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April 19
Critics 'Invisible,' Feel The 'Chill'
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I don't like this trend (now, I suppose staple) of neglecting to screen movies for critics--and not because I must see every movie for free (though that's nice). No, I'm one of those writers who finds value in some so-called "crappy" films and will go to bat for a say, "Resident Evil" or "Hulk" or "The Skeleton Key" or "The Wicker Man" (albeit with questions) and most Jean Claude Van Damme films made by Hong Kong directors (seriously, "Double Team" is a bizarre work of near brilliance).
And though I'm pretty certain I wouldn't rate Jamie Kennedy's "Kickin' It Old Skool" (did I misspell that correctly?) on par with a Tsui Hark. Van Damme, Dennis Rodman, Mickey Rourke blast of surrealism, who the hell knows? Maybe there's some subversive elements within. Perhaps an accidentally intriguing examination of race relations.
"On Friday the 27th, for the first time in memory, three movies will go into wide release without advance critics screenings. Two are supernatural thrillers. Emily Blunt of 'The Devil Wears Prada' gets above-the-title billing for Screen Gems' 'Wind Chill,' wherein she and Ashton Holmes are college students whose car breaks down.. and they are victimized by ghosts. Disney's 'The Invisible,' which uses even more rain in the poster art, features Justin Chatwin as an unfortunate young man who lingers in limbo and must prevent his body from being disposed of -- sounds like a cross between 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'The Sixth Sense.' The Yari Film Group offers the unscreened comedy 'Kickin' It Old Skool,' starring Jamie Kennedy as a break-dancer who comes out of the coma he's been in since 1986. Sounds like many film critics will feel the same way on the 27th."
Yeah, and no early peeks at Emily Blunt. That's the most unfortunate part of all this.
--posted by Kim
Falling In Love Again...
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Ah...unconsumated love. Marlene Dietrich and Ernest Hemingway make it extraordinarly romantic.
"A set of 30 unpublished letters and telegrams from the legendary American writer Ernest Hemingway to the German singer-actress Marlene Dietrich, which have been made public for the first time, reveal the depth of their passion for each other - although theirs was a relationship in which they never went to bed together...Hemingway and Dietrich started writing to each other when he was 50 and she was 47, remaining in close contact until the writer's suicide in 1961. But they never consummated their love, because of what Hemingway referred to as 'unsynchronised passion.'
"The correspondence has now been released by the Kennedy Library in Boston on the instructions of Dietrich's daughter, Maria Riva, who wanted the letters to be kept under wraps for 15 years after her mother's death.
"The couple met in 1934 on a French luxury liner, the Ile de France, when Hemingway was returning to Key West via Paris after a safari in east Africa, and Dietrich was travelling back to Hollywood after visiting relatives in Nazi Germany on one of her last trips home.
Much later Hemingway revealed to a friend why he believed the relationship had never been consummated. 'Victims of unsynchronised passion. Those times when I was out of love, the Kraut was deep in some romantic tribulation, and on those occasions when Dietrich was on the surface and swimming about with those marvellously seeking eyes, I was submerged.'"
"There are now plans to put their correspondence into a book, including 31 letters from Dietrich to Hemingway. In one of them from 1951, she addressed him as 'Beloved Papa', and continued: 'I think it is high time to tell you that I think of you constantly. I read your letters over and over and speak of you with a few chosen men. I have moved your photograph to my bedroom and mostly look at it rather helplessly.'"
--posted by Kim
Teens Top With 'Disturbia'
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I predicted the wrong film would make it to number one this weekend. Big time. But I was on the line and could not conceive that Shia LeBeouf's PR machine was that powerful. Now I know that I should never underestimate such things.
My pick (and this does not mean I wanted it to be number one) was "Perfect Stranger" based purely on star power. But no one really cared about Berry and Willis sexing it up. It was all about the teen "Rear Window" riff starring a talented young actor who is all over the place (he talks about his "craft" a lot. And Jon Voight.). He even hosted SNL Saturday.
So, again, I was wrong, Shia is the new big thing (I guess) and "Blades of Glory" is still hot on ice.
