmaking would be fascinating.

*** 03.01.09 - Loop Dreams... 2001... Director Harvey Hubbell V

Now my double feature started out with this little find, "Loop Dreams." It is a documentary on the making of the low budget film, "BlackMale."( Low budget meaning under $5,0000.00 in their book) And once again this is a film that shows the trials and tribulations of making a film which as a director I appreciate and respond to.

Yes it's a low budget by Hollywood standards, but it's still more money than I've ever had to work with and it proves once again that money doesn't always equal success. The film "BlackMale" ended up as a straight to DVD I believe and judging from what I could see in this film, "Loop Dreams" was probably the stronger of the two.

There are no extras on the DVD, so you're getting the movie basically and that's that, but Director Harvey Hubbell V gives us a fun look at life on the set, but keep in mind... this is still a lot of money to make a film. Not as good as, "American Movie," "Loop Dreams" is fun to watch.

Gotta Love The Bill Murray

***1/2 02.25.09 - The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou... 2005... Director Wes Anderson

For me this is one of Bill Murray's best performances. Director Wes Anderson, loves working with Murray, the two have collaborated on three films and Anderson seems to bring out some of the best in Murray.

The film has a pacing and feel about it that is just marvelous. There is so much texture in the film, beyond just what the characters do and say. Take a look at the film a couple of times and you'll see little gems placed all over; in the dialogue, in the sets and more.

Robert Yeoman is the DP on the film and creates a gorgeous film that has rich beautiful colors, contrasted with a 1970's feel of grammar school social studies movie. You know the kind of film that some slept in, some really enjoyed, but everyone loved because the teacher wasn't teaching that day.

The DVD has a lot of great extras and is worth spending some time going through afterwards.

This is a film that just creates a mood from the word go and keeps it consistent throughout. It also takes on you a roller coaster ride of emotions that I think you'll appreciate in the end.

King Of The Low Budgets

** 1/2 02.24.09 - Directors: Roger Corman... 2001... Director AFI

OK here's the deal, if you're a filmmaker, a fan of Roger Corman, then you'll probably like this documentary. It gives you a decent look inside his career. I wish it was more. I would have loved to have seen him working on the set or in his offices doing stuff, but for the most part it's not bad. I did like the film, but again it's not one I would recommend to everyone. (The best place to find this is on Netflix)

Smart, Funny, Special...

**** 02.24.09 - Italian For Beginners... 2000... Director Lone Scherfig

I found this film in my quest to learn and see as much of the "Dogme 95" style of filmmaking. It's a style that has shaped how I make films an in this project, Lone Scherfig does a great job of weaving the ensemble cast and their stories into a film you can watch over and over again. Her use of the restrictions, doesn't limit the scope of the film. It's smart, fun and worth seeing if you can get a hold of it.

Made for only $600,000.00 it is one of the most profitable Scandinavian films of all time.

Better Than I Remember

***1/2 2.23.09 - After The Sunset... 2004... Director Brett Ratner

I was looking for something to watch, to continue my library project and I pulled this film off of the wall. I had almost forgotten about it. The cast is great, Don Cheadle, Woody Harrelson, Pierce Brosnon and of course Salma Hayek.

The location is absolutely gorgeous, the Bahamas. And the story, not bad... a fun heist. Now this film is not as good as "Thomas Crown Affair," or any of the "Ocean's" movies, but it is a fun romp. The cinematography is amazing and so is Salma Hayek in a bikini.

One of the best parts of the DVD... the extras. You've got tons of stuff including bloopers but maybe one of the best "making of" documentaries on any DVD. It's not 5 or 10 minutes, it's a good 30 45 minutes and it starts at the very beginning and ends after the premier, so it's fun to watch although the director steals most of the scenes and could be flagged for overacting.

All in all if you want to drift off for a couple of hours and have a good time, check it out.

