The Film Maven's Coffee Chat

Frankie in various forms

2013-03-26T16:52:00.002-07:00

The name Frankenstein evokes all sorts of images, for my lost lover it was the Bride - reciting every word and giving out various details, rumors and factoids the film took on a life of its own...in the last few seconds as the Bride reacts to love - he found incredible delight and intense concentration for those last few frames. The Bride of Frankenstein was filmed in 1935 by Director James Whale, starring the elegant Elsa Lanchester (who you might most remember as a quirky guest star in various TV shows, but who's career was eclectic emphasizing her amazing talent) and Ernest Thesiger as the infamous Dr. Pretorius. Its classic, tempered and so tightly edited as not to waist your time. Beautiful in its story, sets and poignant in its use of light and framing. Certainly fun to watch but also intriguing to study.

Recent to video stores is the latest example of the monster, Frankenweenie. Celebrating the innocence and camp of the Franken legacy, director / writer / stop motion connoisseur Tim Burton has revamped a childhood dream into a touching, humorous and thoughtful film. Not exactly a child friendly film, its dark tones blended with a sad and slow format may not be suitable for younger viewers. Those of a certain age, however, will find certain references to childhood quite touching. Using everything around the house, including Marx army figures and mom's muffin pan give a glimpse into a future filmmakers way of seeing the world.

This writing is dedicated to that film junkie who watched the Bride beyond 100 times, who would have watched it a hundred more and who would have adored Frankenweenie - although he certainly would have wanted the 'monster' to be a cat instead of a dog. We would have argued that point with delight.

Film Chat

2013-03-22T18:50:00.002-07:00

What I wanted more than anything ..was someone I could talk to about film ...to connect on a level of knowledge and insight into the workings of passion and words expressed as movement and shadows. When I found him, it was like dreaming. It was like finding Mr. Rochester or the master of Manderley not just on the page of my imagination but in a spooky realism found only on film. Yet, here it was in real life. Moody, sullen, brilliant and charming. He kept me off balance and felt like home. All at the same time lovingly reachable and carefully distant. Wounded from experience and hopeful with good nature.
We talked for hours about films, television and popular culture. We filled in places of interest and levels of experience in layers like a homemade lasagna. It was the small things like holding hands in the grocery store, a child like excitement at garage sales, and the same intense study of movies that helped create our bond. Films we had seen many times before, the startling lust for a lamp, a suit coat, a movement across the room and what music added or distracted from the mood, all of which caused arguments and built a relationship.
I've always railed against a certain type of love story...hated with a passion,"City of Angels", "Titanic" and "The English Patient" ...and now it makes sense why they always struck me wrong, felt like bad mojo.... like these ill fated conquests ours does not have a live happily ever after ending.
Yes, I am lucky - to have loved so vividly, to have shared an intense almost rabid affection for stories told on the big screen, even at this late part of life I am lucky. I would not have missed it for anything....but its also sad, horrifying, frightening and still doesn't seem right. In a quick 3 years, he changed me. Changed the course of my life more than I can express in words.
I have tried to restart this blog, in fits and starts I've begun to watch films again. All I can do now is try - to celebrate what he brought to me by using it to enhance the chat over coffee about the thing that brought us together.

Lonesome, desperate, Jarmusch

2012-07-20T07:11:00.002-07:00

With a new decade of indie films, the 1980's are a beacon of flickering sadness, misfits and demented edginess into post modernism...we no longer wanted the epic sweeping tale but the segmented selections that represented our lives...not one fluid story but small pieces that make up who we are ....no one understands this better (or by accident) than Jim Jarmusch....

Stranger Than Paradise - (1984)- Two friends and a girl..the age old story..but told in tiny kitchen, a beach side motel - with cigarettes and stilted male style dialogue....with out growth, understanding or anything really happening...you stumble upon the scene and can't take your eyes off them.

Dead Man - (1995) - an epic tale, with many things happening..yet Jarmusch still manages to pull it into the post-modern segmented nothing story that we love. Johnny Depp is not icon nor lovely but stiff, small and odd- surprising cameos dot the landscape and Gary Farmer steals the movie.

Limits of Control -(2009) - If you haven't experienced a Jarmusch film, do not watch this one first....Its not his best - its not overly interesting - its not even a good film for film study - but its riveting, watchable and romantically filmed. A character unlikable and cold our assassin becomes child like and automaton - giving way to secrets, affairs and silliness.

yeah..I hate these movies ....because they made me cry

2012-07-19T10:43:00.002-07:00

Dear Film Nuts,

I'm back, I'm angry, I'm hurt. I'm not going to say nice things about these movies .....mostly....cus life sucks.

