This may be the most psychotic movie ever made. There really is nothing like it. Noel Marshall writes, directs and stars as a guy who has lived in Africa for a year and is being met by his wife and kids, played by his wife Tippi Hedren and their kids, including Melanie Griffith. He isn't at the house when the family arrives so they try to get comfortable until he arrives. Then he arrives and everything is great. The end.
One other detail. Lots and lots of lions. They are everywhere. They are portrayed by lots and lots of real lions. Untrained ones. Attacking each other. Attacking people. Constantly.
So many cast members are delivering lines as quickly as possible. The performances are basically just people scared of the lions attacking, because they were really scared of lions attacking. One cast member is bloodied in the opening scene. It isn't faked. It sets a tone.
This isn't filmmaking. This is a $17 million home movie. It isn't entertainment. It's just bizarre. It's worth watching for awhile just for the total craziness of it. But by the end of the film, it is frankly just boring.
Grade: F
Sunday, October 30, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (10-1)
10. La Belle Noisseuse (1991) d: Jacques Rivette
The most perceptive look into the creation of art ever put on celluloid. A four hour look into the interaction between artist and model, the most exciting sequences are the minutes-long shots of a sketch book as the artist turns a blank page into a drawing.
9. Inception (2010) d: Christopher Nolan
I am a huge Nolan fan, but he really topped himself with a dream inside a dream inside a dream.
8. Gravity (2013) d: Alfonso Cuaron
My favorite use of 3D ever, with an immersive experience in space and an amazing story of survival.
7. Short Cuts (1993) d: Robert Altman
I remember being so immersed in these multiple interweaving stories that I could not believe when the film ended because the three hours had seemed much shorter. Not quite Altman's best (that would be Nashville) but this is Altman working at the top of his game.
6. Beauty and the Beast (1991) d: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
I maintain the ballroom dance to the title song is the most romantic scene ever. I don't care that it is animated.
5. Les Miserables (1995) d: Claude Lelouch
No, not the musical. This is a French epic about a truck driver during World War II whose life has unique similarities to the classic novel. As the truck driver, Jean-Paul Belmondo proves why he is a legend of French cinema. This is filmmaking as true art.
4. 35 Up (1991) d: Michael Apted
The one film series where I am choosing one chapter to represent the series, even though my favorite moment comes at the end of the most recent chapter, 56 Up. Apted has interviewed the same group of people every 7 years since they were 7 years old. It is fascinating to see how people change and how they stay the same. I choose this chapter as it best shows how the children became adults.
3. Boyhood (2014) d: Richard Linklater
The act of shooting over 12 years to show a boy growing up sounds like a gimmick, but in the hands of Linklater it is the opportunity for a fresh look at childhood as a whole and a unique experience unlike any other fiction film (Truffaut's Antoine Doinel series comes close).
2. Magnolia (1999) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
It's rambling and overstuffed, with maybe too much going on. That's a virtue with this film. A film that opens with a prologue that warns you that anything can happen and then proves it by climaxing the film with a plague of frogs. I said then it is one of the few modern films inspired by the great silent epic Intolerance (Cloud Atlas has done it since). a film for those who are tired of all films that feel alike.
1. Schindler's List (1993) d: Steven Spielberg
One of the first things I had to do in film school is to write down at least 10 shots that caught my eye in Citizen Kane. This is one of the few films where that would be almost as easy to do as Kane. Also, the power of the film for me was that clearly Schindler was not a great man, but he was human, and that opened him up to feel and perform a great act.
The most perceptive look into the creation of art ever put on celluloid. A four hour look into the interaction between artist and model, the most exciting sequences are the minutes-long shots of a sketch book as the artist turns a blank page into a drawing.
9. Inception (2010) d: Christopher Nolan
I am a huge Nolan fan, but he really topped himself with a dream inside a dream inside a dream.
8. Gravity (2013) d: Alfonso Cuaron
My favorite use of 3D ever, with an immersive experience in space and an amazing story of survival.
7. Short Cuts (1993) d: Robert Altman
I remember being so immersed in these multiple interweaving stories that I could not believe when the film ended because the three hours had seemed much shorter. Not quite Altman's best (that would be Nashville) but this is Altman working at the top of his game.
6. Beauty and the Beast (1991) d: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
I maintain the ballroom dance to the title song is the most romantic scene ever. I don't care that it is animated.
5. Les Miserables (1995) d: Claude Lelouch
No, not the musical. This is a French epic about a truck driver during World War II whose life has unique similarities to the classic novel. As the truck driver, Jean-Paul Belmondo proves why he is a legend of French cinema. This is filmmaking as true art.
4. 35 Up (1991) d: Michael Apted
The one film series where I am choosing one chapter to represent the series, even though my favorite moment comes at the end of the most recent chapter, 56 Up. Apted has interviewed the same group of people every 7 years since they were 7 years old. It is fascinating to see how people change and how they stay the same. I choose this chapter as it best shows how the children became adults.
3. Boyhood (2014) d: Richard Linklater
The act of shooting over 12 years to show a boy growing up sounds like a gimmick, but in the hands of Linklater it is the opportunity for a fresh look at childhood as a whole and a unique experience unlike any other fiction film (Truffaut's Antoine Doinel series comes close).
2. Magnolia (1999) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
It's rambling and overstuffed, with maybe too much going on. That's a virtue with this film. A film that opens with a prologue that warns you that anything can happen and then proves it by climaxing the film with a plague of frogs. I said then it is one of the few modern films inspired by the great silent epic Intolerance (Cloud Atlas has done it since). a film for those who are tired of all films that feel alike.
1. Schindler's List (1993) d: Steven Spielberg
One of the first things I had to do in film school is to write down at least 10 shots that caught my eye in Citizen Kane. This is one of the few films where that would be almost as easy to do as Kane. Also, the power of the film for me was that clearly Schindler was not a great man, but he was human, and that opened him up to feel and perform a great act.
100 Movies 1990-2014 (20-11)
20. Spirited Away (2001) d: Hayao Miyazaki
The best animator in Japanese history delivers his best film, a truly unpredictable adventure with imagination and beautiful animation at every turn.
19. Moulin Rouge! (2001) d: Baz Luhrmann
Luhrmann takes musical history, puts it in a blender, and delivers an energy an excitement never seen in a musical before then.
18. Before Sunset (2004) d: Richard Linklater
My favorite of the Before trilogy is the second, which still has the magical chemistry of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy with a sense of regret of what might have been that was not present in the first chapter.
17. Wall-E (2008) d: Andrew Stanton
My favorite animated character shines in this film with the charm of a classic silent comedy.
16. The Tree of Life (2011) d: Terrance Malick
How does one describe a feature length dream sequence? By simply saying wow.
15. Almost Famous (2000) d: Cameron Crowe
Has any film captured the appeal of rock n roll better?
14. Titanic (1997) d: James Cameron
It has become hip to be revisionist and state this film is not very good. That falls apart when one watches the film.
13. A Little Princess (1995) d: Alfonso Cuaron
Cuaron's first American film is an absolute celebration of child-like wonder and imagination with extraordinary work in script (Richard LaGravenese), cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki), music (Patrick Doyle) and production design (Bo Welch).
12. Cloud Atlas (2012) d: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski
Few filmmakers would even attempt this: Six stories of different storylines in different styles crosscut between them with each major actor picking up a different role in each storyline. Fewer still would pull it off. Easily the most underrated film of this time period.
11. Malcolm X (1992) d: Spike Lee
A commanding Denzel Washington performance anchors a film biography with twice the life of most biographies.
The best animator in Japanese history delivers his best film, a truly unpredictable adventure with imagination and beautiful animation at every turn.
19. Moulin Rouge! (2001) d: Baz Luhrmann
Luhrmann takes musical history, puts it in a blender, and delivers an energy an excitement never seen in a musical before then.
18. Before Sunset (2004) d: Richard Linklater
My favorite of the Before trilogy is the second, which still has the magical chemistry of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy with a sense of regret of what might have been that was not present in the first chapter.
17. Wall-E (2008) d: Andrew Stanton
My favorite animated character shines in this film with the charm of a classic silent comedy.
16. The Tree of Life (2011) d: Terrance Malick
How does one describe a feature length dream sequence? By simply saying wow.
15. Almost Famous (2000) d: Cameron Crowe
Has any film captured the appeal of rock n roll better?
14. Titanic (1997) d: James Cameron
It has become hip to be revisionist and state this film is not very good. That falls apart when one watches the film.
13. A Little Princess (1995) d: Alfonso Cuaron
Cuaron's first American film is an absolute celebration of child-like wonder and imagination with extraordinary work in script (Richard LaGravenese), cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki), music (Patrick Doyle) and production design (Bo Welch).
12. Cloud Atlas (2012) d: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski
Few filmmakers would even attempt this: Six stories of different storylines in different styles crosscut between them with each major actor picking up a different role in each storyline. Fewer still would pull it off. Easily the most underrated film of this time period.
11. Malcolm X (1992) d: Spike Lee
A commanding Denzel Washington performance anchors a film biography with twice the life of most biographies.
100 Movies 1990-2014 (30-21)
30. City of Hope (1991) d: John Sayles
Sayles delivers expert writing and editing (he did both) in a multiple character movie which serves as a portrayal of urban decay from many angles.
29. Up In The Air (2009) d: Jason Reitman
George Clooney's career best work as a man who travels constantly and tries to convince to audience how little he needs human connection as he starts to realize how much he needs human connection.
28. Minority Report (2002) d: Steven Spielberg
It's full of great action yet thought provoking on the issue of freedom vs security. Based on a Phillip K. Dick story, its tone is more dark than I expect from Spielberg until the ending. (Although I subscribe to a revisionist theory that the ending is not actually what it seems and is actually much darker.)
27. Avatar (2009) d: James Cameron
The biggest film of all time showed us that 3D did not have to be a gimmick.
26. Adventureland (2009) d: Greg Mottola
A recent college graduate finds summer work at an amusement park. Sounds simple. The beauty is in the details, and how even the smallest characters are drawn with love. One example: the character of Lisa, who would in a typical comedy would just be the sex object. This film gives her a touching monologue of watching her father's medical struggles.
25. Inside Job (2010) d: Charles Ferguson
This Oscar winning documentary which examines how Wall Street screwed up the economy in the 2000s made me as angry as any movie I've ever seen. This is film journalism of the highest order.
24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) d: Guillermo del Toro
A celebration of using imagination to get through the hell of war, with an inventiveness well past most films and an extraordinary visual palette.
23. Goodfellas (1990) d: Martin Scorsese
The surprise to many is not that this is on the list but that it is this low. It is bravura filmmaking, showing both the highs and lows of organized crime. This is my list, and I have a more personal connection with the films I rate higher. It's definitely a masterpiece, as I rate Scorsese's three master works as this, Raging Bull, and Taxi Driver.
22. Fearless (1993) d: Peter Weir
Here's another great Jeff Bridges performance, as the film takes us into his manic reaction to surviving a plane crash which is at once thrilling and unnerving.
21. A History of Violence (2005) d: David Cronenberg
Are some men born to violence? Are they just good at it and cannot truly get away from it? Leave it to Cronenberg to provide some unsettling answers.
Sayles delivers expert writing and editing (he did both) in a multiple character movie which serves as a portrayal of urban decay from many angles.
29. Up In The Air (2009) d: Jason Reitman
George Clooney's career best work as a man who travels constantly and tries to convince to audience how little he needs human connection as he starts to realize how much he needs human connection.
28. Minority Report (2002) d: Steven Spielberg
It's full of great action yet thought provoking on the issue of freedom vs security. Based on a Phillip K. Dick story, its tone is more dark than I expect from Spielberg until the ending. (Although I subscribe to a revisionist theory that the ending is not actually what it seems and is actually much darker.)
27. Avatar (2009) d: James Cameron
The biggest film of all time showed us that 3D did not have to be a gimmick.
26. Adventureland (2009) d: Greg Mottola
A recent college graduate finds summer work at an amusement park. Sounds simple. The beauty is in the details, and how even the smallest characters are drawn with love. One example: the character of Lisa, who would in a typical comedy would just be the sex object. This film gives her a touching monologue of watching her father's medical struggles.
25. Inside Job (2010) d: Charles Ferguson
This Oscar winning documentary which examines how Wall Street screwed up the economy in the 2000s made me as angry as any movie I've ever seen. This is film journalism of the highest order.
24. Pan's Labyrinth (2006) d: Guillermo del Toro
A celebration of using imagination to get through the hell of war, with an inventiveness well past most films and an extraordinary visual palette.
23. Goodfellas (1990) d: Martin Scorsese
The surprise to many is not that this is on the list but that it is this low. It is bravura filmmaking, showing both the highs and lows of organized crime. This is my list, and I have a more personal connection with the films I rate higher. It's definitely a masterpiece, as I rate Scorsese's three master works as this, Raging Bull, and Taxi Driver.
22. Fearless (1993) d: Peter Weir
Here's another great Jeff Bridges performance, as the film takes us into his manic reaction to surviving a plane crash which is at once thrilling and unnerving.
21. A History of Violence (2005) d: David Cronenberg
Are some men born to violence? Are they just good at it and cannot truly get away from it? Leave it to Cronenberg to provide some unsettling answers.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (40-31)
40. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut (1999) d: Trey Parker
At once both a satire on censorship and a spoof of Disney musicals, possibly the funniest movie of the period. I can try to be sophisticated, or admit I couldn't stop laughing when Cartman rudely makes fun of Kyle's mom in song.
39. Babe (1995) d: Chris Noonan
A simple story, about a pig with heart winning over negativity, which has so many note perfect details. Baa Ram Ewe, Baa Ram Ewe ...
38. The Descendants (2011) d: Alexander Payne
Payne's gentle satire combines with genuine emotion to deliver his best film to date. (For the record, the less gentle satire of Election almost made this list.) Also notable for a star making performance by Shailene Woodley.
37. Happiness (1998) d: Todd Solondz
Solondz has struggled to find the consistency in most of his films, but he nails it here. For more than two hours, he keeps us uncomfortable yet giggling most of the time. He refuses to make judgments about characters that most people will judge.
36. Interstellar (2014) d: Christopher Nolan
Nolan delivers a space travel with a true sense of wonder, and an even truer sense of the importance of love.
35. Saving Private Ryan (1998) d: Steven Spielberg
The first 30+ minutes, a recreation of D-Day, are the most stunning portrayal of war I have ever seen. The rest of the movie is pretty good too.
34. The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996) d: Milos Forman
Who would have thought a biography of the founder of Hustler would be this entertaining? It benefits from the best work of Woody Harrelson's career as the title character.
