Hey folks, Harry here and sorry about last week's column not being up as scheduled, but as you may have read, I had a hard drive crash on my laptop the week before San Diego and I've been crazy trying to get this laptop in shape. I combined last week with this week to catch up. Hope you enjoy it. The pics and titles are linked to Amazon where you can find out more about a given title - and can even purchase the item which gives a little to help support this column. Which is very much appreciated.
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
CHLOE
Sexy thrillers used to be a huge thing at the box office. I suppose because this is an excellent example of the genre, crafted by the wonderful Atom Egoyan and starring the great Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore and the delectably sexy Amanda Seyfried… well… it must have escaped the notice of the world. This is a superior erotic thriller - and absolutely worth your time, check it out.
MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000, Vol. XVIII ( LOST CONTINENT / CRASH OF THE MOONS / THE BEAST OF YUCCA FLATS / JACK FROST )
I do wish these would come out with the option of seeing the movie clean, without the MST3K work in place. Yes, I know I'm the one single person on the planet that never fully appreciated MST3K… mainly because I have an appreciation for the films they mock. Someday I'm sure I'll get over my no doubt wrongheaded notion. But for now, this is all decidedly not for me, though I'm a big fan of LOST CONTINENT. Just not the MST3K version.
INSOMNIA (Blu)
I find that this film is held in higher esteem than I give it, simply because the original 1997 INSOMNIA with Stellan Skarsgard just being so much more awesome than Pacino - and that's not something many can say - and the whole thing just feels more dangerous, creepy and authentic. Nolan's is a solid film, but this isn't a story that necessarily benefited from Star Casting. It just absolutely takes the story out of the grimy reality that I loved in the original. If you want to see that brilliant version, Criterion put out a great DVD for it a while back. That said, this is a nice Blu Ray of the Nolan version. Beautiful transfer, just not the best telling of the story in my opinion.
FILM NOIR Classic Collection, Vol. 5 ( CORNERED / DEPERATE / THE PHENIX CITY STORY / DEADLINE AT DAWN / ARMORED CAR ROBBERY / CRIME IN THE STREETS / DIAL 1119 / BACKFIRE )
Moriarty is enjoying this set tonight, earlier I saw him tweeting about a rather wonderful bit of dialogue from THE PHENIX CITY STORY - now that isn't the best film of the set, for me, that's CORNERED - directed by the great Edward Dmytryk and starring the freakishly awesome Noir Anti-Hero, Dick Powell… who we all love from his Dork Powell days singing with Ruby Keeler in the ol Warner Bros Thirties musicals. Powell toughened up and completely changed his image to that of a tough guy. You should also bow down and worship the awesome character actor, Walter Slezak, who is also great in CORNERED. Then there's Anthony Mann's seminal foray in Noir, DESPERATE. I prefer a great many of his noirs, in particular his Noiry Westerns… But DESPERATE is a strong first effort. If you want a Steve Brodie double-bill, follow up DESPERATE with Richard Fleischer's ARMORED CAR ROBBERY. Don Siegel had a helluva 1956. He directed the brilliant INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, then promptly directed the lean and cool CRIME IN THE STREETS. It is less of a Noir - and more of a juvenile delinquent picture starring that serially no-good kid, Sal Mineo. SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION fans will love seeing a young James Whitmore in this - and of course… try to miss John Cassavetes, I dare ya.
IN BRUGES (Blu)
There really is no way to put it other than, this is a fucking awesome movie. Get over whatever you have on Colin Farrell, he's bloody great in this - as is every single performer in the film. You'll probably find a ton of folks in Talkback backing me up on this pick. It has very aggressive fans, deservedly so!
THE SUPER HERO SQUAD SHOW: VOLUME ONE
Ok… So the MARVEL traditionalist screams at this show, but I just have too much fun with it to deny loving it. It reminds me of NOT BRAND ECHH - and I'm really hoping to see FORBUSH MAN appear, though I dare not dream that character will ever make it in. There's just 7 episodes on this Volume - and I really wish they'd just issued the season. But you know the routine. Hold out for the complete thing one day, or satiate your twitch now.
STREET HAWK: THE COMPLETE SERIES
Amped up vehicles were a big deal to us 80s kids. Most of you kids know of KNIGHT RIDER and some of you cool kids know of AIRWOLF & VIPER. I also loved AUTOMAN. But then there was STREET HAWK - and well, no kid's future Bruce Wayne existence didn't at least have a dream Kitt car, your custom Airwolf and well, not all of us saw STREET HAWK, because ABC just didn't sprinkle the awesome from AIRWOLF and KNIGHT RIDER upon it - though the show was pretty damn cool. That said, this motorcycle would kick the MEGAFORCE motorcycle's spokes out!
ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 remake (Blu)
I really do dig this remake. Carpenter's original, probably made for about what they paid Fishburne for this remake, just is a better movie. The location looks less like a set. The score is vastly better in Carpenter's. And all the badassery is just more badass with Carpenter. But damn I love the look of the remake and yes I enjoyed the retelling of the story, which was already homaged the hell out of RIO BRAVO. But I like it. How about you?
PRIMAL RAGE
Umberto Lenzi wrote this science creating a rage virus - long before 28 DAYS LATER. And it has Bo Svenson and insane crazy fucking Babboons. I like this flick. But I love those slightly off Italian attempts at successful genres. This is PRIMAL RAGE's first release on DVD.
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
A TOWN CALLED PANIC
Probably the most beloved film of Fantastic Fest 2009. Everyone that sees it, loves it. So I guess the best way to show you why you should get this is to show you:
THE RED SHOES ( Criterion Blu)
Powell & Pressburger's THE RED SHOES is one of the most astonishingly beautiful works of I.B. TECHNICOLOR photography every captured. The restoration has been nothing short of breathtaking - as the BNAT1138 audience witnessed last year thanks to Scorsese. This is a film that fills you with culture and awe. It is simply a film that washes over you and cleans the grime of the world away. I love it completely. Here's what Criterion is giving you on this:
New, restored high-definition digital transfer
Uncompressed monaural soundtrack
Audio commentary by film historian Ian Christie
Introductory restoration demonstration with Scorsese
Profile of The Red Shoes (2000), a twenty-five-minute documentary
Video interview with Thelma Schoonmaker Powell
Gallery from Scorsese's collection of The Red Shoes memorabilia
The "Red Shoes" Sketches, an animated film
Readings by actor Jeremy Irons
Theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by Christie
BLACK NARCISSUS (Criterion Blu)
Until this release, I had never seen BLACK NARCISSUS. I had video and televised opportunities, but I never wanted to see the film that way. Honestly, I wanted to see this at the PARAMOUNT THEATER… but have never been able to make my schedule and their screenings of this masterpiece to align. But when I opened up the package from Criterion, I decided that I had to watch it on Blu. I had a friend over and watched Ringo Lam's BURNING PARADISE IN HELL followed by Powell & Pressburger's BLACK NARCISSUS. They could not have possibly played better. After the putrid evil badassery of BURNING PARADISE… BLACK NARCISSUS at first felt delightful, happy and joyous - only for the turn to turn and I found myself soulfully shook by the film and the story. BLACK NARCISSUS is a stunning film, and most definitely not a member of the NUNSPLOITATION genre - ALTHOUGH… they do have some pretty hot Nuns - and at least one of them is in Heat. Jean Simmons is unbelievably great in this film. And for some reason I had no clue that Sabu was in this, and when he appeared I was so delighted. Here's what Criterion has done with this:
New, restored high-definition digital transfer
Uncompressed monaural soundtrack
Video introduction by French filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier
Audio commentary featuring Michael Powell and filmmaker Martin Scorsese
The Audacious Adventurer, a 2006 video piece
Profile of Black Narcissus (2000), a twenty-five-minute documentary
Painting with Light, a twenty-seven-minute documentary
Original theatrical trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic Kent Jones
MOTHER (Blu)
I've watched MOTHER about 6 times now with different people. And every time I watch this film, I love it more intensely. There are echoes of MEMORIES OF MURDER here… with the police. But the story is so heart-achingly told. Hye-ja Kim steals my compassion with her every action. She is not a very educated or enlightened human being. She's got a very simple life made from selling medicinal herbs and home remedies - and performing magical acupuncture. BUT… when she has to become a detective to prove her 'simple' son's innocence - things begin going dark. Of all of Joon-ho Bong's films, I love this one more and more upon repeated viewings. This film will open you up.
