Top 5 Inception Mashups
YouTube brings out the best worst of our planet. Whether it be Bubb Rubb, Lil Superstar, or Cracked Out Abused Kid After the Dentist, we all win lose. One thing I personally hate is the million movie trailer mashups that appear after every hit movie. We all have access to editing tools with a few clicks of the mouse. Most people should have their fingers chopped off at the knuckle.
The most recent trailer mashup craze has been for Inception. Mashups of Inception are popping up with every film on the planet. Most are terrible. I’ve actually been surprised at how good a few of these actually are (especially my #1 choice). It proves how powerful a piece of music can actually be. Play it with anything…and I mean ANYTHING, and you’ll feel the emotion. You’ll want to revisit Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. You’ll feel the pain of Lloyd Christmas. After the jump, enjoy the best of Inception Trailer Mashup goodness. Continue reading “Top 5 Inception Mashups” »
Top 5 Reasons “Alice In Wonderland” is a Travesty
There really can’t be a more disappointing director out there than Tim Burton. The level of pre-excitement vs. actual film is so far off skew, I can’t wrap my mind around it. Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – and now Alice in Wonderland, there have just been too many duds in his recent films. You can point to flashes of his old self in Sweeney Todd, but a flash isn’t enough for fans of Tim Burton like myself. Check that. Former fan.
I knew this day was coming. Which is exactly why it took me so long to finally see Alice in Wonderland. I knew this was going to be my Breakup CD. Buying the ticket would be Track 1. Let the depressing songs and harsh reality commence.
Below are the Top 5 Reasons Why Alice in Wonderland was a complete waste of time.
1) Seriously, what was the point?!
50% of the film is devoted to everyone around Alice hinting to her that she’s already been down the rabbit hole. The other 50% is devoted to actress Mia Wasikowska looking dazed and confused. There’s your movie. What really was the point of this? Never was the ending ever in doubt, as it’s told to the audience within the first 25 minutes. *Slight Spoiler* – Her “destiny” on Frabjous Day was to slay the Jabberwocky. There was never a moment in the film that you doubted this could happen. It was more difficult for me to take my 3D glasses out of the plastic than it was for her to chop off its head. There was never any true conflict in the entire film. Too easy to trick the Red Queen. Too easy to get out of her real life proposal. Too easy to meet up with the White Queen. Too easy…too lazy. Amazing art direction; amazingly lazy writing. Was Alice any different at the climax of the film vs. the beginning? Absolutely not. She was a free spirit throughout. The only character that is truly fleshed out is the Mad Hatter. Burton’s Johnny Depp fetish continues and is apparent in his overused screen time for the Hatter.
2) The battle scene
Remember that time in college when you thought it would be fun to take a #2 in the fishbowl, scoop it out, and place it in a crock pot for a slow overnight cook. That’s what the climatic battle scene was — a crock of shit. Nothing happened. Everyone watched Alice run up some stairs and chop off a head. That’s it. CROCK OF SHIT.
3) The 3D hype
You want to see a movie in 3D? Shell out the big bucks. Starting last weekend, price of 3D admission is on the rise. Every Hollywood tentpole film is currently being converted to 3D to keep up with the hype. We are slowly being hustled by that old man in the shades across the poker table. Alice had no reason being 3D. Sure, the Cheshire Cat looked cool. But nothing else made sense. Please know, ALL movies do not need to be seen in 3D. Remember the days of B.A. (Before Avatar)? Before the game changer blew our minds away, we were perfectly fine with regular ole two dimensional screens. IMAX was a special treat. But the local AMC screen would still do the trick. Now the public is demanding everything to be in 3D. This needs to stop. The only reason to see Alice in Wonderland is for the beautiful art design and costumes. That’s it. Nothing that’s worth shelling out $5 more per person. Yes, you can consider yourself saved.
4) Johnny Depp
Unfortunately, we have to compare Johnny Depp to Johnny Depp. As great as he was in his mental patient take on the Mad Hatter, you sort of have the feeling “been there, done that”. I can see Tim Burton’s direction right now “Johnny, don’t over think it. Just throw a bit of Jack Sparrow with a shimmer of Willy Wonka and a touch of Hunter S. Thompson. Add a Scottish accent every once in awhile….perfect. Now bug your eyes out. Yes!” Time for something new, Mr. Depp. You’ve jumped the Tim Burton shark.
5) Danny Elfman score
God, I wish I was Danny Elfman. Create one amazing score and re-purpose it over and over and over again. Throughout this film, we get the Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Spiderman score all mixed up to disguise it as something new. Think I’m wrong? Check all three below and compare it to the Alice score above. Same ole same ole. They are all variations of each other.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3eB1eBw028
Top 5: Films to See Over Your Holiday Break
It’s holiday season. Many things to do, people to see, hands to shake, family to hug. I haven’t had the time to write full reviews but wanted to give my quick take on a few I’ve seen over the past few weeks. 
1. Avatar – Not sure if you’ve heard about this little James Cameron film. But it’s a definite MUST SEE. In 3-D. On IMAX. James Cameron actually delivers on his full year of “game changing” boasts. Yes, the storyline has its slight problems, but the film is the real deal. The performance capture created by Cameron’s team truly is a game changer. In 3-D, you feel as if you are on the planet Pandora. Don’t wait to watch it at home. This film reassures all that is great about actually going to the movies.
