Sunday, October 30, 2005

Dreamer

When I would tear up during the trailers of Dreamer, I knew I was in trouble. I celebrated the running of the Breeder's Cup this weekend, by seeing this heart-warming film. A wonderful cast, along with the beautiful horse, Sacrifice, bring a true sports story to life. This is the typical, "we're down, now we're up" story, but instead of being cliche, it felt real. The themes of family, friendship, loyalty, and perseverance are strong. The writing is excellent, the acting, outstanding, and this is the second film I've seen set in Kentucky this month!!! I love watching a dramatic come-from-behind horse race even if it is staged, this film does not disappoint. The animals are magnificent! This was a 2 tissue film for me, I really enjoyed it!!

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Prime

The romantic comedy Prime is so much more. A drama that envelopes relationships, family and love. When a young woman falls into a rebound relationship with a younger man, the wonders and complexities of falling in love are all explored. The cast is amazing, newcomer Brian Greenberg (hottie) holds his own with Meryl Streep and Umma Thurman. This is the most realistic love story I've seen in a long time!!

Legend of Zorro

The Legend of Zorro continues the Zorro legacy. The swashbuckling, the romance, the chases, the good guys, the bad guys .... action film is alive and well!! So much tongue-in-cheek action, sit back and enjoy!!

Friday, October 28, 2005

Halloween Film Fun

With the Halloween weekend upon us I looked at film I have seen that is appropriate holiday viewing. I'm not big on slasher, horror films, but I like a good thriller. Joy Ride, Identity, Skeleton Key, Hide and Seek and Psycho pack a lot of suspense and have surreal twists. The character's of Halloween have been in a lot of films. The Harry Potter franchise is the ultimate wizard experience. The Witches of Eastwick and Practical Magic feature witches. Ghosts have their way in The Others, Sleepy Hollow, Sixth Sense, Gothika, Ghostbusters and Beetlejuice. Zombies can be found in Night of the Living Dead, From Dusk Till Dawn and Sean of the Dead (very funny). Van Helsing has just about every Halloween character imaginable, heavy on special effects, short on plot. Animation treats in Sprirted Away (not for little ones), Howl's Moving Castle, , Monsters, Inc., The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Corpse Bride and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Vampires are well treated in Shadow of a Vampire and Interview with a Vampire. And then there is our old pal, the devil in The Exorcist, Devil's Advocate and Rosemary's Baby.

Pop the popcorn, turn out the lights, turn on the movie and have a spooktacular Halloween!!!!

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Classics and Newbees in DVD

All of the DVD releases that I've seen this week are classics. In the newbee corner, I am enthusiastically awaiting films like Melinda and Melinda, King of the Corner, Rize, Noel, Bewitched and Shortcut to Nirvana.

In the realm of the classics I've seen that come out in DVD today, we have a special edition of The Wizard of Oz. I have trouble thinking of The Wizard of Oz as a film. My childhood experience presented it to me as a TV show. Yes, commercials and all, this was an annual event in my house. Being the only girl in my family, and evidently an early film fan, all in the household were to sit quietly and watch, when the folks from Oz came into our home. sshhhhhhhh !!!!! I was enchanted by the experience year after year. I have to say, it took an adjustment when the film came out on video and my children could watch it, without interruption, over, and over, and over!!!!!

Another fun film story from the DVD vault this week, is a Looney Toon Golden Collection release. I met the wonderful Mel Blanc when I was in college. As the voice of many Looney Toon characters, he spoke to the communications majors about the industry, and at a meet and greet, became all that made him famous. In regular conversation, this lovely, elderly gentleman became, Bugs, Tweety, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam, and on and on, before my eyes! It was an evening I'll never forget!!

And not to forget another special release of what has quickly become a classic, Titanic has a new special edition out this week. This was a power player for the movie industry in the late nineties and I have many fond memories related to attending the film.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

Good Night and Good Luck

I have not heard an audience applaud a film (outside of film festivals) since I saw Chicago. Spontaneous applause was the finale at a screening of Good Night and Good Luck today! This is the story of Edward R. Murrow, taking on Joe McCarthy and unfair accusations of communism. A wonderful film that was both dramatic and informative. The performances were outstanding, the photography amazing ... well done, Mr. Clooney!!

North Country

I have always felt that if altercations between men and women were described as assault, justice would be served ... oop oop, back to reality!!! The film North Country is a fictional depiction of a landmark sexual harassment suit in the late 80s. This film is a well done look at the work relationships in jobs where women are not welcome. It shows the ugliest side of human nature, the battle of the sexes rages. I think this film is about territory, dominance, money and survival. The actions toward the women are disturbing, but the courage and perseverance of the principles is admirable.

The cast is wonderful. Oscar winners abound, but the standouts for me were Frances McDormand and Sean Bean. To me, their characters depicted how people should treat each other. Woody Harrelson and Charlize Theron gave admirable perfomances also. (Theron is still gorgeous under all that dirt!)

Saturday, October 22, 2005

In Support of Film

All forms of art always seem to struggle for funding. The thing I hear most from filmmakers is that it's easier to make the film, than to pay for the film. A lot of no budget and low budget movies work through film festivals for exposure. The film festivals themselves work hard to get funding also. There are sponsorships and fundraisers that help make these events happen.

I worked at a charity auction tonight for the Newport International Film Festival, and the support was impressive! Not only was the bidding fast and furious, but a local boy stepped up to the plate. The director Michael Corrente (Federal Hill, American Buffalo, Outside Providence) donated a package that won an amazing bid. He left his table, and worked the crowd to fetch a hansom bid in support of the Film Festival. It was great to see the support and enthusiasm for independent film, and an event that brings this wonderful art and it's artists to our small community.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Batman and Ballroom

I've seen two of the films released to DVD today.

