THE HOLIDAY: Film Review

By Mitch Emerson

Iris (Kate Winslet) is in love with Jasper (Rufus Sewell) who is about to marry another woman. Across the globe, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) realizes the man she lives with has been unfaithful. Two women who have never met and live 6000 miles apart, find themselves in the exact same place. They meet online at a home exchange website and impulsively switch homes for the holiday. Iris moves into Amanda's L.A. house in sunny California as Amanda arrives in the snow covered English countryside. Shortly after arriving at their destinations, both women find the last thing either wants or expects: a new romance. Amanda is charmed by Iris' handsome brother Graham (Jude Law) and Iris, with inspiration provided by legendary screenwriter Arthur (Eli Wallach), mends her heart when she meets film composer Miles (Jack Black).


The Holiday is your standard chick flick, which I am not saying is a bad thing, it just tries a little too hard to be cute and funny. If you ask your average movie-goer a year from now if they remember this movie, they may answer with "vaguely". I'm not saying that it's a bad film, just one that is easily forgettable. Once the respective break-ups occur and Diaz and Winslet switch homes (more on that later), we go into the standard tourist-out-of-their-element shtick that has been done over and over. I will say that Winslet is endearing and cute as she runs from room to room jumping and giggling upon first entering Diaz's home. There is a nice little sub-plot dealing with aged screenwriter Arthur, who is befriended by Iris, where she talks him into going to a presentation honoring his career that added a few nice moments to the movie. Plus Arthur seemed to have some of the best lines as well.


I'm not a big Cameron Diaz fan so I won't say too much but I will say that her story is kind of lackluster until a certain situation (after their initial situation, that is) makes her and Jude Law's relationship more complicated. Boring enough that the film maker has to resort to making certain aspects of Diaz's life into a movie trailer to get a laugh. I would have rather seen more of Winslet's escapades in Hollywood. Jude Law is just as handsome as ever with an added character building flaw. He is a weeper, he will cry at the drop of a hat whilst Cameron Diaz's character hasn't cried since she was fifteen. Is there a better match? And as funny as Jack Black can be I believe that he should stick to smaller roles like this one. He is actually pretty charming and mostly normal, only showing the obnoxious antics that seem to be his trademark in only one scene, and that scene is actually funny and he reins it in just enough. (Oh, and watch for the funniest cameo of the year during said scene.)


The problems? The Holiday tries a little too hard without paying attention to itself. Example, when Amanda first arrives at Iris's cottage, the driver of the car says he can't take her all the way to the cottage because there is nowhere to turn a car around, so we get a funny little scene of Amanda in high heels lugging her suitcase up a snow covered hill. Then, at the end of the movie the same car and driver picks her up at her front door. What gives? And also, who in their right mind would give the keys to their house and car to a complete stranger? Especially when you have Amanda's house – a ginormous house in L.A. with a pool, a Lexus, and a DVD library with more titles than your local Blockbuster being traded in for Iris's little cottage with a sagging roof and no furnace? Some really unrealistic situations here, not to mention the same old problem of all romantic comedies – namely semi psychotic people who swear off love and then find Mr. Or Ms. Perfect, then agonize over the situation and then bam! Everything works out hunk-dory in the end. Yes, I forgot to take my happy pill this morning.


I would say that I enjoyed 3/4ths of this movie and don't plan on renting it when it comes out on DVD. But guys, if you want to earn some brownie points with the wife or girlfriend, take her to see this. She may enjoy it and it isn't too much torture for us men no matter how bad I have ripped into it. I know that sounds like I am contradicting myself, but I believe you should prepare for the worse and be surprised by the good things. I have purposely left out some of these pleasant turns for those of you who do decide to venture out and see this to discover and enjoy on your own.


So until somebody gives me the keys to Skywalker Ranch,

keep reading


Mitch E

MitchEmerson@hotmail.com

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GREEN STREET HOOLIGANS: DVD Review

By Mitch Emerson

Green Street Hooligans tells the story of Matt Buckner (Elijah Wood), a journalism student at Harvard who gets expelled because his roommate kept his stash of coke in Matt's possessions. Matt takes the fall and goes to stay with his sister Shannon (Claire Forlani). While there he befriends Pete Dunham (Charlie Hunnam) who is the leader of a futbol fan gang (known as Firms across the pond) which spend there time beating the ever-loving shit out of each other. Needless to say they are a bad crowd and are not the best of influences for young Matt.

I heard about this movie way back when Howard Stern was still on terrestrial radio. He had Elijah Wood in the studio still riding on the awesome success of the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy but wanted to get away from that type of movie. What is intriguing about this movie is that the Firms are portrayed in a way that makes them almost honorable, even likeable. I think violence over a game is stupid (unless it's throwing a PS2 controller at the TV), but you almost want to be there to defend their honor with them.

The performances are almost perfect all around. Wood plays this character well but if he wants to break out from the nice boy roles he needs to try a little harder and get more roles like the one in Sin City. The chemistry between Shannon and Steve (Marc Warren) was almost nonexistent but that was the only issue I had.

