End of Cinema

2010-01-07T13:35:00.006-05:00

This sudden announcement of a Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance US remake has drawn me back to my blog I deserted more than a year ago.

The report from Screen Daily is as followed:
Brian Tucker has been set to write the screenplay about two men who set out to avenge the deaths of their beloved women, only to discover that each killed the other’s lover and in the end only one can have his vengeance.

Okay for starters, who the fuck is Brian Tucker? But lets talk about the real problem at hand. The remake is about "two men who set out to avenge the deaths of their beloved women, only to discover that each killed the other’s lover." Really?!? Really?!? They are missing the whole point of the original. A father suffering over the murder of his only daughter by idiotic kidnappers. Damn Hollywood, man. Now I really wish they went ahead and remade Oldboy instead of tainting the better film in Park Chan Wook's repertoire. I swear.

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Be back later with a tentative Top 20 films of the Decade list...

Red Desert turns Blu

2008-09-18T15:13:00.005-04:00

This makes me very happy. It's a UK release but is said to be region-free.
October 20th can't come soon enough!

There's going to be some changes around here...

2008-08-15T19:55:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I bought theendofcinema.com. I just couldn't resist. I think I am still going to keep this blog afloat with more personal information but the new in the works website will be more of a news and reviews site. I am pretty excited actually. If you haven't already don't forget to check out my new music site at A Week at the Mos t. I will do my best to make it back here in the next day or two to leave a long overdue lengthy post. promise...well, as much as my promises go.

It's the thought that counts...right?

2008-07-29T18:07:00.010-04:00

So I suppose I haven't been a good friend to my swell blog End of Cinema. I have left you unattended now for almost a month. Instead of nurturing you, I have ditched you on several occasions for my new, somewhat cooler friend A Week at the Most. I am such a bastard.

So personal wise and, of course, not to mention film wise has been good lately. I received a raise at work (woo hoo!) with another one here in the not so distant future. While living the now, things are good. Chiaki started a new job two months back and likes it more as well. Things are good. About a month or so ago I helped my newly rekindled dear friend Bo on his amazing new short film Sweet Ladies, Good Night, which was just simply one hell of an experience. It is always a very professional, enthralling, and extremely worthwhile time working on his films. The man is a genius if you ask me. You can check some early screen shots of the film (the above photo being one) at his personal website now. The flick should be completely edited and scored hopefully sometime this Autumn. The man and his lovely wife Sarah are moving back to New York to pursue their blossoming careers in a few weeks and will be dearly missed by Chiaki and I. Fear not, our visit in October, will thankfully be upon us soon enough. If all works out as planned, a move to the Big Apple for the Fowlers' may come as early as Autumn next year as well.

Sorry, for the insanely small entry this time around but I should be back around on Thursday or Friday with some more of my madcap commentary on life and film. Promise! Then again you know how reliable those can be...

Dario Argento's comeback?

2008-07-01T19:29:00.003-04:00

The picture above just puts a constant grin on my face. Adrien Brody and Dario Argento. Really how freakin' cool is that. While I really am sadden that Asia Argento (who had to back out because of her pregnancy) will not be in the latest film from her father, I am extremely happy to see Mr. Brody. In case you are wonder, the film is called Giallo (which means Yellow) and is follows an American woman looking for her sister with the help of an Italian detective (played by Brody). The title is not only an homage to the Italian horror film genre, which is coined Giallo, but also the name of the killer in the film. Emmanuelle Seigner, who was last seen in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, has taken over Asia's role and should also be a great bonus to the picture. If you know me well you know my love of Dario Argento and I have very high hopes for this one. I have been extreme disappointed in his films the last two decades and really think this one could work with such a strong cast. Lets cross our fingers.

Hey Look a Title!

2008-06-20T22:33:00.003-04:00

So I why I never clicked on add title is beyond me. But there it is. I have titles now. Sorry there is no news right now. I promise I will return in a few days and each post will now coming with its own title. Clever, huh. See ya soon.

2008-06-12T21:50:00.002-04:00

Sorry. I seem to be more distant from this blog recently but I honestly don't mean to be. In the coming weeks I plan on being a lot more active in it. As I said before, making my music blog has made me more interested in writing again. Within the next week, you should see a review of the latest Magnolia Pictures blu-ray release The Signal. I just finished it tonight and I have to say it is quite different than what I was expecting which is not necessary a bad thing. Also on the way I should have some cool things to say about something I will be doing early next week. What is that you ask? Well, my buddy Bo is shooting another short film and yours truly is going to be a Grip/Production Assistant. I am super excited. He is shooting this one on 16mm film I believe should be one hell of a experience. Lots more on this next week.

2008-06-01T20:47:00.002-04:00

Man, creating that music blog -yes I am plugging A Week at the Most - has really inspired me to write more so I figured I would also jump on here and write a few words before heading out to see the film The Strangers with some friends. I stumbled upon an extremely well written blog entitled and The House Next Door just had to eleborate. The person who writes the page was fortuate enough to make it to Cannes this year and brought me great news that I was hoping for and one bit of news I refuse to believe.

For starts he claims that Woody Allen's latest Vicky Cristina Barcelona is his return to form and very well maybe his closest to the director's masterpiece Annie Hall (one of my personal favorite films...ironically I am not a big Woody Allen fan at all). In case you are wondering, the film stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Scarlett Johansson. Second, he also proclaims that Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut Synecdoche, New York is a complete mindfuck and a total masterwork. Great news to hear figuring I am extremely excited for both films and each are on my must see of the year list.

Unfortunately another film on the list is Blindless, the new film by Brazillian director Fernando Meirelles and he states that the film is an utter disappointment. I just can't take his word for it. I really can't. He does call City of God and The Constant Gardener visually appealing but ultimately shallow films and I believe the exact opposite towards those films so maybe there still is some hope.

2008-05-31T14:12:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just started a music blog over at A Week at the Most and I would love for everyone to read it when they could. Right now there is really nothing there just a few welcome words from yours truly but check back soon and I am sure I will have some enjoyable stuff on their to read.

2008-05-24T21:41:00.003-04:00

Wow! I want this poster so bad. Last year it was announced that both Korea and Japan would take a stab at the spaghetti western. Early this year I was able to obtain a copy of Japan's try by none other than my man Takashi Miike. Entitled Sukiyaki Western Django, the film was a honest yet campy homage to the works of such legends as Sergio Leone, Sergio Corbucci, and even American filmmaker Sam Peckinpah. But The Good, The Bad, The Weird, the latest from Kim Jee-Woon (the director of the amazing A Bittersweet Life) may very well score 1 for Korea. Not only is the poster jaw-droppingly bad ass but the trailer is a beauty. Please do yourself a favor and click here.

2008-05-08T15:28:00.004-04:00

Just days after the news broke of a date for There Will Be Blood on Blu-Ray, comes even more exciting news from the almighty Criterion Collection.

We've got some exciting news for this fall, and we wanted you to hear it first. Our first Blu-ray discs are coming! We've picked a little over a dozen titles from the collection for Blu-ray treatment, and we’ll begin rolling them out in October. These new editions will feature glorious high-definition picture and sound, all the supplemental content of the DVD releases, and they will be priced to match our standard-def editions.

Here’s what’s in the pipeline:

The Third Man

Bottle Rocket

Chungking Express

The Man Who Fell to Earth

The Last Emperor

El Norte

The 400 Blows

Gimme Shelter

The Complete Monterey Pop

Contempt

Walkabout

For All Mankind

The Wages of Fear

Holy Shit. Fantastic news to say the least. Hell, I didn't even know Criterion has the dvd rights to Chungking Express (unless this release will strictly be Blu-Ray). Of course Bottle Rocket is exciting too but man am I most excited for Contempt. See this film in glorious high definition will be simply jaw dropping. Matter of fact nearly every title on this list is promising. Can not wait!

I'll be back in a day or two with a review of XXY courtesy of Film Movement.

2008-05-04T17:48:00.004-04:00

Well its about bloody time!

That's right my friends. There Will Be Blood on Blu-ray. I know it's what we all been waiting for. I know I sure has hell been. And to boot, the cover is so much better than the two dvd ones. A real post will follow in a day or two. promise. I know I know. It has been over a month again. Be back in a few.

2008-03-30T22:40:00.011-04:00

18 days. There is no excuse really. Except as always I have been busy. But still no excuse. So the Cleveland International Film Festival has been over for the last two weeks now and over all it was a good time. One dud out of the bunch is not so bad, right.

Here's a breakdown, my friends, this time I by order of goodness.

Ben XI found this film to be fantastic. Highly original and probably a film that will survive til my Best of 2008 list. I was actually quite honestly blown away by this film. It kind hit me from left field.

Gone With the WomanThis thing is a charmer. Definitely my bonafide sleeper from the fest. I love the lead, who started in last year's CIFF film The Bothersome Man and lets face it I am a sucker for romantic comedies especially something this quirky.

Big Man JapanTalk about a smart and original film. I think this film and its oddness (in both the humor and subtle stabs at social commentary) will set people off a bit which is rather unfortunate. A admiration for what the film is a satire of is also welcome to truly 'get' the film (i.e Japanese popular culture ala Ultraman, Godzilla, etc).

JellyfishAs I stated two weeks ago, I really enjoyed this flick. Nuff said.

The TrapI found this thriller to be totally intriguing from start to finish. Others didn't. Their loss.

OtisI completely over the top cheeseball horror comedy which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed.

Mongol I am not a historical epic person but I really enjoyed this flick. Actor Tadanobu Asano definitely helped with my acceptance of the film.

FlashpointEntertaining martial arts film which is completely savored by the last half hour.

Art of Negative Thinking

Really didn't get this one I guess. Overhyped by the majority of the attendees I found the film to be more awkward than funny. Maybe I didn't get it. Oh Well.

So overall. I great time was had. I also caught Love Songs recently (which screened at the festival but unfortunately was missed due to the snowstorm) . But more on that on my next post and of course lots lots more. Trust me this time. it won't be 18 days from now.

2008-03-12T15:42:00.004-04:00

Caught two films from the Cleveland Film Festival thus far - Jar City and Jellyfish. Good choices I may add. Both films embody enough originality and creativity to charm any film festival goer. Jellyfish arrives nicely packaged as a drama with touches of humor and a shade or two of Amelie while Jar City was a fascinating crime thriller brilliantly adapted from an equally intriguing novel. America get fluff like Kiss the Girls and Along Came the Spider while Iceland brings home brilliant adaptations like Jar City. Both films are highly recommended.

I have been a lousy film festival attendee this year but plan on making that up a bit with the second stretch. Thursday brings Art of Negative Thinking, Big Man Japan (known in Japan as Dai Nipponjin), and Trap. On Friday, I plan on catching Gone with the Woman, Otis, and possibly Bliss and The Substitute (I know 4 films in one day might be pushing it). Nate and I are hanging out with our good friend Mike Laymon on Saturday so I am taking a breather before returning on Sunday with three final films - Ben X, Mongol, and Flashpoint. Should be a nice closing to the festival and the sad end to my 9 days off of work.

2008-03-09T12:51:00.003-04:00

Another bites the dust. I decided to not make my way to Cleveland today most importantly to save on gas money, which is currently at $3.29 a gallon. I know I shouldn't bitch cause I am sure in California it is clockin' in near 4 bucks. Jar City is available from I believe a Icelandic release which I am currently getting my hands on while Love Songs pops up on IFC on Demand on March 19th which I already had my brother set his DVR to record. As far as Jellyfish goes, it is playing tomorrow so I have instead moved my first day to the festival to Monday. This also free up my Sunday to go to the birthday party of my favorite nephew, Isaac. Happy Birthday, bud!

It seems that the festival has added Paranoid Park to its line up. That's exciting. Too bad it conflicts with my viewing of Mongol on the last day of the fest because I would have really liked to catch it on the big screen. Who knows maybe we will book it at the Canton Palace.

2008-03-08T14:45:00.006-05:00

I guess there was some mighty fine films I missed out on from last year. Just got done watching Michael Clayton and found it to be utterly fantastic. George Clooney and Tom Wilkinson were absolutely perfect in the film. I still did not believe Tilda Swinton should have taken home the Oscar (Chiaki would, however, argue that) though she was pretty damn good in it too. I just quite simply have a problem with the Academy awarding a performance which could have not been over 10 or so minutes of the 2 hour film.

Speaking of missing out, the disaster snow of Ohio (we got close to 16 inches...no joke) caused me to miss the first day of the film festival. I missed Flight of the Red Balloon (which I luckily can catch on IFC on Demand in the coming months), What We Do is Secret and Timecrimes. It hurts the most to miss Timecrimes, which was one of my most anticipated films of the festival. Maybe I can swing a deal with Magnolia Pictures, the film's US distributor, and get my hands on a copy in the not so distant future. Sunday brings Jar City, Love Songs, and Jellyfish and probably is the day of the festival I am most excited about. Hopefully the damn snow stops and I can get the ball rolling. As with the last few years expect a report back on the films I caught each day.

So I am sitting down today viewing some flicks (I am pretty much snowed in for the day) and begin to watch Into the Wild. Pretty good flick. It wouldn't necessary make my Top 10 from last year but it was a pretty powerful film nonetheless. Definitely worth a rental. I almost bought the HD DVD and now I am glad I didn't. Not that it would be a bad thing, its just like what my buddy Nate and I was discussing a few days ago. When I asked him if he thinks I should pick it up he replied it could be the best film in the world but would you watch it again. And that's just it. I don't see myself sitting down and watching Into the Wild for a second time. Overall though it is mos def a film everyone should watch at least once. I also plopped in my 3:10 to Yuma Blu-ray to watch the special features alittle bit and I realized I had forgotten to mention something about the film the first time I spoke of it. Three words actually Peter f'n Fonda. I have always been a Peter Fonda fan and it was just great to see him back in a western again. What a trip. The man is a legend.

So I read the most delicious news a few minutes ago. Rialto Pictures is reviving Godard's Contempt in a nice new restored 35mm print. I am in heaven. John Ewing if your out there I expect this to appear in the May-June Cleveland Cinematheque schedule. Between March 14th and the 27th the great Film Forum in New York will be playing it. I am so jealous. Maybe I should make a trek to New York early this year. I wonder if I can pull some strings and get this baby in the Canton Palace Theatre in the new month or two. For the silly folks that don't know, I will fill you in. Not only is Jean-Luc Godard one of my favorite directors of all time, but Contempt is one of my favorite films. So you can understand my excitement to see this thing on the big screen.

2008-03-06T09:51:00.007-05:00

I could write a novel on how brilliant IFC Films is at the moment. I love them to death. First and foremost their film choices are fantastic. I thought last year was insane but this year seems to be even better. Example - Love Songs. The Last Mistress. Paranoid Park. Jar City. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days. Flight of the Red Balloon. Mister Lonely. Three of these films I am extreme excited to see at the film festival this weekend. The others all films I am absolutely dying to see.

Case in point, Mister Lonely which is the latest from Harmony Korine. I know his past work has been oddly appealing to say the least, however, this thing looks like his masterpiece. It looks extremely charming and a beautiful piece. It follows a group of impersonators who all live together at a commune in Scotland. It hits theatres in May in the US and this month in the UK (courtesy of Tartan Films). You can see that Korine has a love for international film with his casting of James Fox (of Performance fame) and Anita Pallenberg (also of Performance and countless other staples of 60s/70s world cinema).

Do yourself a favor and check out the trailer here.

Another great thing about IFC Films is their subdivision IFC First Take with films releasing limited in theatres simultaneously as they appear 'On Demand' through a satellite provider. As I have stated before, my brother has DirectTV and for the last year we have been purchasing films on their for only $6.99. Last night, we watched Paranoid Park, the latest from Gus Van Sant.

The thing is utterly fascinating. The cinematography is a beaut courtesy of my man Christopher Doyle and the film just really worked for me. Gus Van Sant decided on a very non-linear structure and the payoff was completely the right choice. With a linear structure to the plot it would have come off rather boring and unmoving but instead the opposite can be said about the film. A compelling little film from a director that continues to impressive me each and every film (except for the misstep Even Cowgirls Get the Blues years ago...everyone has forgot about that one anyways). When Paranoid Park comes around your way you need to make an effort to see it. It is worth your time and I have a feeling it will stick with me the rest of the year.

Finally IFC has just unveiled yet another subdivision entitled IFC Festival Direct. As far as I can determine through reading several articles is that it is very similar to IFC First Take, however, I believe it is films which may not have a chance to hit theatres and have already made their rounds at film festivals. Jar City is included in the first batch of films which also includes the latest from Ken Loach and Nicolas Roeg. It seems instead of hitting satellite providers such as DirectTV it instead aims for strictly cable providers such as Time Warner and Comcast.

2008-03-05T09:42:00.004-05:00

I apologize in advance for the randomness of the following post. It will more than likely be a alot of rambling.

So you are probably wondering what I thought of the Oscars, right? Not bad, I suppose. While I have yet to see Michael Clayton, I must say I really wasn't pushing for Tilda Swinton to win, however her brilliant acceptance speech completely made up for my disappointment. I was really happy to see Marion Cotillard win and really wish I would have voted for her in my Oscar pool. She is a great actress which now I hope will be on a greater path of success (I always loved her in Big Fish and especially in A Very Long Engagement) and am really looking forward to her next two films (Michael Mann's Public Enemies and Nine, which get this - is a musical based on Fellini's 8 1/2). Sure I was abit disappointed that PTA didn't pull an upset for Best Director but the Coen brothers do deserve to get recognized. At least Daniel Day Lewis and Robert Elswit pulled through with wins. All in all not bad.

