Minggu, 31 Oktober 2010
Sabtu, 30 Oktober 2010
MD Poll: Let's Sing a Gay Little Show Tune
Then get out your tap shoes, Francis, this is the MD Poll for you! We've compiled a list of the biggest, gayest movie musicals of all time, and now it is your turn to pick, well, the biggest and gayest!
Choose your favorite and place your vote in the poll located in the right hand sidebar. Results will be revealed on Saturday December 18!
UPDATE: This poll is now closed; click here for the results, and click here to vote in the latest MD Poll.
Films on TMN in November 2010
Must-See's
Biggies
- The Runaways - really stellar biopic centred two band members of The Runaways, and the casting and performances here are great with Kristen Stewart (Twilight) as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga: New Moon) as Cherie Currie. I really enjoyed the femme centric nature of the double female protagonist film that embraces the freedom & fun equally alongside the frantic & gritty time and situations.
- Chloe - erotic thriller from Atom Egoyan starring Julianne Moore, Amanda Seyfred and Liam Neeson. Lovingly set and featuring Toronto as it's setting and from that perspective along it's fun to watch and point out all the familiar haunts. And the acting and tone is very good too :)
Biggies
- Edge of Darkness - Mel Gibson stars in this eeriely different take on vengeance film that's cut from an older cloth that what I think we are used to in a CSI centric crime world.
- The Bounty Hunter - couldn't pay me to see this Jennifer Aniston / Gerard Butler ex's and resistant to each others company rom com. Actually, I would watch it if you paid me - but only if you did.
- The Boys: The Sherman Brother's Story - documentary on songwriters for Disney tunes? Yep. I'm there. Trailers certainly looked charming and I'm looking forward to catching up with this one.
- From Paris, With Love - I'ma little surprzied I didn't get out to this action/thriller in the theatre but it looked like it might be just over the edge of brutal. I loved District B13 / Banlieue B13from director Pierre Morel, but found Taken a little too harsh. But, my curiosity is piqued to see what trouble John Travolta and Jonathan Rhys Meyers get up to in this one.
- Leap Year - sure the rom com looks extremely predictable but it also looks pretty cute and I love the cast of Amy Adams, Matthew Goode and Adam Scott.
- I know I already talked about both of them last month but with late October starts both In Treatment Season 3 and Durham Country Season 3 continue in November with new episodes on HBO Canada.
- Looking to spot Twi-Stars? Along with the aforementioned The Runaways with the ladies of the saga, you can all check out the gents this month in Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson and Valentines' Day starring Taylor Lautner.
- The Taking of Pellum One Two Three - starring Walther Matthau and Robert Shaw, this is an one absolutely fantastic heist drama centred on a subway train. The film is great overall and it features one of my favourite opening ever as it features the funkiest music that won't ever let you forget it came out in the 1970s.
MD Poll: Bloody Good Costumes
Johnny Depp's take on the Mad Hatter came in a close second, while Glee's Sue Sylvester rounded on the top three Halloween costume ideas. See the comments section below for the complete stats.
Jumat, 29 Oktober 2010
Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010! This is one of the few times I'm coming to you from another part of the globe - I'm in San Francisco! Rice a roni! Streetcars! And most importantly my brother's wedding! It's gonna rock.*
In limited release this week we have the new UK comedy Tamara Drewe along with Handsome Harry and for the documentary fans today we have Inside Job today as well as the much loved documentary comedy Winnebago Man which opened on Thursday Oct 28, 2010 at the Lightbox. More limited release titles for Oct 29, 2010 include Aftershock and documentaries Best Worst Movie and You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo.
In wide release this week we have to completely differently veined film choices for you holiday weekend. My pick would definitely be The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes, the third and final film in the Millenium / Men Who Hate Women trilogy and again stars Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander & Michael Nyqvist and Mikael Blomkvist, and is directed by Daniel Alfredson (who directed part 2 The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden), and completes the saga that began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor. We also have Saw 3D. You saw this one coming didn't you? The puzzle of all puzzles. The Saw's of all Saw's. The seventh Saw. Can you believe we've had 6 of them already? One of year since the original back Saw in 2004. So of course it's in 3D and coming out just before Halloween. And it's apparently the last one - but we've heard that before, haven't we?
Looking for scary film recommendations? There are tons a plenty over at my most recent episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast were I take on the supernatural as a film genre. Check it out here.
Have a great Halloween weekend!
Shannon
Special screenings
Halloween weekend at the Lightbox Oct 29 & 30, 2010
A fantastic selection of late night scares and dares come out to play with screenings of Dog Soldiers, The House of the Devil, S&M Man and The Loved Ones along with a Planet of the Vampires & Alien double bill. I highly recommend checking out some of these films, in particular The Loved Ones -it's messed up in all the right ways.
See more information on the screenings see here.
LENNONYC (dir: Michael Epstein), documentary centred on John Lennon, Yoko Ono and son Sean during the 1970s in New York City. LENNONYC screens on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor as a part of the monthly Doc Soup screening series by Hot Docs. Check here for more information.
Festival Watch
International Diaspora Film Festival
October 28 - November 6, 2010 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 3 - 6, 2010 at Lord Dufferin Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thursday October 28, 2010 Releases
Winnebago Man
Dir: Ben Steinbauer - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Friday October 29, 2010 Releases
Aftershock / Tangshan dadizhen
Dir: Xiaogang Feng (The Banquet, A World Without Thieves, The Dream Factory)
Cast: Jingchu Zhang, Daoming Chen, Chen Li, Fan Xu, Yi Lu
China
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Best Worst Movie
Dir: Michael Paul Stevenson
Documentary with a 'where are they now' vibe on the people involved as well as the fans of the cult classic film Troll 2
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes
Dir: Daniel Alfredson (The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden)
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist
Sweden/Denmark/Germany
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Handsome Harry
Dir: Bette Gordon (Luminous Motion, Empty Suitcases)
Cast: Jamie Sheridon, Steve Buscemi, Mariann Mayberry, Aidan Quinn
Limited Release
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Inside Job
Dir: Charles Ferguson (No End In Sight)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Saw 3D
Dir: Kevin Greutert (Saw VI)
Cast: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Gina Holden, Betsy Russell, Costas Mandylor, Dean Armstrong, Chad Donella
Canada/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Tamara Drewe
Dir: Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity)
Cast: Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, Roger Allam, Bill Camp
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo
Dir: Luc Côté & Patricio Henriquez - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary
Australia/Canada/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 29, 2010**
For this issue only will be estimated releases, to be revised to reflect any additional releases. Revised to include all releases.
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 29, 2010! This is one of the few times I'm coming to you from another part of the globe - I'm in San Francisco! Rice a roni! Streetcars! And most importantly my brother's wedding! It's gonna rock.*
In limited release this week we have the new UK comedy Tamara Drewe along with Handsome Harry and for the documentary fans today we have Inside Job today as well as the much loved documentary comedy Winnebago Man which opened on Thursday Oct 28, 2010 at the Lightbox. More limited release titles for Oct 29, 2010 include Aftershock and documentaries Best Worst Movie and You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo.
In wide release this week we have to completely differently veined film choices for you holiday weekend. My pick would definitely be The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes, the third and final film in the Millenium / Men Who Hate Women trilogy and again stars Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander & Michael Nyqvist and Mikael Blomkvist, and is directed by Daniel Alfredson (who directed part 2 The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden), and completes the saga that began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo / Män som hatar kvinnor. We also have Saw 3D. You saw this one coming didn't you? The puzzle of all puzzles. The Saw's of all Saw's. The seventh Saw. Can you believe we've had 6 of them already? One of year since the original back Saw in 2004. So of course it's in 3D and coming out just before Halloween. And it's apparently the last one - but we've heard that before, haven't we?
