movies filter: Screen Scene

Passing The Action Torch

Thu, 15 May 2008 02:09:21 GMT

I don't care about the rumored bad reviews -- I'm officially excited (for Cate Blanchett and Karen Allen...OK...a little for Harrison Ford).

Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" will be opening May 22 -- 19 years since its last installment ("Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"), and 27 years since its first old movie style adventure, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," a picture some of us hold with higher regard than "Star Wars." But Spielberg and George Lucas aside, a lot of that has to do with Harrison Ford. He brought a weathered masculinity, intelligence and oodles of charm to his adventurous, academic archaeologist. He was a hero who nonchalantly (and hilariously) shot a sword-twirling bad guy, wielded a mean bull whip, and went head to head with crazy Nazis, but can't stand the sight of snakes. So here we are with older Indy, a young Shia LaBeouf, a hot-to-trot villainess Cate Blanchett and (swoon) the re-entry of Indy's true love, Marion Ravenwood (played by Karen Allen).

Since we're thinking this might be the last we see of ol' Indy (Ford will soon be 66 years old), we're looking at some of the newer (and older) action stars gracing our screens. Some barely in their 20s, some more seasoned (remember, Ford was 39 in the first Indy movie), these guys might become almost as iconic as Ford. Almost, because, honestly, that's asking a lot. Here's to the new breed!

Here's two from ten on my list of torch-bearers:

Jason Statham

This gruff-voiced toughie has lived a life almost as interesting as some of the parts he has played. In his teens, the tough guy joined the British national diving team, finishing 12th at the world championships in 1992. But that was perhaps just a bit too square for the rough and tumble Brit, who moved into (allegedly, you never know what is apocryphal in Hollywood) the street world as a black-market salesman (no wonder director Guy Ritchie likes him so much). He then became a model, which led to an audition for Ritchie's breakthrough action quirk fest, "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." From then on, Statham was in demand, appearing in, among other pictures, Ritchie's popular "Snatch," "The One" (with Jet Li), "Mean Machine" (with Vinnie Jones), the incredibly entertaining "Transporter" films, "Crank," and the impressive "The Bank Job." Up next for this curious cross between Bruce Willis and Anthony Hopkins is "Death Race," the remake of the cult film "Death Race 2000." Let's hope he does David Carradine proud.

Dwayne Johnson

With his fantastically popular WWE career behind him (and that famous arched brow and vocal bravado), millions of viewers had already smelled what "The Rock" had been cooking before this multitalent hit the movie screens in Stephen Sommers' "The Mummy Returns" and "The Scorpion King." Though these two big-budget extravaganzas were Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's entrée into movie-stardom, it was actually Peter Berg's underrated "The Rundown" that revealed the actor's wonderful charm and ease with action and comedy -- whenever he's on-screen, you can't take your eyes off of him. It was also in this picture that an iconic torch was quite literally passed, when then-gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in a cameo, practically anointing Johnson as Hollywood's newest "it" boy action hero. Though Johnson has made an impression in action movies like "Walking Tall" (also underrated) and "Doom," the broad-smiling, sweet-natured, beefy star has showcased an impressive array of characters in movies like "Be Cool" (in which he and Vince Vaughn managed to steal every scene), the massively popular family film "The Game Plan" and the now notorious cult curio "Southland Tales." As far as we're concerned, "The Rock" can do anything, and we can't wait to see what's next (particularly his role as Agent 23 in "Get Smart") for this likable lug.

Read my entire list here.

--posted by Kim

Bring Me The Head Of Blockbuster Video

Tue, 13 May 2008 07:05:20 GMT

So I'm out in the desert for a long time. I really want/need a copy of Sam Peckinpah's "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" for enjoyment and a good 100th re-watch for a story. Now, had I been smart, I would have grabbed my copy and brought it along my two and a half week sojourn (I nabbed Monte Hellman's "Cockfighter" instead" -- which is great -- and yes, I have to bring a Warren Oates movie with me everywhere I go). Anyway, silly me for believing I could find "Bring Me the Head" anywhere in Morongo Valley. I was at a Hollywood Video and thought, oh what the hell, I'll ask the clerk if she has any Peckinpah. Since she couldn't cross reference via director, I listed titles. Not a one. Not even "The Wild Bunch"!

Anyway, after the older man who ran the video store that was finally crossing from VHS to DVD (and no, he didn't have a copy of "Bring Me the Head" but at least he knew what I was talking about)...after he told me that I could go online and access this thing called Amazon or Netflix (he was so damn nice I played along...."Really"?) I realized what relics these video stores are. Which is why this Onion video piece sent to me by a friend (thanks Brian) was such perfect timing. Enjoy:

Historic 2018Blockbuster2019 Store Offers Glimpse Of How Movies Were Rented In The Past

--posted by Kim

Bloodsucking Biography

Fri, 09 May 2008 18:33:51 GMT

Finally. A biography of eccentric (and that's a vast understatement) German actor Max Schreck, the greatest vampire ever put to celluloid in F.W. Murnau's 1922 silent "Nosferatu." Though the gorgeously shot "Shadow of the Vampire" featured an inspired performance by Willem Dafoe as Schreck, I wanted to know more about this impressive, yet bizarre actor.

