Top 10 Films of 2009

Top 10 films of 2009

This is probably wildly narcissistic (so what else is new?) but I have had a few people ask for recommendations for things to see over the holidays (either in theatres or on DVD – noted where appropriate). I still have some to see that are just coming out (Avatar, A Single Man, The White Ribbon) and there are some I missed (Bronson, Flame & Citron, Adventureland), but given those limitations, here’s my top 10 list for the year.

[God – I still can’t believe I missed Bronson. D’oh!]

First - special mentions;

The Escapist. I know. It’s wildly snobby to include this one, as it has never (and will never) be released in the U.S., but it is hands down my favorite film I’ve seen this year. It’s a prison break film, shot in Kilmainham gaol in Dublin. It stars Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Seu Jorge, Liam Cunningham, and Damian Lewis. Can we pause for a moment and appreciate that cast? It’s wildly original and Brian Cox gives an astounding career-high performance. You can buy a region 2 dvd from amazon.uk if so inclined, but if you ever see it playing at a fest near you, definitely check it out!

[Ed note: per comment, it will soon be on Region 1 DVD! YAY! GO SEE IT!!]

Trick ‘r treat. This never got a proper release, but it’s available on DVD. A Halloween anthology, it captures the traditions and mythology surrounding the holiday perfectly. Starring Anna Paquin as Red Riding Hood, Brian Cox as a grumpy scrooge, and Dylan Baker as the scariest high school principal ever. Rent it if Nightmare before Christmas puts you in the mood for something fun and creepy.

Top 10:

1. The Hurt Locker (DVD). The best word I can think of to describe this film is immersive. Tense, surprisingly funny, with incredible acting from every person who shows up on screen (hey, was that Guy Pearce? And Ralph Fiennes? And Evangeline Lily?) At heart though, it is an incredible portrait of a soldier who thrives in the dangers of war. Completely brilliant.

2. Moon (DVD). I love, love, love this film. It’s best to go into this film knowing little of the plot. Basically, it concerns astronaut Sam Bell, who has 2 weeks to go on his 3-year solitary mining shift on the moon. It has the year’s most incredible performance by Sam Rockwell, who is pretty much the only one on screen (Kevin Spacey voices the computer on the moon station).

3. Bright Star (not yet on DVD). Jane Campion returns to film with this gorgeous, lush presentation of the love story between Fanny Brawne and her neighbor John Keats, who died at the age of 25. Moody and dreamy, it unfolds like a Keats poem.

4. Watchmen (DVD). Step off, haters. I think in time this will be recognized for how brilliant it is. No – it isn’t perfect, but it encompasses the sprawling complexity of the original novel while capturing the gritty feel perfectly. “Superheroes” debating morality doesn’t have the black and white simplicity of your Spider-Man 2, but it leaves far more to contemplate and discuss long after the movie has finished. Also has one of the year’s best performances in Jackie Earle Haley’s Rorschach.

5. The Brothers Bloom (DVD – rental only, to buy in 2010). This one got lost in the shuffle, which was such a shame. A globe-trotting, one-last-con flick, featuring a pair of con men brothers (Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo), a longing-for-adventure heiress (Rachel Weisz), and an explosives expert (Rinko Kikuchi). Rachel Weisz and Rinko Kikuchi would both be up for Oscars, were there any justice in the world.

6. District 9 (DVD). A cheeky political commentary on marginalized peoples (or aliens) that turns into an amazing action piece. Wildly ambitious, a sci-fi epic shot on an (unnoticeable) shoestring budget, a drama crossed with a stylized thriller, it is impressively original.

7. Inglourious Basterds (DVD). Each of the chapters could be an award-winning short film. So many films today take quick edits to the extreme of also having quick scenes. While Tarantino doesn’t employ particularly long takes, he does allow long scenes to play out, slowly building the tension of each interrogation. Yes, it is also a satisfying revenge fantasy and an ode to the power of cinema, but it is the drama of these small contests of will that remain freshest months later.

8. The Damned United (not yet on DVD). Less a sports movie than a biopic, the film follows Brian Clough, the football coach who led Derby to a League championship and later took the job as head coach of Leeds, which lasted only 44 days. Michael Sheen may be the most chameleonic actor around, and his scenes with Timothy Spall (as his assistant coach) are a joy to watch.

9. Brothers (in theaters). I’m not sure why critics are divided on this one. I think it’s an incredibly well acted character piece that examines the affects of war at home. Tobey Maguire may be getting a few accolades due to the showier role (and Leo’s campaigning), but Jake Gyllenhaal has a more impressive character arc as the black sheep in a military family.

10. Fantastic Mr. Fox (in theaters). Wes Anderson stylization comes to animation, which recalls Wallace and Gromit crossed with Gumby. The story, based on a Roald Dahl tale, follows a fox family and their woodland neighbors as they fight off the local farmers. A whimsical action caper that is completely endearing.

Ten more:

11. A Serious Man (in theaters). The biblical tale of Job retold in the Midwestern 60s suburbs. A really dark and really funny look and faith and suffering.

12. In the Loop (DVD). I was almost afraid to laugh during this one for fear of missing the next line. A blazingly quick-witted, completely vicious satire of UK and US politicians going to war. Peter Capaldi revels in one of the best characters of the year; a nasty, bullying, Alastair Campbell-esque press chief whose expletive-laden tirades are things of… well, if not beauty, then wonderment.

13. Zombieland (not yet on DVD). The most fun I’ve had at the movies this year. Completely hilarious.

14. Me and Orson Welles (leaving theaters). Centered during the week before the opening of Caesar in 1937, this film is a charming ode to the theater and the characters that inhabit it. Mostly fluffy, it is largely a vehicle for Christian McKay’s brilliant portrayal of Orson Welles.

15. Pirate Radio (leaving theaters). The second most fun I’ve had this year. Fun and charming look at rock radio stations operated at sea in Britain in the 60s. Best Little Richard reference in a film this year.

