The 79th Annual Academy Awards

It was no surprise whatsoever to hear the bitterness and resentment towards the Academy in the weeks approaching the ceremonies and the morning after -- of course, most sentiments have now tranformed to that of boredom and/or indifference. In general, I was quite pleased with the show -- a year elevated by pleasant surprises, due recognition, and a particularly adept host. Most notably, it is the story of Martin Scorsese's Best Director victory that is on the minds of most cinephiles, while the tribute to Ennio Morricone is certainly a memorable aside. For those who don't know, Scorsese has had impressive longevity in Hollywood, directing for more than thirty-five years. He's created numerous films of exemplary quality and drawn many of his films to suit his personal interest in morality; it's been said that if Scorsese weren't a director, he'd be a priest as he was once quite involved in the seminary. Of the films he's most associated with, I have the greatest respect for "Taxi Driver," which was an astonishing technical achievement as well a superb meditation on the omni-present theme of morality. Of course, there's always been notices for his work in "Mean Streets," "Raging Bull," "After Hours," "The Last Temptation of Christ," and "Goodfellas." Scorsese's immense knowledge of film has always had an influence on his content and technique, but it also manifests in his general speech; cinema is obviously an extremely meaningful facet of his existence.

The technical awards were suprisingly well-chosen by the Academy with Pan's Labyrinth justly awarded in numerous categories. Although I would very well have liked to see Emmanuel Lubezki receive recognition for his astonishly well structured cinematography in "Children of Men." His lack of acknowledgement from the Academy is worsened in light of his not winning for "The New World" in the previous year.

Although, the Oscars have very little weight in my mind -- for a more authoritative voice in cinema, I'd turn to the Cannes Film Festival -- the awards are generally an excuse to celebrate cinema and I've never be one to turn down such an offer.

- Kurtis

A Lil' Film History (1877 and counting)

As the Academy Awards were playing in the background on my TV, I couldn't help but wonder where film-making was going. Movie making is a relatively new form of art in most respects, and it has advanced drastically in the course of the last century. I am certain that it will continue to grow and shape itself into a spectacular (and entertaining) art form for centuries to come. But, let us back track a bit. We can all see where film is going, for the most part, but do we really know where it has been? What inspirational being created such an art form that most take for granted today? Well do not fret my good friend for I shall take honor in telling you today. If nothing else, I hope to leave you with an excellent conversation starter…

Below I have created a time line of how film sprang into this beautiful world of ours, so sit back and soak in the knowledge…

1877 – Eadweard Muybridge lined up a series of cameras, to take individual pictures to see a horse’s hooves moving off the ground, for Leland Stanford. Apparently, Stanford wanted to see if all 4 of the horse’s hooves came off the ground when it galloped.

1882 – Etienne- Jules Marey created a camera in a form of a gun with negative film, which was the very first short reel camera.

1889 – Thomas Edison invented a camera that could take loop footage, and to show the footage he created a Kinetoscope (which was essentially a motion scope), which played the loop over and over again. And I bet you thought the only useful thing he made was the light bulb!

1894 – Andrew Holland opened the very first Kinetoscope parlor. Remember, in these early stages of film there was no sound so in the parlor there would be someone playing a piano while people enjoyed the footage.

1895 – This was the year that the Lumieres Brothers gave birth to movies the way we know them today. They came up with the idea to put a light behind a screen to project their ‘actualities’ (their documentary style film).

1896 – Not many people know this, but Alice Guy Blanche (yes, a woman), made the first color film and the first film to have a story line.

1903 – A great year, because if it wasn’t for a certain Georges Melies creating the film ‘A Trip to the Moon’, the very first science fiction movie, we may have never been introduced to the art of editing and animation. (Ok, someone else probably would’ve come up with it sooner or later, I just like dramatics)

1927 – Ever hear the phrase “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet”? Well I bet you didn’t know it was one of the few lines Al Jolson said in the film ‘The Jazz Singer,’ directed by Alan Crosland. This was the first movie that had sound while filming it (however, because the machine they used to record sound was so loud, the whole movie had only a few dialoged sequences).

1928 – The movie ‘The Lights of New York’ was the official 100% full talkie film.