The Film Maven

Untamed Heart - (Director Tony Bill, 1993) - I have to admit, Christian Slater has had an interesting career for someone who can't act ....He is hammy, generally Christian in most roles and obviously trained in the soap opera world of head tilts instead of expression school of acting (ala Meg Ryan) ...but he does have a knack for picking awesome movies ..(Yes, Heathers is one of my all time favorites) ....how that works, I'm not sure I can explain.....Marisa Tomei on the other hand, a soap opera veteran herself, is an amazing actress with some odd but not great films to her credit and some incredible films and perfect roles...how that works I'm not sure I can explain either ...but in this really bad, super sad, yes you should watch it film ....The baboon heart boy is just so stupid you want to smack him really hard before she jumps into bed with him.

Seven Pounds - (Director Gabriele Muccino, 2008) - Will Smith has a gift, he is good looking, smart, funny, can sing and chooses movies with a charm like no other. Seven Pounds (what weighs that you might ask...and google the answer) is a film we would not choose for him, Rosario Dawson is not a woman we would cast him with, Barry Pepper is never ever in a serious role fer sure, ......and the ending is one that Hollywood should never approve of given its history in film ending switcheroos.....Every moment is somewhat riveting ..you seek the sadness set up by mood and music ...but can't stop watching..because that great Hollywood ending is going to happen, right? (2 tissue boxes even if you already know).

City of Angels - (Director Brad Silberling, 1998) - Speaking of Meg Ryan, she is here in this my least favorite film of all time. Okay, I exaggerate - but I do really hate this film. but not because its bad, but because it caught me up, for goodness sakes it states that Angels live at the LIBRARY and if you know my passion for the library ..well..that is just incredible screenwriting ...and then ...they mess it all up by forcing a bit of reality all over the ending. That is just so so wrong. When I sit through a movie, especially a love story I want my true hollywood ending PLEASE.Thank you. However, Dennis Franz as an angel..now that is just funny.
(Please also note, director Brad Silberling was caught up in his own tragic real life event...his girlfriend Rebecca Schaefer, known for her role the the Pam Dawber TV show My Sister Sam, was murdered by an obsessed fan in 1989).

Movie Thoughts, odd rumbles and Where have you been?

2012-07-17T10:32:00.002-07:00

oohhh...movie freaks ....its been an odd odd year .....Won't make you cry with details of my tragedy......but the Filmmaven will be a little macabre for a while ...bare with me ....the perky will probably return at some point .....so lets get some sad sad movies, a mixture of salty sweet treats, a large box of tissue and find the ramblings of sweet sweet torture on film.......................(and no we haven't forgotten the coffee portion of our blog, french roast beans mixed with a touch of hazelnut and a smidgling of light roast...so so wicked) .

Crybaby - (John Waters, 1990) - Yes Johnny Depp lovers, he is the teen idol of my youth.....nothing says so like Crybaby..a John Waters nod to the sparkle on Davy Jones' tooth, the glimmer in David Cassidy's eyes...not top in the dialogue for a Water's film, but the visual elements, the surprise coyness of the direction and not to forego the lone tear drop ....makes this film a must watch for which YOU are not the one crying....

The Color Purple - (Novel by Alice Walker, Film directed by Steven Spielberg, 1985) - There are too many moments in this film that you had better keep that box of tissue close by and not watch with someone you harbor angry feelings towards cus you will want to exact revenge on someone at several parts. Whoopie Goldberg easily becomes the lovely, dim victim Celie, as does Oprah Winfrey as the has to be tough Sofia ....great elements of dramatic cinema take place between the lines...its best to watch it once for its story and again later to note some of the creative directorial choices.

UP - (Pixar, 2009)- Many young people complain this film is too sad ...For us of a certain age, its beautiful and sweet with a few sad moments .....to have a love for most of your life, loosing them is hard but the having is so so worth it and something we need to treasure ....but then the strange part of Carl's life begins and opens up to what his love wanted for him....a gift of adventure. Extremely well done, neatly paced and surprising through out ....Just FUN!! but keep a tissue or two in your pocket (or tucked up your sleeve).

