End of 2011

So I thought I would end the year with a post from TCM with their annual remembrance of all the film industry people who have passed away this year.

Back to School

I love film history. I know it is not a surprise to any of you. If I were able to have my dream job, I would be a film historian or work with film preservation. At times I get antsy wondering why I am not doing what I love and start looking at film schools. During one of those times this past fall I found that UCLA’s Film School offers online courses during the summer. So I took the plunge and I enrolled in Acting and Performance in Film II. The class focused on the challenges actors face in performing in different genres like mystery, drama, comedy, etc. I enjoyed the lectures, the books I had to read, and the majority of the films I had to watch (I still hate Doctor Zhivago). This week they posted our final grade. Drum roll please . . .I got an A+! Brace yourself I’m going to brag a bit more – an A+! Of course I want to send a big thank you for MN in helping me edit my papers. But it really does make a difference if you love the subject you are studying. So after successfully completing one course, I will be registering next summer for another class and hopefully this will help tame the film lover inside me. But I may have just wakened the beast.

Peter Falk (1927-2011)

I’ve been meaning to post this for a week about Peter Falk passing away with complications of Alzheimer’s disease. I loved watching him play Columbo as a child. You the viewer saw the crime take place at the beginning so it was not that you were trying to figure out the murderer, you enjoyed Peter Falk asking the questions and starting to walk off then turn around and say “Oh, there’s just one more thing.” It was priceless watching him needle the who’s who of television stars who were the suspects. Of course he was great in his film roles like Princess Bride and Murder by Death as well. I say that’s pretty good for a guy with only one eye.

Oh, there's just one more thing....

Thor

Am I the only person who has a hard time taking Thor seriously as real action hero? I just keep thinking of the film Adventures in Babysitting and laugh. Just a thought I keep having with all the commercials for the new film that opened last weekend, so of course I had to share.

Jane Russell (1921-2011)

It’s always sad to report that another Hollywood legend has passed away. Yesterday we lost Jane Russell to a respiratory-related illness. Russell, known for her roles in Gentleman Prefer Blondes and The Outlaw, brought to the screen a presence of strong beauty. One who could play against men like Robert Mitchum and hold her own. Too bad Howard Hughes controlled her early film contract and limited her opportunities to become a bigger star than she was.

John Barry

Today we lost one of the great film composers, John Barry to a heart attack; he was 77 years old. The five-time Oscar winner worked on eleven Bond scores, Born Free, Out of Africa, and Dances with Wolves.

Sundance 2011 Be Here.

Oh, I was there and I was glad that I went. One of the reasons you go to Sundance is to expose yourself to films that you might never would have seen otherwise. Below are the two films I saw this year.

Family Portrait in Black and White

In a Ukrainian village, big-hearted, formidable Olga Nenya single-handedly raises 23 foster children. Sixteen are the biracial offspring of visiting African students and Ukrainian women, who, living in a country of blue-eyed blondes that’s racked with endemic racism, often see no choice but to abandon their babies. And that’s where Olga comes in.

Family Portrait in Black and White charts the rhythms of Olga’s hectic household, rife with rambunctious kids and goats. As diverse dramas unfold among the brood—a high-schooler struggling to transcend his plight through education, a boy longing to reunite with his Ugandan father, and a child courted for Italian adoption—Olga reveals herself to be loving and protective, but also narrow-minded and controlling. A product of communist ideology, she favors collective duty over individual freedom. It’s this philosophy that gives the orphans the rich sense of belonging they ache for, as well as cause for rebellion and distrust, in this lyrical, sometimes gut-wrenching tale about the meaning of “Mama,” “family,” and “nation.”

This film made me very grateful to be born and raised in America to a loving family and to have such luxuries like indoor plumbing. It broke my heart that Olga would not let her children be adopted to the loving host families that wanted them or let her children pursue their college education even though the government would pay for it. You wanted to reach out and help these children. The thought then brings me back to what am I doing to help those in my community? I can help here even though I might not be able to help there.


