In the winter of '04, I got introduced to a British film called "Shaun Of The Dead". Never heard or read anything about this movie, bought it as a completely blind buy. After my first initial viewing, I fell in love with the world that Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, & Nick Frost created.
In '07, I seen "Hot Fuzz" opening weekend while it was in limited release here in the states. I enjoyed this more that "Shaun". Particularly due to the fact I clocked in a lot of hours watching 90's action films as a youth. It was a great reminder of how action films use to be.
Last night, I seen "The World's End". This film wraps up "The Three Flavors Cornetto" or "The Blood And Ice Cream" trilogy. It was sad to see the worlds Wright, Pegg, and Frost created come to end. However, nothing can last forever.
The film follows a group of friends who attempted 20 years ago to complete "The Golden Mile". The Golden Mile is a series of 12 pubs within a mile radius. They failed to reach the final pub, cleverly called "The World's End". 20 years have passed, most of them (excluding one) have grown up, moved away, and have became adults. The one who hasn't managed to grow up, barely succeeds to gather everyone up to attempt to finish "The Golden Mile". When they get to their hometown, during their course of the mile; they realize something strange about the town they once called home. There's a eerie vibe about the pubs and the townspeople. The pubs aren't quite the same as they use to be. The townspeople kind of have a "robotic" mannerism.
The major change in this film I noticed right off the bat; Simon Pegg and Nick Frost play completely different characters. What do I mean by this ? In the past 2 films, Frost always has played the lovable "screw-up" whereas Pegg always plays the leader with a few flaws. In this one however, the roles are reversed. A major definite departure from the previous films in this trilogy. This made the film right from the get go worth watching. To this day, there has only been a few films I've seen Pegg play the screw up.
In this trilogy, the first film was a horror-romantic comedy film. The second was a action comedy film. This one is a social science fiction film. It was set (aside from the 90's montage in the beginning of the film) in modern times. Good departure considering what you normally get in a sci-fi film. I normally don't watch too much science fiction. In my eyes, science fiction pieces are normally drawn out as far as story is concern and the films itself rely on loads of CGI. This film did have CGI work however, it wasn't overkill.
For the record, I don't hate or loathe Science Fiction. Not my genre of choice. I am really fond of Science Fiction films of the 70's and 80's. Haven't written the genre off completely, I just haven't found anything I have truly enjoyed......except if you count this film.
There are so many wrong ways, and a few right ways to end a trilogy. You end it the wrong way, the last installment gets regarded as the weakest link of the trilogy. You end it the right way, people have a hard time choosing which of the films are best out of the three. For the "Cornetto Trilogy", my favorite is "Hot Fuzz" however, I have a hard time choosing which is the best out of the three. Well done Edgar, Simon, and Nick !
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
The Most Notoriously Hated Film Of 2013....
I've been getting a kick out of reading reviews, rants, and overall bullshit "summaries" of Rob Zombie's latest film. While the Evil Dead "remake" (again, a term I am using very loosely) has divided horror fans in half, it seems "The Lords Of Salem" is probably one of the year's most notoriously hated film. While it seemed a moral majority hated this film, I absolutely fucking loved it ! Loved it so much that it's my favorite film of this year*.
Before I continue, I am a HUGE fan of Rob Zombie.......
"The Lords Of Salem" was released in limited release on April 19th of this year. The closest theater to me that was playing this film was 35 minutes away. On April 22nd, I got up early and made the 35 minute trek. Slapped down my 5 bucks at the box office, walked into an almost empty theater, and entered Mr. Zombie's world of horror.
The film's plot is very simple. Sheri Moon Zombie, plays a radio station DJ named Heidi. Heidi lives in Salem, Massachusetts, which is home to the Salem Witch Trials. One day, Heidi receives a mysterious record. When she decides to play the record, she goes into a trance. After the record is played on the radio show she co-hosts, weird things start to happen. Discoveries are made. Essentially, this inanimate object fucks her world all up.