Challenge! ....or how much I hate lists and am inspired to make my own again

2011-09-26T06:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, its a challenge....Total Film did a pictorial count of 50, (YES 50, isn't that ridiculous?) of the sexiest scenes in film......A list which I scoff at and must demand its repeal...first off all...50? Really? What a way to bore your audience......and secondly, ugh......Some scenes are sexually charged but have nothing to do with being SEXY......Perhaps it is all in the definition...Readers , you must realize that lists are by their nature always wrong- subjective and ever fluctuating they are only correct at the moment the type hits the screen and not a second longer.

With that rant and a further disclaimer to please ignore all lists and a nod to the definition of SEXY not sexual, here is the Film Maven's top 15 sexiest moments on film:

1)Kissing in the rain .....

Top spot goes to "Idlewild" starring Andre Benjamin and Paula Patton - while the entire scene is romantic and sensual, its that first hott kiss in the cold rain that is the sexiest moment...emotional and riveting...

2) Top honors for dressing for a date .......

Richard Gere....in "American Gigolo" shimmies to "Its Just my Imagination" by Smoky Robinson as the dresses to thrill his clients....gorgeous.

3)Woman of a certain age..

...goes to Brenda Blethyn and Tcheky Karyo...he is a scary power demi god street thug and she is a housewife trying to save herself...when Tcheky backs Brenda slowly into a wall and whispers to her the charge is electric in "Saving Grace" (and yes, bonus, also starring Craigyferg)

4)Romantically sleezy with glimmers of hope..

I can't say exactly what it is about Jared Harris, but he has a definite 'it' factor..perhaps its those amazing acting genes...and match him with the talented hyper sexuality of Asia Argento ..and wow.....in "B.Monkey" a moderately strange film ...you get a sexually charged surprisingly romantic love scene.

5) Shakespeare

Not the best overall version of "Othello" but we are going for moments....Laurence Fishburne lights up the spot with his seduction and lust for Desdemona played by Irene Jacobs....

6) Rings

The Postman Always Rings Twice ....this one I gotta give to Total Film and their list....Jessica Lange is smoldering in almost every scene in the 1981 version, the entire film is set on tinderbox with a match only millimeters away from the fuse.... yet, the underlying violence creates a rift for me and while in the 1946 version, Lana Turner has John Garfield thinking with his nether regions at every turn...its her mere entrance into any scene that qualifies for a place in this category.

7) more Rings....

LOTR is not the most romantic 25 hours of film, but ...I must give credit to "The Two Towers" as the King dreams of his Elvish love....its more 'girly' romantic but come on, you've got Liv Tyler and Viggo Mortenson in the woods dreaming of each other......its dead sexy.

8) Amore

"Moonstruck", a pivotal film for both Nicolas Cage and Cher, the slap heard around the world "GET OVER IT" ....the sexiest moment......Perhaps when Olympia Dukakis is tempted by John Mahoney ..but no, it must be the ranting of Johnny's brother to Johnny's Fiance about loosing his hand...its the moment she develops a lustful need to conquer him...

9) Twisted

Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly....need I say more? "Bound" is not a good movie, buts its filled with sexy moments....(even if some of them make you giggle)

10) Heat

William Hurt and Kim Zimmer...oops I mean Kathleen Turner... sizzle through out this film....but perhaps for a moment...its the thought process, the building of desire, the heat of Miami and not the actual contact between partners in this film that are sexy. "Body Heat"

11) Breathless

There are too many moments when Richard Gere can't help but take over the silver screen and oooozzzze beauty and sensuality, but I have to give the sexy moment in "Breathless" to the original "A bout de Souffle" with Jean-Paul Belmondo......the thumb across the lips, the lighting of her cigarette, when Jean Seberg moves helplessly around the tiny hotel room trying to escape her feelings for him....uh..um...yeah...

12) A Susan Sarandon and James Spader moment....

tough choice here, so we'll have to have a twofer twofer........"White Palace" they are crazy weird but so hott and its the conversations before the action that qualify here as the sexy moments...

13) Susan in "Bull Durham"......or maybe its just her look during Kevin Costner's line, "Slow wet kisses that last for days"....

14) James...in "Secretary" trying to down play his kinky desires....its awkward and strange....but when he finally gives in its sweet and sexy kink...

15) Miranda July and John Hawkes ....hanging the bird picture in a tree in "Me and You and Everyone We know" makes him an instant sex symbol.....

and 16 & 17 just because I can....the shower scene in
"I, Robot" - just coming off the movie "Ali" Will Smith is in amazing, amazing form......

and Selma Hayek in "From Dusk til Dawn" ....I give this one to Total Film as well....they got it right...its weird, its scary, its really a sexy moment on film....

