Sabtu, 31 Oktober 2009

Film Reviews - Poland

Antichrist *

*indicates co-production

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The Actor Factor: The Witches Are Out

Bewitched celebrated its 45th year on television this past September. After its premiere in 1964 it became ABC's biggest comedy hit up to that time, finishing at an impressive number two in the Nielsens that year. It is one of a select few shows that hasn't been off the air since its premiere, and now the entire series is available on DVD.

One of my favorite shows as a kid, I think every child of the seventies has fond memories of staying home sick from school (or just playing hooky) and watching reruns of Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie. As an adult, though, I discovered the seldom-seen-in-reruns black and white episodes of Bewitched on Nick at Nite, and it has since become one of my favorite shows of all time.


Most people remember Bewitched as a silly supernatural show of the sixties and early seventies, but it is far more than that. It tackled issues of prejudice and intolerance long before it was commonplace or even acceptable on television. I have collected every season on DVD, after arduously saving them to VHS over the years, and after re-watching episodes for the umpteenth time, I have put together a list of the five episodes of Bewitched that every member of the GLBT community MUST see. Yes, I said “MUST” and all in capital letters. The shows are all from the first two seasons, and two of them are, timely enough, Halloween episodes.

“The Witches Are Out” from season one is the first episode where witches are presented as a minority group. They are referred to as such in the episode in which one of Darrin' clients (portrayed by Shelley Berman) wants his Halloween candy represented by a wart-nosed, broom-riding witch. Meanwhile, Samantha and her witch committee are trying to actively combat the negative images associated with witches during Halloween.


When Samantha stumbles upon Darrin's illustrations of a stereotypical witch, she is hurt and incensed. Darrin doesn't quite understand, but immediately supports Samantha, and instead comes up with a campaign portraying a sexy witch. The client shoots down the idea, but he is Dickensian-ally visited in the night by protest-sign-carrying witches who convince him of the error of his ways. This episode also marks the first appearance of Marion Lorne as Aunt Clara.

“A is for Aardvark”, also from the first season, does not have a particularly gay sensibility, but it is arguably the best episode of the entire series and my personal favorite. In it, Darrin sprains his ankle and Samantha, through witchcraft, makes the house obey his every wish. It is Darrin's first real taste of the power at a witch's command, and he quickly falls victim to the overwhelming lure of witchcraft. Through the experience, Darrin and Sam both learn the value of the unconventional love they share. Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York turn in extraordinary performances. Notably, the episode is directed by film star Ida Lupino.


“There's No Witch Like an Old Witch” (again from season one) portrays a depressed and aging Aunt Clara finding value and purpose as a babysitter for mortal children. Although her young charges are delighted with her magical tricks and stories of flying from rooftop to rooftop, some parents are uncomfortable with Aunt Clara's eccentricities.

Aunt Clara ends up before a judge to plead her capability and value as a babysitter. The show tackles ageism and parental fear of that which is different as all the while Clara attempts to pull a rabbit from her pocket book, delightfully bungling the spell each and every time. Lorne would go on to posthumously win an Emmy for her role.


“The Joker is a Card” from season two marks the first appearance of Paul Lynde as Uncle Arthur. Need I say more? I don't, but I will. This is possibly the funniest episode of Bewitched ever. Endora's practical-joke-playing younger brother, Arthur, is introduced and delightful havoc ensues. Arthur convinces Darrin he can combat Endora's meddling with magic of his own, complete with duck calls and cowbells. "Yaga-zuzzie, yaga-zuzzie, yaga-zuzzie-zem!"

“Trick or Treat” is the second season's Halloween episode in which Endora wants Samantha to go away with her to the “Sacred Volcano” to escape the disturbing (to witches at least) revelries of Halloween. Darrin refuses, and Endora (in the guise of a gypsy girl portrayed by a very young Maureen “Marcia Brady” McCormick) turns Darrin into a werewolf. Dick York's transformation is both hysterical and ridiculous, but the resolution, in which Samantha challenges Endora to confront her own prejudices, is some of the most thought-provoking television ever produced. No — really!


The preceding episodes are but a sample of Bewitched's finest, especially from a GLBT perspective. Honorable mentions also go to “Witches and Warlocks Are My Favorite Things,” (season three) in which a coven of witches questions the suitability of Tabitha being raised in a mixed marriage, and “Samantha's Power Failure” (season five) in which the Witches' Council strips Sam, Serena, Uncle Arthur and Tabitha of their powers (this is also a personal favorite of my partner Chris — that reverend who does movie reviews around here). Oh, and “Samantha and the Loch Ness Monster” (season eight) just makes me laugh ridiculously. Serena as a mermaid! Do I need to say more? I could, but I won't.

