Senin, 30 November 2009
New Moon Mondays
In defence of New Moon, Vampires, Werewolves and Real Girls and Women
Awesome post here on reaction to the negativity that can and does surround the Twi-verse and also supporting the films and those who enjoy them. It's written by none other than my sister, Suzie!
Fan Made Eclipse posters
WTForks?! posted here about 2 fan made Eclipse posters. I continue to be amazed by the creative works in the fandom land out there. Personally, I love the top image and would love to see a white/black/red colour story for Eclipse but alas we have exactly 7 months to wait for the film!
New Moon Second Week Stays Strong
The Twilight Saga: New Moon still is in the #1 box office spot during it's second weekend (Nov 27-29, 2009), but was their any doubt? Current gross is $230 million. It's in the #1 spot here in Canada too and making $3.87million on second weekend in comparison to $10million in it's first. In terms of reactions and ratings go, it's holding at 30% on Rotten Tomatoes and 4.5 IMDb, has shifted one point down from 45 to 44 on Metacritic (with a 4.2 user rating) from last week
Beastly Teaser Trailer
Let's spread the creature love, shall we? Those in the T-Dot surely saw this trailer for Beastly during their screening of New Moon, but if you didn't you can see it over at the Beastly website. The film is a modern take on the Beauty and the Beast tale, stars Alex Pettyfer in the title role and also stars Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen and Neil Patrick Harris. Beastly is set to release July 30, 2010.
Bad Roomate Hits YouTube
![](file:///C:/Users/Shannon/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png)
Check out the film on YouTube: Watch Bad Roomate here.
Monthly Wallpaper - December 2009: Princesses
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUDQPTRFfElSfLDyezP9MWiqZ5vkL8f_jgupICuHA2v6NnXE1_IbPAqFdSr8yzKcKD50Kl8un6F0uQgTHfYyCpnVP5eixwPSe5ery8GHvFFaQNTt-G4Zgjk9hcgwKS6aEbagtLxOHQaKd/s400/Dec+09+MD+Wallpaper.jpg)
Joining Tiana are her fellow toon royals Snow White, Aurora, Jasmine and Ariel, as well as in the flesh favorites from The Princess Diaries, Roman Holiday and The Princess Bride. And speaking of flesh, we have a certain Crown Princess of Alderaan in her most infamous ensemble.
All you have to do is click on the picture above to enlarge it, then simply right click your mouse and select "Set as Background". (You can also save it to your computer and set it up from there if you prefer.) The size is 1024 x 768, but you can modify it if needed in your own photo-editing program.
Week in Film Vlog
Theatre: Ninja Assassin, Big Fan, Parking / Ting Che, The Road
Festival: Little Robbers at the European Film Festival
101 Films: Out of Africa
Random: The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), 27 Dresses, The International, The Orphanage
Minggu, 29 November 2009
Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 29: News to November 27, 2009
Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast - Episode 29 is up!
The Twilight Saga: New Moon is still riding high at the box office and breaking records of all kinds all over the place. Thiw week Marina & I's discuss the newest news to the film, including a few fun videos, interviews and more. Check it out over at Before the Dawn.
Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast is a weekly 1/2 hour podcast meeting all your audio Twilight needs!
Poll Results: Will You Replace your DVD Collection with Blu-Ray's?
A whopping 46% of us say a resounding No to replacing out DVD collections with Blu-Ray's. I know I don't have a Blu-Ray player yet, but who knows what time will bring us. I think my favourite response here is the 7% who voted DVDs? I like my VHS. Rock on, stick to your guns.
46% - No
23% - No, I'll buy new Blu Rays but keep DVDs
12% - I'm Planning on It
7% - Tie: No, New Technology Will Come Out and DVDs? I like my VHS.
2% - Yes, Already Done
46% - No
23% - No, I'll buy new Blu Rays but keep DVDs
12% - I'm Planning on It
7% - Tie: No, New Technology Will Come Out and DVDs? I like my VHS.
2% - Yes, Already Done
Podcast Archive
I love talking about film. Podcasts are such a great way to talk film and I've appeared as a guest several times and always look forward to the opportunity to guest on shows. I currently have 3 podcast: The Movie Moxie Podcast which is a spoiler-free film podcast, Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast with Marina Antunes which is a weekly podcast that explores the vampire romance world and phenomenon that is Twilight and Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural with Suzie Ridler where we explore paranormal & supernatural TV shows. See more about my podcasting, including audio editing services here.
Rather watch than listen? Check out my vlog archive for weekly film reviews and festival coverage.
Movie Moxie Podcast - A 100% spoiler-free film review podcast
You can also subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Subscribe through iTunes here.