SNAP OUT OF IT

2011-08-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

End of summer brings the awareness of change. This seems to be especially poignant as it shows us the end of phases...I've been lost in a torrent of 'get things done' 'fit everything in' and 'oh my goodness, where has the time gone' when realizing all I have let slide in the past months.....oh what wonderful craziness these long sunny days hath brought........

In recent days, these films left me wistful and transitional.....

"A Letter to Three Wives" (1949) - Wicked is as wicked does, all three women have reason to be worried- which makes the waiting and wondering even more torturous.

"The Third Man" (1949) - Such amazing use of space, shadow and thought....beautiful and intriguing.

"The Heiress" (1949) - Watched this twice in the past few weeks with out really meaning to, but Monty is so sweet and edgy - the costumes are oddly fitting and become outside the characters. Is it bad to hope for a happy ending?

Greetings Coffee Lovers!

2011-08-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous summer its been. Hot, steamy, sticky, the sun blaring down in a mocking 'take that' stream of unrelenting brightness.......Early morning Sunday here in the Midwest we start out at a mild 80 degrees at 9am - I wonder if the coffee companies would go on hiatus if it weren't for our delightful over use of Air Conditioners??

Comfortably ensconced in an air conditioned breezy basement with temperatures hovering around 70 I am able to enjoy my new "Zen" blend from Great Lakes Roasting Company (yes, they have a facebook page) .......Freshly ground and brewed by the boyfriend (who's previous fame as a horrid coffee maker is well known) he can now claim 'Baristo boy' as his newest endearment.

Ah...but what of movies you might ask? Well....The enjoyment of this new cup o joe has allowed the brain to focus on a viewing of an indie film that waited several years to come out in the USA.....

Filmmaker David Robert Mitchell delivers "Myth of the American Sleepover" to his hometown theater in Royal Oak Michigan this weekend to full theater audiences and enthusiastic VOD streamers (locally carried by both Comcast and U-Verse, check your local listings)

"The Myth of The American Sleepover" (2010) Written and Directed by Clawson, Michigan raised David Robert Mitchell and staring Redford Township's own Claire Sloma.

Capturing those waves in adolescence that define us as individuals and yet carry a universal theme of growth is presented here with awkward depictions of sleepovers as the last refuge of being a kid with the need to have adult moments of decision making. Mitchell offers a peek into one night in an American suburb of teens on the edge of the next phase of their lives. Entry into High School, a last summer of feeling like anything is possible, a last few seconds before the world gets bigger and beyond comprehension.

All of the teens realistically carry on a last night romp, but certainly Ms. Sloma has an 'it' factor that helped her earn two film festival acting awards. Annette DeNoyer also stands out as the meekly devoted BFF.

A culture defining film that well states the 'myth' with an honest portrayal of American teenagers. This film will help you remember what it was like.

Don't miss this.

Stove Bolt Six, Steady Breaker or A Tin Lizzie

2011-07-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

Cars that make the movie

Clint Eastwood took the perfect car for a ride in "Gran Torino" (2008) - he captured a city (the motor city, that would be Detroit) on the edge of its love affair with the auto industry, defining itself as a city struggling for a new identity and showed the skilled laborer as a tough, insulate, ready guy of the line willing to open up to a new phase of understanding. The use of the Torino is a classic displacement of the glamor and adoration of old world craftsmanship mixed with automated assembly. Eastwood told his story with words everyone can understand. This is mine, I like things the way they are and I have a very cool car.

What other films use a car to symbolize the identity of the hero and his time period?

Presumptive Princess

2011-07-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Prince Albert II of Monaco was married yesterday, I know right? Never thought that was gonna happen. So its seems (yes, WIKI is a wonderful thing) that Albert's illegitimate children have no claim to the throne and its become of great concern that he has no direct heirs. So his sister Princess Caroline (totally our favorite right?) is heir presumptive. I'm not sure if its the stars in my eyes created by a Hollywood princess, but I've always found the Grimaldi's fascinating.

In dedication to the lovely Grace Kelly who's charm and wit stole the heart of many, she was our American Princess long before marrying into royalty:

"Dial M For Murder" (1954)- I had the honor to see this in 3D at the Redford Theater in a far northwest corner of Detroit on a rainy Friday evening. It was captivating. Robert Cummings is smooth and fresh, Ms. Kelly is bright and lovely, both setting a perfect background for the devious calculating schemes of Ray Milland. Director Hitchock doesn't need over the top production to make this film riveting and satisfying.

