I made it my goal this year to write one of these entries (I call them columns) per week, or four per month. Unfortunately, I haven’t really been watching many movies lately. The only thing I’ve seen lately was “Ninja Assassin”, a 2 and a half at best. Think a Tarentino bloodbath with a tired and underdeveloped story. Not bad, but not great.
But what I wanted to write about this week are cinematic shifts, both theatrical and DVD, which indiciate the way things are a changin’ – not for the better.
Firstly, four of my local video stores are all closing. While that’s good news if I have extra money and want to score a decent copy of a classic film on the cheap, but not for the fact that Redbox is now the main way for me to rent a DVD.
What I hate the most about this change is that I won't have the opportunity ever again to enter an actual video store. You can laugh at me if you want to because that's a really dorkish thing to say (it is and I am), but I’ve met some great people in a video store. I met the love of my life in a video store (my actual other half, not just the concept of film in general). We still talk about film all the time, and I wouldn’t have even met him if I hadn’t gone there, the idea of which frankly scares the hell out of me. The video store was the one place where I knew that I could always find someone who “knew their shit” (except at Blockbuster), and I’d find some film that I hadn’t heard of that I had to see, which led to another film, and so on.
Gone. And I understand the market had evaporated, and I understand that it’s easier to hit the stream button on Netflix, but I’ll still always miss the mortar-and-stone building. I used to say that Norm had his Cheers, and I had my video store. Now, I guess I have a box. Lucky me.
Secondly, I saw an article over the weekend announcing that theatrical ticket sales are again going to spike – just in time for the summer film season in a few months. Although again I realize that it’s a business decision, this one doesn’t make as much sense. Year over year, the box office is growing, crowds are growing, but the quality of the films on the whole is staying stagnant. There’s yet another remake, or sequel, or unnecessary 3-D epic. Most of these aren’t worth paying 4.99 for, much less the 15.00-17.00 to which they could possibly escalate.
So it looks like I’m going to have to change my habits again. I’ll do my research on the websites I follow to get the upcoming slates, and I’ll watch what I want when I can. My Wii now accommodates streaming Netflix options. But as for the rest of it, there’s nothing to take its place. And I don’t want anything to even try.
3/22/2010
Why Ponyo is better than Pixar
From reading my last post, it’s clear that I’m not thrilled with Disney right now. I’m sick of their endless, mindless marketing and their many-times-told sequels.
Then I sat down and finally watched “Ponyo”.
“Ponyo” is the latest film from Miyazaki, (or Mr. Miyazaki, as my godson used to call him) the Japanese genius who made such great films as “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Tortoro”. As with all Miyazaki films, there is an English dubbed version of this film that contains a host of celebrity voices. This time it’s Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey and Liam Niesson, just to name a few.
“Ponyo” is similar to Disney’s breakout hit “The Little Mermaid” in that it tells the story of a female creature (a goldfish) who wants desperately to become human in order to be with her love. But this isn’t really a “true love, happily ever after" thing, it’s more of a being accepted and loved thing.
Young (and not too bright) Souske finds a goldfish one morning on death’s door. He rescues her and names her Ponyo. Souske is raised mostly by his mom Lisa, because his father is a longshoreman and is often away at sea. He goes to school next to the senior center where his mother works.
Ponyo lives under the ocean. Her dad is controlling and threatened by her magical gifts. He wants to keep her in a bubble (literally). When he finds out her plans to become human, he sends all his cohorts to take her back – leaving mindless destruction in his wake.
One of the greatest things about Miyazaki films is that he makes you completely go with the story – no matter how ludicrous it actually is in reality. Just like “Spirited Away”, there are an abundance of cute little creatures coming in and out. But there are just as many ominous ones to balance it out.
The entire opening non-dialogue shot of Ponyo riding jellyfishes to the surface is just magical – and rare in today’s climate.
This is the film I wish “Up” could have been. I’m getting quite tired of Pixar, with their marketing ploys and stupid songs. The stories are repetitive and the creatures are supposed to be realistic but look too and act far too bubbly for my taste. With Japanese animation, it’s not drawn as well, but it is certainly more colorful. That’s a great help when you’re trying to portray the depths of the ocean.
It’s a very charming film, and it’s a crying shame that in all the overextended “Up” hype this film seems to have gotten lost. It did have a theatrical run last summer, and most people (including myself) didn’t make it out there.