While the story is well written, the visuals accompanying the story are just as entertaining. It's reminded a lot of a 70's euro horror film, just by the way it was shot. I love seeing a movie in a theater that would remind me of something I would've seen if I were alive 30 some years ago. I am such a fan of old films that for me, the real treat is seeing a film that's modern but yet somehow disguises itself as a film from another time. In this day and age of CGI, remakes, and product placements, you don't get a film like this too often. This was definitely a breath of fresh air away from the garbage that passes as a film today.
His casting choices are always interesting. Definitely takes the Quentin Tarantino approach when casting a film. Takes a slew of people you don't see in a movie that often. In this one, you have Meg Foster, Bruce Davison, and Patricia Quinn, along with Zombie alumni's Ken Foree, Dee Wallace Stone, Udo Kier, Michael Berryman, Sid Haig, and Jeff Daniel Phillips. Leading out the cast was Sheri Moon Zombie. With whom I felt did an amazing job for being the lead. I guess it was safe to say it was a demanding role, considering she played the victim. The victim that didn't really have any kind of closure at the end. No matter the circumstance, she definitely gets two thumbs up from me for playing a Rush fan. A very attractive Rush fan at that.
I think the hatred for Zombie's films stem from the "Halloween" remakes. In one aspect, it shouldn't have been remade. But in another aspect, the sequels weren't doing the original much justice either. A fresh take is just what the legend of Michael Myers needed. When it's all said and done, better to have someone like Zombie remake "Halloween"; someone whose a huge fan of the original films, who has been influenced a great deal by the film to remake it than some fresh out of film school director who knows nothing about Michael Myers. A fresh take is just what the legend of Michael Myers needed. But I guess judging from the criticisms from the remakes, people enjoy the horrible subsequent sequels stemming from the original.
This film will mark the end of Zombie's venture into horror film genre for a while. His next film project is about the infamous Broad Street Bullies. He's gone on record by saying the film will be a mixture of "Rocky" and "Boogie Nights". I cannot wait to see how this turns out.
As you can tell by reading, I really enjoyed this movie. Zombie, along with Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright, and Kevin Smith are some of my favorite filmmakers whose films, I will rush out and see opening weekend. With that said, I always get my money's worth with those guys. They make movies for them, they put things on the screen they identify with. They could give a fuck less if anyone gets it. However, the real victory of that kind of flimmaking is the loyal following of fans that do get it.
Special thanks to internet trolls on message boards, half minded entertainment critics, and cheap gas station coffee.....
*Denotes the fact I haven't seen Edgar Wright's "The World's End" yet. That film, possibly could replace "The Lords Of Salem" as my favorite film of 2013. Stay tuned......
Before I continue, I am a HUGE fan of Rob Zombie.......
"The Lords Of Salem" was released in limited release on April 19th of this year. The closest theater to me that was playing this film was 35 minutes away. On April 22nd, I got up early and made the 35 minute trek. Slapped down my 5 bucks at the box office, walked into an almost empty theater, and entered Mr. Zombie's world of horror.
The film's plot is very simple. Sheri Moon Zombie, plays a radio station DJ named Heidi. Heidi lives in Salem, Massachusetts, which is home to the Salem Witch Trials. One day, Heidi receives a mysterious record. When she decides to play the record, she goes into a trance. After the record is played on the radio show she co-hosts, weird things start to happen. Discoveries are made. Essentially, this inanimate object fucks her world all up.
While the story is well written, the visuals accompanying the story are just as entertaining. It's reminded a lot of a 70's euro horror film, just by the way it was shot. I love seeing a movie in a theater that would remind me of something I would've seen if I were alive 30 some years ago. I am such a fan of old films that for me, the real treat is seeing a film that's modern but yet somehow disguises itself as a film from another time. In this day and age of CGI, remakes, and product placements, you don't get a film like this too often. This was definitely a breath of fresh air away from the garbage that passes as a film today.