So I narrowed down my Cleveland International Film Festival schedule down to about 18 films with a solid 14-15 being definite. I am really excited actually. I have my media pass and my week off work and am ready to go. I hope to drag Chiaki along for a few however the most 3 films days make her tired just thinking about them. While we may have been exhausted last year I know she had a good time so lets cross our fingers.

I am slowly but surely building my high definition dvd collection. for my birthday I got The Lives of Others, Infernal Affairs, and Sukiyaki Western Django on Blu-ray and Zodiac: The Director's Cut (which looks utterly jaw dropping in hi-def) on HD-DVD. Then the other night I used some ebay gift cards to purchase Children of Men on HD-DVD and 3:10 to Yuma on Blu-ray. I am at the moment trying to get a good price on Volver on Blu-ray and might even pick up Into the Wild on HD-DVD this Tuesday...maybe. I wonder if I wait awhile longer I may get a cheaper price (when on the HD-DVDs begin to drop like flies in price). Today was supposed to be the first retail price drop for HD-DVD so we will see.

Chiaki and I sat down last night and watched the latest from Wong Kar Wai, his English language debut My Blueberry Nights. It is funny, the film has yet to be released stateside yet (though The Weinstien Company has finally set a New York/LA open for April) but the dvd release is available in Hong Kong already. Anyways, we really loved it. The criticism the film has received is pretty harsh in my opinion. What you get is an American style Chungking Express. To be honest, it was exactly what I was expecting from his first American film. While Norah Jones struggle abit at first with her acting, she seems to get the hang of it by the time the story shifts in location. As expected the supporting cast of Jude Law, Natalie Portman, David Strathairn and Rachel Weisz are a true pleasure to watch. Its really good stuff, honestly. I can't wait to watch it again. I think I am even going to write a lengthy review for KFC Cinema too.

2008-02-28T17:12:00.008-05:00

So as promised I am back with yet another film review. This time courtesy of an amazing Australian company called Madman Entertainment. The fine folks at Madman were gracious enough to supply me with a copy of the Danish film Princess, which actually played at the Cleveland International Film Festival last year but I was not able to attend. So here it goes, I present to you my review of Princess.

I must admit. I am not really much of a fan of anime. Sure I dabble in the films of Pixar and seemed to get alot of enjoyment out of the work of Hayao Miyazaki but that is pretty much where I draw the line. Princess, however, interested the hell of me when I first read about it last year. For starters the story is just plain fucked up.

The title character is a drug abused young porn star named Christina (known in the adult film world as The Princess) who is now dead and has left behind her 5-year old daughter. Raised in a life of porn, Mia knows nothing else but what she watched take place in her mother's daily life. Her perception of what is right and wrong is just completely fubared. 32-year old August has just given up on his life as a priest in an desperate attempt to take care of his niece, Mia, he has just met for the first time.

What better to do than to avenge the death of his sister by taking out everyone person who had contributed to her rather short yet destructive life. What follows is a bloodbath of epic proportion which, at least as far as I know, has ever been captured in the history of animation.

What essentially is your basic revenge picture, takes on a whole new level when creating this overused genre into a whole new light thanks to the brillant animation found in the film. Another factor which sets this apart from others is its use of live action material to represent a window to the past. Each live action piece is used as a video capture of Christina before her death. Director Anders Morgenthanler brings us an amazing film which leaps boundaries above anything I have ever seen in the genre of animation. Sure, any anime freak may be left wanting more but as a admirer of international cinema I found Princess to be one hell of a ride and was truly in league of its own.

So how do you get your hands on this lovely piece of filmmaking, you say. Well, as I mentioned before, this great film can be purchased from a stellar company out of Australia entitled Madman Entertainment. Be for warned that the release is a Region 4 PAL disc so make sure your player is compatible before ordering.

Pick up Princess now by clicking here.

2008-02-22T14:54:00.004-05:00

It seems a whole two weeks have gone by without a single post. Let us just face the facts...I am a slacker. Needless to say, I am hear and I am writing. Within two more weeks, the Cleveland International Film Festival will be upon us. Within days, I should be receiving my Media Pass and I have already planned out a weeks worth of film viewing. Somewhere between 15-20 films actually. So what do I have up my sleeve you ask.

Here is a breakdown:

Ben X - Belgium

Big Man Japan (aka Dai Nipponjin) - Japan

Blind - Netherlands

Dead Time - Indonesia

Deficit (Gael García Bernal's directorial debut) - Mexico

Flash Point - Hong Kong

Flight of the Red Balloon - France

Gone With the Woman - Norway

Jar City - Icelandic

Jellyfish - Israel

Love Songs (aka Les Chansons d Amour) - France

Mongol - Kazakhstan

Otis - United States

Priceless - France

The Substitute - Denmark

The Teeth of Love - China

Timecrimes - Spain

The Trap - Serbia

What We Do is Secret - United States

You, the Living - Sweden

Okay, so I guess that is alot. 20 to be exact. I may or not see all them though. Probably about a good 11 or so are definite. But I would really like to make it to all of the above. My sidekick from last year, Aaron H, is only catching a a few this year. A few other friends as well plan to see a handful. I hope to drag Chiaki along to a some too. If you would like to attend something let me know. You will be more than welcome to join me. As with last year, I will report back during the fest with a little feedback on the flicks. I can't freakin' wait.

So I sat down the other day and watched 3:10 to Yuma on Blu-Ray the other night. Damn, was it a beaut. There is always one will each year that I see after I make my Top 10 list and this is it. I will admit a guilty confession. I haven't seen Unforgiven. Yes, I own it on HD DVD (my first purchase on the format actually). And yes I admit I am a very big fan of spaghetti westerns. 3:10 to Yuma has been marketed as the best western since Unforgiven which I sorta of took offense to. Have these people not seen the brilliant The Proposition or The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada not to mention this years The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford and No Country for Old Men. But yeah, okay. As far as rough and tough cowboys, the film definitely fits the true feel of a western. 3:10 to Yuma is nothing short of brilliant. I absolutely loved everything about it. Crowe's performance even brought me back to liking him as an actor again (it has been a while....um....The Quick and the Dead was the last I believe). Ben Foster though steals the f'n show. Amazing. Add Foster to the list of actors robbed from this year's Oscar nominations.

So I will be back in a day or two with my reaction to this year's Academy Award winners along with a review of the fantastic film Princess which has recently been distributed by the fine folks at Madman Entertainment.

2008-02-05T23:34:00.000-05:00

Finally the time has come. I squeezed in my last film I really wanted to catch from last year. Yes, there were a handful of films I would have liked to see before I made my list but lets face it - it is now February 5th and a Best of 2007 is long overdue.

I am going to start things off this year with the 'just missed' list. Those films I loved this year but just didn't quite make my Top 10. Films like Ratatouille, Grindhouse, Exiled, The Ten, Fay Grim, I Don't Want to Sleep Alone, Diggers, and The Aura were just a pleasure to watch. I thoroughly enjoyed the blockbuster Transformers too which is something I really wasn't expecting. Nothing, however, touched a nerve like these 10 films. So lets cut to the chase.

10. The Lives of Others

What can be said about this film, that I haven't stated already. Fantastic film.

9. Eastern Promises

I really wasn't a fan of David Cronenberg's early horror films but Eastern Promises and A History of Violence honestly changed all that. More of a slow burn piece than A History of Violence but equally as riveting. Viggo and Naomi are stellar throughout.

8. Invisible Waves

I really love this film. From the same crew that made the insanely memorable Last Life in the Universe. I actually saw the film orginially in 2006 but was able to catch it theatrcially at the Cleveland International Film Festival last year. Christopher Doyle's cinematography is graceful, Pen-Ek Ratanaruang's direction perfect, and Tadanobu Asano's actiing is as elegant as ever.

7. Dans Paris

Romain Duris and Louis Garrel are a true pleasure to watch. I just loved the French New Wave feel it had going for it. I am dying to see director Christophe Honore's musical follow up film, Les Chansons d'amour.

6. Big Bang Love, Juvenille A

Takashi Miike's experimental masterpiece. Hands down one of his best films, if not the best. An important film in contemporary cinema.

5. The Darjeeling Limited

Poor Wes Anderson. Chiaki and I thought this thing was darling. The critics thought otherwise. I am really looking forward to watching this one again once it hits dvd. Chiaki wanted to see it again in theaters and she never wants to see things twice theatrcially. I found it to be his best work since Rushmore. Oh and by the way Adrien Brody is so so Wes Anderson material.

4. Transylvania

Well, you already recently heard my rant on this film earlier so I won't repeat myself. I love everything about this film. Asia Argento most impressive performance.

3. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

This was the reason I had to wait for my list until now. I wanted to fit it in because I waited so long for this picture. Glad I did. The thing is a treasure to watch. I loved every little thing about it. Pitt, Rockwell, Affleck, Parker. Andrew Dominik could do no wrong with the film. Deakin's camerawork is just a beaut. Alot of complaints about the film has stated that it is just a bit too long. I beg to differ. Usually if a film has the feeling of being too long it is because the ending is a little too drawn out. However, with The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, the end seems like the final chapter of the story and honestly needed to be told. Matter of fact I love the ending.

Speaking of endings, my top two films have also been criticized by moviegoers because of their final scenes. I myself thought both had perfect and well-needed endings.

2. No Country for Old Men

What can you say about this film that hasn't already been said. Quite possibly the best thing that the Coen Brothers have ever done. Their most serious work since Miller's Crossing. May even be my favorite of the Coens right next to Barton Fink and The Big Lebowski but it is in a whole other league than those two pictures. I really think Josh Brolin should have been recognized for his work here. Amazing.

1. There Will Be Blood

Did you really think anything less. Man is this one a whopper. Nothing like anything PTA has ever attempted. This thing is a powerhouse. All the obvious influences are oh so true. Yes, it looks like early Malick. Yes, it seems like a staple of 70's American Cinema. And Yes, dammit, Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an iconic performance. Love Love Love this film. I just love how it takes awhile to seep into your brain. Not one person I know walked out of this film and could form an immediate opinion. That is what makes this so brilliant. I will be a bit sadden if PTA doesn't take home the Oscar for directing this puppy.

2008-02-01T17:02:00.000-05:00

Okay so lots to talk about today. For starters I will break down my trip to Japan for you.

Things started off on December 27th when we made our way to the Cleveland International Airport to fly to Detroit then straight to Nagoya, Japan. Our flight to Detroit was quick and easy and even left us enough of a layover to grab a bite to eat. What else would you eat before head off two Japan for 16 days....er, Japanese. I know we should have had our last taste of American food but instead stopped into the only Japanese restruant in the rather large Detroit airport.

Arriving in Nagoya, Japan 13 hours later brought a bit of trouble. Apperently the Nagoya airport wasnt connected to the Nagoya train station which made it difficult as hell to simply jump on a train Himeji where Chiaki's parents were set to pick us up. Usually when flying to Japan we go to Osaka's airport which has its own train station and is only a hop skip and a jump to Himeji. Our choices instead were to take a long bus ride to the Nagoya station or take two seperate trains there. Matters became worse when we decided to take the two train route. Apperently their had been a accident (a death actually...suicide, perhaps) and the train did not move for over an hour. Finally afters hours of arriving in Nagoya we finally made it to Himeji at around 10:30 at night, gracefully greeted by my wonderful inlaws.

This years trip came with many pleasures. Meeting Chiaki's other brother Makoto(who Chiaki had seen in over 7 years), seeing Chiaki's best friend and her beatiful children all grown up, being introduced to Chiaki's other brother Shun's new girlfriend, hooking up with our good friend Miho in Hiroshima, and of course eating great food and shopping like crazy.

I will try to post some pictures on here very soon of both people we met and things we picked up while there. I was going to break the whole trip down for everyone but then realized as I began to write that this could take forever. I instead have decided to break down bits and pieces of the trip throughout my next few posts or so.

I will mention probably my favorite new place to visit was Nakano Broadway when we were in the great city of Tokyo for two days. Nakano Broadway is a geek's cluster of stores (also known as an otaku's wet dream) in a 4 floor shopping complex. While alot of the crazy and unique toys were a pleasure to view and take part in purchasing, my favorite store was a little poster store buried in the corner of the 2nd or 3rd floor. My new favorite place sold Japanese posters for ridcuously low prices, most as low as 1000 yen (between 8-10 US dollars). One of my several gems I found was this poster for a Meiko Kaji film, Wandering Ginza Butterfly 2 - The She Cat Gambler.

Or how about this killer Meiko Kaji 7 inch of her theme song from the series Female Convict Scorpion. Chiaki found this little treasure.

I know your jealous, aren't you. I love it and I have several others just as cool. I will try to put them online as soon as I can.

For now lets move on to another subject...the Academy Award nominations. You are probably wondering what I thought of them. Well, I happen to really like their choices this year. Anytime two of your favorite films of the year are up for most of the categories then I am pretty happy. This year's nods came with that very scenario with both No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood rounding out most of the categories. It will be a tough year I believe for the Oscar voters and I will be really happy if either take home the big awards. Two things that are certain are that of course Javier Bardem will take home Best Supporting Actor and Daniel Day-Lewis will bring home the Best Actor statue. While a few other categories such as Best Actress and Best Supporting Actess have clear front runners, nothing much else is for certain. I will be a bit sadden if at the end of the night Paul Thomas Anderson doesn't walk away with Best Director. The man deserves the damn thing. As always, I am also looking forward to the Best Foreign Film and Best Cinematography categories. Kazakhstan's selection Mongol happens to star Tadanobu Asano, one of my favorite actors working in international cinema today. All in all some good picks, though as with most years I believe a handful of people got snubbed recognition. Josh Brolin in No Country for Old Men was a revelation and I could honestly not picture anyone else in the role.

Alright well, I suppose that is all for now. I will be back in a day or two with more of a breakdown of our trip to Japan along with a possible film review. Also look for my Top 10 films of 2007 list to spring up by Tuesday or Wednesday.

2008-01-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

So it has been over a month, I know. But I have an excuse. For the last 16 days, I have been in Japan visiting family. It was a blast and I even got a chance to finally meet Chiaki's other brother, Makoto, who is just one hell of a guy. I absolutely adore my Japanese family. More on my trip in the next week or so. I will try to post some pictures soon too.

For now I will start things off with a review of one of my favorite films of the year, Transylvania. An amazing amount of gratitude must be given to Canadian distributor Mongrel Media for releasing an English friendly dvd of the film and supplying me with a review copy of the film. I caught this film last March at the Cleveland International Film Festival and was floored and I have once again remained speechless upon second viewing of the film.

The film is a revelation, quite honestly. I must say, the only work of director Tony Gatlif I was even familiar with was his last effort Exiles which I had not seen prior to this film. I must say my main draw to the film was Asia Argento who I have always been a fan of and this time around she did not disappoint. Her performance in this film is, by far, her most mature and complex work I have ever seen from her. She is a sensation in this film. Naysayers of her work should really give this film a chance because, in my opinion, no one has ever seen her on this level before. Each film she does seems to outshine the next, however, it is really going to be hard to top this. Actor Birol Ünel brings one a hell of a performance to endure in this film.

The film is essentially a road movie with Argento's Zingarina in search of Milan Agustin a musician who in her mind is her one true love and the father of her unborn child. Milan (played by Marco Castoldi), however, wants nothing to do with her. Heartbroken and distant from everyone who care for her, she resorts to becoming an unlikely traveling companion with a drifter named Tchangalo (Birol Ünel).

Really, that's all you need to know. The chemistry or rather lack there of between Zingarina and Tchangalo is just a pleasure to watch. Director Gatlif, is less concern with structure in this film, which many critics have bashed him for, and instead relies on the companionship of the two leads. For me, this tactic really worked wonders. I am not the type of viewer who really needs closure and connection from A to B. If a film holds my attention with the performance and direction that is all I need, really. In that prospect Argento and Ünel drive this thing home for me. Along with Gatlif superb direction and some amazing cinematography from Céline Bozon, the film represents everything I need to make a film truly brilliant, which is the case with Transylvania. It is a true shame that this film has yet to be distributed in US. I actually have yet to find information on whether or no there even is an American distributor for the film. Please, do yourself a favor and get your hands on Mongrel Media's dvd release as soon as you can. You will not regret it.

2007-12-06T19:26:00.001-05:00

You know what I would love to do one time or another? It's become the guy who chooses/supervises the cover art for dvd covers. I mean seriously, countless brilliant films have been ruined by horrible cover art. Isn't the cover supposed to be what draws you, the consumer, in. I mean what were they thinking with this:

That thing just hurts to look at. That has to be one of the lamest covers to a great film I have seen in a long time. Luckily some jewels come along from time to time and really come up with something truly special and quite easy on the eyes. Case in point this Bonnie and Clyde Ultimate Edition which streets in March 2008:

Even the High Def package is cool as hell:

The Ultimate Edition is set to have the following features:

Disc 1

Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer

Disc 2

The History Channel® Documentary – Love and Death: The Story of Bonnie and Clyde
- (newsreel footage, period accounts, and interviews with biographers to bring the story of the notorious outlaws to life)
Revolution! The Making of Bonnie and Clyde
- Bonnie and Clyde’s Gang (The challenges of bringing together the right creative forces to adapt the true story into a glamorous tale)
- The Reality and Myth of Bonnie and Clyde (Blending old and new Hollywood crews to bring about the style and look of a film which impacted more than just the fashion industry during the era)
- Releasing Bonnie and Clyde (From production to the final edited cut, a look at the struggles and joys of making a film that became a worldwide phenomenon and an Oscar winner)
Warren Beatty Wardrobe Tests
Deleted Scenes
- The Road to Mineloa
- Outlaws

Thank the lord for the smart few that really know how to make a film appealing.