16. Coraline (DVD). After seeing this one, I felt that Avatar was allowed to be a dud, since I had already seen something visually astounding on the big screen this year. Not only is the fairytale (written by Neil Gaiman) a wonderful and eerie story, but the use of 3-D cleverly creates a fantasy other-world that seduces our young heroine.

17. An Education (in theaters). The story of a British schoolgirl who takes up with an older man. Carey Mulligan gives a breakout performance as the rapidly maturing Jenny. A poignant period piece that deals with the options of well-educated women at a time when few career possibilities were available.

18. Whip It (not yet on DVD). Another one that got lost in the shuffle. I’m going to try not to be cynical and say that it had anything to do with the fact that is had one of the better female casts around. I went in thinking it was going to be your typical underdog sport film, albeit with roller derby, and it turned out to be a sweet coming of age/first romance/fun punk rock empowerment flick. Really enjoyable.

19. 500 Days of Summer (DVD). Toes the line of almost too precious, but it’s a cute, shuffled up look back on a romance. Elaborate, amazing dance sequence aside, the trips to IKEA keep the film grounded in something like reality (well, despite some Garden State stylization). It’s also a nice nod to the city of LA, which hardly ever gets any cinematic love.

20. Ponyo (not yet on DVD). I think of this as the companion piece to Totoro. Ponyo and Mei are spiritual sisters, with their boundless enthusiasm and winningly extreme emotions. Also, Tina Fey outrunning the tsunami is hilarious.

Other good ones to check out:

Half Blood Prince (DVD). I had a couple of script problems with this one, but this scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUNg9v5TQ5Q) totally made up for it.

Star Trek (DVD). Yup, Zachary Quinto makes a great Spock. I feel that this one was slightly over-praised, coming on the heels of several blockbuster disappointments, but it is a very good reboot and action-adventure film.

La Mission (not yet on DVD). The story of a MUNI driver coming to grips with his son coming out and the gentrification of the Mission district. Really good performances all around.

Where the wild things are (leaving theaters). One of the best movies about childhood ever made. It’s dark and beautiful and painful and magical and imaginative altogether.

Mary & Max (not yet on DVD). The first animated film to ever open Sundance, this is about the penpal relationship between a lonely girl in Australia and a man with Asperger’s in New York.

Jennifer’s Body (DVD). The most poorly marketed film of the year. It’s not a horror movie and it’s not all about Megan Fox. It uses horror tropes, including the focus on female sexuality, to create a wickedly funny allegory of adolescence and female rivalry. Also – Adam Brody does a dead-on Brandon Flowers.

Kisses (not yet on DVD). Two Irish children run away from home and spend a night on the streets of Dublin. A minor fairytale set against a bleak urban backdrop.

The International (DVD). I liked this one, though I know I’m in the minority. I think making the bad guy a bank may have hit a little too close to home when people wanted more escapism from their action films. But I’d recommend this one.

I Sell the Dead (not yet on DVD). A fun, shlocky ode to the Hammer horror films, this film tells the story of two grave robbers on the eve of their execution. It has one of the best moments of slapstick in a film this year, involving a particularly animated corpse.

Public Enemies (DVD). This one was really interesting, because one of the largest complaints was the disconnect between the ultra-modern cinematography and the setting of the film. But I think that adds to the realism of the film, because it emphasizes that these characters were once living, breathing people. Great acting by all involved. I think it could have been tightened up a bit, which is why it misses the top 20.

Young Victoria (in theaters). Emily Blunt comes off a little too modern in sections, but it’s otherwise a good period romance. The court intrigue sections are never quite as well developed, though, which is surprising, considering it’s written by Julian Fellowes (who penned one of my all-time favorites, Gosford Park).

Men who stare at goats (leaving theaters). Mis-marketed as a an out-and-out comedy, when it is really more of a dramedy. I liked it though. It has an engaging cast, and certainly several laugh out loud moments. It’s amusing, if not hysterical.

A few others also seen this year:

Everybody’s Fine (in theaters) To be fair, not as trite as I expected. Robert DeNiro does a good job of acting older and frailer than he is. And I was happy that all the reviews pointed out that Sam Rockwell was the high point of the film. (Kate Beckinsale, meanwhile, is wretched.)

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (not yet on dvd). A noble effort, but read the book instead.

Breaking Upwards (not yet on dvd). Hipsters talking about their feelings. Makes me glad I don’t live in Brooklyn.

It Might Get Loud (DVD). Wildly disappointing. First off, they should have included Matthew Bellamy. But that omission aside, this is terribly interviewed and edited, resulting in a film that bounces around with no clear thematic direction and too little from the people it is featuring. You get neither enough history of the guitarists, or enough information on their instruments. You get a lot of vague statements about “that guitar defined the sound of the band.” Okay – how? How was it different than another guitar? What was best about that model for those songs? The only time you actually feel that you’ve learned something satisfactory is when the Edge plays Elevation both with and without the effects of his soundboard. The best parts of the film are watching them each play, but a concert documentary would have worked better in that respect.

My One and Only (not yet on DVD). Considering how much I dislike Renee Zellweger, I enjoyed this more than I expected. This is mainly due to a winning supporting cast (including Robin Wiegart as an uptight and rigid relation and an all-too brief turn by Nick Stahl as a quiet mechanic). The film is based on the life of George Hamilton, and it really sticks too closely to the truth. Had they only used the plot as a springboard, fiction might have improved upon fact. But it is an interesting examination of a woman on her own at a time when a woman could be detained for prostitution just for ordering a drink on her own. (God forbid.)

9 (DVD). The plot is a little formulaic, but I really liked the visuals. Some of the scariest animated creatures ever.

Gentleman Broncos (not yet on DVD). Jermaine Clement and Sam Rockwell are funny. The rest is nearly unwatchable. I would’ve rather had Sam guest star on Flight of the Conchords.

Happy Holidays!!

