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FLMLVR gets all weird and squishy about CENTER STAGE
Hey folks, Harry here with a bit about CENTER STAGE from the Newman of LIVE CHAT.... that's right folks, I'm talking about that loathsome character... Flmlvr. First he tries to deceive you with lies about me and my obsession with Betty Rubble. Well, I'll have you know that my key obsession is focused upon the radiant cutie of all time, Ruby Keeler as well as Betty Boop, but I'm getting distracted... But right after his ill-founded comment about me, he's right on the mark about that Moriarty/Mongo thing... Scary stuff there... Things only the authorities talk about. Weird. Anyway, here's his review...
I am an addict. Just as Harry is addicted to Betty Rubble, Moriarty to his
henchman Mongo...I am addicted to teen films. There's just something about
teen films that I love. I can never put my sickly finger on it, but I do
love them. It's a sickness, I know...but when I see a preview for a teen
film, I just have to go.
"Center Stage" was no exception. I had first seen the trailer a few months
back in front of "What Planet Are You From", and automatically my hands
started shaking. I needed my fix. I needed it bad. I knew "Here on Earth"
and "Whatever it Takes" weren't gonna cut it. I saw them, and although
cheesy, did not satisfy my urge. So I have been waiting patiently, watching
as Center Stage's marketing crept into Hollywood high gear, my hands still
shaking. Then I heard it. What's this? A Mandy Moore song over the trailers,
on the soundtrack! This is gonna be damn good. So when I saw the latest
trailer declaring sneak preview blah blah, I just had to go. The day it was
happening I was attending a film festival that included "Close Encounters",
and "T2". So I did the only logical thing any film geek would do. Saw it in
between the two. How did it compare to seeing the still awe-inspiring Close
Encounters, and the Holds Up perfectly T2...
...Wonderfully. Let the flaming/hatred induced Talk Backs begin. Now I'm not
saying that it's on the level with either of those films. I'd have to be
crazy wouldn't I? But, damn if it wasn't fun. To me a good teen film doesn't
have to pander just to that audience, try to stuff it full of In dialogue
etc. A good teen film transcends all age barriers and this does that. The
premise of Center Stage is tried and true. But as I said before, it's done
well.
It starts out with Jody, played by Amanda Schull (a girl who is now added
to my short list of women I will marry, she's right behind Kathryn Heigl),
auditioning for an elite Ballet school. She gets in of course and the fun
begins. It follows Jody throughout the year as she encounters various self
doubting obstacles. Her bitchy roommate, all of her instructors, one of
which is played by Peter Gallagher, telling her she's not good enough,
through a love triangle, and of course Jody realizing that she shouldn't
listen to what anyone else says, to just go out there and have fun. That's
the plot in a very small nutshell. Nothing complicated, or for that matter
original, but again done very well. The most important aspect in a teen film
is the actors/acting. Here the acting is surprisingly good, and for the most
part the actors likable...did I mention how damn likeable and cute Jody is?
The dialogue here doesn't try to pander in the least, instead stays true to
it's characters, not the demographic. Probably the most surprising thing
here was the confident direction by Nicholas Hytner. (Madness of King
George, Crucible). Subtle and confident. He got the most out of his actors
and filmed the ballet scenes beautifully. Speaking of the ballet
stuff...it's really good. Yeah, there's a lot of it, but who cares if it's
done well. It was. The choreography obviously had a lot of work put into
it...and it pays off.
Now, I know I'm gonna get tore-up in talk back, but this was just a
good-fun film. I mean where else are you going to find a plot point that
consists of a character fighting with herself on whether or not she should
eat a piece of pizza? Plus there's a great scene with a bunch of damn hot
girls ballet dancing to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Higher Ground...something I'd
never thought I'd see. Great Stuff. When you stop laughing at me, consider
seeing this, I bet you'll end up digging it. As you know I did, and by the
time the credits rolled, my hands had stopped shaking.
A man a little off his reel,
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+ Expand All
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...because this film will suck like every other teen film this year.
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I've said it before - flmlvr watches TRL. He saw Titanic like 7 times in the theatres. Now this. --- Flmlvr is a 13 year old girl. Who needs more proof?
