December post - FINALLY!

SHOCK! I'm dragging on the posting. Let's re-cap the last month or so....

First, Thanksgiving: Like many families - I'm sure - one O'Brien Thanksgiving tradition is the annual new movie screening which we all fight over until the majority makes a consensus. This year, the Li'l One wanted to see New Moon; however, none of her elders (who made up the voting electorate) had seen Twilight. So we overruled that. Then talks of An Education and Pirate Radio came up, but the times weren't convenient. Finally, after the long drawn out conversation ended, the clan selected The Blind Side for the 2009 T-day Screening. For Ma, Pa, Li'l One, and yours truly, this was a nice, family choice. I mean, who doesn't like a feel good sports flick? One that takes the underdog and gets him to achieve greatness in the face of adversity? If you don't like it, well, you must hate America. The Blind Side is by no means a perfect film. The performances are solid - I can't help it, I like Sandra Bullock. Ever since her days in The Thing Called Love, Speed, and The Net she's won me over. And the actor who played Michael Oher, the underdog who goes onto become the first pick in the 2009 NFL draft, was so lovable! His name is Quinton Aaron, and I'm excited to see what he does next. So yes - I recommend The Blind Side - especially if you're looking for a pick me up. You'll shed a couple tears of happiness and laugh at the amusing antics of the Tuohy family. And for those who are not football fans, you might just find yourself enjoying the sport - for the length of the movie at least. Also if you're familiar with Atlanta, you'll probably recognize a few places around town. ATL Represent!

Second: Christmas time! Of course I sat in front of the tele for the annual It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story screenings, but as it's usually around Christmas time that a lot of eagerly anticipated movies hit theaters, I did add a new release to the viewing schedule. This year there are a few on my list, but the one that I opted for this season - mainly because my movie companion and I showed up at the theater 10 minutes before it started - was Up in the Air. And you know, I did not love it. For weeks I've heard how fantastic it is. How original. How thought provoking. Well, I found it a tad boring. Really not all that exciting. Yes, it was pretty depressing, but I mean, how can a story about a guy who has no connections in life and really couldn't care less about the strength of his relationships not be a downer? I think the one element that makes this movie work is George Clooney. No matter how bad a movie is, George is gonna make it watchable. He really has that IT factor and ability to bring charisma and charm to an otherwise blah character. Not that this movie was "bad" - I just don't consider it the BEST movie of the year. I did like some of the characters. They were adorably awkward - much like most characters in Jason Reitman's films. They made me laugh. But overall, the movie made me sad. And also, it didn't really sit with me. I practically forgot what I had seen. I'm very interested to see how Up in the Air fares during awards season. So far, it's a front runner. Although, I don't think it's all that deserving, but hey. That's just me.

And other than those two new releases, I've been watching a lot of TV on DVD: Dexter, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Office (British and American), Vicar of Dibley, and South Park. I have Mulholland Drive awaiting me, but I know I have to get myself into the Lynchian mindset before I pop that one in the DVD player. It's gonna be trippy!

I'm a Producer! So, here's a little self-promotion...

For of those of you have access to Turner Classic Movies, I highly recommend checking out the four films airing tonight (8PM Eastern): The Harvey Girls, Here Comes the Groom, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and Days of Wine and Roses. These selections encompass the Best Song Academy Award Winning films in the career of the prolific and brilliant Johnny Mercer. Before and after each film there will be discussion between our TCM host Robert Osborne and his co-host for the night, theater historian and Mercer expert Robert Kimball. What makes tonight special for me is that it marks my first foray into the realm of Producer. This was a really fun project, and one which I hope will lead to many more. Not only are the INTROs and OUTROs to the films entertaining and filled with great facts about Mercer, but the films are enjoyable as well. Thanks so much for all the support, and I hope you like what you see!

I guess we'll just have to adjust...

It was four or five years ago when I heard the rumors that Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers were settling into adapt Maurice Sendak's most beloved children's book Where the Wild Things Are, and immediately I thought, of all the directors out there, Jonze seems like the ideal choice to create a live-action feature film of the book. From his filmography - which, yes, is minimal and heavily weighted with music video credits - Jonze definitely has the ability to capture those childhood fears and fantasies. He, along with Michel Gondry, are two of the most creative and bizarre indie-mainstream filmmakers out there (I say indie-mainstream because they are able to straddle the boundary between the two, and I'm sure, they're more than happy to include themselves in either category depending on the conversation). Needless to say, I was stoked about this movie! Finally, after re-writes, sign-offs, production schedule changes, and months of anticipation and excitement over the first posters and trailers, the film was released last month.