1. "Disturbia"--$23.0 million
2. "Blades of Glory"--$14.1 million
3. "Meet the Robinsons"--$12.1 million
4. "Perfect Stranger"--$11.5 million
5. "Are We Done Yet?"--$9.2 million
April 12 'Grindhouse' Number Four, Still Groovy
That's right, "Grindhouse" languished at number four, beaten out by two return offenders ("Blades of Glory" and "Meet the Robinsons") and, not so shockingly, a family film ("Are We Done Yet?").
Why am I not surprised? Well, for one, even though I, along with plenty other folk, did not celebrate this weekend (OK, I ate one of those gross Cadbury Eggs. I also bought a large stuffed bunny, but I just needed the excuse)...anyway, as I was sayinig, I wasn't involved in an Easter egg hunt or spending time at church services praying, "Oh lord Jesus, pray that 'Grindhouse' at least makes it to number two this weekend. I know it's your holy holiday, but families need to watch Rose McGowan's one-legged prowess with a machine gun. They need to." I wasn't. But other's were (minus praying for box office) and probably thought Will Ferrell ice skating to Billy Squire's "Stroke Me" sounded like a good way to make the entire family, even Granny Gwelda, happy.
That being said, I'm sorry the film didn't perform as well as the studio and filmmakers would have liked. I think the other culprit is the picture's long running time, but that makes me annoyed with people. It's a double feature! You get two movies for one. Don't we like value in this country? What's the problem?
Here's the top five over the weekend:
1. "Blades of Glory"--$23.0 million
2. "Meet the Robinsons"--$17.0 million
3. "Are We Done Yet?"--$15.0 million
4. "Grindhouse"--$11.6 million
5. "The Reaping"--$10.1 million
So...Easter is over. Passover is over. And you know you wasted four hours web surfing for whatever it is you're seeking (pictures of feet? Look to your right) so...go see "Grindhouse."
--posted by Kim
Two Houses For The Grind?
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"Weinstein pointed to several reasons why 'Grindhouse' did so poorly in theaters over Easter weekend. 'Our research showed the length kept people away. It was the single biggest deterrent. It was 3 hours and 12 minutes long. We originally intended to get it all in in 2 hours, 30 minutes. That would have been a better time. But the movies ran longer, the [fake] trailers ran longer, everything ran longer,' Harvey told me. Weinstein also criticized his own marketing plan. 'We didn't educate the South or Midwest. In the West and the East, the movie played well. It played well in strong urban settings. But we missed the boat on the Midwest and the South." But he denies others' thinking that the Grindhouse subject matter was too foreign for mainstream audiences in mainstream theaters."
Hmm...this annoys. As I said before, many audiences were too lazy to spend three hours in the theater which to me, is absolutely ridiculous. Americans will buy two crappy pizza's for one, two Ginsu knives for one, two pairs of cheap earrings at Claire's for one, so why not get two movies for one?
And as much as I would love to see the longer version of "Deaath Proof" the picture experience was meant to be a double feature. Come on people, just go. Run to the snack bar and actually use the fake intermission if you must (though you'll miss the trailer for "Thanksgiving") but you're missing a lot of fun here. A lot more fun than Ice Cube building a house--that's for damn sure.
--posted by Kim April 07 Not A Grind
"Grindhouse" is, for the most part, receiving raves from critics. Though Stephen Hunter and Jonathan Rosenbaum hated it, most critics think it glorious, inspired trash.
But I actually found Quentin Tarantino's "Death Proof" a lot more interesting than mere great garbage. The picture has stuck with me longer than expected as I've wrestled with what it all means in my head. Yes, it could simply be a movie about hot girls, muscle cars and stunts, but it sure is a uniquely mannered, strangely focused, "Godot" like movie about such rocks off genre-loving fare. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced Tarantino moved his love of grind into the arthouse. And that's fine, it fits in with other genre pictures ("Cat People," "Gun Crazy," "Detour," "Two-Lane Blacktop") that worked similar feats.
With that, I'm sick of telling those who don't like "Grindhouse" or are opposed to it on some moral, artistic level, to loosen up and have fun. Instead, loosen up and think about it for a second.
--posted by Kim
'Grindhouse' Goodies
--Because you're special. And you deserve to see Rosario Dawson and Rose McGowan almost naked.
--Because you actually want to hear Rosario Dawson and Rose McGowan (in addition to Freddy Rodriguez and Naveen Andrews) talk about "Grindhouse."
--posted by Kim
Bob Clark R.I.P.
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This is an absolute tragedy.