I'm baaack!

Hello? (hello... hello...) Echo... (echo... echo...)

'Sup, y'all? Sorry to have been gone. I've had two very rough weeks at work followed by a week of the plague. I was going to update for the emmys (I might still post a mini-recap at some point - oh and I came in 123rd out of about 3100 in the Emmy prediction game), but I was seriously ill. Whatcha gonna do? Here's about a week's worth of news and stuff. It's been a fairly slow news time for films anyways - I feel like there's been very little buzz out of the film fests.

(Oh - AND I'm raked 46th in the Fall Box Office Challenge so far. I rock.) (Oh - and how to fix the emmys) (Oh - and Josh Groban? I think Defamer puts it best; "Say what you will about his talent, his popularity, his banality, his backstory, whatever, but the guy isn't stupid. He knew the position he was in, he knew the job he had to do, and unlike the hosts, writers and producers who pumped (and tape-delayed!) three hours' worth of bullshit into America's beloved televisions, he did his job. And he pretty much meant it — every outlandish segue into a condescending gospel choir or Muppet guest appearance seemed to nudge his energy incrementally higher. It was genuinely stirring, as in: We might not have finished our liveblog without it.")

There are a bunch of things I want to see in theaters, but the only thing I've been up to seeing through my sickness was RENT filmed live, since it was limited run and pricey. But well worth it. While it wasn't perhaps the strongest cast RENT has ever had, and the filming of the production was not always great (the camera often seemed placed about 2 inches too low), it was worth it to see Michael Greif's superb stage direction one last time. There were some standouts in the cast (Mimi had a very lovely voice), which made up for others who were particularly rough (Benny springs to mind). Were a DVD ever available, I would probably buy it, RENThead that I am, but I'll still probably watch my bootleg of the Angel cast more often. Still, since I couldn't see it live one last time, at least with this set, these costumes, and this direction, the filming made for a nice final way to see it, even when it lacked some of the thrill and energy of a live performance (that was particularly noticeable when Rent kicked in). And hey - at least it's better than the movie. Here's a clip of highlights.

Choke is out! Choke is out! It's been a monsoon here, so I have yet to brave the out of doors and see it, but I'll probably go tomorrow. Here are some reviews: Entertainment Weekly, Cinematical ("...there's only one reason why I would recommend you check out this film, and one reason only: Sam Rockwell."), New York Times ("It remains for Mr. Rockwell to create a center for a satire that is about not having a center. He distills a skeptical attitude of an under-40 everyman from the educated class (he is a medical school dropout): bored and cynical, concealing his hurt under layers of defiance, sarcasm and feigned indifference. Mr. Rockwell makes you see all the layers as well as feel the pain that lies beneath.") Speaking of which, Sam Rockwell in High School. 7: sex addicts on the silver screen.

Paul Newman dies

The Academy's re-opening! Yay! Check out the architecture here. It's gorgeous. (Speaking of which, a mile long line to get in.)

I've been reading a lot of Mark Morford of the SF Chronicle recently. Here's a good one on Palin. And the Good News and the Bad News.

Synecdoche, New York poster, Changeling poster, Valkyrie

Trailers: Benjamin Button tv spot / trailer here, For the pleasure of being robbed, badass final Spirit trailer (I know... it'll probably be bad. But I'm gonna go see it.) the Elephant King, Valkyrie, Timecrimes, Hunger (this looks amazing), Revolutionary Road, Deadgirl, Synecdoche, Waltz with Bashir, Year of the Fish,

Fan Rant: Can we focus on Keira Knightley's performances, not her ribs? (Which is a good sentiment, if the author talks about herself waay too much) and this is also funny because a few hours earlier a different writer when commenting on Kiera taking on Zelda Fitzgerald, wrote, "Keira does a decent job with these sort of roles, but Zelda was not a waif. I hope, at the very least, she tries to get that cherubic flapper look for the role." That's right, focus on her looks, not the acting job required. Also: 7 Knightley costume pics.

7: movies within movies since 2000

The essay on Tom's Diner by Suzanne Vega

The most awesome magazine cover. Plus a great interview with Colbert and Stewart.

18 wild trips to the library

The Paddy's Pub Blog is fun for all you fans of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (how brilliant was the cannibalism episode?)

Hear the full Another Way to Die. I like it alright. I like the rhythm and the horns, but I'm not sure Alicia Keys was really utilized effectively.

I hate the new Sound Bites format, but John Krasinski's arms (9.24) crack me up

Watchmen legal update: dressing up as a comic book character solves everything!

Save the Lips!

Not much going on here. I got a call from one of my best friends who is in Kenya, informing me that she is engaged (yay!) which means not only do I get to be a bridesmaid for the first time, but I get to help plan her hen night! Mwahahahaha....

Watching the olympics. They're using the Kaiser Chiefs as background music. I wonder how many Americans catch that? Also - there's an ad on for Kath and Kim, which I never got into in Oz. Bring over Rove!
Ha. And now the Sarah Connor Chronicles is on (I'm trying to catch up on what it's about before Shirley joins) and who should appear but Dean Winters! He was so fab on Oz. Hmmm... I'm liking it. Not anything groundbreaking, but plenty of action.

Saw Persepolis, which has terrific animation, and I think the storyline was streamlined incredibly well. I highly recommend it. Also saw Elizabeth: the Golden Age, which was very pretty, if somewhat convoluted. The first one was better. And I'm sorry Samantha Morton didn't have a lot to do as Mary Queen of Scots. (Also - why was Tom Hollander doing 2 scenes in the whole thing? What a waste of talent. Did he have a friend on set and swing by for an afternoon?)

Political: McCain's 'respectful' campaign, Vote for Bush? Pay up, McCain's green eyed monster, Mr. Darcy comes courting. Maureen Dowd is particularly good at the moment.

Hurrah for gorrillas and the WCS!

Bert and Ernie; Gangsta rappers

A map of olympic medals. Too much fun - I wasted a ton of time on this; who new Kiwis were so good at horses?