The Art of the Movie Trailer (which, if that's not a blog, it should be) can be a blessing or a curse for a film, and the trailer for Where the Wild Things Are is absolutely brilliant! While settling into my theater seat, Arcade Fire's "Wake Up!" played over and over in my head as I thought back on that trailer. Finally, the lights dimmed, the silver screen lit up, and with a steadicam and muted colors, we meet Max, an out of control product of divorce who embodies an animalistic violence that seems to come when he dons his wolf costume. Now, obviously this movie takes liberties with and expands upon Sendak's very short children's book. I would say the movie is inspired by not based on the book, but you can weigh in on that. I, for one, was a tad surprised by how sad the movie is, and I realized that it is not at all a children's movie but one based off of the nostalgia Jonze and Eggers (and the rest of us who are well into our mid-twenties and beyond) have for the book. The animation was great and the soundtrack fitting. All the actors who lent their voices to Carol and Ira and KW and Douglas were fantastic, and I have to say the kid who played Max, Max Records, fit the part well. He was a little scary at times, but he captured the loneliness and misunderstood nature of Max incredibly well.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film. I think the trailer and marketing team did a brilliant job of getting me psyched for this movie, and I'll associate that Arcade Fire song with this movie for a long time. I have to give kudos to whomever selected it because it works. Jonze also managed to get tears in my eyes as his vision of Sendak's illustrations really was a touching adaptation and one that I would recommend to anyone above the age of 14 who has a fondness for the book. I'm not so sure about getting those kiddies who have just been introduced to Max and his Wild Things friends into the theater. I'd wait a few years then watch it on Blu-Ray, or streaming, or in hologram form - whatever is available to you when that time comes.

What a Way to Go! Indeed

Netflix can be the bearer of some great surprises every now and again, even if they're really not surprises. You know, you create your queue when you set up your account, then you keep moving items to the top of the queue, then you forget about updating your queue for a while, and BAM! Surprise! Some random movie you totally forgot you added on that first day shows up in your mailbox! Well, that's what happened last week for me. I've had my Netflix account for about 10 months now and there are a ton of films that have yet to make their way to me from my original entries. This next one is one of those....

When I was a little kid, I remember watching a movie with Shirley MacLaine and a bunch of different well-known actors. The story involved how MacLaine would marry some poor sap, then presto! They're rich and famous, and soon to be dead, with Shirley inheriting all their wealth - and it's A LOT. Rather morbid, I know, but I really had a hankering to watch that film again, especially since Paul Newman AND Gene Kelly play two of MacLaine's beaus. It's called What a Way to Go! from 1964 and it proves its quirky, kinda strange nature right at the beginning. What I love about these American comedies that found themselves caught between Old and New Hollywood is how bright and colorful they are. And this film - WOW - is bright. And colorful. Shirley was an established star at this time and well matched with - get this - Dick Van Dyke, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, Gene Kelly, Dean Martin, and Bob Cummings. Talk about a line-up - especially for me! A great aspect of the film is the way Shirley explains her marriages to her psychiatrist - in movie terms. With Dick Van Dyke it was a Chaplin silent comedy; with Paul it was a French art house film; with Robert Mitchum it was a lavish, Hollywood production; and with Gene it was - shock - a musical. What a Way to Go! is slightly bizarre, yes, but very entertaining! It's fun, silly, and is a great distraction from all the seriousness in one's life. It was actually nominated for a couple Oscars - one for its Art Direction and the other for its Costumes. And both are really outstanding. And that Gene Kelly segment just might get you in some Singin' in the Rain mood. Add that to your queue, too!

Lovely Sunday Films Part II

After a very blah and dismal week, the sun made her way out from behind the clouds and shed much appreciated light all over Virginia Highlands. I felt motivated to get out of the apartamento and venture to the theater (movie that is).

Preface: I saw a film at BAM a few years back entitled Paris, Je Taime and absolutely loved it. It's such a great collaboration of various filmmakers - directors, writers, actors - in all different genres branching out around the City of Lights, sharing stories of everyday inhabitants and visitors. I think anyone who enjoys film will love Paris, Je Taime even if you don't enjoy every segment of it.

Well, after the success of that film, another group of filmmakers got their creative sparks going and decided to move across the Atlantic and try the same idea with the City that Never Sleeps - my favorite place - New York, New York ("A city so great they named it twice - the other one is Manhattan"). Simply called New York, I Love You, the film takes place all over New York and Brooklyn with lots of vignettes about couples, friends, strangers and the overall relationship with New York itself. While the film itself didn't strike quite the same chord with me as Paris, Je Taime, I loved basking in the celluloid images of the city. I do have to say, I appreciated how well all the vignettes intertwined with one another - much more so than in Paris, Je Taime - and anything with Eli Wallach I will always like (he was the main reason I did not completely hate The Holiday). I think my favorite segment of New York, I Love You, the one that really moved me, was the one involving Chris Cooper and Robin Wright Penn (if she still has the Penn). I don't want to say too much since there is a twist involved, but it was really well done with great sensitivity and delicateness, and I love the inclusion of "No Surprises." As soon as I heard the first note of that Radiohead song, I thought, great choice. Really nicely done. Overall though for me, and why I might be biased with this film, is that I needed some sort of escape, even if it wasn't in the physical sense such as an actual excursion to the city. New York, I Love You proved to be a great treat, and a great reminder of happy memories as well as my own grapples with NYC. It's a city that I may have issues with at times, but no matter what, New York will forever hold a most special place in my heart. New York. I truly do love you.

