2007: The Year of the B-movie Revival?

"Groovy."

- Ash (Bruce Campbell)

After near extinction, the B-movie has experienced resurgence over the past few months. Following the financial and marginal critical success of "Snakes on a Plane" (2006), which benefited immensely from a cleverly obvious title and an effective online marketing campaign, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez are set to unveil their B-movie homage, which will premiere (and presumably be released) as a double-feature titled "Grindhouse" tentatively scheduled for release on April 6th, 2007. Of course, as the theatrical trailer illustrates, a grind house is that of a theatre which plays two films back-to-back; in general, these films are referred to as B-movies and tend to exploit sex and violence. If the trailer is any indication of content, Tarantino's film "Death Proof" will center largely on sexual exploitation (perhaps inspired by Pam Grier's films in the early 1970s) whereas Rodriguez has directed his efforts towards a medley of science fiction, zombies, and carnage (with obvious influence from Bruce Campbell and the "Evil Dead" series). Both directors have dealt with similar subject matter in the past (Tarantino with "Jackie Brown" [1997] and Rodriguez with "Sin City [2005]), but neither has ventured so far into the territory of exploitation. Similarly, writer/director Craig Brewer has chosen to follow up his critically successful feature debut "Hustle & Flow" (2005) with an exploitation flick aptly titled "Black Snake Moan," which will undoubtedly draw from the cult following of "Snakes of a Plane" due to the similarities in the title, but also in the leading man category with Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role as the now typecast "angry black man" (no discrimination intended). For B-movie enthusiasts such as myself who long for the glory days of Roger Corman and Bruce Campbell, this is an exciting time, but whether the fad will become a permanent staple of modern cinema is an entirely different issue. One can only hope.

The trailers for "Grindhouse" and "Black Snake Moan" can be found at the following links, respectively.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0462322/trailers-screenplay-E30983-10-2

http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount_vantage/blacksnakemoan/trailer1/

- Kurtis

"Blood & Chocolate" (Katja von Garnier, 2007)

Country of Origin: USA

This movie is about young Vivian, a werewolf who falls in love with Aiden (Hugh Dancy), a graphic novel writer/illustrator. What seemed to attract her the most to him was the fact his next book was about the “loup-garoux,” which were a pack of werewolves that were once respected leaders in Europe. Unbeknownst to Aiden, it also happened to be the same pack that Vivian belonged to. Conflict arises when the leader of the pack, Gabriel (Olivier Martinez), finds out about her human lover, posing a problem for him since she was destined to become his next mate. Soon things begin to unfold that would test her love and loyalty, and she is left with a decision she must make: follow the pack and fulfill her destiny or follow her heart and true love.

This movie had a very well written storyline. The only thing that fell short was time. This film could have easily gripped its audiences with a little more character development by slowing down the story. It felt as if I was being fast-forwarded through this beautiful legend, and it left me feeling a little ripped off. The romance between the main character and her love was so quick that the audience could not really see or experience the chemistry between them. I am glad, on the other hand, at the fact this movie used actual evidence of the legend to make it as realistic and believable as possible.

My final thoughts? Even though the movie was rushed the fact that the actual legend was addressed tickled my fancy (and so did Dancy - LoL).

Trailer: http://www.mgm.com/bloodandchocolate/

Troy (Wolfgang Petersen, 2004)

Country of Origin: USA

Homer's most notorious love story takes place in ancient Greece, where the love of the Prince of Troy, Paris (Orlando Bloom), and the Queen of Sparta, Helen (Diane Kruger) starts a war that would devastate a civilization. This epic story of love, lust and passion begins when Paris steals Helen away from her husband, King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson). Menelaus sees this as an insult to his pride and gets his brother, Agamemnon (Brian Cox), involved. Together the two brothers bring together all the armies of Greece and plan to invade the city of Troy, to steal Helen back. (98) Agamemnon's original plan to help his brother steal his wife back is changed when his greed compels him to take over Troy and seize control of the Aegean. The only problem is that is encountered is that the city, protected by Hector (Eric Bana), son of King Priam (Peter O'Toole), has never been breached. The only person, believed, to be able to bring down the city would be Achilles (Brad Pitt).