This Is So Scary

**** 2.23.09 - Right America : Feeling Wronged... 2008... Director Alexandra Pelosi

I Just saw Alexandra Pelosi's documentary, "Right America : Feeling Wronged" and with all due respect to my fellow conservative friends and supporters, this side of America scares me to death. It's OK not to share the same political views and to have a debate, but when you watch this film it may make you cringe on both sides of the aisle. Conservatives may argue that it's not a fair representation of their values and those on the left will point to it and say, "This is what's wrong with America." Take a look for yourself and make your own judgements, but to me... it is very, very scary.

Now I will also add at first I thought there was a problem with my television, I thought the TV might have color issues because there was little to no people of color in the film representing the republic party. Yep I just said it. You look at this film and where is the diversity in the country... not in the republican party.

It's all on you... take a look, the film is currently screening on HBO right now... FIND IT!

Not For Most... But Good

*** 02.19.09 – Shortbus... 2006... Director John Cameron Mitchell

This is NOT a film for everyone... hell it's not a film for most! But Shortbus is a film that pushes the boundaries and that's what filmmaking needs. It's not a typical Hollywood film by any standards, it deals with very, very adult themes but it all seems to work... for the most part.

John Cameron Mitchell, weaves together multiple storylines and sexual encounters to tell the story. The film has actual sex in it, but if you get beyond the sex or at least are comfortable with it you really get into the character and their lives.

The DVD if great with lots of extras including one of the most interesting behind-the-scenes documentaries on the making of the film.

No matter what bus you rode on in school, when you take THIS Shortbus, you'll be on the ride of your life!

Wasn't Sure, But Now I Am

*** 02.18.0 – Lost in Translation... 2003... Director Sofia Coppola

First off let me tell you, I lived in Japan twice and love the culture so this film, set in Tokyo brought back a lot of memories. (I however lived in Nagoya and Takarazuka)

Director Sofia Coppola does a great job of giving you a sense of loneliness all throughout the film and it touches something inside... it did then and it still does today. Bill Murray is perfectly cast and Scarlett Johannson equally. Together they are dynamite in the film and worth seeing.

However, after talking to another director friend of mine who thinks Coppola's "Virgin Suicide," is much better. The director may have a point. They also said that Sofia shouldn't have won the Academy Award for best original screenplay for "Lost in Translation," but because the Academy doesn't have any balls and didn't give it to her for best director... which she was also up for, they had to give her something. Now I tend to believe the Academy DOES do "Make-up" Oscars for oversights or wanting to give something to someone just for their effort, but when I looked at who else she was up for in the writing category, she probably did deserve to win out of the other nominees. But having watched the film again, I'm not so sure the script was the star here, it was cute, but not great, the film overall is much better than the script... kind of the sum is better than it's parts.

As for the DVD, there is a partial documentary on the making of the film, which I wished they had followed through to the end with. (It stops after about the 3rd week) It's hand held as if your buddy was shooting it and a nice alternative to the fancy studio made behind-the-scenes info docs. There are also a couple of other little features and interviews that are nice.

I watched this film, sipping on Francis Ford Coppola's champagne named after her daughter, Sofia and it was the perfect combination for how I was feeling on a rainy day... get yourself a glass and enjoy.

Getting Caught Up... Here Goes!

***1/2 02.16.0 – Bound... 1996... Director’s The Wachowski Brothers

The Wachowski Brothers know how to work the Film Noir style to perfection in this film. They start right off the bat and never let up on the gas! From the sets to the costumes to the script to the transitions from scene to scene, this film hits all of the marks you need for a great Film Noir picture.

Now add in Joe Panoliano playing a great mob guy and Jennifer Tilly the femme fatal and Gina Gershon the down on her luck lug who gets caught up in a wild scheme and you’ve got the perfect ingredients for a solid film. And yes there are a couple of love scenes in it that will leave you steamed up!

Nothing exciting about the DVD, but still a hot film!

**** 02.15.09 – Clerks... 1994... Director Kevin Smith

Clerks, is one of the films that have affected me a lot, because like Spike Lee’s, “She’s Gotta Have It,” it proved once again that films don’t have to cost a ton of money to be good and have a heart.