Speaking of film, it looks like the first of many year end awards were handed out yesterday this time around from the National Board of Reviews. Among the winners were:

Best Film: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Best Director: TIM BURTON, Sweeney Todd
Best Actor: GEORGE CLOONEY, Michael Clayton
Best Actress: JULIE CHRISTIE, Away From Her
Best Supporting Actor: CASEY AFFLECK, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
Best Supporting Actress: AMY RYAN, Gone Baby Gone
Best Foreign Film: THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY
Best Documentary: BODY OF WAR
Best Animated Feature: RATATOUILLE
Best Ensemble Cast: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Breakthrough Performance by an Actor: EMILE HIRSCH, Into The Wild
Breakthrough Performance by an Actress: ELLEN PAGE, Juno
Best Directorial Debut: BEN AFFLECK, Gone Baby Gone
Best Original Screenplay (tie): JUNO and LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
Best Adapted Screenplay: JOEL COEN and ETHAN COEN, No Country For Old Men

Top Ten Films:
(In alphabetical order)
THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD
ATONEMENT
THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
THE BUCKET LIST
INTO THE WILD
JUNO
THE KITE RUNNER
LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
MICHAEL CLAYTON
SWEENEY TODD

Top Five Foreign Films:
(In alphabetical order)
4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS, 2 DAYS
THE BAND’S VISIT
THE COUNTERFEITERS
LA VIE EN ROSE
LUST, CAUTION

Top Independent Films
(In alphabetical order)
AWAY FROM HER
GREAT WORLD OF SOUND
HONEYDRIPPER
IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH
A MIGHT HEART
THE NAMESAKE
ONCE
THE SAVAGES
STARTING OUT IN THE EVENING
WAITRESS

Quite an interesting list, I must say. Great to see No Country for Old Men take home Best Film along with others and Mr. Burton as a surprising Best Director for Sweeney Todd. Biggest surprise for me though was the win for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford not to mention its position on the Top Ten Films of the Year list. The biggest disappointment for me though was that PTA's There Will Be Blood was nowhere to be found not even a recognition for Daniel Day Lewis. Here's hoping it makes every other list this year including the most important ones.

2007-11-30T22:04:00.000-05:00

So as I write this I am missing the last performance I would ever see of Planes Mistaken For Stars, one of my favorite bands. It's a shame they will be no more. Gared, the lead singer, luckily has two other projects going on right now. One is called Hexes, which apparently a continuation of the direction PMFS was headed for (and also contains two PMFS band members) and the other is Hawks and Doves, an obvious homage to the Neil Young album title, and is I am assuming a much mellower Gared like that of the amazing last track, Penitence, from the Planes last record Mercy. Here's hope some of each projects tunes will hit the net in the not so distant future.

So on to film talk. I caught the latest from the Coen Brothers, No Country for Old Men, the other day and can safely say it will be fighting for the number one spot on my best of 2007 list. Unfortunately this list may not be completed until February 5th. Why you ask? Why that is the first time I will more than likely be able to catch my much hyped The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford. Yes, my dumb ass missed my chance to catch the flick around and now much wait for hit dvd.

In the next few weeks I hope to make a trip or two both Columbus and Cleveland to catch some flicks. What films, you say? Well, I hope to catch La Chinoise and Pierrot Le Fou both by Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville's Le Doulos, and Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point. I own both of the Godard flicks and love them but how can you really pass up his flicks on the big screen. The other two films I have been dying to see for a long time. If nothing else I will make an effort to catch Zabriskie Point because I have passed it up about three time now and a widescreen copy on dvd is nearly non-existent (the film has never been released in the States on disc and only widescreen elsewhere).

2007-11-17T16:33:00.001-05:00

So I guess the unthinkable happened. Well, okay lets not be so drastic. I will just come out and say it. I was too big on the new Takeshi Kitano film, Glory to the Filmmaker!. It's a shame really, cause I really loved his last 3 films, which have been very hit or miss with most people. Come to think of it there has been only one other Kitano film I was extremely disappointed with and that was his stab at American film, Brother. I love for his films started where most people's admiration had with his film Sonatine, which was released in Japan in in '93, but not until '98 in the US, courtesy of Quentin Tarantino defunct distribution label Rolling Thunder Pictures. Immediately after watching and loving the film ,I went on a search for his previous film and one of his most well known pictures, Hana-Bi also known as Fireworks. My personal favorite lies in his more quieter piece, Kikujiro, but I still had alot of love for is insanely abstract Takeshis'.

The latest, however, I just didn't get. The first half was pure Kitano genius to me. He represented a film full of filmmaking homages to some of the true greats of Japanese cinema and still managed to outdo himself. However, the second half just simply didn't seem to go nowhere. Maybe I need to give it more of a chance though, I just really which the rest of the film continued with the pattern he led it with. He instead ops for his comedy roots which don't always come out on the funny side. Oh, well. You win some you lose some, I guess. Nonetheless, I will be ready for what else he has in store in the future. What can I say, I love the guy.

2007-11-15T16:44:00.000-05:00

Let's start things off with a nice little review of Eureka! Entertainment's Masters of Cinema release of the definitive version of the 1922 horror classic Nosferatu in a very satisfying 2-disc set.

Quite honestly, where do I start with this one. The thing is a true wonder. I am sure everyone is familiar with the story of Nosferatu but allow me to elaborate a bit. Countless interpretation of the writings of Bram Stoker have been representative on film but F.W. Murnau is the first and in the eyes of many, the best. The story follows just has many have over and over a man and his run in with a very un-human being who is not only out for his blood but also the blood of his loved one. Possibly one of the most terrifying performance of the great blood sucking vampire ever contained on film, Murnau's Nosferatu set the bar pretty high when he created this legendary film.

Now on to Eureka! Entertainment's release of the film. This thing is the most, and probably will stay the most, pristine transfer of the film ever released. For starters, the cover art is one of the coolest damn images I have ever seen gracing the front of a dvd box. The transfer and restoration of the film is in a whole other league all its own. A few US companies whom will remain nameless have attempted to do the film justice but have never reached this level of purity. The tinted print has been remastered to created, in my mind, hands down the best look of the film to ever see the light of day. This Masters of Cinema release even managed to not only add the original German intertitles (with English subtitles, of course), instead of newly created English language ones but they also were able to dig up the original Hans Erdmann score, which many release before it has instead chosen to reconstructed it by a more recent composer. The Erdmann original has not been heard for over 85 years until now.

Finally, there is the great extra features found on this disc. To start things off on disc 1 we are fortunate enough to have the pleasure of hearing silent film historian Dixon Smith along with film critic Brad Stevens talk exclusively about the film and silent films in general. Disc 2 sheds more light on the film with a the nearly hour long documentary The Language of Shadows which gives us even more information on the making of Nosferatu and the work of director F.W. Murnau. Finally the disc treats us to a mini restoration of this fantastic edition of the film. But that's not all, also found in the set is a 80 page booklet which is just a absolute pleasure to read after watching the film.

So what are you waiting for. Go and buy this baby right now. Where can I get this, you say? For your easy and comforted, I have listed a handful of links below:

HMV

Play

SendIt

All the online shops are highly reliable UK based sites.

2007-10-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I went from 'wicked pissed' to 'not really mad just unlucky' in a matter of minutes. Why you ask? Well, I just checked my emails and saw that the Cedar Lee (for all you non Ohio people, it is Cleveland's only all indie theater) was giving away an autographed poster of The Darjeeling Limited which it claims was signed at last weekend's Q & A with Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman and Waris Ahluwalia! What?!? So I do a little internet searching and found out that last Saturday The Cedar Lee hosted a free screening of the film with the above three in attendance. Thing was though that it took place at 4pm which would have been right around the time I was doing the whole shorts screening for the Canton Palace Film Fest. So the thing was I would have been more pissed if I knew about it before hand and couldn't go as relation to now. As I said before, I guess I am just unlucky. Would have been so freakin' cool, especially figuring Wes was supposed to be at an advance screening of Life Aquatic a few years back when I lived near Los Angeles and new never came. I guess that's to strikes for me. Oh well, nonetheless, Chiaki and I plan to see The Darjeeling Limited on Saturday. I will be back with my reaction soon.

2007-10-10T21:35:00.000-04:00

Surprise! So I decided to change my blog design. I was really getting tired of the old one. It was a bit boring. This one looks more hip. does it? Okay, maybe not but I wanted a change. Do you feel me?

Okay so it is a day away from the Canton Palace Theatre's 6th Annual Film Festival and I am pretty excited. Sure, it didn't turn out exactly as I planned but we still have some nice films playing. Here is the line-up:

Thursday, October 11th - Ping Pong
Friday, October 12th - Once
Saturday, October 13th - Paris, Je T'aime
Sunday, October 14th - No End in Sight

Nice range, don't you say. Saturday afternoon we are also screening some short films from local directors which should be a lot of fun too. It starts at 1:30pm and will run til about 3pm at the 2nd April Gallerie right near by the Canton Palace Theatre. I am going to highlight the festival with my friend Bo's awesome short Miles Wynberry of Glendale Lane which I helped him with last year.

So all with my ramblings. Yesterday was a movie day for me. In the afternoon (after work), I caught Transformers and at night (after my film committee meeting) I watched Eastern Promises. Transformers is a hell of a ride. I really loved watching it. Eastern Promises is slow but good. Really good actually. Even though it wasn't Cronenberg's best work, I thought it was a great effort.

I just found out that Cleveland should be getting The Darjeeling Limited on October 19th and I really can not wait. I am really excited for the film that it is driving me crazy. I am so pumped for the film that I was prone to pick up The Kinks 'Lola vs. Powerman' record (which features two excellent songs - This Time Tomorrow and Strangers - featured prominently in the film's trailer).

My buddy Bo made a really cool fall film listing on his myspace blog with summaries and trailers and all that good stuff. Very cool and I think everyone should go check it out right now. The list is pretty damn close to my most anticipated films of the season also.

Alright well lots more to say but I forget so far now I am done. Expect a review or two shortly, I promise. Really.

2007-10-01T12:08:00.000-04:00

Alright with further ado, here is my review of Eureka! Entertainment's newly released dvd of Bellissima. Hope you take a minute to read it.

I must admit it – I have never seen a Luchino Visconti film until now. The man is responsible for a lot of well respective films of Italian cinema such as Le Notti Bianche, The Leopard, Rocco and His Brothers, and Death in Venice. The great UK based company Eureka! Entertainment was smart enough to release Visconti’s third feature film Bellissima through their amazing Masters of Cinema line (think a UK version of Criterion Collection) and I am none the prouder.

Bellissima is really a charming and enduring film. An obsessed mother wants nothing but the best for her child who she believes to be a bonafide star. A big time film director is in town auditioning children for his latest feature film and what better to make her daughter the new sensation.

At first I was a bit annoyed by Anna Magnani’s performance of the anxious mother Maddalena and her aspirations to make her daughter a shining star, the pearl among these sea shells. However, the more the film goes along the more you realize how real this character truly is. Yeah at times she pushy and seems a little stuck up among the other mothers and those around her attempting to shoot down her hopes and dreams. As the film progress, however, you really see her strengths and weakness and her true inter beauty really shines through. By films end, I was highly impressed with Magnani acting and honestly cared for her character. I should also note that Tina Apicella as her daughter Maria is so adorable that she steals nearly every scene from the rest of the cast just through her charm.

The film’s end will break you down emotionally and, in my opinion, perfectly embodies what showbiz and fame is really about. If you have a love for the Italian film industry or international cinema for that matter you should really check this film out. You wont be disappointed.

2007-09-21T13:46:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I keep on getting worse with this whole thing. I guess things have been busy as of late, but then again when is it not. So I am back with a quick little post before I unfortunately head off to work.

Let's see. I am really try hard to think of all the things I wanted to talk about these last two weeks but everything has slipped my mind at the moment. The Toronto Film Festival has since past without my attendance and not far behind is Chicago International Film Festival in the beginning of October which really is not going to fit into my schedule, which is a shame. Last time we went there (about three or four years) we had a crappy experience (which is strange cause I really enjoy Chicago) and witnessed a not so great film, which we actually walked out of because it was insanely boring and repetitive. I apparently the running time was over 3 hours and we saw about an hour and 30 minutes. Let me tell you I never walk out of films. Maybe once or twice in my whole life of film viewing. So bad experience to say the least. Nonetheless, no trip to the fest this year. Oh well.

My plans this weekend our to catch Eastern Promises and oddly enough Resident Evil: Extinction. I know I have never seen the others and never cared to but this one seems like it has a whole Spaghetti Western/Mad Max/Dust Devil kinda feel to it which is very appealing as is the current tv spots. First in line though is Eastern Promises though. A History of Violence really impressed me 2 years ago (although I know some people did not think the same...yeah I'm talking to you, Bo). I will fill you guys in after my viewing which will most likely be tomorrow sometime.

Also in the next day or two will be a review of the Italian classic, Bellissima.

2007-09-08T13:02:00.000-04:00

Alright so it has been awhile but here is another review. Today's dvd comes from the fine folks over at Tartan films and his entitled The Perfect Crime.

In my opinion, director Alex de la Iglesia is a touch sell in the US. I say this because he usually doesn't stick to one particular genre. When he first received international claim it was because of his earlier horror work (which included the amazing Day of the Beast), however, has his film career began to take off he took flight in all sorts of directions still at all times staying close to his strongest love - humor.

The Perfect Crime takes a horrific incident and creative a very funny and heartwarming film. Rafael (played to perfection by Guillermo Toledo) is one hell of a salesmen not to mention a bonafide ladies man. The thing is when it comes time for a promotion he has to best out his rival, Don Antonio, for the job of floor manager. After Don Antonio unfairly wins the postion, a simple spat turned to murder. Rafael hopes to get off clean but discovers that their is one witness to the unfortunate crime. Loudres (performed to the 'T' by actress Monica Cervera) is her name and her unfortunate looks have failed to grab his attention. She decides to blackmail him to cover up the crime and all hell breaks loose with hilarity along for the ride.

What makes The Perfect Crime so entertaining is its acting and how both the actors and the director has a knack for delivering humor in spades. Actors Guillermo Toledo and Monica Cervera bring the right touch of laughs and emotion to make this a fun and fast ride. Director Alex de la Iglesia really shows that he is one of the most inventive and adventurous directors working in Spain today.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a good laugh and a great time.

2007-09-04T19:22:00.000-04:00

So recently I stumbled upon the coolest thing ever. IFC First Take. Okay so it wasn't just recently. For a while now I have known that IFC started this off shoot which would release films in lmited theaters (aka New York and LA) and on cable the same day. Well not normal cable, just certain cable providers 'on demand; services and Directv. I just didn't follow it all that much and didn't really know anyone had Directv (Nate you should have told me...) until my brother whiched from Dish to Direct a month or so ago.

Flash to Sunday night. Kevin and I watched our first (in a long line) of films on Directv on demand service called 'IFC in Theatres.' You pay just $6.99 and you have yourself a brand new indie/foreign film on your television. Our first viewing was a french film called Dans Paris, which I have been dying to see.
While it wasn't what I had envisioned I still really dug it. I am a big fan on the two leads (Louis Garrel and Roman Duris) and the directed did a great job creating a modern day French New Wave film. I really dug a little singing scene late in the film which would normally seem out of place in any other film but seemed to fit just fine in this one. This also explains why director Christophe Honore chose a musical as his latest film, Les Chansons d'amour (a film I rambled on and on about in May). I think the more I watch it the more I will dig it more. He has it until October 1st (when they apparently erase it from your DVR) so I might take a gander at it in the not so distant future.

Next Up is a film written, directed, and starring Jeff Garlin of Curb Your Enthusiam fame called I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With. It also stars Sarah Silverman and a handful of other cool little actors/comedians and I have heard some really good things about. Also laying in about a week or two is a new horror film called The Last Winter starring Ron Perlman and James LeGros. I heard it is amazing and is very reminiscent of John Carpenter's The Thing. I can't wait! I really wish I had access to this earlier cause I could have watch such awesome films like a recent favorite of mine The Aura, which also aired on IFC in Theatres.' On the other hand, I am glad I have a chance now to catch things in the not so distant future like Hsiao-Hsien Hou's Flight of the Red Balloon and at the same time as LA and New York folk, no less.

Sad news in the music biz for me at least. One of my favorite bands Planes Mistaken For Stars have called it quits. They plan on doing one last tour in the following months with the closest venue being Detroit. Looks like I will have to take a road trip to see them one last time. It's a damn shame. If you recall their latest record, which is absolutely amazing, was one of my favs from last year. At least a some good news is coming out of all this. Singer Gared O'Donnell has two bands in the works - a solo of sorts project entitled Hawks and Doves and a more band like project called Hexes. Let's hope at least one of them rips as hardcore as Planes did. We'll see. Speaking of my favorite bands, my boys from Japan, Envy have both a dvd (Transfovista) and a four track cd ep (Abyssal) hitting Japanese shelves in mid November. Good thing Chiaki and I are hitting Japan for New Years.