2. Up in the Air – George Clooney will get nominated for Best Actor, and possibly win. Jason Reitman will get nominated for Best Director and Screenplay. One of the two actress (Vera Farmiga & Anna Kendrick) will get nominated for Best Actress (but not win). These are not bold statements. I speak the truth. It will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and make you wonder what the hell is going on with America’s job market. Very relevant film. Very funny, too. Go see it before your Aunt Hilda who knows NOTHING sees it and tells you that it’s the greatest movie and blah blah blah. The buzz and hype will reach a fever pitch as award season starts kicking in, so see it SOON.
3. Fantastic Mr. Fox – I was really reluctant to see this at first. I love Wes Anderson films and all (except The Life Aquatic, that one really went off the rails), but wasn’t really feeling the stop motion animation. After seeing it, I will admit that I’m a fool. Based on a kids book, I’m not even sure how much of a kid’s film it is. Most of the jokes would seem to go over the kids heads. I laughed out loud many times throughout. There is a reason this film has 100% positive reviews amongst top critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Fantastic Mr. Fox is FANTASTIC.
4. Brothers – In general, Tobey Maguire creeps me out. I just don’t really like him. That being said, he may very well get nominated (not win) for an Academy Award in his role in this film. His bugged eyed, sunken in, creepshow performance actually works in this tense film. I recommend this movie with caution, the performances are fantastic and the script really develops the characters well. It’s just trying to do a few too many things at one time, while downplaying some of the obvious elements it needed to explore.
5. The Road – I really enjoyed this book. And the film does a fantastic job of adapting it. It’s just a tough one to recommend. The narrative, story arc, and overall struggle seem to be best fit for a novel. The slow crawl to the end of the world is shot beautifully. Viggo Mortensen is amazing as usual (Yes, he gets naked for about the 80th film in a row. Luckily no naked karate kicks like in Eastern Promises). Here it is in a nutshell. I absolutely loved this movie. But wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. It’s a downer. But a magnificent downer.
To avoid: Did You Hear About the Morgans?, Armored, Old Dogs
Enjoy the holiday break!
Best of the Decade: My Favorite Films of The Oh’s
I’ve shown you what will soon be known as classics, you discovered overlooked movies, and were hiding under the covers from the villains. My final Best of “The Oh’s” list is simply my personal favorite films of the past 10 years. I’m not trying to sell you on any of these. I don’t care if you disagree. There is no debate. This decade saw me thrown into the working world post-college graduation, it witnessed my engagement and wedding. It saw my transition from “Tall, Dark, and good looking” to “Tall, Dark, and handsome.” The decade had many ups and the inevitable downs.
The below list are films that moved me in some way as I grew up as an adult. I saw Requiem for A Dream 3 times in the theater (yes, I’m a glutton for punishment). I watched a special back to back Arclight screening of Kill Bill 1 and Kill Bill 2. I saw Oldboy without knowing anything about it — man, was that shocking. The score for Road to Perdition still moves me when I hear it. You won’t find Lord of the Rings trilogy on this list as I’ll never watch those again. These are all films that only get better each time I see them.
Through movie magic, some helped me find clarity during the bad times. Others simply helped my mind run wild in imagination. They all were thought provoking, inspiring, haunting, and creative pieces of work that I really appreciated.
30. High Fidelity (2000) – A love letter to the audiophiles, this film will make you laugh, cringe, and make you realize you relate to John Cusack’s character maybe a little too much.
29. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – There’s a special place in my heart for the imagination of kids (see #13 and #17) and this one is no exception. It sets up an amazingly creepy fantasy world that let’s your imagination run wild.
28. Munich (2005) – Seth Rogan’s character says it best in Knocked Up, “If any of us gets laid tonight, it’s because of Eric Bana in Munich.” Inglorious Basterds was great, but this is the ultimate Jewish revenge flick. This is a great Spielberg film that oddly was forgotten.
27. Road to Perdition (2002) – The rain scene shootout and amazing score put this in my top 30 list. Can’t wait to see this film again.
26. Memento (2000) – On paper, this film is as gimmicky as they come. The whole film is backwards so each plot point is revealed in reverse order. Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) gives the audience a pitch perfect murder mystery and doesn’t get wrapped up in the gimmicks. Solid cast, perfect script, this is a thriller-noir that everyone must see.
25. Juno (2007) – The buzz around this movie made it unbearable to even hear the name Diablo Cody or Juno. Somehow, this film still holds strong through annoying buzz. Funny, heartfelt, with an all-too-real subject matter.
24. Sideways (2004) - I can never look at a bottle of Merlot the same again. Hilarious movie that deserved all of the accolades and buzz it got. It’s just too bad Thomas Haden Church couldn’t parlay his nominated role into more. His Spiderman 3 was a TRAINWRECK!
23. The Dark Knight in IMAX (2008) – If you haven’t seen this movie, I doubt you’re reading this. Quite simply, this is the best superhero movie made. Period. If you saw it in IMAX, your balls are probably just healing up from the swift kick they took from the kickassity of it all. Yes, I just said that.
22. Away We Go (2009) – Maybe it hit close to home, but I thought this movie was fantastic. Sam Mendes quietly made one of his best films and no one really saw it. It’s a shame. Here is my review from initial screening.