33. City of God (2002) d: Fernando Meirelles
Life in the favelas of Brazil, portrayed in a matter of fact style which make the dangers of this impoverished neighborhood all the more real.
32. United 93 (2006) d: Paul Greengrass
Greengrass was exactly the right director to place us back in the chaos of 9/11, with a haunting third act exclusively on that fateful title flight.
31. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) d: Steven Spielberg
Started by Stanley Kubrick, finished by Spielberg, and a bit uneven. But it is filled with many memorable images and an amazing central performance by Haley Joel Osment.
At once both a satire on censorship and a spoof of Disney musicals, possibly the funniest movie of the period. I can try to be sophisticated, or admit I couldn't stop laughing when Cartman rudely makes fun of Kyle's mom in song.
39. Babe (1995) d: Chris Noonan
A simple story, about a pig with heart winning over negativity, which has so many note perfect details. Baa Ram Ewe, Baa Ram Ewe ...
38. The Descendants (2011) d: Alexander Payne
Payne's gentle satire combines with genuine emotion to deliver his best film to date. (For the record, the less gentle satire of Election almost made this list.) Also notable for a star making performance by Shailene Woodley.
37. Happiness (1998) d: Todd Solondz
Solondz has struggled to find the consistency in most of his films, but he nails it here. For more than two hours, he keeps us uncomfortable yet giggling most of the time. He refuses to make judgments about characters that most people will judge.
36. Interstellar (2014) d: Christopher Nolan
Nolan delivers a space travel with a true sense of wonder, and an even truer sense of the importance of love.
35. Saving Private Ryan (1998) d: Steven Spielberg
The first 30+ minutes, a recreation of D-Day, are the most stunning portrayal of war I have ever seen. The rest of the movie is pretty good too.
34. The People Vs. Larry Flynt (1996) d: Milos Forman
Who would have thought a biography of the founder of Hustler would be this entertaining? It benefits from the best work of Woody Harrelson's career as the title character.
33. City of God (2002) d: Fernando Meirelles
Life in the favelas of Brazil, portrayed in a matter of fact style which make the dangers of this impoverished neighborhood all the more real.
32. United 93 (2006) d: Paul Greengrass
Greengrass was exactly the right director to place us back in the chaos of 9/11, with a haunting third act exclusively on that fateful title flight.
31. A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) d: Steven Spielberg
Started by Stanley Kubrick, finished by Spielberg, and a bit uneven. But it is filled with many memorable images and an amazing central performance by Haley Joel Osment.
Friday, October 21, 2016
100 movies 1990-2014 (50-41)
50. Pulp Fiction (1994) d: Quentin Tarantino
This was lightning striking at the cinema. Tarantino was a video store clerk who watched everything, then put his knowledge in a Cuisinart and made a film that was at once part of cinema history yet fresh and new.
49. Jerry Maguire (1996) d: Cameron Crowe
Never has a crisis of conscience been so entertaining. We already knew Tom Cruise is a star, but this informed us Cuba Gooding Jr and Renee Zellweger are too.
48. War of the Worlds (2005) d: Steven Spielberg
This set the disaster movie on its ear, showing the carnage from the point of view of the fleeing survivor, yet not minimizing the horror of death surrounding.
47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle's unique storytelling ability finally met a script at his level, (Although Trainspotting is close.)
46. Bullet in the Head (1990) d: John Woo
Woo's masterpiece not only has his stylized violence but also shows how a life of that violence can rot the soul.
45. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) d: Steven Chbosky
One of the best high school movies ever hits a third act twist that turns it into something much more.
44. Talk to Her (2002) d: Pedro Almodovar
Almodovar won his Oscar for a film only he could make, with his typical craziness but a level of heart his films rarely find.
43. Heavenly Creatures (1994) d: Peter Jackson
Jackson's big breakthrough puts us in the mindset of two homicidal teenagers, and it is hypnotic and unnerving. The two unknown teens in their first film are Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet.
42. Grand Canyon (1991) d: Lawrence Kasdan
Kasdan is remembered for The Big Chill, but his look at modern confusion in the early 1990s has sadly been forgotten. It shouldn't be.
41. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) d: Jonathan Demme
One of the most unnerving films of all time gets its chills not from gore but simply from the performance of Anthony Hopkins.
This was lightning striking at the cinema. Tarantino was a video store clerk who watched everything, then put his knowledge in a Cuisinart and made a film that was at once part of cinema history yet fresh and new.
49. Jerry Maguire (1996) d: Cameron Crowe
Never has a crisis of conscience been so entertaining. We already knew Tom Cruise is a star, but this informed us Cuba Gooding Jr and Renee Zellweger are too.
48. War of the Worlds (2005) d: Steven Spielberg
This set the disaster movie on its ear, showing the carnage from the point of view of the fleeing survivor, yet not minimizing the horror of death surrounding.
47. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle's unique storytelling ability finally met a script at his level, (Although Trainspotting is close.)
46. Bullet in the Head (1990) d: John Woo
Woo's masterpiece not only has his stylized violence but also shows how a life of that violence can rot the soul.
45. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) d: Steven Chbosky
One of the best high school movies ever hits a third act twist that turns it into something much more.
44. Talk to Her (2002) d: Pedro Almodovar
Almodovar won his Oscar for a film only he could make, with his typical craziness but a level of heart his films rarely find.
43. Heavenly Creatures (1994) d: Peter Jackson
Jackson's big breakthrough puts us in the mindset of two homicidal teenagers, and it is hypnotic and unnerving. The two unknown teens in their first film are Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet.
42. Grand Canyon (1991) d: Lawrence Kasdan
Kasdan is remembered for The Big Chill, but his look at modern confusion in the early 1990s has sadly been forgotten. It shouldn't be.
41. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) d: Jonathan Demme
One of the most unnerving films of all time gets its chills not from gore but simply from the performance of Anthony Hopkins.
100 Movies 1990-2014 (60-51)
60. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) d: Julian Schnabel
Sure, the story of a man writing a book by blinking his eye because of the rest of his body is paralyzed sounds like a slog. But that would look past the lack of self indulgent pity and the stunning imagery by cinematography by Janusz Kaminski.
59. Short Term 12 (2013) d: Destin Daniel Cretton
Here's life in a residential facility for unwanted teenagers through the eyes of the employees, but I will remember it as where I discovered an amazing actress named Brie Larson.
58. Life Is Sweet (1990) d: Mike Leigh
My favorite slice of life from director Leigh is this earlier film of his. This shows life in a working class family, with a wonderful Alison Steadman as the mother who refuses to let life get her down.
57. Requiem for a Dream (2000) d: Darren Aronofsky
You want an anti-drug movie. This is it. By showing how addiction can absolutely destroy your soul, this is the movie on this list I am least likely to watch again. But I will never forget it.
56. Exotica (1994) d: Atom Egoyan
Egoyan's made more "important" movies. But this film peels back the many layers around a child's murder to show the lives altered in unexpected ways. This introduced me to Sarah Polley and showed me layers I did not know that Elias Koteas and Bruce Greenwood had.
55. The Artist (2011) d: Michel Hazanavicius
There is such a joy to this film. I don't think of it as silent, but as the best valentine to 1920s Hollywood since Singin In The Rain.
54. The Social Network (2010) d: David Fincher
Script by Aaron Sorkin, direction by Fincher. One of the best looks at a current phenomenon (Facebook) ever made.
53. Bowling for Columbine (2002) d: Michael Moore
Moore's best work, by asking this intriguing question: since Canada has more guns per capita, why do we have so much more gun violence?
52. The Truman Show (1998) d: Peter Weir
It's an all too accurate satire of our modern society, where we would rather live through people on TV than live our own lives.
51. The English Patient (1996) d: Anthony Minghella
Minghella brought us one of the few true epics of the time period, and a tragic romance too beat all others.
Sure, the story of a man writing a book by blinking his eye because of the rest of his body is paralyzed sounds like a slog. But that would look past the lack of self indulgent pity and the stunning imagery by cinematography by Janusz Kaminski.
59. Short Term 12 (2013) d: Destin Daniel Cretton
Here's life in a residential facility for unwanted teenagers through the eyes of the employees, but I will remember it as where I discovered an amazing actress named Brie Larson.
58. Life Is Sweet (1990) d: Mike Leigh
My favorite slice of life from director Leigh is this earlier film of his. This shows life in a working class family, with a wonderful Alison Steadman as the mother who refuses to let life get her down.
57. Requiem for a Dream (2000) d: Darren Aronofsky
You want an anti-drug movie. This is it. By showing how addiction can absolutely destroy your soul, this is the movie on this list I am least likely to watch again. But I will never forget it.
56. Exotica (1994) d: Atom Egoyan
Egoyan's made more "important" movies. But this film peels back the many layers around a child's murder to show the lives altered in unexpected ways. This introduced me to Sarah Polley and showed me layers I did not know that Elias Koteas and Bruce Greenwood had.
55. The Artist (2011) d: Michel Hazanavicius
There is such a joy to this film. I don't think of it as silent, but as the best valentine to 1920s Hollywood since Singin In The Rain.
54. The Social Network (2010) d: David Fincher
Script by Aaron Sorkin, direction by Fincher. One of the best looks at a current phenomenon (Facebook) ever made.
53. Bowling for Columbine (2002) d: Michael Moore
Moore's best work, by asking this intriguing question: since Canada has more guns per capita, why do we have so much more gun violence?
52. The Truman Show (1998) d: Peter Weir
It's an all too accurate satire of our modern society, where we would rather live through people on TV than live our own lives.
51. The English Patient (1996) d: Anthony Minghella
Minghella brought us one of the few true epics of the time period, and a tragic romance too beat all others.
Monday, October 17, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (70-61)
70. Thelma & Louise (1991) d: Ridley Scott
Many forget how entertaining this film is while containing the undercurrent of misogyny the main characters are fighting. Also contains of the true star making performances of the period, as this film deservedly launched Brad Pitt.
69. Aladdin (1992) d: Ron Clements and John Musker
Probably the closest any film ever got to capturing the comic genius of Robin Williams.
68. se7en (1995) d: David Fincher
A mean, ugly commentary on the depravity of modern life wrapped in a search for a serial killer killing one victim for each of the seven deadly sins, and the true introduction into the genius of director Fincher.
67. Unforgiven (1992) d: Clint Eastwood
One of our great directors delivers his masterpiece, which both pays tribute to and criticizes the myth making of the western. Also contains my vote for Gene Hackman's best work.
66. Pleasantville (1998) d: Gary Ross
I find this hilarious, and I fully endorse the undercurrent that no, the 1950s were not a better time if you weren't a white man. Clearly Ross (who also wrote) was inspired to respond to those who refer to the past as a better time.
65. Before Sunrise (1995) d: Richard Linklater
A lot of arthouse fans have jumped onto the romance between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke with this film's two sequels, but I was onboard with the original, where we see them fall in love over 18 hours wandering in Vienna.
64. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) d: James Cameron
You want action? This film delivers action. Unfortunately the final message of making your own fate has been damaged by further sequels.
63. Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) d: Steven Zaillian
I love the way that cinematographer Conrad Hall plays with light and shadows in this film, which further highlights the struggle a sportswriter father has to properly nurture the gist his chess prodigy son has.
62. Lagaan (2001) d: Ashutosh Gowariker
I know very little about Bollywood, but I did see this Oscar nominated film from India which doesn't completely fit as a Bollywood film, but is an extremely entertaining musical/historical/comedy/drama about a cricket match.
61. 4 Little Girls (1997) d: Spike Lee
Takes a well known incident in the Civil Rights Movement, the death of four young girls in a church bombing, and humanizes it, letting us know who these four girls were and what was truly lost in the bombing. It's an essential document for those studying the Civil Rights struggle.
Many forget how entertaining this film is while containing the undercurrent of misogyny the main characters are fighting. Also contains of the true star making performances of the period, as this film deservedly launched Brad Pitt.
69. Aladdin (1992) d: Ron Clements and John Musker
Probably the closest any film ever got to capturing the comic genius of Robin Williams.
68. se7en (1995) d: David Fincher
A mean, ugly commentary on the depravity of modern life wrapped in a search for a serial killer killing one victim for each of the seven deadly sins, and the true introduction into the genius of director Fincher.
67. Unforgiven (1992) d: Clint Eastwood
One of our great directors delivers his masterpiece, which both pays tribute to and criticizes the myth making of the western. Also contains my vote for Gene Hackman's best work.
66. Pleasantville (1998) d: Gary Ross
I find this hilarious, and I fully endorse the undercurrent that no, the 1950s were not a better time if you weren't a white man. Clearly Ross (who also wrote) was inspired to respond to those who refer to the past as a better time.
65. Before Sunrise (1995) d: Richard Linklater
A lot of arthouse fans have jumped onto the romance between Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke with this film's two sequels, but I was onboard with the original, where we see them fall in love over 18 hours wandering in Vienna.
64. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) d: James Cameron
You want action? This film delivers action. Unfortunately the final message of making your own fate has been damaged by further sequels.
63. Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) d: Steven Zaillian
I love the way that cinematographer Conrad Hall plays with light and shadows in this film, which further highlights the struggle a sportswriter father has to properly nurture the gist his chess prodigy son has.
62. Lagaan (2001) d: Ashutosh Gowariker
I know very little about Bollywood, but I did see this Oscar nominated film from India which doesn't completely fit as a Bollywood film, but is an extremely entertaining musical/historical/comedy/drama about a cricket match.
61. 4 Little Girls (1997) d: Spike Lee
Takes a well known incident in the Civil Rights Movement, the death of four young girls in a church bombing, and humanizes it, letting us know who these four girls were and what was truly lost in the bombing. It's an essential document for those studying the Civil Rights struggle.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (80-71)
80. Life of Pi (2012) d: Ang Lee
A stunningly beautiful film. I love the ending discussion, which may or may not negate everything beforehand. This film has my vote for the best use of 3D since Avatar changed the game.
79. Up (2009) d: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Featuring Dug, my favorite dog in film history. Squirrel!
78. Get Shorty (1995) d: Barry Sonnenfeld
One of the few films that actually gets funnier the more I see it, this is what I used to put on the TV when I had to work after hours at the video store.
77. (500) Days of Summer (2009) d: Marc Webb
This is a joyful embodiment of the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
76. There Will Be Blood (2007) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
Daniel Day Lewis owns this portrayal of one of the truly great anti-heroes, a man whose very soul has been consumed by greed.
75. Stories We Tell (2012) d: Sarah Polley
An astonishing documentary about Polley's own family, and the question of who her real father is. Made with love, not anger.
74. Out of Sight (1998) d: Steven Soderburgh
Quite possibly the most entertaining film Soderburgh has ever made. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez have amazing chemistry in this one.