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The Undead have spoken.
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May 08, 2000 3:03:27 AM CDT
I'll give you one thing, Flmlvr. You've got some big brass ball
by psyberia
To praise a teen-targeted movie is one thing. To admit that you have cravings for these movies is another. Good thing Harry didn't post your e-mail. I hope you make it through the day. I am so psyched about this movie, I can't wait to see it on video next week!
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Rubbing my ball sack against the warm feel of a rusting cheese grader. (Harry, Moderator, I love you very much, don't ban me, it's a joke...I love you very much...)
Anyway, the ONLY good teen films (Get ready for a tell it like it is (semi censored) :-) NO BS rant on why TEEN FILMS NO ARE DOG (ahem) and why they USED TO KICK HYPER ASS )(Again, I love you...)
THE REASON THESE FILMS SUCK:
(crap, can't space..)
The writers are 15 years old, the actors are 39 one dimensional and good looking (remember, they have to be 39 since they are portraying 18 year olds)...oy...
The director is a shchool child saying, "Oh, goody, I have a project, can't wait to see it"...and there is NO CONCEPT THAT THERE IS ONE GOLDEN RULE OF COMEDY...5....4....3....2....1...
PRETTY PEOPLE ARE NOT FUNNY! We CANNOT LAUGH AT THEM CAUSE THEY HAVE IT ALL. We can ONLY laugh at revenge of the nerds and Porky's cause they are schmuck horny low life basterds who would sell their 'meatballs' to get a piece of good 'ol american pie, without the embarassment of real american pie...GOD WHY CANT I SPACE I FEEL LIK A RETARD...oh, that's just me...ok...Anyway, there is NO comedy of a GOOD LUCKING STUDLY GUY TRYING TO GET LAID 'CAUSE WE FAT GEEKS NOW THAT GUY WIll sour our girlfriends if she ever met him and it makes me sick...But if we see a movie with smhucks who MUST pull a stunt to get laid, they are good lovable people..you know, WELL WRITTEN CHARACTERS (don't ask, it's too hard to explain what that means...but they used to exist) and stories that are not TOO predictable...I did NOT predict the ending of revenge of the nerds...I mean, you do, but it was more inventive.
This is NOT a rant from a 29 year old living with his mom in his basement in his scooby doo undies master(fill the blanks) with my captain kangaroo nightlight showing me just enough of the goodness that is a playboy magazine as I memorize what miss Bibby Dippy 99 wants in a man, so when I BECOME ANAKIN SKYWALKER, I will kick hyper ass and land her...NO, that is NOT who I am...I am 23, not 29...MOVING ON, I am saying this ONLY 'cause it is true. AM I WRONG? Have you seen ANY GREAT MOVING WELL WRITTEN TEEN COMEDIES LIKE "Fast times at Ridgemount High" or "Ferris Bueler" or "Revenge of the Nerds" or "Porky's" NO!!! Why? 'Cause the principles used to MAKE THEM WORK are IGNORED and substitued with glamour. That is a fact, not just 'cause I am a jealous shmuck who is waiting for a miracle, aka flaming death meteor, to end my never ending kick in the balls (aka life)...Oh, and I just got "confirmation" from my "Special sources" That Aint Jemima will play spiderman. This is 100% fact until proven otherwise. It's true...yep. She fights the evil pancake man and a big ol stick of butter kicks her ass...I read the script...uh-huh, sure did...ok, bye...
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What an interesting secret fetish to have. I will never no the joy of having a secret obsession of any kind. I am sad to say that I am not very familiar with teen films but do shake when near teen cheerleader girls. Anyway, there is only one teen film that I am at all familiar with and it may surprise some to think of it as a teen film. That film is THE IRON GIANT. While I am not sure the exact age of THE GIANT, He must have been a teen. Like human teens, THE GIANT did not trust the authorities. He had self image issues, feelings of not fitting in, conflicts about what He was supposed to be with what He wanted to be, and lets not forget a sever over eating disorder. So in a certain sense, perhaps THE IRON GIANT is a better teen film to check out instead of Center Stage because THE IRON GIANT has the qualities of being a good
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...i think not....You just crack me right the fuck up Todd...