Yeah, you heard it right. Chiaki and I are back to Japan (it has been nearly 4 freaking years) at the end of the year for a whopping 16 days. I can not wait. Not only do I get to see my amazing Japanese family but I get to see a amazing beautiful country. We are planning some mini trips like a trek to tokyo for 2 or 3 days and maybe even a trek to Hiroshima to see our friend Miho (depending on where she will be living at at the time). And then there is my favorite thing - shopping. Lets face it. Unless I am shopping for music or films I get bored. American malls. Boring! Outdoor Promenades. Boring! Shopping in Japan. Amazing! I love everything whether it is a 7/11 or a huge Tokyo store. Either way I am in heaven. I am counting the days. I am also getting to meet my other brother in law (the middle child) Makoto who Chiaki herself hasn't seen in over 7 years. Shun-chan (Chiaki's youngest brother) will also be around so I am exciting to hang with him again also. And then there's Japanese New Years. Man will it be awesome. More on this as we begin to plan everything out.

Alright I suppose I will shut up for now. I felt like I should make a nice size post since it has been a few weeks since my last good one. I also have a zillion dvd reviews to do too soon. I don't want to upset anyone so next time return I will have a review or two in hand. Promise (for real, this time!).

2007-08-23T18:21:00.000-04:00

The new trailer for The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and man is a beauty. The film is the highly anticipated follow up to Andrew Dominik's amazing 2000 debut Chopper. I think 7 years is long enough to wait so this thing needs to come out now. It's set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival in a few weeks. Really wish I could go. If you can't make it feast your eyes on the trailer below instead.

2007-08-21T16:47:00.000-04:00

Kristen Bell cast in Heroes. Oh, so cool.

2007-08-13T14:25:00.000-04:00

Couldn't resist posting this...another brilliant Old Spice commercial starring the one and only Bruce Campbell:

2007-08-09T16:13:00.000-04:00

(love this poster design)

So, in case you are wondering, I am still sadden by the passing of the great Michelangelo Antonioni and I have been watching a handful of his films recently. Yesterday was Blow-Up and L'Avventura. I will have to honest. Don't get me wrong I love black and white films. love them. Something like Mike Nichol's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? I couldn't even picture in color. And while I love his trilogy of L'Avventura, La Notte, and L'Eclisse, you some how wonder how they would look in color. Antonioni was similar to someone like Seijun Suzuki, in the sense that his knack for color created a whole other character to his films and made my love for them even stronger. Look at Antonioni's brilliant Il Deserto rosso (Red Desert). The colors are amazing. He actually made his crew paint most things over to make the colors more vibrant. And when I say most things I mean even blades of grasses which his crew painted to look greener. Nonetheless I love all his work I have seen (and own in one shape or form) including the films mentioned above and of course the beautiful The Passenger. I have been dying to see the much criticized Zabriskie Point so that I could form my own opinion of it but I seems to be very hard to find a widescreen copy of it (most things out there are on a full screen transfer...I mean why bother with a film shot 2.35...I can wait).

So I miss the guy. I really hope positivity comes out of his passing such as more of his films to hit the dvd shelves. That would be nice. We will see.

So I really do plan to catch up on my film reviews. Next post, promise.

2007-08-03T23:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, definitely diggin' the Death Proof dvd cover art.

2007-07-31T20:53:00.000-04:00

It is a sad day in both the film world and personally. One of my favorite filmmakers of all time and a true icon to the film industry, Michelangelo Antonioni, died yesterday at the age of 94. If you all know me you know some of my favorite films were by the acclaimed director. From The Passenger to Red Desert to Blow-up (my favorite film), the man made masterpiece after masterpiece. The man will be surely missed.

2007-07-27T12:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, announcement has finally come through, courtesy of Fangoria, for the separate released Grindhouse films from Tarantino and Rodriguez and to me it is a bit of a mixed bag.

First up, Tarantino's Death Proof on September 18th:

• Finding Quentin’s Gals featurette
• The Guys of DEATH PROOF featurette
• Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike featurette
• Introducing Zoe Bell featurette
• Quentin’s Greatest Collaborator: Editor Sally Menke featurette
• DOUBLE DARE trailer
• International poster gallery

As you can see, not much there. Would have liked a QT commentart track at least. Bonus points for a possible new grindhouse trailer though (I am guessing that is what DOUBLE DARE is?).

Then from Rodriguez's court Planet Terror on October 18th:

• Audio commentary by writer/director Rodriguez
• Deleted scenes
• Cooking School featurette
• 10-Minute Film School featurette
• The Stunts featurette
• The Make-up and Effects featurette
• The Badass Babes featurette
• The Renegade Guys featurette
• The Costumes featurette
• The Production Design featurette
• International trailer

Alot better. More of the usual form the man. I am sure it will be one entertaining as hell commentary track and his film and cooking school featurettes are always a treasure. My question though? No Machete trailer?? or Don't or Thanksgiving? I am a bit disappointed. Unless of course they are easter eggs on the discs. That would be a delight.

Alright. I suppose that is all for now. Back in a little while (which could mean days...ha ha), with a review of two.

2007-07-27T00:44:00.000-04:00

Alot of things I want to talk about tonight but I am pretty tired so who knows how long this will be.

I will start things off with some rather sad news. Remember just a short while ago when I said I may have found a new favorite actor with Ulrich Muehe of The Lives of Others and Funny Games.

Well, the brilliant actor passed away just a few short days ago from stomach cancer. Apparently he was planning on working again with the always intriguing Michael Haneke in the not so distant future. He will be missed.

All the happy news department side of film, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Danny Glover, and (one of my personal favs) Gael Garcia Bernal are about to beginning film of the latest from Fernando Meirelles entitled Blindness. You may know this amazing director from his two previous masterpieces The Constant Gardener and City of God. I truly can't wait.

How I which I could go to Venice this year for their annual international film festival. The film slate is insane this year. Check it out:

In Competition

Todd Haynes' I'm Not There
Lee Kang-Sheng's Help Me Eros
Ang Lee's Lust, Caution
Takashi Miike's Sukiyaki Western Django
Wes Anderson's The Darjeeling Limited
Andrew Dominik's The Assination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Out of Competition

Claude Chabrol's La Fille Coupee en duex
Takeshi Kitano's Kantoku Banzai!
Shinji Aoyama's Sad Vacation
Jia Zhangke's Useless

And that is just a little taste of the films set for the festival. Not to mention a special tribute to Spaghetti Westerns with over 30 classic films of the genre set to screen. Amazing stuff.

Speaking of amazing stuff comes the announcement of two dvds I am really looking forward to in the coming months. First up is Magnolia Pictures release of Severance one hell of a great horror comedy which really could have gotten a Shaun of the Dead following if it was marketed a tad bit wider. Nonetheless check out the disc and its features coming to shelves on Septemeber 25th:

• Audio commentary by Smith, cast and crew
• Making-of featurette
• Not So Special Effects featurette
• Genesis of SEVERANCE featurette
• Fight Scene Training featurette • Being Danny Dyer featurette
• Deleted scenes
• Outtakes
• Alternate ending
• Storyboards

In October we should welcome the Criterion Collection release of Days of Heaven. With one beauty of a cover this release should be a definite for all film fans. While I have never seen this Terrence Malick classic (I am however a huge fan of his Badlands), I have heard nothing but good thing about it over the years. Below is the cover art and specs:

New, restored high-definition digital transfer, supervised and approved by director Terrence Malick, editor Billy Weber, and camera operator John Bailey

New Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack

Audio commentary featuring Weber, art director Jack Fisk, costume designer Patricia Norris, and casting director Dianne Crittenden

New video interviews with cinematographers Haskell Wexler and Bailey

PLUS: A booklet featuring essays by critic Adrian Martin and director of photography Nestor Almendros

While I am sure there is much more yet to say (including some long overdue film reviews I have discussed several times earlier) I will leave you all with the first poster from Tim Burton latest, his film version of the famed play Sweeney Todd. Tell me this isn't a bad ass poster. Enjoy...

2007-07-24T15:58:00.001-04:00

Wait no longer. I bring you The Darjeeling Limited trailer:

If this film lives up to its amazing trailer, it will hand downs be the film of the year (and this is saying alot...especially with the new Paul Thomas Anderson film hitting this year too). Lets hope this will be the year of Wes and PTA.

2007-07-21T16:23:00.000-04:00

So have any of you guys ever read my reviews over at KFC Cinema. Probably not (aside from Daniel Lee, of course). Therefore I thought I would post some links for your viewing pleasure. Yeah, I know there not the greatest but I am getting better I think. Some of them I wish I proofread before publishing though. Suffice to say here are a handful...

Flower and the Angry Waves
Black Test Car
Red Angel
Linda, Linda, Linda
Naked Pursuit

Here is one of my earlier ones when I first started writing for the page:

Family

So yeah. Most of the reviews are pretty positive. Then again I try to get my hands on good films to review, hence the positivity. Some times, however, that is not always true. Case in point the last two reviews. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy. If you think they're bad, at least you can get a little laugh.

Back to reality. Apparently the trailer for Darjeeling Limited (the latest from Wes Anderson) hits theaters this weekend either attached to Sunshine or Once (according to several websites). I myself can not wait. Take a gander at the final poster artwork. Looks a bit familiar but I dig it.

I am sure I had alot of great things to say but they have all slipped my mind at the moment. I will be back soon. I promise. Plus next post will have a dvd film review or maybe two...

2007-07-17T22:22:00.001-04:00

It's about frickin' time...

Need I say more....wait no longer than October 2007. This is why we love you Criterion Collection.


	New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director of photography Raoul Coutard
	Archival interviews with director Jean-Luc Godard, and actors Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, and Jean-Pierre Melville
	New video interviews with Coutard, assistant director Pierre Rissient, and filmmaker D. A. Pennebaker
	New video essays: filmmaker and critic Mark Rappaport's "Jean Seberg" and critic Jonathan Rosenbaum's "Breathless as Film Criticism"
	Chambre 12, Hotel de suede, an eighty-minute French documentary about the making of Breathless, with members of the cast and crew
	Charlotte et son Jules, a 1959 short film by Godard, starring Belmondo
	French theatrical trailer
	New and improved English subtitle translation
	PLUS: A booklet featuring writings from Godard, film historian Dudley Andrew, Francois Truffaut's original film treatment, and Godard's scenario

2007-07-16T20:08:00.000-04:00

So like three friends have informed me it has been another two weeks since we last spoke. Oops. sorry guys. at least I know I have three readers, right.

Where was I....ah, yes Chiaki and I got back from our trip to new york last weekend. It was swell, really. We love that damn city. Spent alot of time in Koreatown this year, oddly enough. Sippin' on some OB beer (hmm..tasty) and hittin' up the karoke rooms (man am I a horrible singer). We explore new parts of the city this year and attempt to get more reacquainted with it. Didn't get a hold of my new york friends, whom seem to have disowned me but oh well what can you do (Dani, Ali, Chris, Brandon...if your out there I miss you guys).

Chiaki and I fell in love with a play in west greenwich village called In a Dark Dark House with Ron Livingston (of Office Space) and Frederick Weller. Both we amazing specially Weller as was the supporting role played by Louisa Krause. Two hour off-broadway play with three acts last roughly 30-40 minutes each. Weller was in all three acts, Livingston in two, and Krause in one. Powerful stuff. Really showed me that Neil LaBute (the playwrite) still had some amazing stuff left in him. LaBute, if you don't know used to be an amazing screenwriting/directing god. He made to jaw-dropping films (In the Company of Men, Your Friends and Neighbors), an above average semi-Hollywood flick (Nurse Betty), a full blown Hollywood romance (Possession), back to a great little indie (The Shape of Things) and then a Hollywood remake (The Wicker Man). Throughout that time his original plays came to life throughout the New York and London (Bash, The Shape of Things, Fat Pig, Some Girls). Personally the man works best in film when he is able to direct his own material ala 'Shape', 'Men', and 'Neighbors'. Therefore I look forward to future projects hoping for the best.

Also caught two flicks at the New York Asian Film Festival. Nightmare Detective (the latest from Shinya Tsukamoto) and Freesia; both from Japan. We enjoyed both of them. Currently I am in the process of writing a little article about both for KFC Cinema so I will let you all know when that goes up. I will say, while I really dug Nightmare Detective I still believe that Vital is Tsukamoto's stronger picture. Freesia on the other hand surprised the hell out of me. Went in knowing nothing and came out truly satisfied. More on this soon.

Caught Black Snake Moan last night and really liked it alot. As one review stated elsewhere, an admiration or understanding of southern blues music will really help in your satisfaction of the film. Craig Brewer, the writer/director has a love for music. Just as in his debut Hustle & Flow, music plays a crucial role in the film along side the actors.

Well, I suppose I am off for now. I forget what else I wanted to talk about. I swear I will try to be back in a day or two with the usual sass. Also a review or two will be in order at next post. promise.

2007-06-30T20:08:00.000-04:00

So it has been over 2 weeks (I know I suck...) since my last post so I have a lot to talk about.

To start with this weekend, Chiaki and I hit up a double feature and our local multiplex on Friday with a matinee of Ratatouille with my nephew Isaac and then a later showing of Sicko with just the two of us. I must say it was one hell of a film day. Ratatouille surprised the hell out of being and was a highly entertaining animated yarn from the fine folks at Pixar. I know a lot of people may not believe me but I found it to be the best film from the company since Toy Story 2 (yeah I know everyone loves The Incredibles, but oddly enough I was even more impressed with this one). Sicko, on the other hand, is Michael Moore's comeback film for me. I was highly disappointed with his previously way overrated collage known as Fahrenheit 9/11. Important film yada yada yada. I just didn't feel a connection with the last film. Half because I could give to shits about politics and the other half being I didn't feel Moore did enough hands on documentary shooting that I have grown to love from the man and instead relied on long lost footage of political eff ups. I don't know. Sicko, however, was the man back to his good ol' tricks. Covering something we all can connect with. Damn, was it entertaining. Go and see both Ratatouille and Sicko. Please.

So the Cleveland Cinematheque, as usual, as a very cools schedule lined up for the months of July and August. In July comes screenings of grindhouse classics Vanishing Point and Two-Lane Blacktop along with two early Spielberg films Duel and Sugarland Express. Also on the roster is the controversial doc Zoo, about a strange subject matter a bit awkward to discuss, and Allegro the follow up from the director of Reconstruction (a very cool flick from Denmark). August brings Lights in the Dusk from Germany's Aki Kaurismaki, The Boss of it All the latest from Lars Von Trier, Election and its sequel Election 2(renamed Triad Election here in the states) and Day Night Day Night a film which has been getting alot of acclaim and I am dying to see. Last but surely not least is a screening of Cordoba Nights as part of a series of local films from local filmmakers. The above mention film is by the Campbell brothers from Kent, one of which I had a few classes with in my college days at Kent State. They have grown from their days of over-the-top gore films and have settle down with a quirky road film set in Cleveland with this latest film which I hope sends their filmmaking in a whole new direction.

Speaking of up and coming filmmakers, everyone really ought to watch the film competition reality show now airing on Fox Tuesdays called On the Lot. It started off pretty lame but the show is weeding out all the crappy filmmakers and some really great shorts are finely showing through. A highly light from last week was two outstanding films one from director Zach Lipovsky entitled Die Hardly Working (the best of the bunch) and the other from female director Shalini Kantayya (who scores major brownie points from me by exclaiming her favorite filmmakers are Wong Kar Wai and Pedro Almodovar) called Dr. In -Law. Hands down there is something wrong if these two people are not fighting it out in the finale of the show. Please do yourself a favor and check out there shorts below:

Die Hardly Working

Dr. In-Law

Shalini has a knack for visuals and inventive cinematography while Zach is just a well round genius when it comes to clever and innovated film ideas. Big fan of both directors. Can't wait to see the rest of their stuff. They really impress me from film to film.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Chiaki and I are hitting the road for our annual trek to New York next weekend. We plan on catching a few films at the New York Asian Film Festival and hitting up our usual spots while in town. We are also catching a Neil LaBute play called In a Dark Dark House which we are extremely excited about and I plan on going more in depth on it and other things in my next post. Also expect some dvd reviews of the Polish film The Third Part of the Night and The Ear from the Czech Republic courtesy of the amazing UK dvd company Second Run.

2007-06-15T13:32:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite bands of all time are making their way to Cleveland on Sunday and I may have to make a lil' trek to the Beachland Tavern to see them. I haven't seen the Panthers since I lived in California which is probably going on close to 3 years now. Matter of fact in the last 4 years I have seen only 5 bands play (Envy, Panthers, Turing Machine, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Pixies). Talk about lame. I used to go ever weekend when I was younger. If I can talk Chiaki into going, this will be my 4th time (or is it 3rd?) seeing them live. They put on one hell of a show. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Check out some of their newer tunes here.

2007-06-15T12:52:00.001-04:00

I just had to put this up on the top of the page today. I will admit, I am quite the late bloomer on the western genre. I always thought John Wayne when I thought "western" until I stumbled upon Once Upon a Time in the West westerns arrived. It didn't help that my father-in-law who I first met in dvd release in late 2003 and thus my love of spaghettiJanuary 2004 was also a big spaghetti western (or as Japan calls them macaroni western) fan too my love for the genre just grew. Last year I had the opportunity to all catch Once Upon a Time in the West and Duck, You Sucker (a highly neglected Sergio Leone film here in the states) on the big screen at the wondrous Cleveland Cinematheque. Amazing. One hell of an experience. Now finally last week the Sergio Leone Anthology hit the shelves. The "Dollar" series (Fistful of Dollars; For a Few Dollars More; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) and Duck, You Sucker all in one box (and sold separately). All housed in 2 disc sets packed with extras. I can finally part ways with my The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly 2-disc, along with my Duck, You Sucker UK Special Edition. I picked this baby up online for a whopping $49.22 (it retails at some stores for 100 bucks). Awesome. So go out and by this stuff now, please. If your short on cash, at least do yourself a favor and pick up Duck, You Sucker!