73. The Impossible (2012) d: J.A. Bayona
A punishing true disaster film, looking at the Asian tsunami of last decade through the eyes of one family, specifically a mother (Naomi Watts) and son (Tom Holland) who are swept away in the current.
72. Amelie (2001) d: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Jeunet fled Hollywood after a bad experience with Alien: Resurrection and responded not with anger but with this love letter to humanity from his native France.
71. Whiplash (2014) d: Damien Chazelle
A look at the toughest music teacher ever, punctuated by great big band music. I thought the film had painted itself into a corner, but instead it delivers one of the most satisfying endings ever.
A stunningly beautiful film. I love the ending discussion, which may or may not negate everything beforehand. This film has my vote for the best use of 3D since Avatar changed the game.
79. Up (2009) d: Pete Docter and Bob Peterson
Featuring Dug, my favorite dog in film history. Squirrel!
78. Get Shorty (1995) d: Barry Sonnenfeld
One of the few films that actually gets funnier the more I see it, this is what I used to put on the TV when I had to work after hours at the video store.
77. (500) Days of Summer (2009) d: Marc Webb
This is a joyful embodiment of the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all."
76. There Will Be Blood (2007) d: Paul Thomas Anderson
Daniel Day Lewis owns this portrayal of one of the truly great anti-heroes, a man whose very soul has been consumed by greed.
75. Stories We Tell (2012) d: Sarah Polley
An astonishing documentary about Polley's own family, and the question of who her real father is. Made with love, not anger.
74. Out of Sight (1998) d: Steven Soderburgh
Quite possibly the most entertaining film Soderburgh has ever made. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez have amazing chemistry in this one.
73. The Impossible (2012) d: J.A. Bayona
A punishing true disaster film, looking at the Asian tsunami of last decade through the eyes of one family, specifically a mother (Naomi Watts) and son (Tom Holland) who are swept away in the current.
72. Amelie (2001) d: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Jeunet fled Hollywood after a bad experience with Alien: Resurrection and responded not with anger but with this love letter to humanity from his native France.
71. Whiplash (2014) d: Damien Chazelle
A look at the toughest music teacher ever, punctuated by great big band music. I thought the film had painted itself into a corner, but instead it delivers one of the most satisfying endings ever.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Yoga Hosers (2016)
Well.
I count myself as a Kevin Smith fan. I have most of his films on DVD. I saw Red State when he did his tour introducing it and taking questions (it helped he stopped in my hometown). I have two DVDs of him doing his live tours. He has a long history of making me laugh.
Whether it is the description of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in Clerks 2, or the Jaws spoof comparing sexual scars is Chasing Amy, or Gus Van Sant counting a pile of cash in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, the combination of pop culture references, potty mouth, and mocking the male ego strikes my funny bone. But there is also strength of story, whether it is the tender love story in the center of Jack and Miri Make a Porno or the religious satire of Dogma.
That's missing from Yoga Hosers. Entirely. Instead, the film meanders around with no apparent plot, introducing multiple characters who then disappear from the movie. Instead of clever dialogue, we get Canadian puns, lots and lots of them. And then a second half plot so ridiculous that it just kind of lays there. When a movie isn't funny, what exactly am I supposed to do with a villainous attack by one foot tall "Bratzis" -- Nazi clones made of bratwurst and sauerkraut all played by Smith himself.
Uh huh. It doesn't inspire me to laugh. It inspires me to shrug. I expect far more from Smith. A filmmaker this funny shouldn't make a movie this boring.
Grade: D-
I count myself as a Kevin Smith fan. I have most of his films on DVD. I saw Red State when he did his tour introducing it and taking questions (it helped he stopped in my hometown). I have two DVDs of him doing his live tours. He has a long history of making me laugh.
Whether it is the description of the Lord of the Rings trilogy in Clerks 2, or the Jaws spoof comparing sexual scars is Chasing Amy, or Gus Van Sant counting a pile of cash in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, the combination of pop culture references, potty mouth, and mocking the male ego strikes my funny bone. But there is also strength of story, whether it is the tender love story in the center of Jack and Miri Make a Porno or the religious satire of Dogma.
That's missing from Yoga Hosers. Entirely. Instead, the film meanders around with no apparent plot, introducing multiple characters who then disappear from the movie. Instead of clever dialogue, we get Canadian puns, lots and lots of them. And then a second half plot so ridiculous that it just kind of lays there. When a movie isn't funny, what exactly am I supposed to do with a villainous attack by one foot tall "Bratzis" -- Nazi clones made of bratwurst and sauerkraut all played by Smith himself.
Uh huh. It doesn't inspire me to laugh. It inspires me to shrug. I expect far more from Smith. A filmmaker this funny shouldn't make a movie this boring.
Grade: D-
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Sunday 8/28/16
***
Meanwhile, Tracey made the sports page today for exactly the reason I expected he would. He scored his first high school goal for his soccer team yesterday. He is a senior, but has primarily played defense so hasn't attempted many shots in the first three years.
Of course, it helped that the statistician who calls in the scores to the newspaper knew that it was his first goal at the high school level and added a tidbit to the paper. Because the statistician for the soccer team is me.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Sunday Scribblings 7/31/16
This is a partial article posting. I'm not done, but I have done a lot of work and I need a nap.
Analyzing box office: let's look at the box office for the first half of this year, to see what lessons can be learned. I'm going to take the predictions from Box Office Prophets, and the box office from Box Office Mojo. I take the predictions not to point out how many mistakes were made, but to show how expectations were missed so frequently this year. Films are listed in order of release.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Bengazi
predicted: $48 million opening; $125 million total
actual: $16 million opening; $52 million total
Bengazi has become so politically charged that many were skittish about this film. While I believe there is space in the market for an intelligently made political film, no one expects intelligently made from Michael Bay.
Norm of the North
predicted: $15 million opening; $43 million total
actual: $6 million opening; $17 million total
Moviegoers have caught up with how bad these cheaply made cartoons are.
Ride Along 2
predicted: $37 million opening; $87 million total
actual: $35 million opening; $90 million total
Unlike many sequels this year, people were ready for the future adventures of the Brothers-in-law.
The 5th Wave
predicted: $13 million opening; $29 million total
actual: $10 million opening; $34 million total
The Young Adult novel adaption craze is flickering out. As yet another project underperforms, it appears that Harry Potter and The Hunger Games are the outliers and the audience for the rest is limited.
Fifty Shades of Black
predicted: $14 million opening; $27 million total
actual: $5 million opening; $11 million total
Moviegoers have caught up with how bad these cheaply made Wayans comedies are.
Jane Got A Gun
predicted: $8 million opening; $24 million total
actual: $835 thousand opening; 1.5 million total
Proof there is such a thing as bad publicity.
Kung Fu Panda 3
predicted: $38 million opening; $131 million total
actual: $41 million opening; $143 million total
A surprise January release, this mild success suggests that the assumption that family animation only works at certain places in the calendar might be a false assumption. This may be seen as a disappointment to some, but is in line with the drop from the first installment to the second.
The Choice
predicted: $10 million opening; $30 million total
actual: $6 million opening; $18 million total
The assumption seems to have been that if the film adapts Nicholas Sparks, it is money in the bank. This film suggests that some star power might be needed in the cast. This film sure didn't have any.
Hail, Caesar!
predicted: $18 million opening; $58 million total
actual: $11 million opening; $30 million total
The Coens may be beloved by critics, but this one may have been too inside Hollywood for general audiences.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
predicted: $13 million opening; $32 million total
actual: $5 million opening; $10 million total
If you want to make a one-joke movie, you need a better joke.
Deadpool
predicted: $58 million opening; $151 million total
actual: $132 million opening; $363 million total
How to be Single
predicted: $20 million opening; $48 million total
actual: $17 million opening; $46 million total
Zoolander 2
predicted: $45 million opening; $105 million total
actual: $13 million opening; $28 million total
Gods of Egypt
predicted: $21 million opening; $43 million total
actual: $14 million opening; $31 million total
Triple 9
predicted: $11 million opening; $23 million total
actual: $6 million opening; $12 million total
London Has Fallen
predicted: $35 million opening; $83 million total
actual: $21 million opening; $62 million total
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
predicted: $7 million opening; $21 million total
actual: $7 million opening; $23 million total
Zootopia
predicted: $54 million opening; $215 million total
actual: $75 million opening; $341 million total
10 Cloverfield Lane
predicted: $20 million opening; $45 million total
actual: $24 million opening; $72 million total
The Brothers Grimsby
predicted: $10 million opening; $25 million total
actual: $3 million opening; $6 million total
The Bronze
no prediction
actual $386 thousand opening; $615 thousand total
Here's the list of 1000 screen openings with worse per screen averages: Transylmania, Delgo, Creature, and the grand champion, Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure. That's it. Sometimes, you got to know your audience. This was always going to be a cult film but nothing more.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant
predicted: $38 million opening; $85 million total
actual: $29 million opening; $66 million total
Don't split the final book of your series unless you are absolutely sure your audience will follow you. This was a series which needed to complete and get out of the way before starting to lose money. Now it is an incomplete series with a sure money loser left in its final film. Whoops.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
predicted: $200 million opening; $575 million total
actual: $166 million opening; $330 million total
God's Not Dead 2
predicted: $15 million opening; $48 million total
actual: $7 million opening; $20 million total
The Boss
predicted: $27 million opening; $73 million total
actual: $23 million opening; $63 million total
Hardcore Henry
predicted: $10 million opening; $28 million total
actual: $5 million opening; $9 million total
If your film is supposedly groundbreaking, first make sure it isn't headache inducing.
Barbershop: The Next Cut
predicted: $33 million opening; $71 million total
actual: $20 million opening; $54 million total
The Jungle Book
predicted: $34 million opening; $101 million total
actual: $103 million opening; $362 million total
The Huntsman: Winter's War
predicted: $29 million opening; $81 million total
actual: $19 million opening; $48 million total
Keanu
predicted: $8 million opening; $22 million total
actual: $9 million opening; $20 million total
Mother's Day
predicted: $12 million opening; $43 million total
actual: $8 million opening; $32 million total
Ratchet & Clank
predicted: $6 million opening; $15 million total
actual: $4 million opening; $8 million total
See: my analysis of Norm of the North
Captain America: Civil War
predicted: $199 million opening; $458 million total
actual: $179 million opening; $406 million total
While apetitites
Money Monster
predicted: $13 million opening; $30 million total
actual: $14 million opening; $40 million total
The Angry Birds Movie
predicted: $35 million opening; $140 million total
actual: $38 million opening; $106 million total
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
predicted: $41 million opening; $100 million total
actual: $21 million opening; $55 million total
The Nice Guys
predicted: $21 million opening; $51 million total
actual: $11 million opening; $36 million total
Alice Through the Looking Glass
predicted: $68 million opening; $172 million total
actual: $26 million opening; $76 million total
X Men: Apocalypse
predicted: $115 million opening; $264 million total
actual: $65 million opening; $155 million total
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
predicted: $14 million opening; $38 million total
actual: $4 million opening; $9 million total
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
predicted: $73 million opening; $200 million total
actual: $35 million opening; $81 million total
The Conjuring 2
predicted: $41 million opening; $90 million total
actual: $40 million opening; $101 million total
Now You See Me 2
predicted: $43 million opening; $100 million total
actual: $22 million opening; $64 million total
Warcraft
predicted: $45 million opening; $101 million total
actual: $24 million opening; $47 million total
Central Intelligence
predicted: $45 million opening; $125 million total
actual: $35 million opening; $125 million total
Finding Dory
predicted: $133 million opening; $399 million total
actual: $135 million opening; $469 million total
Pixar still rules.
Free State of Jones
predicted: $8 million opening; $32 million total
actual: $7 million opening; $20 million opening
People don't want to do homework in the summer.
Independence Day: Resurgence
predicted: $100 million opening; $255 million total
actual: $41 million opening; $101 million total
While not paying Will Smith whatever he wanted was a big mistake, it wasn't the biggest. The biggest mistake was casting two new pilots without the charisma of Harry Connick Jr, let alone Smith.
The Neon Demon
no prediction
opening: $589 thousand opening; $1.3 million total
Nicolas Winding Refn may be an intriguing topic for critics, but mainstream audiences don't care.
The Shallows
predicted: $12 million opening; $29 million total
actual: $16 million opening; $53 million total
The BFG
predicted: $32 million opening; $125 million total
actual: $18 million opening; $52 million total
The Legend of Tarzan
predicted: $24 million opening; $59 million total
actual: $38 million opening; $121 million total
The Purge: Election Year
predicted: $35 million opening; $78 million total
actual: $31 million opening; $78 million total
Even though it isn't my cup of tea, I admire how writer-director James DeMonaco has taken this idea and come at it in three different ways. These are sequels that are not just retreads, which is why they succeed. Also, the film was well marketed.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
predicted: $14 million opening; $42 million total
actual: $16 million opening; $43 million total
The Secret Lives of Pets
predicted: $53 million opening; $162 million total
actual: $104 million opening; $296 million total
Illumination Studios is now up in the level with DreamWorks animation as hitmakers, just behind Disney and Pixar.
Analyzing box office: let's look at the box office for the first half of this year, to see what lessons can be learned. I'm going to take the predictions from Box Office Prophets, and the box office from Box Office Mojo. I take the predictions not to point out how many mistakes were made, but to show how expectations were missed so frequently this year. Films are listed in order of release.
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Bengazi
predicted: $48 million opening; $125 million total
actual: $16 million opening; $52 million total
Bengazi has become so politically charged that many were skittish about this film. While I believe there is space in the market for an intelligently made political film, no one expects intelligently made from Michael Bay.
Norm of the North
predicted: $15 million opening; $43 million total
actual: $6 million opening; $17 million total
Moviegoers have caught up with how bad these cheaply made cartoons are.
Ride Along 2
predicted: $37 million opening; $87 million total
actual: $35 million opening; $90 million total
Unlike many sequels this year, people were ready for the future adventures of the Brothers-in-law.
The 5th Wave
predicted: $13 million opening; $29 million total
actual: $10 million opening; $34 million total
The Young Adult novel adaption craze is flickering out. As yet another project underperforms, it appears that Harry Potter and The Hunger Games are the outliers and the audience for the rest is limited.
Fifty Shades of Black
predicted: $14 million opening; $27 million total
actual: $5 million opening; $11 million total
Moviegoers have caught up with how bad these cheaply made Wayans comedies are.
Jane Got A Gun
predicted: $8 million opening; $24 million total
actual: $835 thousand opening; 1.5 million total
Proof there is such a thing as bad publicity.