Episode 37 - Priest, Inside Out 2011 and Vampire Films as a Genre
Episode 36 - Thor, Fast Five and Documentaries
Episode 35 - Hot Docs 2011, Water for Elephants, Repeaters, Art House Film
Episode 34 - In a Better World & Political Films as a Genre
Episode 33 - Hanna, Soul Surfer & Biopics as a Films Genre
Episode 32 - Insidious & Animated Films
Episode 31 - Sucker Punch, Hobo with a Shotgun & Martial Arts Films
Episode 30 - Cinéfranco 2011, Jane Eyre, Battle Los Angeles & War Films
Episode 29 - Red Riding Hood plus Werewolf Films as a Genre
Episode 28 - Adjustment Bureau, Beastly, Unknown plus Speculative Fiction as a Genre
Episode 27 - Oscars plus Sport Films
Episode 26 - I Am Number Four plus Coming of Age Films
Episode 25 - Small Town Murder Songs Interviews with Ed Gass-Donnelly & Aaron Poole, The Eagle, Gnomeo & Juliet plus Sword & Sandal Films
Episode 24 - Genie Noms, Sanctum, The Roommate plus Adventure Films
Episode 23 - Oscar Noms, The Rite, The Mechanice plus Crime Films
Episode 22 - Incendies, Blue Valentine, Green Hornet, Breathless and Romance as a Genre
Episode 21 - Season of the Witch, Country Strong and Historical Films as a Genre
Episode 20 - True Grit and Westerns as a Genre
Episode 19 - Tron: Legacy and Gaming as a Genre
Episode 18 - The King's Speech, Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Holiday Films and Family Films as a Genre
Episode 17 - Black Swan, Burlesque and Musicals as a Genre
Episode 16 - Faster and Favourite Relationships in Film in 2010
Episode 15 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Fantasy as a Genre
Episode 14 - Down Terrace, Monsters, Skyline, Unstoppable and Science Fcition as a Genre
Episode 13 - The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Aftershock and Mystery as a Genre
Episode 12 - Paranormal Activity 2, Score: A Hockey Musical, The Man From Nowhere and Supernatural as a Genre
Episode 11 - Red, Hereafter, Nowhere Boy and Comedy as a Genre
Episode 10 - The Social Network, StreetDance 3D, My Soul to Take and Horror as a Genre
Episode 9 - Buried, Let Me In and Thriller as a Genre
Episode 8 - Never Let Me Go and Drama as a Genre
Episode 7 - Interview with John Allison of the Dark Bridges Film Festival, Resident Evil: Afterlife (almost), Looking at Zombie as Genre
Episode 6 - Machete, Looking at Action as Genre
Episode 5 - Interviews with Eli Roth, Patrick Fabian & Ashley Bell of The Last Exorcism, plus reviews of The Expendables & Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Episode 4 - Interview with Melly Hocking, reviews of Piranha 3D & Eat Pray Love
Episode 3 - The Good The Bad The Weird, Step Up 3D & Finale (DVD)
Episode 2 - Toronto After Dark Line Up, Charlie St. Cloud, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Mr. Nobody, I Am Love & Ghost Writer (DVD)
Episode 1 - Salt, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, The Kids Are All Right & Espion(s) (DVD)
Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast
Episode 95: News to May 13, 2011 including Breaking Dawn photos
Episode 94: Celebrating out 2 year podcast anniversary we revisit where our journey began with revisiting the film Twilight
Episode 93: News to April 22, 2011 including a plethora of trailers for upcoming films
Episode 92: Our Top Ten Favourite Vampires
Episode 91: News to April 8, 2011 Including Breaking Dawn Teaser Poster & Cullen House Spotting
Episode 90: Jane Eyre Film Review
Episode 89: News to March 25, 2011 including casting news for Hunger Games & Snow White and the Huntsman
Episode 88: Red Riding Hood Film Review
Episode 87: News to March 11, 2011 including Eclipse Saturn Nomination
Episode 86: Female Centric Films
Episode 85: News to April 18, 2011 including Isle Esme photo and upcoming vamp films Harker & Last Voyage of Demeter
Episode 84: Top Ten Romantic Films
Episode 83: News to February 4, 2011 including Breaking Dawn Hot Film for 2011
Episode 82: Discussion on the Canadian TV Show Lost Girl, Season 1
Episode 81: News to January 24, 2011 Including Breaking Dawn Title Card & First Images
Episode 80: Most Anticipated Films of 2011
Episode 79: News to January 7, 2011 catching up on news over the holiday season
Episode 78: Eclipse DVD Review
Episode 77: Vampire Diaries Season 2 Discussion
Episode 76: News to Nov 19, 2010 including People's Choice Awards Noms and First Breaking Dawn Image
Episode 75: New Moon Commentary
Episode 74: News to Nov 5, 2010 including Breaking Dawn synopsis & casting
Episode 73: Lost Boys vs Near Dark Discussion
Episode 72: Horror Movie Discussion
Episode 71: News to October 15, 2010 Breaking Dawn Casting, Twilight & True Blood at Scream Awards
Episode 70: True Blood Season 3 Discussion
Episode 69: News to September 24, 2010 Eclipse Box Office, Breaking Dawn Production=nes
Episode 68: Moonlight Discussion
Episode 67: News to September 10, 2010 Eclipse DVD info, Scream nominations
Episode 66: Reading Recommendations
Episode 65: News to August 20, 2010 Eclipse Box Office, Breaking Dawn Rumours, Teen Choice Awards
Episode 64: Star Power Longevity: Harry Potter vs Twilight
Episode 63: News to August 6, 2010 Breaking Dawn Releases Dates, Cam Gigandet x a lot
Episode 62: Music of Eclipse Breaking Dawn Info, Runaways DVD review
Episode 61: News to July 26, 2010
Episode 60: Eclipse Post Mortem, we react to Eclipse reaction!
Episode 59: News to July 12, 2010 Eclipse box office, Twilight 8-bit game, vampire songs
Episode 58: Eclipse Film Review
Episode 57: News to June 25, 2010 including mammoth amount of cast & crew interviews
Episode 56: The Second Short Life of Bree Tanner discussion
Episode 55: News to June 11, 2010 including MTV Movie Awards & extended Eclipse clips
Episode 54: Eclipse Book Discussion
Episode 53: News to May 28, 2010 Oodles of Eclipse clips, images and news!