1941 – This is the final year I leave you with, the year that Orson Welles made ‘Citizen Kane.’ It was said that Welles was the man who began the talkie era, first bringing entertainment (and fear) to everyone, through broadcasting waves with the ‘War of the Worlds’ radio rendition of the planet being overrun by aliens; then taking his talents and applying them to film.

Well I hope you enjoyed this little blast from the past…let me know what you think of it!

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1974)

Country of Origin: Germany

Perhaps director Rainer Werner Fassbinder's most lauded film, "Fear Eats the Soul" is also notable for being one of the key films of the New German Wave, which was headed by Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders, and, of course, Fassbinder. "Fear Eats the Soul" is perhaps most famous for its impressive handling of interracial relationships in working class Germany; but, other than the film's touching and insightful approach to an otherwise touchy issue, "Fear Eats the Soul" has the distinction of possessing an incredible presence of mise en scene, which clearly evokes the work of Hollywood melodramatist Douglas Sirk. Created in the middle of what was perhaps the most prolific directing career in cinema, the film is all the more remarkable for the brisk shooting schedule with which Fassbinder conducted all his productions. Surprisingly, given the relatively low budget, the film's stars are tremendously effective in drawing an emotional bond with the audience; the brazen and broken speech with which Ali speaks is particularly affecting.

While it can be argued that Fassbinder had greater achievements with "The Marriage of Maria Braun" and his fifteen-and-a-half hour long mini-series "Berlin Alexanderplatz," "Fear Eats the Soul" remains a surprisingly warm film from a director who was known for his cold and displeasing demeanor. Although I've often been drawn to the surreal imagery of Herzog's shot-on-location dramas such as "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (perhaps my favourite film) and "Stroszek," I'm becoming increasingly fascinated by Fassbinder's diverse canon of films and his masterful use of mise en scene. For those unfamiliar with German cinema, the work of the said directors must be seen.

- Kurtis

The Guardian

Country of Origin: USA



I thoroughly enjoyed this film starring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. This movie had the perfect balance of action and dialogue. I felt a close connection to not only the main characters, but to the not so important characters such as Hodge (Brian Geraghty.) This movie is classified as an action, adventure and drama and definiitely fulfilled all of those genres as well as having a little bit of comedy. A younger Kevin Costner could be identified through Ashton Kutcher, which added more depth to both of the characters. Although at first Kutcher comes across as a tad bit arrogant, we soon realize that he has had a life full of challenges, and that his coping method is to be overly confident. His character showed me that even if someone has unlimitied potential, limitations due to past events must be overcome before successfully becoming a team player and mastering a new career. Other characters, such as Hodge, taught us other lessons. Hodge, who is in training for the coast guard for the third time, shows us that with persistence, and a little bit of confidence, anyone can achieve their goals. I have new found respect for the Coast Guard, and the intense training that is needed in order to be successfully part of the force. I can’t think of any criticisms that I have for this movie. I highly recommend it, no matter what type of movies you enjoy watching!

Meet Joe Black (Martin Brest, 1998)

Country Origin: USA

Right away, you know that this is going to be a pretty good movie because Anthony Hopkins is in it; not to mention a pretty famous co-star in Brad Pitt. Meet Joe Black is a fairly simple, gentle-paced story about life, love, and passion. Joe Black, played by Pitt, begins the movie as a young, flirty, attractive man, who experiences a love-at-first-sight encounter with Susan Parrish, played by Claire Forlani, who also feels this connection. It appears as an electrifying start to a relationship when suddenly, Pitt is brutally killed. The scene where Pitt dies always shocks me a bit because you just don't kill off a main character in the first five minutes! Fortunately for all you ladies, Pitt returns shortly after, but not as himself...Susan's father, William Parrish--played by Hopkins--is a successful middle-aged man who is realizing that death is calling him--literally! When Pitt makes his second debut, his character's body is the host of Death. The way in which Pitt transforms his once comical, witty, and charming character, into a stern, dull, and yet intriguing man (death), is eerily achieved.