"Rear Window" (1954) - This is a perfect contrast film to "Dial M For Murder" to showcase Ms. Kelly's talent. Here she is slick, sophisticated and seductive. The perfect juxtapose to Jimmy Stewart's immobility she is flexible, rash and complex.

"High Society" (1956) - There must be something about this play - it almost can't be done wrong. Normally, I would rant about remakes - but this one works for all the wrong reasons. No one here fits into good casting. If you watch "The Philadelphia Story" with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant you'll see what I mean....yet...this is a really decent film on its own. Humorous, well timed, cute and as we know, the camera loves Ms. Kelly well suited as a rich flighty love interest.

Summer in the City or The American Teenager is a little crazy

2011-07-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Perhaps the title should be, OH SO Emo......Teenagers are a different animal and as much as we can understand brain activity and hormones its so true what Chemical Romance shouts, "They all said TEENAGERS scared the livin' shit outta me ..So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose....' Nothing can be as scary as teenager angst movies:

"Empire Records" (1995) - These days they are all grown up and have responsible acting careers, but way back in the day- Robin Tunney shaved her head, Liv Tyler wore a plaid skirt, Ethan Embry ooozed emotional stress and Rory Cochrane & Anthony LaPaglia hadn't become familiar cop faces on tv.....faced paced getting to know you flick with edgy grown ups like Maxwell Cauflield and Debi Mazar.

"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) - Sean Penn has fortunately grown way past his portrayal as Spicolli and he is probably extremely grateful. Its one of those roles that could stereotype and haunt you if you let it. A silly stoner, wish I could get a girl movie but with impressive acting, directing and editing. Pheobe Cates, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Forest Whitaker use this jumping off point to high light decent careers.

"American Graffiti" (1973) - Fondly looking back at the angst of the 50's teen - the first generation with true leisure time and the freedom of automobiles. Great cast, interesting premise- slightly cheesy. You'll want to keep the remote in your hand to slow down and repeat for the cars....

Hanging Around

2011-06-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Clicking 122 channels with nothing to watch I caught a few moments of Criminal Minds (TV,CBS, 2005-present) a show I have watched because who couldn't love Mandy Patinkin (2005 -2007) and Joe Mantegna (2008-2011) ? Usually I drift away during a commercial and don't remember what happened nor care that I don't have the solution. The acting is terrific but the stories are repetitious and not in a good way like ABC's Castle or FOX's Bones .......who are more like Matlock in their soft core murder cozies.

Anyway, I digress. A glimpse of Beth Grant being her best at matronly evil was enough to catch my attention for a moment. In the closing scenes of the show I seriously had a LMAO as Bud Cort was found hanging from a bathroom ceiling fixture. How odd that a few seconds of homage to a 70's cult film would bring such joy to my heart.....

With Love For Bud and Ruth

"Harold and Maude" (1971)- A iconic 70's cult film once shown for matinee's and midnight movies, now available on DVD...a film that epitomizes the fight between modernity and postmodernism through out the 20th century. Maude is modernity, a woman of great narrative who has collected all the symbols (smell machine, sculpture, musical instruments) of an age. She has fought for human rights, created art, loved strongly and with a Victorian era calm knows when her time is up. Harold is young, vibrant and missing parts. He has no story, no future and no cause to fight for. His only action is to fight against the past and its conventions. He is not of this time but can't envision a future. He is the image of an image that is fading and can only be seen its momentary phases as he captures death. Don't watch this the first few dozen times for its battle of modern vs postmodern, but for the tree that is rescued, the pastor who is rattled, and the car that is sent over the cliff. And mostly for Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort who create with laughter, dance and love.

Just a Bit on the Dreamy side ......

2011-06-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Day dreams, fright night mares, long shiftless naps with quiet undertones - the sensory oddity of the brains pictures, sounds and scents meant to make sense of and sort through the vast undertaking of a day or a life..........and then they grasp it in images and words that help it all seem weirder than we thought......

"The Cell" (2000) - Ugh, it doesn't work. Jennifer Lopez is a decent actress, Vincent D'Ofrino is okay and the sets, costumes and most of the music are fair to midland. Yet, this just falls apart- while watching, you will keep asking yourself, Why you've bothered.

"The Never Ending Story" ( 1984) - Delightful if overly sweet. A definite rewatchable- you'll notice something different with each viewing.

"Office Space" (1999) - A dream that shouldn't have been put on film and now can't get out of your head. Ick. But so worth it for this otherwise terrific odd film. Yay to Stephen Root!!

