Tag Archives: movie director

Matinee

Posted on May 15, 2013 | Leave a comment

One of the many advantages of a) working from home and b) having HBO is being able to watch Oscar-nominated documentaries during lunch.

Today’s featured selection: The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossoms.

I’ll admit that I had not heard of this film before I saw it listed on HBO OnDemand. If perchance you haven’t either, I strongly encourage you to invest the short 40 minutes required.

Director Lucy Walker chronicles the tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011. Survivors share their stories of loss, and work together to rebuild their communities — already making progress a mere month after the storm hit.

And what are the ‘cherry blossoms’ in the title, you ask? I’ll let you watch the film and find out.

It is a vital part of their history and culture, and one reason a tsunami could never break the Japanese people.

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Posted in Academy Awards, Commentary, Entertainment, History, Life, Love, Movies, Oscars, Travel, Weather

Tagged Academy Awards, cherry blossoms, commentary, documentary, entertainment, HBO, HBO OnDemand, history, Japan, Japanese people, life, love, Lucy Walker, movie director, Movies, Oscars, The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossoms, Travel, tsumani, weather

Lovesick

Posted on November 26, 2012 | Leave a comment

When I typically partake in a movie double feature — like I did Sunday — I vary the genre. A comedy paired with a thriller. A romance with a drama. A documentary followed by a sci-fi.

But yesterday?

I double downed on romance. Figured these two particular films were so completely different, they couldn’t possibly overlap.

Shows what I know.

Silver Linings Playbook is a wonderful film starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro. Lawrence and Cooper are crazy — as in, he just got out of the hospital and she probably needs one — and end up being just what the doctor ordered for each other. DeNiro is also crazy.

Pretty much all of us are a little crazy, right? That’s why this movie works. It’s funny and it’s real and it manages to work in a reference to Dancing with the Stars….how can it miss?

Imagine how surprised I was to find Anna Karenina much the same.

Clearly the costumes are much better. (Cooper wore a garbage bag for much of Playbook.) And director Joe Wright placed his actors on an actual stage for many scenes, which I found brilliant but distracting.

But Anna and her oh-so-good-looking lover are indeed crazy. Most of the people in the story are varying shades of crazy, too. And there is a long scene of ballroom dancing that is also integral to the storyline.

But alas, no silver lining.

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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Movies

Tagged Anna Karenina, ballroom dancing, Bradley Cooper, celebrities, commentary, crazy for love, Dancing with the Stars, double feature, entertainment, Humor, Jennifer Lawrence, Joe Wright, just what the doctor ordered, lovesick, movie costumes, movie director, movie genres, Movies, Robert DeNiro, romance movies, Silver Linings Playbook

Say it isn’t so

Posted on November 16, 2012 | 2 Comments

This is my final Twilight saga movie review. No doubt my friend Tina is already poised to type the words “Barf.”

I wonder if she is feeling sentimental, too.

I saw Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 last night at a special early screening. I was curious if director Bill Condon could pull together a fitting end to the series, since he had already used in my estimation all the ‘good stuff’ from the final book in Part 1.

The audience at the early show was pumped, but there was none of the mania of years past. I’d like to think we’ve all matured a little.

The film has, too.

The screenplay has a sense of humor. It was funny…on purpose. And at times also sweet and sad.

Part 2 also features vampire Bella. For all the critics who have slammed her character for being weak and codependent, come see her being seriously bad-ass. To everyone. All she needs is a bow-and-arrow and ‘luck forever in her favor.’

Most importantly, Part 2 is action-packed and full of surprises. I haven’t made this much noise watching a movie in ages — the vampire battle is shocking and strewn with death.

Even if you’re not a big Twilight fan, I strongly recommend you come see how it all ends.

Epic? Indeed.

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Posted in Books, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Movies

Tagged action movie, Bella Swan, Bill Condon, commentary, entertainment, Humor, life, may luck be forever in your favor, movie critics, movie director, movie review, movie screening, Movies, screenplay, sense of humor, Twihard, Twilight fan, Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2, vampire battle, vampires

Mission accomplished

Posted on October 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

You’ve probably read glowing reviews for the movie Argo, the true story of the rescue mission of six American hostages during the Iran Hostage Crisis of the early 80′s. In this case…

Believe it.

Argo is as good — no, better — than any review or word-of-mouth account that I heard.

And I’m not worried about building the movie up in your mind.

It delivers.

Enough has been written about the now declassified CIA mission that we know the outcome. But Ben Affleck’s direction and spot-on period detail build the tension and the suspense so well, I almost forgot.

Ben also does his best acting work to date. In his full-on 70′s beard and Bieber hairstyle, he disappears into the role of CIA agent Tony Mendez — a quiet, powerful performance.

I challenge you not to applaud at the film’s conclusion. Actually, at my viewing, the audience applauded twice. If you stay for the credits, you’ll understand why.

And join in.