Again it’s the quirky, ensemble cast film that I love so much and there are no special effects in this bad boy, but the dialogue is smart, funny and clever.

Now I own two versions of this film, the first DVD release and the 10th anniversary special edition… if you can get a hold of the latter, it is worth your while. So much extra stuff, it’s so good it’s hard to put into words.

Technically you’re never going to confuse this film for say, “The Big Chill,” but it’s just as good if not better than 80% of what comes out of Hollywood today and it’s affect on a generation of filmmakers will be felt forever!

**** 02.13.09 – Saving Private Ryan... 1998... Director Steven Spielberg

Another standout film by Spielberg, the first 30 minutes of the film are the best and probably give you the most realistic example of what it might have been like to be on the beaches in France on “D-Day.”

Tom Hanks is perfectly cast, the film won 5 Academy Awards and the Widescreen Special Limited Edition of the DVD is great.

Like, “Schindler’s List,” be prepared… this film takes you on a journey.

***1/2 02.9.09 – The Ten Commandments... 1956... Director Cecil B. DeMille

One of the great films of all time, it’s worth owning or at least seeing from time to time. DeMille’s story telling is big time Hollywood Epic. Taking into consideration the time the film was made and the special effects they used, it WAS and is an important piece of filmmaking.

The cast is huge and full of stars including Charlton Heston, Vincent Price, Yvonne DeCarol and of course the amazing Yul Brenner.

The DVD I have is a widescreen edition and is fine, but I’ve learned there is a newer version that has a documentary on the making of it, which I now have to get my hands on.

Like the subject matter or not, this is a must view film.

**** 02.9.09 – Hearts of Darkness A filmmakers’s Apocalypse... 1991... Director Elanor Coppola

While “American Movie” gives you a look into the world of a low-budget film director, “Hearts of Darkness,” does the same, but with a big time director, Francis Ford Coppola and the funny thing… both films are more similar than different.

Elanor Coppola does a masterful job showing the insanity around the making of, “Apocalypse Now.” You see Francis start off relatively sane and then see him morph into a director nearly out of control. He in fact follows the story of his own film and almost turns into the character played by Marlon Brando.

A “Go-to-Film” at least twice maybe even three times a year, it shows you why even when things seem to be going against you that if you’re a filmmaker, you HAVE to make your film.

**** 02.4.09 – American Movie... 1999... Director Chris Smith

A perfect look into the insanity of making low-budget films. Chris Smith follows filmmaker Mark Borchardt as he tries to make not one, but two films and how life intervenes. You want to see a good example of what it’s like to be a filmmaker, yep… this is a pretty darn fair example.

The special edition DVD has tons of extras, it will keep you captivated from beginning to end.

A great documentary even if you’re not a filmmaker because like “Frida” and “Hearts of Darkness,” it takes you inside the world, head and experience of an artist and does an amazing job at it!


*** 02.3.09 – The Spanish Prisoner... 1997... Director David Mamet

This one’s not for everyone, but it is still a very good film. David Mamet, directs his own script and does a decent job of not getting in the way too much. His dialogue, for the most part is rich and fun to watch. The story intriguing from the word go and Steve Martin and Rebecca Pidgeon are perfectly cast.

No extras on the DVD, but for Mamet lovers, this is a solid film.

***1/2 01.29.09 – The Cooler... 2003... Director Wayne Kramer

A solid film that I can watch almost any time of the year… why? Let’s just start with the cast, Maria Bello and William H. Macy are outstanding and a great team. Then you add in an Academy Award nominated performance by Alec Baldwin and you can seal it with a kiss! For me, next to “Glen Gary Glenn Ross” it’s his best performance on screen.

This is about Vegas, but it’s no “Swingers” baby and it’s still money!

****1/2 01.28.09 – West Side Story... 1961... Directors Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins

One of the great musicals and films of all time! Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins take one of the hottest plays of the day and turn it into an equally compelling film.