Film Maven's Dad Day Tribute

2011-06-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

Scott's Favorite Movies and why you should watch them too:

"Gunga Din" (1939) - When a young and emo Rudyard Kipling was hanging out in India under British rule writing poetry he probably didn't consider the impact it would have on the world of film-making. "Gunga Din" is a superb film connecting all the elements of charm, comedic timing, brotherhood, drama and romance. From the cinema-photography to the costumes and on through the direction and editing- this film fits equally with the other major productions of 1939, a year filled with unmatched film quality.

"Drums Along the Mohawk" (1939) - Somewhat forgotten character actors like Edna May Oliver and John Carradine help build a production through the direction of John Ford that stands up against the creations of 1939 (as you may know, is the best year for films). Vistas spend equal time with emotional story telling. A true blue American myth building romantic epic.

"Northwest Passage" (1940) - Visually pretty, action sequences to rival any - One of those films that little boys play act in various forms on sandy hills and cardboard boxes using the dog, their sisters dolls and anything that is remotely shaped like a gun...Spencer Tracy, Walter Brennan and Robert Young forge a new world in another myth-building love affair with American history.

Your Dad is secretly a Monster Kid

2011-06-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

Its true - While there is a child in all of us over one thing or another, its a fairly certain bet that your Dad has a monster movie memory that he would love to relive.....You are always safe with the obvious beloved epics, "King Kong", "Godzilla" and "Frankenstein" but be sure to explore a little deeper and perhaps choose: 

"The Day of the Triffids" (1962) - Is there anything more frightening than imagining what comes AFTER.......the fear that brought out Triffids stems from a cold war or from reading to much HG Wells...This is a really bad bad movie and when you saw it as a little kid in the sixties it has never left your late night thoughts....

"Tremors" -(1990) - The best of horror is the thinking what it might be...Tremors keeps that going through out and becomes a classic on the edge of your seat movie. Plus, you get Kevin Bacon before he was KEVIN Bacon. Nice.

"Jurassic Park" (1993) - This is one of those films that should be viewed on the big screen in complete darkness. If you happen to have one of those in your house, YAYA! But, maybe, if you know a small one screen theater owner you could do your town a favor and ask for it to be played.  

Last Minute Awesome Movie Choices for Dad

2011-06-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Inspiration is often found in the wee hours of the morning when the brain is awake and asleep at the same time....When a James Bond marathon sounds like the best idea ever thought of ...quick before you begin to doubt yourself, get thee to a video store!

A complete package of Dad's favorite Bond (Sean Connery) or a mix of the three pretty good ones (Connery, Pierce and Craig) or be extremely funny and just get a collection Bonds with a premiere choice of Bond girls (Basinger, Janssen and Blackman)

We wont' go into the obvious misogynist tendencies in a character like Bond or the men who glorify him.....but just say that the success of such films means they have a clue on the filmgoers need to see a man's man (Connery) do the things we want them to be doing.....

As films the best choices:

"Casino Royale" (1967)- A terrific choice for anyone not familiar with the Bond films and for the Bond fanatic. David Niven is a fabulous Bond in an ensemble work - smooth, snide and sophisticated. Everything works together nicely here, storyline, acting, music. The cast is a parade of names and faces that is more fascinating than the film itself..

"Goldfinger" (1964) - Connery is the best Bond. Go ahead, argue with that....Taking a decidedly dark action picture turn, this one is bold, stylistic and probably one of the films to inspire music videos. It flashes from day to night, from sophisticated to trashy, from action / tragedy to drama / comedy in only seconds.

"Diamonds are Forever" (1971) - The return of Connery as Bond and Guy Hamilton as director did the franchise a great service. There is an over the top even for a Bond picture about this one that is only picked up in a few of the more recent attempts. Not as darkly juxtaposed as "Goldfinger" - this choice is lighter, faster, and brighter.

Only Two More Shopping Days Left....

2011-06-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

for Father's day....yikes! Let's make sure we have a variety of Dads covered here. Since we are all so different and its difficult to put Dads into one formulaic box - we will err on the side of DIVERSITY!!

oh my yes.....

If your Dad is Two Dads.....

and Loves Musicals:

"The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert"

(1994) - The Australians do camp so well! Here we have three amazing actors creating a tour de force of emotional ups and downs in a gorgeous setting. If you are a TV fan, you know the battle between Rocky Horror and Priscilla was never really concluded on the Drew Carey show - you might want to buy RH as well, just in case.