Joe Black requests that William Parrish be his guide in the world, while in return, biding William a few more precious weeks on earth. The unexpected appearance of Pitt in the Parrish household, brings surprise and confusion to Susan, who just met him only a few hours before. Throughout the rest of the movie, Susan finds herself falling in love with the "new Joe", all while William is struggling to keep his company from falling into hands of corruption in his final days. The way that Hopkins tries to deal with death looming around him, his company's power struggle, and his daughter now falling in love with death, is a stressful yet comical intertwining situation, in which the audience falls in love with the curious Joe Black/Death, the loving William Parrish, and the gorgeous Susan Parrish.

This is such a powerful film in the sense that we feel all of the many frustrations that William is feeling as a result of death inviting itself into his life and that of his family's. The lessons of love are continuously explored in the film, along with the importance of spending the short time we have on earth with the people we love. Another powerful aspect of this film is the soundtrack. The build-ups and melodies fit the movie perfectly and really adds to the emotions felt during the film. I don't think I can choose a favorite character in Meet Joe Black because I love the roles that all of the cast play, and every time I see this movie, I find something new that I love about it. It may seem slow to some people but once you get into it, you'll be drawn in with anticipation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s53zVYGihSs

The Grudge (Ju-On, 2004)

Origin: Japan/USA

The Grudge stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, as an american girl who works as a care-giver in Tokyo. She accepts a job caring for an american family, but little does she know that the house has been cursed, by the rage of a murderous husband/father, who went on a rampage killing his wife, Kayako (Takako Fuji), his son, Toshio (Yuya Ozeki) and then committing suicide.

She experinces paranormal activity - in which the mother and son are a tag team of spirits that do the killing - once she starts her work, and as soon she finds out what actually happened in the house she becomes determined on finding out why it happened and how she can stop it. But to her demise there really is no stopping it and it keeps coming after her and everyone else that has stepped foot in the house.

In my opinion, I rather liked this movie and thought that it was amusing. But then again, I like scary movies and this one made me jump and squeal a little. Although some parts were a little cheesy others were just really creepy and gave me the shivers (i.e when the mother is following a lady up the stairwell and as soon as she gets out the mother grabs her phone and all you can really see is her eye when the doors closes). Who knew that a noise I used to always make, in my childhood days, would become the trademark of a ghost. *shrugs*

Movie Tralier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYhci6Yp6GM

"Partition" (Vic Sarin, 2007)

Country of Origin: Canada/India

Long ago, in a country extremely different from the country we know today, we are taken back to the days of disaster and sorrow to when the British fallout began in India, resulting in a partition of the country into two; the dominantly Hindu/Sikh India and the Muslim majority Pakistan. During the partition people had to migrate to India or Pakistan depending on their religion, and it was during these migrations that there were mass murders of over half a million people. Hindus/Sikhs were killing Muslim men, women, and children in the hundreds; Muslims were killing Hindus and Sikhs with no signs of mercy as well. This film centers around a young Muslim girl named Naseem (Kristin Kreuk), and Sikh soldier-turned-farmer Gian (Jimi Mistry) as star crossed lovers, in this tale of forbidden love in a world torn apart by their differences. During one of the many migrations, Naseem’s group was attacked which leads her to Gian, and with time their love for each other surpass everything else.

What was absolutely amazing in this film was the fact that usually you are shown a bad guy and a good guy; conversely, in this movie you are shown the bad of both and the good of both sides (in this case the good and bad of the different religions). Sure there are the occasional antagonist characters, but those characters come from both sides of the fence. Director Vic Sarin portrays the partition, that occurred in the late 1940s, beautifully and without any bias. In fact, his main goal was to show his audience that even in a time of extreme division, there was always some hope of unity, some hope of diversity. That may have been one of his motivations in casting his lead characters. Both his main characters are of mixed decent; Kristin Kreuk comes from a half Dutch and half Chinese background, while Jimi Mistry is half Hindu and half Irish. Both actors did a splendid job at portraying the different cultural values and beliefs and their performances together were heart-warming to say the least. This film exposed the hidden talent of two actors who have not had much big screen time in the past. It will be interesting to see where they go from here.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhr2leLh9lw

[Frank Miller's] 300 (Zack Snyder, 2006)

Country Origin: USA

This movie has yet to be released in theatres but is coming out soon; despite this, I had seen the trailer for this movie during the previews for another movie and was immediately intrigued. Although I am not very well educated on Spartan history or anything, the trailer has done a remarkable job at creating an entertaining, suspenseful, and thrilling portrayal of the film.