His casting choices are always interesting. Definitely takes the Quentin Tarantino approach when casting a film. Takes a slew of people you don't see in a movie that often. In this one, you have Meg Foster, Bruce Davison, and Patricia Quinn, along with Zombie alumni's Ken Foree, Dee Wallace Stone, Udo Kier, Michael Berryman, Sid Haig, and Jeff Daniel Phillips. Leading out the cast was Sheri Moon Zombie. With whom I felt did an amazing job for being the lead. I guess it was safe to say it was a demanding role, considering she played the victim. The victim that didn't really have any kind of closure at the end. No matter the circumstance, she definitely gets two thumbs up from me for playing a Rush fan. A very attractive Rush fan at that.
I think the hatred for Zombie's films stem from the "Halloween" remakes. In one aspect, it shouldn't have been remade. But in another aspect, the sequels weren't doing the original much justice either. A fresh take is just what the legend of Michael Myers needed. When it's all said and done, better to have someone like Zombie remake "Halloween"; someone whose a huge fan of the original films, who has been influenced a great deal by the film to remake it than some fresh out of film school director who knows nothing about Michael Myers. A fresh take is just what the legend of Michael Myers needed. But I guess judging from the criticisms from the remakes, people enjoy the horrible subsequent sequels stemming from the original.
This film will mark the end of Zombie's venture into horror film genre for a while. His next film project is about the infamous Broad Street Bullies. He's gone on record by saying the film will be a mixture of "Rocky" and "Boogie Nights". I cannot wait to see how this turns out.
As you can tell by reading, I really enjoyed this movie. Zombie, along with Quentin Tarantino, Edgar Wright, and Kevin Smith are some of my favorite filmmakers whose films, I will rush out and see opening weekend. With that said, I always get my money's worth with those guys. They make movies for them, they put things on the screen they identify with. They could give a fuck less if anyone gets it. However, the real victory of that kind of flimmaking is the loyal following of fans that do get it.
Special thanks to internet trolls on message boards, half minded entertainment critics, and cheap gas station coffee.....
*Denotes the fact I haven't seen Edgar Wright's "The World's End" yet. That film, possibly could replace "The Lords Of Salem" as my favorite film of 2013. Stay tuned......
Sunday, August 18, 2013
The Five Films, I Feel Should Be In the Criterion Collection.....But Aren't And Never Will Be !
For those non film aficionados, The Criterion Collection is a series of "important classic and contemporary films". The collection is made up art-house, foreign, independent, and "cult films". Starting out on the Laserdisc format, the company revolutionized the home video market by releasing Widescreen (aka "Letterbox") transfers, and tacked on Special Features on certain releases. Hence, they are the forefathers of the divine entity known as the "Special Edition".
I for one, have a love/hate relationship with the beloved Criterion Collection. I love that they reissue films, and give films the special edition treatment they wouldn't get otherwise. I hate the price tag, and the some of the films in their catalog. Why did "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" or the entire Wes Anderson filmography get first round Criterion releases ? Couldn't a studio just release a bare-bones edition of them first ? What makes them so deserving ? Then again, the same thing could be said about the 2 Michael Bay films that have made the collection.
(Here's a picture of my Criterion collection. Not pictured; Chasing Amy, Brazil box-set, and my Blade Runner laserdisc)
Their releases, has been subject to much criticism. Some enjoy the route they are going. And some, would rather them release more cult, mainstream titles. Personally, as a film nerd; I admire what they are doing. They are releasing films that would probably never get released otherwise. However, they could give some other films their treatment that I feel are more deserving. What that said, here's some films I feel deserve the Criterion treatment.
NOTE: these are films I feel have suffered either piss-poor or mediocre releases on either DVD, Blu-Ray, or both.
PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974)- A complete musical satire of music genres of the early 70's, blended with a updated, revamped telling of the "Phantom Of The Opera" tale. Rod Serling does a uncredited voice narration during the beginning. Directed by Brian DePalma and Music by Paul Williams. What more could you ask for ?
Way better of a cult musical than "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Just saying......
RIVER'S EDGE (1986)- Teen films and or films about young people, ruled in the eighties. However, there came a point where the genre was just mimicking itself. Same old bullshit but just packaged different. This film, is a complete 180 from others in it's genre.