But once again I am reminded of Miyazaki’s genius. I’ll be sorry when he stops making films. I guess, since Disney does have the rights to all Studio Ghibli films now, I actually owe Disney for this one. But that still doesn’t make up for everything else, especially Pixar.
"Ponyo" - 101 minutes (****)
Then I sat down and finally watched “Ponyo”.
“Ponyo” is the latest film from Miyazaki, (or Mr. Miyazaki, as my godson used to call him) the Japanese genius who made such great films as “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Tortoro”. As with all Miyazaki films, there is an English dubbed version of this film that contains a host of celebrity voices. This time it’s Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey and Liam Niesson, just to name a few.
“Ponyo” is similar to Disney’s breakout hit “The Little Mermaid” in that it tells the story of a female creature (a goldfish) who wants desperately to become human in order to be with her love. But this isn’t really a “true love, happily ever after" thing, it’s more of a being accepted and loved thing.
Young (and not too bright) Souske finds a goldfish one morning on death’s door. He rescues her and names her Ponyo. Souske is raised mostly by his mom Lisa, because his father is a longshoreman and is often away at sea. He goes to school next to the senior center where his mother works.
Ponyo lives under the ocean. Her dad is controlling and threatened by her magical gifts. He wants to keep her in a bubble (literally). When he finds out her plans to become human, he sends all his cohorts to take her back – leaving mindless destruction in his wake.
One of the greatest things about Miyazaki films is that he makes you completely go with the story – no matter how ludicrous it actually is in reality. Just like “Spirited Away”, there are an abundance of cute little creatures coming in and out. But there are just as many ominous ones to balance it out.
The entire opening non-dialogue shot of Ponyo riding jellyfishes to the surface is just magical – and rare in today’s climate.
This is the film I wish “Up” could have been. I’m getting quite tired of Pixar, with their marketing ploys and stupid songs. The stories are repetitive and the creatures are supposed to be realistic but look too and act far too bubbly for my taste. With Japanese animation, it’s not drawn as well, but it is certainly more colorful. That’s a great help when you’re trying to portray the depths of the ocean.
It’s a very charming film, and it’s a crying shame that in all the overextended “Up” hype this film seems to have gotten lost. It did have a theatrical run last summer, and most people (including myself) didn’t make it out there.
But once again I am reminded of Miyazaki’s genius. I’ll be sorry when he stops making films. I guess, since Disney does have the rights to all Studio Ghibli films now, I actually owe Disney for this one. But that still doesn’t make up for everything else, especially Pixar.
"Ponyo" - 101 minutes (****)
3/14/2010
Alice in Wonderland - Redux
Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” made me curiouser and curiouser as its release date approached. I’ve always loved the story. I have memories of the annual Enchanted Forest trip with my cousins and riding the teacups to eventually see the cobwebbed Giant Alice in a much-too-small-room. I even have an old beat up copy of both books on my shelf.
While waiting to go, I unfortunately read press. Reviews were scattered, but most were mediocre. I got suspicious, reminding myself that it is still modern-day Disney infected (wrong word use intentionally).
So when I went on Saturday, my expectations weren’t that high. I wasn’t disappointed, and I was entertained. But I almost fell asleep, as the 108 minutes can drag. I wanted to poke the White Rabbit and ask him to hurry them along.
The entire film is a set of bulls eyes or dead misses. Spot on is Helena Bonham Carter, who makes the big headed Red Queen a complete hoot. She’s great, especially as she yells “Off with his head!” It’s hysterical, but I’d expect nothing less. Unfortunately, the miss for me was my girl Annie Hathaway as the White Queen, who seems to channel a fractured version of Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz”.
I appreciate the filmmakers trying for an original story. I like the fact that they state the obvious – Alice has been here before (as have we). I’m a sucker for all things metaphorical, as this story tends to be. Alice’s current trip starts when she’s offered a marriage proposal she has zero interest in accepting from a total cad of a guy. Through her journey she finds herself and cue female empowerment Disney message, which is fine.
You’ll notice no Depp mention yet. That’s because I’m not really sure how he fits here. You can’t have a Burton without a Depp, just like you can’t have Scorsese without DiC(r)aprio. And yes, he is over the top. But there were a few moments where I thought I was watching Edward Scissorhands – right down to the pout on his white-powdered face. Giving the Hatter an expanded role is ok, but I think it just goes too far.
Mia Wasikowska is fantastic as Alice. I remember watching her on HBO’s “In Treatment” and realizing that she’d go somewhere. This role will put her on the map, and that’s just fine by me. As Alice finally takes control and decides to live her life on her terms, you can’t help but wish her well, a sign of a solid performance.