I won't consider this an official post because the movie hasn't been released and I don't want to write more until I have actually seen it for myself.

The film is based on Frank Miller's novel, 300. I highly recommend checking out the trailer for this movie. I've watched it more than enough times already and every time I watch it, I want to see the movie even more! If anyone knows when it is supposed to come out in theatres, let me know. Thanks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIE4skG1gno

"Babel" (Alejandro González Iñárritu, 2006)

Country of Origin: USA, Japan, Mexico, and Morocco

Unjustly compared to the atrocity that was Paul Haggis' "Crash" (2004), "Babel" offers a layered and less preachy portrait of communication. As obviously illustrated in the theatrical trailer, the theme of cross-cultural miscommunication is presented as a source of disastrous consequences; but what Iñárritu attempts to do throughout the film is to use this theme to mask the underlying importance of familial understanding. It seems to me that the lack of communication within various families is at the core of all the events that transpire over the course of the film; the language barriers serve only to worsen the already existent problems. While both "Crash" and "Babel" are clearly manipulative in their presentation of serious matters (racism and communication, respectively), the various plots in "Babel" are loosely connected and less forced. In the end, I can only assume that Iñárritu is suggesting that society should focus on solving the matters of the home (or on a more broad note, that which is personal) before attempting to address cultural or worldly matters. In many ways, it is much easier to understand Iñárritu's motivations and incentives than it is to comprehend the obviousness of Haggis' plea.

For those who are interested in the film, it should be advised that the theatrical trailer is gross misrepresentation. Personally, I found the film to be a pleasant surprise, but others may be disappointed with the graphic and intense presentation of conflict. It should also be noted that Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett have much smaller contributions to the film than one would expect; nevertheless, the international cast is extremely talented and in many ways superior to their American co-stars. Impressive as always is Gael García Bernal who is gradually becoming one of the most sought after actors of his generation.

The trailer can be found at the following link:

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

- Kurtis

Employee of the Month

Director: Greg Coolidge
Country of origin: USA



In my moment of weakness (it definitely must have been a moment of weakness) I picked Employee of the Month of my friend's floor and decided to watch it. This movie starring Jessica Simpson, Dax Sheppard and Dane Cook is set in a big box store and was shot in a Costco. Amy (Jessica Simpson) gets transferred from another store and has a reputation of always dating the employee of the month. Vince (Dax Sheppard) has been employee of the month for 17 months straight. He is head cashier and a huge "suck up." Zack (Dane Cook) who is known as the store slacker decides that he will become employee of the month by the end of the month to win her over. I don't think I need to even explain what happens after this, since I'm sure anyone can guess that after a month of betraying friends, fighting with Vince and almost losing Amy, Zach wins employee of the month and ends up with Amy.

All I can say is if you have two hours to waste, and I really mean waste, then feel free to rent this. I have always been a big fan of Dane Cook's comedy, but it definitely wasn't portrayed very well in this movie. This movie is full of stereotypical characters that can be found in any comedy/romance. Feel free to view the trailer here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424993/trailers

Pan's Labyrinth (Guillermo del Toro, 2006)

Country of origin: Spain

Pan's Labyrinth tells the story of a little girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who is the lost princess of the underworld and of her adventures to return to her kingdom. Set in Spain during World War II, Ofelia and her mother move to a hidden camp to be protected by the Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez) as Ofelia's mother is to have his child. Ofelia finds living at the camp hard and disturbing. One night she is visited by a fairy and brought to a labyrinth on the camp grounds where she meets a faun (Pan). He tells her of her previous life as a princess and that in order to return to that world she must perform a series a tasks to return home. And so starts the adventures of Ofelia and her survival of both the war and the dangerous tasks.