These Amazing Shadows

From Dorothy’s entrance into Oz to the pizza delivery at Ridgemont High, cinematic moments take on iconic levels of meaning in a film lover’s life. As the government-appointed protector of our cinematic legacy, the National Film Registry selects culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant works for preservation in the Library of Congress.

Guided by a true cinephile’s love of the medium and a treasure trove of archival footage, These Amazing Shadows molds a cultural history from pieces of film, offering a microcosm of the work of the National Film Registry and making a powerful case for film preservation.

I am so glad that AJ found this film at the last minute for us to watch. If I had my dream job, I would become a film historian so I really enjoyed this film. I knew the majority of the films they talked about (minus the unknown documentaries and some of the silent films) and it was interesting to hear why they chose these films to be preserved. I could talk about this film for hours because it is a subject that I am passionate about. One thing I do want to share is that did you know that anyone can submit a nomination for a film to be preserved? I’ve been contemplating which film not already preserved should be on that list. Which one would you preserve?

Tron: Legacy

Maybe because I was really young when I saw the original Tron and have not seen it since that I thought it was cool. When you look at the era it was made it’s pretty impressive. So my dad, sister and I decided we had to go see the new film since we saw the classic one together.

My thoughts:

I enjoyed the film. It stayed true to the look and feel of the original with a few updates. Okay, a lot of updates on the special effects that made it very eye pleasing but the original concept was there.

I still love Bruce Boxleitner.

I did not like that they turned Bridges into a hippie.

The film defiantly left an opening for a sequel. My guess is it will be Sam Flynn taking on the Edward Dillinger character and that is why Cillan Murphy took such a small role at the beginning of the film.

A side note: I keep looking to see if the trend of Quorra’s bangs cut at a slant will catch on in the fashion world.

The Tourist

The film felt like an Alfred Hitchcock film starring Cary Grant with Jean Louis doing costumes. To those who may not understand that compliment, let me explain. A light hearted suspense dealing with a mistaken identity of an average American man, running from the law and the men out to kill him but does it all for the love a well dress woman. So, very much like North by Northwest with a twist.

I never understood why guys find Angelina Jolie attractive but when she is dressed with class and style as in this film, I finally get it. Just a note on her wardrobe, when the film starts out she is wearing white, then slips into grey, ending the film wearing black. (Costume designer Colleen Atwood deserves a nod for that). As for Johnny, I could have done without the goatee. But even though he may not have looked good (sorry the last time I found him attractive was when I was a kid watching 21 Jump Street), he did a good job playing the awkward reserved man in love spurting out the funny lines while in danger.

I enjoyed Paul Bettany’s character and can I just say it’s amazing what a well tailored suit can do for a man. And kudos for casting Timothy Dalton as head of Scotland Yard, he fit the role perfectly. Rufus Sewell role, though minor, was also well done. The film was enjoyable. It was funny, had action, a little romance, beautiful scenery and a great cast. I highly recommend it. Plus they threw in a Muse song in the closing credits for good measure.

Happy 85th Angela Lansbury!

When I was kid I grew up watching Murder, She Wrote. It is a fun show to watch even now just to see who’s who in classic Hollywood guest starring. Though there is one thing to make note: Never, ever invite Jessica Fletcher to your wedding or have her come for a visit because a murder was guaranteed. Anyways, I grew up knowing Angela Lansbury as a kind, gentle woman from her roles like Murder She Wrote, Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Blue Hawaii. Then when I was in high school I watched Manchurian Candidate (1962) and that was when I realized that she really is a talented actor. If you get a chance, watch it. It’s one of my favorite psychological thrillers. The pace maybe a bit slow, but the cinematography/set designs in the flashback scenes were quite ingenious. Plus, you will never look at Angela Lansbury the same way again.

True Grit?!

Why did they remake John Wayne's Academy Award winning performance True Grit? Did they not learn when they remade his Stagecoach? I do not think that True Grit is Wayne’s finest performance but really, why touch a classic? I’m a little sad that Matt Damon is in it, he should know better. Okay, I’m done ranting. I just had to put my opinion out there.

