Twin Feature

Defining my Generation

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:45:00 +0000

It's hard for one single film to embody the aura and social nuances that can define a single generation. Some have pulled this off. It isn't impossible. You always see blurbs on the back of dvd covers that say "a film that defined a generation." Has any film defined this one? My generation.

To really discover we'll take a look at the years behind us. Starting in the 1970's. A time when a nation is in an unwanted war. They don't trust the government and are in a time of a national identity crisis. Alot of great art was made in this time because of this. Amazing music and beautiful films. But, the film that defined this inner turmoil the most is Easy Rider. A film about self exploration while exploring the nation.

In the 1980's we had an economic boom because of the stock market resulting in the rich getting richer and more lavish. But, behind the spending was a tragic self indulgence. Which is why Wall Street is the film that captured it perfectly.

The 1990's were about emancipation not being our parents and once again finding ourselves. Let me explain. This time the nation was in a good state. Helping other countries, a decent economy but, not a whole lot going on. We as a result made war at home Rebelling from all those previous generations. Making a name for ourselves. Independence That's what it was all about. In a way, Clerks embodied this very idea. Sure the acting is quite shameful but, its heart is in the right place.

That leads us to now. What are we all about. Well, we're about distance. In a post 9-11 world we fear what we do not know and what we do know is keep your distance. With the internet being a more integral part of our lives we can manage to keep our distance and anonymity. It's kind of a selfish world we live in today. That's why we live in a world where a website can be valued at 24 billion dollars. This is the digital age. and what film best described the digital age? The Social Network brilliantly chronicled the rise of the digital nation while projecting the American youth onto the protagonist.

The Night of the Hunter (Laughton; 1955)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:53:00 +0000

What a delectably dark tale set in the supremely depressing 1930's. Robert Mitchum plays a derelict preacher who can't tame his lust for money and power over the weak. Adopting a charismatic facade he easily weaves himself into a community and eventually a family. A family with wich he knows all to well. While serving time Reverend Powell learned of a successfully stolen $10,000 stowed away in a young boys mind. The widow marries the malicious preacher but, he's only in it for the money. Pushing her away and gaining the trust of her young daughter.
Night of the Hunter is a beautifully shot black and white film. Employing classic noir framing and lush shadows. But, the gangster motif is all but lost. It's more about the bond between two young children and their struggle with this evil patriarch. The acting is subtly dark with a pinch of humor. But, the film is just beautiful. It was recently re-released on Blu-Ray under the Criterion Collection. It's well worth the extra cash. This could wind up being one of my favorite films.

Double up with: Frailty (Paxton; 2001)

The Box (2010, Richard Kelly)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:39:00 +0000

The Box is based on a short story by genre-legend Richard Matheson via cult director Richard Kelly. It's a great plot. If someone offered you a million dollars for another's life would you do it? But, like the other Kelly films, Donnie Darko and Southland Tales, it's a heady mind trap. Unlike Kelly's masterpiece, it wasn't as tight of a screenplay. The lore and motivation for the antagonist is not so clear. Sadly, when I finished this film the only thing I could say was "That was a movie." I'll watch it again some day but, not anytime soon.

Double up with: The Game (2002, David Fincher)

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, Steven Spielberg)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:48:00 +0000

It's amazing what a good movie can do to your day bright and early. Still, Raiders holds up as a nonstop chase. Featuring some of the most iconic imagery and music to back it up. It's an old story so, follow along. Indy searches for the Ark of the Covenant in a race with the occult driven Nazis all while they are kidnapping his girl and killing his monkey. He hates snakes and loves punching Nazis. It's the simplest form of entertainment.