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It's only been in the past year or so that I realized that I see just about every teen flick that comes out. Yes, you have to go through a lot of chaff to reach the wheat but it can be worth the effort. For every "Drive Me Crazy" that I sit thru I just remind myself that I also got to see "Election." Most of the teen flicks are kinda crappy but there have been some excellent ones too. Along with "Election," I loved "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Rushmore," "American Graffiti," "Porky's," and "American Pie." In fact I saw a great teen film this weekend that I'd recommend to all of you, "The Virgin Suicides." It was excellent. I'll be there for opening day for "Center Stage." Incidentally, I'm way out of the demographic for these flicks (35 year old male) but I've noticed that often I'm the youngest person in the audience. I swear when I saw "Whatever It Takes" there wasn't one teen in the place and nobody but me under the age of fifty. I don't get that at all.
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I think not. Teen movies are not movies starring teens, they're movies FOR teens, and I wouldn't call that the target demographic for Rushmore. While they weren't always such (Breakfast Club, Fast Times,) modern "Teen movies" are mass-marketed crap for the same sort of people who shop at Old Navy and wear Abercrombie and Fitch. It's a sad state of affairs that "teens" eat this shit up. I loathe my generation.
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Anyone remember that film? Sidney Poitier's directorial masterpiece, who can forget the pulse-pounding 80s synth score, or Irene Worth's scintilliating performance as Ida Sabol? However good "Center Stage" might be, it will never top "Fast Forward" for sheer movie magic.
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Todd did you post anything on Gladiator? Who has time to read everything? If anyone can put Gladiator in proper giant-sized perspective it is you.
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I don't think so. Yes, it is being marketed to teens. Yes, the script seems to fall into the "teen movie" symbolism. Even the released soundtrack is full of "teen pop stars". But what about the dancing?
The '90s were full of good ballroom dance flicks. Would you call "Shall We Dance" or "Strictly Ballroom" teen flicks? Would (those of you with long memories) call "White Nights" or "The Turning Point", both staring Mikal Bareshnacov, both nominated for Oscars, teen fliks?
I would say that "Center Stage" should be listed with the group above rather than under the banner of Teen Flick. Do you realize that the three lead actors, include "gorgeous" Amanda Schull, are full time PROFESSIONAL Ballet Dancers! And that the male leads are SOLOISTS with the American Ballet Theater, arguably the best ballet company in this country and perhaps the world.
Ballet isn't a gimmick in this movie, so don't treat it like one. Don't make assumptions about it just because american marketing executives seem to think that the only people who could possibly be interested in ballet are teenage girls. Go and see it for the dancing, because in the end, that's what its really about.
(And as to whether its a remake of "Fame"; from what I've seen, the dancing in this film is better.) -
You see, many years ago, when I was much younger, my sister and I went to see "The Craft." Needless to say the theater had only us and one other forty year old man in it. Halfway through the movie this fat, forty something waddles on up to the seat right behind us and sits down. I thought that was kinda odd since the whole theater was empty, but I just shrugged it off. Then, about five minutes later the guy leans up and sticks his head right between ours and says, "I like movies with little girls in them." It was about that time we decided that it might be a good idea to leave. Now here we are years later and I see this bastard again. Only now I know that he goes by the name of Flmlvr. Oh, and how does this sound to you; "One for "Center Stage" please." Yeah, I thought it sounded kinda pedophilic too.
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I agree with the majority of your comments. I know it isn't really a teen film, but that's how it's being marketed for the most part, and seriously, if you try to tell anyone that it isn't...they're not going to believe you. Also, I know that they were all professional ballet dancers. I highly doubt that any actor could pull off the wonderful and mind-boggling moves some of these cats pull off. Although, I've seen Harry do quite a few odd dance members with Quint.
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"a good teen film transcends all age barriers." This statement is an oxymoron. If it transcends all age barriers it ceases to be a teen film, or any genre for that matter. Great films like "Raging Bull" and "Taxi Driver" transcend age barriers and genres . Teen films on the other hand do not. I don't care if the nerdy girl will get to go to the prom with the handsome hunk, or if the dancer can reach her goals and find love at the same time. This stuff is pointless, and rarely is it funny, endearing, or even slightly entertaining.