All eight seasons of Bewitched are now availableon DVD, and there is talk of releasing the entire series in a boxed set. The earlier seasons, especially the first two, are must-sees for classic TV fans and new viewers alike.


The last three seasons with Dick Sargent (a gay icon in his own right) lack the originality of the earlier episodes and draw on many “remade” scripts from the first few seasons, but they remain entertaining and make the perfect viewing option when you are home sick from work ... or when you're just playing hooky.

"Calling Doctor Bombay! Emergency! Come right away!"

The Actor Factor: A View from Both Sides of the Camera is by James Jaeger, Los Angeles based actor and resident television critic of Movie Dearest.

MD Poll: Spiked!

Thanks no doubt in part to his bleached blonde hair, sexy British accent and vampish charms (ouch), Spike has been named the "Ultimate Vamp Champ"!

As played by James Marsters on both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel, Spike saw plenty of action ... and not just from a certain ex-cheerleader. But nothing compared to his bloodsucking competitors in the latest MD Poll, which he easily vanquished nonetheless with almost a third of the total votes.

Second place saw a tie between the old — Bela Lugosi's Dracula — and the new — Twilight's Robert Pattinson. See the comments section below for the complete results, and check back tomorrow for the newest MD Poll.

MD News Desk: Halloween Edition

Today we present a special edition of the MD News Desk, a goody bag filled with various tricks and treats from Movie Dearest:

And the List Goes On:
- This collection of 20 Movie Villain Pumpkin Carvings gets extra cool points for including ... Large Marge!

Women We Love:
- It's Jamie Lee Curtis’ Follicle Funhouse! How many can you name?

On Location:
- O.T.I.S. pays a special visit to the real Elm Street.
- Zombies invade the Monroeville Mall ... again.


Videodrone:
- A retro Halloween treat from Disney. (By the by, note Donald's nephew on the right — in drag as a witch!)
- Anne Ramsey's head explodes while watching The Bad Seed.
- Scream, Brenda Vacarro, scream!
- "Wocka Wocka Wocka": The Bear Wit Project.
- The one, the only: Sorority Girls from Hell!!!
- Forget Paranormal Activity, it's sexy time.
- Hey kids! It's Shaun (the Sheep) of the Dead!
- Trailer Trash: Beware the One-Eyed Monster (NSFW).

Ride the Movies:
- Now playing at Universal Studios Hollywood: Creature from the Black Lagoon: The Musical! Lots of pics and videos here.

Movie Music:
- Scary bunnies: Watership Down to the tune of "Ave Satani".
- "The Love Theme from The Shining".

Poster Post:
- From the frightfully funny comic geniuses at Kindertrauma: Kramer vs. Krueger, Get Out of Africa and On Crystal Lake.


Out in Film:
- Varla Jean Merman hawks the Occult Snuggie and stars in Shut Up, Sweet Charlotte!
- Alan Ball spills his guts on True Blood's third season.
- The Big Gay Sketch Show's Julie Goldman has a mop problem.
- Really scary: Anne Heche gets work.


Hands Off the Merchandise:
- Blasts from All Hallows' Eves past courtesy of The Haunted Closet.
- "So soft and cuddly": Dark Shadows Horror Heads!

"I Am the Night", oil on canvas by Brandon Bird

Film Art:
- Just what every trick or treater wants: a Philip Seymour Hoffman in Magnolia costume. (Hey, at least it's not a Philip Seymour Hoffman in Happiness costume.)

Tune in to Movie Dearest later today for more Halloween fun, including the results of our "Ultimate Vamp Champ" MD Poll and a very "Bewitching" edition of The Actor Factor!

Jumat, 30 Oktober 2009

Upcoming: Canadian Western Guns, Antichrist & Red Cliff Release Dates

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One of the things I love about going to the movie theatre is looking for new posters, and the moment I saw the above poster for Gunless I was intrigued. A western, called Gunless. Starring Paul Gross. Can you get more Canadian? Yes, yes you can! It's written & directed by William Phillips (Foolproof, Treed Murray) and here's the story: "A hardened American gunslinger is repeatedly thwarted in his attempts to mount a showdown in a friendly town in Canada where no one seems to understand or appreciate the brutal code of the American Wild West." (source). I can't wait, but I'll have to - but only until March 2010. The teaser trailer shows a comedic edge for sure, but story reminds me of this Canadian Heritage Minute.
See more about Gunless on it's Official Website with teaser trailer and IMDb Page.