Looking for scary film recommendations? There are tons a plenty over at my most recent episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast were I take on the supernatural as a film genre. Check it out here.
Have a great Halloween weekend!
Shannon
Special screenings
Halloween weekend at the Lightbox Oct 29 & 30, 2010
A fantastic selection of late night scares and dares come out to play with screenings of Dog Soldiers, The House of the Devil, S&M Man and The Loved Ones along with a Planet of the Vampires & Alien double bill. I highly recommend checking out some of these films, in particular The Loved Ones -it's messed up in all the right ways.
See more information on the screenings see here.
LENNONYC (dir: Michael Epstein), documentary centred on John Lennon, Yoko Ono and son Sean during the 1970s in New York City. LENNONYC screens on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor as a part of the monthly Doc Soup screening series by Hot Docs. Check here for more information.
Festival Watch
International Diaspora Film Festival
October 28 - November 6, 2010 at Innis Town Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Regent Park Film Festival
A free event with complimentary childcare
November 3 - 6, 2010 at Lord Dufferin Public School in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Thursday October 28, 2010 Releases
Winnebago Man
Dir: Ben Steinbauer - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Friday October 29, 2010 Releases
Aftershock / Tangshan dadizhen
Dir: Xiaogang Feng (The Banquet, A World Without Thieves, The Dream Factory)
Cast: Jingchu Zhang, Daoming Chen, Chen Li, Fan Xu, Yi Lu
China
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Best Worst Movie
Dir: Michael Paul Stevenson
Documentary with a 'where are they now' vibe on the people involved as well as the fans of the cult classic film Troll 2
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest / Luftslottet som sprängdes
Dir: Daniel Alfredson (The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden)
Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist
Sweden/Denmark/Germany
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Handsome Harry
Dir: Bette Gordon (Luminous Motion, Empty Suitcases)
Cast: Jamie Sheridon, Steve Buscemi, Mariann Mayberry, Aidan Quinn
Limited Release
USA
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Inside Job
Dir: Charles Ferguson (No End In Sight)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Saw 3D
Dir: Kevin Greutert (Saw VI)
Cast: Tobin Bell, Cary Elwes, Gina Holden, Betsy Russell, Costas Mandylor, Dean Armstrong, Chad Donella
Canada/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Tamara Drewe
Dir: Stephen Frears (The Queen, Dirty Pretty Things, High Fidelity)
Cast: Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, Roger Allam, Bill Camp
UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
You Don't Like the Truth: 4 Days Inside Guantanamo
Dir: Luc Côté & Patricio Henriquez - feature film directorial debuts
Documentary
Australia/Canada/UK
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 29, 2010**
For this issue only will be estimated releases, to be revised to reflect any additional releases. Revised to include all releases.
Reverend's Reviews: Monsters & Magicians
Despite its gigantic, squid-like aliens from outer space that have crash-landed in northern Mexico, Monsters (from Magnet Releasing) conjured memories for me of Frank Capra's 1934 comedy classic, It Happened One Night. In that earlier film, Clark Cable plays a reporter who is employed by the wealthy father of an engaged heiress (Claudette Colbert) to hunt his runaway daughter down and escort her home. The sci-fi and serious Monsters similarly has a publishing tycoon hiring one of his lower-level, Mexico-based photographers to safely accompany his soon-to-be-married daughter (well played by real-life partners Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able) across the "infected zone" that bumps up against the US border. In both films, the two protagonists end up falling in love before the end.
Monsters, written and directed by Gareth Edwards, is a marvel of low budget (reportedly less than $500,000), economic storytelling that boasts impressive visual effects. In addition to the title creatures, there are effective shots of destroyed cities and buildings as well as spectacular, all-natural views of Central American landscapes and sunsets. The actors aren't as accomplished but they don't hamper Edwards' efforts to tell a thoroughly compelling story.
One can ascribe various parallels and analogies to Monsters, with the plight of human immigrants from the southern hemisphere being the most obvious but the difficulty we have accepting anyone/anything different from ourselves also apparent. Although the movie is set in the present day, we are told at the outset that a NASA probe carrying samples of an alien life form broke up over Mexico six years prior. A massive concrete wall was subsequently built by the US along the border with Mexico, which the powerful yet sympathetic aliens end up breaching (not surprisingly) by the film's end.
The Magician (Regent Releasing), meanwhile, has little in common with either classic comedy or sci-fi movies. Rather, it is an Australian-based faux documentary about a vicious hit man, identified simply as "Ray." The film's title refers to Ray's ability to make his victims disappear without a trace.
A cameraman/interviewer (referred to as "Max") follows Ray as he kidnaps, beats and/or kills numerous subjects, most of whom are drug dealers or addicts who have fallen behind in their payments. Both Max and Ray emulate The Dirty Dozen for its "good actors, like Jim Brown and (erroneously) Clint Eastwood."
Midway through, The Magician inexplicably takes a gay-interest turn, as Max begins to question Ray about the Sydney Mardi Gras and gay actors in Hollywood. Max also calls Ray "beautiful" and "charming" and lovingly records the killer as he works out in their hotel room. Ray goes along with most of this but protests vehemently once Max expresses his intention to share a bed with Ray while naked.
The Magician is a fairly pointless and not particularly well accomplished exercise, although Scott Ryan (who also wrote and directed) gives an impressive, charismatic performance as Ray. Shot in 2005, the film is only now making its US debut in a triple feature with Eichmann and Shake Hands with the Devil, which similarly focus on morally questionable deeds and those who commit them. Together, they could make for a frighteningly true-to-life movie going experience. Happy Halloween!
Reverend's Ratings:
Monsters: B
The Magician: C-
UPDATE: Monsters is now available on DVD
and Blu-ray
from Amazon.com.Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.
Rabu, 27 Oktober 2010
2011 People's Choice Awards - First Round of Nominees
I love following the People's Choice Awards. I know it feels like an odd fit as I love to chat about Canadian, indie & foreign film, but there's something really fun about watching the (literal) popular vote. And I'm always curious during the show how many folks will have a Sally Field moment.
The People's Choice Awards have a two-tiered voting system. You can vote now in each category for up to 5 nominees and if you don't see your favourite listed you can add your selection under 'Other'. That's pretty sweet, I'm going to have fun adding some of my own options especially in the action star and comedic star cats that only have 3 ladies out of the 12 nominees, although those 3 nominees are up from 0 from last year - woohoo! Hopefully people voiced their opinions and made that happens. I think they could even things out even further by adding Favourite Drama Star and Favourite Horror Star with a majority of women nominees to balance things out. Lots of final girls and drama queens out there!
One huh moment was seeing Edge of Darkness, Inception and Shutter Island fit as Favorite Drama Movie nominees, but for genre categorization they only to action, drama, comedy, family & horror. So, out of those I can see how drama would be a fit even if I don't see how they quite meet the definition. I can see the effects of the genre analysis on the Movie Moxie Podcast is certainly staying on my mind! Actually, the genre film categories of action, drama, comedy, & horror are all new this year - last year they only had Favourite Family Movie and Favourite Movie. Also new this year is Favorite Movie Star Under 25 which I'm shocked I actually know who most of them are! Woot! Other changes from last year include no more Favorite Independent Film, Favorite Breakout Actor, Favorite Breakout Actress and Favorite Franchise categories.