Episode 52: Vampire Diaries Season 1 Discussion
Episode 51: News to May 14, 2010 including Eclipse rating, score, soundtrack and cast on Oprah & film screenings
Episode 50: David Slade discussion
Episode 49: News to April 30, 2010 including Eclipse trailer reaction & Bill Condon announced as Breaking Dawn director
Episode 48: New Moon DVD Discussion
Episode 47: News to April 16, 2010 including Breaking Dawn director talk and cast & crew projects
Episode 46: The Runaways review
Episode 45: News to April 2, 2010 including lots of Eclipse images & news plus cast projects
Episode 44: Remember Me review
Episode 43: News to March 19, 2010 including New Moon DVD finally released & the Eclipse trailer
Episode 42: Reading recommendations
Episode 41: News to March 5, 2010 including gearing up for New Moon DVD release & cast & crew projects, awards & more
Episode 40: Discussion on Midnight Sun, a draft by Stephenie Meyer of Twilight from Edward's perspective which you can read here.
Episode 39: News to February 12, 2010 including even more about New Moon DVD editions, Eclipse images and cast news.
Episode 38: Twilight DVD Audio Commentary
Episode 37: News to January 29, 2010 including more on the New Moon DVD, Howard Shore scoring Eclipse, post Sundance buzz for cast films and more
Episode 36: Daybreakers discussion
Episode 35: News to January 15, 2010 including New Moon DVD deets, cast & crew updates and more
Episode 34: Upcoming 2010 Supernatural, Fantastical & Hybrid Films
Episode 33: News to January 1, 2009 including Twi on 2009 Top Lists
Episode 32: The Twi-Effect
Episode 31: News to December 11, 2009 including New Moon, Eclipse & Breaking Dawn
Episode 30: Reactions to The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Episode 29: News to November 27, 2009 including New Moon continuing to break records
Episode 28: The Twilight Saga: New Moon film review
Episode 27: News to November 13, 2009 including New Moon excitement and Eclipse poster
Episode 26: Looking ahead to New Moon - what we are looking forward to
Episode 25: News to October 30, 2009 including New Moon tours, music, etc
Episode 24: "The Vampire Diaries" revisited - discussing the first five episodes
Episode 23: News to October 16, 2009 including New Moon website updates
Episode 22: Vampire Lore
Episode 21: News to September 18, 2009 including third New Moon trailer
Episode 20: News to September 4, 2009 including New Moon Premiere info
Episode 19: "The Vampire Diaries" book discussion & TV show preview
Episode 18: News to August 21, 2009 including Eclipse filming and lots of speculation
Episode 17: All About Jacob
Episode 16: News to August 7, 2009 including casting news & New Moon images
Episode 15: Vampire Fashion
Episode 14: Links to news to July 24, audio unavailable
Episode 13: Twilight vs Buffy vs True Blood
Episode 12: News to July 10, 2009 including news on Eclipse
Episode 11: "New Moon" book discussion
Episode 10: News to June 26, 2009 plus Buffy vs Edward video
Episode 9: Where is Team Bella?
Episode 8: News to June 12, 2009 including cast interviews & "Nurse Jackie"
Episode 7: News to June 5, 2009 including New Moon Trailer, Little Ashes review
Episode 6: Edward Knows Best
Episode 5: News to May 22, 2009 including New Poster & Images
Episode 4: Music of the Twilight Universe
Episode 3: News to May 8, 2009
Episode 2: Character Introductions
Episode 1: The Appeal
Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural
My sister Suzie & I talk All supernatural TV, All the time
Subscribe to Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural via RSS feed here
Or through iTunes.
Episode 60 - May 12 - 18, 2011: Being Human UK S3, Supernatural & Vampire Diaries Season 2 Finale
Episode 59 - May 4 - 9, 2011: Being Human UK S3, Supernatural & Vampire Diaries
Episode 58 - April 22 - May 2, 2011: Being Human UK S3, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries & Paranormal State
Episode 57 - April 21 - 26, 2011: Being Human UK S3, Vampire Diaries, Paranormal State & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 56 - April 12 - 20, 2011: Being Human UK S3, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries, Paranormal State & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 55 - April 5 - 11, 2011: Being Human North American, Vampire Diaries, Paranormal State, Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1 and Supernatural Season 6 audio montage of the season so far
Episode 54 - March 29 - April 4, 2011: Being Human North American, Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1 and Vampire Diaries Season 2 audio montage of the season so far
Episode 53 - March 22- 28, 2011: Being Human North American & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 52 - March 15 - 21, 2011: Being Human North American, Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1 & Destination Truth Live From Ireland — The Search for the Banshee Ghost
Episode 51 - March 8 - 14, 2011: Being Human North American & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 50 - March 1 - 7, 2011: Being Human North American, Supernatural & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 49 - February 25 - 28, 2011: Being Human North American, Supernatural & Vampire Diaries
Episode 48 - February 17 - 24, 2011: Being Human North American, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 47 - February 10 - 15, 2011: Being Human North American, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 46 - February 3 - 8, 2011: Being Human North American, Supernatural, Vampire Diaries & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 45 - January 27 - 31, 2011: Being Human North American, Vampire Diaries & Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1
Episode 44 - January 20 - 25, 2011: Being Human North American, Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S1, The Cape and the Medium Series Finale
Episode 43 - January 14 - 17, 2011: Being Human North American Premiere