A Farm Boy Reflects

The Hot Ticket adds Cirque. I LOVE Cirque! Also - I'm on the hot ticket notification list for the second the RENT tickets go on sale.

Image of Ben Barnes as Dorian Gray, Colin Firth and Ben Barnes alone do not an Oscar Wilde adaptation make *sigh* I'm still sad they went with Colin Firth. Although maybe the middle-aged ladies will help bump up the box office. (I forget if I already posted these; Easy Virtue pics)

Trailers: The Lucky Ones, Happy Go Lucky, the Haunting of Molly Hartley, Fireflies in the Garden, Yes Man, The Informers, Winged Creatures, Role Models,

Positive Valkyrie review

Save the Lips!

Robbie Coltrane; teenage burglar

Saul and Dale before Pineapple express. Ha.

Sci Fi saves Shakespeare Man, I would give my right arm to see that Hamlet, but I can't imagine what the insane British Who fans would be like.

The Deal is better than the Queen. I really want to see the Deal. I thought Michael Sheen was fantastic in the Queen.

Latest Watchmen production journal

New LOSTies

Megan Fox is an NC-17 Mother Theresa

Movies that deserved a different rating

4 More Join Inglorious Bastards

Would you rather... I think I can easily say which one I'd choose (although sex tourism in Thailand? euch.)

Cloris Leachman is funny

Um... Josh Holloway? What have they done to your hair?

Kevin Smith wins his R (I love his quote)

Are you speaking Bat?

The cinematical seven: the Bechdel Rule

Human nature, I guess?

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE!!!! THE RED BAND FOR CHOKE IS BACK UP!!!!! GO SEE IT NOOOOOOOOWWWW!!! (also - Clark Gregg on casting).

Stayed home sick Thursday. Felt sorry for myself. *cough cough* (Okay, actually I was achy and had a sore throat, but there are no sound effects there). Also having family crises right and left. Fantastico. I was going to get myself a laptop this week, but I've decided to just save up to move. Yes, it stresses me out not to have a laptop and I really want to be able to organize all my photos from traveling. And my itunes. But I think I need to move first. Why can't I just win the lotto? It would solve so many of my problems.

Very excitingly, on Friday I got over to the library, where they have a First Folio on display in the rare books room - preeeetty. They also had several early quartos, including a Midsummer's Nights Dream from 1600. It was a very cool display.

Let's see. Saw Hellboy 2, Mama Mia. I didn't enjoy Hellboy all that much. I might have like it more if I saw it before the Dark Knight. Or had seen the first one, maybe. The visuals were very cool though. Mama Mia... gah. My mom wanted to go see it together, and I thought it would be kinda sparkly and fun. If nothing else, it would have a bit of Dominic Cooper. Here's what I got. We now know what would happen if Meryl Streep filmed an entire movie drunk. (And yes, that is Dominic Cooper in the pink spangly jumpsuit). Oh - and THIS. Why yes, those are men in tight swim trunks, snorkels, and flippers doing the stupidest choreography you have ever seen in your life.

Currently watching Top Gear (love) and the Great Raid (Joseph Fiennes does tortured so well). (BTW - did you know you can check out the Top Gear star leaderboard at wikipedia? Here you go.) (Also, one more reason to love Top Gear: their theme song is my song!)

Saw the Doctor Who Finale last night. I don't think I liked it. Spoiler sweep: [While it was exciting to get the whole crew together, I don't think they knew what to do with everyone once they were there. The jumpy editing between the two doctors made it feel like the acting was a bit off. As if David didn't really know how to play the two. I did really enjoy a lot of the plot and the middle bit with Donna. But here were my two biggest problems:

Donna - I was so upset by her ending. She had changed her life, she had done amazing things, and it was all taken away. Killing her would have been kinder.

Rose came back. ROSE. CAME. BACK. That's huge. That's massive - and I never felt that they really gave that reunion the attention it deserved. And I can't decide about the ending. I might have liked it more if it had been given more weight. I think because they still had to get onto Donna, it felt rushed. I just... I don't know. It wasn't him, you know? She had broken down the walls of the universe to get back to him and then got put back in the other world with almost him and no TARDIS. How exactly is that supposed to work? And why couldn't the doctor (the actual doctor) have just said I love you already? What was with that?

Oh - and last thing. I love Doomsday in part for how incredibly, desperately sad it is. But this episode it just so depressing. Tell me the end of David staring at the TARDIS didn't just depress you half to death.]
io9: Doctor Who Finale made us miss last year's Tinkerbell Jesus

Also saw the Robin Hood Finale. [OMG WTF They KILLED MARION?!? Not that she wasn't asking for it, but Jesus.] Also; Richard Armitage on Bits and Bobs. Oh my god he was in Cats.

I also saw the new Move On ad on tv for the first time. It made me laugh.

LOVE THIS: the 2008 Box Office graph. Ooooh.... pretty....

The Rain of Madness site is awesome. If nothing else, check out the biography on Kirk Lazarus' site.

Comic Con came and went obviously. Some highlights (because I sure as hell can't deal with the backlog); The Wolverine trailer bootleg, Comic Con in 3 minutes, the Spirit art school poster, visionaries panel = pure gold, more comic-con wrap up, Shirley! Shirley shirley shirley shirley, Dharma initiative steals the show at LOST panel, Heroes panel. OH! Can I mention that NATHAN is in the previews for next season?? Way to completely lose there Heroes. Just when it looks like you might strap on a pair and try to emulate some of the good aspects of LOST, you go and wimp out and refuse to kill anyone. And speaking of people coming back in S3. Also, Tim Kring makes puppies commit adultery.

For those about to Watchmen Includes a link to an annotation site, and an interview with Alan Moore. All-encompassing hype started 20 years ago. Watchmen posters. Love. There are watchmen interviews here (if you scroll over to Sundance 2008 you can see a vid on Choke, too). Also there is some shaky, partial comic con footage here. I will say Rorschach looks awesome. New Empire covers and pics. How dark will Watchmen be?