21. Let the Right One In (2008) – I reviewed it HERE. This Swedish Vampire flick is fantastic. “Eli” would kick Robert Pattinson’s ass. But so could I.
20. Finding Nemo (2003) – Many will argue that Pixar’s best films are The Incredibles, Wall-E, or Up. I don’t think any of them compare to Finding Nemo. It’s heartfelt, funny, and swimmingly brilliant.
19. Talk To Her (2002) – One of Almodovar’s best films, this Oscar Winner (Screenplay) and Nominee (Director) will catch you by surprise. All you need to know is the basic plot: Two men share an odd friendship while they care for their girlfriends who are both in deep comas
18. Adaptation (2002) – Charlie Kaufman: Writer; Spike Jonze: Director; Meryl Streep: Actress. What more do you need?
17. Spirited Away (2001) – Beat out Pixar’s Monster’s Inc. for the first ever Best Animated Picture Academy Award. It would beat out any Pixar movie ever released. Place some imagination in a crack pipe, light it, and smoke it. That’s what you’ll get here. Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets a low level street drug. Amazing film.
16. The Royal Tennenbaums (2001) – My favorite of Wes Anderson’s films.
15. Blackhawk Down (2001) – This film disturbs me beyond belief. A true war story which proves that the same mistakes keep being made over and over in the world. We didn’t learn from either of the World Wars. We didn’t learn from Vietnam. Pure madness. A brilliant and haunting film from Ridley Scott.
14. Oldboy (2003) - My spoiler free review is HERE. I wish I never saw this movie…so that I can see it again without knowing anything.
13. Where the Wild Things Are (2009) – This could move up or down the list upon future viewings.
12. Knocked Up (2007) – I was completely surprised at how honest and hilarious this was. And it still holds up with multiple viewings.
11. No Country For Old Men (2007) – Easily one of the best Coen Brothers movies.
10. Children of Men (2006) – Haunting, personal, and way underrated. This is a must watch film.
9. Lost In Translation (2003) – This movie could have easily been in my Top 5. Emptiness and neglect bond two intriguing characters. Sofia Coppola is at her best here, juggling the strange and vibrant world of Japan with the solemn sadness of her characters.
8. Almost Famous (2000) - A deeply personal film for Cameron Crowe showcases what he knows best – music. This movie never gets old.
7. There Will Be Blood (2007) – As I’ve mentioned many times, this is a masterpiece from my favorite modern director. It gets better with each viewing.
6. Into the Wild (2007) – Another underrated film. It will make you want to quit your job, introduce your middle finger to “the man”, and walk the Earth. Sean Penn does a great job in leaving it up to the audience to determine whether Chris McCandless was a spoiled brat or a youth trying to blaze his own trail. I listen to this Eddie Vedder soundtrack all the time. Amazing film.
5. 25th Hour (2002) - One of the first New York based films that includes 9/11 as one of its characters. This is Spike Lee at his best. Not too heavy handed, but hammering his points home. We all make mistakes in life. When should they stop being forgiven?
4. City of God (2002) - An unflinching look at life in the slums of Rio de Janiero. This ain’t Slumdog Millionaire. Kids with guns. Gangs on all corners. I wish I had two more hands so I could give it 4 thumbs up.
3. Requiem for a Dream (2000) – This is easily the best anti-drug film I’ve ever seen. It never tells you “Don’t do drugs” or gives any type of After School special message. It just shows you, this can be your life when drugs rule you. And who knew Marlon Wayans can actually act! The haunting score from Clint Mansell has been used numerous times in other films. Watching the trailer HERE not only makes me sad, it makes me want to see this film again. One of the best…ever.
2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - One of the most simple yet creative scripts I’ve had the opportunity to read. It was carefully directed to keep Charlie Kaufman’s stamp all over it. Jim Carrey at his dramatic best. This gets better each time I see it (which has been alot). This is on my Top 10 films of all time. That’s how much I loved it. Here is a heartbreaking scene.
1. Kill Bill Series (2003/2004) – One of the greatest things about movies is that you can escape to another place, another time, solve a murder, fly through space…you can do anything when the lights are dimmed and the projector starts to rumbling. The Indiana Jones series (except the last one) brought you a sense of adventure in a real world environment with things that could never happen in the real world. Kill Bill 1 & 2 does the same thing. True, you can’t take your samurai sword on a flight to Japan. But in Quentin Tarantino’s universe, you sure as hell can. True, one person, no matter how much of a badass they are, can’t take out an entire team of 88 ninjas. But you can in QT’s universe. The Kill Bill movies are everything that film should be about. Imagination. Fun. Unforeseen twists. Head’s rollling. If you didn’t enjoy this movie, you probably missed the point.
Best of the Decade: Top 5 Movie Villains of The Oh’s
5. Alonzo Harris
What movie was he in? Training Day (2001)
What is his weapon of choice? LAPD Badge
The proof is in the scene: HERE
Why you don’t want to invite him over for Christmas dinner: You haven’t seen your nephew Billy for quite awhile and are thrilled that “Little Billy” and family will be at the house for Christmas. For some reason, Little Billy is really into playing with classic monster toys – Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, King Kong… No idea what got him on this kick, but he has figurines of all of them. He’s a weird kid. Everyone is relaxing after dinner and Little Billy is playing “monsters” with Cousin Alonzo. Suddenly, Cousin Alonzo starts brewing. He sits on the couch, stands up, paces down the hallway. Something is obviously wrong with him. He is sweating profusely, patting his jacket pocket for the empty pack of cigarettes. You lift yourself from the food coma to handle the odd situation. But Alonzo’s not having it. He glares at Little Billy. Upper lip quivering, he gives a slow upward nod to him.