Double up with: The Goonies (1985, Richard Donner)

Jennifer's Body (2009, Karen Kusama)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:58:00 +0000

With Diablo Cody back in the movie news recently because of her attachment to the Evil Dead remake, I decided to revisit this film. I want to like Cody. Juno was ok. United States of Tara was gook. Her book Candy Girl was great. I'll see Evil Dead, given my history with the franchise. But, the problem I have with her style is she writes stories centered around a teenage culture. Which I love high school films and teenage angst as much as the next twenty something dude but, much like Easy A, these kids are too damn witty and culturally aware. It might have something to do with Megan Fox's "acting" or the fact. FACT. That these two girls, a smoking hot cheerleader and a nerdy but cute under the surface wallflower would NEVER be friends. She wouldn't ever. Maybe I'm working out something personal but, I really feel that this film about demonic possession is not realistic enough. It's not a terrible movie. It's obviously a dark comedy about growing into yourself. I get it. I've just seen other films do it better. Although, I do like seeing Kyle Gallner in stuff. That's probably due to my penchant for all things Veronica Mars.

Double up with: Meangirls (2004, Mark Waters)

Why reboot?

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:23:00 +0000

There has been a trend in the Hollywood machine this past decade. To reboot a seminal franchise. Anything with its built-in fan base. The closest thing to a sure hit. Things like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre have all fallen prey. Looking at the track record of these films, they tend to make good money but, never warrant a sequel or, in a rare case, a trilogy. So, why reboot?
Isn't the idea to start the franchise up again and yet, the "new" series barely makes it past the "first" installment. I understand that, in times when even studios are struggling its hard to take chances. But, look at a film like Inception. It's one of the highest grossing films last year. A trippy heist film taking place in dreams. Audiences want new stories. Its sad when a prequel to a 30 year old film is a breath of fresh air.
On the flipside, its hard to argue the case that "nothing is original." That may be the case but, there is so much to pull ideas from. Hell, some of the greatest films of all time are based on novels.
I'm not going to say all reboots and remakes are bad but, the majority of them are superfluous. A well made film is rare. A well made reboot/remake is unthinkable.

History of Horror: Nosferatu (1922)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:02:00 +0000

Nosferatu is an unauthorized re-telling of Bram Stoker's famous tale. In fact, F.W. Murnow was sued by Stoker's estate for copyright infringement. Comparatively, Murnow's version is far superior. Employing the German expressionist style. Skewed angles, long shadows, a touch of the surreal. Lead by Max Schreck, as the titular Nosferatu, the film himges on its own sanity. Schreck is horrifying. Making this a delightfuly terrifying trip.

History of Horror: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:01:00 +0000

A legendary film full of iconic imagery. Dr. Caligari tells a maddening tale of the somnambulist. A sleepwalking creature that can predict the future. Dr. Caligari's creation. He can predict death by tolling it out.
Arguably, this film is seen as the first horror film. I can definitely see it. Almost every film on the genre borrows from it, most without even realizing it. It's a slow methodical but, chilling film. Available, in its entirety on youtube.

History of Horror Prologue

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 16:43:00 +0000

It's that time of year again. The leaves are changing color, the wind is a bit cooler. The flora and fauna begin their hibernation process. Everything falls still and in the heart of this season, we celebrate the macabre, the tricks and the treats.
Just like last year, It's time for us to celebrate the rich history of horror. What is this genre and where did it come from?
Last year was an experiment, this year, I've got an agenda. We're starting at the begining. We'll take a look at the German Expresionists, the Nuclear Age, splatter films, all leading to the modern era. If you're not familiar with horror, stick around for a bit of a history lesson. Starting today, leading all the way up to that most joyus of days, Halloween. Where, "We're all entitled to one good scare."

Last Man Standing (1996, Walter Hill)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 23:27:00 +0000

It isn't Bruce Willis at his finest, that's an honor left for Die Hard. It isn't Walter Hill's best directing, that's (in my opinion) The Warriors. As an action film, it's decent. Alot of exposition but, when the bullets fly, they knock you off your feet. The story is simple. A lone gunman for hire wanders into a dusty town in the prohibition-era. A town only occupied by two rival gangs, fighting for years. They play the gunman, John Smith (Willis), like a puppet, or so they think. He has the upper hand, at all times working both sides.
If this sounds familiar, that's because it is. It's Kirosawa's classic tale Yojimbo, retold once again. If that title is unfamiliar, maybe a film called A Fistful of Dollars will ring a bell. Those two do it way better than Last Man Standing. The dialoge is all dramatic gravel-voiced whispers. The direction is too close to the action. As an adaptation, it's horrible. As a Bruce Willis vehicle, it's barely adequate. On the Bruce Willis scale, it's better than Hudson Hawk, worse tnan Last Boy Scout.