2007-06-14T22:50:00.001-04:00

Its really hard to believe that is has been 10 years since John Travolta has done a anything worthwhile. Face/Off, a largely underrated film, will celebrate its 10 year anniversary with a special edition dvd. Containing among other things, an alternate ending and John Woo commentary, the disc is planned to hit shelves on September 11th. Count me in on this one (I can replace my barebones laserdisc).

Speaking of dvds, look at this damn thing:

I mean, really come August 7th, who's not gonna want this. Does it really matter that the features are all the same. I mean come one the dvd is wearing an Elvis suit (not to mention it has its own collar). How more genius can you get, honestly. Should be a purchase even for all you Bubba haters out there.

So I have continued my search for a film called The Magicians. From Korean director Song Il-Gon the film was filmed as one continuous shot ala The Russian Ark and a handful of other films. I caught Git (aka Feather in the Wind) which I absolutely loved at last year's New York Asian Film Festival and really regretted missing this film (his most recent work). Funny thing is the film has never shown up on dvd in the last two years since its Korean release. I recently emailed the people who own the print in which the festival played last year. Here is hoping they know how I can locate a dvd copy. If all goes well I will have more information on this later.

I am off...

2007-06-12T22:38:00.000-04:00

Man, am I late on my update. But suffice to say I am here so you better listen up. Chiaki and I caught Hostel Part 2 over the weekend. I suppose all you naysayers can stay the same but I will say that it is quite an enjoyable sequel. Where most sequels retread, this film only add more to the first film. I honestly believe if you are a fan of horror you should really give these films a chance. They really impress the hell out of me. With the first Hostel, the ingenious Thanksgiving trailer, and now this - Eli Roth is on one bad ass roll. I am actually dying to see what he does with Stephen King's novel Cell, which is set to be his next film. And I will stop there with Hostel talk cause for some reason everyone hates em.

On to the latest Tsai Ming-Liang film I Dont Want To Sleep Alone, which I oddly enough went to see for myself. Chiaki was deep into Summer classes and the rest of my friends I know would not like the film so I traveled to Cleveland on my own. God, am I so glad I took the trip. The thing is a masterwork. Clearly his strongest film since What Time Is It There?, the film was just spellbinding to watch. If you have never caught a Tsai Ming-Liang film before then it is a damn travesty. His shots are as static and non-moblie as can be but the beauty lies in what takes place with the view. I could not due it justice trying to explain you must simply see it for yourself. His shooting style is all about composition and I really think only a true film buff can really understand the beauty of his craft. As always Lee Kang-Sheng and Chen Siang-Chyi fill the leads with just the right substance to their characters. Just amazing. In the next two months it makes its way around the US from New York to LA and a little in between including Austin, Washington DC, Chicago, and Boston. Please go and see it! Check here for complete schedule of times and places.

So I was skimming a recent issue of the Daily Variety and they were discussing the smaller studios fall/winter hopefuls which got me a little excited. Films I was hoping to see before the year are still scheduled to arrive by Christmas including two of my most anticipated films of the year the latest from Wes Anderson The Darjeeling Limited and Paul Thomas Anderson's There Will Be Blood. Throw in Ang Lee's Lust, Caution; David Cronenberg's Eastern Promises; and Wong Kar Wai's My Blueberry Nights and you have one hell of a year end film list. Man, I can't wait.

I leave you with a link to the Le Doulos trailer, the latest Jean Pierre Melville film to get the royal reissue treatment here in the US courtesy of the wonderful Rialto Pictures.

2007-06-07T00:33:00.000-04:00

So I have to admit, I am not a big kung fu flick kinda guy, that title clearly goes to my brother, Kevin. Matter of fact, the man knows everything there is to know about both martial arts and samurai cinema. If I have a question about either genre he is my go to man. I just recently even borrowed the Shaw Brothers classic Come Drink with Me cause I had yet to see what many call one of the greatest films of China. Which brings me to my main discussion. For the record, if you don't already know, the Shaw Brothers were the gods of Chinese film during the 60s through the 80s and even, I believe, produces films today.

Up until now the best possible transfers of the plethora of Shaw Brothers films was their Hong Kong reissues which have spread over the last 5 years or so. Image Distribution in the US have tried releasing close to 20 titles but most reviewers claim that they seem to each have pretty faulty film transfers. Here's hoping The Weinstein Company's very own Dragon Dynasty can truly do the films justice.

Come June 19th, the company plans on releasing the first for of many Shaw Brother films. 36th Chamber of Shaolin, King Boxer (which if my memory serves me correctly, was a huge inspiration for Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle and would assume The Last Dragon too), The One Armed Swordsman, and My Young Auntie. Each film come in exclusive special editions with some brand new spankin' transfers. After just one viewing of this trailer I plan on picking up all four sight unseen (I believe all four played at the Cleveland Cinematheque a few month back but I failed to catch them). Check it out for yourself, below, right now:

I will be back in a day or two with my reaction to Tsai Ming Liang's I Don't Want to Sleep Alone, Knocked Up, and Hostel: Part II (which I plan on seeing this friday).

2007-05-31T12:33:00.000-04:00

And my stupid ass hasn't bought the Peeping Tom record for what reason? No idea. This video is one of the most coolest things ever. Mike Patton on vocals, Rahzel on beatbox, Rob Swift on turntables, and Dan the Automator mixing....great stuff.

2007-05-31T11:32:00.000-04:00

So I am so excited. My local indie theatre, the Cedar Lee, is getting Paris, Je, T'aime next week (actually originally scheduled for this weekend, go figure). I have been dying to see this for a while now. I even cheated a bit and watch some of the shorts on YouTube. If you haven't heard about the film it is a collection of 18 shorts running just about 5 minutes a piece from a wide range of world renowned directors. Tom Tywker, Coen Brothers, Christopher Doyle, Alfonso Cuaron, Olivier Assayas, Gus Van Sant, Walter Salles, Nobuhiro Sawa just to name a few. To be honest it hasn't gotten the greatest reviews (some love it, others loathe it), but I have been waiting none the less. It has been out on Hong Kong dvd for a little while now but I really wanted to wait til I was able to catch it on the big screen. Typically the international trailers tend to do films justice, but I must say the US trailer is breathtakingly beautiful. Check it out at the official website by click the poster above.

2007-05-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

To all you Hostel haters out there, take a few minutes to read the nice review over at Twitch of its follow-up. It seems the sequel is very much influenced by the classic Italian giallo films with several cameos from some the the Italian genre actors (above director Eli Roth rehearses with former giallo scream queen Edwige Fenech of The Case of the Bloody Iris fame) . Please give this Hostel 2 review a read.

2007-05-30T21:32:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately when most Americans think musical they immediately think Sound of Music, Grease, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, West Side Story and such. Sure they are popular and trademarks of the genre, but to be totally honest, the great don't come from the land of the free. Instead, the truly best come from the "language of love." That's right, kids, France. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (starring the lovely Catherine Deneuve), Young Girls of Rochefort, and Jean-Luc Godard's brilliant Woman is a Woman just to name a few. Which brings me to Les Chansons d'amour. What hopes to be the reemergence of the French musical. Feast your eyes on the trailer below and let me know what you think. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the film was a sensation at Cannes this year.

2007-05-30T19:31:00.000-04:00

So I am a few days late on posting this but the Cannes Film Festival is over. I was wrong. the Coen Brothers flick didn't win anything but received nothing but raved reviews. A film from Romania one the Palme d'Or, which can sometimes be a kiss of death (did anyone see The Wind That Shakes the Barley?!?) or box office gold (I am sure you have all heard of a little film called Pulp Fiction). A Japanese film entitled The Mourning Forest one the runner-up prize, the Grand Prix, along with Gus Van Sant's Paranoid Park taking home a special award and the lead actress of the Korean film Secret Sunshine (which was directed by the man behind the fascinating film Oasis) taking home Best Actress.

There was also some cool film sales. IFC picked up the new film from Hou Hsiao-Hsien (Millennium Mambo, Three Times) called Looking for the Red Balloon, a remake of the French classic. The also picked up Paranoid Park. The Weinstien Company bought the Joy Division film Control while a yet to be officially announced company purchased the Asia Argento starrer Boarding Gate (I promise to tell you all when everything is said and done....I feel honored to know and not anyone else....).

Well that is all for now I will be back in a day along with a post a few days after that with my reaction to the new Tsai Ming-Liang film I Don't Want to Sleep Alone (which I will catch on Friday).

2007-05-26T20:47:00.000-04:00

Alas Aaron has sat down to watch Diggers, so here it goes...

Going into the movie there was really only one things I had on my mind. I know that Ken Marino can write comedy, but can he equal his success from one genre to another, especially something as difficult as drama. Well, the man nails it, with great results. Matter of fact, Marino shines as Frankie, one of the most powerful performances in the film.

Diggers takes place in the mid-to-late 70s in a small New York town right of the shores (near or in Long Island). The only way for a man to live is two fish for clams to pay rent each month. For friends stuggle to stay afloat buddy always seem to be there for each other through the thick and thin. After the sudden death of Hunt's father him and his sister, Gina, must cope with the sudden absense of a father figure. His friend Frankie, on the other hand, is just trying to pull things together in an attempt to keep his marriage and his 5 children alive and well. Their buddy Jack attempts to make his rounds from one girl to the next, while Cons continues to make a living as the town's most prosperous "weed" dealer.

Many reviews including the Variety blurb on the front cover have compared the film to the obvious Diner but a few other films come to mind too. The strongest part of the film is the performance of the four friends which I can't help thinking of such classics as The Big Chill and more recently Beautiful Girls and Good Will Hunting to draw comparison. Ken Marino in a role slightly modeled after his father really shows that he has the chops to tackle more than just comedy. While he often times has some of the best laughs in the film he does an equal job at bringing some of the memorable emotion out of the picture. Paul Rudd, in the lead as Hunt, is equally as impressive as the character destined for much better life than he seems to be living. Ron Eldard and Josh Hamilton are right behind them both with solid performances. Sarah Paulson as Frankie's wife, Julie, and Maura Tierney as, Gina, play some of the most well written female characters I have seen in film for quite some time. Six Feet Under's Lauren Ambrose shows up in a effective supporting role as a big city girl who has an eye for Hunt.

The directing by Katherine Dieckmann, responsible for a handful of R.E.M. videos, does an amazing job at setting up some truly beautiful shots and drawing out some simply great performance from all involved.

I can honestly say I fell in love with this film and was actually really sad when it came to an end after a short 89 minutes. Luckily for me (and hopefully you) Magnolia Pictures has packed the disc full with some great special features. Not only is there an informative commentary track with Dieckmann and Marino (which reveals that David Wain was set to direct the film until Stella was picked up by Comedy Central), but also a 25 minute minute making of/interview, some entertaining and funny deleted scenes, and even a hour long doc on clam diggers entitled Baymen.

So as always get your ass to the local Best Buy or Borders and pick this baby up. It comes with a high recommendation from yours truly and will appeal to any film fan willing to see a honest to god well-written character study of what life is like in a small town. What are you waiting for, get your ass out there an buy it. Now, feast your eyes on the trailer below.

2007-05-25T18:42:00.000-04:00

Okay so I am a day late and a dollar short but I promise I will have a Diggers review sometime in the next 24 hours. Until then, I would like to make a comment or two about a novel I just read. Yeah that's right I said "novel I just read." I used to read like a fiend when I was younger especially around the time of my discovery of Chuck Palahniuk which was as far back as the summer of '99. However over time film and music completely began to overpower the literature, which now I find a bit sad. I forgot how great it was to finish a engrossing novel. Which leads me to this...

Man is this a killer book. Ryu Murakami (not to be confused with the more popular Hikaru Murakami) is a underrated and quite unknown Japanese writer here in the states. His most popular novels released and translated in English are Almost Transparent Blue (a brilliant book which reminds you very much of the writings of J.G. Ballard) and Coin Locker Babies (a novel I have owned forever but never have really sat down to read...oddly enough I recently bought it as a birthday gift for one of my best buddies, Nate). People may or may not know him also as the madman behind the book Audition which was turned into a very successful horror film by the almighty Takashi Miike.

Piercing, which I just found out was originally released in Japan over 13 years ago, is one hell of a page turner. It follows a man with a sudden urge to stab his newborn baby night after night and instead plans a trip to the city to hatch a murder to get his mind off things. Enter Chiaki (yes, the same name as my wife), who seems to be the wrong victim for his plans. From there on all hell breaks loose and you won't want to put the novel down.

Yeah, you can say the book is a bit disturbing, but man is it a great read. Go run to Borders and pick it up now, please! Me I am off to find my Coin Locker Babies novel and dig write in. Speaking of dig, I will be back with my Diggers review shortly....promise!

2007-05-24T13:48:00.001-04:00

Back for a second with the just discovered Sicko trailer, the latest doc from Michael Moore. This time he goes after Health Care. Looks great.

2007-05-24T12:21:00.002-04:00

So what do you think about when you think of the name Downloading Nancy? Stupid freakin' name, right.

Then you here the synopsis:

"The film follows the fate of an unhappy housewife who instead of committing suicide, meets a man over the Internet and hires him to kill her. Things become more complicated when the two unexpectedly fall in love."

The film begins to sounds a whole lot cooler. Then you hear that the cast includes Jason Patric (who many may crack on, but the man was brilliant in Your Friends and Neighbors) and Maria Bello. Next you hear that it is the directorial debut from music video director Johan Renck (whether you love or hate video director, you must admit they all have inventive ideas) who has shot videos for such artists as Madonna and Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, and New Order. Finally and what has honestly sealed the fate for me is that the film will be shot by the world's most amazing cinematographer, Christopher Doyle. Color me excited!

Speaking of Christopher Doyle the man and his latest shot film has been getting major props in Cannes right now. Doyle was the DP on the latest film from Gus Van Sant, Paranoid Park, which has been named one of the front runners for the major prizes come Sunday. It would be pretty killer if My man, Chris, was award for his camera work, just like he was back in '97 for Happy Together and in 2000 for In the Mood For Love. Lets cross our fingers.

Doyle is not the only one it seems that is at Cannes on a yearly basis with a film up their sleeve. If anyone can top him it would have to be the lovely Asia Argento.

Not only does it seem like she is there year after year but this year she reigns supreme with count 'em, three films :Go-Go Tales, Boarding Gate, and Une Vieille Maîtresse. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention her father, the great Dario Argento, brought a showreel of his latest film, Mother of Tears, which also stars Asia. I really which I was there this year. One of theses days, I hope.

I willl be back tonight, more than likely, with a review of the Magnolia Pictures film, Diggers.

2007-05-20T23:23:00.002-04:00

One last thing before I sleep toinght. There is a great book out their that I constantly pick up from time to time to sharp my knowledge of film. If you know me well, you know that hands down my favorite era of cinema was the 60s. Possibly the best book on the era (others than picking up one of the thousands of Godard books) is Revolution! The Explosion of World Cinema in the Sixties. I literally pick the book up every few days to read a page or two or look up a director or film to see if the book discuss them (which it always does). But something I forgot about until just today, after scoping some random website, was how damn cool the UK cover was in relation to the one available her in the states. I am sure you can guess which one is which.

Come on people, which one, in your opinion, carely represents 60s cinema?

2007-05-20T23:12:00.000-04:00

Okay so I know this is an old trailer but it has to be one of the funniest teasers I have ever seen. So to get everyone excited for the release of Knocked Up on June 1st, I bring you the hilarious international teaser:

2007-05-20T22:56:00.001-04:00

So its only three days in but I will call it right here and now. The Coen Brothers' latest, No Country for Old Men is going to leave France with one of the biggies, possibly the Palme d'Or. Trust me the reviews for this sucker are pretty astounding. Most call it their possible masterpiece and hands down their best flick since The Big Lebowski. All this talk has made me pretty damn pumped for this now and I am dying waiting for it.

Check out a Cannes promo reel of the film now at Solace in Cinema.

2007-05-20T22:10:00.000-04:00

So check out the Cannes poster for the new Olivier Assayas film, Boarding Gate, starring Asia Argento.

Um, yeah....I doubt this will be the US poster, but it's, uh, interesting nonetheless.

2007-05-19T23:07:00.001-04:00

If you are really in need of a laugh and find humor in things like The State, Wet Hot American Summer, Stella, Reno 911, and anything remotely attached to Michael Showalter you honestly need to check this out. I bring you the Micheal Showalter Showalter:

With guest Paul Rudd
With guest Michael Ian Black
With guest Zach Galifianakis
With David Cross

If you do not find humor in this, I truly feel sorry for you. Great Stuff.

2007-05-18T23:22:00.000-04:00

We have booked one hell of a schedule for May & June at the Canton Palace Theatre:

May 27
Iraq in Fragments Not Rated 1 hour and 34 minutes
This film illuminates post-war Iraq in three acts.

May 31 - June 1
Avenue Montaigne Rated PG-13 1 hour and 45 minutes
Jessica becomes a waitress at a bistro in Paris, but she does now know
famous her customers really are.

June 17
Black Book Rated R 2 hours and 25 minutes
Set in 1944, Rachel Stein is seeking revenge for the murder of her family,
but falls in love with a Gestapo officer.