The only complaints I have are-
1. It was hard to understand a lot of the dialogue due to thick accents, slang and fast talking. I understand that is my fault and not the movie's.
2. The damn shaky cam is back (see my Running Scared review) Do they teach this as mandatory in film school to convey action and adrenaline? It's just plain irritating if you ask me.

Being a DVD I might as well mention the extra features, or the lack thereof. You get a five minute behind the scenes and a music video. That's it. Pretty lame.

All in all a good, intense film that shows the insanity and honor of futbol fans without being overly violent or preachy. If you haven't seen it and want something that isn't your normal popcorn film, give it a shot.

Mitch E

strangef8_633@hotmail.com

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JAMES BOND: CASINO ROYALE - Movie Review

By Mitch Emerson

Daniel Craig takes over, or should I say “kicks off” the Bond series in Casino Royale. James Bond has just received his 00 status when he must stop La Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a banker for terrorists as well as a high stakes poker player. La Chiffre takes his clients money and uses it to gamble on high risk stocks. When Bond foils his attempt to blow up a prototype airliner, La Chiffre must win a poker game in order to save his own skin. Of course Bond is there to stop him. With a kick ass car and a beautiful Treasury Agent (Eva Green) by his side, Bond does what he always does, he saves the day with style, suaveness, and more than a little violence.

Director Martin Campbell takes Bond in a new darker, grittier direction that is obvious from the beginning. Opening with a black and white noir-esque scene of him beating the crap out of some dude in a bathroom, you can tell this ain't your Daddy's Bond. From there we go right to a full on action sequence between Craig and Sebastien Foucan that would give Jackie Chan a run for his money. Is that enough examples? It may not be as cheeky or slick as previous Bond films but as a straight up spy/action flick Casino Royale delivers the goods and puts the “thriller” back in spy thriller. I know, that was kinda lame.

Hardcore fans will probably be disappointed with Danial Craig as Bond because he isn't as distinguished or gentlemanly as previous Bonds, but then again, this is a Bond before the cars, women and “shaken, not stirred” martinis. Personally, I think the only thing Craig doesn't have is the look of Bond. He looks more like a brawler from somewhere in Texas and fights like one. I feel that he could take the Bond franchise in a wonderful direction, if the fans can accept him.

Mads Mikkelsen is a great villain, played as a man who is just trying to recover from his own mistakes. Don't get me wrong, he is a villain yet you may be able to sympathize with him. Well, at least until he goes for the rope.

Surprisingly it's Judy Dench who keeps Bond (and the movie) grounded in reality by actually caring for him and trying to keep on the correct pat while at the same time becoming increasingly exasperated by the methods that Bond chooses to employ.

Eva Green as the newest (or is it the first?) Bond girl has the right amount of sex appeal while not being vapid. She is a smart and witty Treasury Agent who puts England's welfare first and foremost. Giancarlo Giannini has the the closest thing to a supporting role as Mathis, the local cop who is helping Bond. I have always liked him in everything I have seen him in, most notably Hannibal and Darkness.

Now all films have some problems and Casino Royale is no exception. Some of the familiar faces and trademarks we have come to know are missing. No Q, Miss Monneypenny or any of the fancy gadgets are here. Which leads me to the biggest problem of all. Is this a prequel, relaunch or a remake? I ask because it takes place in 2006 and is supposed to be Bond's first appearance. A friend who accompanied me swears that it's a prequel. I argued that how can it be a prequel if it was the first Bond book ever written?

Bottom line, a pretty good spy thriller with just the right amount of tension, action and humor. While not being a Bond fan myself I can say that this is a relaunch of a cultural staple that succeeds in doing what it set out to do. To bring Bond back in more down to earth feel while keeping the basic spirit of Bond. Minus the cheesy, supposedly “witty” banter and megalomaniacal schemes of caricature like super villains that have run rampant in Bond films the last few years. Give Mr. Craig a chance, he just may impress you.

Until ejector seats come as standard equipment,

keep reading

Emerson, Mitch Emerson.

Best line:

Bartender: Shaken or stirred?

James Bond: Does it look like I give a damn?

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JAMES BOND - LIVE AND LET DIE: DVD Review

By Mitch Emerson

In my review of Casino Royale I neglected to mention the fact that I am not a big Bond fan. I am ashamed to admit that I have yet to see Sean Connery as Bond. (Don't worry, I do have one coming soon). I planned on reviewing the first appearance of each actor as Bond in chronological order, but either I or Netflix goofed. So I'll review them in the order I get them.