Take 2: Toy Story 3

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:48:00 +0000

In their attempts to avoid the trash, the toys find their new life at the daycare isn't all it's cracked up to be. Facing a tyranical bear, Lotso, the gang must band together to overthrow the leader and liberate the opressed toys. Y'know, a simple story for kids.
I don't know what it is, everytime, and I watch this alot, as you may have read on here before, but, everytime, I sob like a baby. I think it's the closure and the nostalgia behind it all. I've grown up with these characters and after all this time, it feels like it's finally over. They say this isn't the last one but, I really hope it is. I just can't see another great story being told here. It's over. Maybe a prequel. Apparently, Woody is a collector's item. He's been around for a long time. I would like to see him in the 50's and how he came into Andy's possession. That would be interesting. I think after the critical failure that was Cars 2, Pixar has to be thinking about original properties, another sequel seems like a bad idea. They used to be seen as the company that never produced a bad film but, after Cars 2, my faith in Pixar has been shaken. I'm not too jazzed about Brave. It just isn't my scene, I don't typically like medieval stories. Monsters University may be fun but, as I said, another sequel...

Secret Origins: The Story of DC Comics

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:33:00 +0000

A documentary about the history of DC comics. Narrated by Ryan Reyolds? I don't know if he was a great choice. I mean, he's obviously a comic fan, given the roles he has taken but, they were really pushing him on you. It's a well done doc.
It tells the rich history of DC comics from their rise to near deaths and multiple re-births. I love comics, I love comic book movies. The doc, produced by DC & Warner did tend to spend quite some time focusing on the top sellers and how well the company did. It would've been nice to hear more about their missfires and where they went wrong too. There is a documentary on the Tales from the Crypt first season about EC comics which, went belly up in the early 60's. That was an interesting watch and would be a great double-feature pairing. It's a well produced, interesting film about a history not many know, from the people who created it.

Homecoming: Dance of the Dead

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 06:40:00 +0000

It's one of the most memorable days in your High School career. The big dance. Prom. It's just a shame when its canceled by the hoards of the undead. Cliques clash when they have to survive after the local nuclear power plant brings the recently deceased back to life.
There is a unique vision brought to the genre. Zombies rocket out of their graves and chase their prey. Limbs are ripped off like their perforated. The music rocks too hard and the characters are written in an organic fashion. It's flashy and witty.

Homecoming: Charlie Bartlett

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Ahh yes, the classic fish out of water, rich kid goes to public school story. Charlie has been kicked out of every private school in town. When his highly depressed mother enrolls him in public school, Charlie befriends the big bully on campus. Charlie becomes the resident psychiatrist, listening to everyones problems. But, he manages to alienate the administration, led by the alchoholic principal Mr. Gardiner. Not only is he the one listening but, he is also dating Gardiner's daughter.
Charlie Bartlett is a dark comedy. That deals with some serious matters, you know depression and suicide. But, it takes its self lightly. It's R rated but, not hard. There is some hokey dialogue but, overall the speech feels genuine. Anton Yelchin is great as charlie, Kat Dennings is cute as Susan Gardiner, and Robert Downey Jr. is, as always, clever. The direction ismore than accomidating. With some inspired shots and an original story.