Episode 42 - Rebooting the Escapist TV episode
Episode 41 - December 9 - 12, 2010: Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and Lost Girl S1 Finale
Episode 40 - December 2 - 5, 2010: Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and Lost Girl
Episode 39 - November 25 - 28, 2010: Paranormal State, Ghost Prophecies, Lost Girl + Film Talk: Daybreakers & Suck
Episode 38 - November 18 - 21, 2010: Paranormal State, Supernatural, Lost Girl + Film Talk: A Single Man, Skyline and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
Episode 37 - November 11 -14, 2010: Paranormal State, Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Lost Girl + Film Talk: Paranormal Activity 2:
Episode 36 - October 29 - Nov 7, 2010: 2 weeks of Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and Lost Girl
Episodes 35 - Halloween Contest Winner Announcement
Episode 34 - October 20 - 24, 2010: Paranormal State, Vampire Diaries, Supernatural and Lost Girl
Episodes 33 - October 14-17, 2010: Lost Girl & Supernatural
Episodes 32 - October 7-11, 2010: Haven Finale, Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episodes 31 - September 30-October 1, 2010: Vampire Diaries, Lost Girl, Haven & Supernatural
Episodes 30 - September 23-28, 2010: Vampire Diaries, Lost Girl, Haven & Supernatural opener
Episodes 29 - September 14-17, 2010: Vampire Diaries, The Gates finale, Lost Girl and Haven
Episode 28 - September 9-13, 2010 TV: True Blood finale, Vampire Diaires opener, The Gates, Haven and series premiere of Lost Girl
Text Only: Fall 2010 Paranormal & Supernatural TV Line Up
Episode 27 - Aug 27-30, 2010 TV: True Blood & Haven
Episode 26 - Aug 20-23, 2010 TV: True Blood, The Gates & Haven
Episode 25 - Aug 13-16, 2010 TV: True Blood, The Gates & Haven
Episode 24 - Aug 6-9, 2010 TV: True Blood, The Gates & Haven
Episode 23 - Aug 1-2, 2010 TV: True Blood, The Gates & Haven
Episode 22 - July 25, 2010 TV: True Blood, The Gates & Haven
Episode 21 - July 18, 2010 TV: True Blood, The Gates & Haven
Episode 20 - July 11, 2010 TV: The Gates & True Blood
Episode 19 - June 27, 2010 TV: True Blood & The Gates
Episode 18 - June 20, 2010 TV: True Blood & The Gates
Episode 17 - June 13, 2010 TV: True Blood and Summer Paranormal TV
Episode 16 - May 13, 2010 TV: Supernatural Season Finale
Episode 15 - May 13, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries Season Finale
Episode 14 - May 6, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 13 - April 29, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 12 - April 22, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 11 - April 15, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 10 - April 8, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 9 - April 1, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 8 - March 25, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries & Supernatural
Episode 7 - Our favourite Escapist TV Shows
Episode 6 - Escaping from TV to film with escapist film
Episode 5 - March 8 - 17, 2010 TV: Medium (new) and Destination Truth (Big Foot & Nahuelita)
Episode 4 - March 1 - 7, 2010 TV: Medium (new) returns from hiatus
Episode 3 - Feb 22 - 28, 2010 TV: True Blood Discussion
Episode 2 - Feb 15 - 21, 2010 TV: Past Life (new) + Supernatural Discussion
Episode 1 - Feb 8 - 14, 2010 TV: Vampire Diaries (new), Supernatural (new) & Past Life (new)
Guest Appearances:
April 2011: Guest on Tuning into SciFi TV Saturday B Movie Reel chatting Sharktopus
April 2011: Guest on The Film Bomb Podcast at Fused Film
February 2011: Interviewed on Creative Living with Jamie
January 2011: After the Credits Ep 95 at Row Three - Counting Down Top 10 Films of 2010
June 2010: The Unnamed Movie Podcast Episode 54: discussing The Female Protagonist
March 2010: Bite on This: A Vampire Diaries Podcast Episode #15 Take A Bite roundtable episode with Angela & Willie along with guests Marcy, Chelsea and myself
February 2010: The Matineecast: Episode 6: review of Crazy Heart & Top 5 music movies
September 2009: The Unnamed Movie Podcast Episode 28: news, trailers and TIFF'09.
May 2009: The Unnamed Movie Podcast Bonus Episode: Spoiler discussion of Star Trek
March 2009: The Unnamed Movie Podcast Episode 10: horror film discussion & review The Thing
Reel Thoughts Interview: Marlo's New Role
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPheJEnYd9zpnuJ-2Bji3bu_Y8BwEEL1jKr6P98uuvxmgSfALHwHL1QMH6qhcjBYAwD1MEUA5l4apUeSrNHBQaVjA19Y3nRt9RGMu_wDO5Y73EyOrrm2S2XuTOWcFKe-_hJ5QKgbct9vn/s400/Marlo+Thomas+George+Is+Dead.jpg)
“It’s about marriage, and it’s about rich people and poor people, and Republicans and Democrats, and it’s also about a woman facing reality,” Thomas said. “It’s also hysterically funny — and I come from a family of comedians, so (it's a pleasure) for me to find something that’s that good a part and that good a story and where the comedy is really that strong.”
Thomas, daughter of legendary television pioneer Danny Thomas, began her career as kooky wannabe actress Ann Marie on That Girl, then created the pivotal children’s show, Free to Be, You and Me in the early ’70s. In George Is Dead, Thomas plays Doreen, a rich society wife whose entire existence is “being George’s wife.” It seems a strange role since in That Girl it was so important to Thomas that her character not get married.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe_dCmN2jh3rWRhgjsXPvxot6KLWcOEbhHOrcOBZ9sBcq86ldz1NPc_YrPfxOyvrBqSj6RTfAgC1JaYF3MxellxUDfGUeR_uubrUx5yW4o_QtWmKXaDgDRsiVrC-wgaIHEVlvhEgGElzx/s400/That+Girl.jpg)
“When I graduated from USC as an English teacher, all of my girlfriends were getting married – I was a bridesmaid like 17 times, and I thought, ‘I don’t want to get married!’” Thomas said in a phone interview during a break from rehearsal. “I had so many dreams that I wanted to fulfill. I couldn’t get enough of life, so to me, if I got married, I’d end up like my mother, who gave up her singing career and had three children and pretty much became ‘Mrs. Somebody.’”