Kung Fu Panda 3
predicted: $38 million opening; $131 million total
actual: $41 million opening; $143 million total
A surprise January release, this mild success suggests that the assumption that family animation only works at certain places in the calendar might be a false assumption. This may be seen as a disappointment to some, but is in line with the drop from the first installment to the second.
The Choice
predicted: $10 million opening; $30 million total
actual: $6 million opening; $18 million total
The assumption seems to have been that if the film adapts Nicholas Sparks, it is money in the bank. This film suggests that some star power might be needed in the cast. This film sure didn't have any.
Hail, Caesar!
predicted: $18 million opening; $58 million total
actual: $11 million opening; $30 million total
The Coens may be beloved by critics, but this one may have been too inside Hollywood for general audiences.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
predicted: $13 million opening; $32 million total
actual: $5 million opening; $10 million total
If you want to make a one-joke movie, you need a better joke.
Deadpool
predicted: $58 million opening; $151 million total
actual: $132 million opening; $363 million total
How to be Single
predicted: $20 million opening; $48 million total
actual: $17 million opening; $46 million total
Zoolander 2
predicted: $45 million opening; $105 million total
actual: $13 million opening; $28 million total
Gods of Egypt
predicted: $21 million opening; $43 million total
actual: $14 million opening; $31 million total
Triple 9
predicted: $11 million opening; $23 million total
actual: $6 million opening; $12 million total
London Has Fallen
predicted: $35 million opening; $83 million total
actual: $21 million opening; $62 million total
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
predicted: $7 million opening; $21 million total
actual: $7 million opening; $23 million total
Zootopia
predicted: $54 million opening; $215 million total
actual: $75 million opening; $341 million total
10 Cloverfield Lane
predicted: $20 million opening; $45 million total
actual: $24 million opening; $72 million total
The Brothers Grimsby
predicted: $10 million opening; $25 million total
actual: $3 million opening; $6 million total
The Bronze
no prediction
actual $386 thousand opening; $615 thousand total
Here's the list of 1000 screen openings with worse per screen averages: Transylmania, Delgo, Creature, and the grand champion, Oogieloves in the BIG Balloon Adventure. That's it. Sometimes, you got to know your audience. This was always going to be a cult film but nothing more.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant
predicted: $38 million opening; $85 million total
actual: $29 million opening; $66 million total
Don't split the final book of your series unless you are absolutely sure your audience will follow you. This was a series which needed to complete and get out of the way before starting to lose money. Now it is an incomplete series with a sure money loser left in its final film. Whoops.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
predicted: $200 million opening; $575 million total
actual: $166 million opening; $330 million total
God's Not Dead 2
predicted: $15 million opening; $48 million total
actual: $7 million opening; $20 million total
The Boss
predicted: $27 million opening; $73 million total
actual: $23 million opening; $63 million total
Hardcore Henry
predicted: $10 million opening; $28 million total
actual: $5 million opening; $9 million total
If your film is supposedly groundbreaking, first make sure it isn't headache inducing.
Barbershop: The Next Cut
predicted: $33 million opening; $71 million total
actual: $20 million opening; $54 million total
The Jungle Book
predicted: $34 million opening; $101 million total
actual: $103 million opening; $362 million total
The Huntsman: Winter's War
predicted: $29 million opening; $81 million total
actual: $19 million opening; $48 million total
Keanu
predicted: $8 million opening; $22 million total
actual: $9 million opening; $20 million total
Mother's Day
predicted: $12 million opening; $43 million total
actual: $8 million opening; $32 million total
Ratchet & Clank
predicted: $6 million opening; $15 million total
actual: $4 million opening; $8 million total
See: my analysis of Norm of the North
Captain America: Civil War
predicted: $199 million opening; $458 million total
actual: $179 million opening; $406 million total
While apetitites
Money Monster
predicted: $13 million opening; $30 million total
actual: $14 million opening; $40 million total
The Angry Birds Movie
predicted: $35 million opening; $140 million total
actual: $38 million opening; $106 million total
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising
predicted: $41 million opening; $100 million total
actual: $21 million opening; $55 million total
The Nice Guys
predicted: $21 million opening; $51 million total
actual: $11 million opening; $36 million total
Alice Through the Looking Glass
predicted: $68 million opening; $172 million total
actual: $26 million opening; $76 million total
X Men: Apocalypse
predicted: $115 million opening; $264 million total
actual: $65 million opening; $155 million total
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
predicted: $14 million opening; $38 million total
actual: $4 million opening; $9 million total
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
predicted: $73 million opening; $200 million total
actual: $35 million opening; $81 million total
The Conjuring 2
predicted: $41 million opening; $90 million total
actual: $40 million opening; $101 million total
Now You See Me 2
predicted: $43 million opening; $100 million total
actual: $22 million opening; $64 million total
Warcraft
predicted: $45 million opening; $101 million total
actual: $24 million opening; $47 million total
Central Intelligence
predicted: $45 million opening; $125 million total
actual: $35 million opening; $125 million total
Finding Dory
predicted: $133 million opening; $399 million total
actual: $135 million opening; $469 million total
Pixar still rules.
Free State of Jones
predicted: $8 million opening; $32 million total
actual: $7 million opening; $20 million opening
People don't want to do homework in the summer.
Independence Day: Resurgence
predicted: $100 million opening; $255 million total
actual: $41 million opening; $101 million total
While not paying Will Smith whatever he wanted was a big mistake, it wasn't the biggest. The biggest mistake was casting two new pilots without the charisma of Harry Connick Jr, let alone Smith.
The Neon Demon
no prediction
opening: $589 thousand opening; $1.3 million total
Nicolas Winding Refn may be an intriguing topic for critics, but mainstream audiences don't care.
The Shallows
predicted: $12 million opening; $29 million total
actual: $16 million opening; $53 million total
The BFG
predicted: $32 million opening; $125 million total
actual: $18 million opening; $52 million total
The Legend of Tarzan
predicted: $24 million opening; $59 million total
actual: $38 million opening; $121 million total
The Purge: Election Year
predicted: $35 million opening; $78 million total
actual: $31 million opening; $78 million total
Even though it isn't my cup of tea, I admire how writer-director James DeMonaco has taken this idea and come at it in three different ways. These are sequels that are not just retreads, which is why they succeed. Also, the film was well marketed.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
predicted: $14 million opening; $42 million total
actual: $16 million opening; $43 million total
The Secret Lives of Pets
predicted: $53 million opening; $162 million total
actual: $104 million opening; $296 million total
Illumination Studios is now up in the level with DreamWorks animation as hitmakers, just behind Disney and Pixar.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Roller Boogie (1979)
Sometimes you are just in the mood for a bad movie. And since TCM showed this a couple of weeks ago, I had it on my DVR.
It is special.
The title part actually isn't that bad. The disco music is tolerable. The camerawork is done by (really) Dean Cundey, so is actually pretty solid. After all, this is the guy who shot Halloween, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Jurassic Park, and Apollo 13. He knows how to use a camera.
Really. I've seen worse. (I've seen The Apple!)
Then the music stops. Oh dear. This is one of the films that feels like it was written by someone who has never had a conversation. Yet the plot is drawn from the obvious. Is the plot building to a big dance contest? Sure. Is the main character a rich girl slumming with these boogie skaters? Yep. Is the mob muscling in on the rink? Of course.
One detail of the movie deserves special mention. The male lead, who clearly is a good roller skater, is said to be dreaming of going to the Olympics. He may be waiting awhile, as the Olympics have never had roller skating. Huh.
Grade: D
It is special.
The title part actually isn't that bad. The disco music is tolerable. The camerawork is done by (really) Dean Cundey, so is actually pretty solid. After all, this is the guy who shot Halloween, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Jurassic Park, and Apollo 13. He knows how to use a camera.
Really. I've seen worse. (I've seen The Apple!)
Then the music stops. Oh dear. This is one of the films that feels like it was written by someone who has never had a conversation. Yet the plot is drawn from the obvious. Is the plot building to a big dance contest? Sure. Is the main character a rich girl slumming with these boogie skaters? Yep. Is the mob muscling in on the rink? Of course.
One detail of the movie deserves special mention. The male lead, who clearly is a good roller skater, is said to be dreaming of going to the Olympics. He may be waiting awhile, as the Olympics have never had roller skating. Huh.
Grade: D
Sunday, July 24, 2016
Sunday Scribblings 7/24/16
"My people, I do not believe what I saw. I saw it, but I do not believe." -- Senor Love Daddy (Samuel L. Jackson, Do The Right Thing
I was going to write this week about my general horror that the Republican convention nominated a candidate so unqualified. The Washington Post then summed up my thoughts pretty well.
*****
One of the problems of writing in blog form is there is no deadlines. When I have written for publications in the past, sometimes the deadline forced me to get the story in. I have no such force here. So perfectionism gets in the way. This reared its ugly head in the past month.
This happened because of my attempt and failure to capture the essence of Martin Bevis.
I have been a subscriber to the classic film series at Dayton's Victoria Theatre for over 20 years. During most of that span, Bevis was the organist who played the half hour before the films.
He had a dry wit in his introductions that was infectious. It was impossible to listen to him without smiling. The amazing fact is every time he played it was by memory. He played a different half hour every week, yet I never saw him use sheet music one.
Martin died last spring. While the Cool Films series in Dayton has done a good job providing pre-shows with this year's series, he is terribly missed. I just wish I could do him justice.
*****
Jon Stewart, I have missed you.
I was going to write this week about my general horror that the Republican convention nominated a candidate so unqualified. The Washington Post then summed up my thoughts pretty well.
*****
One of the problems of writing in blog form is there is no deadlines. When I have written for publications in the past, sometimes the deadline forced me to get the story in. I have no such force here. So perfectionism gets in the way. This reared its ugly head in the past month.
This happened because of my attempt and failure to capture the essence of Martin Bevis.
I have been a subscriber to the classic film series at Dayton's Victoria Theatre for over 20 years. During most of that span, Bevis was the organist who played the half hour before the films.
He had a dry wit in his introductions that was infectious. It was impossible to listen to him without smiling. The amazing fact is every time he played it was by memory. He played a different half hour every week, yet I never saw him use sheet music one.
Martin died last spring. While the Cool Films series in Dayton has done a good job providing pre-shows with this year's series, he is terribly missed. I just wish I could do him justice.
*****
Jon Stewart, I have missed you.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Sunday Scribblings 6/12/16
Today is my parents' 51st wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary, mom and dad.
***
In two days is my 19th wedding anniversary. I love you, Laura.
***
Yikes. Read this.
I voted for Bernie Sanders, because I am a liberal and his political positions are closer to mine. But I was always clear that I would support the Democratic nominee. This race was essentially over a few weeks ago, and now it is mathematically over. I have already donated to Hillary Clinton's campaign. I always thought Bernie was a realistic politician. I may have to rethink that.
***
The ad for this product made me laugh the hardest I laughed this week. Oh dear.
***
Summer is here, so one of the best reasons to be a Springfield resident has arrived. Friday was the opening night of the Summer Arts Festival, now in its 50th year.
As usual, Phil Dirt and the Dozers opened. They have played the festival more times than any other act, and I have seen them in concert more than any other act. They are an oldies act founded in 1981, delivered with a sense of fun, musicianship and humor.
Their trademark song is Only You, delivered as they learned it, from an old record with scratches and skips. They do pull out some classics (they lean on the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys a lot) and some more obscure songs. I have never heard the original of Cara Mio, but I know it well due to it being performed by the Dozers every year.
So, as usual, a fun way to kick off the season. I'll be back at Veterans Park tonight for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
***
In two days is my 19th wedding anniversary. I love you, Laura.
***
Yikes. Read this.
I voted for Bernie Sanders, because I am a liberal and his political positions are closer to mine. But I was always clear that I would support the Democratic nominee. This race was essentially over a few weeks ago, and now it is mathematically over. I have already donated to Hillary Clinton's campaign. I always thought Bernie was a realistic politician. I may have to rethink that.
***
The ad for this product made me laugh the hardest I laughed this week. Oh dear.
***
Summer is here, so one of the best reasons to be a Springfield resident has arrived. Friday was the opening night of the Summer Arts Festival, now in its 50th year.
As usual, Phil Dirt and the Dozers opened. They have played the festival more times than any other act, and I have seen them in concert more than any other act. They are an oldies act founded in 1981, delivered with a sense of fun, musicianship and humor.
Their trademark song is Only You, delivered as they learned it, from an old record with scratches and skips. They do pull out some classics (they lean on the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys a lot) and some more obscure songs. I have never heard the original of Cara Mio, but I know it well due to it being performed by the Dozers every year.
So, as usual, a fun way to kick off the season. I'll be back at Veterans Park tonight for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Hollywood Revue (1929)
This is a strange bird, but then many of the early sound films are. This is what Singin' In The Rain gets so right -- some of the early comical attempts to figure out how to use sound.
Hollywood Revue isn't really a movie. It's a commercial for MGM to show off its stars, and that many of them could use sound well. There is no plot, just a procession of musical numbers and other bits. Conrad Nagel and Jack Benny are the MCs, and Benny does show off his comic timing.
The oddest bit for me features John Gilbert and Norma Shearer performing the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, and then being told the dialogue is out of date so performing it a second time throwing out Shakespeare's language for a modern translation.
The best sequence is easily Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy performing as magicians. None of the comic bits are surprising, but their comic timing is so dead on that I laughed out loud.
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the film just blends together. One big problem is that this is one of the early sound films where the camera is just bolted to the ground. This gives a sameness to all of the performances. While there is some pleasure early, the two hour running time ends up too long.
So the film is interesting as a curio. I'm glad I saw it. But it has dated pretty badly. I doubt I will revisit it.
Grade: C
Hollywood Revue isn't really a movie. It's a commercial for MGM to show off its stars, and that many of them could use sound well. There is no plot, just a procession of musical numbers and other bits. Conrad Nagel and Jack Benny are the MCs, and Benny does show off his comic timing.
The oddest bit for me features John Gilbert and Norma Shearer performing the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet, and then being told the dialogue is out of date so performing it a second time throwing out Shakespeare's language for a modern translation.
The best sequence is easily Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy performing as magicians. None of the comic bits are surprising, but their comic timing is so dead on that I laughed out loud.
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the film just blends together. One big problem is that this is one of the early sound films where the camera is just bolted to the ground. This gives a sameness to all of the performances. While there is some pleasure early, the two hour running time ends up too long.
So the film is interesting as a curio. I'm glad I saw it. But it has dated pretty badly. I doubt I will revisit it.