Amazing performances from George Chakiris and Rita Moreno. A big score that dominates the film and locations, locations, locations to help it feel bigger than it was.

Now I own the special edition DVD and that is packed with more stuff than you can even imagine and is worth every red cent!

Put it in, settle in and enjoy a great American film!


01.22.09
**** Oceans Eleven... 2001

*** Ocean’s Twelve… 2004 *** Ocean’s Thirteen… 2007… Director Steven Soderberg

I’m grouping these all together and for a trilogy, it is definitely one of the better ones out there. Ocean’s 11 was really the bomb. A fun big Hollywood type film with stars, stars and more stars. They also looked like they had a blast making the film and it shows up on the screen.

Ocean’s 12, I was not originally as much of a fan of it in the theater, but when I watched it again on DVD, it grew on me and I think I may have been harder on it than I needed to be when I first saw it.

Ocean’s 13, brings it all back together and creates more of the magic from the first Ocean’s film. The fact that every major character and the director took part in all three films is a huge reason why this grouping stands out.

Now you don’t have to watch all three films in one sitting like I did, but you won’t be disappointed if you do. It’s another fun film or set of films to watch in a group.

***** 01.13.09 – Schindler’s List... 1983... Director Steven Spielberg

One of my all time favorite movies that still rocks me to my core every time I watch it. Spielberg absolutely nails it with this film and it deserve every bit of praise it has garnered to date.

I love the fact it was shot in black and white and it has one of my favorite shots of all time in it. Liam Neeson is sitting in a bar looking and the camera just slowly circles him, a trail of smoke coming up from his cigarette… it’s amazing!

Too many great performance to list and when you factor in the art design, costumes, script, and score… you can see why this is at the top of film lists around the world.

The DVD extras are solid as well. It’s a 3 hours and 16 minutes, but you never feel it. Just make sure when you watch this film, you’re ready… it takes a lot out of you.

**** 01.6.09 – The Commitments... 1991... Director Alan Parker

Can still remember seeing this film for the first time in a small theater in San Luis Obispo, California. It was fun, unexpected and full of life and it remains that way every time I look at it.

Parker’s direction is near perfect and the performances, mostly from unknowns… outstanding. They cast played their own instruments and did all of the vocals as well and it the film more authentic.

Now for the Collector’s edition DVD… amazing! Tons of material on it from then and from now. You can spend two nights watching everything and you won’t be disappointed!

See it once, twice… however many times you need to, you’ll love it every time!

**** 01.5.09 – Bagdad Cafe... 1987... Director Percy Adlon

This is the kind of film that continues to grow on you every time you watch it. Up on the big screen it’s haunting and memorable and at home the impact is the same when you watch it in total darkness.

Jevetta Steel’s theme song, “Calling You” was nominated for an Academy Award and was well deserved. The feel of the film is more European than anything else and it works. CCH Pounder, Marianne Sagbrecht, and Jack Palance make you feel this film at your very core.

No special material on the DVD, but after watching it you may need a smoke because you’ll be spent… but in a good way.

**** 12.30.08 – Gregory’s Girl... 1981... Director Bill Forsyth

This film will always have a special place in my heart because as I was growing up and learning about film outside of my own little world, my Dad took me to see this film in a small funky little theater. It was hysterical and it home as a young man learning how to date. That day I became a huge fan of Bill Forsyth and the small, quirky ensamble cast-type of film.

A great script by Forsyth and performances by Gordon John Sinclair, Dee Hepburn and Clare Grogan make this another “Go-to-Film.” It’s not about huge special effects, but smart characters, great writing and connecting with an audience about everyday life… another film I watch 2 or 3 times a year!

*** 12.16.08 – Chicago... 2002... Director Rob Marshall

A solid piece of filmmaking and a fun modern day musical romp. Renee Zellweger, Queen Latifah and Richard Gere do a good job singing, dancing and acting in the film, but for me Catherine Zeta Jones lights up the screen from the word go and stands out above all of the rest.