“What’s the problem, Zo?”
He looks right through you. A bead of sweat drops from his ear with a splash to the wood flooring.
Behind you, Little Billy smashes the King Kong toy against the plastic Dracula. SMASH! SMASH! Dracula’s head falls off.
Alonzo has seen enough. He violently shoves you aside and stands over sweet Little Billy.
“You think you can do this to me?! I play with you and this is how you treat me? Don’t f#%k with me, Billy.”
Billy triumphantly tosses headless Dracula to the side, embracing his King Kong toy.
“King Kong ain’t got shit on me!” Alonzo proclaims.
4. O-Ren Ishii
What movie was she in? Kill Bill Vol.1 (2003)
What is her weapon of choice? Samurai Sword
The proof is in the scene: HERE
Why you don’t want to invite her over for Christmas dinner: You’re super nervous. It’s the first time your family is going to meet your new girlfriend, O-Ren. You had no choice but to invite her, her entire family is back in Japan. Cautiously optimistic, you have the feeling the dinner will go off without a hitch.
You enter the house in your Banana Republic sweater vest; O-Ren wears a Christmas themed kimono filled with candy canes, Santa heads, and mistletoe. The grand entrance is met with warm smiles, loving hugs, and genuine approval. Except for Grandpa Ben. You know, racist WWII vet Grandpa Ben. Crap, forgot he was going to be here.
Over dinner, your Grandpa is very dismissive of your new girlfriend. He often has his war flashbacks and tonight is no exception. He acts like she’s an intruder and refuses to politely laugh at her jokes with the rest of the family, must to the ire of O-Ren.
“Your grandfather obviously has something on his mind,” O-Ren declares “By all means, let him express it.”
Grandpa Ben steams. Suddenly he smashes his eggnog against the table.
“I’m not sure why you are all laughing and celebrating with this perversion in the room.”
“What perversion do you speak of?” your girlfriend snaps back.
Grandpa Ben stares straight ahead at the 12 Days of Christmas painting.
“My father” he begins “…and his father, and EVERYONE in my family tree has always had a real Christmas tree. I look over in that room and see a fake Target tree. This is a PERVERSION of Christmas!”
The room starts heating up as you quickly fan yourself with a Santa napkin. Your parents are stunned at this sudden attack on their tree from a box. O-Ren is not having it. She jumps on the table and with the pitter patter of her size 2 feet sprints towards Grandpa Ben.
It’s safe to say the debate of the Christmas tree came to a head.
3. The Joker
What movie was he in? The Dark Knight (2008)
What is his weapon of choice? Pencil
The proof is in the scene: HERE
Why you don’t want to invite him over for Christmas dinner: Unless you want to be the laughingstock of the family, it’s better not to invite the cracked out, stringy hair, laughing hyena, caked on Halloween makeup, purple suited college roommate to the holiday festivities.
2. Anton Chigurh
What movie was he in? No Country For Old Men (2007)
What is his weapon of choice? Cattle Gun
The proof is in the scene: HERE
Why you don’t want to invite him over for Christmas dinner: Ring ring. Ring ring! You’re walking out of the grocery store when you hear the dreaded holiday bell. You know what bell I’m talking about. The Salvation Army bell.
Ring ring. Ring ring!
It’s the end of the year and you can’t honestly think of one charitable thing you’ve done all year. That’s when a light bulb pops above your head.
“I have something better than throwing a few coins in your bucket,” you yell to the Salvation Army man with the precise bowl cut.
“How about you have a warm meal at my place for Christmas and get out of this chilly weather.”
*Freeze: This spontaneous remark represents all that is wrong with you. Yes, it would be an amazing gesture to invite the man to dinner. But no, Salvation Army ring shakers are not the homeless.
The man nods to your careless gesture. The ring of the bell penetrates your eardrums as he drops the bell to pick up his cattle gun. This is the end of you.
1. Patrick Bateman
What movie was he in? American Psycho (2000)
What is his weapon of choice? Chainsaw and sometimes an axe
The proof is in the scene: HERE (Watch all 5 minutes to see Christian Bale at his absolute best)
Why you don’t want to invite them over for Christmas dinner: You feel bad for your co-worker who you now consider a good friend. He has no family. And it’s Christmastime. Over happy hour drinks, you think about inviting him over for Christmas dinner. But first he starts ranting about music, specifically Huey Lewis and the News. And then Phil Collins. Why do you care? What’s wrong with this guy? And then he lays this one on you–
“I have all the characteristics of a human being — blood, flesh, skin, hair — but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me, and I don’t know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip.”
Good times.
Best of the Decade: Top 5 Overlooked Films of “The Oh’s”
The past decade brought us an onslaught of new films. Some were great, most were mediocre, and some never got their time to shine. Below are my 5 films that I feel were overlooked over the past decade. All 5 were thought provoking, original, and better than 90% of the films that got more traction during “The Oh’s”. For various reasons, they didn’t get their due respect when in the theaters. If you haven’t seen any of these films, I highly recommend them. With no further adieu, here are Film Savior’s “Top 5 Overlooked Films of The Oh’s”:
5. The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford” (2007)
“By his own approximation, Bob assassinated Jesse James over 800 times. He suspected no one in history had ever so often or so publicly recapitulated an act of betrayal.”