Grade: C
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
100 Movies 1990-2014 (90-81)
90. Dead Man Walking (1995) d: Tim Robbins
It would have been so easy to just create an anti-death penalty lecture. Instead, Robbins delivered a complicated look on how one death penalty case effects everyone involved.
89. Searching For Sugarman (2012) d: Malik Bendjelloul
One from the strange-but-true file, how Rodriguez became a music superstar in South Africa while virtually unknown in his native United States, and the search by a couple of his fans to find out the truth of the musician. If you haven't seen it and don't know the story, see the film without learning any more to enjoy the surprises the film offers.
88. Chasing Amy (1997) d: Kevin Smith
I'm a Smith fan, and I think this is easily his best film. Amongst all the typical Smith humor is a dead on look at how the male ego sometimes gets in the way of a genuine romance.
87. Hoop Dreams (1994) d: Steve James
Spending four years with two high school basketball players, the filmmakers document the journey of chasing sports superstardom.
86. Far From Heaven (2002) d: Todd Haynes
I don't know how Todd Haynes does it, recreating a 50s melodrama while finding the true emotion underneath, but the power of this film is undeniable.
85. Un Coeur En Hiver (1992) d: Claude Sautet
The translation of the tile is A Heart in Winter, which perfectly describes how a violin craftsman (Daniel Auteuil) is so comfortable in his life's patterns that he fails to see what joys having more passion in his life would create.
84. About A Boy (2002) d: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Hugh Grant's best work of his career is portraying a irresponsible 40 year old transformed by a friendship with a 12 year old (Nicholas Hoult). I always felt the Boy in the title is Grant's character.
83. Trainspotting (1996) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle captures the adrenalin high of drugs while also capturing its lows in quite graphic terms, with a great early lead performance by Ewan McGregor.
82. Toy Story 2 (1999) d: John Lasseter
The best of the Toy Story movies because while it has all the inventiveness of the series, the emotion of what it means to be an abandoned toy embodied by Jessie. The sequence of "When She Loved Me" tears me up every time I see it.
81. Fargo (1996) d: Joel Coen
I hearby nominate Marge Gunderson, perfectly embodied by Frances McDormand, as the greatest female hero of the 25 year time period. You betcha.
It would have been so easy to just create an anti-death penalty lecture. Instead, Robbins delivered a complicated look on how one death penalty case effects everyone involved.
89. Searching For Sugarman (2012) d: Malik Bendjelloul
One from the strange-but-true file, how Rodriguez became a music superstar in South Africa while virtually unknown in his native United States, and the search by a couple of his fans to find out the truth of the musician. If you haven't seen it and don't know the story, see the film without learning any more to enjoy the surprises the film offers.
88. Chasing Amy (1997) d: Kevin Smith
I'm a Smith fan, and I think this is easily his best film. Amongst all the typical Smith humor is a dead on look at how the male ego sometimes gets in the way of a genuine romance.
87. Hoop Dreams (1994) d: Steve James
Spending four years with two high school basketball players, the filmmakers document the journey of chasing sports superstardom.
86. Far From Heaven (2002) d: Todd Haynes
I don't know how Todd Haynes does it, recreating a 50s melodrama while finding the true emotion underneath, but the power of this film is undeniable.
85. Un Coeur En Hiver (1992) d: Claude Sautet
The translation of the tile is A Heart in Winter, which perfectly describes how a violin craftsman (Daniel Auteuil) is so comfortable in his life's patterns that he fails to see what joys having more passion in his life would create.
84. About A Boy (2002) d: Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz
Hugh Grant's best work of his career is portraying a irresponsible 40 year old transformed by a friendship with a 12 year old (Nicholas Hoult). I always felt the Boy in the title is Grant's character.
83. Trainspotting (1996) d: Danny Boyle
Boyle captures the adrenalin high of drugs while also capturing its lows in quite graphic terms, with a great early lead performance by Ewan McGregor.
82. Toy Story 2 (1999) d: John Lasseter
The best of the Toy Story movies because while it has all the inventiveness of the series, the emotion of what it means to be an abandoned toy embodied by Jessie. The sequence of "When She Loved Me" tears me up every time I see it.
81. Fargo (1996) d: Joel Coen
I hearby nominate Marge Gunderson, perfectly embodied by Frances McDormand, as the greatest female hero of the 25 year time period. You betcha.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
There are many problems with Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, beyond that unruly title. The fatal flaw of the film is one that I don't think the filmmakers even considered: the lack of a rooting interest.
I don't know these guys. These characters have been rebooted and revisited so much that my connection with them if flimsy at best. Then some "modern" touches have been added. For example, Batman sure seems awfully comfortable with guns. That seems odd given the lore of a Batman who hated guns after witnessing his parents being shot and killed.
The problem started with Man of Steel. It took me awhile to figure out why I was underwhelmed by that film. It isn't just that Henry Cavill isn't the actor Christopher Reeve was, but that's part of it. Reeve always seemed to be having fun. Cavill seems miserable. So I didn't have the fun of the Reeve Superman movies when I saw Man of Steel.
I sure don't know this Batman. Ben Affleck does was he can, but who is this guy? He's older, there are hints at his past (supposedly Robin was killed in the line of duty), but DC Comics was in such a rush to get its superheroes interacting that they forgot to define him. I guess we are just supposed to assume from past knowledge.
Then the films to get these two hating each other, and it just doesn't ring true. Ultimately, these characters have too much in common, with goals that are too similar, that the battle between them simply doesn't make sense.
A couple more quick points, because honestly I don't want this to get too long. First, this film is too dark. I don't mean in tone. I mean every fight scene and battles seem to take place at night. The action is not very easy to follow because of this.
Second, did anyone at DC Comics see Watchman? Why did they think that film's director, Zack Snyder, could handle this? He botched that adaption, and it is not surprise he can't handle this film. I'm not even going to start with his Sucker Punch, my vote for the worst film of the century to date.
By jumping into the fray so quickly, so rushed, and so haphazardly, DC is inviting comparisons to Marvel. Marvel has taken the time to define its characters well, and remembers to be fun. This film has ill-defined characters, and is gloomy. I look forward to the next Avengers movie. I have little interest in the Justice League. In its rush to compete with Marvel, DC has only proved what a good job Marvel has done.
Grade: D+
I don't know these guys. These characters have been rebooted and revisited so much that my connection with them if flimsy at best. Then some "modern" touches have been added. For example, Batman sure seems awfully comfortable with guns. That seems odd given the lore of a Batman who hated guns after witnessing his parents being shot and killed.
The problem started with Man of Steel. It took me awhile to figure out why I was underwhelmed by that film. It isn't just that Henry Cavill isn't the actor Christopher Reeve was, but that's part of it. Reeve always seemed to be having fun. Cavill seems miserable. So I didn't have the fun of the Reeve Superman movies when I saw Man of Steel.
I sure don't know this Batman. Ben Affleck does was he can, but who is this guy? He's older, there are hints at his past (supposedly Robin was killed in the line of duty), but DC Comics was in such a rush to get its superheroes interacting that they forgot to define him. I guess we are just supposed to assume from past knowledge.
Then the films to get these two hating each other, and it just doesn't ring true. Ultimately, these characters have too much in common, with goals that are too similar, that the battle between them simply doesn't make sense.
A couple more quick points, because honestly I don't want this to get too long. First, this film is too dark. I don't mean in tone. I mean every fight scene and battles seem to take place at night. The action is not very easy to follow because of this.
Second, did anyone at DC Comics see Watchman? Why did they think that film's director, Zack Snyder, could handle this? He botched that adaption, and it is not surprise he can't handle this film. I'm not even going to start with his Sucker Punch, my vote for the worst film of the century to date.
By jumping into the fray so quickly, so rushed, and so haphazardly, DC is inviting comparisons to Marvel. Marvel has taken the time to define its characters well, and remembers to be fun. This film has ill-defined characters, and is gloomy. I look forward to the next Avengers movie. I have little interest in the Justice League. In its rush to compete with Marvel, DC has only proved what a good job Marvel has done.
Grade: D+
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Sunday Scribbling addition (Allison's video)
This is what my daughter made when she was on vacation:
She said, "That took forever!"
She said, "That took forever!"
Sunday Scribblings 6/5/16
When I saw my first Trump for President bumper sticker, it was on a BMW illegally parked in a handicap spot.
***
My daughters just came back last night from a trip to the North Carolina coast with my in-laws. My oldest daughter brought home a lovely collection of peeled skin from her sunburned legs.
***
My youngest daughter received a labeler for Christmas last year. Labels have popped up all over the house with unique labels. The microwave, for example, has been labelled "FOOD ZAPPER". I was not prepared for the latest label. Our toilet is now labelled "POOPING VESSEL".
***
When I was 2 1/2 years old, my family spent the summer at my grandparents' second home near Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The house was right on a lake in a heavily wooded area. I discovered the joys of hiking that summer. I had not yet discovered the joys of speaking English.
One day I decided to go for a hike with my favorite hiking partner, my grandparents' dog, Thor. All of a sudden my parents realized I was gone. It was resolved when people down the lakeshore called to let my parents know I was standing on their dock throwing rocks into the lake. I had hiked around a half mile down the lakeshore. And I did not yet know how to swim.
I saw a video this week of a small child who decided he wanted some of the stuffed toys in a giant claw machine. So he climbed up the exit and was sitting in the machine calming throwing the toys he wanted down the exit.
These are both stories of children disappearing when the parent looked the other way for a brief time. There are many other stories like it. Young children are naturally inquisitive but do not yet understand real life dangers. It is so frequent the Animaniacs TV show built an entire bit around it. Mindy's inquisitiveness gets her into trouble, and Buttons the dog gets clobbered while saving her.
Yet when this circumstance results in tragedy, as it did with the loss of a gorilla's life at the Cincinnati Zoo, all of sudden the child's parents are the Worst Parents Ever in the eyes of many of the genius parenting experts on the internet. I would bet none of these anointed experts know the parents or know anything about them other than that their child wandered into a gorilla enclosure.
One awful development on the internet is the quick judgment on the internet from people. What doesn't seem to process is the possibility of a tragic situation. Someone must be at fault. Someone must be to blame. Someone must be punished.
Wrong. Sometimes it is just an awful set of circumstances. Sometimes the natural inquisitiveness of a child leads to an awful situation. Its sad, but not the time where a child should automatically be taken from his parents. That would make a bad situation worse.
***
My daughters just came back last night from a trip to the North Carolina coast with my in-laws. My oldest daughter brought home a lovely collection of peeled skin from her sunburned legs.
***
My youngest daughter received a labeler for Christmas last year. Labels have popped up all over the house with unique labels. The microwave, for example, has been labelled "FOOD ZAPPER". I was not prepared for the latest label. Our toilet is now labelled "POOPING VESSEL".
***
When I was 2 1/2 years old, my family spent the summer at my grandparents' second home near Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The house was right on a lake in a heavily wooded area. I discovered the joys of hiking that summer. I had not yet discovered the joys of speaking English.
One day I decided to go for a hike with my favorite hiking partner, my grandparents' dog, Thor. All of a sudden my parents realized I was gone. It was resolved when people down the lakeshore called to let my parents know I was standing on their dock throwing rocks into the lake. I had hiked around a half mile down the lakeshore. And I did not yet know how to swim.
I saw a video this week of a small child who decided he wanted some of the stuffed toys in a giant claw machine. So he climbed up the exit and was sitting in the machine calming throwing the toys he wanted down the exit.
These are both stories of children disappearing when the parent looked the other way for a brief time. There are many other stories like it. Young children are naturally inquisitive but do not yet understand real life dangers. It is so frequent the Animaniacs TV show built an entire bit around it. Mindy's inquisitiveness gets her into trouble, and Buttons the dog gets clobbered while saving her.
Yet when this circumstance results in tragedy, as it did with the loss of a gorilla's life at the Cincinnati Zoo, all of sudden the child's parents are the Worst Parents Ever in the eyes of many of the genius parenting experts on the internet. I would bet none of these anointed experts know the parents or know anything about them other than that their child wandered into a gorilla enclosure.
One awful development on the internet is the quick judgment on the internet from people. What doesn't seem to process is the possibility of a tragic situation. Someone must be at fault. Someone must be to blame. Someone must be punished.
Wrong. Sometimes it is just an awful set of circumstances. Sometimes the natural inquisitiveness of a child leads to an awful situation. Its sad, but not the time where a child should automatically be taken from his parents. That would make a bad situation worse.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
100 movies 1990-2014 (100-91)
100. Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993) d: Francois Girard
One way to approach telling the story of an enigmatic musician: try every approach. This film blends documentary, avant garde, music video, and recreation to create a unique experience about a unique individual.
99. In Her Shoes (2005) d: Curtis Hanson
Hanson's a truly underrated director, an even his formula films such as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle are watchable. I think this is his best, a story of the bond of two sisters. As the lesser educated of the two who bonds with her newly found grandmother, Cameron Diaz gives the best performance of her career.
98. No Country For Old Men (2007) d: Joel and Ethan Coen
Everyone talks about the villain, but let me state that if Tommy Lee Jones' performance as the worn out officer pursuing him, the film would not be near as effective.
97. Smoke (1995) d: Wayne Wang
The beauty of this film's in the details provided by writer Paul Auster. Little details, like the pictures taken at the same time every day and how the shop owner obtained the camera in the first place, contains the richness of life in a way most faster paced movies miss.
96. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) d: Ang Lee
The first time I saw this, the audience burst into applause at the end of the first fight scene. I never heard that happen before or since.
95. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009) d: Niels Arden Oplev
While I loved the remake, I think the original is better. It is a little tighter and has an ending that makes more sense.
94. Reservoir Dogs (1992) d: Quentin Tarentino
It's not the violence, it is the dialogue that makes it so memorable.
93. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) d: Ang Lee
The dynamics of a father trying to understand three daughters, and each of the daughters trying to negotiate romantic relationships. My favorite joke is a subtle one: the father is a master chef who makes massive feasts, yet his youngest daughter works at a Wendy's.
92. Selma (2014) d: Ava DuVernay
It serves both as a fine look at the greatness of Martin Luther King and shows how many people were responsible for the successes of the Civil Rights Movement.
91. Monsters Inc. (2001) d: Pete Docter
This has one of my favorite closing shots ever. Kitty!
One way to approach telling the story of an enigmatic musician: try every approach. This film blends documentary, avant garde, music video, and recreation to create a unique experience about a unique individual.
99. In Her Shoes (2005) d: Curtis Hanson
Hanson's a truly underrated director, an even his formula films such as The Hand That Rocks the Cradle are watchable. I think this is his best, a story of the bond of two sisters. As the lesser educated of the two who bonds with her newly found grandmother, Cameron Diaz gives the best performance of her career.