Robert (Bob) Clark, director of one of my favorite slasher and Christmas pictures, "Black Christmas," as well as the beloved "A Christmas Story" and the excellent "Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things" has died:
"Film director Robert Clark and his son Ariel were killed in an early morning collision along a stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades, authorities said. Clark directed the classic holiday film 'A Christmas Story' in 1983 and was also the producer of the 'Porkys' films, along with about two dozen other features. The crash, which occurred about 2:30 a.m., left the highway closed between Temescal Canyon Road and West Sunset Boulevard until 10:40 a.m., while police investigated at the scene, said Kevin Maiberger, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department."
As readers know, I've written about "Black Christmas" frequently and think it a masterpiece. One of my highlights of last year was meeting Clark (along with the beautiful Olivia Hussey and bad-ass John Saxon) when The New Beverly showed "Black Christmas" on a double bill with "Silent Night Deadly Night." He was smart, gracious , funny, everything one would expect from the guy of such witty, inventive and subversive Christmas pictures. And he signed my special edition DVD of "Black Christmas" which I will now cherish. Since Mr. Clark was excited about many future film projects, this is sad, sad news indeed.
Rest in Peace Mr. Clark and thanks for making every Christmas all the more scary and merry.
--posted by Kim
April 05
Old School On Set Fight: Rip Torn Vs. Norman Mailer
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David O. Russell and Lily Tomlin have nothing on Rip Torn and Norman Mailer. These guys throw down the gauntlet old school. Watching their on set brawl/meaningful moment/whatever drug they're one is like an arty episode of "Cops."
And, man! A different time indeed. Did Rip Torn and Norman Mailer attempt to cover this up? Hell no! All part of the experience baby.
Watch here ( thanks Screengrab). And is it safe for work? I'll say no since there's curse words, violence and a topless Norman Mailer wrestling Rip Torn, which might actually excite you.
I cannot stop watching this. It gives me an oddly wistful feeling...like remembering my parent's old Fourth of July parties and the guy who used to make all their pottery. I also flat out love Rip Torn--even when Norman Mailer is attempting to bite off his ear. But apparently, I've got some issues.
--posted by Kim
'Blades' Finds Box Office Glory Please Take a Minute to Visit My eBay Store
The Will Ferrell/Jon Heder ice skating comedy "Blades of Glory" went all the way to number one this weekend (did I just write that? Am I Casey Kasem?) while "Meet the Robinsons," the animated movie no one was talking about made it to number two. I don't get it. Oh yeah, children.
Anyway, millions of people said "Two for 'Wild Hogs'" for yet another week and, and...I have nothing to say about that.
Here's the top five movies over the weekend:
1. "Blades of Glory"-$33 million
2. "Meet the Robinsons"--$25.056 million
3. "300"--$11.155 million
4. "TMNT"--$9.160 million
5. "Wild Hogs"--$8.8389 million
--posted by Kim
March 31 Defending Guys Who Can Defend Themselves
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Nope, I have no guilt in my adoration of Zach Snyder's Sparta crazy "300."
"The negative reviews regarding '300's' bloody pro battle ethos have more to do with the director Zach Snyder and graphic novelist Frank Miller than my apparent lizard brain ingesting all of this mayhem and so called Fascist propaganda. According to some of these writers, I'm probably not really thinking as I watch the movie.
"But here's the thing. I was thinking. I was, in fact, acutely aware of how critics and viewers would perceive the battle glory CGI beauty of the picture. I did indeed wonder if many would be offended by the depraved, unctuous Persians cast against the Spartans--that uber machine of manhood and muscle. I could already hear critics bemoaning how King Leonidas' uncommon valor would inspire teenage boys to enlist and that military folk would probably high five and cheer while watching the movie (apparently this is actually happening.)."
--posted by Kim
March 29
引用
Defending Guys Who Can Defend Themselves
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Nope, I have no guilt in my adoration of Zach Snyder's Sparta crazy "300."
"The negative reviews regarding '300's' bloody pro battle ethos have more to do with the director Zach Snyder and graphic novelist Frank Miller than my apparent lizard brain ingesting all of this mayhem and so called Fascist propaganda. According to some of these writers, I'm probably not really thinking as I watch the movie.