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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, History, Life, Movies, Politics

Tagged American hostages, applause, Argo movie, Ben Affleck, celebrities, CIA, CIA agent, CIA mission, classified case, commentary, declassified case, entertainment, Iran Hostage Crisis, life, mission accomplished, movie actor, movie director, movie producer, movie reiews, Movies, politics, rescue mission, Tony Mendez

Hear ye

Posted on August 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

On the surface, Hit and Run doesn’t look like a message movie.

But then again, I didn’t really go to learn anything.

I like the story of how this little movie, written and directed by Dax Shephard — who also stars in the film with his girlfriend Kristen Bell and a lot of his friends — was made for a song and then got picked up by a major distributor and is now in theaters.

The little engine that could.

So while the plot isn’t my normal cup of tea, I went to see it to support indie film making…and actors that I enjoy watching. And then this tiny sub-plot pops up half-way through the movie –

A message for dog owners, no less.

How you shouldn’t tie up your pets outside stores and restaurants where they could easily be stolen. And the big difference the type of food you feed your dog makes, both in their health and happiness.

And who taught these lessons in the movie?

The “bad guy”…in a really funny way. It’s worth the price of the film just to see this short segment. I applaud Dax for finding a way to make those points in such an entertaining fashion.

Here’s hoping folks get the message.

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Posted in Animals, Cars, Commentary, Dogs, Entertainment, Humor, Movies, transportation

Tagged animals, automobiles, bad guy, cars, commentary, Dax Shephard, dog food, dog owners, Dogs, don't tie up your dog, entertainment, Hit and Run movie, Humor, Kristen Bell, message movie, movie, movie director, movie distributor, movie review, movie writer, the little engine that could, transportation

From page to screen

Posted on December 16, 2011 | 2 Comments

I can’t believe it.

I’m actually excited about the premiere of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

After slogging through that relentless tome of a book, believe you me, it’s nothing short of a miracle.

Several factors have come together to make me want to be one of the first folks in the theater.

1. Whereas most books are better than their on-screen interpretations, the Tattoo movie can’t miss. The English translation of Stieg Larsson’s bestseller was front-loaded with the most mind-numbing tedium imaginable before getting to the action that propelled readers through the rest of the book. Stieg even found a way to make the ending slow.

Based on director David Fincher’s reputation and the killer trailers I’ve seen to date, I think it’s safe to say he hasn’t adopted the author’s penchant for pokey pacing.

I’m also psyched to hear Tattoo’s musical score is the work of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who penned the brilliant, Oscar-winning score for The Social Network. In fact, the score for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has already been nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

Of course, Tattoo has a great cast. And I’ve already mentioned the intense trailers. Some critics have even applauded the film for sticking closer to the book’s original plot line than the Swedish version did.

Closer to the book? I don’t want to know!

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Posted in Books, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Movies

Tagged Academy Award, action genre, Atticus Ross, author, books, commentary, English translation, entertainment, Golden Globe, Humor, life, movie director, movie premiere, movie theater, movie trailer, Movies, musical score, Oscar, Stieg Larrson, tedium, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, tome, Trent Reznor

Director’s cut

Posted on December 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

I love Jason Reitman.

Or, more specifically, the movies he directs.

He first caught my attention in 2005 with Thank You for Not Smoking. Then along came Juno, its oh-so-unique voice the brainchild of writer Diablo Cody. And in 2009, Reitman brought us the brilliant George Clooney vehicle Up in the Air, my choice for Best Picture Oscar.

Sadly, the Academy was more impressed by tales of the war abroad than at home. Whatever.

Reitman and Cody have teamed up once again to bring us Young Adult, starring Charlize Theron and Patton Oswalt.

This film has none of Juno’s quirky teen speak; Theron’s character is way past that. This golden girl blew out of her one-horse town years ago and is living large in the big city, a successful writer of youth literature.

Or that’s what it looks like from back home. Her reality — and the lives of the people she left behind – are very different than they appear on the surface.

I love this film. I love the performances that Reitman pulled out of his actors. I love that he didn’t feel the need to ‘nicen up’ Theron’s character as she continues her path of destruction.

And I especially love the possibility that Oswalt — Patton Oswalt, the chubby standup comedian — might get an Oscar nomination.

Jason Reitman did that.

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Posted in Academy Awards, Celebrities, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Movies

Tagged Academy Awards, Best Picture Oscar, celebrities, celebrity vehicle, Charlize Theron, comedy, commentary, Diablo Cody, entertainment, George Clooney, golden girl, Humor, Jason Reitman, Juno movie, life, movie director, Movies, one-horse town, Oscar nomination, Oscars, Patton Oswalt, standup comedian, teen speak, Thank You for Not Smoking movie, Up in the Air movie, Young Adult movie, youth lit

Dawned on me

Posted on November 18, 2011 | 1 Comment

Of course I saw Twilight Breaking Dawn: Part 1 at the first available showing.

And it was really good. It was romantic and sweet and surprising funny. And then freaky and bloody and gory.

What’s not to love?