June 21
After the Wedding Rated R 1 hour and 55 minutes
Jacob attends the wedding of a Denmark family to receive a donation and
save his orphanage, but ends up in the dilemma of his life.

June 28
The Wind That Shakes the Barley Not Rated 2 hours and 4 minutes
Ireland 1920: Two brothers fight in a guerrilla army against the British,
but when victory seems near, civil war breaks out in the country. Winner of Cannes Film Festival 2006's prestigious Palme d'Or, the festival's best film award also known as the Golden Palm.

Five critically acclaimed films for 4 bucks apiece. Come on what are you waiting for. All films start at 7:30pm. Personally, can't wait to check out After the Wedding, which I have heard nothing but great things about!

2007-05-18T13:00:00.001-04:00

I had to post this cause the cover is just so damn cool. Hope no one is offended.

That may possibly be one of the best damn sexploitation covers I have ever seen. It stars Christina Lindberg, of Thriller: They Call Her One Eye and Sex & Fury fame, and is the acting debut of Good Will Hunting's Stellan Skarsgard. Looks like some good stuff, if that's your thing of course. The disc streets on July 24th. The folks over at the wonderful Synapse Films have chosen to help out a foreign company (Impulse Pictures) get distro stateside. Expect more great exploitation on the horizon, including another Lindberg classic, Exposed, coming in November.

2007-05-17T18:56:00.000-04:00

Simple Question...why?

Yes thats the caveman from the GEICO commerical and yes they have spawned their own show on ABC. Once again, I ask...why?

At least, NBC has decided to add onto its superhero success of Heroes with the following:

To top it off, it actually looks pretty damn cool.

On one last note, it looks like Lucy Liu is coming back to television and Parker Posey is also hoping for success on the small screen.

2007-05-17T17:19:00.000-04:00

Alittle change of plans this week. Looks like are trip to Pittsburgh has been changed. We figure we may as well save some money and stay home tonight and hit up Columbus tomorrow. Which means a nice little bento from the new place in the mini Japanese plaza. The name slips my mind right now but man is it super tasty. I would also like to swing over to see one of my best friends, Jason, along with his wonderful wife and their newborn baby.

As much as I wanted to see I Don't Want to Sleep Alone this weekend, I know I can catch it in two weeks at the good ol' Cleveland Cinematheque. One of my other best friends, JD, will be in town and I really want to drag him along for the ride. It will be my second viewing of a Tsai Ming Liang film in the theater which is honestly the best way to see his flicks.

So Cannes has started and the feedback on the opening film My Blueberry Nights (my most anticipated film of the year) has been relatively positive. While it doesn't seem to blow anyone out of the park it has been getting some decent buzz, which is a good thing.

Check out this little teaser trailer for your viewing pleasure:

I absolutely love it. Many people have been comparing it to Wong Kar Wai's breakout film Chungking Express but I thought it reminded me alot of his BMW short film (The Follow), which we can feast your eyes on here. While your at it check out Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's powerful and brilliant BMW short Powder Keg, clearly the best of the bunch. In my humble opinion, these two directors are some of the best ever to work in the business. Amazing careers that seems to get more and more intrigue as the years go by.

I am off for now but will be back tonight or tomorrow with my usual fare...

2007-05-12T21:43:00.000-04:00

Mucho goodies arrived today. Fay Grim and Diggers from the fine folks at Magnolia Pictures and Black Test Car from the wondrous Fantoma Films. Look for reviews of Fay Grim and Diggers to pop up here very soon while a Black Test Car will be up at KFC Cinema in the coming weeks.

Also bought a new mid-lined receiver and surround sound speakers today along with The Departed, Once Upon a Time in America, and Whisper in the Dark (I had to reach 300 bucks to get "6 months- no interest"...you know I am a sucker for that).

I think Chiaki and I are on for next week to attend the Silk Screen Film Festival in Pittsburgh. Like I mention before I think we will catch I Don't Want to Sleep Alone and Summer Palace.

I Don't Want to Sleep Alone is the latest from one of my favorite directors, Tsai Ming-Liang. I have been dying to see this for a while now and am really excited to catch it. It is playing at the Cleveland Cinematheque at the beginning of June too, so it looks like I may have two chances to see it. Summer Palace I have also been anxious to see since all the fuzz at Cannes last year. The Chinese censors did not allow it to screen at the '06 Cannes Film Festival which resulted in, not only them yanking it from the prestigious festival, but also banning the filmmaker Lou Ye from making anything in the next 5 years. Pretty crazy! I really enjoyed his last flick the 2003 release Purple Butterfly so I am really looking forward to this one too.

2007-05-11T01:02:00.000-04:00

So I know you all do it. As much as we all hate myspace we manage to scan the site randomly out of pure boredom. Whether you are checking out songs from your favorite bands are reading the blogs of friends to still some how past the time at a rapid pace. Something I often times finding myself do is reading friend's pages, then reading their friends, and then their friends and so on. So here I am looking at a friend of a friends page (who also is a friend of mine...confused?), a really swell person by the name of Emily, and what comes blaring on my speakers but The Faint's Worked Up So Sexual.

Man, it has been a while since I heard these guys (it's been three years since their last record) let alone one of their greatest songs of their repertoire. If you have not heard this their modern new wave sound you really should check them out. Great Stuff.

Sorry for the lack of posts as of late. I have been rather busy. I promise to be back in a few with a review or two. Chiaki has a week or two off before summer school starts so we might take a trek to Pittsburgh next week for the Silk Screen Film Festival, an Asian film fest out of Pennsylvania. More than likely we will be catching Summer Palace from China and the latest from my man Tsai Ming-Liang, I Don't Want to Sleep Alone. As usual I will be back in a flash with some more nonsense.

2007-05-06T22:57:00.000-04:00

So I guess I am part of the minority by saying this but....I really enjoyed Spiderman 3. Honestly, I understand some peoples dislikes. I can play devil's advocate and comprehend what bothers them about it but come on people, its an entertaining flick. Maybe its because I never read a Spidey comic book in my life. I don't know. Some peoples complaints have been about the somewhat cheese factor of certain seems. I guess these people never saw the first film (Green Goblin was "king cheese" in my opinion). Also I must say that Sandman was a badass. Not unlike my friend Joe states on his Spidey 3 rant, I enjoyed the character alot more than I thought I would. Thomas Haden Church was perfect for the role. At least everyone seems to like Bruce Campbell's cameo. I mean how couldn't you. The man is genius in this. It is also his longest scene in the series. Congrats my friend...now go and make Bubba Nosferatu. Pretty please!

I am off to sleep I will post tomorrow, as always, with more film madness.

2007-05-01T18:32:00.000-04:00

That my friends is a photo from Wong Kar Wai's English language debut (unless you count his killer BMW short from a while back) My Blueberry Nights (and yep thats the lovely Natalie Portman). It is opening at Cannes and I can not wait for more stuff to pop up at their website as the festival gets rolling. I am sure there will be a clip online a day or two after the festival starts and I can't hardly wait.

Below is the poster art:

Awesome as well, I might add. More on this as the info floods in.

So I finally sat down to watch the James Fox/Mick Jagger pic Performance that I picked up a month or so back (if you know me, you know that I sometimes take alittle while to watch movies I buy). Man, do I love this film. It is a perfect film to represent the 70s. It is one hell of a head trip film which had a similar effect on its viewers as did Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Plain and simple it makes you feel like you are literally high on drugs. The film just absorbs you and doesn't let go. James Fox is sensational in the film as are the small cast around him which includes Mick Jagger and Anita Pellenberg. Highly Recommended in my book and is truly one of those films that really deserves its cult status.

Also picked up the Alejandro Jodorowsky boxset and man is the thing a beauty. Go out and buy this now. Your local Best Buy should have it for 45 bucks which it is worthy of every penny. Three films, a 35min short, and two soundtracks. Come on seriously what are you waiting for. Pick up Performance at Borders while your at it to complete your head trip movie purchase.

I guess that is all for now. I will be back in a day or so with a little more rant including my plans for the Silk Screen Film Festival and a possible trip to Columbus to see the one and only Chuck Palahniuk. Speaking of Chuck Palahniuk apparently a film adaptation of his novel Choke is a go with Sam Rockwell in the lead role. I honestly couldn't picture a better choice. More on this later.

Also in the next week or so expect a dvd reviews of the wonderful Fay Grim and the Ken "I'm going to dip my balls in it" Marino written film Diggers, both courtesy of the fine folks at Magnolia Pictures.

2007-04-29T14:05:00.000-04:00

Man is this good for a laugh. All I will say is that it involves Will Farrell and his landord. It's a must see and doesn't take up much of your time clocking in at just over 2 minutes. Enjoy!

2007-04-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

Why does this always happen. I wait years and years for the US to distribute a film and then finally give in and by the imported release. What happens next you say....the US finally releases the film. It as if they wait for me to spend my money elsewhere...bastards. So here is the most recent occurrence:

Yep that's Duck, You Sucker also known as Fistful of Dynamite in a nice cool looking collectors case not unlike The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly from a few years back. Good news is that they will also have the same editions for Fistful of Dollars and For A Few Dollars More, two titles I have been holding of on for a while in hopes of this very occasion. Duck, You Sucker is awesome. One of Sergio Leone best, in my opinion, right behind the great Once Upon a Time in the West. Here is the special features, which I believe are the same as my recently purchased (well recently gifted I should say) UK release:

Fully Restored and Remastered 157-Minute Feature Not Originally Released in U.S. Theaters
2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
English DD5.1 Surround
French and Spanish Dolby Surround
English, French and Spanish subtitles
Audio Commentary by film historian Sir Christopher Frayling
The Myth Of Revolution Featurette - Frayling on Leone’s political leanings and his
maturing method and style
Sergio Donati Remembers Duck You Sucker Featurette
Once Upon A Time In Italy Featurette - Behind-the-scenes of putting together an exhibit on Leone
Sorting Out The Versions Featurette - A look at the different versions of the film including the originally released 100-minute version and the 157-minute version included on this disc, the long flashback scene and United Artists’ decision to rename the film
Restoration Italian Style Featurette - John Kirk discusses restoring the original Italian version for the first time on DVD
Location Comparisons: Intercutting Film Clips with Current Footage Of Locations Used Featurette
Six Radio Spots
Original Theatrical Trailer
Eight-page booklet

I reccomend you all by this baby come June 5th!

2007-04-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

Okay, so my neck of the woods has never really been known as a entertainment mecca. Yeah, Marilyn Manson is originally from here, alot of celebs like Halle Berry, Dave Chappelle, even Steven Spielberg comes from Ohio but still a movie has never been filmed outside of Cleveland ...until now that is. Good ol' Canton, Ohio just 10 minutes away is going to be the home of a film entitled Finding Sonny come June. That's right, a biopic of boxer Sonny Liston. And who will play the fine young lad...

That honor would go to the man, Ving Rhames. How cool is that. Ving Rhames kickin' it in Canton for 21 days (95 % of the shoot...the rest I am assume on some sound stage somewhere). Apparently Rhames and the director, Michael Watkins (who has won two Emmys and is making his feature film directorial debut), were in town yesterday scouting for places to shoot. They said they want to shoot up and down Cleveland Avenue and want to shoot in front of the Canton Palace Theatre. Yeah, you heard it right, the Palace where I am on the Art Film Committee. And this 2.5 million dollar movie seems to fit that Art Film bill. I have a feeling we will have some stuff to do with the shoot if all goes well. Pretty exciting stuff. I will clue you all end as more info comes along but my ass will try to get involved in this project, in some shape or form. The film will also star Will Patton, William Baldwin, Chazz Palminteri, Jim Brown, Vincent Pastore and Frank Vincent (the latter two of Sopranos fame). Both the star and the director loved the architecture of the city and and the Watkins' exact words were that he got more than he bargained for when he got here.

Pretty cool news, I think.

2007-04-17T21:51:00.000-04:00

As I promised, here is my review of the First Run Features recent release The Bridesmaid.

I will be honest with you all and admit a dirty little secret. I have never seen a Claude Chabrol film. There I said it. Yeah I call myself a film fascist, a big fan of the French New Wave, but was a Chabrol film viewing virgin. Until now.

So what did I think of my first experience with his work - I loved it. Laura Smet is a revelation in this film. I was in awe nearly ever minute she is on screen. But the film has alot more going for it than that. From the opening scene Chabrol had me hook mostly from his introduction of the family and their interactions with one another. He truly knows how to capture the in-and-outs of a relationships and is a pleasure to watch.

The obvious comparison that the director always seems to get thrown in the mix with is how his films often times shadows that of Hitchcock's work. However, in my opinion (at least from this particular fil,), I found Chabrol to be a bit more subtle in both style and form with this successful stab at articulately creating a very quiet yet inspiring thriller which at first glance seems more like a story of romance and how far it can take you.

This film should not be missed. Many directors that have been around this long (he has been making films for nearly 40 years) often times lose their touch in the later stages of their career but that doesn't seem to be a problem with Chabrol. If his latter films are this impressive I can't wait to get my hands on the films he created at his peak.

As always, I am not big on explaining plot details in hopes you are surprised when it seems to head in a different direction. Come on now, doesnt everyone hate to be the guy that ruins the film for everyone. But if you must here is the synopsis from First Run Features, I believe it does the film justice:

"It's love at first sight when bridesmaid Senta falls into the life of handsome young Philippe at the wedding of his younger sister. As their passion for one another intensifies, Philippe slowly discovers that Senta is shrouded in mystery. When one day she asks Philippe to perform a terrible deed as proof of his love for her, Philippe must come to terms with who his lover might really be."

So what I am trying to say is this. Go out and by this damn movie. Actually if you are lazy just click here and pick it up at Amazon. Nuff said.

On with the rest of my rants.

At this time I must take the time to give a shout out to my boy Daniel Lee who was kind enough to put some links to clips of the classic The Monster Squad on his blogspot. It really brings back from memories. These clips forced me to dig deeper and this is what I found:

- the dvd is scheduled for October 2007 as a 20th Anniversary edition
- a cast and crew commentary

- a bunch of extras such as dailies of deleted scenes (tentative), documentary footage of events this year and on-camera interviews with cast members as well as director/writer Fred Dekker.

All this from the star himself, Andre Gower, who has more news poster at his official site. Check it out.

So the Cannes Film Festival schedule has been released and their is some cool stuff in competition this year. For starters, the English language debut of Wong Kar Wai, My Blueberry Nights, will open the fest, also of interest is Secret Sunshine (from the director of Oasis), Kim Ki-duk's latest Breath, the Christopher Doyle lensed Paranoid Park from Gus Van Sant, the longer cut of Death Proof, along with new films from the Coen Brothers and Bela Tarr. Michael Moore latest medical doc Sicko is playing out of competition and so is Olivier Assayas's Boarding Gate starring the always lovely and amazing Asia Argento. All in all good stuff. Can't wait for the festivities with many clips and information about the films constantly popping up via the the official Cannes Film Festival website. Also can't wait to hear more about the films I know zero about, cause who know one may be the best film of the year. I love me some surprises.

Lastly, I am ecstatic for two reasons: next month there will be a Asian film fest in Pittsburgh, PA entitled Silk Screen Film Festival which is soon to be a favorite of mine and on June 1st and 2nd John Ewing will be screening the latest film from Tsai Ming Liang, I Don't Want to Sleep Alone, at his wonderful Cleveland Cinematheque. The anticipation is killing me.

I will be back in a few days with the film schedule for the Silk Screen festival (it has yet to be released) and some more exciting goodness.

2007-04-10T16:39:00.000-04:00

Above is two reasons why Death Proof, the Tarantino half of Grindhouse, works so damn well. Don't get me wrong, Rodriguez's Planet Terror is one hell of a ride too. I just a kind of a bummer that alot of people didn't quite full appreciate Death Proof. Planet Terror was so fast paced and over abundantly violent that by the time Tarantino came around to add alittle bit of character development, people were a bit bored, which is a damn shame really. At least everyone I ask did enjoy Zoe Bell and her scene stealing performance in the last 20 minutes of the film. I, myself, was also deeply impressed with Mr. Kurt Russell, who I have always been a big fan of. I loved him in this film. There has been alot of talk in the last few days about it's poor box office and the possibility of splitting the two films up, like what is planned for overseas. Part of me thinks that is a bad idea but the other half would love to see Tarantino's longer cut Death Proof sooner than later. After all he has already mentioned several weeks ago that he plans to play a longer edit of his film at Cannes this May and I truly would love to see what else he has to offer.

So I forgot to mention I picked up handful of things lately. For 10 bucks a week or so ago I got Sam Peckinpah's The Ballad of Cable Hogue starring the one and only Jason Robards and Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast for 10 bucks at a local video store. pretty damn cool for 5 bucks a piece. I also picked up the Spanish film The Sea Inside (2004 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film) for three bucks. I am pretty pumped. The only one out of the bunch I have seen is Sexy Beast (which I am a big fan of, as you all know). I also have gotten some films recently for review here or there. I will fill you in on that a little bit later.

Also picked up the new Panthers record and the latest from Bright Eyes. Both are good but need more listens to get a more better understanding. I really need to listen to the Panthers record more. I only gave it one full listen thus far so it is due for some more lovin'.

Well it is midnight here and I am tired so I will hit the sack. I will be back either tomorrow or Friday with my review of The Bridesmaid, courtesy of the fine folks at First Run Features.

2007-04-05T23:52:00.000-04:00

So the US division of Paramount Vantage can suck on my left nut. Look what the UK is getting.