With a ridiculously long and expositional title, a lengthy running time (159 minutes), and western epic feel, it’s no wonder many people passed on this film. And it’s a shame. This psychoanalytical historic epic takes an interesting approach on the tale of Jesse James. At 34 years old, he seems to be in a fog, just waiting to be killed and put out of his complicated life. Brad Pitt, Sam Rockwell, and Casey Affleck all put in brilliant performances (Affleck was nominated for an Academy Award as the creepy Robert Ford), The haunting score from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is a must add to your iTunes if you are music score connoisseur (you can get a taste of it in the trailer HERE). If you have the time (or watch it in two shifts), give this one a chance. You’ll be surprised that this one passed you by. NETFLIX it!
4. Brick (2005)
“Throw one at me if you want, hash head. I’ve got all five senses and I slept last night, that puts me six up on the lot of you.” – Brendan
Similar to the straight approach to Baz Luhrmann’s modern twist to Romeo + Juliet, Brick takes the 1940′s film noir into modern day high school. The actors speak and act like detectives/criminals/femme fatales, but live the everyday high school experience. The fearless performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt brought him from TV sitcom actor to a serious film actor. This role was a career page turner for him in every sense of the word. First time writer/director Rian Johnson does not flinch in his abstract, sometimes zany, original detective story. The film only opened in two theaters in ’06 after its film festival run in ’05. While this original and fantastic film barely was seen, The Benchwarmers, Scary Movie 4, and RV was defecating on thousands of screens each. Really.
Check out the trailer HERE. You’ll get a better sense of how whacked out, yet true to the detective genre it is. Here is NETFLIX link.
3. The Squid and The Whale (2005)
“I’ve got an elegant new house across the park. It’s an elegant block — the filet of the neighborhood.” – Bernard
Noah Baumbach’s best film to date perfectly captures the comedic drama of a family going through a divorce in 1980′s Brooklyn. Each character is flawed, cringe inducing, yet charming in their own unique ways. As nasty and acidic as the characters are, they all seem real–human, three-dimensional. Jeff Daniels is outstanding (as always) as the self-centered author. Every one of his lines is delivered with stinging realism and calculated anger. Funny, despairing, and real – The Squid and the Whale is an acutely sad/humorous look at family collapse. The verbal ping pong slinging between Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney is worth the price of rental in itself. Check out the trailer HERE. And the NETFLIX link.
2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
“Wow, I feel sore. I mean physically, not like a guy who’s angry in a movie in the 1950′s.”-Harry
One would think “from the writer/director of Lethal Weapon” and “starring Robert Downey, Jr.” would be a blockbuster movie. How quickly things change in Hollywood. Around 2005 Robert Downey, Jr. was making his slow climb back up the Hollywood ranks. He had a guest starring role on Ally McBeal, he starred in The Shaggy Dog, and had a starring role in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. What a shame that this one got lost amongst his bad acting choices. As a buddy comedy and Hollywood detective satire, it’s consistently funny, full of meaningfull pop culture dialogue, and filled with great action. The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer (as PI Gay Perry) is undeniable. They are fantastic together. This film has generated quiet home rental buzz, but cannot be recommended enough as a fun, entertaining rental.
1. 25th Hour
“I have been in three different prisons, Montgomery. Three different countries. And you know what I learned? I learned prison is a bad place to be.”-Uncle Nikolai
Spike Lee’s first post 9/11 film couldn’t have been more tragically prophetic. Based on David Benioff’s novel about a drug dealer’s last day before he heads off to prison, Lee’s decision to shoot the film through the viewpoint of the recently scarred New York City added a brilliant dimension to the strong script. 25th Hour isn’t just a story about one man’s mistakes, it also opens into a love letter to the American Dream, the diversity of the country, and the potential to keep things moving forward, even in the darkest days. Ed Norton, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Rosario Dawson all give powerful performances. And the infamous “F$ck you” 5 minutes rant from Ed Norton. Wow. I’m pretty sure he offended every walk of life. Amazing speech. You can see it HERE if you so choose.
This is easily one of Spike Lee’s best films. This is also one of the best films of the past decade. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a MUST SEE.
Check out the trailer HERE.
Best of the Decade: Top 5 Films That Will Be Known as Classics
Naming your child, your fantasy football team, or your boat…these are difficult decisions that must be carefully thought out. Who would have thought naming a decade would be so difficult?! I was born in the seventies, grew up in the eighties, became a young stud in the nineties, and then the year 2000 came along. Yes, it’s the new millenium. But what is the DECADE from 2000-2009 called? As it comes to a sudden close, no one seems to know. Some reference the “aughts”, which is what folks called the decade between 1900-1909. That’s a term I’ll gladly repudiate. The “2000′s” is another name which is completely unoriginal and nonsensical. In the distant future, what the hell does the “2000′s” really mean? For lack of a better name, I’m simply going to reference this turbulent decade as “The Oh’s”.