Tony Curtis

Bernard Schwartz aka Tony Curtis (1925–2010)

Today the film icon Tony Curtis passed away from cardiac arrest. It makes me sad that we are quickly losing classic Hollywood. If you have never seen one of his films you should try two of my favorites:

Some Like It Hot (1959)
Starring Tony Curtis and Jack Lemon
When two musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.

Operation Petticoat (1959)
Starring Tony Curtis and Cary Grant
World War II comedy about a submarine commander (Grant) who finds himself stuck with a decrepit sub, a con-man executive officer (Curtis) and a group of army nurses.


In 2002 I had the opportunity to see Tony Curtis perform live in a touring production of Some Like It Hot but this time around he was Osgood Fielding III and not the young romantic lead.

Goodbye Tony Curtis, I will miss your beautiful blue eyes.

Salt

Espionage thriller, of course I would want to go see it. Then cast Liev Schreiber and that makes it a guarantee. Angelina didn’t even bother me like she does sometimes. The plot went a different direction than I thought it would but that made it a nice twist. Not quite in the league of the Bourne films, but still a good espionage thriller.

Just a side note, the Russian President played dead badly. Look at his eyes when they declare he has no pulse and he is dead. Though his eyes are closed you can see his eyes moving.

Sorcerer's Apprentice

For fun my father, sister and I went and saw the Sorcerer’s Apprentice yesterday. It is really geared towards kids with a few jokes thrown in for us adults like references to Star Wars and Indiana Jones (the theater audience was not getting it like we were). I have decided that my local theater is not as fun as the one I go to most often with my friends where the audience is more responsive which is one of the reasons you go. I enjoyed Nicholas Cage and Jay Baruchel’s performance. I could tell Toby Kebbell had fun with his over the top Drake Stone character which made it fun to watch. If my nephews were around I would take them to see it because they would have thought the magical special effects were cool.

Fun fact: the director of this film also directed While You Were Sleeping.

Inception

I love psychological thrillers. With today’s film technology Inception could be made and be believed. The special effects were amazing but it was the emotion of the film that makes you stick around for the ride and see will that top stop spinning? Good ending by the way. I’m glad that Joseph Gordon-Levitt has had a career reboot because he did a great job in the action scenes and doing it in a dapper suit as well. I’m telling you guys need to wear suits more often. And it was nice to see Cillian Murphy not play the bad guy for once because really those blue eyes deserve better. Everyone in the cast did a good job. Tom Hardy with his lovely British accent, Michael Cain as always, and even Tom Berenger surprised me with a good performance. Ellen Page seemed a tad bit young for the role, but it did bring that bit of innocence and purity to a group of men who are a bit shady. Wow, I used the word bit three times in that sentence I need to use a thesaurus. And for Leonardo’s performance, he knows how to play the tortured soul so well.

Though you can figure some things out early in the film, I still enjoyed it for the effects and think the director Christopher Nolan did a wonderful job creating a dream world.

A-Team

Being a child of the 80’s I grew up watching great television like MacGyver, Airwolf and of course The A-Team. So I was a bit hesitant to see the film The A-Team. Look what they did to Dukes of Hazzard. I mean growing up I had a crush on Face played by Dirk Benedict (also of Battlestar Galactic) so not just anybody could play him. The movie trailers seemed true to the TV characters and knowing that Stephen J. Cannell was one of the producers gave me the courage to go see it and I am glad that I did.

My Thoughts:

Bradley Cooper makes a great “Face.”

Actually all the actors did a good job with their roles. Only flaw was that Liam Neeson didn’t wear black gloves all the time.

The action never stops and they spent more money on the special effects than I thought they would have so it was pretty good quality.

There are some really funny lines, mostly said by “Mad Murdock” but everyone has a fair share.

The film is in the running with the longest opening credits along with Once Upon a Time in the West.


Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? Well, 20th Century Fox plans came together beautifully with this film. I would recommend it for summer fun.

Eclipse

A group of friends and I went and saw Eclipse last night and let me just say, it actually felt like a real film and not homemade. The lighting, camera, special effects, etc. felt professional. It was the best of the three thus far, but then again it really only could get better.

My Thoughts:

Along with Twilight and New Moon, Eclipse has an excellent soundtrack, one I know I will be listening to over and over.