The awards cover movies, TV and music, but I'm only looking at film here and those nominees are listed below. To see all Nominee Selections go here, and don't wait - get your votes in now as the second round of voting begins on November 9, 2010.
Favorite Movie
Alice In Wonderland
Clash of the Titans
Despicable Me
Grown Ups
How to Train Your Dragon
Inception
Iron Man 2
The Karate Kid
The Last Airbender
Shrek Forever After
Toy Story 3
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Affleck
Bradley Cooper
Bruce Willis
Denzel Washington
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Leonardo DiCaprio
Matt Damon
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Pattinson
Taylor Lautner
Tom Cruise
Favorite Movie Actress
Amanda Seyfried
Angelina Jolie
Cameron Diaz
Diane Lane
Gwyneth Paltrow
Jennifer Aniston
Julia Roberts
Katherine Heigl
Kristen Stewart
Queen Latifah
Sarah Jessica Parker
Scarlett Johansson
Favorite Action Movie
The A-Team
The Book of Eli
Clash of the Titans
The Expendables
Iron Man 2
Kick-Ass
Knight and Day
The Last Airbender
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Robin Hood
Salt
Takers
Favorite Action Star
Angelina Jolie
Bradley Cooper
Chloe Moretz
Jackie Chan
Jaden Smith
Jake Gyllenhaal
Milla Jovovich
Robert Downey Jr.
Russell Crowe
Sam Worthington
Sylvester Stallone
Tom Cruise
Favorite Drama Movie
Alice in Wonderland
Dear John
Eat Pray Love
Edge of Darkness
Inception
The Last Song
Letters to Juliet
Shutter Island
The Social Network
The Town
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Favorite Family Movie
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Despicable Me
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
How to Train Your Dragon
The Karate Kid
Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Marmaduke
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Shrek Forever After
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Tooth Fairy
Toy Story 3
Favorite Comedy Movie
The Bounty Hunter
Cop Out
Date Night
Dinner For Schmucks
Easy A
Grown Ups
Hot Tub Time Machine
Killers
The Other Guys
Sex and the City 2
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?
Valentine's Day
Favorite Comedic Star
Adam Sandler
Chris Rock
Craig Robinson
Drew Barrymore
Emma Stone
Jonah Hill
Rob Corddry
Russell Brand
Steve Carell
Tina Fey
Will Ferrell
Zach Galifianakis
Favorite On Screen Team
The A-Team - Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
Date Night - Tina Fey & Steve Carell
The Expendables - Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis
Grown Ups - Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider
Inception - Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao
Iron Man 2 - Robert Downey Jr. & Don Cheadle
The Karate Kid - Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan
Knight & Day - Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz
The Other Guys - Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg
Sex and the City 2 - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Toy Story 3 - Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, Bonnie, Slinky Dog, Barbie, Aliens
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner
Favorite Movie Star Under 25
Aaron Johnson
Alex Pettyfer
Amanda Seyfried
Blake Lively
Chloe Moretz
Daniel Radcliffe
Elle Fanning
Ellen Page
Emily Browning
Emma Roberts
Emma Stone
Emma Watson
Hailee Steinfeld
Jaden Smith
Jamie Bell
Jennifer Lawrence
Kristen Stewart
Mia Wasikowska
Michael Cera
Robert Pattinson
Saoirse Ronan
Shia LaBeouf
Taylor Lautner
Vanessa Hudgens
Zac Efron
Favorite Horror Movie
Case 39
The Crazies
Daybreakers
Devil
The Last Exorcism
Legion
Let Me In
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Piranha 3D
Predators
Resident Evil: Afterlife
The Wolfman
This is the first of two rounds of voting, the next round will commence November 9, 2010. The People Choice Awards will be air live on January 5, 2011 on CBS.
The People's Choice Awards have a two-tiered voting system. You can vote now in each category for up to 5 nominees and if you don't see your favourite listed you can add your selection under 'Other'. That's pretty sweet, I'm going to have fun adding some of my own options especially in the action star and comedic star cats that only have 3 ladies out of the 12 nominees, although those 3 nominees are up from 0 from last year - woohoo! Hopefully people voiced their opinions and made that happens. I think they could even things out even further by adding Favourite Drama Star and Favourite Horror Star with a majority of women nominees to balance things out. Lots of final girls and drama queens out there!
One huh moment was seeing Edge of Darkness, Inception and Shutter Island fit as Favorite Drama Movie nominees, but for genre categorization they only to action, drama, comedy, family & horror. So, out of those I can see how drama would be a fit even if I don't see how they quite meet the definition. I can see the effects of the genre analysis on the Movie Moxie Podcast is certainly staying on my mind! Actually, the genre film categories of action, drama, comedy, & horror are all new this year - last year they only had Favourite Family Movie and Favourite Movie. Also new this year is Favorite Movie Star Under 25 which I'm shocked I actually know who most of them are! Woot! Other changes from last year include no more Favorite Independent Film, Favorite Breakout Actor, Favorite Breakout Actress and Favorite Franchise categories.
The awards cover movies, TV and music, but I'm only looking at film here and those nominees are listed below. To see all Nominee Selections go here, and don't wait - get your votes in now as the second round of voting begins on November 9, 2010.
Favorite Movie
Alice In Wonderland
Clash of the Titans
Despicable Me
Grown Ups
How to Train Your Dragon
Inception
Iron Man 2
The Karate Kid
The Last Airbender
Shrek Forever After
Toy Story 3
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Affleck
Bradley Cooper
Bruce Willis
Denzel Washington
George Clooney
Johnny Depp
Leonardo DiCaprio
Matt Damon
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Pattinson
Taylor Lautner
Tom Cruise
Favorite Movie Actress
Amanda Seyfried
Angelina Jolie
Cameron Diaz
Diane Lane
Gwyneth Paltrow
Jennifer Aniston
Julia Roberts
Katherine Heigl
Kristen Stewart
Queen Latifah
Sarah Jessica Parker
Scarlett Johansson
Favorite Action Movie
The A-Team
The Book of Eli
Clash of the Titans
The Expendables
Iron Man 2
Kick-Ass
Knight and Day
The Last Airbender
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Robin Hood
Salt
Takers
Favorite Action Star
Angelina Jolie
Bradley Cooper
Chloe Moretz
Jackie Chan
Jaden Smith
Jake Gyllenhaal
Milla Jovovich
Robert Downey Jr.
Russell Crowe
Sam Worthington
Sylvester Stallone
Tom Cruise
Favorite Drama Movie
Alice in Wonderland
Dear John
Eat Pray Love
Edge of Darkness
Inception
The Last Song
Letters to Juliet
Shutter Island
The Social Network
The Town
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
Favorite Family Movie
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
Despicable Me
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
How to Train Your Dragon
The Karate Kid
Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole
Marmaduke
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Shrek Forever After
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
Tooth Fairy
Toy Story 3
Favorite Comedy Movie
The Bounty Hunter
Cop Out
Date Night
Dinner For Schmucks
Easy A
Grown Ups
Hot Tub Time Machine
Killers
The Other Guys
Sex and the City 2
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too?