Homecoming: Easy A

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:20:00 +0000

A re-tooling, updated version of "The Scarlet Letter." Easy A is the story of Olive Penderghast. A virgin with a heart of gold. And apparently no morals. She lets guys pay her to say they fooled around. So, rumors spread of debauchery. Everyone in this film is a regular harlot. The students, the parents, even the teachers. Obviously, in typical teenage fashion, Olive must reclaim herself. Through doing the right thing. Coming clean.
It may sound like I don't like this movie but, I do. It's clever, sometimes too clever. But, it manages to take the cliches that films before it set in place and skew them in a fun way. The film is always two steps ahead of you. My only real complaint is, I wish they didn't blateantly tell you it was a re-telling of the Scarlett Letter. Obviously, the film is pandering to teenagers. Most of which, sadly, are not familiar with the story.

Top 10: Sequels That Surpassed Their Originals

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:41:00 +0000

In film, you have successes and failures, criticaly and commercially. Obviously, if your film is a failure, it dies there. But, if you create a film that pulls in an audience and tells a great story, there is a demand. Thus, the sequel. Ideally, your sequel will take the themes and characteristics of the flagship film and elevate it. You want your second try to be bigger and better. It's hard to do but, few do. In my opinion, these are the ten sequels that completely blow the initial concept out of the water.

10. Wrath of Khan

It's safe to say that, I'm not much of a Trek fan. I enjoy the fan favorite episodes. Mirror, Mirror. Trouble with Tribbles. And so on. But, you've got to hand it to them Khan is a fun piece of sci-fi. Ricardo Montalban is great, the whole cast is great. And, its got carnivorous earwigs. What more could you want?

9. Terminator 2: Judgement Day

What Terminator did, T2 did it a whole lot better. It's one of the best action movies ever. Period. Robert Patrick as the T-1000 is terrifying. Arnold and Edward Furlong are great together. Linda Blaire is a total badass. It's simply put amazing.

8. Addam's Family Values

Fester marries Debbie. A woman who is sicker than the Addams. The kids go to camp and are forced to watch Disney films. Gomez and Morticia are caught in the middle. It's such a funny, dark film. Darkness is something alot of sequels do. I wonder why that is?

7. Kill Bill Volume 2

I know, they were meant to be one movie. Well, when I am holding a copy of Kill Bill: Whole Bloody Affair in my hands, then we'll talk. If volume 1 is an ode to martial arts films then volume 2 is a love letter to spaghetti westerns. Everyone says "One had all the action. Two had all the talking." That's true. But, I like what they're saying. And, we meet the great Pei-Me. Ohh, and Hattori Hanzo, Sonny Chibba himself. Awesome.

6. Dawn on the Dead

It's the godfather of the modern zombie, telling a grandious tale about consumerism. But, with flesh eating ghouls. What more do you need. Tom Savini does the effects. Dario Argento produces. Goblin does the score. I could write about it for hours.

5. The Bride of Frankenstein

Taking a different route. "Bride" is more comedy and less dark. The creature gains a concince, a voice, and a companion. There is some camp. Sure. But, underneath that, is a story. A beautiful story about love and loss. About expectations. I love this film.

4. Evil Dead 2

Speaking of camp. Evil Dead 2 re-tells the events of part one in about, 6 minutes. And after that, the tone and the pace are completely different. It's loud, it's gross, it's amazing. Severed hands, chainsaws and barrels of blood.

3. Toy Story 3

I cry every time I see this. It's the only third entry on this list and the perfect end to an amazing trilogy. I only hope they don't release a fourth. I feel it would damage the emotional effect the ending has. A closure to our two favorite toys.

2. The Empire Strikes Back

The best Star Wars film. It's dark. There is dread and loss. There is a whole lot of action. We also meet a new cast of, now iconic, characters. It's bigger and better.

1. The Dark Knight

Dark Knight is the best comic book film. It's the film we use to judge every other comic book film. Everyone loves it. The action is great, the story is superb. And it proves that summer films can tell a story. They aren't just eye candy. They can have substance. Not only that but, as a sequel, this film can stand alone.