98. No Country For Old Men (2007) d: Joel and Ethan Coen
Everyone talks about the villain, but let me state that if Tommy Lee Jones' performance as the worn out officer pursuing him, the film would not be near as effective.
97. Smoke (1995) d: Wayne Wang
The beauty of this film's in the details provided by writer Paul Auster. Little details, like the pictures taken at the same time every day and how the shop owner obtained the camera in the first place, contains the richness of life in a way most faster paced movies miss.
96. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) d: Ang Lee
The first time I saw this, the audience burst into applause at the end of the first fight scene. I never heard that happen before or since.
95. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009) d: Niels Arden Oplev
While I loved the remake, I think the original is better. It is a little tighter and has an ending that makes more sense.
94. Reservoir Dogs (1992) d: Quentin Tarentino
It's not the violence, it is the dialogue that makes it so memorable.
93. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) d: Ang Lee
The dynamics of a father trying to understand three daughters, and each of the daughters trying to negotiate romantic relationships. My favorite joke is a subtle one: the father is a master chef who makes massive feasts, yet his youngest daughter works at a Wendy's.
92. Selma (2014) d: Ava DuVernay
It serves both as a fine look at the greatness of Martin Luther King and shows how many people were responsible for the successes of the Civil Rights Movement.
91. Monsters Inc. (2001) d: Pete Docter
This has one of my favorite closing shots ever. Kitty!
The Nice Guys (2016)
You check Rotten Tomatoes on a movie, and it divides the reviews simply: recommend or not recommend. So what's the verdict on this film? Uh ... you see ... well some of works and some of it doesn't ... I guess I'm not sure.
Let's take the positive first. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling make a great team. The chemistry between the two flat out works. Crowe shows a light touch never shown before, and Gosling shows again his greatest talent may be his comic timing. Angourie Rice is a find as Gosling's daughter. I'd rate it with Natalie Portman in The Professional in terms of finds in a child actress.
Writer-director Shane Black has set the film in 1977, and he really gives the film a time and place. There is a feel to this film, a rhythm not of today. The dialogue between the three actors above is fun and snappy.
Now the negative. Shane Black has a habit of breaking writing rules in a way that shows how clever he is. Sometimes too much. The scene early in the film where Gosling breaks a window to gain access to a building only to cut himself and pass out from the blood is a fun play with conviction. But he makes a major mistake in the plotting.
The mystery makes many twists and turns but only one character is interesting in the mystery. The killing of that character in a twist of fate is at first clever but robs the movie of any engine, so that the third act drags and badly overstays its welcome. The big finale gets a big shrug from me because of the lack of momentum in the film.
I'd gladly see another film with Crowe, Gosling, and Rice. These are actors, and characters, deserving of a better film. So I guess I give the film a slight recommendation for introducing me to them.
Grade: B-
Let's take the positive first. Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling make a great team. The chemistry between the two flat out works. Crowe shows a light touch never shown before, and Gosling shows again his greatest talent may be his comic timing. Angourie Rice is a find as Gosling's daughter. I'd rate it with Natalie Portman in The Professional in terms of finds in a child actress.
Writer-director Shane Black has set the film in 1977, and he really gives the film a time and place. There is a feel to this film, a rhythm not of today. The dialogue between the three actors above is fun and snappy.
Now the negative. Shane Black has a habit of breaking writing rules in a way that shows how clever he is. Sometimes too much. The scene early in the film where Gosling breaks a window to gain access to a building only to cut himself and pass out from the blood is a fun play with conviction. But he makes a major mistake in the plotting.
The mystery makes many twists and turns but only one character is interesting in the mystery. The killing of that character in a twist of fate is at first clever but robs the movie of any engine, so that the third act drags and badly overstays its welcome. The big finale gets a big shrug from me because of the lack of momentum in the film.
I'd gladly see another film with Crowe, Gosling, and Rice. These are actors, and characters, deserving of a better film. So I guess I give the film a slight recommendation for introducing me to them.
Grade: B-
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Three in the Attic (1968)
What was I thinking? I just wrote in a review of Wild in the Streets that I had no need to see Christopher Jones again and then I turn around and watch his other 1968 film for American International Pictures.
The plot is that a college student tries to balance sexual relationships with three different women. When they find out, they lock him in an attic and try to give him so much sex so that finally he will ... uh ... and that's a big problem, as we never really know what the goal of all this is.
So its a sex comedy, only there's no sex, just before and after moments, so its all just a big tease. It certainly isn't sexy. Technically it is a comedy in that it is not a tragedy as no one dies. But I laughed a grand total of zero times.
There is a credited director, Richard Wilson, who did not have another official credit for 25 years after this movie. The acting is amateur hour. The only person who makes any impact is the female lead, Yvette Mimeux. The 60s style effects and camera tricks have no rhyme or reason and only serve to show that the director did not know what he was doing. I'd say this was the worst movie I have seen via Turner Classic Movies, but The Swarm was shown on that network last year.
Instead, I just wander through what doesn't work. There's the basic problem of your male lead supposedly being irresistible -- he's said to have bedded 50 women in a year and a half of college -- yet Jones has all the charisma of a clothes dryer. I start to wonder how the logistics of all this would work. In an attic with no toilet, no shower, no ventilation, at the end of summer, with near constant sex -- what exactly does this place smell like after a couple of weeks?
It smells like the movie -- it stinks.
Grade: F
The plot is that a college student tries to balance sexual relationships with three different women. When they find out, they lock him in an attic and try to give him so much sex so that finally he will ... uh ... and that's a big problem, as we never really know what the goal of all this is.
So its a sex comedy, only there's no sex, just before and after moments, so its all just a big tease. It certainly isn't sexy. Technically it is a comedy in that it is not a tragedy as no one dies. But I laughed a grand total of zero times.
There is a credited director, Richard Wilson, who did not have another official credit for 25 years after this movie. The acting is amateur hour. The only person who makes any impact is the female lead, Yvette Mimeux. The 60s style effects and camera tricks have no rhyme or reason and only serve to show that the director did not know what he was doing. I'd say this was the worst movie I have seen via Turner Classic Movies, but The Swarm was shown on that network last year.
Instead, I just wander through what doesn't work. There's the basic problem of your male lead supposedly being irresistible -- he's said to have bedded 50 women in a year and a half of college -- yet Jones has all the charisma of a clothes dryer. I start to wonder how the logistics of all this would work. In an attic with no toilet, no shower, no ventilation, at the end of summer, with near constant sex -- what exactly does this place smell like after a couple of weeks?
It smells like the movie -- it stinks.
Grade: F
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
100 movies, 1990-2014 reset, and my Sight and Sound list
Well that didn't work.
Let's try again. Rather than try and write 100 essays about what I view as my 100 favorite movies from 1990 to 2014, let's try this in best of the year form. I will try to get this done quickly. The list was completed last year and I want to get this posted.
What got this started was to visit the films of my adult lifetime. I saw this as a round figure that worked for a time period. It also was meant as a tribute to the end of the Leonard Maltin Movie Guide, a book of which I bought every edition for over 30 years.
Since then, my best friend posted a revised list of what he views as the 10 best films of all time. This has become known in film circles as the Sight and Sound list, named for the British magazine which every 10 years in the year ending in 2 surveys a wide range of critics and filmmakers to get a definitive list. Of course, if it was definitive it wouldn't change every ten years.
Here is the revised list of my best friend, Eric Robinette:
https://storify.com/sircritic/my-newly-revised-all-time-top-10-movies
For the record, the list (without his descriptions) is:
10. City Lights (1931)
9. Casablanca (1942)
8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
7. Pinocchio (1940)
6. Raging Bull (1980)
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
4. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
1. Vertigo (1958)
The our friend Allison mentioned her list from awhile ago: http://thereelgouda.blogspot.com
10. Amadeus (1984)
9. Rebecca (1940)
8. Chinatown (1974)
7. There Will Be Blood (2007)
6. Casablanca (1942)
5. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
4. Fight Club (1999)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. Rear Window (1954)
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
My all-time list was prepared in 2004. Here that is:
10. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
9. 12 Angry Men (1957)
8. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
7. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
6. Do the Right Thing (1989)
5. Airplane! (1980)
4. Fantasia (1940)
3. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
2. Citizen Kane (1941)
1. Schindler's List (1993)
A few thoughts:
All three of us have Citizen Kane and Singin' In The Rain on our lists.
I just gave away the end of my 1990-2014 list.
Sorry, Allison, but I do not have The Shawshank Redemption or Fight Club in my list. I do have There Will Be Blood, although that is not the highest ranked film for its director.
Now, to the main event ...
Let's try again. Rather than try and write 100 essays about what I view as my 100 favorite movies from 1990 to 2014, let's try this in best of the year form. I will try to get this done quickly. The list was completed last year and I want to get this posted.
What got this started was to visit the films of my adult lifetime. I saw this as a round figure that worked for a time period. It also was meant as a tribute to the end of the Leonard Maltin Movie Guide, a book of which I bought every edition for over 30 years.
Since then, my best friend posted a revised list of what he views as the 10 best films of all time. This has become known in film circles as the Sight and Sound list, named for the British magazine which every 10 years in the year ending in 2 surveys a wide range of critics and filmmakers to get a definitive list. Of course, if it was definitive it wouldn't change every ten years.
Here is the revised list of my best friend, Eric Robinette:
https://storify.com/sircritic/my-newly-revised-all-time-top-10-movies
For the record, the list (without his descriptions) is:
10. City Lights (1931)
9. Casablanca (1942)
8. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
7. Pinocchio (1940)
6. Raging Bull (1980)
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
4. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. A Hard Day's Night (1964)
1. Vertigo (1958)
The our friend Allison mentioned her list from awhile ago: http://thereelgouda.blogspot.com
10. Amadeus (1984)
9. Rebecca (1940)
8. Chinatown (1974)
7. There Will Be Blood (2007)
6. Casablanca (1942)
5. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
4. Fight Club (1999)
3. Citizen Kane (1941)
2. Rear Window (1954)
1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
My all-time list was prepared in 2004. Here that is:
10. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
9. 12 Angry Men (1957)
8. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
7. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
6. Do the Right Thing (1989)
5. Airplane! (1980)
4. Fantasia (1940)
3. Singin' In The Rain (1952)
2. Citizen Kane (1941)
1. Schindler's List (1993)
A few thoughts:
All three of us have Citizen Kane and Singin' In The Rain on our lists.
I just gave away the end of my 1990-2014 list.
Sorry, Allison, but I do not have The Shawshank Redemption or Fight Club in my list. I do have There Will Be Blood, although that is not the highest ranked film for its director.
Now, to the main event ...
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Wild in the Streets (1968)
I'd read the description of the film many years ago and always was curious how the concept would work. The voting age is lowered to 14 and a younger musician is elected president. I was curious what satiric bite a film with that concept could deliver.
Turns out not much. This is a really stupid film. It spends so much time setting up the film that by the time the main character is finally elected, the film is running out of time, and just throws a few wacky ideas together and calls it a day.
One basic problem is that the main character, who supposedly unites all the young people together, is a jerk. But the film isn't well made enough that I couldn't tell if the filmmakers knew he is a jerk.
Then there is the acting. I haven't seen all of Shelley Winters' work, but I'd always liked her before. Her character, the main character's possessive mother, is basically unplayable as written. I think Winters just gave up and chose to munch on the scenery instead. And I'd never seen the lead actor, Christopher Jones. Based on this, I don't need to see him again.
I will give the film this: the songs written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil are listenable, and help the time go by. But that's about it.
Odd note: this film was Oscar nominated for editing. Why?
Grade: D
Turns out not much. This is a really stupid film. It spends so much time setting up the film that by the time the main character is finally elected, the film is running out of time, and just throws a few wacky ideas together and calls it a day.
One basic problem is that the main character, who supposedly unites all the young people together, is a jerk. But the film isn't well made enough that I couldn't tell if the filmmakers knew he is a jerk.
Then there is the acting. I haven't seen all of Shelley Winters' work, but I'd always liked her before. Her character, the main character's possessive mother, is basically unplayable as written. I think Winters just gave up and chose to munch on the scenery instead. And I'd never seen the lead actor, Christopher Jones. Based on this, I don't need to see him again.
I will give the film this: the songs written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil are listenable, and help the time go by. But that's about it.
Odd note: this film was Oscar nominated for editing. Why?
Grade: D
The 2015 Top Ten List (5-1)
5. Selma. The first great film to follow in the footsteps of Lincoln and uses one incident in history to explore more in depth one individual. This allows one of the best looks into Martin Luther King ever committed to film. Yet the greatness of the film is to also show how many quality leaders were involved in the civil rights movement, not just King.
4. Carol. The sexual tension is so high I had to exhale a few times as I was forgetting to breathe. Of course a lot of that is due to the performances of Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. But even more it is a testament to the direction of Todd Haynes, who also delivers (as usual) one of his gorgeous postcard-ready movies then explores what's underneath that gorgeous surface.
3. The Hateful Eight. Allow me to be the contrarian about writer-director Quentin Tarantino. Inglourious Basterds was vastly overrated, as the title characters were the least interesting in the film -- a major flaw. While this film simply sets several well-drawn characters in one setting and lets them bounce off each other. This allows his dialogue to be featured, which is what makes Tarantino worth following. Great score and cinematography, too.
2. Brooklyn. This film following an Irish immigrant portrayed by Saorise Ronan sounded like homework. It is one of the purely joyful film experiences of the past few years. Its not to say that her struggles are not emotional, but that the light touch of the film in showing the immigrant experience in a mostly positive light is a true reward for the senses.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road. I can defend this choice with evidence on the acting, the incredible technical expertise, the inventive script, the propulsive score, and other stuff. But what it gets down to this: I staggered out of my screening like no film since Terminator 2. It delivers what an action film is supposed to deliver. The other stuff just makes it easier to justify as the best film of the year.
4. Carol. The sexual tension is so high I had to exhale a few times as I was forgetting to breathe. Of course a lot of that is due to the performances of Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. But even more it is a testament to the direction of Todd Haynes, who also delivers (as usual) one of his gorgeous postcard-ready movies then explores what's underneath that gorgeous surface.
3. The Hateful Eight. Allow me to be the contrarian about writer-director Quentin Tarantino. Inglourious Basterds was vastly overrated, as the title characters were the least interesting in the film -- a major flaw. While this film simply sets several well-drawn characters in one setting and lets them bounce off each other. This allows his dialogue to be featured, which is what makes Tarantino worth following. Great score and cinematography, too.
2. Brooklyn. This film following an Irish immigrant portrayed by Saorise Ronan sounded like homework. It is one of the purely joyful film experiences of the past few years. Its not to say that her struggles are not emotional, but that the light touch of the film in showing the immigrant experience in a mostly positive light is a true reward for the senses.