From Galley Cat:

"'Whoever hopes to discover a vampire will be disappointed, but they will find an actor of real skill and versatility,' biographer Stefan Eickhoff tells Reuters. 'Yet he himself remains somewhat shrouded in mystery.' Max Schreck—Gespenstertheater ('Ghost Theater') will be published in Germany later this year. There's no mention of any American interest yet, but you translate this into English and it seems like it might be of a kind with the early Hollywood biographies the University Press of Kentucky has been doing regularly for the past few years..."

--posted by Kim

Reel News

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:19:13 GMT

--A first look at Sean Penn in Gus Van Sant's "Milk."

--James Brolin is replacing James Caan in David O. Russell's "Nailed." Guess he'll cough and choke on a cookie...

--It's like an indie-cute major talent explosion of crush-worthy actors: Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt together in the Marc Webb-helmed romantic comedy "500 Days of Summer." Wonder if she'll sing? Hope so.

--Classsics gone Blue-Ray. Criterion have announced thirteen titles from their collection to be released, beginning in October.

--"Beckett shmeckett." How can you not love Elaine Stritch?

--posted by Kim

He's So Money And He Totally Knows It

Tue, 06 May 2008 12:19:32 GMT

Yes, I had to say it, but "Iron Man" director John Favreau is so money. As in literally. So. Money.

Entertainment Weekly caught up with Favreau regarding his smash hit:

"ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How are you feeling today?

"JON FAVREAU: I am doing good. It's nice when it works out this way. It doesn't happen that often! [Laughs]

This is just the second time that a non-sequel has grossed this much on its opening weekend.
Yeah, you know it's amazing, it's the biggest thrill. I remember the first [time I felt like this] was when I got my Chevy commercial and I got in SAG. That was a big one back in Chicago. Then when 'Swingers' got bought, that was a huge changing moment for me. And then 'Elf' — when 'Elf' took off, I felt it more, and I didn't think I could feel this way again, but I do. I do now. And Robert and I are just very, very appreciative and humbled by the whole thing. It's been a really wonderful, wonderful experience."

Read the entire interview here.

--posted by Kim

Reel News

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:32:00 GMT

--Scarlett off the Market. Sorry, Dave.

--New "The Dark Night" trailer. Still excited.

--"Anchoraman 2"? Really? Is this necessary?

--Is "Speed Racer" on a bad track?

--M. Night Shyamalan will receive a top honor in India. No surprise twist to this news. We think.

--posted by Kim

Mommie Meanest

Fri, 02 May 2008 17:38:26 GMT

Once a year, we take time to reflect on all the sacrifices, good deeds and sweet qualities of good old Mom. All those Mother's Day bouquets, cards and ... more brunches are just a way to say, "We love you, Ma; you're perfect."

But what if mom isn't so perfect? And we're not talking flaws like burning the chicken or forgetting to pick you up at volleyball practice. No, we mean like beating you with wire hangers, signing you up for a lobotomy, or turning you into a zombielike assassin to kill a major political figure.

Bad moms aren't the norm in real life (and we here at MSN all love our mothers -- really), but they sure make terrific fodder for the ultimate evil figures on film. So, to counterbalance all the sweetness and light you'll be enduring on Mom's special day, we've listed our favorite meanest movie mommies.

Read (but watch out for spoilers), enjoy, and make sure none of these end up in the DVD player at the end of the day: You may regret forgetting to send out that card...

"Carrie" (1976)

Who's Your Mommy? Margaret White (Piper Laurie). This religious fanatic mother chastises, beats and generally acts loony toward her blossoming daughter, lonely high school outcast Carrie White (Sissy Spacek).

Meanest Moment: Carrie comes home early from school... more after enduring the trauma of having her first period in front of all the girls in gym class. She tells Mother, and what should normally be a "Lifetime-movie moment" between mother and daughter turns into a night of hell as Carrie's psycho-religious-nut mama locks her in a closet to do penance for her sins.

Memorable Quote: "They're all gonna laugh at you." -- Margaret White's response to Carrie's excitement about going to her prom.

Maternal Comeuppance? Oh, you bet. After getting pig's blood dumped on her at the prom and single-handedly killing nearly everyone in the gymnasium, a rage-filled, telekinetic Carrie comes home to her harping mother. Not a good time to nag, Mama. That "they're all gonna laugh at you" has run like a mantra through Carrie's head, making the sweetest revenge aimed at ol' mom. Remember, moms: Don't mess with your daughter if she can make knives fly out of drawers with her mind.

Read the rest of my big bad mamas here.