Homecoming: Election

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:59:00 +0000

What is it about High School? Why are there so many films and why do people see them? I think it's because, it's something we can all relate too. We all had to face the tragedy that is High School. High School is a beautifully self-contained heirarchy. Anything and everything can happen. And it probably has! Just like your school days, there are good and there are bad High School movies. So, as a return to regular reviews, I welcome you to my new schedule. Monday through Thursday one spotlight a day. I call this, Homecoming.

Election (Alexander Payne, 1999)

It's a tale, a simple tale. Reese Witherspoon plays Tracey Flick, the reach-for-the-stars, do anything to succeed school girl. She lies and cheats. And today, she is the forerunner in the school election. Matthew Broderick plays the superficial Mr. McAllister. A teacher who thinks he is doing the correct thing, until his power goes to his head. Ruining his marriage, his job, ultimately, his life. He sees Flick as a natural disaster. A forceful gale. Unless, he, himself, changes the course of the election. He does so by talking, the most popular kid in school, Paul Metzler (played by Chris Klein) into running. This sets off a chain of events that uproots the entire school.
This film takes the "popularity comtest" and spins it on its head. The film is seen, not only from a student but, a teachers perspective. It's interesting to see a film, encompassing every aspect. It's a well written, well acted, genuinely funny film with some adult situations. It makes such a chidish time, seem so real. Broderick delivers a stellar performance as Mr. McAllister, a seriously self-absorbed man. It's a tragedy with a school backdrop.

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:38:00 +0000

On to year two. Still, we're viewing this through Chris Colubus's eyes. It's fantastical and joyful. Flying cars and more Dahlish visuals.
This time around, we meet Dobby, an annoying Jar-Jar equivalent character. Ok, maybe not that bad but, Dobby is a bit annoying.
Columbus puts together some great action sequences succesfully living up to the sequelitus that it has too, you know, bigger and flashier. It's a grandious film and, I can't believe I failed to mention the epic score by the blockbuster-master himself John Williams. So suiting.
It's a fun tween film with a pretty good fantasy-mystery at its core. It's still a tad childish in its ways but, features a great climactic set piece, definitely worth the time spent to get there.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 03:09:00 +0000

Some find this to be shocking but, I've actually never seen/read a single Harry Potter film/book. I know. Blashphemy. I never really felt the need to. I don't really get down on much fantasy. That's more my problem and I'm
working on it. So, up until now, up until my girlfriend revealed her affair with a certain young magician, I had no intention to ever see a single one of these films. Writing them off as "silly movies based on silly children's books" and "not worth the time." I was a dumb film fan in my younger days, feeling as though I had something to prove. It took me many years to realize, I have nothing to prove. Every film is a learning experience, providing an intimate look into a creative's vision.

So, we delve into the world of Hogwarts, head first, in the ideal fashion, without any real knowledge on the subject. I'm a hermeticaly sealed magic eraser ready to suck up all the info of the magical kingdom (and not of the Epcot variety).

This first film, like many others in a series, it sets up everything. The look
and feel, the locations, and most importantly the characters. From our heroes to our vilains, from or mains to our minors, we meet them all. And honestly, the casting in this film and presumaly, this entire series is really, well, great!

Sorcerer's Stone is definitely a movie for teens. There is some mild cursing, some flashy action sequences and some light violence. It is a funny, relevent film that still holds up. Granted, some of the CGI is bad but it was only 2001. The technique was still in its infancy.

All in all, I actually really enjoyed this first film. Everyone kept telling me, the first two are verry kiddie (as if this is a bad thing), I liked it alot. And frankly, I'm quite excited to see what else this series holds. I don't know if it's just these first two films or if its the whole series but, this first film reeks of Roald Dahl. Which, I guess if you're going to borrow a style from someone why not a master.

The Things I've Learned About Relationships From Watching Chick Flicks

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:48:00 +0000

What is a chick flick? Generally speaking, it's a film, usually released around the dreaded Valentines day, targeted to the female demographic. Relying heavily on emotional tropes and the laws of love. Most are bad, some are good.
I personally have no shame admitting that, I can enjoy a good chick flick now and then. Sure, most are steriotypical fare based on the prince charming anecdote. But, there are some really good films in the sub-genre. Some you might not even classify as such because the term is seen in a negative way. Now, I haven't been in many relationships but, with these simple rules, it just might help all of our odds.