Valentine's Day
Favorite Comedic Star
Adam Sandler
Chris Rock
Craig Robinson
Drew Barrymore
Emma Stone
Jonah Hill
Rob Corddry
Russell Brand
Steve Carell
Tina Fey
Will Ferrell
Zach Galifianakis
Favorite On Screen Team
The A-Team - Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Sharlto Copley, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
Date Night - Tina Fey & Steve Carell
The Expendables - Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis
Grown Ups - Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade, Rob Schneider
Inception - Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao
Iron Man 2 - Robert Downey Jr. & Don Cheadle
The Karate Kid - Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan
Knight & Day - Tom Cruise & Cameron Diaz
The Other Guys - Will Ferrell & Mark Wahlberg
Sex and the City 2 - Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Toy Story 3 - Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, Rex, Hamm, Bonnie, Slinky Dog, Barbie, Aliens
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner
Favorite Movie Star Under 25
Aaron Johnson
Alex Pettyfer
Amanda Seyfried
Blake Lively
Chloe Moretz
Daniel Radcliffe
Elle Fanning
Ellen Page
Emily Browning
Emma Roberts
Emma Stone
Emma Watson
Hailee Steinfeld
Jaden Smith
Jamie Bell
Jennifer Lawrence
Kristen Stewart
Mia Wasikowska
Michael Cera
Robert Pattinson
Saoirse Ronan
Shia LaBeouf
Taylor Lautner
Vanessa Hudgens
Zac Efron
Favorite Horror Movie
Case 39
The Crazies
Daybreakers
Devil
The Last Exorcism
Legion
Let Me In
A Nightmare on Elm Street
Piranha 3D
Predators
Resident Evil: Afterlife
The Wolfman
This is the first of two rounds of voting, the next round will commence November 9, 2010. The People Choice Awards will be air live on January 5, 2011 on CBS.
Tune in to TCM: Moguls & Movie Stars
Divided into one-hour episodes covering roughly each decade, from the 1900s to the 1960s, Moguls & Movie Stars presents a rich history of the art — and business — of moviemaking. Along the way, one discovers that this is also the story of America, as such historical touchstones as the Great Depression, World War II and the age of television drastically affected the players involved… and the movies they made.
And what a cast of characters, from the immigrants who rose from poverty to create and control their own Hollywood “Dream Factories” to the actors and actresses who, defying the odds, ascended the ranks to become “American royalty”, a.k.a. “movie stars”. A veritable “Who’s Who” of the Hollywood elite can be seen (both in clips from their screen classics and in rare behind-the-scenes footage), including Pickford, Gish, Chaplin, Valentino, Keaton, Garbo, Cagney, Davis, Gable, Hepburn, Grant, Stewart, Crawford, Bogart, Astaire, Garland, Rooney, Wayne, Brando, Dean, Monroe… and the list goes on.
Narrated by Christopher Plummer, the series features commentary by a host of film experts, historians and critics, including Peter Bogdonovich, Sidney Lumet, Leonard Maltin, Molly Haskell, David Thomson, Gore Vidal and (naturally) TCM host Robert Osborne. Also on hand to provide personal reminiscences are several descendants of the great movie moguls of the past, such as Richard Zanuck and Samuel Goldwyn, Jr.
Each new episode of Moguls & Movie Stars will air Mondays through December 13, with encore presentations the following Wednesday. A brief panel discussion, hosted by Osborne, will be presented after each of the Wednesday repeats as well.
In conjunction with Moguls & Movie Stars, TCM will also screen several hard to see classic films each Monday night throughout the run of the series. Rare titles scheduled to air include Traffic in Souls, Within Our Gates, The Poor Little Rich Girl, The Squaw Man, Sunrise, Four Horseman of the Apocalypse and Show People, as well as collections of short film from the likes of Thomas Edison, D.W. Griffith and Georges Méliès.
UPDATE: Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood is now available on DVD
from Amazon.com.
Selasa, 26 Oktober 2010
Movie Moxie Podcast 12: Paranormal Activity 2, Score: A Hockey Musical, The Man from Nowhere plus Genre Look at Supernatural Films
On this weeks episode of the Movie Moxie Podcast Shannon takes a look at the theatrical releases of Paranormal Activity 2, Score: A Hockey Musical and the South Korean action flick The Man From Nowhere. Keeping it spooky just in time for Halloween the genre exploration of the week is Supernatural films. Enjoy!
0:00 – 1:20 - Introduction
1:20 – 9:45 – Paranormal Activity 2 Review
9:45 – 15:00 – Score: A Hockey Musical Review
15:00 – 19:40 – The Man From Nowhere Review
19:40 – 50:30 – Supernatural as a Genre
50:30 – 51:25 –The Right Trailer
51:25 – 54:10 – DVD releases
54:10 – 55:00 – Upcoming up Next Week
55:00 – 57:25 – Outro
The Rite Trailer (release date January 2010)
Show Notes
Shannon's Definition of Supernatural Film: “Supernatural films is a genre that combines the commonplace natural world with supernatural, paranormal or occult showcasing ideas and encounters that which can not be explained with science.”
Supernatural as defined by Wikipedia "The supernatural or supranatural (Latin: super, supra "above" + natura "nature") is anything above or beyond what one holds to be natural and exists outside natural law and the observable universe.[1] Science limits its explanations for phenomena to natural explanations, a process known as methodological naturalism, and cannot consider supernatural explanations, as they cannot be investigated empirically."
Paranormal as defined by Wikipedia "Paranormal is a general term (coined ca. 1915–1920[1][2]) that designates experiences that lie outside "the range of normal experience or scientific explanation"[3] or that indicates phenomena that are understood to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure.[1][4] Paranormal phenomena are distinct from certain hypothetical entities, such as dark matter and dark energy, insofar as paranormal phenomena are inconsistent with the world as already understood through empirical observation coupled with scientific methodology"
Occult as defined by Wikipedia "The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden"
2010 Supernatural Films: The Eclipse (2010), The Last Exorcism, Legion, Paranormal Activity 2 and also last weeks release of Hereafter. Charlie St. Cloud has some supernatural elements as well.
List of all reviewed supernatural films
Supernatural Film Sub-genres & Film Recommendations:
Ghost, Spirits, Poltergiests, Haunted Houses, Communication Beyond the Grave: The Haunting (1963), The House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Amityville Horror (1975), Poltergeist, The Changeling (1980), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1985), The Fog (1980), Paranormal Activity and Paranormal Activity 2.
South Korean films: The Tale of Two Sisters, Hansel and Gretel
Japan: Onibaba, The Ring and Kiyoshi Kurosawa's films especially Pulse
Thai films: Alone, Phobia & Phobia 2
Religious (i.e. Possession, Exorcisms and Demons): Stigmata, The Last Exorcism, The Exorcism of Emily Rose (drama), The Gate, The Brood, The Omen, The Exorcist (1973).
Folklore & Legend: Blair Witch Project, Sauna, Nymph and Yanggaw
Humans with powers (ESP, Telekinesis): Firestarter, Dreamscape, The Dead Zone and The Gift
Technology & Meets Magic: Brainstorm and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
My Go-to Fave: Night Watch & Day Watch
Post-recording recommendations from folks: The Others, The Orphanage - both are awesome!
Close but no cigar - not categorically supernatural (But still awesome!):
Creatures: Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies, Gollums, Succubi and Aliens.
Witches, spells, curses, magic and magick: but I would still recommend: Practical Magic, The Craft, The Covenant and Serpent and the Rainbow.
Thank you for the recommends:
Anthony Marco, NapiersNews, GenieSea, Chad Nolan, Cinema Neophyte, John, Kurt, Rob, Marjorie and Jamie for contributing suggestion on Twitter and facebook, and helping me through the mental block to remember Dreamscape!
Next Week
I'm adventuring in San Francisco this week so there will be no podcast next week, but be sure to check out the site for more fun film goodness. If you are podcast centric you can check out Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast and this week we're chatting scary film recommendations and next week it's going to be a face off between Near Dark and Lost Boys. If you are a big supernatural fan, be sure to check out Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural podcast which I cohost with my sister Suzie and we chat all about paranormal TV programs.