A couple of nice extras on the DVD that give you a feel for what it took to make the film. Looking for a fun group movie to watch… this is a good bet.

**** 12.15.08 – Frida... 2002... Director Julie Taymor

One of those go to films for me when I need to recharge my juices. Taymor gives us an amazing look inside the life of artist Frida Kahlo. A pet project of Salma Hayek, this is must see viewing.

In addition to the rich colors and great cinematography, Rodrigo Prieto, the performances are amazing with Hayek and Alfred Molina as artist, lover and husband Diego Rivera.

The extras on the DVD are well worth it and make cuddling up on the couch with someone special or not and a good bottle of wine, a night worth staying in for!

***** 12. 11.08 – Casablanca... 1942... Director Michael Curtiz

One of the most perfect films ever made! Michael Curtiz did a fabulous job telling the story and the performances are amazing starting with Humphrey Bogart who is brilliantly paired with Ingrid Bergman.

It's still a stunning picture to look at visually and the dialogue is quick and witty and the themes of the story stand up today.

The DVD is nice as well, with a documentary on the making of it. And with arguably the best line to end a film, this IS something you can watch over and over and over again.

* 12.10.08 – Be Kind Rewind... 2002... Director Michael Gondry

Be kind and don’t pick this up! I’m still not sure how this ended up in my library, but it is a bad film. Once again, filmmakers don’t know what to do with Jack Black and he’s lost in this mess of a film. Not sure why Danny Glover or Mia Farrow are in this train wreck. The behind the scenes documentary on the making of the film is better than the film itself and that is not saying much at all!

Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Just Me?

*** 12.09.08 - Palmetto... 1998... Director Volker Schlöndorff

Considered a "Neo-Noir" film, "Palmetto" is a fun, dark, interesting and extremely sexy film. Director Volker Schlöndorff did his homework on this one and made a film that is always great to watch.

Now it does help that two of the sexiest women alive, Elisabeth Shue and Gina Gershon are in it. Shue looks amazing, with curves for days and during a sequence in a beach side bungalow... well lets just say I still have trouble breathing every time I watch it. Her performance as the Femme Fatal is dynamic. And Gershon's role, although smaller, is solid as well and let's face it... from her opening moment in the film to present day, I'll watch anything she does just to see her mouth and lips.

The film has so many classic moments in it that I won't get into too many of them. It has the right amount of drama, sensuality, and humor. It's shot magnificently and there is an edit sequence with about 20 minutes left in the film that to this day I still say out loud, "That's an F'ing awesome shot."

(Me and Michael Rappaport in Memphis)

The DVD doesn't have much on it, so it's a little bit of a let down, but the film... the performances, Woody Harrelson, Michael Rappaport and Chloe Sevigny are in it as well and Elisabeth Shue in all of her glory are so worth it! And when Shue is bad... awww buddy... it's Oh So Good!

Great Writing Always Equals A Great Film

**** 11.23.08 - Juno... 2007... Director Jason Reitman

OK, a major shout out has to go to Diablo Cody, an ex-stripper turned writer who nailed it with this script. It is funny, smart and alive! The clear reason she won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. She deserved it and you can judge for yourself when you look at the film.

Ellen Page gives a dynamic performance and there are several supporting performances that are just pure fun to watch.

The DVD is a good one as well, with lots of extras. I've watched the film at least 4 times and each time I find something new about it that makes me just feel good about the business.

If you haven't seen it, rent it... buy it... or go to a showing of it ASAP!

"Chocolat" Tastes So Good!

*** 3/4 10.27.08 - Chocolat... 2000... Director Lasse Hallström

A highly underrated film when you think about films you might want to rent and watch. Lassee Hallström creates a magical world that evokes so many emotions that it may surprise you!