Lovely Sunday Films Part I

Wow, it's been a while, eh folks (I feel like I say that a lot, huh)? Well, I'm going to do my best to post once a week (and that, too). And I have a lot to catch up on writing wise since I've seen quite a few films in the last month or so. I may only mention them at this point in time (i.e. (500) Days of Summer, It Might Get Loud, The September Issue, and a few classics), but I'm going to try to be better about more in depth analysis. Especially since I'm rusty after writing my thesis and will be starting classes again in January. Whew...always the student. Never the M.F.A. recipient. I think I'll go backwards in time, starting with today...

It's funny. You know how every once in a while you get a movie scene or quote stuck in your head, and you can't really remember what it's from? Well, I've had this one segment in my head about smiles for a few weeks. I couldn't remember which movie it was where the male protagonist is in love with the female lead and there's a monologue about the number of smiles she has. Luckily, while I was sitting eating my bagel and sipping my latte, I decided to turn on the tele which I haven't done in a few days and see what the weekend movie was on Peachtree TV. When the commercial break finally ended, Josh Duhamel and Kate Bosworth appeared on screen, and I remembered just where that smiles discussion was from: Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! Now, it's not the finest work of the cinema (the acting may turn you away), but I do remember enjoying it - that hopeless romantic movie escapee that I am - when I watched it at the Union Square theater in NYC. I hadn't seen it since, and that's why it's funny that that smiles talk has stayed with me. Movies - especially romantic comedies - can be torturous but at the same time sweet and fun. I guess when I saw Win a Date, I always wondered if anyone would notice how many smiles I have and if I would be able to distinguish someone else's. Or if there are differences in smiles - because I've been more astute at differentiating among laughs - but the smile question still intrigues me. And how a silly, pretty soon forgotten movie has the ability to make me wonder something like that five years later? Anyway, the point is, I no longer have to search my memory for where that line came, and I kinda hope Peachtree TV repeats Win a Date. I think I might have to watch it from the beginning and not 3/4 of the way through. But I'm not so sure I want to Netflix it - yes, I am a pretentious movie snob. Accept. And move on (Dot Org). God. Where is Lorelai when I need her??

Goonies Never Say Die!!!

I know I'm slacking on the posts, but I had to share this link. A co-worker just told me about it, and I thought I'd pay it forward. Makes me want to go back to Astoria and see the Haystacks. They're just so lovely. Or at least pop in my personal copy of the film. I guess that'd be easiest. And cheapest.

Goonies.org

Magic and Space - What could be better?!

Okay, so it's been a while. Things have been a tad crazy with work, life, travel, etc etc. But to the movies. I suppose I'll start with what was this post's original purpose three weeks ago - Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! That'll fulfill the "magic" portion of this evening's two part festivities followed immediately by the "space" installment. You ready? Let's go!

I have to admit, I've never really been a huge fan of the Harry Potter films (I just love the books too much, I guess), but with this latest film update, I have to say, I'm coming around. Perhaps because I haven't read the books in two years, I'm a little more open to the film. The special effects keep getting better and better, and I think the scenes involving the Quidditch matches prove just that. But like all the other films, my main issue lies in the fact that so much of the narrative is omitted. With The Half Blood Prince installment, obvious tweaks have been made, and in my opinion, the book should be at least perused in order to understand the characters' motivations. The film's climax occurs much too quickly, thus condensing the book's finale much too much. However, the kids keep getting better and better. They're aging too fast for the books' timeline, yet, they're still able to pull off the teenage angst and confusing hormonal changes that Harry, Ron, and Hermione undergo during their 7 years at Hogwarts. It's hard to discuss plot details without giving too much away. The main narrative involves Harry (shock) and 1) his relationship with the past owner of his Potions textbook and 2) Completing a task set forth by Dumbledore in order to unearth Voldemort's secrets. The movie deals with those pretty well, if not in their completions, but satisfactorily. However, while I was up North visiting the famiglia, I uncovered my HP set - yay! Instead of lugging all the books back, I decided to start with my favorite installment, The Goblet of Fire, and each time I return home, I'll grab another. Anyhow, I'm very excited to revisit Harry and Co. at Hogwarts little by little. It's all about pacing.

The next movie I saw which was really quite fascinating and thought provoking was Moon. I didn't know what to expect really, but the film deals with some pretty heavy ethical issues while maintaining a level of suspense that greatly meshes 2001: A Space Odyssey and Alien. The idea of cloning people to maintain a space station seems pretty reasonable - at first - but when human emotion comes into play, all bets are off. It's by far not a perfect solution, and the film handles that struggle incredibly well. Sam Rockwell delivers a fantastic performance, or performances really, as he is the only actor on screen for 99% of the film. There is of course Kevin Spacey voicing GERTY - an updated,but somewhat less conniving and evil HAL, but really it's Sam, Sam, and well, Sam. David Bowie's son Duncan Jones makes his directorial debut with this film, and I'm pretty excited to see what else he comes up with. Moreover, the timing of this film's release coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Moon Landing, and for those of you who think NASA staged that event out in Area 51, I got to say, you're as crazy as those deniers of Evolution. And if you doubt both the Moon landing and Evolution, well then, you really scare me.