Although it’s made a boatload of money, this is not a kids movie. Little ones in my showing were bored and talked loud. It’s too story driven to be entertaining for youngsters, and the characters aren’t cartoonish enough to hold their interest. And as stated, it's part of the Evil Disney Modern-Day-Pitching-Everything-Under-the-Sun-Remake-Sequel-Hell Empire.
Was it worth the latest trip to Wonderland? I guess so, but it’s not really a trip that I’d want to repeat, even in 3D.
"Alice in Wonderland" - Rated PG, 108 minutes (**1/2)
While waiting to go, I unfortunately read press. Reviews were scattered, but most were mediocre. I got suspicious, reminding myself that it is still modern-day Disney infected (wrong word use intentionally).
So when I went on Saturday, my expectations weren’t that high. I wasn’t disappointed, and I was entertained. But I almost fell asleep, as the 108 minutes can drag. I wanted to poke the White Rabbit and ask him to hurry them along.
The entire film is a set of bulls eyes or dead misses. Spot on is Helena Bonham Carter, who makes the big headed Red Queen a complete hoot. She’s great, especially as she yells “Off with his head!” It’s hysterical, but I’d expect nothing less. Unfortunately, the miss for me was my girl Annie Hathaway as the White Queen, who seems to channel a fractured version of Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz”.
I appreciate the filmmakers trying for an original story. I like the fact that they state the obvious – Alice has been here before (as have we). I’m a sucker for all things metaphorical, as this story tends to be. Alice’s current trip starts when she’s offered a marriage proposal she has zero interest in accepting from a total cad of a guy. Through her journey she finds herself and cue female empowerment Disney message, which is fine.
You’ll notice no Depp mention yet. That’s because I’m not really sure how he fits here. You can’t have a Burton without a Depp, just like you can’t have Scorsese without DiC(r)aprio. And yes, he is over the top. But there were a few moments where I thought I was watching Edward Scissorhands – right down to the pout on his white-powdered face. Giving the Hatter an expanded role is ok, but I think it just goes too far.
Mia Wasikowska is fantastic as Alice. I remember watching her on HBO’s “In Treatment” and realizing that she’d go somewhere. This role will put her on the map, and that’s just fine by me. As Alice finally takes control and decides to live her life on her terms, you can’t help but wish her well, a sign of a solid performance.
Although it’s made a boatload of money, this is not a kids movie. Little ones in my showing were bored and talked loud. It’s too story driven to be entertaining for youngsters, and the characters aren’t cartoonish enough to hold their interest. And as stated, it's part of the Evil Disney Modern-Day-Pitching-Everything-Under-the-Sun-Remake-Sequel-Hell Empire.
Was it worth the latest trip to Wonderland? I guess so, but it’s not really a trip that I’d want to repeat, even in 3D.
"Alice in Wonderland" - Rated PG, 108 minutes (**1/2)
3/07/2010
Oscar Predictions (pull up a chair)
It’s the day of the Oscars (better late than ever), and a friend of mine who is in my Readership of Six has asked me to type out my Oscar predictions. I’d like to take this opportunity to not only reveal my predictions – such as they are – but to put down my thoughts about all things Oscar-related.
When the Academy went to 10 films, I thought that would add fun to my Oscar hunt. There’d be more films to hunt down, more time to find them, and probably double features would be attended. That wasn’t really the case. This Oscar race for me has actually become boring and anticlimactic – probably because this year's winners are obvious.
I’ve seen all 10 Best Pic nominees. As expected, only a few are actually worthy. Some of the most hyped films simply aren’t. For example, “Avatar”, while a visually stunning film, isn’t even a GOOD film, much less a great one. The story sucks and the acting isn’t relevant. I also think that the Academy is doing their part for race relations, as several of their films have this theme.
“Up in the Air” is extremely Oscar-worthy. It’s got a great script, wonderful direction, and fantastic acting all the way around. Thematically, it’s relevant and it’s one of the few nominees that aren’t that depressing. Probably why the only thing it will win is Best Adapted Screenplay, even though I understand that the book and the movie are a bit far apart.
“Precious” is a complete and utter waste of time. Even as I type that, I’m considering second thoughts. Did I miss something? Is this not as fake and melodramatic as I thought? I know that Mo’Nique will win Best Supporting Actress in a landslide, but I still don’t see it as deserved. (I’d love to see Kendrick, or even Gylenhaal win, but neither will happen.) I may actually sit down and watch this again, but it’s not that high on my list.