You can subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Or subscribe through iTunes here.
Questions & comments on the podcast are welcome, feel free to comment on this post or contact me directly by email
0:00 – 1:20 - Introduction
1:20 – 9:45 – Paranormal Activity 2 Review
9:45 – 15:00 – Score: A Hockey Musical Review
15:00 – 19:40 – The Man From Nowhere Review
19:40 – 50:30 – Supernatural as a Genre
50:30 – 51:25 –The Right Trailer
51:25 – 54:10 – DVD releases
54:10 – 55:00 – Upcoming up Next Week
55:00 – 57:25 – Outro
The Rite Trailer (release date January 2010)
Show Notes
- Reviews of films mentioned: Paranormal Activity 2
- Check out this weeks DVD releases
- Reviews of films out on DVD: The Misfortunates / De helaasheid der dingen, The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden, Sex and the City 2 and Kisses
- Check out my Facebook Page!
Shannon's Definition of Supernatural Film: “Supernatural films is a genre that combines the commonplace natural world with supernatural, paranormal or occult showcasing ideas and encounters that which can not be explained with science.”
Supernatural as defined by Wikipedia "The supernatural or supranatural (Latin: super, supra "above" + natura "nature") is anything above or beyond what one holds to be natural and exists outside natural law and the observable universe.[1] Science limits its explanations for phenomena to natural explanations, a process known as methodological naturalism, and cannot consider supernatural explanations, as they cannot be investigated empirically."
Paranormal as defined by Wikipedia "Paranormal is a general term (coined ca. 1915–1920[1][2]) that designates experiences that lie outside "the range of normal experience or scientific explanation"[3] or that indicates phenomena that are understood to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure.[1][4] Paranormal phenomena are distinct from certain hypothetical entities, such as dark matter and dark energy, insofar as paranormal phenomena are inconsistent with the world as already understood through empirical observation coupled with scientific methodology"
Occult as defined by Wikipedia "The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden"
2010 Supernatural Films: The Eclipse (2010), The Last Exorcism, Legion, Paranormal Activity 2 and also last weeks release of Hereafter. Charlie St. Cloud has some supernatural elements as well.
List of all reviewed supernatural films
Supernatural Film Sub-genres & Film Recommendations:
Ghost, Spirits, Poltergiests, Haunted Houses, Communication Beyond the Grave: The Haunting (1963), The House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Amityville Horror (1975), Poltergeist, The Changeling (1980), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1985), The Fog (1980), Paranormal Activity and Paranormal Activity 2.
South Korean films: The Tale of Two Sisters, Hansel and Gretel
Japan: Onibaba, The Ring and Kiyoshi Kurosawa's films especially Pulse
Thai films: Alone, Phobia & Phobia 2
Religious (i.e. Possession, Exorcisms and Demons): Stigmata, The Last Exorcism, The Exorcism of Emily Rose (drama), The Gate, The Brood, The Omen, The Exorcist (1973).
Folklore & Legend: Blair Witch Project, Sauna, Nymph and Yanggaw
Humans with powers (ESP, Telekinesis): Firestarter, Dreamscape, The Dead Zone and The Gift
Technology & Meets Magic: Brainstorm and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010)
My Go-to Fave: Night Watch & Day Watch
Post-recording recommendations from folks: The Others, The Orphanage - both are awesome!
Close but no cigar - not categorically supernatural (But still awesome!):
Creatures: Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies, Gollums, Succubi and Aliens.
Witches, spells, curses, magic and magick: but I would still recommend: Practical Magic, The Craft, The Covenant and Serpent and the Rainbow.
Thank you for the recommends:
Anthony Marco, NapiersNews, GenieSea, Chad Nolan, Cinema Neophyte, John, Kurt, Rob, Marjorie and Jamie for contributing suggestion on Twitter and facebook, and helping me through the mental block to remember Dreamscape!
Next Week
I'm adventuring in San Francisco this week so there will be no podcast next week, but be sure to check out the site for more fun film goodness. If you are podcast centric you can check out Before the Dawn: A Twilight Podcast and this week we're chatting scary film recommendations and next week it's going to be a face off between Near Dark and Lost Boys. If you are a big supernatural fan, be sure to check out Hexed: Sisterhood of the Supernatural podcast which I cohost with my sister Suzie and we chat all about paranormal TV programs.
You can subscribe to the Movie Moxie Podcast here:
Or subscribe through iTunes here.
Questions & comments on the podcast are welcome, feel free to comment on this post or contact me directly by email
Reverend's Reviews: B Movie
today courtesy of Wolfe Video and Oh My Gomez! Films). When Bruno (Manuel Vignau) finds himself unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend, Laura (Mercedes Quinteros), he begins to plot his revenge. He befriends her new boyfriend, Pablo (Lucas Ferraro, who looks like a buffer version of Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal from Y Tu Mamá También), with the intention of hooking him up with another woman. However, when Bruno is informed by a mutual friend (erroneously, it turns out) that the oblivious Pablo has had sex with a man, Bruno decides to break him and his ex up by seducing Pablo himself.Since they work out together at the same gym, Bruno is able to approach Pablo easily. They bond over the Lost-esque, fictional TV series Blind and quickly discover other mutual interests. Soon, they are sleeping over at each other's apartments. "You are like my 12-year old friend," Pablo tells Bruno, "and I don't want to share you."
Things only get more complicated from there. Marco Berger, the director of Plan B, and his cast have a great sense of timing and pacing. Berger also allows the camera to linger frequently and lovingly over Bruno's and Pablo's sleeping bodies, clad only in briefs. Despite both men's professed heterosexuality, they become more attracted to and emotionally involved with each other. The two start out rather off-puttingly grungy, needing shaves and haircuts. By the film's end, however, each has undergone a metrosexual transformation.
Plan B is the latest entry in a growing number of films from Latin America (From Beginning to End and Undertow (Contracorriente) being other recent examples) that challenge assumptions regarding male relationships. I, for one, appreciate these filmmakers' willingness to explore the shades of grey that can color friendships and even sibling relations. As one of the central characters in Plan B tells the other, "Whatever you do won't change what should be"; if only all men were so enlightened.
Reverend's Rating: A-
Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.
DVD Releases for October 26, 2010
We have a fan-freaking-tastic selection of DVD release for October 26, 2010 to explore!
First up is the hilarious and heartbreaking film The Misfortunates / De helaasheid der dingen, a family drama that someone manages to balance naked cycling with excessing drinking to everyday family life. And all in Flemish. It's a must-see, as it the Italian film I Am Love starring Tilda Swinton. Both are easily on my favourite films of 2010. Also out is The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden which is releasing on DVD just days before the 3rd film of the trilogy hits theatres this Friday. And Carrie & the girls are back to shop & solve their dramas and keep their friendships ticking in Sex and the City 2.
I'm thrilled to see the release of the Irish film Kisses on DVD this week, it's a fascinating drama starring two very young leads who decide to strike out on their own, with amazingly real performances for such young actors. Also out is the highly acclaimed chilling drama Winter's Bone, which I'm anticipated to be a heavy hitter at this years Spirit Awards. We also have Xavier Dolan's (J'ai tué ma mère / I Killed My Mother) latest with Amours Imaginaires / Heartbeats very quickly after it's theatrical release here in Toronto.
Looking for something scary to pick up? One wild card this week is the horror flick on a plane with Altitude, although my pick would be to Criteron's release of House which although I've not seen I've heard such amazing, awestruck and confused reports on that I know I'll have to snag this Japanese 70's flick to check out. If zombies are more your deal than it may be time to catch up with Kevin Tenney's Brain Dead.