Tommy Guns in Tow...

You know, there are some great benefits working for a cable company, especially one focused on the movies. Today, I went into work at 9, then at 1130, I was off with my coworkers to lunch at Mellow Mushroom and then screen Public Enemies at Midtown Arts. This ended at 330, and my boss, Tom, decided that we should all just go home. In essence, I get my day of pay for 2.5 hours of actual "work" plus lunch and a movie - which I wanted to see! Fantastic! Now with my free time I figured I'd watch another film on my list - Days of Wine and Roses - whilst blogging about the film I saw this afternoon.

As aforementioned, I was uber excited to see Public Enemies. From the trailer it looks gritty and violent and is about an extremely fascinating bank robber from the 1930s - pretty much the ingredients for any good gangster film. My first thought as soon as the end credits started to roll: This is definitely a second half film. I felt the first act and a half dragged. A lot. Johnny Depp is fantastic as John Dillinger, and the movie is hands-down all Johnny's. From his first close-up and the couple loose strands of hair dangling in his face, I couldn't help but reflect back to Cry Baby, 19 years earlier. But even Johnny couldn't keep me from getting a tad antsy during the first hour or so. Nor could Christian Bale's Melvin Purvis, the FBI agent who apprehended the notorious criminal. I feel that both Depp and Bale are two of the best actors today, but Bale's character, especially, was rather flat. I suppose that could be because the film's main preoccupation is on the Dillinger character, but still, I would have liked to have learned more about Purvis and his background.

Aside from the rather lackluster character development, the film looked really nice. Michael Mann opted to shoot all HD, and you can tell. As with most of his work, the hand-held camera makes many appearances, provoking an uneasiness and suggesting the unsteady ground Dillinger and his cohorts were traversing. What really bothered me, however, was the liberty the writers took with the timeline of events. I suppose since no title card appeared saying "this film is truth or based on truth," the writers have some leeway, but still, after watching the movie and having my interest peaked about Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd, I learned (thank you wikipedia) that the deaths of each criminal occurred in a very different order. I just didn't understand the reasoning for playing with these facts. All in all, the movie was fairly entertaining but nothing so great I would rush out to see again: in the theater, on DVD or on TV. And that's very rare for me and Johnny. Well, I guess Secret Window and Nick of Time fall into that category. But that's alright. I'll always have Don Juan DeMarco to go back to, time and time again.

And P.S. The movie I'm watching right now - deeeepressing. Eeesh.

Firstly, I have my computer back! My sleek, lovely black MacBook. She crashed on me back in March - a horrific, terrifying moment of my life - and it was discovered that my hard drive was completely fried :( Ergo, I lost EVERYTHING because I hadn't backed up anything since I got her in August 2007. Word to the wise: Buy an external hard drive and use it! But on a happier note, she (with a larger hard drive and all the trimmings) and I are reunited and ready to work!

Onto the classic films I've seen over the last few weeks. I've started screening some of this season's TCM Essentials (Saturdays at 8PM with Robert Osborne and Alec Baldwin) and the first I watched was The Letter. It stars Bette Davis directed by her favorite of all filmmakers, William Wyler. If I were to use one word to characterize this film, it most definitely would be melodrama. It's about secrets, adultery, and murder, but what melodrama isn't? Probably the most famous line from the film is Bette in her most exasperated exclaiming, "With all my heart, I still love the man I killed!" I think that sums it up.

Next, I watched Woody Allen's first big break Take the Money and Run. Being a Woody Allen fan, I really enjoyed this film. It clocks in at a breezy 85 minutes, and definitely keeps pace with Allen's witty, fast-paced persona. It incorporates mockumentary and crime films, but the criminal in this case is the world's worst. Everyone in it shows off their comedic skills, and I have to say, other than Woody and one or two other folks, I was pretty unfamiliar with most of the cast. Nevertheless, everyone was great, and I highly recommend it. Keep in mind, it's on this year's Essentials calendar, so check it out on TCM if you have cable.

Third, I watched a Julie Andrews musical from the early 1980's - Victor/Victoria. So. Good. Funny. Entertaining. Great songs. Great cast. Honestly, my eyes stayed glued to the tele. Granted, it is a Blake Edwards film, so it comes as no surprise as to how enjoyable it is. Andrews, being the musical phenom she is, delivers the songs flawlessly. She's joined by Robert Preston (a.k.a. The Music Man) who plays a homosexual singer in 1930s Paris who sees Andrew's potential and turns her into the most popular musical act in Paris. The catch: She has to pretend to be a man pretending to be a woman. Confusing? Perhaps, but it becomes hilarious once James Garner comes into the mix and starts questioning his own heterosexuality thinking that he's attracted to a man, when in fact, he's very much attracted to a woman. Also, keep your eye on scene-stealer Lesley Ann Warren. She's fantastic!

Okay, I have a slew of other films I've watched:

• Network: Put this on your queue. I've seen it a few times but felt like a refresher. For a 1976 film, it was somewhat prophetic, as well as an overall brilliant film from screenplay to directing to acting.
  