“Inglourious Basterds” was a fun romp. It’s a bit long in the tooth (though not as bad as “Shutter Island”) and it could have used a bit of editing, but there’s no doubt that the last third of this packs an explosive and highly dramatic punch. Plus, any film that’s got me to like Brad Pitt deserves something. Alas, though I fear the only thing it will win is Best Supporting Actor for Christoph Waltz. I'd like to see it capture Best Original Screenplay, in the spirit of spreading the wealth.
“Up” is the latest Pixar effort, one of two films on this list that most people probably actually saw, and is one of the reasons that they went to 10 films. Still doesn’t mean it needs to be here, though. For all the people who thought it was heartwarming and moving – it was cute. That’s not the same. Please, please please stop adding cute animal characters when they can’t be bothered to add the same attributes to humans. But then again, for deep children-themed films, I got to the Asian Market. It’s unfortunate, but the Americans just don’t seem to have this concept yet.
“A Serious Man” was one of those films that I wasn’t sure how to take. I really enjoyed it, and I do consider it Oscar bait, but unfortunately this is the “an honor to be nominated” films. The world isn’t ready for a Coen brothers movie like this, but I was. I thought it was funny, even though laughing at loud may not have been appropriate, but that could just be my upbringing.
“An Education” usually would have been Oscar bait, except that it’s really an acting showcase for newcomer Carey Mulligan (who isn’t new for long) and the very creepy Stellan Saarsgard. It’s another one of those films that I didn’t know how to take, primarily because it wasn’t like anything else. Take “Roman Holiday” in a blender, make it a smoothie, and this is what comes out.
“District 9” was brilliant, original, creative and will never in a million years win. This is the good thing about the expansion into 10 films – they did add one that actually needed attention. People either loved this movie or hated it; I know a lot of people who hated it. I hope this means more people will see it.
Ah…”The Blind Side”, which made me wish I was blind and deaf as I watched it. This film is subject to “The Dark Knight” rule, which means that a movie that made a boatload of money and isn’t a kids film had to get in. Unlike TDK, this film doesn’t have a story that’s worth telling (primarily because they seem to change the protagonist) and no one involved thinks that it’s accurate. Do I think Bullock will win? Unfortunately, I do. But I’m cheering with everything in me that Streep wins – and as sick of Streep as I get, I can’t believe I’m typing that. But even if Meryl doesn’t sweep up, she’ll be back again, no matter what film she does.
And last but not least – “The Hurt Locker”. It’s depressing, it’s realistic, it’s fantastic, and it might not be something I ever want to see again, but it needs to win BP, and Director, and most of the technical awards it’s also up for. If you haven’t seen this film, I urge you strongly to see it. And to the idiot who wrote the email that caused all the hoopla – banning you from the Ceremonies tonight isn’t enough. You should be blackballed for the rest of your life. Especially if the Blue People win.
Other Notable Oscar stuff:
• I’m looking forward to Baldwin and Martin hosting, but have no interested in the “It’s Complicated” jokes I’m sure to see.
• Jeff Bridges will win Best Actor, deserve it, look different, and cry.
• Mo’Nique’s acceptance speech will make me want to throw something at my TV.
• If Kathryn Bigelow claims she’s Queen of the World when she accepts, it’ll make my month.
• I’d like to see Jeff Bridges sing the Crazy Heart theme, but that’s not going to happen.
Oscar films I haven't see include: "The Messenger", "The Last Station", "The Young Victoria", "A Single Man", "Nine", "In the Loop", "Fantastic Mr. Fox", and any of the nomiated foreign films.
So that’s it. I appreciate your indulgence in reading this very long and unedited for time post this week. I’ll be eating cheesecake or something else sweet I have no business eating, and I’ll be accepting text messages throughout the show. Enjoy!
When the Academy went to 10 films, I thought that would add fun to my Oscar hunt. There’d be more films to hunt down, more time to find them, and probably double features would be attended. That wasn’t really the case. This Oscar race for me has actually become boring and anticlimactic – probably because this year's winners are obvious.
I’ve seen all 10 Best Pic nominees. As expected, only a few are actually worthy. Some of the most hyped films simply aren’t. For example, “Avatar”, while a visually stunning film, isn’t even a GOOD film, much less a great one. The story sucks and the acting isn’t relevant. I also think that the Academy is doing their part for race relations, as several of their films have this theme.