When James Bond (Roger Moore) investigates the murders of three fellow agents, he soon finds himself a target, evading vicious assassins as he closes in on the powerful Kananga (Yaphet Kotto). Known on the streets as "Mr. Big," Kananga is coordinating a globally threatening scheme using tons of self-produced heroin. As Bond tries to unravel the master mind's plan, he meets Solitaire (Jane Seymour), the beautiful Tarot card reader whose magical gifts are crucial to the crime lord. Bond works his own magic on her, and embarks on a series of adventures, involving voodoo, hungry crocodiles and turbo-charged speedboats. (Taken from Yahoo Movies)

This was a horrible movie. Not bad, just plain horrible. With a slightly ludicrous plot and actors that over dramatize everything, to unexciting speed boat chases that go on for way too long, Live and Let Die takes Blaxploitation films, Bond films and even a healthy dose of Smokey and the Bandit and tosses them into a blender. What comes out is not easily palatable. Almost every black person in this film thinks they are pimp daddy, except for the ones who act whiter than I do, lol. The boat chase is a ridiculous uninspired sequence that uses the same trick over and over again. Interspersed is some extremely unfunny scenes with Clifton James as a Louisiana Sheriff that gets caught up in the chase. I swear, him and Buford T Justice could be brothers. Needless to say it didn't fit in the film. Actually, what didn't fit was Bond himself, lol.

The only good thing in Live and Let Die was Roger Moore, Yaphet Kotto and Jane Seymour. I can see why Moore lasted so long as Bond. In his first outing he has the suaveness and charisma it takes to be Bond. Too bad it is wasted on such drivel. Yaphet Kotto plays Mr. Big over the top so it's a good thing that it is revealed that he is really Kananga relatively early in the film,. And, if you are gonna complain about spoilers for a movie that is over 30 years old, just stop, I don't want to hear it. As Kananga he played the super villain almost perfectly, not manic or over zealous. He knows what he wants to do and doesn't need theatrics or insanity to do it. What was a surprise was seeing the credit “introducing Jane Seymour” at the beginning. In LALD she is beautiful and begins to show the acting chops that will make her one of the more successful actresses of the day. Ok, so I'm exaggerating a bit. It can't be that difficult to be a Bond girl right? Wrong. It must take something and whatever it is Gloria Hendry didn't have it. She plays whiny CIA agent Rosie Carver who can't do anything well but look good in a bikini and die.

Bottom line – I believe that this is a Bond film for hardcore fans only. Although I understand that the later Moore Bond films became campy and cheesy, Moore's performance in LALD has peaked my interest in seeing some more of him as Bond. Any recommendations? For the non fans, go see Casino Royale!

This was the Special edition and came with a few extras. Most interesting was a documentary on the making of the movie. They talked about the crocodile farm that inspired the croc scene as well as how the owners name, Kananga was given to the villain. Actually, the documentary was more interesting than the film. Aso included were a few commentaries, and the original trailer.

Note to filmmakers – If you are going to have a guy with a claw for a hand, put a brace on his wrist so it doesn't move around.

Keep reading,

Mitch E
Strangef8_633@yahoo.com


Best Lines:

Cab driver: You know where you're going?
James Bond: Uptown, I believe?
Cab driver: Uptown? You headed into Harlem, man!
James Bond: Well you just stay on the tail of that jukebox and there's an extra twenty in it for you.
Cab driver: Hey man, for twenty bucks I'd take you to a Ku Klux Klan cookout!


Felix Leiter: [on the phone] Yes, Mr. Bleeker... I KNOW you "can't just glue the wings back on." And now, Mr. Bleeker, I'm sure there's no need for name-calling.

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DEJA VU: Movie Review

By Mitch Emerson

Everyone has experienced the unsettling mystery of déjà vu--that flash of memory when you meet someone new you feel you've known all your life or recognize a place even though you've never been there before. But what if the feelings were actually warnings sent from the past or clues to the future?

It is déjà vu that unexpectedly guides ATF agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) through an investigation into a shattering crime. Called in to recover evidence after a bomb sets off a cataclysmic explosion on a New Orleans Ferry, Carlin is about to discover that what most people believe "is only in their heads" is actually something far more powerful--and will lead him on a mind-bending race to save hundreds of innocent people. (Taken from Yahoo Movies)

The synopsis above doesn't tell you much in the way of the sci-fi influence so I will spill the beans, which may be considered a spoiler. Some readers may want to skip to the next section but i won't give away too much. You are warned, lol. See, the government has the technology that enables them to see four days into the past. That's all I'm gonna say as it would ruin it for you. Let's just say that once Carlin learns what this machine can do, he uses it above and beyond the potential that anybody ever expected.

Denzel Washington finally lightens it up a bit after the last few movies I've seen him in. John Q , The Manchurian Candidate, The Bone Collector, and Man On Fire, where he basically plays the same character (himself) thrust into extreme situations. In fact he was starting to fall into the same rut that Harrison Ford has been in for years – only playing himself. Thankfully, he breaks the monotony, not only in his performance, but in his choice of films. I have always enjoyed his science fiction influenced films like Fallen and Virtuosity. Déjà Vu is a slight return to those types of movies. The rest of the team, Val Kilmer, Adam Goldberg, Elden Henson and Erika Alexander serve the film well. Goldberg and Henson add the tech and humor, Kilmer is the straight man and Alexander is the heart/conscience of the group. Rounding out the cast is Jim Caviezel as the patriotic nut case and Paula Patton as the catalyst (and weak romance side plot) for Carlin's continued involvement.