• The Bride Wore Black: Truffaut's 1968 homage to Hitchcock starring Jeanne Moreau and scored by Hitchcock's frequent collaborator, Bernard Hermann.
  
• Ruggles of Red Gap: A delightful, quirky comedy from 1935 starring the Hunchback of Notre Dame himself, Sir Charles Laughton.
  

More recent films:

• Forgetting Sarah Marshall
  
• Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones doc Shine a Light
  
• The sequel to City of God, City of Men, which was not as experimental or intense as its predecessor, but still a gripping film.
  
• And a collection of Radiohead videos entitled The Best of Radiohead. I can't tell you how ridiculous it was seeing the band as their early 90's selves. Johnny has the nicest facial structure!
  

I think that covers things for now. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but it's been a busy few weeks, so forgive me. The next new release I'm anxious to screen is Public Enemies. I really hope it doesn't suck. Eeesh.

Classic Cinema Fun!

While perusing the interwebs today, I came across a very intriguing blog post on The Gay Philosopher. The post contains a collection published in 1938 of caricatures featuring the leading actors, actresses, directors, and producers gracing the Hollywood sound stages from the 1930's. Sadly, some of the names have been misspelled and not all the pictures are the most flattering, but hey! I like that people make it a point to keep these folks in our cinema vernacular. And since I devoted a chapter of my thesis to him, I'll post the image of Jimmy for your edification. Ahhhh Jimmy, you''ll always have a special place in my heart.

Good Summer Fun Cine!

I have been slacking...whoops...but I have ventured to the theater a couple times since I last wrote (and of course have watched new and old films in the comfort of my apartment). But let's discuss the new releases, and fortunately, so far this summer as compared to last, they don't suck. Yay!

Star Trek: For someone who has never watched an episode or one of the many films from this franchise, I have to say, I was thoroughly entertained and interested in JJ Abrams' latest addition. It wasn't on my list of films to see, but after many co-workers and friends told me the film is AWESOME, I listened. I gotta say, for a summer blockbuster, the film delivers on all fronts: The effects are awesome. The acting's pretty good. And the script proves to give non-Trekkies/Trekkers (not sure which is accurate) insight into the Star Trek universe. I'm starting to realize, however, that JJ has a major preoccupation with time travel. It seems that every one of his shows, at least, the ones I've watched (LOST, Felicity, Fringe) focus on the phenomenon. And since I saw Star Trek not long after the LOST season finale, I was hoping to draw some connections between the passengers aboard the USS Enterprise and those "survivors" from Oceanic Flight 815. Alas, no such luck. Now, I'm not going to go into much detail about the plot of the film, mainly because I can't remember most of the characters names (other than the usual suspects: Kirk, Spock, Scottie) or the specific place names within the Universe. But if you're looking for a fun, somewhat thought provoking, but overall entertaining summer blockbuster, Star Trek will not disappoint. If, however, you're looking for clues to next season's LOST, this may not be exactly what you're hoping for, but if you do find something, please! Let me know!

The Hangover: Oh. My. God. Go see this movie. Yes, it's a guys' movie. Totally ridiculous and ludicrous on all fronts, but not overly gross-out disgusting or chauvinistic. It may make you ladies put the ix-nay on your betrothed and his buddies going to Vegas two days before your wedding, but it's a movie, so put those feelings aside. Just, you know, go with it. Revel in the fact that guys can be completely idiotic, but fortunately, some of them know how to channel that lunacy into an outrageously funny script and get three fantastic actors who deliver stellar (and maybe not so far-fetched) performances. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis are brilliant as the three groomsmen who lose their best bud/groom sometime during a night of mayhem and debauchery on the Strip, but then, cannot remember what the hell happened or where the groom could possible be. I mean, everything that could go wrong, does. And while rooting for the guys to figure things out, you can't help but hope that more obstacles get in the way so that our laughter keeps going. And while the old saying goes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," happily the filmmakers let us in on all the missing pieces, causing much laughter and squirming at the same time. And Mike Tyson: Hey! He's still got it!

I PASSED!!!!

Not exactly with flying colors, but I passed! Yay!

Many thanks to those kind souls who read, re-read, edited, critiqued, and encouraged me along the way, especially on that last stretch. You're all wonderful, fantastic, beautiful people! MWAH!

That's all for today.

On a lovely April evening 15 years ago...

Oh geez...I almost forgot...in work related news:

Turner Classic Movies celebrated its 15th birthday on April 14th! Robert Osborne and company (that includes me!!!!) enjoyed the festivities for most of the month. The highlight, however, was a screening of Gone With the Wind at the Fox on April 19th. This year marks GWTW's 70th anniversary, and it was the first film shown on TCM back in 1994. Well, while it was the upteenth viewing of the epic classic for me, one person in my party had never seen it, and how jealous I am that Sir Glenneth saw Gone With the Wind not only on the big screen, but at the place it premiered on December 15, 1939 - the Fabulous Fox Theater. And to boot, Robert Osborne and Molly Haskell introduced it. Lucky, lucky fellow. Still, it's amazing, not only to me but also to the ladies who also attended, that Glenn went 25 years, growing up in GWTW country, without ever seeing the film. Damn, now we have to get that boy to the Cyclorama! Although, I think I'm the ONLY person (at least in my GWTW party) who ever enjoyed "that place next to the zoo." Whatever happened to history being fun?!