“Up in the Air” is extremely Oscar-worthy. It’s got a great script, wonderful direction, and fantastic acting all the way around. Thematically, it’s relevant and it’s one of the few nominees that aren’t that depressing. Probably why the only thing it will win is Best Adapted Screenplay, even though I understand that the book and the movie are a bit far apart.
“Precious” is a complete and utter waste of time. Even as I type that, I’m considering second thoughts. Did I miss something? Is this not as fake and melodramatic as I thought? I know that Mo’Nique will win Best Supporting Actress in a landslide, but I still don’t see it as deserved. (I’d love to see Kendrick, or even Gylenhaal win, but neither will happen.) I may actually sit down and watch this again, but it’s not that high on my list.
“Inglourious Basterds” was a fun romp. It’s a bit long in the tooth (though not as bad as “Shutter Island”) and it could have used a bit of editing, but there’s no doubt that the last third of this packs an explosive and highly dramatic punch. Plus, any film that’s got me to like Brad Pitt deserves something. Alas, though I fear the only thing it will win is Best Supporting Actor for Christoph Waltz. I'd like to see it capture Best Original Screenplay, in the spirit of spreading the wealth.
“Up” is the latest Pixar effort, one of two films on this list that most people probably actually saw, and is one of the reasons that they went to 10 films. Still doesn’t mean it needs to be here, though. For all the people who thought it was heartwarming and moving – it was cute. That’s not the same. Please, please please stop adding cute animal characters when they can’t be bothered to add the same attributes to humans. But then again, for deep children-themed films, I got to the Asian Market. It’s unfortunate, but the Americans just don’t seem to have this concept yet.
“A Serious Man” was one of those films that I wasn’t sure how to take. I really enjoyed it, and I do consider it Oscar bait, but unfortunately this is the “an honor to be nominated” films. The world isn’t ready for a Coen brothers movie like this, but I was. I thought it was funny, even though laughing at loud may not have been appropriate, but that could just be my upbringing.
“An Education” usually would have been Oscar bait, except that it’s really an acting showcase for newcomer Carey Mulligan (who isn’t new for long) and the very creepy Stellan Saarsgard. It’s another one of those films that I didn’t know how to take, primarily because it wasn’t like anything else. Take “Roman Holiday” in a blender, make it a smoothie, and this is what comes out.
“District 9” was brilliant, original, creative and will never in a million years win. This is the good thing about the expansion into 10 films – they did add one that actually needed attention. People either loved this movie or hated it; I know a lot of people who hated it. I hope this means more people will see it.
Ah…”The Blind Side”, which made me wish I was blind and deaf as I watched it. This film is subject to “The Dark Knight” rule, which means that a movie that made a boatload of money and isn’t a kids film had to get in. Unlike TDK, this film doesn’t have a story that’s worth telling (primarily because they seem to change the protagonist) and no one involved thinks that it’s accurate. Do I think Bullock will win? Unfortunately, I do. But I’m cheering with everything in me that Streep wins – and as sick of Streep as I get, I can’t believe I’m typing that. But even if Meryl doesn’t sweep up, she’ll be back again, no matter what film she does.
And last but not least – “The Hurt Locker”. It’s depressing, it’s realistic, it’s fantastic, and it might not be something I ever want to see again, but it needs to win BP, and Director, and most of the technical awards it’s also up for. If you haven’t seen this film, I urge you strongly to see it. And to the idiot who wrote the email that caused all the hoopla – banning you from the Ceremonies tonight isn’t enough. You should be blackballed for the rest of your life. Especially if the Blue People win.
Other Notable Oscar stuff:
• I’m looking forward to Baldwin and Martin hosting, but have no interested in the “It’s Complicated” jokes I’m sure to see.
• Jeff Bridges will win Best Actor, deserve it, look different, and cry.
• Mo’Nique’s acceptance speech will make me want to throw something at my TV.
• If Kathryn Bigelow claims she’s Queen of the World when she accepts, it’ll make my month.
• I’d like to see Jeff Bridges sing the Crazy Heart theme, but that’s not going to happen.
Oscar films I haven't see include: "The Messenger", "The Last Station", "The Young Victoria", "A Single Man", "Nine", "In the Loop", "Fantastic Mr. Fox", and any of the nomiated foreign films.
So that’s it. I appreciate your indulgence in reading this very long and unedited for time post this week. I’ll be eating cheesecake or something else sweet I have no business eating, and I’ll be accepting text messages throughout the show. Enjoy!
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