For TV on DVD my pick would be Law & Order UK, even at only 13 episodes and drawing inspiration and stories from the American version I still found it to be a very engaging show with fantastic acting from the main cast of Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Gallactica), Bradley Walsh, Ben Daniels and Freema Agyman (Doctor Who).
Feeling nostalgic? Maybe it's time to revisit Back to the Future 25 year Anniversary Trilogy Edition. Holy noodle, has it been 25 years since Back to the Future? Wow. Also out this week is the Criteron edition of Paths of Glory.
Titles on Amazon.ca
(Canada):
Titles on Amazon.com
(US):
Amours Imaginaires / Heartbeats is not currently available on Amazon.com
First up is the hilarious and heartbreaking film The Misfortunates / De helaasheid der dingen, a family drama that someone manages to balance naked cycling with excessing drinking to everyday family life. And all in Flemish. It's a must-see, as it the Italian film I Am Love starring Tilda Swinton. Both are easily on my favourite films of 2010. Also out is The Girl Who Played with Fire / Flickan som lekte med elden which is releasing on DVD just days before the 3rd film of the trilogy hits theatres this Friday. And Carrie & the girls are back to shop & solve their dramas and keep their friendships ticking in Sex and the City 2.
I'm thrilled to see the release of the Irish film Kisses on DVD this week, it's a fascinating drama starring two very young leads who decide to strike out on their own, with amazingly real performances for such young actors. Also out is the highly acclaimed chilling drama Winter's Bone, which I'm anticipated to be a heavy hitter at this years Spirit Awards. We also have Xavier Dolan's (J'ai tué ma mère / I Killed My Mother) latest with Amours Imaginaires / Heartbeats very quickly after it's theatrical release here in Toronto.
Looking for something scary to pick up? One wild card this week is the horror flick on a plane with Altitude, although my pick would be to Criteron's release of House which although I've not seen I've heard such amazing, awestruck and confused reports on that I know I'll have to snag this Japanese 70's flick to check out. If zombies are more your deal than it may be time to catch up with Kevin Tenney's Brain Dead.
For TV on DVD my pick would be Law & Order UK, even at only 13 episodes and drawing inspiration and stories from the American version I still found it to be a very engaging show with fantastic acting from the main cast of Jamie Bamber (Battlestar Gallactica), Bradley Walsh, Ben Daniels and Freema Agyman (Doctor Who).
Feeling nostalgic? Maybe it's time to revisit Back to the Future 25 year Anniversary Trilogy Edition. Holy noodle, has it been 25 years since Back to the Future? Wow. Also out this week is the Criteron edition of Paths of Glory.
Titles on Amazon.ca
(Canada):Titles on Amazon.com
(US):Amours Imaginaires / Heartbeats is not currently available on Amazon.com
Senin, 25 Oktober 2010
The Misfortunates / De helaasheid der dingen (DVD Review)
Dir: Felix Van Groeningen (Dagen zonder lief, Steve + Sky)
Cast: Kenneth Vanbaeden, Valentijn Dhaenens, Koen De Graeve, Wouter Hendrickx, Johan Heldenbergh, Bert Haelvoet, Gilda De Bal
Belgium/The Netherlands, 2010
Reason to see: Great praise coming out of TIFF'09 & has an awesome quirky tone written all over it
The Misfortunates is a exceptional film that presents us with a compelling family drama with heart & heartbreak combined in a heart beat. Centred on 13 year old Gunther who lives in his grandmothers house along with his boozing father and 3 uncles, where everyday life is so unbelievable with shenanigans that you know this fiction must be laced with truth. And it is, as the film is an adaptation of the novel by Dimitri Verhulst De helaasheid der dingen (literal translation The Shittiness of Things), which was inspired by the author’s childhood experiences. That literal translation of the title speaks volumes to the tone of the film. It doesn't pull any punches when presents the craziness of Gunther's home life, but it's this honesty that makes the film refreshing. It's also very honest about not just the bad but the good as well, as there are benefits to living in zaniness.
That's what makes The Misfortunates so endearing, is it feels true every step of the way. The moments that are awful, are truly awful but when it's good there if a joie de vivre that permeates through the screen and into the heart of the viewer. You want to stay in these lively moments, but the volatile nature of the band of four brothers that is Gunther's father & uncles inevitably break up the fun, and they are a force that you don't want to reckon with. Shifting easily from tone to tone, somehow it balances the outrageousness naked bicycle riding with the colourful interactions to day-to-day life. This creates an environment were we come to believe anything can and will happen. It's an amazing study of the complexity of family, loyalty and dedication while laced beautifully with comedy and tragedy.
The film comes alive with the stellar ensemble cast from the openness of 13 year old Gunther played by Kenneth Vanbaeden to Koen De Graeve who plays his alcoholic father Celle, to the charismatic performance from Johan Heldenbergh as Beefcake. Gilda De Bal is also exception as the matriarch of the Strobbe family, oddly placed in a male-dominated testosterone-filled household where the four brothers reign their world in a bizarre combination of enthusiasm and anarchy.
Quirky, honest and tragic The Misfortunates shows us emotional truths be they gritty or tender. It's an astonishing film that I highly recommend.
DVD Language options:
- Audio: Original Flemish or French
- Subtitles: English or French
- Extensive Making-Of (6 parts, 43 minutes) French subtitles
- Interview with director Felix Van Groeningen (13 minutes) in French
- Booklet: The packaging includes a booklet with an director's note from Felix Van Groeningen and a foreword by Colin Geddes and Katarina Gligorijevic (Toronto based film curators, producers & writers). The director's note and foreword are in both in French and English
- Trailer (English subtitles)
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll watch it again
I highly recommend
Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Originally reviewed for Theatrical Release - April 8, 2010
Agora (DVD Review)
Courtesy of eOne Entertainment
Dir: Alejandro Amenábar (The Sea Inside, The Others)
Cast: Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, Oscar Isaac, Rupert Evans, Sami Samir
Spain, 2010
Reason to see: Historical film centred on the female philosopher and astronomer Hypatia
Set in 4th century in the city of Alexandria, Agora follows the Hypatia a teacher, philosopher, astronomer and mathematician in a time where philosophy, science and faith collide through changes of power. Different religious and belief system exist, but not side by side in harmony but colliding with each other at every step.
Hypatia believes in power of knowledge and wisdom. Rachel Weisz does an amazing job embodying her with eloquence, vigor and beautiful curiosity in the world and determined strength to solve the mysteries of the universe. It's so exciting to see film centred on a female protagonist who was a philosopher, astronomer and mathematician. And in 391 AD. Wow. What a powerhouse she was.
Powerhouse is a great way to describe the film as a whole, as her journey alone was epic as were time times in and around Alexandria. Also, the film fits the epic definition in several ways including sweeping, gorgeous cinematography that makes each and every shot a thing of beauty. We also are treated to great performance from the cast including a particularly stellar performance from Max Minghella (The Social Network) as Hypatia’s young slave Davus, who's has his own epic journey that underscores the film. We also get to see great works from Oscar Isaac (Prince John in the 2010 Robin Hood) as the privledged Orestes, Sami Samir as the often scary Cyril.
From a gender perspective, it feels so refreshing to see historical film where a woman in a place of knowledge and privilege is teaching, hypothesizing & problem solving and also not minutely interested in the numerous men who are obviously interested in her. So rare to see this perspective in a historical film and I loved it. Hypatia is also clearly the most intelligent person we encounter and she loves knowledge and thought, genuinely thriving from thinking as if it were nourishment, which I found very inspiring.
