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.

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.

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...

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Man, talk about a slacker. Okay, I am not a slacker all the time, but apparently when it comes to update this blog, I sure as hell am. It been over two months. I think by now I have lost my last two readers. So what's been going on. Well, as you know from my last post, I have been writing for KFC Cinema, which is pretty damn great. I have had the chance to not only post front page news, but even review films for the site, so you know I am loving it.

Everything else is good too. I am still procrastinating about deciding on a school for my graduate work. Holding down the house and trying to find a close school that deals with film studies, is as you know, pretty freakin' difficult. Damn, near in possible in fact for the area I live in. So the hunt continues.

Caught Babel as planned yesterday. I must say I was not disappointed whatsoever. In my mind it is equal to everything Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (including his amazing short Powder Keg). I just can't fathom why people don't understand what the film is about. That has been the main complaint. It's quite simple in my mind. It's about alienation. It's about miscommunication. It's about the things that pull us apart and ultimately bring us together. The film is just beautiful. Everyone in the film is superb. People also complain that the Japanese story is kind of pointless and beg to differ. People I believe are reading the film the wrong way. Yeah the Japan segment loosely ties into the intertwined storyline but I don't think that was Inarritu's intention. Each story is about family about how horrific experiences just bring us closer to each other. People are missing the big picture in the film. Say what you say about the film but I believe it deserves Best Picture along with a handful of other awards (director, cinematography, screenplay, supporting actor, supporting actress). To be honest, the only thing I wish is that both Adriana Barraza and Rinko Kikuchi could both be nominated but more than likely it will only be one.

Call it one more step closer to making my own site. The good people over at KFC Cinema were looking for a good contributor of Japanese Cinema news so I figured I may as well go for it. I sent them a link to this very site and...I'm there new writer. Will I stop with this blog? Hell no, too many fans - and of course this blog is full of my random thoughts, which as you know, goes far beyond Japanese film discussion. But seriously if you wanna check out a cool Asian cinema site they are the place to go (others than Todd and the crew at Twitch, which is central for everything that is great in film).

So if your really bored, you can take a minute to check out KFC Cinema and read some stuff by their new writer, just look for the stories posted by Aaron....that's me.