The film has a slight undercurrent of humor. Not as in funny ha-ha, but as these guys are trying to cope with a technology and a situation that they know next to nothing about and have to vent their frustrations some way.. How else would you cope? By getting off a few good one liners. This lends a more realistic touch to the film only made better because of the fact that this is a new technology that they don't really understand. They are trying to figure out the best possible way to use this machine.

Tony Scott is one of the few directors with a recognizable style. I really enjoyed his last film Domino. Its strange visual style fit that movie perfectly. He has toned those effects down quite a bit using that style in only one aspect of the film. I thoroughly enjoyed Déjà Vu and plan on renting it if not outright buying it on DVD. It has everything. Action, suspense, drama, humor, a bit of romance and the sci-fi factor thrown in for good measure. Another all around good movie. While it may not win any awards it sure isn't your normal popcorn fare either.

Keep reading,

Mitch E.

Strangef8_633@yahoo.com

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THE SANTA CLAUSE 3, The Escape Clause: Movie Review

By Mitch Emerson

Tim Allen is back in the big red suit for a third time. In the final installment of The Santa Clause Trilogy Santa is trying to juggle the impending arrival of Christmas, a very pregnant Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell), his ex-wife and her family, and the in laws. What a perfect opportunity for Jack Frost (Martin Short) to wreak havoc and take over Christmas. He makes the North Pole into a vacation resort with attractions like “Shave a Reindeer for Five Dollars”. Do I really need to say any more? Will Santa be able to save the day? Is Santa fat and jolly?

Tim Allen basically plays himself, which is all he ever does which was fine ten years ago for Home Improvement. But, this is the new millennium and Mr. Allen really needs to get a new schtick. He even does the classic Tim Taylor grunt. Now I don't mean to bash his acting ability because let's face it, he has made more money than I will ever see, but actors do need to grow a little. Martin Short is perfect as Jack Frost, conniving and mischievous and yet fun at the same time. A master manipulator, he plays Mrs. Claus against Santa in order to make him wish he never had become Santa in the first place, which allows him to take Santa's place. Supporting cast includes Elizabeth Mitchell who you may know as one of the Others on Lost but who will always remain one of the pedophiles in Running Scared to me, Judge Reinhold, Liliana Mumy, Ann-Margret and Alan Arkin. With cameos by Art LaFluer, Aisha Tyler, Kevin Pollack, Peter Boyle and Michael Dorn as the Legendary Figures or something like that.

I guess that there isn't really a whole lot to say about this film. It's a standard Disney sequel that seems to hit all the bases without being extraordinary. A decent amount of humor, some slight tugging at the heartstrings, great sets and costumes, and some hilarious outtakes are really all this film has to offer. I can't compare it to the first two because I haven't seen the second yet(it's actually sitting on the counter along with the first right now) and it has been quite a few years since I have seen the the original Santa Clause.

I will say that I enjoyed it but there are far better movies to spend your money on this month. If you don't have kids, wait for this one on DVD.

Until Tim Allen stars in The Nightmare Before Christmas 2: Jack's Back,

keep reading.

Mitch Emerson

strangef8_633@yahoo.com

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A Screenwriter's POV: Plot Asks a Question and Characters Answer It

By Ugur Akinci

For over ten years I've thought about the fascinating question of the
relationship between a story plot and characters in a screenplay. At
long last I believe I solved the puzzle to my own satisfaction. I'm
sharing my answer here with the hopes that it will help all my fellow
screenwriters struggling with the pseudo problem of whether the
"story" or the "characters" is more important in writing a screenplay.

A plot "limits" but fails to "predetermine" what a character will do
the way a Question limits but does not predetermine what the Answer
will be.

For example, the set of possible answers to the question "What day is
today?" includes all seven days of the week but not "yellow," or "six
hundred twelve," or "eggplants and strawberries."

In that sense the Question limits what answers we can give to it
without, however, reducing it down to a single possible answer.

The same conceptual "limiting" relationship holds true in screenwriting as well.

Imagine this plot point: a guy traveling by plane finds a fat wallet
sitting on the empty seat next to him.

Now what should he do? We know that he probably will not write an
opera about it or perhaps cook it and eat it. In that sense, his
responses can not be infinite and will be limited to a number of
"possible actions" that "make sense."

He can call the stewardess and turn the wallet over to her, for
example, or… he can pocket the wallet and keep it for himself. Or
perhaps, he'll do nothing and continue to read his paper.

Which one of these actions our character will follow depends on the
kind of character he is. Thus a brilliant story plot is not enough to
write a good screenplay because in itself it is not sufficient to tell
us how the people in our story will "answer" the "questions" put to
them by our plot line.

Authentic responses to plot questions require not random but
appropriate answers by characters. Otherwise you'll hear your viewers
complain out loud with that familiar "no way!"