It's completely fascinating to see people struggle with and ponder scientific concepts and ideas where we now have what we consider to be the solid truth for those particular problems. I think it's a great way to not only honour the challenges that people went through in the past, but also to remember how things can change over time and be open to change in the current as the world inevitably will be different in the future. Although seeing the cruelty of intolerance & hate is challenging to watch, it does serve as a reminder that how awful the result of intolerance can be which hopefully will inspire people to be more open, accepting and tolerant of ideas that are different than there own in the hopes of making the world a better place for everyone.
Warnings: violence, cruelty and intolerance
DVD Extras:
- Introduction by director Alejandro Amenábar (1 minute) in Spanish with English subtitles on the idea behind the film and how it ebbed, flowed & grew over time
- Deleted Scenes (7 scenes, 10 minutes) really great collection of deleted scenes, including a gorgeous alternate beginning. I enjoyed many of them and would have loved to see them in the film, but at the over 2 hour run time can see the need to let them go. Great addition to the film though.
- Alexandria The Greatest City (48 minutes) Although very interesting addition, this is one of the oddest DVD extra's I've seen so far, as it isn't a documentary on the film Agora but rather the city of Alexandria. It's hosted by Bettany Hughes and is an educational and informative documentary that showcases lots of beautiful and interesting locations, provides context and history through discussions with historians, and tells the history of the city of Alexandra from the creation of, idea and ideals behind it and tragedies that came to it. It does include film clips from Agora and has a brief look at Hypatia, her work, discoveries and inventions.
- Trailer
& Amazon.com
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd widely recommend it
Return to Film Reviews or see more DVD Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Rachel Weisz as Hypatia, in Agora, Courtesy of E1 Entertainment
Photo by Teresa Isasi Max Minghella as Davus in Agora, Courtesy of E1 Entertainment
Photo by Teresa Isasi, Oscar Isaac as Orestes in Agora, Courtesy of E1 Entertainment
Sami Samir as Cyril in Agora, Courtesy of E1 Entertainment
Poll Results: The Scariest Films Are…?
I'm absolutely beaming that the clear leader for The Scariest Films Are... goes to Paranormal with 41% Fans of the paranormal are in for a treat this week as on this weeks Movie Moxie Podcast I've be discussing supernatural films as a genre and even touching on the differences and definitions of supernatural, paranormal and the occult. The next in the running for results as folks that don't like scary films at all (16%), then a tie between Aliens & Psychological (12% each), Slashers (8%) and ending with another tie at Monsters & Straight Up Horror (4% each).
Poll Results:
41% - Paranormal
16% - I Don't Like Scary Films
12% - Tie: Aliens and Psychological
8% - Slasher
4% - Tie: Monsters and Straight-Up Horror
Thanks so much for voting!
Poll Results:
41% - Paranormal
16% - I Don't Like Scary Films
12% - Tie: Aliens and Psychological
8% - Slasher
4% - Tie: Monsters and Straight-Up Horror
Thanks so much for voting!
Minggu, 24 Oktober 2010
Paranormal Activity 2
Dir: Tod Williams (The Door in the Floor)
Cast: Katie Featherston, Molly Ephraim, Sprague Grayden, Brian Boland
USA, 2010
Seen: October 23, 2010 at AMC
Reason to see: Really enjoyed the first Paranormal Activity
First up, I think it's important to note that seeing the original Paranormal Activity before trekking into Paranormal Activity 2 is essential. It's not that you won't understand the sequel, but the viewing experience is greatly enhanced by seeing the original first (and I think the original is awesome!), plus content in the first film if referred to and it's just all around better to see it first!
Paranormal Activity 2 follows Kristi (sister of Katie from Paranormal Activity), her husband Dan, their new son Hunter and Dan's daughter Ali who all live in a big house with their dog Abby. There were a few things that I wonder if it was done on purpose to confuse us, like having an Ali & Abby in the same house so when people are talking about them it's hard to tell who they are referring too. Also unless I missed it, baby Hunter seems to go from a babe-in-arms to crawling stage almost overnight which really threw me off. But the real focus of the film the creepy happenings at this families house, as it is a horror film after all!
I'm of two minds on Paranormal Activity 2. On the one hand I think it's a really creative take on a sequel, it surprized me and I thought it was an interesting story - so I'll give it credit for that. But, on the other hand I don't think it's as scary as the original nor does it use the vérité style better than the original. In fact, the vérité style was only very thinly necessary whereas in the original the reason behind it centred the film as a whole. And, worst than that I certainly noticed editing that complete broke my suspension of disbelief on what I was seeing, although I imagine that to combat the practical challenge of having an infant as one of the central characters. That was for some, but not all, of the times that I thought the vérité style wasn't used as effectively. Creating suspense is a tricky thing in this type of film, there has to be enough that isn't happening to get us comfortable and wondering, but enough happening to scare us and engage us. I didn't feel like it was quite the perfect mix here, having too much of nothing happening but it not actually feeling suspenseful. There certainly were scares but they didn't quite hit as hard as I had expected.
As a horror sequel, it's a heck of a lot better than loads of others out there. It's better than I expected, but certainly not as good or as scary as the first. I did feel entertained & engaged while watching, however I was quick to not anything that might have been an inconsistency or oddity. If you were a fan of the first film I think you'll enjoy this one too, but it doesn't have that same je ne sais quoi flavour to it.
Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again
I'd recommend it to paranormal film fans who've seen & enjoyed the first Paranormal Activity
14 minutes of preshow including 3 commercials and 6 previews: True Grit, Morning Glory, I Am Number Four, Burlesque, Scream 4 and Drive Angry
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2010
Reverend's Reviews: Who's the Pimp?
GhettoPhysics — which is subtitled Will the Real Pimps and Hos Please Stand Up? — is the brainchild of professor and author E. Raymond Brown and William Arntz, who was a co-director of the similarly provocative but well-received 2004 film What the Bleep Do We Know!? Like that earlier exploration of metaphysics, the new movie uses a combination of on-screen lecture, dramatized and animated sequences, and interviews with professionals in such fields as race, sociology, entertainment and religion to expose "the truth" and motivate viewers toward change.
"Everyone is making someone else's pocket fatter," according to one interviewee in the film. While it may be easy for us to picture an immediate employer or business for whom we work on a day-to-day basis and think of this statement as accurate, the filmmakers argue that each of us is more often than not a "ho" in the time-honored tradition of servitude to a protective but demanding "pimp" on a much grander scale. As another speaker says, "Pimps and hos are the simplest, rawest dynamic that is reflected everywhere" in modern life.
These archetypes ultimately exist beyond the black and prostitute communities to encompass every human being. Examples of "pimps" cited in the film include truth-spinning/-denying US presidents from Nixon on; Queen Elizabeth II; various popes including Benedict XVI; and credit card, oil, insurance and drug companies. To illustrate the latter, GhettoPhysics contains a hilarious faux commercial for "Clarodolotex," an all-purpose medication with such frightening potential side effects as foul back odor and gremlins! Also amusing and effective is a "World Pimp Awards" device that nails former Vice-President Dick Cheney.
Praised educator-writer Cornel West and legendary TV producer Norman Lear offer great insights into "The Game," the power struggle between life's pimps and hos in which we all participate as one or the other. While acknowledging that "we all start out as hos," one can become a pimp the more one understands and plays The Game." You get pimped if you're naïve," West states, while another commentator concludes "We all have a pimp and a ho within us."