Although Ann got engaged to Donald in the last season, That Girl didn’t end with a wedding. “I really felt that that would be a cop-out to all the girls who’d grown up on it and loved it and trusted Ann Marie – that if she got married in the last show, that would say that that was the only ‘happy ending.’ There are lots of happy endings … I think it was really important to keep the dream open.”
Written as a way to teach her niece Dionne about life, Thomas’ Free to Be, You and Me taught a whole generation about tolerance, acceptance and not putting up with gender stereotypes, including a forward-thinking scene about a boy who likes to play with dolls. Thirty-five years later, Thomas said, “I think socially we’re doing way better. We’re not there yet for gays and for women, or anybody, but we’re better off than we were when my niece was born in the ’70s.”
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv7jSF4hsUdpywyhkmEuOW9Gv0QdpXYv3m3gDQ2vgb7WsOKbDdX-3ouR0SgRx7MUJYJ1UL6vpB8zPjnK9mcPtv0ZJZIS6j7HgJENm4GDcSNUxc38MhJxUUc4YGOcdAn3h-X5pdLvZj4Xa/s400/Marlo+Thomas+Turkey.jpg)
In addition to her career as an actress, Thomas is a tireless advocate for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, founded by her father, for seriously ill children who can’t afford medical treatment. George Is Dead took a week off for Thanksgiving, so that Thomas can raise money for St. Jude’s. “It’s a really tough economy, and my father made a promise in 1962 when he opened the doors to St. Jude’s that no child would ever be turned away if their family couldn’t pay. That’s a very big promise to keep, and we have kept it since 1962,” Thomas said.
Arizona Theatre Company's production of George Is Dead continues through December 6 at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. For more information, see their official website.
Interview by Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.
Sabtu, 28 November 2009
MD Poll: A Toonful Christmas
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14m_hSGh3-ygezPxjQ0-yzKEtgB0iGPZ4H_s4H1hUxM8AhYF2x2edjHAJO92w2cDlFtHel0XHBgzgzN0Z2BHjXBVUFtlOxWKmNCt5nxayCF_4KQ-CObn3vuvwPbvXe07fnoZA7lTnJgQq/s400/Classic+Cartoon+Christmas.jpg)
From seasonal icons like Rudolph, Frosty and (of course) Santa to such toon stars as the Peanuts, Mr. Magoo and the Disney gang (not to mention a certain Grinch), these vintage classics still offer plenty of holiday cheer and nostalgia for audiences young and old alike, year in and year out.
Make your choice and place your vote in the MD Poll located in the right hand sidebar, and be sure to "toon" back in on December 19 for the results!
UPDATE: This poll is now closed; click here for the results, and click here to vote in the next MD Poll.
MD Poll: Frankly, My Dear ...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdnV1elEkP5bTrp-07C6tk40F0ZdbGNSAURpsw3WGmvF_9Tntht05F4Wx5MCqa88-eJYwjsR1rwHl-gWUY0cCOQieO9A9GEgUfWIUwH85C2xpqEgAlmlVw3qDONu0bhQ2HG87O1Ihq2PN/s400/Gone+With+the+Wind.jpg)
Following Mr. Smith in the male race was Leigh's husband Laurence Olivier, while fellow gay faves Judy Garland and Bette Davis rounded out the top 3 on the ladies' side. Also of note is Best Actor Oscar winner Robert Donat's ninth place finish and Rosalind Russell placing highest among The Women.
See the comments section below for the complete stats for both polls, and stay "tooned" for the next MD Poll.
Jumat, 27 November 2009
Reverend's Reviews: Le Comedie Francais Extraordinaire!
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Tati was a notorious perfectionist and would often tinker with his films even after their initial release (George Lucas wasn't the first director to do so, contrary to what fans of the original Star Wars series might think). Tati played M. Hulot himself — to hilarious effect — in addition to writing and directing. The downside of such extensive involvement apparently meant that there was little of his work Tati was truly satisfied with initially. Tati re-edited and even re-shot parts of M. Hulot's Holiday at least twice, first in the early 1960's and again in 1978 (Tati passed away in 1982). The current version, which premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, is considered the filmmaker's definitive vision.
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The M. Hulot films follow the title character, who was something of a predecessor to Peter Sellar's Inspector Clouseau, through various French locations and the chaos he leaves in his wake. Well-described in the restoration's press notes as a "bull in a China shop," Hulot inadvertently turns funerals, tennis matches, beaches and fireworks displays into opportunities for riotous laughter.
Almost entirely reliant on sight gags, M. Hulot's Holiday and Tati's other productions benefit from a visual and comedic-timing precision rarely utilized today. Then again, trying to imitate the masterful Tati would likely prove a foolhardy exercise.
Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.
Reel Thoughts: Homefront
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Woody Harrelson and the handsome Ben Foster (Angel in X-Men: The Last Stand) costar in Oren Moverman’s The Messenger, a touching look at the war from the eyes of the people left behind at home.
It’s hard to think of a storyline more fraught with scenes of human drama: Officer Will Montgomery (Foster) is paired with the hardened Lt. Stone (Harrelson) to finish out his tour of duty notifying the next-of-kin that their loved ones have died in Iraq.
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I was a basket case after the first encounter, a heart-rending meeting with Portia and Yaya DaCosta (All My Children) as the mother and pregnant girlfriend, respectively, of a soldier killed in action. Steve Buscemi and Samantha Morton play two of the next next-of-kin in equally emotionally gripping scenes. While Stone has hardened himself against the job, Montgomery knows that their duty lies in giving the family some brief flash of human compassion.
Moverman’s film is paced in a leisurely way that allows us to really meet and know the two men, and understand the scars they carry from their war experiences. Each man is changed by the other, and their relationship is real and involving. I hope Oscar voters consider the great performances by Foster and Harrelson.