Decide on who your characters are while building up your story line.
Otherwise your "answers" to plot "questions" will be pretty random,
like the case with most "bad movies" out there. If you keep this
Question-Paradigm in mind, it'll be easier for you to weave through
the complex web of Character-Plot interactions.

-------------------------------------------------------
Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced
and award-winning Senior Technical Communicator specializing in
fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases,
movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical
Writer for Fortune 500 corporations since 1999. Visit his copywriting site
http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary
background, writing career, and client testimonials.

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HARD CANDY - DVD Review!

By Mitch Emerson

Starting out with a seemingly innocent meeting between two people who met in an Internet chat room (well, as innocent as a meeting between 14-year-old Hayley and 32-year-old Jeff who met on the Internet can be) this movie turns into an intense session of rough justice for a professional photographer who is also a pedophile. Hayley (Ellen Page) lures Jeff (Patrick Wilson) back to his house and proceeds to seek vengeance for every little girl that has been molested by Jeff.

An extremely psychological drama/thriller directed by David Slade and written by Brian Nelson, Hard Candy had me sitting on the edge of my seat and actually rooting for the pedophile! Patrick Wilson plays the part of Jeff so well that at times you forget that he is the bad guy. It also helps that no graphic evidence of the crimes he has committed is actually shown to the audience. Sure, Hayley finds the evidence but it is never shoved into your face.

Ellen Page was phenomenal in this. Watch out for this girl, she is going to go places. Page is confident and believes that she is doing what’s right and yet there are moments when her youth shows through in a nervous look when Jeff can’t see her. But boy, her convictions are strong. She has planned every little detail out and almost everything goes according to plan.

While not being a very graphic film, Hard Candy can be just as disturbing as scenes from any horror film. To have such a small cast, a total of five people, and still have such an edgy, tense and emotionally draining ride is a testament to the skill of everybody involved. My only complaint is this trend of using the “shaky cam” during action sequences. It seems unnecessary and over used in films lately. Granted, that’s my opinion but it is my review isn’t it?

Watch this film. It may be rough at times, but it portrays a disease of the mind in a way that is slightly more palatable, without candy-coating what a vile and horrible thing pedophilia is.

Hoping that Hayley doesn’t have a reason to find your house,

Mitch Emerson reviews movies for various publications. You can learn more about him on his myspace profile.

Best Lines:

Hayley Stark: Well, 4 out of 5 doctors agree that I am actually insane.

Hayley Stark: I guess they... weren't brass.

Hayley Stark: Jeff, playtime’s over. It’s time to wake up.

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RUNNING WITH SCISSORS Review!

By Mitch Emerson

Running with Scissors is going to be one of those movies that slips quietly under most people’s radar. Even with a star-studded cast such as Annette Bening, Brian Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow and Evan Rachel Wood, it has too much of an indie feel. Or I am completely wrong and this feature film debut for writer/director Ryan Murphy will be closet contender for at least a few awards?

Personally I hope it's the latter. With scenes as out-there as a funeral for a cat, moon baths for cookware, and a miraculous bowel movement you'll have to see it for yourself. A great film that has moments of humor, depression, insanity and revelation, and a great classic rock soundtrack to boot, Running With Scissors is one of the best films I have seen this year.

When Augusten Burroughs's (Joseph Cross) parents Deidre (Annette Bening), an aspiring poet, and Norman (Alec Baldwin), an alcoholic, go their separate ways Augusten is stuck in the middle. All he wants is a normal family, what he gets is something else entirely. Adopted by his mother's psychiatrist Dr. Finch (Brian Cox), Augusten is thrust into a crazy and twisted world made up of Finch's family. While dealing with his mother’s depression and his foster families’ idiosyncrasies, amazingly Augusten finds the time to find his own identity amidst the multiple levels of insanity.

I haven't read the book that this movie is based on but believe, next time I hit the bookstore I'll be picking this one up. I did ask a couple of people in the audience with if it was faithful to the book and was told that it stayed pretty close. This is a great movie, I recommend it and give it 4 ½ out of 5. I will be buying this one on DVD as soon as it comes out.

I think everybody involved in this movie should get an Oscar. To play these characters without going over the top and becoming an all out farce had to be difficult. Bening, Cross and Cox all have wonderful moments that I can picture playing in the “Oscar nomination reel”.

Annette Bening is no stranger to playing out-of-whack mothers, with American Beauty and this film under her belt she has it down pat. Alec Baldwin is the master at taking small, quirky roles and making them his own. The line “I see nothing of myself in you,” delivered as only Alec Baldwin can, is a perfect example. Brian Cox plays Dr. Finch with a zealousness that borders on insanity. What am I saying, everyone’s insane in this movie!

I'm just going to mention Joseph Fiennes, Jill Clayburgh, Evan Rachel Wood and Gwyneth Paltrow in passing. Each of them delivers a great performance, each with their own personal problems that are only explored in order to develop their relationships with the main players. I could go on and on about the performances but don't worry, I won't.