What does the HP6 trailer mean? I like it overall, but I will say that the tone in the scene between Dumbledore and Tom struck me as off. Also: hi res HBP stills, in case you are like me and are going "what? Ron was in the teaser?" And Beedle the Bard to be published in Dec. (Fictional books we'd like to read) And THIS WINS.

The world's funniest race call. ARRRRR!!

Will W be stupid or serious?

The Brothers Bloom trailer, Pride and Glory trailer, What Just Happened trailer, Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist trailer, Up teaser an octogenarian prank show, Princess and the frog trailer. I like the princess and the frog. The lightning bug worries me. It is also making me want to see The Rescuers.

So apparently there's a monster in NY?

Zombie Haiku

Terminator: Salvation poster, Doubt poster, My Bloody Valentine 3D poster. Are you my mummy?

The Dark Knight erects giant pile of flammable currency, Johnny Depp and PSH as Bat-villains? Where could Batman go next? Angie as Catwoman?


Captain Hammer's super powers, Stars banter at Dr Horrible panel


Keira Knightley's breasts officially unmarketable

Near impossible task of marketing Hamlet 2

Nottingham film pushed back for Sherwood foliage I am not looking forward to this film at all. I mention it only so that I can also mention that I have been to Sherwood Forest. It's true.

Bay changing script for Shia's mangled hand? Worth it for the image of Bay continuing to work through setbacks.

New Oz photo. Mmmmmm....

Oh nooooes! Horrible news! Colin Firth joins the Picture of Dorian Grey.

14 franchises that need to stop. Including the Land Before Time; the definition of sequels being a DO NOT WANT.

August a cursed movie month

GI Joe vs. the Thing. Uhhh....

Also - Cleolinda has a discussion of Breaking Dawn up over at her place. I have yet to read it, but I'm looking forward to it.

The world is a mess and I just need to rule it

OH MY GOD. SOO much has happened in the last week and my internet keeps going out for a couple of days at a time, so I'm going to miss a ton of stuff.


First off, I was doing some yard work last Sunday and found two snakes in the yard, which was exciting. Then, on Monday, I found out I came in 5TH - YEAH THAT'S RIGHT 5TH - in the Box Office Challenge, which was suuper exciting. Plus, Choke came out with a red band trailer, but the dating thing didn't work for me and then they took it down (ALONG WITH YOUTUBE! I don't get that. Why on earth would free advertising for your film be a bad thing? Why would you discourage fans from watching and sharing your trailer?)

[Update: I finally, FINALLY found a working trailer via a google video search and it is awesome and apparently too raunchy for the interwebs. It is also hysterical. I CANT WAIT]

Then the Watchmen trailer came out - EEEEE (it did seem to break the internets briefly, I had a difficult time finding the trailer for about an hour, and then finally I saw the apple version (and then today I saw it on a big, pretty IMAX screen, but more on that later)). OH MY GOD!! So good! Billy Crudup as Jon Osterman? Brilliant (I love, love, love him - he's easily one of the best actors around. I met him after an insanely brilliant performance of his on broadway and sort of lost the ability to speak English. True story.) It looks very accurate to the panels (I got that leap of glee that I had when shots in Sin City mirrored the comics so exactly.) In fact, about a day after hitting the web, people had already posted side by side comparisons. whee. Oh - I also don't mind the use of the Smashing Pumpkins' song. I think it fits well and the use of the same song does not mean the movies will be in any way equivilent.


I believe there was also a Twilight trailer, but I couldn't care less. I briefly thought it could be funny and sparkly and campy, but all signs point to zombie-awful.


Today, I caught the 10am IMAX showing of Batman. I'm having a hard time digesting the entire thing. There was just so very much there. I think I may have to go watch it again just to grasp it all. Although, and I said this when I walked out, the ecard about 'devastatingly bleak'? That's fairly accurate. It is dark. It is so sad. It is epic and gorgeous and there is so much to digest and process. It's musings on the nature of justice and good and... I just can't even write articulately about it at the moment. This not your oversimplified good vs. evil storyline. It is complex and the writing is handled extremely well (Well, maybe Gary Oldman's last speech was a leetle bombastic) but otherwise, there were just so many fine scenes. Batman and the Joker, Alfred describing what Batman needs to be for Gotham, the Joker and Dent, Bruce and Dent discussing heroism... the list goes on. There are so many fine moments. A lot of the tone is similar to the Dark Knight Returns, though of course the plot is different. But there is the question of people emulating batman, rather than being simply inspired by him. There are the themes of enduring an impossibly difficult mandate, the precarious link to the police, and the fact that Batman has always been the darkest superhero, the most criminal.


The direction is excellent. The action scenes are well done, the character scenes are well done, the entire affair is so well plotted that the MASSIVE amount of plot in the two and a half hours just zips along.


The cinematography is astounding. If you can see it in IMAX; GO. I cannot remember the last time I was so blown away by a shot (well, many shots). I have seen many films with great cinematography, but this elvates the form to a whole new plane. I know I posted this before, but this bears repeating.

Finally, the acting is stupendous. From every member of the cast. From Christian Bale down to Nestor Carbonell to the extras who get a few lines (the two on the ferries merit special mention). I am sorry that Christian Bale isn't getting much attention because, obviously, the whole thing falls apart without him. The fact that he gets Batman, he gets Bruce Wayne, he swings from menacing and scary to love-sick and unsure of himself; I simply cannot imagine anyone else pulling it off. Before Sam, Christian was my favorite actor all through high school, and I continue to think he is one of the best around. (While I understand it, the fact that he wasn't nominated for Rescue Dawn was criminal.) He pulls off an incredibly complex, difficult character with his usual assurance. He doesn't have the glib sarcasm of Tony Stark to fall back on; he's a man dressed up as a bat and he makes it both natural and really scary.