A great cast... Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Alfred Molina, and Judi Dench. The characters are rich and full of depth. And Binoche... well... this is an amazing example of a "real" woman in film, complete with curves and a sensuality that equals her co-star... chocolate! I had forgotten how sexy she truly is in this film, from her personality to yes... yes her body which is not the typical, "try not to eat too much," Hollywood ideal. And let me add that this film proves once again why I believe Johnny Depp is such a good actor. He takes chances and doesn't play the same types of characters over and over, his performance in this film is fun and touching.

The DVD provides some excellent behind the scenes information, although the documentary on the making of the film, is a little too "Hollywood Publicist," for me it is interesting. And one of the pieces deals with the art direction for this film which was amazing. Somehow shooting in a village in Europe always makes people yearn for living in a town like this one, although I wonder how many of us would really like living there these days. I doubt that without Internet and some of the other creature comforts that we all so desperately depend on these days we would enjoy it quite as much. lol

Nonetheless, pick up this film... grab a cup of coffee, tea or better yet hot chocolate, cuddle up on the couch and watch it on a rainy day and you will feel all warm and toasty inside.

What Gets You Off?

I know... an odd title to this blog entry, but some times you just have to say, "What the F*&&!" (See "Risky Business" for that quote)

As I was thinking about what to write, since I haven't written in awhile, I started to think about my viewing habits and what I'm watching. Yes I list most of it on here to give you a feel of some of the things I look at, but I really started to think about what's been turning me on lately and the more and more I thought about it, the more and more I come back to cable television. Yep that's right, good old cable.
Now back in the day, there were always good, innovative shows on the air. Those shows that broke new ground, things like "M-A-S-H," "LA Law," "Miami Vice," "Homicide: Life on the Streets," "Law and Order." Really good shows that had long runs on TV... "Law and Order," still going strong and it was fun to watch. But over the years, Cable... places like HBO, Showtime and AMC have come up with some amazing shows: "Entourage," "Californication," "Mad Men."

Right now that's were most of the innovation is coming from right now. Cable, a place where shows can take some chances. Now they're not necessarily re-writing the history books when it comes to format, but they are in terms of the quality of the shows. From the writing, to the production, the performances. All of the shows mention and many others on these same networks have these elements within.




I sit on my couch and watch an episode of "Mad Men," for example and love it. Yes I often time find myself smiling, getting giddy in the middle of the show and at the end of it saying, "Damn... that was some good stuff!"

Who knows, maybe one day I'll get a chance to work on a show like these or others... something special and I'll be able to look back and see the great work that I and others have accomplished, but until that happens, hats off to those who do work in this area of film and television, because right now... you're hitting the ball out of the park and I love watching what you're serving up!

Double Your Pleasure

*** 1/2 09.29.08 - The Aviator... 2004 ... Director Martin Scorsese

OK, this may not be Martin's best film ever, but it certainly is a good film. Leonardo DiCaprio stars with Kate Beckinsale stealing the show as Katharine Hepburn. The film, based on the life and times of Howard Hughes, gives us an insight into the man and his love of films, flying and his battle with OCD.

The DVD is great, tons of extras and for the extras alone it's worth a purchase!

*** 1/2 09.30.08 - 25Th Hour... 2002 ... Director Spike Lee

In an effort of full disclosure, I am a huge Spike Lee fan! (And no we're not related) He's one of my icons of film and one of the reasons I do what I do. I've seen just about everything he's done and for me this ranks up there as one of his best films ever.

First the cast is outstanding: Ed Norton, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Anna Paquin, Barry Pepper and Rosario Dawson just to name a few.

Rodrigo Prieto shot the film and it has a texture and feel about it that I love, rich with color and emotion. Unfortunately Spike DID throw in his standard "Dolly" shot where it looks like someone is floating... I hate that shot by the way, but other than that it's a beautifully shot piece.

The soundtrack is haunting, the theme of the film interesting and the final sequence of the film touching... true "man-love" which is OK! (See Shawshank Redemption and you'll get my point)

What also makes this film powerful is that it was the first big film shot right after "9/11" and you get a sense of the city of New York and the emotions and what people were going through during this time.