Troy is an exciting, romantic and action packed epic. The graphics were amazing in the way that they re-created battles and wars that happened and the way in which cities, ships, and temples were digitally remastered, with great detail, to look as they did during that time period. The only thing that I found a little disappointing was that in the film a lot of scenes were missing or cut short that were in The Iliad, but then again, you can't put every single, little detail from the book on film because of time. Also, in The Iliad, Menelaus is supposed to be just as good looking as Paris, but in the movie they purposely make him look old and not as attractive, but I guess it could be because the "bad" side is always supposed to be uglier than the "good" side. Other than those two critiques I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys action and romance.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUSPUlg6D9I

The Illusionist (Neil Burger, 2006)

Country of Origin: USA

Set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, The Illusionist is about a magician named Eisenheim (Edward Norton) who uses his ability to create uncanny illusions to be with the woman that he loves. Duchess Sophie von Teschen (Jessia Biel), childhood friend and lover to Eisenheim, is betrothed to the Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell) and wants to leave him as she is nothing more than a part of the prince's plan to overthrow the emperor. Leopold becomes obsessed and determined to reveal Eisenheim for the fraud that he believes the magician to be, and hires Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti) to aid in his assumptions. As the movie progresses it takes you on a ride of romance, fantasy, murder, scandal, and has many turns and unexpected twists that will leave you to believe that " Nothing is what it seems".

The Illusionist is a crafty and beautiful story that left me flabbergasted at the end. Though the ending would have been considered a cliche, the film was cleverly done in a way that even though it was cliche I was not expecting to end the way it did. I was pleasantly surprised. This film has many elements to it: fantasy, murder, scandal, mystery, but what I found it to be is a story about lost love and getting that second chance to find it. The special effects of this film were done very well and honestly made me believe that the illusions were something real. I was a little disappointed that the movie did not reveal how any of the illusions were done, but I guess a good magician never reveals his tricks...even on film. I recommend this film to anyone who likes mystery and romance and twists.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JYgi4xRW4A

Le Mépris (Godard, 1963)

Country of Origin: France/Italy

Having recently viewed director Jean-Luc Godard’s first feature, “Breathless” (1960), I was eager to seek out several of the films he shot in 'scope given his reputation for working with color film stock. “Le Mépris” (1963) surpassed my expectations and opened with perhaps one of the most sumptuous and scathingly satiric sequences I have seen since Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Blvd.” (1950). Bridget Bardot, one of the few blonde bombshells who could actually act, stars as a screenwriter’s wife and as the above poster would have you believe, she has a tendency to appear half clothed. Godard, at the urging of his American producer, included this considerable nudity, but cleverly manipulated these scenes to mold one of, if not the definitive, on-screen in-joke. Godard hardly glorifies Bardot’s body, but instead presents her in a non-sexual manner where her character’s insecurities and cruelty hold more weight than her voluptuous figure.

“Le Mépris” isn’t generally as closely associated with the French New Wave as Godard’s aforementioned film “Breathless” or his famous homage to the American musical “A Woman is a Woman” (1961), but Godard’s tendency to use jump cuts and reflexive content is immediately evident. The film’s plot essentially highlights the filmmaking process and the dichotomy existing between director and producer. German wunderkind Fritz Lang plays himself as the “high concept” director whose ideas are lost on the simple-minded and sex-crazed director, performed perfectly by acting legend Jack Palance. The film within the film is an adaptation of The Odyssey and Godard has cleverly manipulated his film’s theme to mirror that of Homer’s famous work. Raoul Coutard photographed “Le Mépris” on location in Italy and the glorious scenery also echoes that of Homer’s poems. Godard is at the pinnacle of his ability here, cleverly weaving references to classic cinema and undertaking his usual stimulating content. I’m not one to throw around the title of masterpiece, but this film is deserving and not to be missed by any serious fan of cinema.

The trailer can be found at the following link.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0057345/trailers-screenplay-E18770-10-2

- Kurtis

Blood Diamond (Edward Zwick, 2006)

Country Origin: USA

The current situation in Africa is one of blatant desperation that the people are fighting on all fronts. Aside from the AIDS epidemic, genocide, and famine that stretch across the continent, Zwick has found yet another atrocity taking place in Africa to present to the ignorant developed world. Zwick made a marvelous choice in deciding to cast Leonardo DiCaprio as his leading man in this emotional and action packed film.

DiCaprio plays the role of Danny Archer, a young deceitful diamond smuggler who thirsts endlessly at the prospect of making money from the diamonds of Africa, despite the cost at which they are being mined. The film introduces Solomon Vandy, played wonderfully by Djimon Hounsou, who after being separated from his wife and daughter and having his son kidnapped by guerrilla militants, has discovered the ultimate prize, a large diamond. It is in this diamond that Archer (DiCaprio) and Solomon (Hounsou) are united in a quest that takes the audience through the many inhuman aspects of African life and shows us how the developed countries blindly accept exported African diamonds that cost the hands and blood, literally, of innocent peoples lives.