Final thoughts – A movie for all occasions. Dates, parents, teens and friends can all get something out of this flick. Hell, I'd actually pay to see this again and I just might. Lots of laughs, great performances and a few heartfelt moments make this movie worthwhile. If I had to compare it to something, I would say it's like a Cameron Crowe film but on acid.

Until you find kibble in the potato chip aisle…

Keep reading.

Mitch Emerson reviews movies for various publications. You can learn more about him on his myspace profile.

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THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in Disney 3-D: Review!

By Mitch Emerson

I’m not going to go too deep into a review of the actual movie because it’s 13 years old. If you haven’t seen it by now, you probably won’t. Anyway, for the uninitiated, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is about Jack Skellington’s (voiced by Danny Elfman and Chris Sarandon) plot to steal Christmas and make it his own Holiday. He then kidnaps Santa Claus and enlists the aid of Halloweentown’s residents to help with his plan. Sally (voiced by Catherine O’Hara) has a terrible vision of how Jacks plans will fall apart and tries to convince him to stop.

The movie is just as good as it ever was but the 3-D is lacking. Now to be honest, I arrived late and got stuck on the far left side of the theater so it could’ve just been the angle. If that was the case then that lowers my already low opinion even more because Disney should have made the effort to make it look good from every seat in the house. The backgrounds lacked any real depth. It was like Grover’s bit on Sesame Street. All you had was near and far. Any quick movement such as Jack running or the sleigh flying quickly across the screen seemed to become a jumble of images that my eyes couldn’t quite keep up with. Jacks legs became rubbery and almost looked like the tentacles of an octopus or something. And, some of the wide panning shots actually made my eyes water and want to cross, which is definitely not what I want to happen while trying to enjoy a movie. The only thing that really stood out (pun intended) was the snow at the very end of the film.

In Disney’s defense, I was on the far side of the theater and The Nightmare Before Christmas wasn’t intended to be a 3-D film. But, if this is what Disney has to offer, I’ll stick with the IMAX.

Final thought- Good movie, bad execution. So, unless you are a die-hard fan I would skip this and watch it at home.

On a side note, this may be the last “kid’s” movie I see at the theater. I had a kid sitting behind me that wouldn’t shut up for anything AND he kept kicking the back of my seat. Lady if that was your kid – Control him or get the hell out of the theater! Trust me, that kid’s behavior was utterly unacceptable. He wouldn’t stay in his seat at all. They actually left halfway through the movie.

Well, this turned into more of a rant than a review. Sorry about that.

Until Jack Skellington actually jumps out of the screen,

Keep reading.

Best Lines:

Mayor: Jack, please, I'm only an elected official here, I can't make decisions by myself!

[pushing Sandy down the pipe]
Shock: I think he might be too big.
Lock: No, he's not, if he can go down a chimney, he can fit down here.

Mitch Emerson reviews movies for various publications. You can learn more about him on his myspace profile.

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COOL TRAILER! ERAGON The Movie - It's Jeremy Irons and Dragon Boy vs. John Malkovich And His Evil Army!

By Damian Vonbuel

The latest fantasy sword and sorcery epic ERAGON comes out on December 15th. Looks like it’s going to be a really cool kids movie. Let’s hope it will be great for grownups too just like WILLOW was.

The movie is based on the eponymous book, which is part of a trilogy, by Christopher Paulini.

I haven’t read the books but everyone who has seems to be raving about them.

Besides, only a fool wouldn’t want to see a movie with both John Malkovich and Jeremy Irons in it?

ERAGON is directed by first-time director Stefen Fangmeier, which is kind of a toss since the guy has no track record.

How does one with no directing experience whatsoever get to direct such a big budget movie, I wonder?

Was there an audition of some sort that I didn’t hear about?

The trailer looks pretty engaging, although I have seen many trailers that looked good but turned out to be awful movies, so there is no telling, but one can hope.

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SCORSESE, DICAPRIO, NICHOLSON - THE DEPARTED! Plus DiCaprio’s Other Upcoming Movie THE BLOOD DIAMOND

By Lenny Tamer


It looks like DiCaprio has finally completed his transformation into a mature actor. The buzz about his next two movies, Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED and Ed Zwick’s THE BLOOD DIAMOND is positive all around and word is the performances from DiCaprio are his best ever.

THE DEPARTED, which also stars Jack Nicholson and Matt Damon (check out the trailer here), is coming to theaters on October 6th and THE BLOOD DIAMOND is out December 15th.

THE DEPARTED, based on the Hong Kong movie INFERNAL AFFAIRS and adapted by screenwriter William Monahan (KINGDOM OF HEAVEN), is about a cop who infiltrates the Boston mob world. As you might have guessed, the mob boss is played by none other than Jack Nicholson, who as everyone knows very well can do intimidating characters like no one else.

A FEW GOOD MEN, anyone?