The DVD has a few extras and it's a nice pick up to add to your collection!

One Of The Five!!!

***** 09.24.08 - The Band Wagon... 1953... Director Vincente Minnelli

This is one of the top five films that have affected my life... it's that good! When I was a kid growing up, my mother and father used to love to watch old Hollywood musicals and I would watch them right with them and fell in love with this film. I know "Singing in the Rain," "An American in Paris," and "West Side Story," are all great musicals, but for me... day in day out this film is the best of them them all!

Vincente Minnelli does a fantastic job of telling this story and showcasing, for my money again, the best song and dance man of his time, Fred Astaire. You watch Astaire in this role and you will fall in love with the musical genre. He makes it all look effortless and the last sequence of the film is phenomenal!

Oh and for a DVD, this one is great too! Lots of extras, great interviews worth spending a day or two looking at it all!

An American Foreign Film... Capote

**** 09.23.08 - Capote... 2005... Director Bennett Miller

Capote is an American made film, but with a foreign sensibility. What I mean by that is that it's not a cut-cut-cut MTV-type of movie where everything has to change every two seconds on the screen. Director Bennett Miller does a marvelous job of bringing you into the world of Truman Capote and his journey towards writing one of the greatest American novels, "In Cold Blood."

Phillip Seymour Hoffman is amazing as Capote and it would have been really easy to go over the top and make this character a joke, but not once does he cross that line, hence the reason he won the Academy Award.

The DVD is great, plenty of extras that you can hunker down and watch for hours. Make sure you get yourself set when you watch this film, it deserve your full attention so you can not only watch the film, but feel it.

Another Good Film Doc

** 1/2 09.13.08 - The Spaghetti West... 2005... Director David Gregory

Watched a Documentary called, "The Spaghetti West," that was on IFC and it was a nice look at the Italian Westerns of the late 60's through the late 70's.

It also got me thinking about genre films in general... what works, what could you do today... and what made the old films so successful.

This film gives you a nice slice of what the whole "Spaghetti Western" genre was.

I Love A Good Story!

*** 1/2 09.09.08 - ShowBusiness: The Road To Broadway... 2005... Director Dori Berinstein

I've stated it many times on this blog, that I love the process of making films. How things get done and how people make their films. I also feel the same way about most art in general and especially theatre. Little known fact, I taught high school drama for 2 years and it was the greatest job of my life!

Dori Berinstein's film, "ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway," takes an interesting look at the creation of four shows and follows them from pitch to Tony's. It takes place during the 2003-2004 season and watches the rise and fall of some really good and critically bad shows.

What does it for me in this film is seeing what the critics say, they interview several at a round table dinner at the begining, middle and end. Seeing what the audience chooses to go to see and support and then finally what the people who made the show go through.

I caught the film on Showtime and it's worth trying to find!

Kids Films Are Fun Too!

*** 1/2 - 09.08.08 - The Sandlot... 1993... Director David Evans

This was a very, very good kids film that had a little bit of everything for everyone. The performances are solid, the story funny and although little girls might not identify with it as much, the film does capture a more innocent slice of time that many remember growing up.

My favorite moment in the film takes place, not in the sandlot where the kids play baseball for what feels like days on end, but the pool... I'll simply leave it at that.

I've watched this film with kids, adults and by myself and it still holds up. As for the DVD extras, there are some. There is the typical big studio "featurette" that I always tend to dislike and not because it shows you some behind the scenes stuff, which I LOVE, but because it's so studio like and over produced. I'm always trying to see how an artist or group of artist put something together and studio featurette's tend to give you just what the studio wants you to see for marketing purposes.

I will also warn you that there is a trailer for the next Sandlot... I think they actually made three Sandlot movies, but none of them are worth renting at all and when the trailer for the second one comes up and it's a straight to DVD release, I think you get a sense at just how bad it really is.

So for what it's worth, pick up the Sandlot if you have kids and you want to share the film experience with them or pick it up if all you want is a good, fun film that will remind you of your youth.