This story however, would not be complete if it did not attain some sort of love plot to it, and so Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), a fearless and adventurous reporter meets Archer. By the end of the film, the combination of Solomon's love and determination, accompanied by Maddy's affection, result in a part of Archer that the movie hides for so long, the compassionate side.

This movie will make you sad, angry, frustrated, and shocked, all while keeping you on your toes with frequent action packed scenes and new discoveries. Oh, and I thought DiCaprio's African accent was Australian at first but it did seem to sound better as the movie went on!

The Pursuit of Happyness

Country Origin: USA
Director: Gabriele Muccino

From the very beginning of the movie the audience were exposed to Will Smith and his financial problems. Will Smith, who plays the character Chris in the movie, along with his son, who is played by his own son, struggled to bring in a decent income to support the family. From that moment on and from the moment we remembered what this movie was titled, it automatically became one of those movies where you already knew how it would end, or at least had a pretty good idea of the ending. A lot of times the movie tried to throw us off and tried to make us think that things may not turn out the way we first predicted because things did not seem too promising for Will and his son. Our doubts would all disappear when the most powerful message was delivered by Will Smith. He told his son to never let anyone tell him that he cannot do something and that anything was possible if he tried. This was the turning point of the movie, fully relating back to what this movie was titled. We knew from that moment on that he will not let anything stop him from gaining happiness.

The Pursuit of Happyness may be a predictable movie, but that did not take away from how powerful the movie was. The movie was more touching than your average “sad beginning and happy ending” movie. It displayed the realness of people in poverty. It makes us realize how lucky we were to have a proper roof over our heads. This brings us to one of the most touching scenes of the movie, which had Will Smith and his son, who was completely oblivious to what was happening to his family, were forced to sleep in a train terminal bathroom. How can one not feel bad for the father and son?

I just loved the acting in this movie. Will Smith definitely deserves as Oscar for his role, but we cannot forget about Will’s son, Jaden, who put on one of the best performances that I have ever seen from a kid. Their father and son connection in the movie really gave it that extra strength and powerfulness.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycJW5huqWDg

Alpha Dog

Country Origin: USA
Director: Nick Cassavetes



View Trailer here



Alpha Dog is based on the true story of Jesse James Hollywood's life. He is the youngest person to ever be put on the FBI's most wanted list. Johnny Truelove is a drug dealer who is owed money by many people. Johnny and his group of friends decide to kidnap Zach (Anton Yelchin), a teen brother of someone who owes them $1200. He puts his friend Frankie (Justin Timberlake) in charge of looking after him until they work out the problem. Frankie ends up becoming friends near the conclusion of the movie.

I wasn't sure whether this movie was theatre worthy or not, as I had read many mixed reviews. After much contemplation, I decided to go. I was pleasantly surprised while watching it. I had skepticism as to whether or not Justin Timberlake would be able to portray a "bad boy." The director did a very good job of casting characters, making Timberlake the bad boy who is also a jokester with morals. I started out thinking that this would be a predictable movie where Timberlake saves the day. I was quite surprised with the ending as it did not fit the predictable ending that I was expecting. This movie felt so realistic to me that I felt as though I was watching these people’s leave lives unravel and eventually fall apart. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who would like two hours of entertainment.

"Spaceballs" (Mel Brooks, 1987)

Country of Origin: USA

"Spaceballs" is a light hearted parody comedy, which is homage of George Lucas’ famous earlier epic ‘Star Wars’. With the opening scene mimicking Star Wars, you find out the light premise of the movie. At times it seems to be a movie within a movie, but the movie they refer to in Spaceballs is in fact Spaceballs itself, adding to the hilarity.

It stars Bill Pullman as orphaned Lone Star and his trusty side kick Barf (John Candy) as they try and save a runaway princess (Daphne Zuniga) and her android, Dot Matrix (voiced by Joan Rivers), from the evil Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis).