Closer around the corner we have several exciting release dates. The controversial Antichrist (dir: Lars von Trier) will hit Toronto on Friday November 13, 2009. The film stars Willem Dafoe (Daybreakers) and Charlotte Gainsbouroug who won Best Actress at Cannes 2009. See more at the Official Film Site or watch the trailer.

Looking for some action, historic-style? How about a John Woo film? Sounds good to me! Red Cliff / Chi ba hits theatres on Friday December 4, 2009 and stars Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi and Chang Chen. Check out the trailer to get a taste of this one.

A buzz at TIFF'08, in part for still being 'in process', New York, I Love You finally hits theatres here on November 27, 2009. To job your memory it's an omnibus film featuring shorts from directors Mira Nair, Natalie Portman, Brett Ratner, Fatih Akin & more. See more at the Official Film Site.

Film about theatre always gets my curiosity going, so hearing that Me & Orson Wells is coming to town on December 11, 2009 was good news. The film stars Zac Efron as a young actor participating in a production of Julius Ceasar directed by Orson Wells (Christian McKay). Add to that it's directed by Richard Linklater. I'm hooked! See the trailer at the official film site.

Looking for more upcoming movies? Check out the 2009 and 2010 Upcoming Film Release Lists

Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 30, 2009

Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!

Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 30, 2009! With Halloween just around the corner you'd think we'd have lots of spooky releases, but.... we don't. Only one with The Collector, however the theatres still have scarefests playing with Paranormal Activity along with last weeks releases of Saw VI and the vampy Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant for still spooky but not so scary fare.

In limited release this week we have the majority of our releases with five films to choose from. First up is Bronson, from Valhalla Rising director Nicolas Winding Refn, a biopic on a man in prison who supplanted his own personality with that of Charles Bronson. Wonder if Nicolas Winding Refn well ever try out something light like a romcom, he always picks such harsh subject, but his films are so good. Next up is award winning (Cannes Film Festival 2009 and Grand Jury Prize Sundance Film Festival 2009) Amreeka, a comedy/drama about the dreams of a better home that won. We also have the sport documentary More Than a Game following basketball's The Arkon Fab Five including LeBron James, Bollywood musical London Dreams and Australian drama Three Blind Mice.

In wide release this week we have just one film! The Collector marks the one horror release for Halloween and it's from "The Writers of Saw IV, V an VI!". That's a new one. It looks pretty creepy though and has a reverse home invasion feel to it. Also, released earlier this week was behind the scenes concert documentary Michael Jackson's This Is It!

Have a great weekend & a happy Halloween!

Shannon

Festival Watch

CMAST Pan-African Film & Literary Festival
October 30 - November 1, 2009 at University of Toronto, William Doo Auditorium in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

International Diaspora Film Festival
Selections from a wide spectrum of diverse ethnicities and cultures from Eastern Europe, North Africa, Latin America and Asia.
November 1 - 8, 2009 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 4 - 7, 2009 at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival
Spanish language film festival featuring dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Spanish speaking countries
November 6 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Zombie Short Film Festival
October 30, 2009 at the Revue Cinema in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Wednesday October 28, 2009 Releases

Michael Jackson's This Is It
Dir: Kenny Ortega (High School Musical)
Michael Jackson musical documentary on preparation for London concerts
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Friday October 30, 2009 Releases

Amreeka
Writer/Dir: Cherien Dabis - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Nisreen Faour, Melkar Muallem, Hiam Abbass, Alia Shawkat
USA/Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

Bronson
Dir: Nicolas Winding Refn (The Pusher Trilogy,
Valhalla Rising)
Cast: Tom Hardy, Matt King
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

The Collector
Dir:
Marcus Dunstan - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Josh Stewart, Daniella Alonso, Michael Reilly Burke, Andrea Roth
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

London Dreams
Dir: Vipul Amrutal Shah (Waqt: The Race Against Time)
Cast: Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan, Asin, Om Puri
India/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page

More Than a Game
Dir: Kristopher Belman - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer

Three Blind Mice
Writer/Dir: Matthew Newton (Right Here Right Now)
Cast: Matthew Newton, Brendan Cowell, Alex Dimitriades, Bob Franklin, Barry Otto, Pia Miranda, Ewen Leslie, Toby Schmitz, Tina Bursill
Australia
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, YouTube Trailer

**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 30, 2009**

Monthly Wallpaper - November 2009: 1939 - Hollywood's Greatest Year

In honor of its 70th anniversary, November's movie calendar wallpaper celebrates 1939 - Hollywood's Greatest Year!