Of course, Nicholson can do anything better than anyone else and that’s a Hollywood fact. His timeless quality as an actor and his selectiveness for roles has helped him outlast the careers of two generations of younger stars.

Word is THE DEPARTED, the third movie Scorsese has made in a roll with Dicaprio, is as gritty and violent as they come. Apparently, Scorsese is back in GOODFELLAS mode, which will certainly make his true fans very happy, as everyone knows when it comes to mob movies, nobody makes them better. You seem to disagree? No? Didn’t think so.

THE BLOOD DIAMOND is set amidst the illegal and violent trade of conflict diamonds in Africa. It is described by the LA Times as a breed between an action-adventure and a political drama, sort of THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA meets HOTEL RWANDA. The movie was shot on location in Mozambique for six months. It also stars Djimon Housou and Jennifer Connelly.

By all indications, both THE DEPARTED and THE BLOOD DIAMOND will announce the beginning of a new stage in Dicaprio’s career, the one of the true leading man.

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COOL INTERVIEW! Film Director Kirby Dick Exposes The MPAA Ratings Board

By Damian Vonbuel

The director of the documentary THIS FILM IS NOT YET RATED talks to Wired in an interview about his new movie and its subject - the secretive MPAA, the organization that rates movies in the US.

Find out how the people on the MPAA ratings board operate and why they are so very secretive. Kirby Dick tells Wired about how sex in movies is treated in comparison to violence and why.

The whole thing makes me wonder how the MPAA would rate Kirby Dick’s name. This filmmaker must have the coolest NC-17 rated name in movie-making history.

Damian Vonbuel is a freelance writer. He lives in LA. He can be reached via email: damianvonbuel@gmail.com

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CRITICAL MOVIE PULSE! THE BLACK DAHLIA

By Harry Chaps

OK, let’s take the critics’ pulse and see what their response to THE BLACK DAHLIA is.

Variety’s Todd Mcarthy doesn’t seem like he had a good time with this film and his pulse didn’t get raised much, judging from what he has to say about the film: “undercut by some lackluster performances and late-inning overripe melodrama.” “Overripe melodrama”? Boy, that’s kind of harsh… In fact, no pulse detected here.

Kirk Honeycutt from the Hollywood Reporter seems to be in a much better mood about THE BLACK DAHLIA: “potential greatness reduced to a good movie plagued with problems.” If a movie is “plagued”, then... Pulse is irregular here.

Owen Gleiberman at EW: “an old-fashioned noir made in the gallows-smirk spirit of L.A. Confidential.” I guess he liked it, then. “Gallows-smirk”, I gotta remember that one. I might use it in one of my reviews in the future, you know? I didn’t care that much for the story, but I kind of liked its “gallows-smirk”... Pulse is somewhat regular.

Moving on to Jules Brenner from Cinema Signals: “far from fully satisfying, but a tour de force of style and mood.” I guess, almost satisfied then? Style has been Brian De Palma’s trademark, but his movies have always been strong on the story too. When David Fincher was to direct THE BLACK DAHLIA, before De Palma got signed, he wanted to make a three hour adaptation of the Ellroy’s book. De Palma’s final cut is around two hours, so a lot of stuff from the book probably didn’t make it... Pulse is lackluster.

Dean Faraci from CHUD: “captures exactly what I see in my head when I read James Ellroy's novels. Brian De Palma can do no wrong over at CHUD… The pulse here has risen to the occasion.

“Meticulously mounted with bravura…” OK, enough said… That’s from the review over at EmanuelLevy.com. Brian De Palma is a deity over there, you guessed it. Geek, bow before the master of suspense… This one is palpitating, baby.

Staci Lane Wilson at About.com: “De Palma and Ellroy - for the most part it's a marriage made in noir nirvana.” OK, so it’s a thrilling gay marriage, one that is for the most part a happily ever after affair. Classic, anyone? Palpitations for Swami De Palma here…

Gene Seymour at Newsday didn’t feel nearly as enthusiastic: “the movie takes on a lot of baggage that it can't quite carry.” Dead pulse here…

Similarly, David Edelstein at the New York Magazine writes: “The Black Dahlia is an essay in incoherence.” Flattery can kill, you know? Dead as it gets…

And over at Comingsoon.net the pulse is rather quick: “A gorgeous, glorious tribute to old Hollywood and crime noir that's only marred by a confounding ending.” Pulse is on the rise.

Overall, the general pulse online for this movie seems to be on the positive side. Although, at Rotten Tomatoes the meter is currently pretty low. De Palma has never been a critic’s darling and has a history of dividing critical opinion, so the final consensus is always made by the audience… We shall see.

THE BLACK DAHLIA has got my money.

Until the next critical checkup!

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BORAT MOVIE FUELS AN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC CRISIS! Controversy Rises Over Sacha Baron Cohen’s Film

By Damian Vonbuel

Apparently, the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazerbayev is not amused by the portrayal of his country and people in Sacha Baron Cohen’s movie BORAT, which follows a bumbling Kazakhstani journalist going to America causing much hilarity to ensue.