This movie could easily be considered a cult classic. Wherever there is Star Wars or even Star Trek (“Snotty… beam him down”), there is this classic parody behind it. Its knock-off of Star Wars is so blatant, that a person who watches this before Star Wars might actually believe this was the real deal (it is far fetched, but if it happened to me it could happen to any naïve person). Lone Star and Barf mimic Han Solo and Chewbacca’s characters raggedness perfectly; Princess Vespa could easily be seen as Princess Leah; and Dark Helmet is clearly in place of Darth Vader. Humor never dies down in this comedic epic, making every little thing literal (recounting when Lone Star jams Dark Helmet’s radar using raspberry jam, or when Dark Helmet literally “combs the desert”). You are left laughing until the very last moment with an exasperated priest. This is a movie that will be remembered as long as Star Wars is remembered; at least it will be by me.

If you want to see a trailer of this film click on the link below:

http://imdb.com/title/tt0094012/trailers-screenplay-E12782-10-2

“Bringing Up Baby” (Howard Hawks, 1938)

Country of Origin: USA

“Now it isn't that I don't like you, Susan, because, after all, in moments of quiet, I'm strangely drawn toward you, but - well, there haven't been any quiet moments.”

- David Huxley (Cary Grant)

Howard Hawks’ fast-paced and quick-witted screwball comedy “Bringing Up Baby” (1938) is easily one of the treasures of early Hollywood filmmaking. Upon its initial release, however, audiences were not fond of the film and unfortunately for its stars Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, the film lost money due to marketing costs and a longer production than was scheduled for. In the weeks following its release, Hepburn had incurred a vicious new title; having been labeled “box office poison,” Hepburn's career briefly seemed doomed. Hawks emerged from the disappointment resilient and eventually directed the equally entertaining comedy classic “His Girl Friday” (1940), which is a remake of “The Front Page” (1931). Cary Grant also escaped the ordeal with little distress to his own career only to be reunited with Hepburn a few months later in George Cukor’s sophisticated comedy “Holiday” (1938), which, needless to say, did better at the box office.

Grant and Hepburn have rarely been as lovable as they are in “Bringing Up Baby” and it’s a credit to Hawks’ skill as director that they appear so. For Hawks, who is about as versatile a director as they come (given his willingness to venture into almost any genre and succeed in doing so), “Bringing Up Baby” may very well be the crowning achievement of his forays into screwball comedy. Certainly the film’s humor is timeless in its successful hybrid of wit and slapstick. The supporting cast capably offers the film additional moments of humor, but it’s the two leads that carry the film with their natural onscreen chemistry and superb comedic timing. The fearless pace will have your mind racing to keep up, but on repeated viewings, you can expect plenty of new and pleasant discoveries.

The theatrical trailer can be found at the following link.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0029947/trailers-screenplay-E29143-10-2

-Kurtis Beard

The 64th Annual Golden Globes

The majority of this blog will contain film criticism, but in light of recent events, I thought an overview of the 2007 Golden Globe Awards would be a suitable launching point.

*****

Although the Globes, and the Academy Awards for that matter, are more of a popularity contest than anything, each year’s ceremony has its share of laughs and insights, however slight they may be. This year, “Babel” (2006) was the recipient of the Best Picture (Drama) prize in a supposed upset where “The Queen” had long been considered the favorite to win. While I am indifferent to what transpired, since I’ve been unable to see either film, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed that Alfonso Cuaron’s cautionary science fiction fable “Children of Men” (2006) had failed to be released in time to be considered by the Hollywood Foreign Press for nomination. Cuaron’s film is easily the best film I viewed in 2006, but I should note that I have plenty of catching up to do. Another disappointment is how the Foreign Press has handled the Best Foreign Film category in recent years and particularly in 2006 when Clint Eastwood’s “Letters to Iwo Jima” managed to be denied a Best Picture (Drama) nomination only to be placed in a category usually reserved for international cinema. Of course I do acknowledge that “Letters to Iwo Jima” was shot in locations outside of the United States and its dialogue is largely in Japanese, but it was filmed with financing and support from American distributors. Further, “Babel,” a film I’d consider to be just as foreign, was nominated in the Best Picture (Drama) category. The logic here has clearly evaded me.

One of the more entertaining moments was Sacha Baron Cohen's acceptance speech upon receiving the Best Actor (Comedy) award for his film “Borat” (2006). Not one to conform to the etiquette of an upper class affair, Cohen crudely and hilariously focused his speech on his infamous naked wrestling sequence, which caused his co-star, Ken Davitian, to abruptly grab a bottle of wine from which he took a long swig. This, I’m sure, was the highlight of the show. Next year, we can only hope for a speech from such an offbeat and fearless comedic figure.

For those of you who missed Cohen's speech. It can be found at the following link.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JbNpuCNP0eA

- Kurtis Beard