1. Mad Max: Fury Road. I can defend this choice with evidence on the acting, the incredible technical expertise, the inventive script, the propulsive score, and other stuff. But what it gets down to this: I staggered out of my screening like no film since Terminator 2. It delivers what an action film is supposed to deliver. The other stuff just makes it easier to justify as the best film of the year.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
The 2015 Top Ten List (10-6)
10. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Those criticizing the main character for being self centered miss the point. That's what sets up the conclusion of the film, and why it hits so hard. The film title sets it up: that's why Me is first. There's plenty of humor for those of all who love the Criterion collection, and real chemistry in the new friendship between the Me played by Thomas Mann and the Dying Girl embodied by Olivia Cooke.
9. Love and Mercy. How does one approach the musical genius of Brian Wilson? By splitting it in two. Paul Dano captures the genius of Brian in the 60s: doing amazing work while losing his mind. The film contrasts it with the 80s Brian played by John Cusack trying to find his way back to sanity. Two elements really responsible for placing this film on this list: The way the score works off of Beach Boys music and the outstanding sound design give a sense of Brian's struggles in a way I had never experienced before.
8. Inherent Vice. The first film that gave me a contact high. Of course it is confusing and convoluted. This is a detective film seen through the eyes of a perpetually high detective, so it is a bit hazy. While there are parts of the mystery that still have me confused, the reactions of Joaquin Phoenix trying to process it all and some truly wacky plot twists entertain me every time I revisit.
7. Spotlight. A valentine to the quickly disappearing art of investigative journalism, showing how the Boston Globe uncovered the horrifying sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. SAG got it right: this is the most impressive work by an ensemble cast. This is a testament to how good director Tom McCarthy always is with actors. (Don't believe me? check out The Station Agent or Win Win sometime.)
6. The Big Short. I've always wondered when writer-director Adam McKay would get political. His website Funny or Die has had some good political material over the last several years. And here it is, a scathing indictment of the greed of Wall Street wrapped in a feel good comedy of a few outsiders who gamed the system. This might not be the funniest film of the year (I'd vote for Trainwreck, which just missed my top 20) but it may be the most important.
9. Love and Mercy. How does one approach the musical genius of Brian Wilson? By splitting it in two. Paul Dano captures the genius of Brian in the 60s: doing amazing work while losing his mind. The film contrasts it with the 80s Brian played by John Cusack trying to find his way back to sanity. Two elements really responsible for placing this film on this list: The way the score works off of Beach Boys music and the outstanding sound design give a sense of Brian's struggles in a way I had never experienced before.
8. Inherent Vice. The first film that gave me a contact high. Of course it is confusing and convoluted. This is a detective film seen through the eyes of a perpetually high detective, so it is a bit hazy. While there are parts of the mystery that still have me confused, the reactions of Joaquin Phoenix trying to process it all and some truly wacky plot twists entertain me every time I revisit.
7. Spotlight. A valentine to the quickly disappearing art of investigative journalism, showing how the Boston Globe uncovered the horrifying sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. SAG got it right: this is the most impressive work by an ensemble cast. This is a testament to how good director Tom McCarthy always is with actors. (Don't believe me? check out The Station Agent or Win Win sometime.)
6. The Big Short. I've always wondered when writer-director Adam McKay would get political. His website Funny or Die has had some good political material over the last several years. And here it is, a scathing indictment of the greed of Wall Street wrapped in a feel good comedy of a few outsiders who gamed the system. This might not be the funniest film of the year (I'd vote for Trainwreck, which just missed my top 20) but it may be the most important.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
The 2015 Top Ten List (The Runners-Up)
Yes, I am finally getting to my list for 2015. I stubbornly insist on keeping to my criteria of what plays in my general area in 2015 -- Dayton and Columbus, Ohio. If it did not get here until 2016, it is eligible for next year's list. There are few films that effects this year -- especially since The Revenant had no chance to make this list anyway due to quality issues. But two films that were 2014 films on the coast are in my 2015 list because they did not get here until then.
Without further ado, here are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:
Creed. All those surprised at how good this Rocky sequel is must not have seen Fruitvale Station, with the same director (Ryan Coogler) and the same star (Michael B. Jordan).
Ex Machina. Alicia Vikander's performance has you wondering what is going on with the robot she is portraying all film long.
Grandma. Nice to see writer-director Paul Weitz back to the form of About A Boy and In Good Company.
Inside Out. Nice to see Pixar return to form.
The Last Five Years. I am a sucker for any musical starring Anna Kendrick.
The Martian. Definitive proof Matt Damon is a star. He carries this film by merely talking to the camera.
Room. Bree Larson gets my vote for the best acting work of any film this year.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Pretty much ticks all the boxes of that a blockbuster popcorn movie should be.
Steve Jobs. Great writing by Aaron Sorkin and great directing by Danny Boyle kept me riveted in a biography of a guy I really don't care much about.
Z For Zachariah. A fascinating look at survival during an apocalypse anchored by great performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Margot Robbie.
Right now my best friend is trying to figure out how I could rate ten films ahead of Inside Out and Room. Which films are they? To be continued soon.
Without further ado, here are my ten runners-up, in alphabetical order:
Creed. All those surprised at how good this Rocky sequel is must not have seen Fruitvale Station, with the same director (Ryan Coogler) and the same star (Michael B. Jordan).
Ex Machina. Alicia Vikander's performance has you wondering what is going on with the robot she is portraying all film long.
Grandma. Nice to see writer-director Paul Weitz back to the form of About A Boy and In Good Company.
Inside Out. Nice to see Pixar return to form.
The Last Five Years. I am a sucker for any musical starring Anna Kendrick.
The Martian. Definitive proof Matt Damon is a star. He carries this film by merely talking to the camera.
Room. Bree Larson gets my vote for the best acting work of any film this year.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Pretty much ticks all the boxes of that a blockbuster popcorn movie should be.
Steve Jobs. Great writing by Aaron Sorkin and great directing by Danny Boyle kept me riveted in a biography of a guy I really don't care much about.
Z For Zachariah. A fascinating look at survival during an apocalypse anchored by great performances by Chiwetel Ejiofor and Margot Robbie.
Right now my best friend is trying to figure out how I could rate ten films ahead of Inside Out and Room. Which films are they? To be continued soon.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Congrats Leo!
Leonardo DiCaprio won his Oscar for suffering in the cold. It wasn't really acting, per se. Don't get me wrong. I think he's an excellent actor, and he was overdue an Oscar. But he now joins his Titanic costar Kate Winslet for winning an Oscar for one of the weakest performance of his career.
Here's a list of performances in DiCaprio's career I would rate as more impressive, in chronological order: This Boy's Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, Inception, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, The Wolf of Wall Street. So congratulations, Leo! You win for what might be about your 14th best career performance!
Hmm, Kate Winslet's better than The Reader performances include: Heavenly Creatures, Sense and Sensibility, Hamlet, Titanic, Hideous Kinky, Holy Smoke, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Romance & Cigarettes, Little Children, Carnage, Contagion, Labor Day, Steve Jobs.
I really need to see Revolutionary Road some day.
Here's a list of performances in DiCaprio's career I would rate as more impressive, in chronological order: This Boy's Life, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, Gangs of New York, Catch Me If You Can, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, Inception, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, The Wolf of Wall Street. So congratulations, Leo! You win for what might be about your 14th best career performance!
Hmm, Kate Winslet's better than The Reader performances include: Heavenly Creatures, Sense and Sensibility, Hamlet, Titanic, Hideous Kinky, Holy Smoke, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Romance & Cigarettes, Little Children, Carnage, Contagion, Labor Day, Steve Jobs.
I really need to see Revolutionary Road some day.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Oscar winner predictions (the other categories)
One quick note on the rest of the nominations: I think it is going to be a very good night for Mad Max: Fury Road.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant) has won the last two years in this category. Robert Richardson (The Hateful Eight) already has won three. John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road) already has an Oscar. Roger Deakins is a legend who has never won -- but Sicario isn't in other categories. I could also build a case for the gorgeous work of non-winner Edward Lachman in Carol. I just can't build a strong enough case against the three-peat.
Winner: The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
In a category usually dominated by period pieces, truly unique work not in the past can break through. That is one film this year.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Jenny Beavan)
BEST FILM EDITING
If Spotlight or The Big Picture wins here, that film will win best picture. But I suspect the winner in this category is the one with non-stop action that was still easy to follow.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)
BEST MAKE-UP
Frequently the most outlandish wins here.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Lesley Vanderwalt, Damian Martin, Elka Wardega)
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Not only is a legend long overdue, but he turned in great work this year.
Winner: The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone)
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
The subject matter has something to do with it. So does the fact Diane Warren has never won. So does the fact Lady Gaga is a major star, and this category like stars. It also happens to be the best song this year.
Winner: Til It Happens to You (The Hunting Ground): Dianne Warren, Lady Gaga
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Because of those amazing vehicles.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Colin Gibson; Katie Sharrock, Lisa Thompson)
BEST SOUND (both categories)
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
What was the most impressive effect this year? It really looked like Leonardo DiCaprio was actually mauled by a bear.
Winner: The Revenant (Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
When in doubt, vote for Pixar
Winner: Inside Out
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Son of Saul
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Amy
BEST DOCUMETARY SHORT
The favorite is Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, And certainly, a film about a film about the holocaust certainly ticks the boxes to be a favorite. But if you have seen the shorts, you know one has a unique approach using animation and also is political. I'm predicting the upset.
Winner: Last Day of Freedom
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
I'm going with the most unique look which also has a unique storyline. Yes, I am betting against Pixar this year.
Winner: World of Tomorrow
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
A high quality category this year, and for me one of the most difficult calls. Sometimes the winner is the one that is different than the others. One film brings you into the life of its main character, demonstrates a sense of humor, and ends on a perfect note. So while I would not be surprised by wins by Day One, or Everything Will Be Okay (or disappointed as they are great as well), there is one film that stands out as unique this year.
Winner: Stutterer
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Emmanuel Lubezki (The Revenant) has won the last two years in this category. Robert Richardson (The Hateful Eight) already has won three. John Seale (Mad Max: Fury Road) already has an Oscar. Roger Deakins is a legend who has never won -- but Sicario isn't in other categories. I could also build a case for the gorgeous work of non-winner Edward Lachman in Carol. I just can't build a strong enough case against the three-peat.
Winner: The Revenant (Emmanuel Lubezki)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
In a category usually dominated by period pieces, truly unique work not in the past can break through. That is one film this year.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Jenny Beavan)
BEST FILM EDITING
If Spotlight or The Big Picture wins here, that film will win best picture. But I suspect the winner in this category is the one with non-stop action that was still easy to follow.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Margaret Sixel)
BEST MAKE-UP
Frequently the most outlandish wins here.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Lesley Vanderwalt, Damian Martin, Elka Wardega)
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Not only is a legend long overdue, but he turned in great work this year.
Winner: The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone)
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
The subject matter has something to do with it. So does the fact Diane Warren has never won. So does the fact Lady Gaga is a major star, and this category like stars. It also happens to be the best song this year.
Winner: Til It Happens to You (The Hunting Ground): Dianne Warren, Lady Gaga
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Because of those amazing vehicles.
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road (Colin Gibson; Katie Sharrock, Lisa Thompson)
BEST SOUND (both categories)
Winner: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
What was the most impressive effect this year? It really looked like Leonardo DiCaprio was actually mauled by a bear.
Winner: The Revenant (Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer)
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
When in doubt, vote for Pixar
Winner: Inside Out
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Son of Saul
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
One film has dominated the precursors this year.
Winner: Amy
BEST DOCUMETARY SHORT
The favorite is Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah, And certainly, a film about a film about the holocaust certainly ticks the boxes to be a favorite. But if you have seen the shorts, you know one has a unique approach using animation and also is political. I'm predicting the upset.
Winner: Last Day of Freedom
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
I'm going with the most unique look which also has a unique storyline. Yes, I am betting against Pixar this year.
Winner: World of Tomorrow
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT
A high quality category this year, and for me one of the most difficult calls. Sometimes the winner is the one that is different than the others. One film brings you into the life of its main character, demonstrates a sense of humor, and ends on a perfect note. So while I would not be surprised by wins by Day One, or Everything Will Be Okay (or disappointed as they are great as well), there is one film that stands out as unique this year.
Winner: Stutterer
Oscar winner predictions (the top categories)
BEST PICTURE
In a year more competitive than most, part of trying to predict is to look at the methodology of picking winners. The Oscars used a ranking system, where a majority of voters have to agree on the winner, not just a plurality, I believe the different methodology is the difference between a win in the Oscars and most other awards is the difference between winning and losing for The Revenant.
I believe The Revenant will get the most first place votes. But not 50%, which is not what is needed. I also believe The Revenant will get the most last place votes, and will ultimately be eliminated.
So what does get 50%? It is certainly instructive that the only award that uses the same voting system as the Oscars is the Producers Guild. The PGA gave its best picture to The Big Short. But that's only the producers.
The biggest branch is the actors. What film has the most impressive display of acting? It might be The Big Short. It would not be surprising to me if it is. But one other film, well respected across the board, which has an impressive ensemble cast, including two acting nominees. I think the vote is one of the closest ever, but I see Spotlight pulling off what will be seen as some as an upset win.
Winner: Spotlight
BEST DIRECTOR
So does the methodology hurt The Revenant here? Maybe. Maybe not. I would not be surprised if Alejandro Innaritu does win. But if not him, then who? Both The Big Short and Spotlight's directors are nominated for their screenplays, and I think both are seen more as writing achievements than directing. Room isn't quite big enough for the award, I suspect, Which leaves one film, a career crowning achievement for its director, and a spectacle of a film as well. I am picking the upset.
Winner: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ACTOR
No upsets here. Leo is overdue, he suffered for his art, blah, blah, blah.
Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
BEST ACTRESS
Brie Larson became the frontrunner as soon as her film screened at Toronto. She's never moved from that status.
Winner: Brie Larson, Room
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Usually sentiment rules in one acting category. This is the category this year. The fact that it is Creed's only nomination, when the film deserved more nominations in many people's eyes, will only make the case stronger.
Winner: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
The toughest category to pick. I could build a case for any of the five nominees to win. The case I believe is that Alicia Vikander was brilliant in Ex Machina, which isn't even the performance for which she was nominated. And many times before the winner in supporting has more than one great performance in a year.
Winner: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
BEST SCREENPLAY
My argument is the same for both categories is the same. Both categories have a script co-written by its director which take a complex real life scandal and create an easy to follow and entertaining movie.