The film stars Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Daniel Roebuck, Crispin Glover, and the legendary Dennis Hooper. The film is about a group of small town teens. Their day starts out normal until, a friend of theirs tells them he killed his girlfriend. They all play it off as a joke until, he decides to show them her dead body. After seeing the body, the confusion sets in. Do they do the right thing and notify the authorities ? Or do they pretend they never seen it, and remain loyal to their friend ?
This film is dark. It's not a glitzy John Hughes picture. Aside from the subject matter, it's a deep film exploring themes such as morality, drug addiction, isolation, friendship, and loyalty. How this film got overlooked is beyond me. Then again, having a film being dubbed a "Cult Classic" is probably the best title a film can be given.
LAST ACTION HERO (1993)- Big budgeted action/comedy movie, the guy who directed Die Hard 1 and 3 did this, Schwarzenegger film and a summer blockbuster; not Criterion material. You're right. However, 2 of Michael Bay's films where included in the Criterion collection {The Rock and Armageddon} With that said, there is no excuse why Criterion shouldn't let a big budgeted action film into it's collection from time to time.
The fact Schwarzenegger on his own merit, acted in a movie that parodied a genre that made him a household name speaks volumes. Most in his position wouldn't dare. Granted, in today's society parodying oneself is widely accepted and welcome with open arms. Back in '93, to have a major star do it was a new concept.
EMPIRE OF THE SUN (1987)- Personally, I am fond of Spielberg's work pre Jurassic Park. In this period I personally enjoy, he did some of his most memorable & signature films. There are a few films in that period that are completely underrated. The one film I feel is completely underrated is "Empire Of The Sun".
The movie has a simple premise; boy loses his parents in their war torn country during, boy goes to find his parents. The journey the boy takes makes this film worth watching.
I hadn't really had a keen interest in this film. I bought on VHS as a blind buy. After the first initial viewing, I was blown away. Simply because this wasn't your typical run of the mill Spielberg film. At this point in his career, he was Mr. ILM Latent, Summer Blockbuster. This, along with "The Color Purple" is a complete 180 from his previous films at that point.
On home video, Spielberg's films have always had the luxury of getting the Special Edition treatment first time around. To date, he's only had one Criterion release (the laserdisc edition of "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind", spine number 125). It would be nice if one of his underrated works got the Criterion treatment.
THE ROCKETEER (1991)- This film, next to Tron is probably the best live action film Disney has ever done. Unlike "Tron", this film is not celebrated enough. Even though it's not as groundbreaking as "Tron", it's a brilliant film that I feel Disney sweeps under their rug time after time.
I seen this in the theater when I as child, and I was blown away. As a adult, it still blows me away. Why ? The special effects where not that bad for the time. The subject matter is not typical of a Disney film. Jennifer Connelly was smoking hot. Lastly, let's face it; The Rocketeer looked and still looks fucking cool ! Need I say more ?
I still own my childhood VHS copy, and I own the barebones DVD release. The film came out on Blu Ray a few years back. A digital upgrade who be nice however, I haven't swallowed my pride to chuck out 20 dollars on a barebones Blu Ray release.....
So, there you have it. I know some of these are a little far fetched but hey, we can dream right ?
Special thanks to boredom, having way too much time on my hands, and to http://fakecriterions.tumblr.com/ for inspiration.
I for one, have a love/hate relationship with the beloved Criterion Collection. I love that they reissue films, and give films the special edition treatment they wouldn't get otherwise. I hate the price tag, and the some of the films in their catalog. Why did "The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button" or the entire Wes Anderson filmography get first round Criterion releases ? Couldn't a studio just release a bare-bones edition of them first ? What makes them so deserving ? Then again, the same thing could be said about the 2 Michael Bay films that have made the collection.
Their releases, has been subject to much criticism. Some enjoy the route they are going. And some, would rather them release more cult, mainstream titles. Personally, as a film nerd; I admire what they are doing. They are releasing films that would probably never get released otherwise. However, they could give some other films their treatment that I feel are more deserving. What that said, here's some films I feel deserve the Criterion treatment.