A lot of classics came out during that fateful twelve months seven decades ago, and Movie Dearest has selected a top ten of faves to represent it: Dark Victory, Gone with the Wind, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Gunga Din, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Ninotchka, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz, The Women and Wuthering Heights.

Plus: the festivities will continue this weekend with a special 1939-themed pair of MD Polls!

Just click on the picture above to enlarge it to its 1024 x 768 size, then right click your mouse and select "Set as Background", and you're all set. If you want, you can also save it to your computer and set it up from there, or modify the size in your own photo-editing program if needed.

Kamis, 29 Oktober 2009

Toon Talk: Tink Big

As the ubiquitous ads enthusiastically state, the “world’s most famous fairy” returns to DVD and Blu-raythis week with Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure. Following last year’s debut movie, this is the second installment of a planned multi-part series starring Peter Pan’s beloved right-hand pixie, Tinker Bell.

Tink’s latest adventure finds her setting off on her own to save Pixie Hollow in a story seemingly geared to increase her appeal to the boys in the audience. In addition to spending most of the movie in boyish garb reminiscent of her future friend Peter’s, her four ethnically-diverse girlfriend fairies are relegated to mere cameos, while guy pal (and future boyfriend?) Terence gets a stronger role this go round.


The fall-themed plot is set in motion when Tinker Bell (voiced again by Mae Whitman) is selected to create a scepter for the upcoming autumn festival. And not just any scepter, this one will bare a rare moonstone that will “recharge” the Pixie Dust Tree, insuring that all the pixies in Pixie Hollow will have plenty of the magical substance for seasons to come.

A great honor for the novice “tinker fairy“, Tink gets right to work, enlisting the help of her favorite “duster fairy” Terence (Jesse McCartney). But a misunderstanding between the two friends leads to the destruction of the precious orb, and there’s only a few days left to the big fall event ...

Click here to continue reading my Toon Talk review of Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure at LaughingPlace.com.

Week in Film Vlog



Films Discussed
In Theatres: Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
New Avatar Trailer
Random Watching: Frozen River, Jet Li's Fearless, Exiled
It Used to Scare Me Tuesdays: "V" (1983)
Vampathon:
Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned

I also saw Hello Mary Lou, Prom Night 2 and The Machinist but totally missed them on my list - hopefully I'll remember to talk about them next time!

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Queen of the Damned

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Dir: Michael Rymer (Perfume, "Battlestar Galactica" 2004)
Source Material: The Vampire Chronicles novels by Anne Rice
Cast: Stuart Townsend, Marguerite Moreau, Aaliyah, Vincent Perez, Lena Olin, Paul McGann
USA/Australia, 2002

Seen: Revisited October 24, 2009 on DVD

Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *

Queen of the Damned has several unfortunate barriers to reviewing it. The biggest being the tragedy that Aaliyah, one of the main actors, died in a plane crash after principle photography which makes it really hard talk tactfully about the film, especially because her acting in the film isn't that strong. Another barrier is that the film, in general, just isn't that great. It had a lot to live up to after Interview with the Vampire and seeing that none of the major players continued from one film to the other we should have seen it coming. Being someone that always looks for the good, it feels harsh to say those things, but in this case it's the straight-up truth.

Although this film is based on The Vampire Chronicles series as a whole, I don't understand why it's called Queen of the Damned and not The Vampire Lestat. It's obvious that Lestat is the main character and Queen Akasha is more like the big boss. It'd be like calling Gladiator Commodus instead. Even so, Stuart Townsend as Lestat is the big highlight of the film. His version of the character is much more alighted to the my impression from the books over how he is portrayed by Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire. The Lestat here is fame hungry, defiant and of course sexy as all get out. Throwing him into the goth & industrial world fits perfectly. That brings me to the two other things I enjoyed about the film: the clothes and the music. And, that's pretty much it.