If your Dad is a total sports nut and is really sad because Hockey just ended:

"Mystery Alaska" (1999) - Not a huge Russel Crowe fan, but he is more than just tolerable in this cute lower end Hockey comedy/romance. Its got enough Hockey/ guy stuff to make it interesting & this time of year you don't really mind all the icy white vistas.

IF your Dad is a total and complete movie geek, likes hockey has a sick sense of humor and approves of bromances:

"Clerks" (1994) - Ah, the action adventure of rooftop hockey when you should be working ....the true independent film required by off beat cinemaphiles to adore & revere. Plus its a guy based sense of structure and humor with lots of high school immaturity thrown in. But more than anything its a iconic first film and a strong start for director / writer Kevin Smith.

Action Road Pictures You might not have heard of......

2011-06-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Now, a quick jot of a few off the map action / road pictures that Dad will enjoy but you might not know about .....

"Truth or Consequences New Mexico" (1997) - Described elsewheres as an "American Neo-Noir" This choppy crime road trip goes by fast and you might need to watch it again because at the end you are asking yourself..."What just happened?" First time director Kiefer Sutherland goes for gritty realism mixed with campy parody.

"Lewis and Clark and George" (1997) - A mediocre indie road film, its interesting to watch as it moves from decent to bad to okay with every scene. Rose McGowan steals the picture one minute and looses you completely the next....

"Smoke Signals" (1998) - Based on a story by Sherman Alexie, a road picture with a funny twist, keeping a light airy feel while dealing with intense emotional subjects. A Great movie with road trip self discovery at its best.

Action Pack

2011-06-15T05:08:00.000-07:00

Is your Dad an Arm Chair Cop Hero? Here are several sets of action filled flicks, pick a trilogy or gather one from each - be sure to take him some water and a meal, he'll be glued to that chair for the duration!

"The Transporter" (2002) - This is a good choice because it offers a little something for everyone- technically its a Foreign film and stars Jason Statham, so there's a gift for mom. Its also fully action packed and has a decent story line -so there's the angle for Dad. Plus it has terrific cinematography and complicated road scenes- so everyone who is a film geek will love it. Transporter's 2 & 3 are basically the same flick, with even more complicated road race scenes but well worth watching.

"Die Hard" (1988) - Some of Bruce Willis' best work, plus a bit of a love story with touching scenes- once again, everyone is covered here AND you get Alan Rickman. Die Hard the first and second are good- then we get seriously repetitive for 3 and 4 - Plus you can count "16 Blocks" as a horizontal version therefore number 5....you'd better get them all, cus once he gets started Dad will want them all.

"Terminator" (1984) - The films listed here are not in order of importance. That would definitely depend on Dad's age and preferences. If he is a sci fi nerd or a film geek he will already own "The Terminator" then you are absolutely safe in getting any of the next films in the series because he will have strong opinions about each successive movie and that will be so much fun to hear aaalllll about. Even the melty one with Robert Patrick is well worth watching.

Quick Easy Gift Ideas for Dad

2011-06-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

If your Dad is a golf fanatic:

Forget Adam Sandler, go old school with

"Caddyshack" ( 1980) - Don't bother trying to improve on this - its LOL funny, has interesting guest stars and a quotable script.

If your Dad loves bowling:

Ignore the strange wigs,

"Kingpin" (1996) - Over the top stupid concept works because Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid are just plain funny guys.

If your Dad loves bowling, gangsters, cowboys and irony:

Just don't try to harsh his buzz,

"The Big Lebowski" (1998) - Amazingly well written road romp, pot head gangster movie with bowling...watch for those acting moments with Goodman, Turturro, Moore and some surprises.

Do you sometimes feel your Dad is a creature from another planet?

2011-06-13T04:43:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, sometimes those weird little quirks that your mom finds SO SO amusing, well, they are just wrong. Dad, just get a grip. Either take off in a space ship or try not talking to my friends.......

3 Movies so Dad will hide in his cave when your friends come over.

"Forbidden Planet" (1956) - Leslie Nielsen's best film, he shows great potential here for real acting. Treating the content like a natural movie script creates a tense and enjoyable foray into the unknown universe.

"The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) - A classic - its your mission to make sure Dad has this in his movie collection. Do not fail. A smidge cheesy but so well done.