Over the next week or so, I am going to pay tribute to some of the best things to happen in the film world during The Oh’s. It seems so fitting that this CGI heavy decade will conclude with James Cameron’s “game changer” in Avatar. As the world around us changed and became more paranoid and cynical, the films released in The Oh’s became a mirror image. Comic book adaptations became darker, horror became more violent, and the apocalypse was insinuated in many plotlines.
This week I’m going to provide you a list of all this decades’ films that are deserving of your first or second (or third) viewing. Some of these films you may have seen. Others you might have never even heard of. But I can assure you one thing, they are all deserving of your time. I’ll include video links and Netflix links for each of them. You can thank me later.
First up are the 5 films that you’ll find in the classics section of the video store sometime in the year 2050. Our future children will see the extreme cynical views we had on our world through these films. These 5 films accurately portray the inner thoughts amongst many during this trying decade. These aren’t films like The Ugly Truth or Spiderman 3 that you’ll forget the second you leave the theater. These will linger with you, remind you of your place in the world during The Oh’s, and grow in stature as time moves forward.
5. The Departed (2006)
“Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe f#$k yourself.” – Staff Sgt. Dignam
When the name Martin Scorsese is mentioned, I’m sure you immediately think about his classic films of long ago: Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, etc. Many began to wonder if he simply was too old to continue making the brilliant pieces of art that he seemed to create so easily in the past. Gangs of New York was met with a shrug. The Aviator was overdone. And then Scorsese announced that he was going to make another mob film (cinephiles met this news with cautious excitement). Scorsese’s new DeNiro, Leonardo DiCaprio, instantly signed on. Then Jack Nicholson. And Matt Damon. Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg. Everything was too good to be true, right?
For once, a film went beyond the hype. Scorsese fearlessly took us into the cat and mouse game of Irish mafia and undercover cops set in parts of Boston I want nothing to do with. Jack Nicholson proved he’s still on top of his game as Frank Costello. And in a move that was obviously a make-up for Scorsese having ZERO Best Director Oscars, he finally received the award he should have won 3 times over. This film gets better with each viewing. The acting is superb. The directing is breathtaking. And the screenplay is top notch. Here are two great dialogue heavy scenes from the film which show the subtle humor in a mob based thriller. For anyone who hasn’t seen the film, F-bombs are dropped often. Apparently they come hand in hand with a Boston accent. There’s your warning. See the clip HERE. Add it to your NETFLIX queue.
4. No Country For Old Men (2007)
“Call it…friendo.” – Anton Chigurh
Here’s a film that echos the cynicism and paranoia in the modern world perfectly. What kind of world do we live in? Is there purpose in moving through life morally? What truly is right and wrong? The essence of these thoughts is played out by one of the scariest “villains” in film, Anton Chigurh. The Coen Brothers will have you at the edge of your seat from the moment Llewelyn Moss has the bright idea to bring the wounded man water to the abrupt conclusion. This film leaves so many questions, which only adds to its brilliance. All the answers are in the film if you watch carefully. A close examination of the film reveals the exploration of true evil in the world and a study in obsolescence. This along with the Coen Brother’s wink-wink-wit provides a roller coaster ride. Chigurh is unrelenting. Moss is bumbling, yet prideful. Something has to give. The film won Best Picture in a tight race with There Will Be Blood. This one will haunt generations to come. If you want to revisit the amazing trailer, see it HERE. Add it to your NETFLIX queue.
3. Children of Men (2006)
Tagline: “No children. No future. No hope.”
Want a swift kick in your ass? Watch Children of Men. This will jump into your favorite movies list. Powerful, beautiful, and thought provoking — this film still sticks with me to this day. Director Alfonso Cuaron has created one of the most fascinating, coherent futuristic dystopias I have ever seen. The terror of the film revolves around the idea that women can no longer become pregnant. The countdown begins to the end of the world. But one woman has been found to be pregnant, but how? It would be easy to find the story of a crumbling world devoid of procreation faced with its first pregnancy extremely cheesy. Instead, this film is a landmark achievement with scenes that must be seen to be believed. There are brilliant tracking shots without edits that last over several minutes. The beginning desperation of the world is portrayed brilliantly through amazing set design and cinematography. Unfortunately, the film was released on Christmas Day 2006. Not the ideal time to watch the potential end of the world with the family. And after that, the film was swept under the rug. It received Oscar nominations for editing, cinematography, and screenplay, but was mostly forgotten. The more that people discover this film, the more that everyone will realize how shunned it truly was. Check out a clip of the film HERE. And add it to your NETFLIX queue.
2. Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
“Will you keep out all the sadness?” – Carol
Spike Jonze took a classic children’s book and brilliantly expanded it into a worthy adaptation for adults and older children. As the hourglass continues to pour, so will the love and respect for this piece of art. I’ve poured my heart out in my review of the film HERE. If you were ever a kid…truly a kid–you will appreciate the richness and subtly this film brings. This isn’t a movie about talking hamsters or about a princess. This is about childhood. For better or for worse.
Check out a clip from the film HERE.
1. There Will Be Blood (2007)
“You’re a bastard from a basket.” – Daniel Plainview
Paul Thomas Anderson is my favorite modern day writer/director. Watch any of his films and you’ll find brilliance. Enough said.