I believe that Pan's Labyrinth is one of the best movies that I have ever seen. Although the movie is in Spanish, the story is beautiful, creative, and timeless. The imagery is perfect for this film, very dark but colourful at the same time. This is definitely not the type of fairy tale that you would tell children at night, but that is what I like about it. It is not your typical happy and bright Disney movie; it shows the darker side of a fairy tale as it is set in the war. There is a lot of gruesome deaths and lots of gore, but I think that there should be more movies like it. What I did not like about the film is that it focused a little more on the war then it did about Ofelia and her tasks, and that took a bit of the magic out. Also, as the movie is in Spanish, it had subtitles instead of being dubbed. I believe that keeping the film in Spanish gives it a unique quality unlike other films and really brings you into that culture, but with the subtitles I was focusing more on reading the story than trying to watch the film. Despite the subtitles, I think that this film deserves to win every Oscar that it is nominated for! This movie is spectacular, unique, and a breathtakingly beautiful fairy tale about good triumphing over evil, and finding your way home.

trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0zJxL0CHa0

Finding Forrester (Gus Van Sant, 2000)

Country Origin: USA

Every once in awhile a movie comes along which doesn't necessarily become a box-office hit, but nonetheless, evolves into a beloved timeless classic which can be watched again and again. For me, Finding Forrester is one of those types of movies, and whenever I watch it again, it still evokes the same feelings of inspiration and meaning that it did when I first saw it.

The movie, which stars Sean Connery (William Forrester) and Rob Brown (Jamal Wallace), is one about two vastly different men who, by forming an unlikely relationship with one another, help to finally find their true selves.

Connery plays the role of William Forrester, a famous first-novel Pulitzer prize winner whom after having his first successful book published, goes into exclusive isolation and watches life through his apartment window. Brown plays the part of Jamal Wallace, a 16 year old African American teenager who has an uncanny skill for the game of basketball, and unknown to most people, perhaps an even greater ability to retain and write literature. At first glance, these two characters are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, but after a few informal introductions, Forrester begins to mentor Wallace on his writing, as well as offer advise on how to deal with life's challenges--such as Jamal's belittling English teacher. They're friendship continues to blossom as time goes on, and in the relentless act of challenging one another, they end up finding out much more about themselves than they had ever known.

In the end, we find that sports aren't always priority number one--even if one does have an amazing natural talent; factors like age and race have no significance in the creation of true friendships; and it is never to late in life to find oneself. Despite the fact that this is a somewhat lesser known film, I believe that it is definitly worth seeing--especially since it is in relation to writing!--and that if you do see it, you will come out of it with an inspired feeling and you will probably enjoy watching it again and again, much like I have.

http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/trailer.html?v_id=230327

The Guardian (2006)

Country of Origin: USA

The Guardian starred Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. Kevin Costner (Ben Randell) was an elite coast guard who went through emotional problems after an accident that killed his entire crew. Traumatized after this event, he was forced to leave his job and teach a group of students who wanted to be coast guards.

I was very reluctant to watch this movie when it first came out in theatres. The name was a bit misleading; I could not get a feel of what this movie was going to be about. I normally don't read previews or watch trailers before I step into a movie theatre, unless I randomly see it. I was definitely unsure of where this movie would take me or how good it would be. The movie started off very well, it grabbed my attention right away. It started off with a scene of Ben Randell (Kevin Costner) saving a couple who were trapped in the violent sea. Ben Randell came out of the adventure as a hero and as a brave man who let nothing stop him from saving lives.

The movie showed us what a coast guard really was. Coast guards were made out to be everything that Ben Randell (Kevin Costner) was at the beginning of the movie. There were a few laughing scenes, but most of it were relatively serious. One of the key storylines was created by Ashton Kutcher's (Jake Fischer) cockiness. Kutcher's role in the movie was to be the next top coast guard. The movie developed him from being a cocky guy who only cared about himself to a guy who put his life on the line to save people. He was the next Ben Randall.

I don't want to give away the entire story, but it is definitely a very well done movie that I would recommend. The movie gave me a lot more than I expected. As for the name of the movie, I did not know why the movie was named the Guardian until the very end and that is when you will find out as well. It is a very realistic, very serious, but most importantly, a very entertaining movie.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YsqVFd1o24