Robert Pattinson really looks good in blue (see mountain scene in snow).

If Bella was freezing to death at night so much so that she had to snuggle with Jacob, how was it she was able to walk around the next day in the snow with only a shirt and no coat?

There were some really funny lines in the film, such as Edward talking to Bella about Jacob- “Doesn’t he own a shirt?”

I’m glad that Taylor Lautner is now 18 years old. I feel better about appreciating his six pack now that he is legal.

I want to know how Jasper’s hair could grow out when he is a vampire and he is dead? Along with that, I still feel awkward watching him be so intense but he is getting better.

I want to note that one my friends said, "Didn’t Edward look like Elvis in the tent scene?" I told her yes and that is how I thought Robert looked like in the film Remember Me (as I mention in my review).

I really want to own the Cullen’s home, even though I know it is owned by some Nike executive in Washington and I would never be able to afford it. It is very opened with lots of windows but surrounded by trees for privacy.

Can't wait to see how they are going to split up Breaking Dawn. I always thought the saga should have been a trilogy so adding more just doesn't seem possible.

Knight and Day

I will be the first person to admit that I have not been a Tom Cruise fan since my early teens, but I kept seeing advertisements for his new film Knight and Day with Cameron Diaz and I realized I really wanted to see it, action with humor- my kind of film. So Friday night I dragged AJ and AMM to go with me.

My thoughts:

I give it my approval for a good summer action-comedy flick.

There are some lines that are just priceless, such as “Man die already” that really make the film. It was interesting that the film was pretty clean for its subject matter but then they threw in some random strong language that seemed to be out of place and took away from the flow of the dialogue.

Over the years as Diaz's role choices have gotten better I have grown to like her and she found the perfect balance of acting for her character in the film. Peter Saarsgard, Paul Dano and Viola Davis were all great in the supporting cast roles.

Maybe seeing Tom Cruise crazy in real life has helped me accept his quirky role as a spy who may or may not be all there more believable.

There are great action scenes throughout the film, but the plane scene ranks up there for me. Overall, I enjoyed the film and would see it again.

Happy Birthday John Wayne!

I just could not let this day go past without sending out a birthday wish to the Duke! In honor of his 103rd birthday I would like to share one of my favorite film quotes of his from the film Chisum.

He just tracked down the thief that stole his horses:

Thief: So if you want these horses, I sell them to you. Did you bring some gold with you?
Chisum: No.
Thief: Silver?
Chisum: Just lead! (and of course Wayne shoots him and takes back his horses)

They will never learn, that you just do not mess with the Duke.

Robin Hood

Maybe it is because I go to films with low expectations that I leave the theater really enjoying them. The critics didn’t love the film, but I have to say it was one of the better Robin Hoods. As with all films lately it goes back to the beginning of the legend. There are so many interpretations of Robin Hood and I am aware of a few of them so I was willing to follow the story as the writers envisioned the tale and enjoy it. The action scenes were quite impressive and the soundtrack very moving. There are even some funny lines sprinkled through out the film that are priceless.

I also enjoyed the closing credits. I am one of those rare people who like to stay and read all the credits if I am able to. You learn so many interesting facts. Anyways, the illustrated graphics that went with the closing credits continued the feel of medieval storytelling as if someone just read to you a great adventure.

I am not a Russell Crowe fan, but I think he did an excellent job. Cate Blanchett played a strong Marion who took responsibility for her people and didn’t need a man to fight for her. Which is refreshing from other the Robin Hood films. I was surprised to see William Hurt in the film and he too did very well. Matthew Macfadyen played the Sheriff, though it was very minor, which in the end was good because he will forever be Mr. Darcy in my mind.

I want to give a nod to Max von Sydow, who played Sir Walter Loxely and Eileen Atkins, who played Eleanor of Aquitaine. I’m glad that Hollywood is going back to how it was in the 30s and 40s that some very strong characters were played by a mature actor. The film would not have had the same feeling without Max von Sydow.

When it comes down to all the Robin Hood films I have seen (Disney's Robin Hood, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, etc) I enjoyed this one the most.