As a vampire film, I enjoyed that we saw a number of different kinds of vampires and different styles from old world tradition to jumping into the current times. I also like the idea of a historical society that traces the vampires through history.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed parts of it
I own it
I'd recommend it as a fun throwback to late 90's/early 2000's goth/industrial stylings

Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Interview with the Vampire

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Dir: Neil Jordon (The Good Thief, The Crying Game, We're No Angels)
Source Material: Interview with the Vampire novel by Anne Rice
Cast: Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirsten Dunst, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater
USA, 1994

Seen: Revisited October 24, 2009 on DVD

Reason to Review: Vampathon: Vampire Film Marathon *

This is where we get to vamp films where I have very strong memories of seeing when they first came out. At the time we were starting to see a resurgence of vampires in film with both Bram Stoker's Dracula and Buffy the Vampire Slayer hitting theatres in 1992. Then here in 1994 we have Interview with the Vampire, which had pretty big hype around this film as the Anne Rice books were already very popular which led the big question of whom could fill such big shoes? The casting was very controversial, with Brad Pitt cast as Louis after only having a few big credits under his belt (Thelma & Louise, A River Runs Through It) and Tom Cruise as Lestat even though he's always the charmer was at the time still considered a star over being a serious actor, even though it was post Born of the Fourth of July he was still known better for roles in films like Days of Thunder, Cocktail and Top Gun. Controversy aside, both actors deliver bringing two very different vampires to life: the emotional and guilt-ridden Louis & the lively and decadent Lestat.

Revisiting the film now, I enjoyed it much more than the first time now. I really appreciated the complexities in all the various relationships, and it captures the consistent vampire theme of loneliness very well. Exploring the ideas of the creators and demonstrating the effects of different approaches with mentors we get very rich and complicated relationships. We also see the distinct separation of human society once anyone becomes a vampire. Very little crossover here between the two worlds of day and night.

Although the settings of New Orleans as well as Europe are fantastic backdrops, the strength of the film is in the characters themselves. There are very different personalities portrayed, giving viewers different portraits to latch onto. I've never been a big Louis fan, even though he's a lot nicer than anyone else in the film, trying to retain his humanity. Lestat is no angel, but his exuberance is compelling. Out of the performances, I continue to be astonished by Kirsten Dunst as the young vampire Claudia who comes alive on the screen. It's always a treat to see Antonio Banderas, as he perfectly cast as the old world vampire Armand. In fact, on of my strongest memories of this film overall is hanging out at a friends house as we watched the Pay-Per-View previews loop endlessly just to catch the few seconds of Antonio Banderas in the preview.

As a vampire film, it feels like a turning point in the genre where be begin to see the concept of a vampire resisting their vampiric and trying to hold on to or at least respect humanity. It brings up the interesting question of the choice to go with or fight against what is consider your nature.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it much more than expected
I ended up buying it
I'd recommend it as fans of vampire films, especially those who enjoy a historical flair

Return to Film Reviews, See all Vampire Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

* Vampathon is a 16 week marathon explore vampire films from Nosferatu (1922) up to the upcoming release of The Twilight Saga: New Moon

The DVD has great extras including interviews, commentary with director Neil Jordon and behind-the-scenes documentaries. Even the menu is awesome as it features a fade in/out of the major characters of Lestat, Louis, Claudia and Armand:

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Reverend's Reviews: Beneath the Skin

It's likely that no one was more startled than Abraham and Sannie Laing, both white, when their daughter Sandra was born black. The apparent result of a recessive gene springing to the forefront generations later, the Laings faced great challenges raising their oft-ostracized girl in apartheid-era South Africa.

Skin, which opens tomorrow in LA and NYC, recounts this fascinating, true story. The film's excellent screenplay and extraordinary acting trio of Sophie Okonedo (as the adult Sandra), Sam Neill (as Abraham) and Alice Krige (as Sannie) bring a little-known historical episode to vivid life. Already a winner of several film festival awards, Skin could well end up a contender among this year's Academy Award nominees.


To their credit, Sandra's parents apparently accepted her completely and treated her no differently than they did their other children. They repeatedly fought school administrators and the apartheid government over several years to have Sandra recognized as their child and ultimately designated "white" so she could enjoy the numerous privileges white Afrikaners had over blacks.

As Sandra matured, however, she ran afoul of her father by rejecting the various white suitors he set her up with and falling in love with a black neighbor. When Sandra bore her lover a baby out of wedlock, her father sadly turned from liberator to oppressor — with Sannie caught in the middle — in his treatment of her.