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Hmmmm, something about this TB is really reminding me of Woody Allen. I'm ouda here.
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I hate to say it, but I will pay money for this piece of $h)te. I think it's the same impulse that makes you pause when you're channel surfing and see Oksana Baiul teetering on one skate.
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i don't think this is what we're talking about when we say "teen film," cereal killer.
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hey all, i am with flm on this. the girl who plays jody in this movie is completely hot!!! she defines the word perfectly. i look at those pictures in the ads and it makes me wanna cringe. so dont worry flm, your not alone.
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...Slowly but surely the lovers of this film are coming out of hiding. All it takes is one brave soul (me)(hehehe) to inspire people's true feelings to come out on this film...And yes, illuminscense...she does define the word perfect....
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Yes, excuse me for not mentioning every good teen film ever made. Read the post I was responding to. I mentioned the ones he mentioned, dig? - I was not a teen in the 80's. I was born in 1982. There is some redeeming value in, say, Ferris Beuller. There is not in She's All That. That's just the way it is. If you don't think things have gotten worse you're fooling yourself.
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Okay I can understand while some (most) of you are flaming Flmlvr (spelling?) but come on people!! At the top of the teen film pyramid are the TEEN DANCE MOVIES!! "Dirty Dancing" "Footloose" "Girls Just Want to have Fun". The plots may suck, but they're harmless, happy little films. They are trite and you know what's going to happen (happy ending) and you get to watch people dance really well. Why are so many people threatened by these harmless pieces of musical fluff? If you hate them just ignore them, and let the rest of us watch in peace (okay and maybe in a little bit of shame that we're out of the target demographic and enjoying ourselves).
PS With all the teen movie bashing no one mentioned John Hughes as a deffence of the genre. Why is that. Where I come from (Norhtern VA, MA, occasionally NJ) bashing him is practically a hanging offence.
PPS Excuse my terrible spelling -
Good God man! Grow some testicles you nancy-boy!
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...to your baptism by talkback and entrance into the brotherhood. Congratulations anf thanks for being willing to put your money where your mouth is. As for your mouth, Disturbed - shut it. Why don't you actually write something and expose yourself, instead of pulling another sagging "Rushmore" arrow out of your quill. Your constant advertising for that, the one and only film ever made worthy of your repeated viewing, has become a tiresome clatter. Or better yet, just don your trenchcoat and use your skateboard to paddle out to the island of misfit toys. I hear they're showing a "Rushmore"/"Bottle Rocket" double-bill at the 9th Circle Drive In. You "loathe your generation"? Your generation loathes you. Chew on that, Cracker!
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May 08, 2000 9:51:25 PM CDT
God, maybe this reviewer should write all crappy teen movies
by pips orcille
First of all, Mandy Moore SUCKS. Whether you like Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera or not, Moore is merely an imitator of them and her lyrics are really bland. I don't mean to say she sucks because she's 15, but her songs are just annoying. Secondly, what the hell is it with this teen audience? Don't teens have any GOOD role models to look up to? I mean, look at Christina Aguilera. Well, I don't know about her music, but her videos are soo stupid. Her lyrics are supposedly intelligent, but in the videos she's just this standard American woman that just lets the guys hug her and not really try to look at them in the eye and tell them what she's feeling. Aguilera's videos are just a means of having more teens go out and party, than actually use their brains and THINK. Aren't there any interesting teens out there these days? Is it all just fine ass ladies and dumbass jocks and guys who are supposedly smart, but actually just irrational? Look at Felicity and all of those shows. They are popular, but damn it, the people in the show are sooo boring. Too much damn relationships. When does it end? And sometimes the relationships can be just too cheesy, that you wonder whether the writers really have passion in love.
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i know some of these kids they tried there damdest do this movie well none of them acted before this movie and i think you just have to gine em a chance
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I would go to it every day and read about the iron giant.