NOTE: these are films I feel have suffered either piss-poor or mediocre releases on either DVD, Blu-Ray, or both.
PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE (1974)- A complete musical satire of music genres of the early 70's, blended with a updated, revamped telling of the "Phantom Of The Opera" tale. Rod Serling does a uncredited voice narration during the beginning. Directed by Brian DePalma and Music by Paul Williams. What more could you ask for ?
Way better of a cult musical than "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Just saying......
RIVER'S EDGE (1986)- Teen films and or films about young people, ruled in the eighties. However, there came a point where the genre was just mimicking itself. Same old bullshit but just packaged different. This film, is a complete 180 from others in it's genre.
The film stars Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Daniel Roebuck, Crispin Glover, and the legendary Dennis Hooper. The film is about a group of small town teens. Their day starts out normal until, a friend of theirs tells them he killed his girlfriend. They all play it off as a joke until, he decides to show them her dead body. After seeing the body, the confusion sets in. Do they do the right thing and notify the authorities ? Or do they pretend they never seen it, and remain loyal to their friend ?
This film is dark. It's not a glitzy John Hughes picture. Aside from the subject matter, it's a deep film exploring themes such as morality, drug addiction, isolation, friendship, and loyalty. How this film got overlooked is beyond me. Then again, having a film being dubbed a "Cult Classic" is probably the best title a film can be given.
LAST ACTION HERO (1993)- Big budgeted action/comedy movie, the guy who directed Die Hard 1 and 3 did this, Schwarzenegger film and a summer blockbuster; not Criterion material. You're right. However, 2 of Michael Bay's films where included in the Criterion collection {The Rock and Armageddon} With that said, there is no excuse why Criterion shouldn't let a big budgeted action film into it's collection from time to time.
The fact Schwarzenegger on his own merit, acted in a movie that parodied a genre that made him a household name speaks volumes. Most in his position wouldn't dare. Granted, in today's society parodying oneself is widely accepted and welcome with open arms. Back in '93, to have a major star do it was a new concept.
EMPIRE OF THE SUN (1987)- Personally, I am fond of Spielberg's work pre Jurassic Park. In this period I personally enjoy, he did some of his most memorable & signature films. There are a few films in that period that are completely underrated. The one film I feel is completely underrated is "Empire Of The Sun".
The movie has a simple premise; boy loses his parents in their war torn country during, boy goes to find his parents. The journey the boy takes makes this film worth watching.
I hadn't really had a keen interest in this film. I bought on VHS as a blind buy. After the first initial viewing, I was blown away. Simply because this wasn't your typical run of the mill Spielberg film. At this point in his career, he was Mr. ILM Latent, Summer Blockbuster. This, along with "The Color Purple" is a complete 180 from his previous films at that point.
On home video, Spielberg's films have always had the luxury of getting the Special Edition treatment first time around. To date, he's only had one Criterion release (the laserdisc edition of "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind", spine number 125). It would be nice if one of his underrated works got the Criterion treatment.
THE ROCKETEER (1991)- This film, next to Tron is probably the best live action film Disney has ever done. Unlike "Tron", this film is not celebrated enough. Even though it's not as groundbreaking as "Tron", it's a brilliant film that I feel Disney sweeps under their rug time after time.
I seen this in the theater when I as child, and I was blown away. As a adult, it still blows me away. Why ? The special effects where not that bad for the time. The subject matter is not typical of a Disney film. Jennifer Connelly was smoking hot. Lastly, let's face it; The Rocketeer looked and still looks fucking cool ! Need I say more ?
I still own my childhood VHS copy, and I own the barebones DVD release. The film came out on Blu Ray a few years back. A digital upgrade who be nice however, I haven't swallowed my pride to chuck out 20 dollars on a barebones Blu Ray release.....
So, there you have it. I know some of these are a little far fetched but hey, we can dream right ?
Special thanks to boredom, having way too much time on my hands, and to http://fakecriterions.tumblr.com/ for inspiration.
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