The Joker is astounding. I don't know what to say. He crackles on screen. He's psychotic and funny and terrifying and so natural. There is never a moment when the character slips. It is amazing that the two roles Heath Ledger will be best remembered for, this and Brokeback Mountain, are so wildly different. In the one, he was taciturn and closed off, in this, he is wildly exuberant and chaotic. It is astoundingly impressive.


Everyone else is superb. The actors are such high caliber and I think working together they all upped their game even further.


I've also had fun during this week with Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog, although I watched act 3 today after Batman and it made me sad. (Spoiler sweep: What is with women dying for guys to pine over? I thought Dr. Horrible was going to be this bit of internet fun to counteract the darkness of Batman and... no. I'll have to go see Mama Mia sometime this week.) Snap judgement from EW (I thought Act I was the best). Also it did super, super well.


Blurg. I can hardly digest it all. Maybe I'll have more coherent thoughts about Batman later. I also recommend checking out Cleolinda's thoughts. She thinks good thoughts.


Oh! And yay for 3 seconds of Cillian Murphy! AND FOR CHRISTIAN BALE ON THE RED MOTORCYCLE.


Speaking of the Dark Knight, the Dark Knight grabs the biggest weekend opening ever. I'm sure it'll have the biggest first week, too. BTW - in this week's box office game, I was only off on the total of the Dark Knight by a couple hundred thousand. I rock. Snarky batman e-cards at someecards.com Oh, and Heath's FHM interview. More on the box office. Note the figures have since been revised and anyway it just baaarely missed 200 mil for global (I left a comment to that effect).


Speaking of Watchmen, EW's exclusive first look. Q&A with Alan Moore. Patrick Wilson Says ‘Watchmen’ Ending Remains The Same.



And because nothing should ever be held too sacred; Dark Knight Cameos, Christian Bale, To the Owl-Copter!!

Uh. I don't know how to describe this.

22 best comic book films

The Emmys were announced! Who got snubbed? (Plus, all time 50 biggest emmy snubs) At least Flight of the Conchords got some Emmy lovin, if not best comedic actors... (they're up for writing, too) Emmys: EW critics react and Tin Man, Battlestar Galactica Get Emmy Nods. I still really want to see Tin Man

Comic Con sneak preview Featuring the Spirit, Star Trek (which I don't so much care about, but how much does Zacahry Quinto win the spock look-a-like award?), Terminator Salvation (hello pretty), League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Max Payne, the Day the Earth Stood Still, Rocknrolla and... what is this Unborn thing? Why is crazy Gary Oldman screaming? Man, I wish I were going to Comic Con. Check out io9's annotated schedule here.


Justin Theroux to write Iron Man 2. Hmmm... Dedication has yet to reach the top of my queue, so I'll reserve judgement.


CSI news!!! William Petersen leaving! CSI's season of change! We can has more Greg now?


Bits and Bobs vol 3. I love it. A gathering place for Anglophile pop culture junkies. I love it so much.


Join my slow movie movement... eventually. It's so true. I had meant to get around to Forgetting Sarah Marshall... oops. And I want to see the Fall, which bizarrely is still out here. I need to get on that.


Neil Gaiman Celebrates ‘Sandman’ Anniversary With New Comic And More.


I forget if I posted this, so: New Trailer for 'The Spirit'


‘The Dark Knight’ Debate: Who Should Be The Villain In ‘Batman 3′? Can't this wait? No, wait... Scarecrow! Bring back Cillian!


Finally! 'Wicked' to Get a Movie Makeover.


The 'Terminator Salvation' Teaser


Ponyo on the Cliff Japanese trailer


This made me laugh: 'Daily Show' Tackles Bizarre Trend of Middle-Aged Women Enjoying Sex [Cougars].


The fifty worst sex scenes of all time. AHHH.


Annotated Picks for Comic-Con [Comic-con 2008]


Christian protests may leave 'The Golden Compass' as one of a kind Aww... that's too bad. I enjoyed the first one. I think I would've liked it even more had they not watered down the faith aspect. Also - it did a ton of money at the box office, you'd think that would engender a sequel.
Frog Bites Disney. Seriously?

Harvey Weinstein explains why he dumps movies Wibba? No Houdini flick?



Underrated music movies

Enough LaBouef HAhahaha

Page to Screen: Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist

New Jibjab vid

"You know, I've seen a lot of 'behind the scenes' photographs over the years, but these latest from Crank 2: High Voltage win the "what the heck is going on here?" award, hands down."



Update: It's taken me a couple of days to put this all together, and in that time; Did Batman assault his mother and sister? And already Phanatic wins for best comment, ever; "Of course he didn't. Aaron Eckhart did, Christian Bale's just taking the rap. "

Bad Wolf

I got my Dark Knight IMAX advance ticket! First thing Sunday morning - Yay! Sad about no Harry Potter trailer, but I'm willing to overlook that for the Watchmen trailer. And I have heard rumors that IMAX might get a teaser anyways...

Let's see... seen Be Kind, Rewind (very sweet), Jumper (a cool concept ruined by bad execution and writing, although Jaimie Bell is fun when he shows up), To Die For (Nicole Kidman is fantastic, although parts weren't quite as good as I had thought they would be... if that makes sense), and Flushed Away (so cute! It's really too bad this didn't do better. There are lots of very cute jokes (a cockroach reading Kafka, Hugh Jackman's rat holding up an X-Men outfit, singing slugs, and one of the best French jokes I've seen in a really long time). I really liked the Aardman style of the characters (plus Wallace and Gromit cameos). It wasn't quite the Wrong Trousers, but it really should've done better.)