The Messenger is a good tool for supporters of “Don’t ask-don’t tell” — after watching the film, anyone would think twice before joining up.
UPDATE: The Messenger is now available on DVD
Review by Neil Cohen, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and Phoenix's Echo Magazine.
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009! I have to admit I'm a little jealous of our American friends as they are likely in blissful tryptophan recovery mode. Ah, turkey. We'll it's less than a month until Christmas so the day will come. Oh my. That means we are really getting down to wire with 2009 releases. Let's see what we have this week.
Most of the Friday releases are in limited release this week with a selection of 5 films to choose from. Two picks of the week that I can recommend are the Taiwanese drama Parking which is beautifully shot and has compelling performances. Also for consideration, Big Fan starring Patton Oswalt as a die hard New York Giants fan from the writer of The Wrestler. We also have festive cheer in full force with Cooper's Camera, a Canadian film that is a found footage-esque comedy about a family Christmas in the 80's caught on a VHS camcorder. Also in release is New York, I Love You and omnibus film in the same vein as Paris, je t'aime and the comedy Absurdistan.
In wide release this week we have just one release with the long time coming yet still highly anticipated, The Road, based on the post-apocolyptic book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy ("No Country for Old Men"), directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition) and starring Viggo Mortenson. The release has shifted a few times, and there had been awards buzz on it for a while although when I saw it at TIFF the reaction was rather mixed.
Already in wide release from Wednesday November 25, 2009 are Fantastic Mr. Fox, Old Dogs and the bloody good time that is Ninja Assassin.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
Continues until November 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Labour International Film Festival
Continues until November 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
Continues until December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Wednesday November 25, 2009 Releases
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Dir: Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums)
Voices: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston
USA/UK
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Ninja Assassin
Dir: James McTeigue (V for Vendetta)
Cast: Rain, Naomie Harris, Shô Kosugi, Rick Yune, Ben Miles, Randall Duk Kim, Sung Kang
USA/Germany
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Old Dogs
Dir: Walt Becker (Wild Hogs, Van Wilder)
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Matt Dinnon, Seth Green, Bernie Mac
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday November 27, 2009 Releases
Absurdistan
Dir: Veit Helmer (Gate to Heaven)
Cast: Kristyna Malérová,Maximillian Mauff
Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Big Fan
Writer/Dir: Robert D. Siegel - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Jonathan Hamm, Gino Cafarelli, Michael Rapaport
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Cooper's Camera
Dir: Warren P. Sonoda (5ive Girls)
Cast: Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Mike Beaver, Dave Foley, Peter Keleghan
Canada
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, Trailer on YouTube
New York, I Love You
Dirs: Fatih Akin, Yvan Attal, Allen Hughes, Shunji Iwai, Wen Jiang, Joshua Marston, Mira Nair, Brett Ratner, Randall Balsmeyer, Shekhar Kapur, Natalie Portman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Robin Wright Penn, Christina Ricci, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Julie Christie
France/USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Parking / Ting Che
Writer/Dir: Chung Mong-Hong - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Chang Chen, Lu-Mei Kwai, Leon Dai, Chapman To, Jack Kao, Peggy Tseng
Taiwan
Limited Release
More info at Evokative Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Road
Dir: John Hillcoat (The Proposition)
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 27, 2009**
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009! I have to admit I'm a little jealous of our American friends as they are likely in blissful tryptophan recovery mode. Ah, turkey. We'll it's less than a month until Christmas so the day will come. Oh my. That means we are really getting down to wire with 2009 releases. Let's see what we have this week.
Most of the Friday releases are in limited release this week with a selection of 5 films to choose from. Two picks of the week that I can recommend are the Taiwanese drama Parking which is beautifully shot and has compelling performances. Also for consideration, Big Fan starring Patton Oswalt as a die hard New York Giants fan from the writer of The Wrestler. We also have festive cheer in full force with Cooper's Camera, a Canadian film that is a found footage-esque comedy about a family Christmas in the 80's caught on a VHS camcorder. Also in release is New York, I Love You and omnibus film in the same vein as Paris, je t'aime and the comedy Absurdistan.
In wide release this week we have just one release with the long time coming yet still highly anticipated, The Road, based on the post-apocolyptic book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy ("No Country for Old Men"), directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition) and starring Viggo Mortenson. The release has shifted a few times, and there had been awards buzz on it for a while although when I saw it at TIFF the reaction was rather mixed.
Already in wide release from Wednesday November 25, 2009 are Fantastic Mr. Fox, Old Dogs and the bloody good time that is Ninja Assassin.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
Continues until November 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Labour International Film Festival
Continues until November 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
Continues until December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Official Film Site,
Official Film Site,
Old Dogs
Dir: Walt Becker (Wild Hogs, Van Wilder)
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Matt Dinnon, Seth Green, Bernie Mac
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday November 27, 2009 Releases
Absurdistan
Dir: Veit Helmer (Gate to Heaven)
Cast: Kristyna Malérová,Maximillian Mauff
Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Writer/Dir:
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Cooper's Camera
Dir: Warren P. Sonoda (5ive Girls)
Cast: Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Mike Beaver, Dave Foley, Peter Keleghan
Canada
New York, I Love You
Dirs: Fatih Akin, Yvan Attal, Allen Hughes, Shunji Iwai, Wen Jiang, Joshua Marston, Mira Nair, Brett Ratner, Randall Balsmeyer, Shekhar Kapur, Natalie Portman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Robin Wright Penn, Christina Ricci, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Julie Christie
France/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Writer/Dir:
More info at Evokative Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Road
Dir: John Hillcoat (The Proposition)
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 27, 2009**
Parking / Ting Che
Writer/Dir: Chung Mong-Hong - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Chang Chen, Lu-Mei Kwai, Leon Dai, Chapman To, Jack Kao, Peggy Tseng
Taiwan, 2009
Reason to see: Love Taiwanese films
I love the title of Parking and how it relates to the film. Does parking mean waiting? Not moving? Can anything happen when you are simply waiting and not moving? What if parking is not intentional? All of these ideas are explored bringing an unlikely series of encounters on the evening of Mother's Day in Taipei. The film has an amazing sensitivity throughout, whethere it is dealing with harsh subject matter or everyday life, or both.