I found Skin riveting in the frequent shifting of its characters' justifications and allegiances. Abraham's changes most dramatically yet most easily, contrary to his heartfelt feelings for Sandra but faithful to the ideal life he envisions for her. This never seems contrived; rather, it is recognizable even in contemporary individuals and institutions.

Director and co-producer Anthony Fabian makes a very impressive feature debut after directing several short films and operas. He wisely keeps the politics in Skin focused on the family rather than the larger social structures that re-enforced apartheid, an approach that makes the vile system of legalized racism's effects all the more tangible.

Okonedo, an Oscar-nominee a few years back for Hotel Rwanda, is mesmerizing as Sandra from ages 17 to approximately 40. Even better, though, are Krige and the always-reliable Neill. It is wonderful to see Krige back on the big screen, her last notable role in the US having been the Borg Queen in Star Trek: First Contact. Krige brings extra credibility to Skin since she was herself raised in South Africa and witnessed apartheid first-hand.


There have already been two movies released this year — District 9 and Disgrace — significant for their reflections on apartheid, which was thankfully dismantled in the 1990's. Skin is even better and harder-hitting than those films because the Laing family's experience as shown is both more personal and has broader implications.

Instead of a girl like Sandra being born black to white parents today, she could be born physically or mentally disabled, lesbian or transgender, or with some other sign of different-ness that even her parents could deem unacceptable. GLBT viewers might feel particularly at home in the territory of discrimination and displacement traversed in Skin.

Click here to watch the trailer for Skin.

UPDATE: Skin is now available on DVD from Amazon.com.

Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.

Rabu, 28 Oktober 2009

Fave Vamps / Pop Culture Vamps

My Cineplex recently placed their Top 10 Pop Culture Vamps. Curious to who they picked? So was I! This is their list (or click through to visit their site & see images of the vamps themselves!):

10. Eli - Let the Right One In
9. Selene - Underworld
8. Barnabas Collins - Dark Shadows
7. Edward Cullen - The Twilight Saga
6. Eric & Bill - True Blood
5. David - The Lost Boys
4. Count Orlok - Nosferatu
3. Angel and Spike - Buffy The Vampire Slayer/Angel
2. Lestat - Interview with a Vampire (novel & 1st film noted)
1. Dracula

Interesting choices. I have to agree with Selene from Underworld, especially since she made my favourite characters list, and I'm a big fan of many of the TV vamps like Eric, Angel and Spike and of course the original Dracula. What makes a vamp hit a fave list though? Do they embrace or resist their vampiric tendancies? Are they seducers? Are they saviours? Or are the bad ass?

Some of my favourite vampires are Darla from Buffy/Angel, Godric from True Blood, Victoria in The Twilight Saga, Kostya and his father in Night Watch / Nochnoi Dozor, Boya from Blood & Donuts and Damon from Vampire Diaries.

Who are your favourite vampires?

Déjà vu Week: Canadian, North American & UK Box Office October 23, 2009 Weekend

I had a sense of déjà vu when looking up the new box office numbers as they are similar to last week with Law Abiding Citizen being #1 again in Canada and the same with Up being #1 in the UK. The #1 in North America did shift from Where the Wild Things Are to this week with Paranormal Activity. Looks like folks are getting revved up for Halloween scares! Saw VI follows suit and debuts at #2 in North America and the UK but only hits #5 in Canada. The more kid-friendly releases of Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant and Astro Boy both debut at in the #5-10 range, perhaps they were their own competition? Promising UK debut of Wes Anderson jump into animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox debuting at #3, it will be released here in Canada on Wednesday November 25, 2009 oddly for American Thanksgiving weekend.

Top 20 Movies in Canada for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Law Abiding Citizen
2. Couples Retreat
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. Paranormal Activity
5. Saw VI *
6. Astro Boy *
7. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
8. Zombieland
9. The Metropolitan Opera: Aida
10. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
11. The Stepfather
12. Amelia *
13. The Invention of Lying
14. A Serious Man
15. Surrogates
16. Capitalism: A Love Story
17. 5150 Elm's Way
18. Coco Before Chanel
19. An Education *
20. Whip It

Top 20 Movies in North America for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Paranormal Activity
2. Saw VI *
3. Where the Wild Things Are
4. Law Abiding Citizen
5. Couples Retreat
6. Astro Boy *
7. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
8. The Stepfather
9. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
10. Zombieland
11. Amelia *
12. A Serious Man
13. Toy Story & Toy Story 2 Double Feature in 3D
14. Good Hair
15. The Invention of Lying
16. Capitalism: A Love Story
17. Surrogates
18. Whip It
19. An Education
20. The Informant!