Gold derby has the short lists for the Emmy nomination pool (all except 2 comedy actors; fingers crossed for Flight of the Conchords, although they may split the votes.) I am trying to ignore the fact that the LEFT OUT HENRY IAN CUSICK FOR SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTOR (WTF?!?). The inclusions I am happy with;
Comedy; Flight of the Conchords, the Office, Pushing Daisies, and 30 Rock
Drama; Dexter, House, and Lost (FOR DESMONDS EPISODE! HOW IS THIS POSSIBLY THE BEST DRAMA EP OF THE YEAR AND THE MAIN ACTOR ISN'T NOMINATED?!?!)
Drama Actor; Michael C. Hall, Eddie Izzard, Hugh Laurie, and Denis Leary
Drama Actress; Minnie Driver... hmmm.... There really aren't many women I'm currently watching, although I'd like to see Saving Grace.
Comedy Actor: Steve Carell, Lee Pace, David Duchovny, and Alec Baldwin
Comedy Actress: Tina Fey, Anna Friel, Sarah Silverman, and Mary-Louise Parker
Drama Supporting actor: Naveen Andrews, Zeljko Ivanek, and Michael Emerson (who better win!)
Drama Supprting actress: Hmmm... Sharon Gless? Rose Byrne? I don't watch either, but I like them.
Comedy Supporting actor: Justin Kirk, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, Jack McBrayer, and should win Neil Patrick Harris
Comedy supporting actress: Jenna Fischer, Jane Krakowski, Amy Poehler
Guest comedy actress: Sarah Silverman, Carrie Fisher, Elaine Stritch
Guest drama actor: Keith Carradine, Robin Williams

I guess they don't know guest comedy actor/ guest drama actress. Other sad omissions; Christopher Meloni, Robert Sean Leonard (seriously? not for Amber?), Terry O'Quinn (although it wasn't his strongest season), Elizabeth Mitchell, Danny DeVito, Jaimie Pressley, and possibly Josh Radnor along with the Conchords. Oh, and David Caruso.

Also... are BBC reruns not eligible? Because you'd think David Tennant would get some recognition for his work.

YYYAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY for Shirley on the ads for the Sarah Connor Chronicles.

(Also: Where have all the Riot Grrrrls gone?)

(Non-movie: the best 50 bands from each state)

The disappointment of David Tennant I thought they were placing bets on who was next because David wanted to leave, not because anyone wanted him to leave. He's so good as the doctor!! Although Eddie Izzard is kind of a fab choice if there needs to be a replacement in 2010. I will say the writing has been uneven so far in season 4, but I've liked having Donna around (surprisingly, after the Runaway Bride) and yay for Rose coming back in last night's episode Midnight, which by the way? SO scary. The writing was easily on par with Stephan Moffatt's episodes (although... I just read some seriously misogynistic statements by him... oh so not cool.)

Also: An Anglophile what-to-watch.... hee. Speaking as someone raised in an Anglophile household; brilliant.

The woman who decides what movies you get to see

Not good X-Files 2 spoilers

New Office webisodes, Heroes webisodes teaser

You are; The Free Agent That sounds about right.

Trailer Park: Hell Ride and Rain of Madness, the Tropic Thunder documentary

How Dr. Horrible came to be

Fincher's Heavy Metal a no-go

Max Payne trailer

Best and worst of 2008 so far I vote for In Bruges, Snow Angels, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Wanted, Wall*E, Be Kind Rewind and Prince Caspian, although there are still a few I'd like to see, like 21, Get Smart, The Bank Job, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Cassandra's Dream, Charlie Bartlett and the Fall. Also: the 20 best movies from Moviefone and 7 overlooked gems

Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist poster

Should there be a Deadwood movie?

5 reasons 1980 was not the best year for musicals

And finally, all of the furor over the Twilight EW cover at Cleolinda's blog has been cracking me up. Check it out; "If you have not seen the lolarity that is next week's Entertainment Weekly Twilight cover (plus a sparkleized version by orangeokapi13. Plus another version over at FW. Plus Maybelline icons, and I'm kind of tempted to snag one) from yesterday, I suggest you hie yourself there with a quickness. Truly, it is magnificent, and the best laugh you will have all week. (And just think: I'm getting this in the mail.) ETA: THIS JUST IN: THERE ARE PICTURES INSIDE THE MAGAZINE AS WELL. OUTSTANDING." And "My day has been made...Meanwhile, the LA Times reports fan outrage at the tackiness of the cover. No, I'm not kidding.)

Whoops-a-daisy

Wow... I hadn't even realized I had abandoned these links in an old unpublished post. Here ya go...


Dr Horrible's sing-a-long blog trailer! Whee!!


Rapturous Rolling Stone review of the Dark Knight


Actor's strike could affect Comic Con WHAT?!? And stars choose sides as strike descends. I'm going to have to start reading Nikki Finke again daily, aren't I?


Snyder cutting Watchmen It won't be the book, but every interview I read makes me so excited for this.


The top 5 special effects in Bollywood's time travel movie Oh My God the robot dance. When was the last time you saw something that crazyamazing in an American film?

Burninator!

I am so loving Flight of the Conchords. Clips for your enjoyment here, here, and - maybe most amazingly - here. Also, I hate to say it, but without the beard, Bret kind of looks like Frodo. (I will also say that the show reminds me a bit of the Mighty Boosh. (Do they have that show in America?))

Since my last post I saw The Lookout, which was pretty good, the Notorious Bettie Page, which I enjoyed, although I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, and Enchanted, which I found amusing, particularly James Marsden's clueless prince.

I'd also like to point out that In Bruges is now out on DVD. It is most likely going to end up in my top 10 films of the year. I really, really highly recommend it. It is very dark and very funny.

7 moments of George Carlin greatness My brother and I were lucky enough to see him at Davies Symphony Hall a few years back. The stage at Davies had never seen that kind of language. Probably never will again...

The Saturn Awards SUCKED Seriously. Enchanted over STARDUST?!? Cloverfied over SUNSHINE?!? Although I'm okay with 300 for action and Sweeney Todd for Horror. No, it isn't a straight-up horror flick and I'm sure it won for being mainstream and critically adored. However, Tim Burton certainly made the scariest version of the story possible; the way he filmed the bodies being turned into meat was pretty horrific. And fairly brilliant.