Be true to yourself. Lying never gets you anywhere but deeper into the hole. And, if you do lie, come clean quick before it gets worse.
As seen in Some Like it Hot

Be respectful and at the same time don't hold back your emotions. This one is a fine line that you must skate. You would rather let her know how you feel than never say anything.
As seen in When Harry Met Sally

Sometimes, the thing you are searching for, could be right in front of you.
As seen in Clerks 2

(Not Literally) Sometimes you have to fight for the one you love. Don't be overly persistant but, occasionally it takes a bit of a push to instigate a conversation.
As seen in The Virgin Suicides, Every Animated Disney Film, Scott Pilgrim

Show a little chivalry and a little courage wouldn't hurt either. It's like ripping off a bandage. Just as much as she might need a little push, so might you. Talking to someone new is always awkward but, it's better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all. Hey, look at it this way, if they say no, you're right where you started.
As seen in The Princess Bride and The 40 Year Old Virgin

And most important of all remember, Sometimes the nerd does get the girl. So, stay at it. And they're bound to show up.
As seen in Scott Pilgrim, 16 Candles, Pretty in Pink, Ferris Bueller, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Girl Next Door

Hitchcock Month Pt.2: Marnie

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Wed, 25 May 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Some consider Marnie to be Hitchcock's last masterpiece. I consider it too be a bit boring and drawn out. Which, is why it's taken me so long to write about this one.
Marnie is the story (obviously) of Marnie Edgar (played once again by Tippi Hedren). A seriously screwed up individual. She has terrible phobias of lightning, men, and the color red. Hitchcock expresses this fear by fading red in and out of the scene. a technique better used in his other (better) film Vertigo. She also has a mother in poor health. To help her out, Marnie has been taking jobs and swiping their safes. After knocking over one, she changes her identity and moves on to the next. But, on this last one, she is recognized by Mark Rutland (played by the always charming Sean Connery). He cons her into marrying him, threatening to go to the police. So, where else would a timid, neurotic, suicidal person want to whisked away too, ohh yes, a cruise ship. So, they go on a cruise, Mark discovers the extent of her neurocies. So, naturally, she attempts suicide the next day but, wouldn't you know it James Bond is there to save her. They get off the ship the next day and Mark sets off on an investigation to fix his crazy wife that hates him.

The real problem with this movie is the characters. They seem so
disconnected, not only from each other but, from the story. We're supposed to believe that after we figure out Marnie's terrible secret, the thing that has made her so crazy, that she will just, be normal after and love her stupid husband. I don't think so. Obviously, this isn't the worst film ever. It's Hitchcock so, it's worth the time but, it's steps below his normal fair. As Hitch's health declined, so did his ambitious ways. We're getting closer to the end of his career and some of these last films aren't too great.

Hitchcock Month Pt.2: The Birds (1963)

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Fri, 13 May 2011 18:03:00 +0000

"I hardly believe a bunch of birds will bring about the end of the world"

I know you all didn't expect this but, Hitchcock month is back and with a vengeance. Kicking it off with the natural coup d'etat classic The Birds. It's the golden standard of man vs. nature films. It's brutal, visceral, sharp and witty.