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What crawled up your ass, man? Did you write She's All That? - I love it when silly people with their holier than thou attitudes make ridiculous assumptions and say things that aren't true. Rushmore the only movie worthy of my repeated viewing? Not at all. I'm sorry if you can't understand what makes a movie "manipulative," I really am, because if you got it I wouldn't have had to waste and entire night trying to explain it to you. As for this trenchcoat and skateboard nonsense, it's the first sign of a poor debater, when they make personal attacks, especially those based upon their own biases, in this case toward my age group. You'd think someone as old and wise as you would have a bit better grasp of the art of conversation. Hm. - Why don't I write something? I write almost every day, buckaroo, but I don't see what that has to do with my disgust for the majority of my generation, and especially the wretched films that they gobble up. Fact is, you're a sad old fellow holding a grudge against me, an 18 year old, for no good reason other than that I voice my opinions. Rather sad, isn't it?
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You've inspired me to give teen films another chance (which is not an easy feat!) FLMLVR does indeed have brass balls!
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I realize that in my last post I was really kinda stretching things by calling "Virgin Suicides" a teen flick but I was using the broadest parameters; a movie starring teens and intended to interest teens (though not exclusively). I really mentioned it because I wanted to encourage people to go see it. "Virgin Suicides" was damn good. Anyway, in defense of teen flicks as a genre, I really don't see what the problem is. Every genre generates good and bad examples. We certainly don't trash sci-fi because of "Wing Commander" or "Lost in Space." But to be fair there are more crappy sci-fi films made then good ones and it's the same with teen films. For the most part the bad ones die quickly and the good ones find an audience. "Whatever it Takes" and "Drive Me Crazy" sucked and bombed at the box office. "Fast Times" rocked and it's now a classic of the genre. But looking back there have been several good-to-great teen films over the years just like there's been plenty of crappy ones. I go to them all hoping for another "Dazed and Confused" or "Clueless." Here's a list of teen flicks that are all worth hunting down. "Valley Girl," "Grease," "Dirty Dancing," "Little Darlings," "Fame," "Clueless," "Dazed and Confused," "Breakfast Club," "Outside Providence," "Footloose," "Sixteen Candles," "Pretty in Pink," and "Say Anything."
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Since it's a well-known fact that this site is populated 90% by overage virgins who have no chance of getting near a naked woman I'd think "Center Stage" would be a must-see for you dorks. When else are you gonna get to watch sexy girls in tight, filmy clothes with their legs in the air?
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I sat in complete disbelief that "Center Stage" ever got greenlit. The script was absysmal. Every cliche you could imagine. The casting director should have been fired. There are most certainly dancing kids out there who can at least act a little bit. And the ending?! The big number is like the end of "Staying Alive", except that was more believeable. Nick Hytner dropped the ball big time here. A total self-indulgent mess.
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Clearly you guys are on Sony's payroll. This movie is a joke and should never have been made. A waste of time (mine, having to sit through this piece of crap) and talent (Nick Hytner, some good actors, a few good dancers). Hope the humiliation you will be subject to for praising this pile of dogshit is worth whatever Laurence Mark paid you off.
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HHAHAHAHAHAHA....I wish I knew Mark Laurence.
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On this one...Yeah I read the liner notes of having real ballet dancers in the film...Now it might make for great dance sequences but it makes for crappy acting and a crappy movie. First off the trailer gives it all away...Secondly this movie is cleary delusional...If I see one more "preforming arts" movie show a bunch of kids going to school in NYC on scholarship but some how be able to afford limo rides, desginer clothes and go to all the posh parties I'm gonna SCREAM!!!! It just does not happen...I used to work in theatre and its a whole bunch of scrffy people who often wonder how on earth there going to pay thier bills survie in NYC and worry that if they get injured their carrers will end...Unless you reach the top 2% of the talent pool (often after years of hard work and sacrifice) there are no limo rides you buy your clothes second hand,the only party is a can of beer you saved up for to buy for your self and wonder wther or not you make the right choice...Yet there are loads of bitney spears waana bees who will just squel in delight in this flim thinking if you go to a dance academy you will live in posh surrondings with a unlimted wardrobe buget and hang out with the stars....yeah right....If this has offened you please send all hate mail to...bankofkev@hotmail.com
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Bud, when you go to pick up your check, get his name right. It's Laurence Mark.
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