Top 10 Movies in the UK for the October 23, 2009 weekend
1. Up
2. Saw VI *
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox *
4. Couples Retreat
5. Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant *
6. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
7. The Invention of Lying
8. Zombieland
9. Fame (2009)
10. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

* indicates opening weekend in noted location, red text indicates Canadian film release

Source: Canada & North America info, UK info

MD News Desk: 3 More Days 'Til Halloween ... Halloween ... Halloween ...

Keep up to date with all the latest from the entertainment world with the MD News Desk:

Videodrone:
- Blast from the Past: the "Silver Shamrock" song from Halloween III: The Season of the Witch.

True Blood:
- Creator Alan Ball hints at what's to come in season 3 ...
- While Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello has the scoop on a whole batch of new characters.
- And just in time for Halloween: make your own True Blood jack o' lanterns!


Coming Soon:
- High School Musical director Kenny Ortega bails on the new Footloose.
- Sequel Watch: More Paranormal Activity and the return of Mad Max.
- Matt Damon and Josh Brolin are in discussions with Joel and Ethan Coen to join Jeff Bridges in their True Grit remake.
- Brolin is also a part of Woody Allen's latest, titled You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger; cast also includes Naomi Watts, Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas and Slumdog Millionaire's Freida Pinto.

The Latest on TV:
- Lots of classic tricks and treats this Halloween weekend, beginning with a special episode of CBS' Medium that finds Patricia Arquette in the middle of Night of the Living Dead on Friday.
- Also on Friday, Turner Classic Movies will air 11 Boris Karloff thrillers, followed by more thrills and chills during Saturday's Halloween marathon, including a salute to horrormeister Val Lewton.

RIP:
- Character actor Lou Jacobi, who played Mr. Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank on stage and screen, passed away Friday at the age of 95.

Cinematic Crushes:
- Ewan McGregor on playing Gore Vidal's dad in Amelia and kissing Jim Carrey in I Love You, Phillip Morris.
- While Melrose Place says goodbye to Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (good riddance), it will say hello to Billy Campbell.
- Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig sell the shirts off their backs ... for a good cause.

From Screen to Stage:
- It's Turkey Lurkey Time: Promises, Promises (the musical version of The Apartment) will return to Broadway starring Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth.
- The Nine soundtrack will hit stores in December.
- Loverly? Keira Knightley officially cast as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady remake; Daniel Craig rumored for Henry Higgins.
- The Full Monty to strut its way back to London.
- Craig Bierko, Dick Latessa and Sherie Rene Scott are in the Little Miss Sunshine family; plus: more on Like Water for Chocolate.
- Tony winner Michele Pawk plays Oscar winner Joan Crawford in …"Flesh and Blood!"
- Potted Potter, a parody of the Harry Potter books, returns to the West End once more for the Christmas season.

Out in Film:
- Photo Call: Cheyenne Jackson in Broadway's Finian's Rainbow.
- Lily Tomlin hits Vegas.
- Author Augusten Burroughs turns to television, including a series adaptation of his best-selling memoir Dry.
- Chaz Bono to tell all to Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight beginning tomorrow night.
- Alan Cumming chats with Playbill.com's Seth Rudetsky about his new solo album, I Bought a Blue Car Today.

GLBT Entertainment:
- Gay Nazis in love film Brotherhood wins big at the Rome Film Festival.
- I Want My Gay TV: out characters popping up on Trauma, White Collar and 90210.
- Watch This: the first trailer for Bruce LaBruce's Night of the Living Dead Porn Stars flick L.A. Zombie (NSFW).

Awards Watch:
- For the first time in 15 years, the Golden Globes will have a host: Ricky Gervais.

And the List Goes On:
- Forgetaboutit: Out.com takes a look at gay mobsters.

The Latest on DVD:
- Just in time for the holidays, a whole new take on those fireplace DVDs: Jingle Boys! Click here for a video preview.