Winner (Original): Spotlight
Winner (Adapted): The Big Short
other categories to follow
In a year more competitive than most, part of trying to predict is to look at the methodology of picking winners. The Oscars used a ranking system, where a majority of voters have to agree on the winner, not just a plurality, I believe the different methodology is the difference between a win in the Oscars and most other awards is the difference between winning and losing for The Revenant.
I believe The Revenant will get the most first place votes. But not 50%, which is not what is needed. I also believe The Revenant will get the most last place votes, and will ultimately be eliminated.
So what does get 50%? It is certainly instructive that the only award that uses the same voting system as the Oscars is the Producers Guild. The PGA gave its best picture to The Big Short. But that's only the producers.
The biggest branch is the actors. What film has the most impressive display of acting? It might be The Big Short. It would not be surprising to me if it is. But one other film, well respected across the board, which has an impressive ensemble cast, including two acting nominees. I think the vote is one of the closest ever, but I see Spotlight pulling off what will be seen as some as an upset win.
Winner: Spotlight
BEST DIRECTOR
So does the methodology hurt The Revenant here? Maybe. Maybe not. I would not be surprised if Alejandro Innaritu does win. But if not him, then who? Both The Big Short and Spotlight's directors are nominated for their screenplays, and I think both are seen more as writing achievements than directing. Room isn't quite big enough for the award, I suspect, Which leaves one film, a career crowning achievement for its director, and a spectacle of a film as well. I am picking the upset.
Winner: George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ACTOR
No upsets here. Leo is overdue, he suffered for his art, blah, blah, blah.
Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
BEST ACTRESS
Brie Larson became the frontrunner as soon as her film screened at Toronto. She's never moved from that status.
Winner: Brie Larson, Room
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Usually sentiment rules in one acting category. This is the category this year. The fact that it is Creed's only nomination, when the film deserved more nominations in many people's eyes, will only make the case stronger.
Winner: Sylvester Stallone, Creed
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
The toughest category to pick. I could build a case for any of the five nominees to win. The case I believe is that Alicia Vikander was brilliant in Ex Machina, which isn't even the performance for which she was nominated. And many times before the winner in supporting has more than one great performance in a year.
Winner: Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
BEST SCREENPLAY
My argument is the same for both categories is the same. Both categories have a script co-written by its director which take a complex real life scandal and create an easy to follow and entertaining movie.
Winner (Original): Spotlight
Winner (Adapted): The Big Short
other categories to follow
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Oscar nomination predictions -- the other categories
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Carol
Hateful Eight
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Sicario
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Brooklyn
Carol
Cinderella
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST EDITING
The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Black Mass
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Bridge of Spies
Carol
The Hateful Eight
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Earned It" (Fifty Shades of Grey)
"See You Again" (Furious 7)
"Til It Happens To You (The Hunting Ground)
"Simple Song #3" (Youth)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Bridge of Spies
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND EDITING
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND MIXING
Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Walk
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Anomalisa
The Good Dinosaur
Inside Out
The Peanuts Movie
Shaun the Sheep
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Brand New Testament (Belgium)
Mustang (France)
Labyrinth of Lies (Germany)
Son of Saul (Hungary)
Viva (Ireland)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Amy
Best of Enemies
Cartel Land
Listen to Me Marlon
The Look of Silence
Carol
Hateful Eight
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Sicario
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Brooklyn
Carol
Cinderella
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST EDITING
The Big Short
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight
BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Black Mass
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Bridge of Spies
Carol
The Hateful Eight
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Earned It" (Fifty Shades of Grey)
"See You Again" (Furious 7)
"Til It Happens To You (The Hunting Ground)
"Simple Song #3" (Youth)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Bridge of Spies
Crimson Peak
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND EDITING
Inside Out
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST SOUND MIXING
Bridge of Spies
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
The Walk
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Anomalisa
The Good Dinosaur
Inside Out
The Peanuts Movie
Shaun the Sheep
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Brand New Testament (Belgium)
Mustang (France)
Labyrinth of Lies (Germany)
Son of Saul (Hungary)
Viva (Ireland)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Amy
Best of Enemies
Cartel Land
Listen to Me Marlon
The Look of Silence
Oscar nomnation predictions -- the rest of the big 8 categories
BEST DIRECTOR
Todd Haynes (Carol)
Alejandro G. Innaritu (The Revenant)
Tom McCarthy (Spotlight)
Geroge Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Ridley Scott (The Martian)
BEST ACTOR
Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)
Matt Damon (The Martian)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Michael Fassbinder (Steve Jobs)
Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Brie Larson (Room)
Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)
Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale (The Big Short)
Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation)
Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)
Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Sylvester Stallone (Creed)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Helen Mirren (Trumbo)
Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina)
Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Bridge of Spies
The Hateful Eight
Inside Out
Spotlight
Trainwreck
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short
Brooklyn
Carol
The Martian
Steve Jobs
Todd Haynes (Carol)
Alejandro G. Innaritu (The Revenant)
Tom McCarthy (Spotlight)
Geroge Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road)
Ridley Scott (The Martian)
BEST ACTOR
Bryan Cranston (Trumbo)
Matt Damon (The Martian)
Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant)
Michael Fassbinder (Steve Jobs)
Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl)
BEST ACTRESS
Cate Blanchett (Carol)
Brie Larson (Room)
Jennifer Lawrence (Joy)
Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn)
Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale (The Big Short)
Idris Elba (Beasts of No Nation)
Mark Ruffalo (Spotlight)
Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies)
Sylvester Stallone (Creed)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight)
Rooney Mara (Carol)
Helen Mirren (Trumbo)
Alicia Vikander (Ex Machina)
Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs)
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Bridge of Spies
The Hateful Eight
Inside Out
Spotlight
Trainwreck
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Big Short
Brooklyn
Carol
The Martian
Steve Jobs
Oscar nomination predictions (picture)
The tough part about predicting Oscar nominations is the preferential system that no one uses. To get Oscar nominations, one has to be loved, not just liked.
This year, there is only one film that I am absolutely confident will be nominated, and that is Spotlight. With its combination of subject matter, reviews, and awards, I just can't see it missing.
Next, there are two films that have plenty of buzz, but are completely different than any other film in the race. Unique is good in this race. It means not splitting the vote with another film. Those two films are The Big Short and The Revenant. I have both of those films being nominated.
The whole liked vs loved conundrum has bothered me with Bridge of Spies. I have been skeptical as I saw this a film that would be liked. But it keeps showing up in awards consideration, and it has a bit of an old fashioned feel which will appeal to the older voters. And Steven Spielberg has his fanbase in Hollywood. That's our fourth film.
Are there enough younger voters? The Academy will have you believe its ranks have swelled with younger voters. Ultimately I don't see it from past years' nominations. The film I believe that will reflect this is Straight Outta Compton. If there are enough younger voters I think it will slip in, possibly with no other nominations. I am predicting it will just miss.
Science Fiction is not a genre that usually gets represented at the Oscars. So the odds were against Star Wars getting nominated. There was a rare occurrence in 2009 when both Avatar and District 9 were both nominated. I certainly don't see three sci fi films getting in. And in the rankings of quality sci fi, Star Wars this year falls behind the realism of The Martian and the oh-my-god spectacle that is Mad Max: Fury Road. With all of the votes that I think those two films will get, and the rare occurrence of two sci fi films getting nominated, I just don't see enough votes left for Star Wars.
The Academy is still overwhelmingly male. So I think this year's three female dominant films will bump against each other. Brooklyn is so charming, and Carol is so artful, that I suspect that Room is left out. Also, Brooklyn has four times the box office of Room, so I think the disappointing box office of Room will hurt. While Carol is just getting started, its a Weinstein film. Its campaign was better run than Room's.
Inside Out? Animation struggles. Trumbo? A movie to like, a movie to respect. But I don't see love. Sicario? Too dark. Hateful Eight? Too dark. I don't see anything else getting in. I have the field at eight.
The nomination predictions:
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight
This year, there is only one film that I am absolutely confident will be nominated, and that is Spotlight. With its combination of subject matter, reviews, and awards, I just can't see it missing.
Next, there are two films that have plenty of buzz, but are completely different than any other film in the race. Unique is good in this race. It means not splitting the vote with another film. Those two films are The Big Short and The Revenant. I have both of those films being nominated.
The whole liked vs loved conundrum has bothered me with Bridge of Spies. I have been skeptical as I saw this a film that would be liked. But it keeps showing up in awards consideration, and it has a bit of an old fashioned feel which will appeal to the older voters. And Steven Spielberg has his fanbase in Hollywood. That's our fourth film.
Are there enough younger voters? The Academy will have you believe its ranks have swelled with younger voters. Ultimately I don't see it from past years' nominations. The film I believe that will reflect this is Straight Outta Compton. If there are enough younger voters I think it will slip in, possibly with no other nominations. I am predicting it will just miss.
Science Fiction is not a genre that usually gets represented at the Oscars. So the odds were against Star Wars getting nominated. There was a rare occurrence in 2009 when both Avatar and District 9 were both nominated. I certainly don't see three sci fi films getting in. And in the rankings of quality sci fi, Star Wars this year falls behind the realism of The Martian and the oh-my-god spectacle that is Mad Max: Fury Road. With all of the votes that I think those two films will get, and the rare occurrence of two sci fi films getting nominated, I just don't see enough votes left for Star Wars.
The Academy is still overwhelmingly male. So I think this year's three female dominant films will bump against each other. Brooklyn is so charming, and Carol is so artful, that I suspect that Room is left out. Also, Brooklyn has four times the box office of Room, so I think the disappointing box office of Room will hurt. While Carol is just getting started, its a Weinstein film. Its campaign was better run than Room's.
Inside Out? Animation struggles. Trumbo? A movie to like, a movie to respect. But I don't see love. Sicario? Too dark. Hateful Eight? Too dark. I don't see anything else getting in. I have the field at eight.
The nomination predictions:
The Big Short
Bridge of Spies
Brooklyn
Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Martian
The Revenant
Spotlight
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Sunday 1/10/16
I am writing this during the Golden Globes. The is the final indicator before making my Oscar predictions. No, not who wins the awards -- they are irrelevant. But most years I tweak one or two predictions based on audience reactions. Besides, with Ricky Gervais hosting, it is bound to be entertaining.
*****
As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to Adam Pac-Man Jones just for being you. And to the Cincinnati Bengals, I would like to send a heartfelt HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
*****
I actually did not get to see the Bengals hand the game to the Steelers. I was one my way home from a unique experience that does have a movie connection. Maybe there are more opportunities in New York and Los Angeles for unique movie experiences, but I had one last night only available in the Midwest.
My cousin, Barak Coolman, is the head coach for the Valparaiso (IN) High School basketball team. Last night, I got to go see his team play and win. The location was the unique part. They played in the gym used for Hickory High School in Hoosiers. The gym is actually in Knightstown IN, it only holds 600 people, and the court is not close to regulation length or width. It was like a trip back in time, and boy was it fun.
*****
*****
As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to Adam Pac-Man Jones just for being you. And to the Cincinnati Bengals, I would like to send a heartfelt HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
*****
I actually did not get to see the Bengals hand the game to the Steelers. I was one my way home from a unique experience that does have a movie connection. Maybe there are more opportunities in New York and Los Angeles for unique movie experiences, but I had one last night only available in the Midwest.
My cousin, Barak Coolman, is the head coach for the Valparaiso (IN) High School basketball team. Last night, I got to go see his team play and win. The location was the unique part. They played in the gym used for Hickory High School in Hoosiers. The gym is actually in Knightstown IN, it only holds 600 people, and the court is not close to regulation length or width. It was like a trip back in time, and boy was it fun.
*****
Friday, January 1, 2016
2015 Copeland Newsletter
Scott was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum in October (this used to be referred to as Asperger’s Syndrome). Work remains the legal caseload, which means he handles the cases going to court for non-payment. In June he gave a presentation to the Benefits Plus unit (about 50 people) on how to read the child support computer system. He was recently named to the AFSCME negotiating team for pay raises as part of his work as a steward. He was the statistician for Tracey’s high school team for a second season this fall. He was the transportation for Tracey to attend soccer tournaments in Gatlinburg TN, Raleigh NC and even Xenia OH. Scott’s favorite movies this year are Mad Max: Fury Road, Brooklyn, and Spotlight.
Laura experienced Ohio State’s second football national championship of our marriage in 2015. Laura should be back yelling at the TV when the Buckeyes against Notre Dame on New Year’s Day. She and Scott attended a series of documentaries in Columbus over the year all on the autistic condition. She remains an avid fan of watching Netflix television, and of Bones and Limitless on actual TV. She remains the household technician, and the coordinator of all medical appointments Tommy (and a few others, as well).
Megan, 23, is struggling to find herself emotionally. Early in the year her Nana fulfilled a promise by taking Megan and Allison to Universal Parks Florida to experience the Harry Potter worlds there. Megan spends a lot of time online She remains a voracious reader, making use of her Kindle. Her favorite reads are history and mystery. She has also been trying to write her own fiction, and outreach of the fantasy games she has played online.
Tracey, 16, experienced two different soccer experiences. In the spring, he played for Ohio Galaxy, a team now ranked in the top ten in the region after an undefeated regular season and four tournament finals. His Springfield High School team in the fall won two games in his junior year. (Although most of his close friends at high school are from the team.) He completed his third summer in Upward Bound. He is a member of student council at school. He escorted the principal’s daughter to this fall’s Homecoming Dance. He has already seen the new Star Wars movie three times. He got his driver’s license in December, so finally he can drive himself to soccer practice.
Tommy, 14, saw last year’s teacher finally retire and replaced by Miss McCaskey, a teacher who knows what she is doing. So life at Roosevelt Middle School is fun again. At home he is rarely seen without his I-Pad playing clips of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Dora the Explorer, and The Backyardigans and laughing frequently. He also has become a fan of the movie Frozen, and enjoyed The Peanuts Movie in a theater. This was his third Dream Soccer season with his father as his coach.
For Allison, 12, this was the year of Doctor Who. She zipped through all the seasons on Netflix, and found two fans at school. She also dressed as a Doctor for Halloween. In December she joined a fan group in Columbus of which one of Scott’s co-workers is a long time member. She is now in seventh grade at Roosevelt Middle School. In the summer she was in a production of Seussical Jr, and journey with Aunt Karen’s family to Myrtle Beach. Allison is still busy earning merit badges in Girl Scouts.
Our count of cats is now three. Winnie and Lulu, who were born in 2014, were joined by a third girl, Gizmo. Winnie is our climber and explorer. Lulu is our most social. Gizmo still has a kitten’s energy and clearly idolizes the other two.
Meow.
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