Batman Begins is a great addition to the Batman franchise that explains the roots and gadgets of Batman fame in a satisfying, believable way. Christian Bale is a vulnerable, strong and hansom Batman.

Mad Hot Ballroom is a documentary that explores a dance program in New York City schools. The insight to the adolescent mind is as interesting as the dancing.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Elizabethtown

In the film Elizabethtown, Cameron Crowe exposes his heart. This very personal film shares his joy, his grief, his relationships, his understanding of what makes people tick. When Drew is forced to deal with the death of his father, and all those who loved him, a true journey of the soul is set out for us to watch. Claire reminds me of a guardian angel, gently holding Drew's hand, as he deals with his loss, and all the people from his father's life. There is a lot in this film, I'd like to see it again to truly absorb everything. The music is great, and sets a wonderful tone. I think this is a refreshing film, that challenges us to look at life, death and the road along the way.

Friday, October 14, 2005

New 007

Dainel Craig has been named the new James Bond for Casino Royale, due out next year. I thought this was an odd choice for Bond, until I saw him in Layer Cake. He's got that brooding, strong, sexy thing goin' on, that I had not seen in his previous films. Put Craig in a tux, and I think this could work. The Bond in this film is supposed to be early in his spy career, proving himself for 00 agent status. The story is set to explain the roots of many Bondisms. If it's done as well as Batman Begins, I'm in. Stay tuned!!

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Visit Elizabethtown

I haven't anticipated a film in this space for a while, but I think Elizabethtown is worth a little extra attention. I know someone who went to the premiere of this film in Elizabethtown, KY a few weeks ago, and he has been raving about it ever since.

In this story, a young man must deal with the death of his father, return to his hometown and runs into love along the way.

The trailers look great, the cast is amazing. With Cameron Crowe (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, Vanilla Sky and Almost Famous) writing and directing, how can you go wrong!?!?! Sounds like a formula for good film, and I trust the recommendation. The release is tomorrow, so check it out this weekend!

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Summer Films in DVD

Two good films from this past summer are being released to DVD this week.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a wonderful"coming of age story" revolving around teenage girls and their summer adventures. A pair of magical jeans takes us to each girl's story.

Me and you and Everyone We Know is another story of young people trying to find their place in the world. A touching story, though a little racy in parts. Good for anyone looking for something to think about.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Proof

The film adaptation of the play Proof works well. This is not so much a story of mathematics, as it is of trust, devotion and sacrifice. Catherine stands by her brilliant, mentally ill father to his death. Family and colleagues try to sway her, but Catherine sticks to her heart and stays true to her father and herself.

Sunday, October 09, 2005

The Mask of Zorro

The character of Zorro came to life in 1919. With no TV or film, these pulp stories captured the imagination of people from the start. I fell in love with Zorro on television when I was a kid.

The Mask of Zorro is a wonderful action, drama, love story that takes all the hokey stuff from old fashioned, action films, and makes it fresh and exciting. This is a fun film laced with humor and action, that sets the stage for The Legend of Zorro, due out this month!

Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

How do you protect your vegetables from the Were-Rabbit??? This is the dilemma for Wallace and Gromit in their first feature film. Claymation is the medium for this fun, funny story that pits non-violence against a scary monster, and a town that loves it's vegetables. Creative, cute, colorful and VERY funny. Another great animated piece that entertains both adults and kids. Well done.

Two for the Money

Two for the Money takes place inside the world of sports betting. The film itself is about talent, trust and loyalty. Pacino, McConaughey and Russo's characters form a strong "family", and the drama revolves more around their relationships than the games. Money and trust are the catalysts. This is a good story, but the end of the film gets mushy and confusing. The acting and set designs are top-notch.

Saturday, October 08, 2005

In Her Shoes

I was drawn to In Her Shoes by Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine and SHOES!!!! How fabulous to have a film where shoes are actually a character!?!? Two sisters (Collette and Cameron Diaz) have a falling out, and find out what kind of people they really are. They discover the truths of their childhood, through their newly discovered grandmother (MacLaine). This is a wonderful story, fabulous cast and great clothes and shoes!! The best truth revealed for me, is when Rose says "... my shoes never let me down, they always fit!!" The female characters are strong and funny, the men are straightforward and endearing and the shoes, stunning! Though I'm sure some men could enjoy this film (guy in front of me bailed after 20 minutes), ladies may want to grab a friend or sister to see this one!

A History of Violence

At first, this seems to be a formula hero movie, then the twists kick in. A History of Violence is a mystery, a thriller and a love story. The acting is intense, and the story unfolds in a direction I did not expect. Graphic sex and violence punctuate the story, and makes this an emotional ride. A graphic thriller I'm still thinking about.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Interpreter in DVD

The Interpreter is being released in DVD this week. This film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, I saw it about a week later, in New York, and really enjoyed it. The acting is great and the story line intriguing. This will be a popular rental.

Sunday, October 02, 2005

Film Relaxes Me

The wedding was lovely!!!

As planned, the ceremony was gorgeous and heartfelt, the reception rocked, and Dr. and Mrs. Tuazon are winging their way to the tropics for a well-deserved rest!

After 3 wonderful days of reveling in friends and family, the motherofthebride, plans to relax tonight! For me, that's a light comedy and a big bowl of popcorn. I've got the remake of The Longest Yard, and the microwave is ready to go!

Here's to the happy couple and a fall full of wonderful film!!