"A Space Odyessy" (1968) - No Hal will not help you send Dad into space. While we could go on and on debating Stanley Kubrick and why "Paths of Glory" is his only really good film.....its best to say that Dad will enjoy this - its a must own movie.

o m g You are SOOO Embarrassing

2011-06-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

YAY!! Only a week to go until Father's Day!

Now we have forgiven him for being uncool, started to appreciate how many times he said 'be careful', and stopped wishing he was secretly a wizard or a spy. Its time to show all that new found appreciation and get him something he would really really enjoy. A movie ticket? a framed piece of his favorite movie memorabilia? Those speakers for his man cave?
Or simply a few choice films for his collection- something that says, "Hey Dad, lets watch a movie!"

"Dan In Real Life" (2007)- Dan is a dork. As with most Steve Carell movies there are silly moments that you laugh at but aren't like, funny..... But then there are serene, thoughtful moments that are incredibly funny - he carries them off with graceful slapstick. A sort of chick flick that Dad will like.

"The Incredibles" (2004) - okay - this one is for the whole family but we know Dad will watch it on his own. A great Dad superhero like no other - he'll be super impressed that you thought of him while buying this one.

"The Addams Family" (1991) - Who could be a better Dad than Gomez? Self-absorbed, cruel, smoker - Raul Julia does credit to the role. A rare almost as good as the TV show film. Interesting depth to the parent - child relationships.....

Some quiet French Village or an Island Hideaway ??

2011-06-10T15:14:00.000-07:00

Where do we guess that Tennessee boy Johnny Depp spent his birthday? I say the island .....The best advice ever given by Marlon Brando - when he told Johnny to keep his money invested in land, but more specifically BUY A TROPICAL ISLAND....oh what a good friend!

Makes you wonder what other pearls were dropped on the set of "Don Juan DeMarco" ......and what advice Iggy Pop gave Johnny when filming "Cry Baby" ......

3 of the worst Johnny Depp films - but you'll still watch them:

"Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1998) - Perhaps its just that 'Hell's Angels' is the only Hunter S. Thompson book worth reading ....or maybe its a female/male thing - Guys love this movie....its awful

"Secret Window" (2004) - So predictable and fashioned more like a TV movie of the week (if you're too young to know what that is, ask your G'ma). And whats with the hat?

"Alice in Wonderland" (2010) - so many great scenes and interesting details strung together with such a great story line .....but not ever really connecting ....What was up with Anne Hathaway's arms? You gotta love Helene's head....okay, watch it but realize, its just not good.

Cowboy Pitchers - just not what they used to be?

2011-06-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

No offense to all the good ol' boys tryn' to be rough hands and rustlers but cowboy pictures just ain't the same no more. Perhaps John Ford was just one in a million, perhaps John Wayne can't be replaced - but really? Can anything new compare?

"High Noon" (1952) - Mr. Gary Cooper is a suit makers dream, all clean lines and sharpness...but give him a gun belt and some dust, the man was made for it. Delivering lines as snappy as bullets- a must view movie.

"The Searchers" (1956) - No one can be tough, mean and full of spite while pulling at your heart strings like John Wayne. Ford does his best work making Wayne and Hunter into believable, hard bitten characters. Cinematography to envy.

"Destry Rides Again" (1932, 1939) - Every rule has its exception....the usual rant against remakes is all mixed up here, because both films are well worth watching and keeping on your rewatchable list. Tom Mix covers anger and emotes undercurrents in the original 1932 version. Meanwhile, Jimmy Stewart smolders along side Marlene Dietrich in the 1939 remake. The first might be difficult to locate, maybe Netflix? but make the effort.

Gossip part one appendix A

2011-06-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Giovanni Ribisi's twin sister is married to Beck who's mom was involved with the Andy Warhol factory, which makes all of them a cult classic by association. There should be a Ribisi game of separations because he was in "Lost in Translation" with Scarlett Johansson who was married to Ryan Reynolds who was in "Smokin' Aces" with Jeremy Piven who was in
"Family Man" with Nicolas Cage who was in "Gone in "60 Seconds" with Giovanni.

"I love your Work" (2003) - its difficult to have any sympathy for a character who is shallow and ungrateful but expects others to be deep and understanding....Ribisi is outstanding as usual.

"Mod Squad" (1999) - Don't often care for remakes and updates, but this one comes as close as possible to being really good. Dark, joyless, a little grimy - Giovanni and crew take themselves way too seriously and its fun to watch.

"Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" (2010) - the movie is hot fun mess and the soundtrack (Sex-bob-omb music by Beck) is terrific and really the best part of the film. Great silly fun!

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