Re-cap for April - Yay!!!

Ahhhhhhhhh, it's been a while, eh? I went the whole month of April without a single post - sad. I did, however, see just ONE movie the whole month (well, new release that is) - Sunshine Cleaning - and I went at the (semi-) urging of my father, who said that he and my mother LOVED this latest quirky, funny, feel good movie from the same folks who brought us Little Miss Sunshine just a few years ago. And they were right - Sunshine Cleaning is an adorably refreshing film with a very unique plot line and fantastic performances from Amy Adams (on whom, I must admit, I have a girl crush), Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, and Steve Zahn (of whom, sadly, I feel we do not see enough!). It's nice to know that not ALL of Hollywood is just cranking out the same ole stories, which they tend to do. I mean, have you ever wondered who comes in and cleans up the horrible remains from a crime scene? Or even who would want to? That's usually the part that gets left out of Law & Order (in any and all of its incarnations). The film does get a little sappy, but since we American audiences love our happy endings, it's all part of Sunshine Cleaning's "feel good" nature. Extremely enjoyable, and a film, I hope, which will get some well deserved attention.

I feel as though I re-watched a bunch of oldies, but goodies. Most recently: Clueless, The Godfather (all three parts), TCM's Brando (doc on Marlon), and I fell asleep during T2 and The Boondock Saints - whoops. I'll get through them eventually. And most recently Netflix brought me Mamma Mia! - which I must admit, I didn't hate, but since I love ABBA, I suppose that's natural. Pierce Brosnan, though he may be one of the most attractive men to walk the earth, cannot carry a tune - unless it's an Irish drinking song in a pub (see Evelyn for that: Pierce does a rendition of "The Parting Glass" which is quite superb, and the film itself is pretty wonderful) - but some people I know called Mamma Mia! "career-ending" for the Irishman. I don't think I'd go that far, but still, it was pretty bad. Next on my Netflix queue, a documentary, Girls Rock!

Oh, and a side note: I submitted my thesis (ergo, the ONE new film seen and lack of posting). Yes, all 85 pages of my verbal vomit were sent in the end of April. Now I'm just waiting to see if those pages are worthy enough for my passing grade and what will inevitably need to be reworked before I make my final submission to BU's Mugar Library. Keep your fingers crossed I don't have to re-write the whole thing. Oy vey!

Memories.

Today I was going back through my posts - the few there are - and saw a draft dated 08/08/08 which I never finished. This was to be my "Farewell TCM" post discussing my last week as an intern. Instead of deleting it, I thought I'd post in now:

Alas, my days as an intern are officially over. Tuesday was my final day at TCM, and surprisingly, one of the busiest of the summer. I planned on spending half days on Monday and Tuesday since Brittany and Sean would be on vacation, Gary in Maine, and Hadley and Tom in LA, but instead worked full days with literally no down time. I was up in the dub room, down in Video Copying Services (VCS), in the Avid suites, down in the shipping room - never, really, at my desk. Then at the end of the day, I had to pack up my desk to assist in the move, and thinking back on the day, I'm pretty sure I forgot to label or pack something away. Ooops. I really hope I didn't screw anything up too badly. Looking back on my time at TCM, though, I wouldn't change anything. Well, expect for the whole unpaid aspect. Everyone was super great to me, and I feel that I learned a lot about program production and films that -most likely- I would never have seen, not to mention ever written about.

That was all I said about my final moments from my summer internship. I did add a little blurb at the end about the night's celebratory activities (note the ()):

To celebrate the end of my TCM days (for now), Ash and I met up with Vic, Dave, Noah, Ken and Glenn at Holeman & Finch. Now I chose this place after reading a GQ article about the Top 20 cocktails in the US.

I failed to mention just which cocktails I had: Southern Cola - which made the Top 20 list - and another cocktail whose name I cannot recall but I do remember had absinthe in it (slightly). Also, H&F was voted 2008 Restaurant of the Year by Atlanta Magazine and remains high on my list (for a special occasion most likely). I also failed to share that after H&F Ash, Glenn, Vic and I stopped off at The Treehouse for one last indulgence before heading home. Nice summer time spot.

So that was the end of my summer in Atlanta. We did end up hanging out in the Highlands my last Saturday in the city, and at places that are just around the corner from me now. Perhaps I was subconsciously prepping for my return just a few months later?Anyhow, I thought I'd share. I suppose I should get back to work, pretty much the same work I did over the summer. But this time - I get paid! Ain't life grand?

On this day 57 years ago...

My Mom was born!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Be sure to send Gail some warm Birthday wishes.
Or if you're in Chicago, take her out for a drink.
She likes 7 and 7s and White Zinfandel.
We O'Brien lasses are all about class.
Lots of love to my Mom!