I didn’t reread the fourth book before seeing the film, so I can’t obsess over any details that director Bill Condon might have changed. Instead I will share with you what I learned during my initial viewing (because you know I will see it again)

Audience matters. I have seen two of the four Twilight films at midnight. Midnight audiences rock, and make your viewing experience that much better. Last night I saw the movie at 8:00pm during a special screening for AMC Stubs members. There were people there talking, texting, even making fun of the movie. Why go if you’re not into it?
Talent rises to the top. In the first Twilight movie, the actors were pretty much on par in the acting department. Even Kristen Stewart, the star, was ticky as all get out. In this latest installment, Kristen and Robert stand out from the rest of the cast. They are the emotional center. Taylor Lautner, on the other hand, may be getting worse. Perhaps he should spend less time in the gym and more time in acting class.
Big weddings are the way to go. Bella’s character is a tomboy. She doesn’t like dressing up or being the center of attention. But her wedding is a showstopper. Even if you think you don’t want a big affair, learn from the Cullens. Pull out all the stops.

If any other deep thoughts hit me at later viewings, you’ll know where to find them!

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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Life, Movies, Relationships

Tagged acting talent, AMC, AMC Stubs, Bill Condon, celebrities, commentary, emotional center, entertainment, Humor, Kristen Stewart, learnings, life, midnight movie audience, midnight premiere, movie audience, movie director, movie screening, Movies, nervous ticks, Relationships, Robert Pattinson, showstopper, Taylor Lautner, tomboy, Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1, weddings

Checking the gate

Posted on September 20, 2011 | Leave a comment

I happened upon a documentary the other morning on Sundance Channel that I highly recommend. I should be less surprised that it is about a church.

(It was Sunday, after all.)

An Audience of One follows Richard Gazowsky, a Pentecostal pastor from San Francisco who used donations from his congregation to found a movie studio and production company. He said he received a vision while praying on a mountaintop to spread the Gospel through filmmaking.

Stone tablets are so B.C.

The documentary begins as Gazowsky and his followers are in pre-production on their full-length feature, Gravity: The Shadow of Joseph, described as a ‘biblical science fiction.’

The movie poster tagline reads “filmmaking is hard.” Gazowsky would no doubt agree. During principal photography, the novice director only manages to get two scenes in the can during their five days on location in Italy.

Cameras jam. Cranes freeze. Cords snap. Tempers flare. Of course, you see that kind of ‘tech diff’ on film sets all the time.

What makes Audience of One a must-see is watching Gazowsky lead his congregation on this journey. Despite the setbacks, the lack of funds, and — let’s face it — the project’s absolute and total failure, the preacher constantly spins the story in such a way, his followers never blink.

Even though the movie is never been made. Even though their major investor never comes through. Even though the city shuts them down.

They call it faith. But on camera, under the harsh glare of the lights, the delusions are harder to disguise.

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Posted in Commentary, Family, Friends, Humor, Life, Movies, Relationships, Religion

Tagged An Audience of One movie, Bible, Business, cable, Christian WYSIWYG, church, commentary, congregation, documentary, entertainment, family, filmmaking, friends, Gravity: The Shadow of Joseph, Italy, life, movie camera, movie crane, movie director, movie studio, Movies, pastor, Pentecostal church, pre-production, principal photography, production company, Relationships, religion, Richard Gazowsky, San Francisco, science fiction movie, Sundance Channel, Sundays, tech diff, vision from God

Not again

Posted on August 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

Making movies cost the big bucks, it’s true.

So perhaps we shouldn’t judge producers too harshly when they remake blockbusters from years past to ensure box office success…like The Great Gatsby or Footloose.

This may also explain ‘sequel-itis’…although quality seems to figure less in that equation.

Case in point: New Year’s Eve from director Garry Marshall.

New Year’s Eve is the sequel to last year’s horrible Valentine’s Day, a romantic comedy jam-packed with stars, cliched story lines and performances that were shallow to say the most.

(Sorry; it was that bad.)

I’m not surprised actors are drawn to the sequel; it’s the easiest money they’ll ever make. And Garry Marshall probably just used the Valentine’s Day shooting script and changed the California locations to New York City.

But why do it at all?

Critics skewered the first film, and audience reviews were only slightly warmer. And while Valentine’s Day did break $100 million at the box office, there were a lot of celebrity salaries to pay.

Well, after seeing the trailer, I think I’ve figured it out.

Garry has directed a train wreck of a film…and we all know how hard it is not to look at one of those.

Cha-ching!

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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, Holiday, Humor, Life, Movies, Relationships, Valentine's Day

Tagged California, celebrities, cliched storylines, cliches, commentary, entertainment, Footloose movie, Garry Marshall, Holiday, Humor, Justin Bieber, life, movie box office, movie classics, movie critics, movie director, movie producers, movie remakes, movie reviews, movie sequels, movie stars, Movies, New Year's Eve movie, New York City, Relationships, The Great Gatsby movie, Times Square, Valentine's Day movie

Tag Archives: movie director

Matinee

Lovesick

Say it isn’t so

Mission accomplished

Hear ye

Director’s cut

Dawned on me

Checking the gate

Not again

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