"But here's the thing. I was thinking. I was, in fact, acutely aware of how critics and viewers would perceive the battle glory CGI beauty of the picture. I did indeed wonder if many would be offended by the depraved, unctuous Persians cast against the Spartans--that uber machine of manhood and muscle. I could already hear critics bemoaning how King Leonidas' uncommon valor would inspire teenage boys to enlist and that military folk would probably high five and cheer while watching the movie (apparently this is actually happening.)."
--posted by Kim
引用
Car Stars Please Take a Minute to Visit My eBay Store
Here's my thoughts on those hub cap diamond star halo's (to quote Marc Bolan) after seeing "Death Proof" (from "Grindhouse") this weekend:
"I just watched 'Death Proof,' the Quentin Tarantino directed movie from 'Grindhouse' and hooolllly sh**. My big screen car chase itch has done been scratched. All I need are two beautiful muscle cars, a long dirt road and double maximum speed and I'm fine. Well, I'm better than fine, I'm bordering on one of those characters from Cronenberg's Crash. But more on Death Proof (and all of Grindhouse) later, I'm here to talk about cars--movie cars. To some of us, there is nothing quite like a bad-ass 1977 Pontiac Trans Am going up against a yellow Mercedes in a parking structure. Preferably with 1970s era Ryan O'Neal in the driver's seat.
"Which is why I've returned to a post ( from my MSN story) about something I love more than, hell, Lee Van Cleef--the car in cinema... So here's my look at the 10 greatest examples of car cinema (not the greatest cars, that's another list I wrote, though these movies include all of my favorite cars), proving that autos can make not only a genre, but compelling characters as well. For these films, it's not star, but car, power. I'm taking my Torino out for a joyride now...
"10. 'Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry' (1974)
OK, so the film itself leaves something to be desired in the deep-meaning department. And the director dips into the cheap-thrills cookie jar one too many times. But Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry is lots of messy fun -- especially when involving automobiles. Peter Fonda is (crazy) Larry, a would-be NASCAR driver who, with his mechanic Deke (Adam Roarke), pulls off a heist and runs for a new country. But they also take Mary (Susan George), a nutjob wild child (who's really the "crazy" one here, anyway?), who makes the getaway a little more, well, interesting. Filled with all kinds of terrific chase sequences starring lust-worthy hotrod "characters" such as a Dodge Charger, a Chevrolet Impala and a Dodge Polara. This one's muscle-ri-fic."
Read the rest of my list here.
--posted by Kim March 24 Straight Shooter Please Take a Minute to Visit My eBay DVD Store
"It’s official—Mark Wahlberg is a movie star. Though it seems kind of strange having to state such an obvious fact (I mean, he did star in blockbusters like 'A Perfect Storm' and critical favorites like 'Boogie Nights' and 'Three Kings'), it nevertheless needed to be said.
There are too many non-believers out there (and they have always baffled me). The guy is mad talented. He’s oddly good looking, incredibly edgy, wonderfully funny (Wahlberg has that natural comic timing that can’t be taught), poignantly vulnerable and at times, overwhelimingly romantic.
"When he was nominated for his pugnacious though surprisingly soulful turn in Martin Scorsese’s 'The Departed,' more people perked up and remembered, that’s right, Mark Wahlberg has some weight—as they should have. But even after his star turn in Paul Thomas Anderson’s now classic 'Boogie Nights,' it’s taken a lot for the ex joke of hip hop ('Marky Mark?' Yeah, I remember) to be taken seriously. But this writer always took him seriously as an actor."
"'Fear'
"Wahlberg is always wonderful at playing the unexpected nice guy. A guy who can blow his top at any moment but one who would apologize after doing it (see 'I Heart Huckabees' later in this list). But in 'Fear,' he was just downright evil. As the bad boy boyfriend who woo’s a young (and really coming into her own) high schooler Reese Witherspoon, he’s sweeps her off her feet only to turn absolutely psychotic very, very quickly. He upsets her father (played by a terrific William Peterson), has sex with other girls and even seduces Reese’s not so virtuous best friend (yep, Alyssa Milano. Who else did you think it would be?). Directed by James Foley (who crafted the wonderful 'Glengarry Glen Ross' and powerful 'At Close Range') 'Fear,' oddly, was considered something of a teen B film at the time. I think it’s a potent cautionary tale that gets teens right— and Wahlberg is stunning as your father’s ultimate nightmare."
Read my other six picks here.
--posted by Kim
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