Sounds of Silence please.

"Just a matter of time, I suppose," Edward Blake (AKA "The Comedian") utters right before his fight with a masked intruder commences, resulting in Blake's gruesome death, and thus beginning Zack Snyder's film adaptation of the beloved graphic novel Watchmen.

A matter of time, eh? But for what? I mean, I know why narratively, but what about for my cinematic experience, especially as a neophyte in the graphic novel universe? What is it that Zack Attack wants me to take away from the almost 3-hour long film? Personally, I was waiting to be blown away, and while my eyes were impressed with the graphics and special effects on the IMAX screen, my ears were assaulted with horribly cliche pop songs (aside from the fabulous opening sequence in which Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin" was aptly used) and the painfully synthesized, badly placed score. What Watchmen impressed upon me was the fact that I take issue with film music, not in the sense that it shouldn't be there, but in regard to the fact that a lot of filmmakers either don't know or don't care how to use it. Most of the time it's used as a device to persuade or direct our feelings for a scene. Take for instance the scene where Lori (Silk Spectre II) and Dan (Nite Owl) are discussing their old days as superheroes. The sexual tension is there, made apparent by the way they look at one another and their body language, and as they move in closer, it's undeniable that something is about to happen. So, then, what better time to cue music, right? Well, if it's the abominable music used, then the answer is a resounding WRONG. Immediately I was taken out of the scene (and not just this one), too busy analyzing the misuse of music (aside from the fact that the acting was sub-par, but since it's a comic book movie, I tend to forgive the performances), and thinking that the filmmakers must think me and my fellow audience members idiots. I'm not sure if it's hesitancy or condescension on their part - are they afraid that we won't get what the scene is trying to tell us or do they just want to beat us over the heads with their point? Either way, it's not good.

Alas, Watchmen was my first feature film IMAX experience, and I left the theater disappointed, to say the least. The film, however, did not change the fact that I do need and want to read the graphic novel as I am still very much intrigued by it. But first I want to re-watch another superhero movie which seems to have taken a few cues from Watchmen as it also tells the tales of superheroes who are assimilated back into society. Yes, that would be The Incredibles, a much less violent, but ridiculously enjoyable movie which can probably be viewed twice and enjoyed infinitely more in the span of time it takes to watch that newest addition to the superhero film library.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Hello to all My Dear Little Irish Colleens and Oh Danny Boys on this March 17, 2009! I hope this day finds you decked out in your greenest, shamrockest, leprechaunesque threads. In case you're wondering, I have on my "O'Brien & Sons" Brewpub tee and green track jacket, AND I'm carrying my green Whole Foods bag (well, this wasn't planned since I usually use this to carry my stuff around). Anyhow. Thesis statement: I hope you're wearing green. And maybe doing a lil' jig...too much to ask?

I wanted to share a very funny post I saw on digg.com yesterday. Perhaps it will bring you enjoyment for many (potential) hours...or at least until your ears bleed:

http://www.irishcentral.com/ent/Top-10-Worst-Irish-Accents-on-Film-2800.html

Also, in case you're searching for some Irish cinematic wonderfulness, check out TCM tonight. Or go rent/netflix/play instantly/buy some or all of the following: The Commitments, My Left Foot, Once, The Quiet Man. Those are some of the highlights - at least in my book. If you have others, please share!

Now go get your corned beef and green beer! And get your Riverdance on!

And the winner (probably) is...

Finally, I have seen the front-runner for this year's Best Picture Oscar: Slumdog Millionaire. While I enjoyed the film - very much - I don't know if I would consider it the BEST picture of the year. However, I would say it is one of the most unique, entertaining, and well-made movies of the year. The screenplay - adapted from a book called Q&A - is quite brilliant and Danny Boyle's direction is superb. The unknown actors shine, and I most especially enjoyed the child actors who played the younger selves of the main characters. They were ridiculously adorable!

My favorite part of Slumdog Millionaire by far is the music. The score fits perfectly with the emotion, and every award the composer wins for this film is completely, 100% deserved (in my humble opinion). Check out this excellent article on the man behind the film's score, A.R. "Do you think they spelled that phonetically?" Rahman. There must be something about the sitar that my ears can't get enough of, almost like the banjo. Something about those strings...

Sadly, I'm not familiar enough with Indian filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, but ever since I saw Mira Nair's Monsoon Wedding, I've had a fascination with Indian culture. I find it funny and great and depressing and not that surprising that it took a Brit to make the most popular Indian film that American audiences have seen. It really was enjoyable, but until I see the last two contenders (Milk and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), I'm afraid my vote cannot yet be cast.

It's President's Day so let's see a Presidential Biopic!

With less than a week before the Oscars and during a week of not doing too much, I'm going to try to finish off the Best Picture nominees. Next on the list, Frost/Nixon. Of the five nominees, I feel this film is the one that will stay with me for a while. Immediately when I came home I started researching the real David Frost - the man, the journalist, the Brit who was able to get Richard Nixon to admit wrong-doing during his presidency. It was during the 1977 Frost/Nixon interviews that Nixon made that famous declaration that "if the president does it, then it's not illegal." After being pardoned by his successor, Nixon never stood trial or was held accountable for Watergate (among other transgressions). That was until David Frost and his producers got hold of 37.