Yeah, thats right, a two-disc Babel dvd. Granted the second disc on contains a documentary but the doc is a 90 minute feature length making-of video diary from director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu. Thanks America.

2007-04-05T09:07:00.000-04:00

My boy Sebastien Grainger (previously of DFA) put a new track up on his page entitled i'm all rage and its so damn tight everyone must take a listen. imagine old school Sonic Youth but dancable. its tight trust me and just take a listen.

2007-04-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

Look at this, back the next day. Imagine that.

I forgot to mention the coolness that is Cinema Wasteland I attended on Saturday. As always it was a good time. Always a fun time seeing b-movie celebs that mean so much to a select group of people like myself and so little to the rest of the world. Good times.

One of the highlights was that Camille Keaton of What Have They Done to Solange? and I Spit on your Grave. Pretty damn cool. We were a little sadden when we went to talk to her and she didn't even know what Suspiria was (my buddy Aaron was wearing a Suspiria shirt). Nonetheless Aaron got an autographed picture and also picked up a copy of the UK dvd release of Severance. What a killer flick. Speaking of which, you all must see it when it comes out here in a few months. I myself ended up picking up a Alain Delon film from Xploited Cinema, a killer dvd distro out of Cleveland. The film is called The Sicilian Clan and also costars Jean Gabin and the great Lino Ventura. Top that off with a score by score by Ennio Morricone and you can't really pass that up. I can't wait to watch it.

Also got a chance to talk to the fine folks over at Synapse Films , who are based out of Michigan. If you read this blog often, you know how big of fan of theirs I am. Talked to Jerry Chandler, one of the co-owners of the company, and he's one hell of a guy. Don May Jr, the other half of Synapse Films, is known for his amazing film restorations and has recently remastered the classic that is Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the cool one in the collector's tin). I believe, if my memory serves me correct, they were also working on restoring the first Halloween film after getting their hands on the original negatives, which even contained some unseen footage. Pretty damn awesome. They have some killer upcoming releases which I plan on promoting the hell out of in the not so distant future.

So has anyone else heard the horrible news that the director of The Last Castle and The Contender is planning on a remake of Peckinpah's Straw Dogs. What the hell is that shit. Seriously. Something is wrong with that. No one should ever touch this masterpiece.

Well I am off for now, but do yourself a favor and check out the new Die Hard trailer. I am a big fan of the series and I think this one looks pretty damn cool. May be up there with the first one if the film lives up to the trailer. I just figured it would be a piece of crap since it was directed by the guy who made Underworld and its craptastic sequel. I guess I might be wrong. Check it out.

On a final note, I just found out Bob Clark, the director of everyone's favorite A Christmas Story, the horror classic Black Christmas (the original of course), not to mention Porky's, was killed in a car crash by a drunk driver (who also had no driver's license). It was said that Clark's 22-year old son also died in the collision. Man, so depressing. Rest in peace, Bob.

2007-04-03T15:34:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel shitty. Today's one of those days. Suffice to say, I am here for all 4 of you guys to read.

By the end of tonight a few good things did cone out of the day. I did get a response back from director Stephane Gauger about a screener copy of his film The Owl and the Sparrow. Gauger is a Vietnamese-American filmmaker whose first film is currently make the rounds on the film festival circuit. I will review the film and interview him for my current gig over at the wonderful KFC Cinema. I am pretty excited about that.

I also was in a bit of a shock just minutes ago as I lay on the couch watching television. As the commercials were rolling, Shia LaBeouf came on the screen. Now let me tell you. I think this kid is pretty cool. I really which the rumor was true about him playing the son of Indiana Jones in the new film (unfortunately the information is false). Now back to the commercial. I assumed that as soon as I started watching the television spot I figured it was an advertisement for his latest film Distrubia, which oddly enough looks quite interesting. I continued to watch the trailer and to my surprise the car he had just bought comes to life and starts chasing people! What the hell is going on I thought to myself!? Then it hit me. It was actually a spot for this summer's Transformers. That darn Michael Bay tricked me again. Do I want to see this film? No not really never was a big fan of the toy line, honestly I think I instead was a bigger "Gobots" fan. But I figured it was a pretty funny story so I thought I would bring it up.

Is anyone else out there dying to see Grindhouse. Man, I sure as hell am. Three more days. I will try to report back before them and write a more legitimate blog entry cause man was this one lame. Until then...

2007-04-01T23:31:00.001-04:00

Check out this link to Thanksgiving, Eli Roth's fake trailer from Grindhouse. Genius!

2007-03-28T16:16:00.000-04:00

Picked up The Photo Atlas record and it kicks ass. Just as much as I hoped. Please do yourself a favor and pick this up. Next record to look forward to, is the latest from the Panthers coming at ya on April 10th. Listen to some new cuts now. Good stuff.

So the film festival ended with a bang. Here is the rest of my recap:

Invisible Waves

I think you all know by now, I love this film. First time catching it on the big screen and what an incredible sight. The cast, cinematography and direction are all first rate. Amazing!

Punks Not Dead
Man, what a great doc. So many documentaries cover the early punk movement during the era of Sex Pistols, The Ramones, etc. Been done before. This baby, covers the time after that. I was highly entertained throughout. Very well done film is you are just simply a fan of music. Interesting stuff. It even takes a few swings at recent crap punk. And come on how fun is that!

Paprika

Not too big of a anime fan, but man is this film killer. Very smart and definitely for the thinking man. Animation is creative and impressive.

SeveranceThis started off our final day (and the festivals final day) and man what a start. Highly original horror comedy at its best. This film is probably the most original thing I have seen in a while from the genre. Everyone must see this.

The Ten

So if you have read the last few posts or have known me for a while, you know how big of a fan of The State I am. Anything they do I am there (although sadly I have yet to see the Reno 911 film). I will say it now. This is some funny shit. But, you definitely have to be a fan of The State-esque humor to truly enjoy the entire film. Not unlike David's last directorial venture Wet Hot American Summer , there is stuff in here that is just complete left of center. However, that is what makes it so damn funny, i think. Great stuff. Chiaki even got David to sign her ticket. Yep, we are nerds.

Sway

Last film of the festival (literally). I highly enjoyed it. Quite a downer to go out on but was extremely well done and is the best work I have seen from actor Jo Odagiri.

Over all, it was one hell of a year at this year's CIFF. Can't wait until next year. I am off to watch Big Dreams Little Tokyo, a film I really wanted to catch at the fest but was unable to. The director and his publicist was nice enough to send me a copy however which I will review for the fine pages of KFC Cinema. I also plan on interviewing director David Boyle. I will be back in a few to let you know how it is.

2007-03-24T02:31:00.000-04:00

Art rock is back with a vengeance. Imagine if At The Drive In was still around instead of becoming the disappointing jam band that is Mars Volta (and Sparta for that matter). If they were still rockin' they would be Photo Atlas. Man, are these guys killer. I have only heard a handful of songs but I already love them. I think I might go out and buy the record tomorrow. I think you should too. Check out some tunes right now. Especially "Red Orange Yellow," what an awesome track!

2007-03-21T21:35:00.001-04:00

Found the Cold Prey trailer online today. Please do yourself a favor and watch it now.

Catching Invisible Waves tomorrow in theaters and man am I stoked. Also just found out that Fay Grim will be out on dvd on May 22nd. I totally forgot it was put out by HDNet and Magnolia under the same program as Steven Soderbergh's Bubble, which is simultaneous releases on both dvd and in theaters. Man, that makes me so happy. Bubble was a disaster in theaters but honestly who cares. Everyone knows the biggest business in dvd sales. Let's hope it makes them some cash that way. It deserves to.

Well that is all for now. I am off to watch I Heart Huckabees on IFC. Mark Wahlberg is brilliant in this. Man, I love that film!

2007-03-20T20:39:00.000-04:00

As promised I am back with a recap of the Cleveland International Film Festival thus far:

Transylvania

This was the first film out of the gates and, man, did I love it. A trippy road movie starring the amazing Asia Argento. This is by far the most extraordinary and real performance I have seen from her. One of my favorites of the festival.

First Snow

A cool little indie film from the writer of last year's Children of Men. While I was a tad bit disappointed with the film overall, it is still a worthwhile film full of mystery and an excellent performance from the always great Guy Pearce.

Liquid Vinyl

A well made documentary about the world famous DJs of the underground dance scene. The film does a good job of showing where the music scene began and where it's headed to.

Angosto Definitely the sleeper of the festival. An extremely well made thriller told from 6 different points of view. Each segment adds more and more backstory and structure to the over all plot.
An awe-inspiring film.

The Old Garden

Not unlike that of Angosto, this film does an exceptional job with it's non-linear plot structure. The Old Garden flashes from the 80s in a time of protest, to the present day as the main character makes his way out of jail nearly 20 years later. Great film.

Red Road

While the film was nothing like what I expected it, I did believe it holds together quite well based solely on its outstanding performance. I may need a second viewing to fully appreciate it.

Cold Prey I loved this film! Is it something new? Of course not. Does it follow every horror cliche in the book? Check. But honestly, who cares. There are so many things this film had going for it. Great performances from highly likable characters, visually attractive cinematography, and even a few great scares. What I loved most about this film is that is followed the book page for page but it did it so damn well! By far the best horror film I have seen since Hostel and The Devil's Rejects. Highly Recommended!

Taking Father Home

A little film that tries so hard to be more than it actually turns out to be. While not by all means one of the festival's highlights, it does contain enough humor and emotion to make it a pretty likable film.

Fay Grim One of my favorites by a long shot. Not really exposed to much Hal Hartley I had no idea what I was getting myself into. While the reviews were not so hot, I was still anticipating the flick due to Parker Posey's presence. Man is this film insane. Dry dry humor, off the wall (yet smart) dialogue, and the most ridiculous plot in film history makes for one hell of a ride. Parker Posey shines in this film. Highly recommend for fans of truly quirky films!

Opera Jawa
By far the biggest surprise of the fest. I really didn't know what to expect of a musical from Indonesia but I was dying to find out. This film fascinating from start to finish. filled with an insane amount of symbolism and hidden meaning I am still in mystery of more than half of what took place in this film. While some will over look this film as an utter bore, I was left wanting to discuss the film with others directly after viewing. I honestly believe this is a film that any diehard film fan of international cinema should see.

And there we have it. 10 films so far with 7 more to go. Great festival so far, can't wait to see what else it has in store for me. I will return in a day or two with more to wet your appetite.

2007-03-19T22:25:00.000-04:00

So I had my Cleveland International Film Festival recap thus far all set ready to be published and what happens? My damn laptop overheats and shuts all. So I refuse to retype it tonight, which means you all will have to wait until tomorrow. Look at it this way, at least I will have one more film to add to the list.

Until tomorrow...

2007-03-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

So I have thought this over hard and I have decided to run some films I saw on imported dvd last year and move them to this year releases.

It's only fair, right. Films like Linda, Linda, Linda and Invisible Waves will have a second chance at life in 2007 where they will get limited runs in US theaters, hence more suitable for Top Films of 2007 list.

Speaking of Invisible Waves, I will be catching it this coming Thursday at the already in progress Cleveland International Film Festival. So far I have caught 9 films with another 8 yet to come. I will do a quick run down in a little bit but I will say it has been a pretty damn good festival this year. I can't wait to catch Invisible Waves on the big screen in a few days.

Before I dive into my festival festivities I want to drop a thing or two about a few other films. The Fine folks over at Criterion Collection have released their June schedule and it's a doozy.

For starters, two sets I have been dying to get into my collection, If.... and La Jetee:

If.... is a Malcolm McDowell classic from the late 60s that I have been trying to get my hands on for years but have been unsuccessful. Can't wait for that one. The other is a set by Chris Marker which includes both La Jetee and a later work of his entitled Sans Soleil. If you are not too familiar, La Jetee is a short film told entirely (except for one moving image) through still photographs. The film was the basis for the Terry Gilliam film Twelve Monkeys.

Two other releases are schedule for June which I have also been quite curiously to see:

Both films are from the 70s and were directed by Yugoslavian filmmaker Dušan Makavejev. I have hear a fair amount of good things about WR: Mysteries of the Organism and would be willing to bet Sweet Movie is also worth a watch. I may have to also pic one of these up sight unseen simply out of curiosity.

I will leave you with some footage from Hostel: Part 2. All you naysayers can keep on hatin' but in my opinion Hostel was the best horror film since The Devil's Rejects. The sequel looks headed in the right direction with the plot leaning more towards what would drive someone to do this and how they get involved in these activities. Say what you will, but I can't wait for June 6th to come around.

Well, I am off but I will be back either tonight or tomorrow with a film festival update.

2007-03-14T19:42:00.000-04:00

Apparently Hollywood loves child molesters. Victor Salva, the madman behind such trash as Powder, the Jeepers Creepers films, and twelve year old boys....er, Clownhouse....is back with Peaceful Warrior.

Shame on you Hollywood for letting this man run free.

And shame on you Nick Nolte for doing this crap. I am highly disappointed.

Thank god, Nolte has Quelques Jours en Septembre (A Few Days in September) to fall back on.

Do yourself a favor and check out the trailer for the film to wash the bad taste of Peaceful Warrior out.

2007-03-14T15:28:00.000-04:00

So 8 days isn't to bad of procrastinating is it. I have done worse I suppose.

Speaking of days and the number 8 (wait a minute maybe I can make a film about this..oh wait, never mind), I only have one more day, yes 8 hours left and then I have 10 days off in a row for the wonder that is the Cleveland International Film Festival. I can't wait.

One of the films that is playing at the festival is a great film from Norway entitled The Bothersome Man. it quite sensational actually. I originally thought I wouldn't be able to make the screening but I may still have time. It definitely worth a theatrical viewing or two. The kind folks at Film Movement were nice enough to supply me with a screener copy and I must first of all give them some major props for picking the flick up.

The Bothersome Man is truly remarkable from the pitch perfect humor to the extraordinarily colorful cinematography, the film is sure to be loved by many.

After a run in with a subway train, our fearless leader Andreas (played with precise perfection by Trond Fausa Aurvag) finds himself in an unfamiliar place yet doing the same familiar things.

Life seems to perfect. Why is it so easy to find the right woman? Why is his new job so easy? Why does everyone agree with him? Why can't he get drunk? Why doesn't anyone notice things are a bit off key around here?

One man's heaven is another man's hell and this newfound 'life on repeat' leads him to find search deeper and farther way from his mundane existence. Will the music creeping out a bricks in the wall give him the answers he wants?

The Bothersome Man is a stylistically beautiful piece of filmmaking that is well deserving of it's praises.

Now through June, subscribers to Film Movement will be able to pick up their own copy of The Bothersome Man, exclusively on dvd (it will not be able to any retailers until June 26th). Are you in the area and want to check it out on the big screen, well then make your way over to the Cleveland International Film Festival where it will screen on both March 22nd at 11:45am and March 23rd at 9:45am.

Well enough said about that. Get of your damn ass and find a way to see the film. It already have it in mind for my Top films of '07 but that is quite a while from now, so on to other news.

I picked up some other things in the last week or so and even managed to fit in a film or two. Zodiac was seen over last weekend and it is definitely a film that I would recommend to all. Don't whine about its almost three hour running time. Honestly, you won't even notice just go and catch the damn thing.

Also pick up the new record from my boy, RJD2:

Go pick this bastard up too. It's well worth it. Hell, if you are a cheap bastard make your way over to Best Buy before Saturday and get your hands on it for $7.99. You can't be that, seriously. RJ does all the instruments, including the singing on this baby. Don't believe me how damn good it is then check this out, beeeaattcch. Personally, I think "You Never Had It" is the best joint on the record, but that's just me. Man, '07 is already turning out as a great year for music and film and its only March. I can't freakin' wait for what else is in store for us all.

I know there is so much more to say but I can't remember so I guess I will shut the hell up for now. I will be back tonight or tomorrow for a little bit more, my friends.

2007-03-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

So I caught Inland Empire this week and at first I didn't even know what to think of it. My friend Aaron and I were just kind of awe struck by the film that we just couldn't simply form an opinion. So to be fear to Lynch (who oddly enough I am not a huge fan of, although I found Mulholland Drive to be riveting) I decided to read reviews both good and bad to form a final opinion. The negative reviews were of no help and we on the same page of bewilderment as I was after the viewing. Then I turned to the positive reviews. While they themselves were lost as far as analysing or explaining any type of plot, they did bring a few things to mind that I found very true of the film.

For starters, Laura Dern nothing short of brilliant in this film. She takes on the complications of three roles with ease. It's really something I overlooked when reminiscing after the film. Most actress when thrown into such chaos honestly could not come out alive. Dern, however, always held your attention.

Another great thing I realized after reading some positivity of the film was a statement made by a writer of Film Threat, which definitely sums up the experiment known as Inland Empire perfectly and to a 'T' :

"While I did enjoy the ride I took with the film, after the lights came up I was just thrilled Lynch was allowed to create such a journey for us to go on. Imagine what the cinema world would be like if more great directors threw caution to the wind and followed their artistic vision. It’s a world I’d like to see and I hope Lynch continues to pave the way."

I mean, it doesn't get much better than that. To tell you the truth, the film is a mess. But, its supposed to be. It's like a nightmare or a dream. It should be applauded for what Lynch got away with by making this film. And for these two reasons, I highly recommend this film. Not to any ol' Joe Schmoe, but to all those honest-to-god film fans. I do recommend that you let go when watch the film. Don't expect anything and do judge the film on the merit of it's story. Its much more than that for the world of film, its more of a true experiment in filmmaking. A trip everyone who loves film, and I mean really honestly loves film and its many faces, should take.