GALAXY OF TERROR (Blu)
I love these low budget Sci Fi Corman flicks. I love them in part because you can see some of JAMES CAMERON in pieces of this and FORBIDDEN WORLD and BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS (not yet on Blu dammit). This is a haunted house in Outer Space flick. Nightmares given form by one's own fears. And it stars Robert Englund, Ray Walston, Sid Haig and more. I've never personally seen these films in theaters, so the Blu Ray played beautifully to me. Funky VHS memories was all I had for these two. How are the extras? Here ya go:
Commentary With Cast And Crew
* New Worlds: Producer Roger Corman, screenwriter Marc Siegler and director Bruce D. Clark discuss the origins of the film
* The Crew Of The Quest: Actors Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Taaffe O Connell and Grace Zabriskie discuss their experiences as crew members of the Quest
* Planet Of Horrors: A detailed look into the creation of the memorable sets of the film and alien landscapes
* Future King: Memories of co-production designer (and future visionary filmmaker) James Cameron from members of the cast and crew
* Old School: A journey into the complicated mechanical and makeup effects with artists Allan A. Apone, Douglas J. White, Alec Gillis and others
* Launch Sequence: Co-editor R.J. Kizer walks us through postproduction and a profile on composer Barry Schrader
* Theatrical Trailers
* Extensive Photo Galleries Including Posters, Production Sketches And Designs
* Theatrical Trailer With Commentary From Writer/Director Joel Olsen, Courtesy Of Trailersfromhell.com
* Original Screenplay (PDF)
FORBIDDEN WORLD (Blu)
This one has less star power, but is actually the better movie of the two. Notice the painted take-out styrofoam boxes and egg cartons that make up the sci-fi interiors. And that many of the sets are the same ones from GALAXY OF TERROR - and they even crib vehicles and spare shots from BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS. Kind of reminded me a little of SPLICE. And here's the extras on this one:
* New Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) Transfer From The Interpositive Film Elements Of The Theatrical Cut
* The Unrated Directors Cut (4:3 - Full Frame)
* Audio Commentary With Director Allan Holzman On The Directors Cut
* Interview With Producer Roger Corman
* Interviews With Cast And Crew Including Director Allan Holzman, Composer Susan Justin And Actor Jesse Vint
* A Look At The Special Effects Of Forbidden World With John Carl Buechler, Robert Skotak, Tony Randel And R. Christopher Biggs
* Poster And Stills Gallery
* Theatrical Trailer
THE LOSERS
This played better upon second viewing, than it did upon initial viewing. It is just quite a bit of fun. Chris Evans is very likable in this, and I really like Jeffery Dean Morgan & Zoe Saldana here. And I love the science fiction doomsday weapon that is a threat here. I did want it to be a tad longer with a more complete sex scene… but it is my understanding that they didn't even shoot it hardcore. Sheesh. People, wake up! It will be interesting to see where this film will settle after a few more viewings.
THE RUNAWAYS
I would love it if somebody got behind Michael Shannon's role as Kim Fowley and did a serious awards push for him. His Kim Fowley was just hypnotizing to watch. Such a great scary character - carved exquisitely from reality. I love Tatum O'Neal as the strangely aloof mother. And I do love both Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, and I wish that Stella Maeve and Scout Taylor-Compton had a bit more to do with Sandy West and Lita Ford, but I understand the focus of this film was on Cherie, Joan and Kim Fowley characters. I'm really quite fond of this film. It comes with a commentary with Joan Jett, Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. And there's a decent making of.
COP OUT
Watch stoned and it will all work.
SUPER FRIENDS!: Season One, Vol. Two
Pre-Wonder Twins. Instead we had to deal with Wendy, Marvin and Wonder Dog. 3 characters that I've yet to find a soul to defend their existence. I'm sure I can find one this week at Comic Con, but I hope not. These are still fun btw. Just not as great as some of the more recent JUSTIC LEAGUE cartoons.
LOOK AROUND YOU: SEASON ONE
A stunningly brilliant show from the BBC - that just makes me howl laughing. I was a fan a very long time ago, I think it was while Edgar and I were talking about his upcoming shoot for HOT FUZZ, that Edgar sent me over the UK release of LOOK AROUND YOU - which made me have giggle fits. In particular I'm a huge believer in MATHS. It just makes sense. If you haven't caught this on Adult Swim - or even if you have, you need to see it all. It will make you smarter about being dumb.
THE PROFESSIONAL (Jean-Paul Belmondo)
It is a bad transfer, but at least I've seen it now. And I love Jean-Paul Belmondo. No, Luc Besson did not steal the plot for his LEON. Though this is about an assassin. I'm hoping for a better transfer someday. I just don't know where that option exists for any of us. Wonderful film though!
NOLLYWOOD BABYLON
Here's another film I know due to FANTASTIC FEST! This documentary is about the Nigerian film world. Next to the U.S. and India - Nigeria has the fastest growing homegrown film industry. And man, did they put some insane clips to give you sampling of what exactly you could experience with a Nollywood flick.
and here's the trailer:
If bizarre international cinema is your thing (it's my thing) - this film will help give you some movies to seek out and find. Good luck with that btw. It is exceptionally hard to get these movies.
Next week I'll give you a peek at the fantastic BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD Blu Ray, the pretty weak CLASH OF THE TITANS remake, REPO MEN, IP MAN Blu, CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON (Blu), RAMBO extended cut BLu, CRACK IN THE WORLD, G.I. JOE THE MOVIE (Blu), FANBOYS (Blu), DARK CITY with Heston!, Complete RAMBO on Blu, UNION STATION, THE PROWLER, HANNIE CAULDER, APPOINTMENT WITH DANGER, LOCK UP, OPERATION: ENDGAME, JOHNNY HANDSOME (Blu), DON'T LOOK UP (Blu), THE SECRET OF THE GRAIN (Criterion Blu), PUPPET MASTER (Blu), TROUBLE IN THE SKY, PICKMAN'S MUSE, SLOW TORTURE PUKE CHAMBER, THE CRIMSON MASK (Blu) and more...