Ron Howard's film adaptation of Peter Morgan's Tony winning play transitioned nicely from stage to screen (at least I'm assuming so. Sadly, I did not see the play). The performances were strong and convincing. Frank Langella's Nixon earned him a Best Actor nod (not to mention the Tony) - deservingly so - but Michael Sheen's David Frost was superb, and I'm very surprised he did not receive any recognition from the Academy. While watching the original interviews, it seems to me that Langella played Nixon a bit over-the-top and Sheen played Frost very much as Frost was. Regardless, both men, along with the supporting cast, did fantastic jobs.

One thing that makes the film more effective than the play (that makes any film more effective) is the same thing that made the television interviews so powerful - the close-up. Howard's camera mimics those from 1977, but as with any film, he's able to draw out the reactions, hold the gazes, and capture the emotions of everyone involved. If you see the film, I highly suggest checking out the real interviews and drawing your own comparisons. Both are fascinating, but no matter how powerful Frank Langella is, it's hard to top Nixon himself admitting his guilt.

My love for the musical...

Okay okay...so I'm still at 1 for my Best Picture nominees, but I have been watching movies. They just happen to be a bit older than the ones on my Oscar list. For instance, last night I re-watched An American in Paris - the Best Picture Oscar winner, mind you, for 1951 - and reconnected with my love for Gene Kelly. Being Valentine's Day and all I thought, why not do something that I love: watch my favorite movies that happen to be super sappy romances. Give me a break, I'm in recovery. Anyhow, the reason I decided to watch this one lends itself to the fact that I saw the Law & Order: SVU episode with Leslie Caron (for which she won an Emmy) and felt it was time to re-see her in the film which she danced with the master himself and also introduced her to American audiences. The sets are completely glossy - as any MGM musical should be - and the random bursting into song and dance is as gloriously unrealistic - as any musical should be. The thing I love most about this film is the choreography. Having no rhythm myself, I appreciate those who do possess that talent. Gene Kelly choreographed the film, and it was his part in this which lead to the making of that quintessential Gene film - Singin' in the Rain. In my opinion, no musical tops Singin', but An American in Paris is breathtaking and entertaining. Besides: How can any film taken from Gershwin be bad?

And while I'm on the topic of musicals, last week at work I started screening Funny Girl (an Oscar contender for 1968), and I have to say, I enjoyed it just as much as I did when I was five. Say what you will about Barbara Streisand, but damn! She's brilliant! Her voice is amazing (in that Broadway-way) and she's exceptionally funny! Apparently my mother's tastes aren't as tasteless as originally thought. I feel a Barbara retrospective on the horizon...

One down. Four to go.

As much as it saddens me to admit, I am very very very very far behind in seeing 2008's list of Oscar nominees. But, last night I saw my first of the Best Picture contenders: The Reader. Now, I don't know where I got my information or how I pieced together my own version of the movie, but once The Reader began, I thought, "Wow, I'm totally off!" I had the time period right - somewhat - but I was very wrong in who I thought the reader was. Let's just say, it's not Kate Winslet. And while it does involve World War II and Nazi Germany, the farthest back it goes in time is 1958. It's a story told mostly in flashback about sexual awakening, first love, secrecy, the wrongs of our ancestors - which all involve lots of bare-ass Kate. But I think her Oscar nod for Best Actress was given to her for more than just her nakedness. She really is quite brilliant, delivering a highly emotional and solid performance, though, I might be a little biased: I think she's one of the best actors out there today. I was also pleasantly surprised to see both Ralph Fiennes and Lena Olin on screen - and once again reminded as to how out of the loop I am on current cinema. I did not do my research for this film, but I think I like it like that. I just need not to explain the premise of a movie before I see it. So sorry to anyone who got false information from me. I hope I didn't ruin the film for you or, more importantly, your opinion of me.

Next up - I hope - Slumdog Millionaire. Wait until I see it to ask me what it's about :) I can tell you it's directed by Danny Boyle - the man who brought us Trainspotting, Sunshine, and 28 Days Later. Now, how can it not be good?

I'm back...

Hello Southern Folk (and other folk as well). Miss me? Well, fear not. I am reviving this blog for you, my devoted and loyal fans who I know have been checking daily since August to see if, perhaps, I had come to my senses and added something new and exciting for you to read in your attempts to avoid doing actual, real work. So, in order to assist in your procrastination (and mine as well), I'll do my best to stay somewhat up-to-date. But, please, don't hate me if I fail. It's tough: Working long hours; "Writing" a thesis in order to retrieve that degree; Setting up shop in my new apartment. But, I promise, I will try, to post more than once every five months. My posts for the next few months will be far from exciting, but once I've kicked this thesis in the rear, I'll share every detail of the great adventures I plan on experiencing after my thesis positions itself on a shelf at BU's great Mugar Library. Until then, pray that happens. I need all the help I can get. Mwah! And talk to you soon!