When San Francisco deutante Melanie Daniels (played by the lovely Tippi Hedren) is approached in a pet shop by Mitch Brenner (played by the rugged Rod Taylor). He decides to pretend she is a store clerk, just to mess with her. He orders two lovebirds (these are the MacGuffin (I'll explain what that is in a little bit) for his eleven year old sister. Just to mess with him, she actually tracks down the birds and leaves them on his doorstep in Bodega Bay with a note. As she treks back across the tiny bay in a row boat, she is attacked by a Seagull.
During these slow drawn out scenes, we all know the birds are going to attack and seeing her slowly draw closer and closer to the dock, reels us in. amping up the suspense. Something Hitchcock is an expert at.
After the attack, Mitch runs to Melanie's aid. We meet Mitch's mother Lydia and lay the ground work of Mitch's previous relationship with Melanie's new acquantance Annie, as the birds begin to roost outdoors later that night.
Towering onto the avian attacks, we also have this emotional barrier. Even more tension.
The next day, after fully discussing their (that is Melanie and Mitch's) relationship, the birds attack the children at the school where Annie works. They hold up in the school house for quite some time, leading to one of the best scenes in the film. That being when Melanie is outside smoking and she looks over to see the entire jungle gym filled with crows. And then they attack.
It isn't long after, at the bar that religion comes into play. Zealots calling it the begining of the apocalypse. That's when the real chaos begins. Birds attack the gas station next, causing a crash. Gas flows down the street, almost an entire block's length, where a man lights a cigar. Igniting the flames, causing the community to turn on each other. Pitting neighbor against neighbor. Making this, the scariest theme in the film. Who's the real monster?

I don't want to drop the end so, that's the end of my synopsis. In the entire pantheon that is Hitchcock's filmography, The Birds ranks quite highly for me. Definitely in my top ten. With its sharp dialog, beautiful cinematography, including literally some of the most impressive matte paintings ever commited to celluloid, and stellar sound design, The Birds towers above the rest of the nature attacks films. Adding some class to a very mediocre sub-sub-genre.

Still Alive.

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Tue, 03 May 2011 20:45:00 +0000

Don't fear, fellow readers. I'm still around. Recently, i've been helping friends move, finding a new place for myself and, in the process had not too much time to actively enjoy a good film. At the very least, not anything worth my time to write about. I've got two months left before my move, so don't expect a lot of posts in that time. Once it has settled, I'll be back in my old form. I already have my October event schedled out, it's going to be a history of horror from 1920-present three films per decade. Linton and I are working on a soundtrack/score project. And I've got a seperate travel blog coming up. A week long brewerie crawl on the east coast. Just, stay tuned and don't give up on me just yet.

Battle of the (Fictional) Bands: The Winner

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:44:00 +0000

I can't believe we're finally here. The tournament is over and only one band can be the victor. The final two, in case you all forgot, or are too lazy to scroll down are:

The Clash at Demonhead
As seen in the cult-hit, Edgar Wright directed Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. After being signed to G-Man's lable they sky rocketed in fame. Leaving their Canadian roots behind and never looking back. Boisting a pop new wave sound with smart lyrics to back it up. All music by Metric.

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Was a concept by rocker David Bowie about an alien who landed on Earth in its final years. He comes spreading the words of peace and love but, ultimately falls due to his rock and roll lifestyle. Concept album extrordinair and the ultimate space rocker, David Bowie mixes themes and beats to bring a unique experience every time.

Which, now brings us to the end. Who wins? Well, after talking it over with Linton at SpiderOptics we came to a conclusion. It wasn't easy. (This is what we call a cliff hanger)

The winner is, after tallying all the vote. We came to the conclusion.

The Clash at Demonhead has won the Battle of the (fictional) Bands.
With their new wave-esque pop synthe tracks and topical lyrics, Metric beat out Bowie. Who knew right?

Battle of the (Fictional) Bands Round 5: The Final 2

noreply@blogger.com (Twin Features) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:32:00 +0000

The Clash at Demonhead vs. Ziggy Stardust

The original musical rebel. A man who not only pioneered music experimentation but defied labeling. Or, the Canadian dance rockers with a bonafide poetic aptitude. It all depends on you.

Just comment below. Voting will be tallyed on here and Linton's blog at SpiderOptics. You have until April 12th. After that it's back to the reviews. All the classic Twin Features you know and love.

The Clash at Demonhead (voiced by Metric)
Vs.
Ziggy Stardust (played by David Bowie)