Selasa, 27 Oktober 2009

"V" (1983)

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Writer/Dir: Kenneth Johnson ("Alien Nation", "JAG")
Cast: Marc Singer, Faye Grant, Jane Badler, Michael Wright, Evan Kim, Richard Herd, Robert Englund
USA, 1983 (TV)

Originally Seen: At home, sometime in the 80's
Revisited: October 24, 2009 on VHS! (197 minute Miniseries Part I & II)

Reason to see: Revisiting it for It Used to Scare Me Tuesdays

Whelp, I'm kinda cheating on this one as for the first time ever this is review of a TV Miniseries (197 minutes for Part I & II) and not an actual film. And, yes, I also wanted to revisit it for the upcoming TV series remake. BUT! It did used to scare me. And it is Tuesday. And I re-watched it just to review it. So.. that's enough, no?

Memories of the first viewing of "V" is a little foggy, and no doubt mixed in with the 80's TV series as well. I know it's foggy as I clearly remember some scenes and actors (Michael Ironside!) that weren't in this 2 Part Miniseries. But, putting that aside I still got a total kick out of revisiting it because now especially when I saw the obvious historical comments which I'm sure flew over my head the first time. I also loved it because it made me feel so nostalgic, as it was something that at home we all watched together. Yes, that is when the family would come together to sit down and watch TV together - for science fiction. Love that!

Seeing it this time round I was surprized at how few of the actors I recognized, except of course Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street, Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer) in a small but memorable role, but that added some mystery to it not knowing who would end up with who, or even who would make it to the end. Although we are bombarded by 80s fashion and technology, it isn't so distracting to stand out like a sore thumb as much as it can in other films. It actually gave it quite a cohesive feel in many respects as it was commented on and the differences between the two groups were often pointed out.

Although on the surface the film is a tale of aliens coming to Earth, the heart of the miniseries is really in examining freedom and the human spirit, which is a great theme for science fiction. It also questions morals, looks at the the pursuit of power and greed along with giving us great characters to latch onto along the way.

But, was it scary? Yes. What I remember previously that scared me was definitely the effects and they for the most part these practical effects hold up the test of time. But the effects are paired well with the idea behind the effects that strengthen the story and our perception, which makes them even better. Even moreso than the effects this time round, and like Dune, it was the ideas and concepts that are presented in general that are scary.

Now I'm all revved up to see the new miniseries started in November 2009!

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it to SciFi fans, especially if you enjoy aliens-among-us stories

Return to Film Reviews

© Shannon Ridler, 2009

DVDs Releases: October 27, 2009

It's Tuesday which means it's time to look at this weeks releases on DVD! I snuck in one Blu-Ray as it's an awesome pick but the set doesn't come out til next week. Most titles have DVD and Blu-rays released on the same day for new releases. Looks like lots of Halloween choices this year with several creepy films to choice from.

Piquant Picks:
I'm thrilled to share that the fantasitc Finnish horror/drama Sauna is being released on DVD today. It's harsh, dark and moody and was so glad I had a chance to see it back at TIFF'08 and what a treat. There was even a Q&A with director Antti-Jussi Annila which you can see selection from here. Keeping with the horror picks, Orphan comes to DVD today and I found it to be one of the scariest of the horror films released this year (only trumped by Paranormal Activity). The DVD release also boasts an alternate ending, which has me very curious. We also have the French animated omnibus film Fear(s) of the Dark animation featuring selections the following six directors Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Pierre Di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti and Richard McGuire. We also have the festival fave biopic Il Divo based on Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, which won the Cannes Jury Prize in 2008. I also found a bit of a wild card this week with Afterwards, which I'd never heard of but this drama did hit a few festivals. I piqued interest with cast including Evangeline Lilly, John Malkovich and Romain Duris and being a France/Canada/Germany co-production.

It's Not Film, But....
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan hits DVD today, it's directed by Adama himself: Edward James Olmos, and is a feature length prequel to the Battlestar Galactica TV series from the perspective of the Cylons. More TV goodness with a Blu-Ray release of the 1967 TV series "The Prisoner" with Patrick McGoohan. Great timing here in case you want to get revved up for the 2009 re-make of the series by AMC that stars James Caviezel and Ian McKellan.

Blast from the Past:
So, looking for creepy alien slug-like zombie turning frat party madness? That can only mean one thing. 1986's Night of the Creeps is coming to DVD.

Big Wigs
And now for films you've already heard a lot about! The animated three-quel Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is being released, along with Woody Allen's latest Whatever Works starring Larry David. If you are feeling holiday centric there is the parody Stan Helsing which came out in the theatre just last week, or rev up for Christmas with Nothing Like the Holidays.

What goes on your wish list?

Titles on Amazon.ca (Canada):



Titles if available on Amazon.com (US):

Pengikut