There Will Be Blood is a masterpiece. It’s not for everyone. But neither are pieces from Picasso. Daniel Day-Lewis does some of the greatest acting since the heyday of Marlon Brando. He IS Daniel Plainview. This tale of corruption, ambition, and industry is a slow burn that takes multiple viewings to truly grasp the layered scope. This is alot to ask for a 158 minute film. But it is worth it. Between the acting, Jonny Greenwood’s (Radiohead) haunting score, and PTA’s masterpiece screenplay, this film is destined to be a classic. It has put Paul Thomas Anderson in the same breath as Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Federico Fellini, and Sergio Leone. It’s that perfect. See a clip of it HERE. Don’t be surprised when you still hear about this film 60 years from now.
Oh yeah, Paul Thomas Anderson just announced his next film. It’s a “fictional” look at Scientology.
Top 5 “Great” Movies I Can’t Get Myself to Watch
5) The Pianist (Winner of 3 Academy Awards: Actor, Director, Screenplay)
Every time I tell someone that I’ve never seen Roman Polanski’s The Pianist, I get the same reaction. A look of shock that transformers into disappointment. I’m well aware that Adrian Brody won best actor, Polanski won best director, and also won for best screenplay. But damn. I usually am not in a hurry to watch any films that revolve around American Slavery or the Holocaust. I’ll eventually get to them (I FINALLY just watched Hotel Rwanda…good times), but something about the title + subject matter just has held me back. That being said, I just saw The Road. Dark, depressing, and sad but at least it wasn’t the Jewish Holocaust.
4) Ben Hur #72 AFI Top 100 American Movies
I honestly can’t tell you why I haven’t seen this movie or why I can’t get myself to watch it. I know it’s supposed to be epic. It won 11 Academy Awards. As a connoisseur of all things film, I feel like an ass for 1) Never seeing this film and 2) Having no interest whenever I have the opportunity. It just seems like potential Chinese water torture to me.
3) Amadeus #53 AFI Top 100 American Movies
I love the music. I’m interested in the man. But the film…BLAH. I just don’t have any interest in sitting through this. It got nominated for 11 Academy Awards in 1985. Guess what? I don’t care. More importantly, how was THIS SONG a huge hit?!
2) Letters of Iwo Jima/Flags of Our Fathers
Clint Eastwood has been at the top of his game since he hit the ripe old age of 107. For some reason, I cannot get myself to put either of these films at the top of my Netflix Queue (*If you want to be my Netflix “Friend”, contact me! I only have good films to recommend…promise). Anyone out there…are either of these actually worth watching?
1) Singin In the Rain #10 AFI Top 100 American Movies
The musical is my least favorite film genre. Unless you are on a Broadway stage, breaking into song mid sentence is cringe inducing to me. That being said, I really enjoyed Moulin Rouge, Chicago, and looking forward to the upcoming Nine. The above picture is one of the reasons I despise the thought of watching this movie. It’s just terrible. People sing in showers, not the rain. Nothing can be so great and jolly that you’re enticed to twirl around street lights and belt out a cheesy song at the top of your lungs. It was #10 on AFI’s Greatest American Movies List. It was ranked as the #1 musical of all time. I’ve seen 95% of the films on AFI’s Top 100 Movies list and I doubt I’ll ever see this one. Terrible on all levels. Yes, I’m judging a book by its cover. Just like I do to you.
A Random Tangent: Sweet, Sweet Love
Since my sister and her husband live up in Portland, Oregon, I’ll randomly check their 10 day forecast. I have no real reason to check the weather here in Southern California. It’s annoyingly predictable: 72 degrees and sunny. All Los Angeles weather newscasters should be fired. Seriously, what are they doing? When I saw the Portland forecast, I had to laugh. They have enough rain to help a stripper retire. Then a random thought popped into my head. How do you function in a town where the weather simply does not let up? Do you call in sick to work and stay in your pajamas all day? Do you brave the elements and actually go about your business? I thought long and hard and could not figure out how you people outside of Southern California handle it. So I did what I usually do to solve any problems, questions and issues I may have. I went into my movie memory base. How does a downpour of rain effect an individual? Suddenly an LED light bulb popped above my head. Rain + No Umbrella = SWEET, SWEET LOVE.
Now stick with me here. I have the proof in how rain makes a person mad (via movies, of course). You can’t tell me that you didn’t first profess your love for your spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend, grandma, whatever, under the downpour of the elements. When it was sunny, you could care less. Now it’s pouring rain, you are in love. If you are still reading this, you know what I’m talking about. Even Rusty, that Golden Retriever next to you has experienced this downpour of emotion through your soaking wet jeans.
Here is proof of what rain will do to you. It makes you mad. It stirs up passion. And you’ll forget all about the hood and umbrella.
Example 1: This particular individual was waiting 7 years for this dude. 7 years! She hates him. Wants nothing to do with him. Uh oh…the rain is falling. Scratch that, she wants to make sweet love! See proof HERE.
Example 2: According to these Men’s Wearhouse Tuxedo Rental Terms and Conditions, I don’t think a soaking wet tux would be considered damaged. Great news. If you happen to be at a fancy charity event or a groomsman at a wedding, be prepared if it starts to rain. Something strange will build up inside of you (no, not that). You’ll feel the sudden urge to run outside in the pouring rain and profess your love to “the one.” Don’t be surprised when it happens. When you find her, stop trying to talk to or kiss her indoors. The hours she spent on her hair and makeup is irrelevant. Remember: Rain + No Umbrella = SWEET, SWEET LOVE. More proof HERE! (Note: I am a straight man who absolutely loves this movie…sorry ladies, but I am already taken. And not to ruin the ending, but Rosebud was a sled.)