2007-03-03T23:39:00.000-05:00

Yo, bitches. I am back as promised. Alot been going on in the last few weeks. The almighty Cleveland International Film Festival announced it's schedule and it's pretty damn badass. I weaseled myself a press pass this year (I am going to write a story about the fest for KFC Cinema) so I am going to catch a record 17 films this year. Crazy, huh. I can't wait. Who knows I may catch more. Like last year, I am going to take the week off of work So I will pretty much have free reign to see whatever. I am even dragging Chiaki to 7 films. Can you believe it? Here is breakdown of the flicks I plan on catching.

From around the globe:
Transylvania - France
The Old Garden - South Korea
Paprika - Japan
Severance - United Kingdom
Cold Prey - Norway
Angosto - Spain
Taking Father Home - China
Invisible Waves - Thailand
Opera Jawa - Indonesia
Sway - Japan
Angel-A - France
Red Road - United Kingdom

A few from the US:
Fay Grim
First Snow
The Ten

And some documentaries:
Punk's Not Dead
Liquid Vinyl

Some others are tentative and still up in the air so we will see what happens. Man, I can't wait. I am probably post pumped for The Ten the latest from David Wain, one of the man geniuses from The State, and the co-writer/director of Wet Hot American Summer. This time around David wrote the script with Ken "I'm going to dip my balls in it, Louie" Marino. Its gotta be some good stuff. Check out the teaser trailer. If you are a fan of The State, the trailer may make you chuckle, if not sorry for waste 56 seconds of your time. Moving On.

I told you all before I would say a few words about The Aura, so here it goes. Do what you can to see this damn film. It's amazing. I fell in love with this flick. It's so original and caught me completely off guard. A true wonder to watch. I don't want to spend the time explaining the plot cause it honestly won't do the film justice. Seriously, would you go see a film about a daydreaming taxidermist. No, of course you wouldn't so please just watch it. You can dig up a Spanish dvd version of it online by now and even download a illegal torrent the film if that's your thing. Its about in April in the US, so if you want to wait, be my guest. It is definitely worth it. Lead actor, Ricardo Darín is spellbinding. I true wonder to watch. It is a damn shame that director Fabian Bielinsky died last year after only making two films (his first being the excellent Nine Queens).

Speaking of extraordinary lead actors, Chiaki and I had the privilege of seeing The Lives of Others, yesterday. It is the German film that took home the surprise win for Best Foreign Language Film at this year's Academy Awards. I must say it was well deserving (even though you all know I truly adore Pan's Labyrinth). Not to sound overly cheesy but actor Ulrich Mühe is a heaven send. They guys is exceptional in this film. He has become one of my new favorite actors just from is performance in this film. I can't wait to watch some of his earlier stuff, which includes a few older Michael Haneke films, the director behind one of my favorite films from last year, Cache. Anyways, The Lives of Others was top rated. Aside from the from a handful of Rainer Werner Fassibinder and Haneke films, I had never really seen any German films, but I must say it was a absolute pleasure to watch. Please, do yourself a favor and check it out when you get a chance.

So as I talked about from time to time in the past, I am attempting to get my own international film website off the crowd. My friend, Jeff and I talk about it from time to time and we are pretty serious about getting it off the ground in the next couple months if all goes well. In the meantime I have been in contact with a few companies who have been kind enough to send me a few films to review until the site gets off the ground.

So I have decided to welcome you guys with some lengthy reviews in the coming months of some great new upcoming dvd releases. The find folks at Film Movement has sent me a copy of their March film The Bothersome Man, a film from Norway which will also being screening at the Cleveland International Film Festival. I also plan on review First Run Features release of The Bridesmaid, the latest film released on US shores from French legend Claude Chabrol. Expect me reviews of these films in the new few weeks.

I hope you all are excited as I am...

2007-03-02T22:10:00.001-05:00

So I will return with a nice little post in a day or two. So much to talk about the Cleveland International Film Festival, The Lives of Others and The Aura just to name a few things. I will be back. Promise. But now I am a little tired and I am going to catch get some rest. Until then feast on one of my new favorite actors...

2007-02-20T22:39:00.000-05:00

Right now I am dead tired, but someone remind me to talk about the film I caught at the Cleveland Cinematheque this past weekend, The Aura. Wow! That's all I can say right now. More on that on the next post.

2007-02-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

Look at this beauty:

Packed with these extras:


	New high-definition digital transfer of the recent full restoration, supervised by director of photography Pierre Lhomme
	Optional Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 soundtrack
	Audio commentary by Jean-Pierre Melville historian Ginette Vincendeau
	New interviews with Lhomme and editor Françoise Bonnot
	Archival excerpts from French television programs, including on-set footage from the film’s production and interviews with Melville; actors Jean-Pierre Cassel, Paul Crauchet, Paul Meurisse, and Simone Signoret; writer Joseph Kessel; and real-life Resistance fighters André Dewavrin (a.k.a. Colonel Passy) and Lucie Aubrac, among others
	Jean-Pierre Melville et "L'Armée des ombres" (2006), a short documentary including interviews with Bonnot, Lhomme, Cassel, composer Eric Demarsan, writer and filmmaker Philippe Labro, and filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier
	Le journal de la Résistance (1944), a rare short documentary shot on the front lines of the final days of the French Resistance
	Film restoration demonstration by Lhomme
	Theatrical trailers
	New and improved English subtitle translation
	PLUS: A booklet featuring critic Amy Taubin, historian Robert Paxton, and excerpts from Rui Nogueira’s Melville on Melville

All courtesy of the wonder Criterion Collection. Man, I can't wait til May.

2007-02-16T19:58:00.000-05:00

Look at this. A little over a week. Your impressed aren't you. I had some down time from my day off so I thought I would write a quick post. Been kind of a long day. Still waiting for new carpet that should have been here by now (we ordered it a bit over a month ago) so Chiaki and I were around and about bitching at the carpet place and checking out some other places for better deals. I also made time to make a handful of updates for the front pages of KFC Cinema, take a gander if you like. You can also check out my last two reviews at the site, Naked Pursuit and Be With Me, by clicking the cute little icons at the top. I am sorta in the process of writing my review for Linda, Linda, Linda - a beautiful little film which just missed my Top Ten list (I may be so inclined to put it on my 2007 list instead...we will see).

For all of you out there that don't live near me, we had one hell of a week. Ohio was hit with an estimated 7-10 inches of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday. Man, was it a mess. The most snow I have ever seen around these parts, as least as much as I can remember. Tuesday was a good day to use my Best Buy gift certificate, however,with these two purchases:

That is the Mick Jagger starring Nicolas Roeg film Performance, which has been on my to see list for the last few years but was impossible to find until now, and the latest release from the UK darlings Bloc Party. I have yet to watch Performance, aside from the trailer, but I have played the hell out of Weekend in the City, the new album from Bloc Party. Man, have they matured on this release. My buddy Nate informed me that it hasn't gotten the greatest reviews, but I have no idea why. It's pretty damn amazing. Matter of fact their first single 'The Prayer', has spawned one of the coolest damn videos I have seen in a long time. Please, do yourself a favor and check it out right now. You might want to watch it at least twice cause I guarantee you will miss something the first time around. It's a wonder to view. Maybe be one of my favorites of all time. Hell of a track to boot too.

Chiaki and I really want to catch them in Detroit at the end of March. As if Bloc Party wasn't enough of an incentive to go, Sebastien Grangier, forming of the legend that was Death From Above (and the equally jaw-dropping Femme Fatale), will be opening the shows. To hear what Grangier's solo stuff has in store for ya, check out his myspace page. It's some great stuff, definitely different from anything he has done in the past, well sorta.

Tomorrow night, my friends Aaron and Jason and I are going to catch a film at the Cleveland Cinematheque called The Aura. We all are pretty pumped about it. It is by the late director of Nine Queens, which I have not had the fortune of seeing yet, however I did manage to check out the above average American remake, Criminal. I will chime in on this later. For now, I am off.

2007-02-09T19:15:00.000-05:00

So the time is now. I have been waiting to do this list for what seems like forever now. Usually when you make these things everyone choice is delicately made, yet could change at the drop of a hat. You could have one film recently stuck in your mind, even though a few weeks later after watch another you feel it may be better after second viewing. To be totally honest this list may not be perfect. What it is though is some of my favorite films this year, so hopefully you enjoy it.

10) Letters from Iwo Jima

I have to admit I feel Eastwood is a bit overrated. While Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby were good films, my final reaction to them weren't as strong as everyone else. I had high hopes for this one and I think that he really did well with it. The film thoroughly peak my interest throughout the rather long running time. One of my friend Bo's favorite films!

9) Army of Shadows

If you never heard the story about this, I will quickly fill you in. Originally released in 1969 in France this film never made it to the US shores until now, almost 40 years later. Truly amazing stuff. Just shows you how much of a genius Jean Pierre Melville really was.

8) The Proposition

Caught this last year at the Cleveland International Film Festival and was blown away. Really helps film the gap the master Sergio Leone left behind over 3 decades ago. Superb!

7) The Fountain

Probably one of the most overlooked films of 2006. So overlooked, I even forgot about it until after I had made this post. Definitely the most romantic film I have seen in a long time. This film will move you and stick with you for a long time. That is if you get it! Unfortunately, it is one of those love it or hate it films that some may just not get. For those individuals it truly is a shame. This film is a true work of art.

6) Babel

Definitely my most anticipated film of 2006, it didn't let me down what so ever. In my opinion Alejandro González Iñárritu can do no wrong. Everything he touches is gold. Would have filled the number one spot on my list if the remain films weren't so damn impressive. Still amazing filmmaking and will always be with me.

5) Volver

Almodovar got the shaft from the Academy this year he really did. Not only should this have been in the running for Best Foreign Film but also Best Director. I loved this thing. Penelope Cruz is spellbinding in this film. Its a shame that she will be overlooked by Helen Mirren (who has a great performance in a mediocre film). What's harder, playing someone that already exists or creating a fascinating character from scratch. To me its the latter but who am I to judge. She is at least best actress in my book.

4) Little Children

Here's a film that caught me complete off guard. I was a big fan of In the Bedroom especially Todd Field's direction and the two leads. However, I put this film on the backburner and almost didn't even catch it...until yesterday. Man, is this film powerful. Everything about it: the direction, Winslet and Wilson, and Jackie Earle Haley. Wow! The film also has a narrator which gives you the feeling as if you are reading a great novel.

Please, please see this film.

3) The Science of Sleep

What can I say about this film. Its just pure wackiness at its most brilliant. A Gondry video come to life. Its a wonder to watch. What makes it so great is that as strange and abstract as he pushes the viewer, he still draws you back in with the most heartwarming film in years.

2) Children of Men

I will say this right now. This should have been the Best Picture of the Year. I have no idea what the hell is wrong with the Academy of Motion Pictures. This thing is a masterpiece. It is the best film of the year. If it were not for my love for the film below this film would have held the number one spot on my list. However, when writing these things I often base my list on my favorites of the year and not necessarily the best of the year. Some the most breathtaking cinematography ever on screen, this film should be seen by all!

1) Pan's Labyrinth

I love this film. It drew me in from the second it started and never let go. Even though the film is ultimately fantasy based the feelings of the main little girl is something everyone can relate to. Often times and human beings we try to distract ourselves from the negative things in our everyday life. That is the way i took this film. Whether she was strictly living in a fantasy world or if all this was in her head, the fact of the matter was that it took her way from the true horrors of life. While we may not be going through such horrible things, we as individuals can understand what she was going experiencing in some way or another. Del Toro outdid himself with this film. It takes pure intelligence and originality to make a fantasy which touches the hearts of some many on such a realistic level. What a beautiful film!

And there you have it. It may not please everyone but it is what it is. I should mention that there was alot of other films that I found amazing during the year that just didn't have a spot on my list, unfortunately. Films like Invisible Waves, The Departed, Cache, Riding alone for Thousands of Miles, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Borat, The Prestige, Suite Dreams, and Linda, Linda, Linda just missed the list by a hair but still impressed the pants off me. I shall return in a day or two with a longer post but for now I am off to sleep.

2007-02-09T00:17:00.000-05:00

Apparently by "regular basis" I meant every month and a half. Damn, I have been sucking at this. So Chiaki and I saw Little Children tonight. Guess what that means? My Top 10 can finally be made. Yay! Suffice to say it is past midnight and I have to get up for work in less than 6 hours so I am going to bed. However, a promise is a promise and if y'all tune in tomorrow I will have a nice update which will include among other things my Top Ten films of 2006. I know you can't wait!

2006-12-24T15:15:00.000-05:00

So it's Christmas Eve. I haven't posted in over a month. But I am here. I sorta got inspired from my new good friend from the pages of KFC Cinema, Daniel Lee, who just started a new blog and I really wanted to get my ass back in gear. I have been workin' nights for a good 2 months now and I will finally be back to normal after next week. It will give me more time to do alot of things like write this blog and of course see some friends.

So Chiaki and I were going to go see Pedro Almodovar's Volver the last two days. But both days it has fallen through. Next plan, see it the day after Christmas. Well see how that works out. Once we see it I will be one step closer to making my Top films of the year list. I know you kids all love those don't you? Before I can even work on it I need to see three films: Volver, Letters from Iwo Jima, and Pan's Labyrinth. I will regret it otherwise. Last year I didn't watch Hustle & Flow and Crash until after words and I wish I had waited. Oh well.

I can officially write a quick Top 5 albums of 2006 list. I say Top 5 cause, to be honest, I really didn't purchase much music this year. It's sad, really. I am usually as obsessed with music as much as I am with film. I guess it wasn't the case this year. Matter of fact almost my entire Christmas list consisted of films. Chiaki made a pack that she would stop buying me dvds for Christmas cause I have too many. Proves me right, I guess. That's what my parents are for. I figure its a good way to educate me more for what I want to do in life. Teach film. And yes, I have gotten off my lazy ass and started filming out school applications and even sent my undergraduate transcripts to the two schools I wan't to get into: Ohio University's Graduate Film Studies Program or Bowling Green's Pop Culture Graduate Program. If I can't get the former I will settle for the latter. I am crossing my fingers.

So back to my Top 5 albums. I may as well going in reverse so here it goes:

5) Blood Brothers Young Machetes
Come can you really have a Top 5 list without the Blood Brothers. Great Great album. It seemed to be more consistent and flow alot better than Crimes did in my opinion. Still the chaotic boys from Seattle that you all have grown to love. As always, they are an acquired taste, but damn, if you like the flavor you can't really go wrong. Love it.

4) Built to Spill You in Reverse
Man, is this a good album. I have always been a fan of the guys but have kinda been out of the game of listening to them before the album came out. But who am I kidding they hadn't made a record for over 5 years so I guess they hadn't been in the game either. Wow, what a great album to wait 5 years for though. For all you new album haters out there, I call this one their Classic Rock album. Long epic songs like those found on a Led Zepplin disc. Think about it. They had that get ass tune about 'You Were Right' off of Keep it Like a Secret (an obvious nod to classic rock) and then the 20 minute cover of the Neil Young tune 'Cortez the Killer' on the live cd. This album was destined to happen really. I believe that people have to be in the mind set of their love of classic rock'n'roll to truly understand the brilliance of this record.

3) Mogwai Mr. Beast
If there was one album this year that made me find a new found love for a band that I was never a huge fan of before hand, it would have to be Mr. Beast. I will be honest, I really thought their 2001 release Rock Action was a great record but I never got around to pick it up so I pretty much fell out of contact with the band. However, after circumstances which I will dive into more below, I decided to give the album a listen. Man, I was I glad I did. This album really blew me away. This is great stuff. There are some many tunes on here that you want to put in a movie, it isn't funny. Actually Michael Mann had the same idea and through in a few for his film Miami Vice (including the amazing lead track 'Auto Rock').

2) Planes Mistaken for Stars Mercy
Wow. I mean Wow. If it were for my number one pick being released this year, this record would have blown every album out of the water. In typical Planes Mistaken for Stars fashion the album is incredibly raw, gritty, and just really really teeth to the dirt. And man does it just rock your freakin' socks off. Insanely relentless record that never lets you pause to take a breath. No more needs to be said!

1) Envy Insomniac Doze

Truthfully I don't know where to start. I have loved these guys for about 5 years now. They are somewhat of an acquired taste but they are simply one of the most amazing bands you will ever hear. I had mentioned earlier that there was a reason why I decided to listen to the new Mogwai album. Well it was because Tetsuya Fukagawa, the lead singer of Envy, was a guest on the album. I can even explain how excited I was to here this new record. And words can't describe how incredible it is. Imagine the mellowness of Mogwai mixed with chaos so beautiful it will make you want to break down in tears. The new record is not as loud and hardcore as the previous records and I think it is damn near perfect because of it. Please, please do yourself a favor and listen to this epic album. I got a chance to see them live this year and it was one of the best music experiences of my life. I am not doing it justice just by rambling about it so just sit back and watch/listen to this.

There you have it. Great stuff that really made me love music this year. I do want to mention that both These Arms Are Snakes and Cursive put out some kick ass records this year and would have made a list if it were my Top 10 but suffice to say it is only 5. I will admit an omission to the list, the new Thom Yorke record. Yes, I am a huge Radiohead fan and Yes, I have yet to hear the record, so please don't hate me for it. If I were to listen to it I am sure it would make the cut. For this I apologize.

Well I am off for now. I will report back soon on a regular basis. I promise. Back next time to talk film.