GhettoPhysics is frequently fascinating in content and execution, but some of the techniques employed by Arntz and Brown are grating. The classroom over which Brown presides is filled with obvious non-students, and a secondary story about one student having her scholarship taken away unjustly is excessive and amateurishly acted. There is also an embarrassingly incongruous, borderline-racist scene in which Brown appears on a fictional TV talk show and essentially humiliates the host, an Asian woman who speaks broken English.
The movie provides considerable food for thought and while it doesn't address GLBT concerns specifically, it is important for GLBT viewers to think of the implications for ourselves and our community. How are we perhaps hos to the pimps that alcohol companies and lube and condom manufacturers can be, especially at Gay Pride time, or to films and TV series that continue to make GLBT characters peripheral or comedy relief?
See GhettoPhysics and emerge a ho no mo'!
Reverend's Rating: B
Review by Rev. Chris Carpenter, resident film critic of Movie Dearest and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade.
Jumat, 22 Oktober 2010
Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 22, 2010
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 22, 2010!
In limited release this week we have an eclectic bunch of films to choose from staring with the South Korean action/crime film The Man From Nowhere starring Bin Won (Mother), documentary Tibet in Song and the just released Carlos a 333 minute epic (you read that right, over 5 1/2 hours) crime biography focused the Venezuelan Ilich Ramirez Sanchez.
In wide release this week we have a spooky selection to get you revved up for Halloween with Paranormal Activity 2, a sequel to the indie phenomenal of 2009 Paranormal Activity and I know I'm ready to get scared all over again! We also have Score: A Hockey Musical an uber Canadian film that's was the 2010 Opening Night Gala Film From TIFF, and it bridges our national pastime of hockey with... singing. Yes, it's a musical. Also out this week is the Bollywood release of Jhootha Hi Sahi.
For film festival fans, the Flyaway Film Festival is happening this weekend in Pepin, Wisconsin and fellow film fanatics Andrew James and Matt Gamble will be covering the festival - be sure to check out there coverage over at Row Three and Where the Long Tail Ends! The festival has a great line up, I know I'll be jealous of folks getting to see Gary King's Death of the Dead, documentary Beyond the Myth about the discrimination against pit bulls, and Phasma Ex Machina a narrative film that not only explores questions about how far would you go to bring back the dead, but also will have a panel discussion about the philosophical questions around the issues. Not that's classy. Have fun at the festival guys!
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
Brazil Film Fest
Continues until October 24, 2010 at the The Royal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Est Docs
Estonian Documentary Film Festival
Continues until October 22, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Celebrating works of Indigenous peoples from around the world
Continues until October - 24, 2010 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Israel Film Festival
October 24 - 28, 2010 at the Sheppard Grande in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Special Screening
IP Man 2
Son of Kung Fu Fridays brings a 35mm print of IP Man 2 to the T-Dot starring Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Huang Xiao-ming, Xiong Dai-lin, directed by Wilson Yip (SPL, Flash Point / Dao huo xian), choreographed by Sammo Hung. How awesome is that? I love these guys!
Friday October 22nd, 2010 at 9:30PM and the Toronto Underground Cinema
Tickets are $8 or $6 with "I am a Kung Fu Fridays disciple"button
Thursday October 21, 2010 Releases
Carlos
Dir: Olivier Assayas (Summer Hours, Clean, Irma Vep)
Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Alexander Scheer, Alejandro Arroyo, Juana Acosta
France/Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday October 22, 2010 Releases
Jhootha Hi Saha
Dir: Abbas Tyrewala (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na , Asoka)
Cast: John Abraham, Pakhi, Raghu Ram, Omar Khan
India/UK
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Man from Nowhere
Writer/Dir: Jeong-Beom Lee (Cruel Winter Blues)
Cast: Bin Won, Sae-Ron Kim
South Korea
Limited Release
Official Film Sits & Trailer, IMDb Page
Paranormal Activity 2
Dir: Tod Williams (The Door in the Floor)
Cast: Katie Featherston
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Score A Hockey Musical
Dir: Michael McGowan (One Week, Saint Ralph)
Cast: Noah Reid, Olivia Newton-John, Marc Jordan, Allie MacDonald, Stephen McHattie, George Stroumboulopoulos, Nelly Furtado
Canada
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Tibet in Song
Writer/Dir: Ngawang Choephel
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 22, 2010**
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday October 22, 2010!
In limited release this week we have an eclectic bunch of films to choose from staring with the South Korean action/crime film The Man From Nowhere starring Bin Won (Mother), documentary Tibet in Song and the just released Carlos a 333 minute epic (you read that right, over 5 1/2 hours) crime biography focused the Venezuelan Ilich Ramirez Sanchez.
In wide release this week we have a spooky selection to get you revved up for Halloween with Paranormal Activity 2, a sequel to the indie phenomenal of 2009 Paranormal Activity and I know I'm ready to get scared all over again! We also have Score: A Hockey Musical an uber Canadian film that's was the 2010 Opening Night Gala Film From TIFF, and it bridges our national pastime of hockey with... singing. Yes, it's a musical. Also out this week is the Bollywood release of Jhootha Hi Sahi.
For film festival fans, the Flyaway Film Festival is happening this weekend in Pepin, Wisconsin and fellow film fanatics Andrew James and Matt Gamble will be covering the festival - be sure to check out there coverage over at Row Three and Where the Long Tail Ends! The festival has a great line up, I know I'll be jealous of folks getting to see Gary King's Death of the Dead, documentary Beyond the Myth about the discrimination against pit bulls, and Phasma Ex Machina a narrative film that not only explores questions about how far would you go to bring back the dead, but also will have a panel discussion about the philosophical questions around the issues. Not that's classy. Have fun at the festival guys!
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
Brazil Film Fest
Continues until October 24, 2010 at the The Royal in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Est Docs
Estonian Documentary Film Festival
Continues until October 22, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Celebrating works of Indigenous peoples from around the world
Continues until October - 24, 2010 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Israel Film Festival
October 24 - 28, 2010 at the Sheppard Grande in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Special Screening
IP Man 2
Son of Kung Fu Fridays brings a 35mm print of IP Man 2 to the T-Dot starring Donnie Yen, Sammo Hung, Huang Xiao-ming, Xiong Dai-lin, directed by Wilson Yip (SPL, Flash Point / Dao huo xian), choreographed by Sammo Hung. How awesome is that? I love these guys!
Friday October 22nd, 2010 at 9:30PM and the Toronto Underground Cinema
Tickets are $8 or $6 with "I am a Kung Fu Fridays disciple"button
Thursday October 21, 2010 Releases
Carlos
Dir: Olivier Assayas (Summer Hours, Clean, Irma Vep)
Cast: Édgar Ramírez, Alexander Scheer, Alejandro Arroyo, Juana Acosta
France/Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday October 22, 2010 Releases
Jhootha Hi Saha
Dir: Abbas Tyrewala (Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na , Asoka)
Cast: John Abraham, Pakhi, Raghu Ram, Omar Khan
India/UK
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Man from Nowhere
Writer/Dir: Jeong-Beom Lee (Cruel Winter Blues)
Cast: Bin Won, Sae-Ron Kim
South Korea
Limited Release
Official Film Sits & Trailer, IMDb Page
Paranormal Activity 2
Dir: Tod Williams (The Door in the Floor)
Cast: Katie Featherston
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Score A Hockey Musical
Dir: Michael McGowan (One Week, Saint Ralph)
Cast: Noah Reid, Olivia Newton-John, Marc Jordan, Allie MacDonald, Stephen McHattie, George Stroumboulopoulos, Nelly Furtado
Canada
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Tibet in Song
Writer/Dir: Ngawang Choephel
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of October 22, 2010**
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