The characters we are introduced to are all mostly defined & credited by their jobs, but the main character Chen Mo (played by Chang Chen) whom we spend most of the time with is really hard to read, which completely works. I was captivated by his character, never knowing what he would do next. Chang Chen (Red Cliff / Chi ba, 2046, Blood Brothers / Tian Tang Kou) does an amazing job reeling in the audience in his portrayal of this subtle character whom at times ranges from casual indifference to being genuinely sweet.
The film is beautifully shot, and the colours are gorgeous and alive brightening up the screen often at the most unlikely times. The high contrast used is bold and it works as it highlights how different the worlds within the lives of the different characters are. Knowing those lives are all very separate, somehow it manages to pull them all together just as it can shift the tone of the film from indifferent to brutal to tenderhearted seamlessly.
Parking is a real treat, don't sit and wait in the car - get out there and catch it while you can.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it to art house fans and drama fans who like a touch of crime
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Taiwan, 2009
Reason to see: Love Taiwanese films
I love the title of Parking and how it relates to the film. Does parking mean waiting? Not moving? Can anything happen when you are simply waiting and not moving? What if parking is not intentional? All of these ideas are explored bringing an unlikely series of encounters on the evening of Mother's Day in Taipei. The film has an amazing sensitivity throughout, whethere it is dealing with harsh subject matter or everyday life, or both.
The characters we are introduced to are all mostly defined & credited by their jobs, but the main character Chen Mo (played by Chang Chen) whom we spend most of the time with is really hard to read, which completely works. I was captivated by his character, never knowing what he would do next. Chang Chen (Red Cliff / Chi ba, 2046, Blood Brothers / Tian Tang Kou) does an amazing job reeling in the audience in his portrayal of this subtle character whom at times ranges from casual indifference to being genuinely sweet.
The film is beautifully shot, and the colours are gorgeous and alive brightening up the screen often at the most unlikely times. The high contrast used is bold and it works as it highlights how different the worlds within the lives of the different characters are. Knowing those lives are all very separate, somehow it manages to pull them all together just as it can shift the tone of the film from indifferent to brutal to tenderhearted seamlessly.
Parking is a real treat, don't sit and wait in the car - get out there and catch it while you can.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it to art house fans and drama fans who like a touch of crime
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Big Fan
Writer/Dir: Robert D. Siegel - feature film directorial debut
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Jonathan Hamm, Gino Cafarelli, Michael Rapaport
USA, 2009
Reason to see: Impressed with clips from Gotham Awards nomination announcement, and it's up for 2 awards: breakthrough actor (Patton Oswalt) and breakthrough director (Robert D. Siegel)
Big Fan introduces us to Paul (played brilliantly by Patton Oswalt), a die hard New York Giants fan. When I say die hard, I mean truly spends every waking moment thinking about the team, the last game, the next game, the season overall, etc. He shares the love of the game with his buddy Sal, played by Kevin Corrigan, but everyone else in his life thinks he's wasting his time and should be trying to make something of himself. But there is a catch here, as Paul has no desire to change which creates an interesting conundrum for the audience. Do we side with the main character, or those who are constantly at him from all angles? Even more interesting, that may be the strongest emotional thread in the film but there is so much more. Paul is constantly at battle with his greatest joy and becomes directly involved in as an obstacle to that joy.
The film is written and directed by Robert D. Siegel, who wrote The Wrestler, and there are few themes that the two films share beyond being sports films. They both have really deep connections to characters that feel simple yet complicated at the same time and really hit the audience hard on an emotional level. It's quite amazing that with Big Fan, a film with such a singular focus can manage to keep you guessing throughout. The acting is what makes this film a huge stand out, Patton Oswalt as Paul is phenomenal especially when interacting with his on screen mother played by Marcia Jean Kurtz. Kevin Corrigan is rock solid as Paul's best, and possibly only, friend.
It's a completely different spin on for a sports drama, and one that is well worth checking out.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as fans of dramas, sport films and compelling stories
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Cast: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Jonathan Hamm, Gino Cafarelli, Michael Rapaport
USA, 2009
Reason to see: Impressed with clips from Gotham Awards nomination announcement, and it's up for 2 awards: breakthrough actor (Patton Oswalt) and breakthrough director (Robert D. Siegel)
Big Fan introduces us to Paul (played brilliantly by Patton Oswalt), a die hard New York Giants fan. When I say die hard, I mean truly spends every waking moment thinking about the team, the last game, the next game, the season overall, etc. He shares the love of the game with his buddy Sal, played by Kevin Corrigan, but everyone else in his life thinks he's wasting his time and should be trying to make something of himself. But there is a catch here, as Paul has no desire to change which creates an interesting conundrum for the audience. Do we side with the main character, or those who are constantly at him from all angles? Even more interesting, that may be the strongest emotional thread in the film but there is so much more. Paul is constantly at battle with his greatest joy and becomes directly involved in as an obstacle to that joy.
The film is written and directed by Robert D. Siegel, who wrote The Wrestler, and there are few themes that the two films share beyond being sports films. They both have really deep connections to characters that feel simple yet complicated at the same time and really hit the audience hard on an emotional level. It's quite amazing that with Big Fan, a film with such a singular focus can manage to keep you guessing throughout. The acting is what makes this film a huge stand out, Patton Oswalt as Paul is phenomenal especially when interacting with his on screen mother played by Marcia Jean Kurtz. Kevin Corrigan is rock solid as Paul's best, and possibly only, friend.