Rip Roarin' ammo fest 'Wanted' is a Can't Miss


Wall*E downplays message


I saw this ad in EW. It made me laugh.

7 Chick flicks for guys Or for those of us who won't touch chick flicks with a ten foot pole. That was one thing I noticed about Definitely, Maybe. I usually cannot stand romantic comedies as a genre, but this stood out as something I'd like to see at some point. The list is fairly standard, Jerry Maguire aside (ugh.).

Is the sky falling on indies? Well, I was disappointed by the returns for Snow Angels and Joshua the year before. (Joshua may have been the most under appreciated film of the year.) Certainly the angle on Sundance coverage this year was the slow buyers market. I think once this year's crop of films gets released, there'll be a better idea of how things stand.

Arrested Development movie Maybe. I don't actually see anything in that quote that confirms a film.

Revisiting Brideshead

The Geek Beat: Super Careers

Youth in Revolt has a great cast

19 one scene wonders I'd add Sam Rockwell in Jarhead, but his scene only made it on the DVD, unfortunately.

Defiance screens Includes a comparison to the Wind that Shakes the Barley, which instantly makes me much more interested.

Is Wall*E the most expensive silent film ever? Umm.. first off, awesome. I love silent films. But doesn't Eve talk?

Hancock billboard amuses passing Londoners, film bloggers across pond I don't find the billboard as amusing as the fact that someone originally titled the film "Tonight, He Comes." What the???

Kate Winslet gets old for the Reader

Ann Curry prowls for James McAvoy Aah!

Could you shoot curvy bullets? This calls for... Mythbusters!

Movie posters vie for street cred

Poster premiere: Death Defying Acts

Sam Riley to play Robin Hood While I've heard great things about Control... I'm not sure he can cancel out Russell Crowe and Sienna Miller.

Watchmen trailer to go before the Dark Knight? Stuff at Comic Con? Neither of these (if true) seem particularly surprising. And it isn't as if there'd be any Watchmen fans not already seeing the Dark Knight when it opens...

Morning spoilers. Hello pretty Milo. Seriously, bless whichever costume designer picks out Peter's coats. And yes, I'm biased, but who doesn't look better with dark hair? Hayden Panettiere, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sienna Miller, Gwenyth Paltrow. Still, I guess it's lucky for brunettes that so few Hollywood blonds choose to stay dark.

Sam news! Sam and Anna Faris to shoot Linda Lovelace biopic this summer?

And I'm reposting Cleolinda's entry about the following bit of news, because she's brilliant; "Hopkins Confirmed As Lear. Apparently Naomi Watts will also join Gwyneth Paltrow and Keira Knightley as the third daughter. Quoth the director, an "American newcomer," "It's pre-Roman, Celtic, very raw. It's a period in British history, from which Tolkien took a lot of his inspiration, where there were thatched-roof roundhouses and fortresses." AND THE TROGDOR COMES IN THE NIIIIIIIGHT!"

At some point I need to write up the movies I've seen recently (Ratatouille, The Fountain, Fracture, The Anniversary Party) but I'm barely awake at the moment. I went downtown to check out Pride and then the subway stopped running and it took me more than 2 hours to get home and I'm completely knackered.

Predicting the Tonys Can't WAIT!! I love the Tonys. Too bad Hugh Jackman isn't hosting.

nom nom nom nom nom

New Watchmen images Just oh so excited for this. And here's the flaming man stunt.

Get Smart beats Watchmen to DVD stunt marketing There's something so wrong about that sentence.

Wall*E has the cutest fetishes It's true.

Public Enemies images All the photos taken on Johnny's 45th birthday. We're all agreed he has a mangy portrait tucked up in an attic somewhere, yes? And why have the only photos from this set been of him? Share a little love to Christian Bale, already.

Speaking of which, Christian Bale is lovely. And kudos to the interviewer for having the guts to ask, "do you feel silly playing a man who dresses up as a bat?" Also, I may have mentioned this before, but all the designer suits are so very American Psycho, which works well for Bruce Wayne's character (why yes, I did just read the Dark Knight Returns).


How long you have to finish reading The Road

Defiance poster I like the description

Miracle at Santa Ana Trailer

Benjamin Button In English!

Morning Spoilers Browse at your own risk, but read LOST's because Jorge Garcia is awesome and more importantly, check out SHIRLEY!!! (Under the Sarah Connor Chronicles)

Why the Happening is terrible; or, all of it's plot, so you don't have to watch it, too I love it. TREES. (Can I mention that, given my background in all things environmental, I love it when trees fight back? See: The Two Towers, Narnia, and Princess Mononoke. Or, I guess it was just the spirit of the forest there.)

Also; "Oops, did I not mention the Happening is supposed to be bad?"


22 twisty endings (you can choose to reveal the ending or not)


Q&A with Angelina Jolie


Free Fox Searchlight films


Vanity Fair's Blogopticon Whee!

Bottle Shock trailer


Downey Jr. as Holmes? Bad idea, BAD IDEA!


Leo as Captain America? Um.... no.


Lionsgate apparently unaware of completely stupid tiger movie

Holy hell YES!

I LOVE IT I love it I love it. So - incredibly bizarrely - I wake up at 5:30am convinced a plane is crashing into something. But hey! You wake up super early, and you get the amazing and awesome trailer for Choke. Life is good.

Also:
Whee! Awesome Watchmen stuff all around. First up, the Minutemen! AND The Tales of the Black Freighter is getting a DVD release! Yay!

The Golden Trailer awards!! I love trailers. I completely believe they are an art form unto themselves.

Jim Sturgess is 'Heartless' I can't put my finger on it, but he seriously reminds me of someone I know there....

Sydney Pollack dies at 73 Awww.... man, I love Out of Africa. And most of his other films are in my queue.