Example 3: Sometimes the rain works AGAINST you. It’s the equivalent of beer goggles. There you are, having a normal day of dressing up in spandex. And then it rains. Shoot. What to do. And then that girl with the annoying face and yellow teeth (yes, Kirsten Dunst) confronts you. At least you have the mask on…no one will know it’s you. Take her to the back alley…time for some swee—wait. Let’s try something different. How about I hang upside down. That way I really don’t have to look at you. Ah yes, time for sweet, sweet lovin. See it HERE!
Example 4: Don’t you dare wipe that rain off your face. It’s pouring at an obnoxious pace. You probably can’t even see right now. That’s OK, though. All that’s on your brain is SWEET, SWEET LOVE. See the overwhelming facts HERE.
So there you have it. Rain. Metaphorically it represents passion — but realistically, it’s just really annoying.
2009 Movie Inspired Halloween Costumes
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The 2009 Halloween season is upon us. If you’re one of the cool kids, you’ve been invited to a Halloween party. And being that it’s on a Saturday this year, your lame excuses to stay home won’t fly.
As the great Bushwick Bill proclaimed “This year Halloween fell on a weekend, me and Geto Boys were trick or treatin’…” I digress.
If you’re an avid Film Savior reader, we know that you will not be amongst the hoards of people dressing up as Michael Jackson. You are better than that. 90% of people on the streets and at parties will be some version of MJ, mostly the “Thriller” one. That being said, it’s always fun to dress up as something creative and relevant to the times that proves you are smarter, funnier, and frankly, better looking than the masses. Here at Film Savior, we will give you the secret to this success. In a few easy steps, you can recreate memorable characters from your favorite 2009 films. Below are 7 examples and ideas for you to receive that “slow clap to standing ovation” entrance you’ve deserved.
- Costume: Old Man Chic / Hipster 50′s Secretary
- Inspired by: (500) Days of Summer
- What You Need (Men): Sweater vest, tight pants, a tie, messenger bag, and paper mache bird. This one is simple. If you wear a large, buy a medium. If your waist size is 34, buy a 32. Keep it tight. Keep it nerdy. Keep it real. To add extra emphasis to the character’s look, gaze at the bird as often as possible. Make love to it with your eyes. And speaking of your eyes, try to squint them at all times like Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
- What You Need (Women): The problem with trying to dress like Summer Finn is everyone will assume you are trying to be a character from Mad Men. She dresses like a 50′s secretary that was mugged by a hipster. To keep the time period unquestioned, wear an iPod and blast The Smiths all night. Whenever anyone asks what you are supposed to be, act annoyed but offer them that “I love The Smiths”
- Costume: Cranky Old Man from “Up”
- Inspired by: Up
- What you Need (Men): Tie as many balloons as possible to your body. Put on glasses. Do your best not to float away.
- Costume: Twilight Douchebag
- Inspired by: Twilight Series
- What You Need (Men or Women): Stay out of the sun for, um, about 2 months. Don’t take a shower for a full week before Halloween. Wear the dirtiest clothes at the bottom of your laundry basket. At the actual Halloween party, act like you don’t want to be there. But make sure all eyes are on you at all times.
Continue reading “2009 Movie Inspired Halloween Costumes” »
Top 5: 2009 Summer Movies
Summer 2009 is officially over in Hollywood and I’ve barely started pulling myself from the rubble of trainwrecks.
- Transformers 2 and the Jive Talking Robots.
- Terminator: Salvation or How I Ruined the Terminator Franchise and Stole Your Money (maybe this is why Christian Bale had his meltdown)
- G.I. Joe – The Definition of Trainwreck
- Land of the Lost – R.I.P. Will Ferrell?
Luckily, there were some great surprises that helped wash out the bad taste. Below are the Film Savior favorite films from Summer 2009. You might notice that I did not include The Hurt Locker (a shoo-in for Best Picture Nomination). That’s because it didn’t really come out this summer…so get off my back. If you missed them in the theater, queue em’ up on Netflix. They are all worth checking out. Continue reading “Top 5: 2009 Summer Movies” »
A Note to Judd Apatow: Top 5 Ways Funny People Could Have Been Brilliant Instead of Pretty Good
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The 40-Year-Old Virgin — 133 Minutes
Knocked Up — 133 Minutes
Funny People — 146 Minutes
After watching the pretty good, yet grueling Funny People over the weekend — the Film Savior staff has been wondering: Why the hell are Judd Apatow comedies so long?! Each of his 3 films could have easily been cut down to 2 hrs max, but for some reason Apatow falls in love with scenes/actors and can’t let go. The universal complaint about his latest film is that its too long. The sails lose wind about 2/3 of the way through and it becomes a marathon. See reviews at Rotten Tomatoes.
I will say that there are some great cameos along the way. Watch for the Ray Romano/Eminem scene. Hilarious.
***Below are some spoiler heavy (i.e. – don’t read if you haven’t seen the movie) ways that he could have made this film brilliant. Continue reading “A Note to Judd Apatow: Top 5 Ways Funny People Could Have Been Brilliant Instead of Pretty Good” »