President Nazerbayev is scheduled to visit the US and meet with President Bush to discuss the BORAT movie and its negative impact on Kazakhstan’s international reputation among other things. The Daily Mail has an article about the controversy that the movie has stirred.

Sacha Baron Cohen is a British comedian previously known as the creator of Ali G. His film is to be released in the US on November 3rd by 20th Century Fox. The Kazakhstan government has threatened to take legal action against Cohen. Well, that’s alright but on what grounds, I wonder? Slander? With Cohen’s right of free speech, that seems like a probable one.

Then again, what happened to the PC culture? Why is it OK for someone like Cohen to make fun of Kazakhstan’s people? Have we run out of things we can make fun of in our own society? Or are we simply too afraid to go there? Try making a movie that pokes fun at some interest group in America and watch what happens to your filmmaking career…

You may check out the trailer (rather hilarious BTW, unless of course you are a Kazakhstani) on the official BORAT website. BORAT has ignited interest on a global scale and gained, perhaps an unparalleled, word-of-mouth momentum on the internet through sites like Myspace. Check out BORAT’s Myspace profile, where you can see snapshots from the movie, trailers and send a message to the filmmaker to express your feelings about the movie.

For more news and daily updates on BORAT visit the Unofficial BORAT website where you can read about the Toronto Film Festival premiere and the escalating international controversy.

Damian Vonbuel is a freelance writer. He lives in LA. He can be reached via email: damianvonbuel@gmail.com

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COOL INTERVIEW! BLACK DAHLIA Scribe Spills Beans

By Damian Vonbuel

The folks at AINC got to interview Josh Friedman, screenwriter of THE BLACK DAHLIA and WAR OF THE WORLDS. Josh Friedman talks about working with Brian De Palma, Steven Spielberg and David Fincher, as well as the unexpected publicity he’s been getting from his blog.

Josh Friedman stirred some internet buzz a while ago about the then upcoming movie SNAKES ON A PLANE on his popular blog “I Find Your Lack Of Faith Disturbing”. With a single post Josh Friedman alerted an army of movie geeks and started an online frenzy surrounding SNAKES ON A PLANE.

Up next for Josh Friedman is the TERMINATOR TV show called THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, as well as adapting Christian Gossett's THE RED STAR for director Timour Bekmambetov (NIGHT WATCH).

THE BLACK DAHLIA is the latest film from master-of-the-suspense director Brian De Palma (SCARFACE, THE UNTOUCHABLES, CARRIE, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE). It opens this Friday, 15th.

Damian Vonbuel is a freelance writer. He lives in LA. He can be reached via email: damianvonbuel@gmail.com

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CASINO ROYALE! First Look at the New Bond Movie

By Damian Vonbuel

OK, there is a report of the first secret screening of the new Bond movie CASINO ROYALE on AICN.

The news comes from London where the screening was held. The person who saw the movie says it was “fantastic” and that it got a “huge round of applause”.

In short, the reviewer absolutely loved the film.

Except, he has some minor qualms about the current music choices the director Martin Campbell and producer Barbara Broccoli have made, though the soundtrack has not yet been completed.

OK, as for His Blondness, apparently Daniel Craig does an awesome job reinventing the character of Bond. That is, Bond before Bond truly becomes Bond… as we have come to know him.

The writer praises Craig and calls the actor “simply excellent”, he also goes on to describe how “the audience was more than pleased” with his “Bondability”.

Although, the reviewer complains that this reinvention of the Bond character is a bit on the too “realistic” side, as opposed, I suppose, to the stylized portrayal of the famous spy in previous installments of the franchise.

The main villain, played by Mads Mikklesen (from KING ARTHUR), is described as “absolute perfection”.

The Bond girls, according to this reviewer, are as amazing as ever.

Except for one minor thing.

The reviewer has some issues with how clean (or apparently not) the feet of Bond’s romantic interest played by Eva Green (last seen in Ridley Scott’s KINGDOM OF HEAVEN) are.

The reviewer complains about her feet being “pitch black”.

I guess that could be reason enough for some to find fault with Eva Green. Though, it would be safe to assume the majority of men out there will be willing to overlook Eva Green’s minor personal hygiene shortcomings.

I mean have you looked at her?

Oh, there is one more thing. And I can tell there will be lots of Bond fans feeling disappointed about this… So, take a deep breath.

NO Q.

AND…

NO GADGETS.

What? NO Q? NO GADGETS? In a Bond movie?!?! Say that again?

They gotta be kidding! Right?

You heard me right: NO GADGETS. NO Q.

But sulk not, as it seems, there are other aspects to this new edition of the franchise that more than make up for the loss of such Bond staples as Q and gadgets.

Besides, the movie delves into demystifying the origin of the famous “Shaken or stirred?” line, apparently with much humor.

Damian Vonbuel is a freelance writer. He lives in LA. He can be reached via email: damianvonbuel@gmail.com

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