It's a completely different spin on for a sports drama, and one that is well worth checking out.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as fans of dramas, sport films and compelling stories
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Barbies Galore
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The set includes Honor Blackman as Pussy Galore in Goldfinger, Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder in Dr. No and Halle Berry as Jinx in Die Another Day. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to Famke Janssen as GoldenEye's Xenia Onatopp, complete with Kung-Fu Grip© thighs.
Available next month, click the following to order the
James Bond Girls Barbie Doll Assortment Case
Kamis, 26 November 2009
Ninja Assassin
USA/Germany, 2009
Seen: November 25, 2009 at AMC
Reason to see: Ninjas!
Ninja Assassin has achieved a feat extraordinarily rare these days. It is not only the exact movie you think it is going to be from trailer (yes, that's a good thing... I had trailers that misrepresent!), but it goes beyond that and has even more to it. Albeit not a lot, but enough that it kept my attention 100% of the time. I knew it would be a fun movie, but it's more than fun as it serves up a bloody good time and even has a little heart too. Sure, some of the plot seems a little ridiculous but doesn't even try to hide that which makes it all the more awesome. It's completely aware of what kind of film it is and doesn't pretend to be anything else. And, it's about ninjas! How can you not like a film about ninjas? Fun times.
In terms of performances, this is Rain's movie as he steals the show as the ninja Raizo and he certainly did a lot of preparation for the role including 8 month of training. That preparation paid off as he's in ridiculously good physical condition and is very convincing in the fight scenes. The martial arts and action sequences are a great combination of intensity, interesting sets and creative lighting. I've heard a fair amount of people complain that they appear too dark but I think it's just right as it adds and air of mystery, and darkness kind of fits in with the, y'know... whole ninja thing. Overall, the fighting was freaking kick butt, and as gory as the results ended up the chain with the knife weapon was amazing. This film totally delivers in action, intensity and lots and lots of blood.
Warnings: Blood, gore, and several pretty strenuous/violent scenes with kids
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it as a fun action/martial arts film - but be ready for the buckets of blood
19 minutes (!) of preshow including 3 commercials and 6 previews: Sherlock Holmes, The Book of Eli, The Wolfman (2010), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Avatar and Shutter Island
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Rabu, 25 November 2009
Reverend's Reviews: The Road Less Traveled
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AYS7ZUrVyCBWx6h73YL1Xlft7RZ0pW1eBoxLdTLE32eStRE-edFEwlOgsPGUCUBpf7eRAg7mUXvFKkcQtObBFIpHj4yd4Ch97v3cmy2wWRaFk7htSJuErzpNIumD3rM9SA993zhsdp5l/s400/Road+1.jpg)
A powerful film adapted from Cormac McCarthy's powerful apocalyptic novel, The Road is a stylistic polar opposite from the current blockbuster 2012. While I enjoyed 2012 for its mother-of-all-disaster-movie pretensions and amazing special effects, The Road is a far more realistic and, subsequently, more disturbing picture. As a result, The Road is unlikely to gross $400 million+ internationally à la 2012, but it is well worth seeing.
An unspecified disaster has decimated the world and humanity. Food, drinkable water, heat, shelter and medication are all in short supply. The film follows two survivors, a father (Viggo Mortensen, who was also on hand and honored with a retrospective video at the premiere) and young son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who — true to the book — are never specified by name, as they struggle to make it through a desolate wilderness populated by bands of other, violent survivors who have resorted to cannibalism. The Road is a far cry from what Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour had in mind back in the 1940's!
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Theron appears in occasional flashbacks as the pair's also-nameless wife and mother, who is unable/unwilling to share in her family members' effort to reach the coast. While her role is small and not exactly sympathetic, Theron is haunting in it and makes her presence felt throughout the majority of the film.
Mortensen, a talented man who became an actor via earlier, enduring interests in painting and horse training and made a big splash as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, is excellent as a man who would do anything to assure the protection of his child. A scene where he teaches his son to commit suicide with the one remaining bullet in their gun should he fall into the cannibals' hands is disturbing to be sure, but what else would a concerned father do stripped of all other options? I won't be surprised if Mortensen is nominated for the Academy Award for best actor this year in light of his brave, whole-hearted commitment (which includes a pair of nude scenes) to his character's moral and physical desperation.
As the son, Smit-McPhee's inexperience shows at times but he nonetheless gives an effective, affecting performance. Having read the novel, I had pictured the boy a bit younger and sicklier. Director John Hillcoat may have been uncomfortable exposing a younger child to such a dark scenario, although he and screenwriter Joe Penhall wisely eschew a couple of the book's most graphic incidents of inhumanity.
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The Road is one of the most faithful translations of a novel to cinema that I've ever seen. Watching it was one of the very rare instances when I felt the film captured the book almost exactly as I had envisioned things while reading it. I wasn't a big fan of the acclaimed No Country for Old Men, also based on a McCarthy novel, largely due to the tortured, fluctuating morality of its characters. While its characters face some ethical conundrums, The Road provides at once a more clear-cut and a more thorough exploration of the darkness — as well as the light — that inhabits the souls of men, women and children alike.
Initially, I felt the movie's hopeful climax was a bit too optimistic, especially in comparison with the book. But then I re-read the novel's finale and confirmed that the film is more faithful than I recalled, despite the addition of a friendly canine.
Go see The Road. See 2012 too, then come back and tell me which you think is the more literate as well as the more realistic of these two, effective doomsday epics.
UPDATE: The Road is now available on DVD
Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.
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