--posted by Kim

DK Holm Fundraiser A Smash!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:20:59 GMT

Yes! My good friend and colleague D.K. Holm's weekend fundraiser was a smashing success. Money was donated, friends were gathered, artists, musicians, filmmakers and then some entertained. All in honor of the great D.K. Sadly, I was not able to attend (which really bummed me out), but it appears D.K. received all kinds of great support, all of which he deserves.

My ex Oregonian colleague Shawn Levy wrote about the event. Here's a snippet:

"Because I know he sees life in terms of movies, I entitled this post about last night's benefit for D. K. Holm with a quote from the end of 'It's a Wonderful Life.' But throughout the evening, I was continually reminded of the scene in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' in which Huck and Tom Sawyer, presumed dead by their kin, have the eerie experience of sneaking into town and attending their own funeral, where their finest qualities are eulogized by their loved ones. If Doug ever wondered where he stood in the hearts of his peers, friends, colleagues and fellow Portlanders, he knows for certain now."

Read more of Shawn's wonderful write-up here.

I miss you D.K.! (And say hello to Jimbo who I spy sitting behind you!).

Also, don't forget to donate.

--posted by Kim

Movie Odds and Ends

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:46:26 GMT

--Oh my goodness! Miley Cyrus showed a portion of her back! What a strumpet! I mean, a 15-year-old and her back! I didn't even know they had backs! (Now can we all calm down about this? Or must every horny old man continue to blame Miss Cyrus for their uncomfortable lust?) Jeez. Excuse me while I watch Brooke Shields in "Pretty Baby."

--Some early "Iron Man" reviews (the movie opens Friday). All I'm reading here is, regardless of your take, it sure is an extravaganza. Or, as Tony Danza would say, an extravaDanza. What happened to his show? And remember his pervert teenage movie -- "She's Out of Control"? No one flipped out about that one...

--Amy Poehler interview. Now she's out of control -- but in a good way.

--posted by Kim

You Can Never Write Fast Enough...

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:39:27 GMT

My newest writing gig, (in my humble, auto-centric opinion) might be one of the coolest opportunities I've ever had -- Garage Magazine. The eternally bitchin' hot rod mag asked me to pen a column that combines two of my favorite things -- cars and movies -- so there was no way in hell I could say no. I struggled with just what to cover in my debut column -- my head spinning like my Torino doing cookies in the desert. And yet, the same movie continued to surface -- "Two-Lane Blacktop." It was so obvious, too obvious, I wondered, but on final ponder, I put my brain in park and told myself: It's my favorite car movie, I've written about it numerous times, and I love it enough to expand, explicate and worship further. Why not christen my column with the best of the best?

An added bonus was my magazine photo session with the incredibly talented artist/badass LA photographer Estevan Oriol. He's snapped everyone from Ice Cube to Forest Whitaker to Dennis Hopper to Rob Zombie to Juliette Lewis and more and created some gritty, gorgeous work concerning street life as well. I was in more than able hands (also, he loved my car, so naturally he's one of my favorite people).

The issue is on newsstands now, so make sure to pick it up. Dita Von Teese graces the cover and centerfold, while other stories include a look at the great Hollywood/cheesecake photographer Bernard of Hollywood, a prison interview with famed skater Jay Adams and a look at DC based punk rock motorcycle couriers from the 1980's. You will not be disappointed. And stay tuned for my next Garage column which will cover famous cinematic mental breakdown car moments. (If you scroll down to my Bette Davis homage, you'll see one of the greatest).

Read my entire post here. (Photo credit: Estevan Oriol)

--posted by Kim

Good Cop Bad Cop

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:29:12 GMT

One character Hollywood never tires of is the cop. And as formulaic as these characters can become,... more the never-ending obsession makes perfect sense. Viewers never tire of cops. They may hand us speeding tickets or throw us in the drunk tank, but we love examining their very specific culture and lifestyles and, let's face it, their ability to legally pull guns on people. Look at some of our favorite television shows from the past ("Dragnet"), present ("The Shield"), and finished ("The Wire"). Or think of some of our more legendary cinematic icons, from Dirty Harry to Bullitt to Popeye Doyle and then some. We may call them the fuzz, the man, the po-po, or those brave men in blue (which is what I'm required to say -- my dad was a cop), but we heart badge-wearing crime fighters in all their incarnations.

With this in mind, and as we await the newest look at cop culture, "Street Kings" (starring Keanu Reeves, pictured here, and Forest Whitaker), we're looking at our favorite fuzz -- cops we find good, bad or ... well, you decide. With so many officers to choose from, we had to make some hard decisions, and though this list certainly isn't complete, it offers an intriguing array of the movie cop. And if you don't agree, we expect your report on our desk tomorrow morning. But who likes doing paperwork?

So let's start with...

"Serpico" (1973)

Boy in blue: Frank Serpico (Al Pacino)

The case: Oh, Frank Serpico, you were just too good weren't you? And isn't it sad that such goodness was a dangerous principle to possess? Based on the real life cop (who testified against police corruption in 1971), ... morePacino's titular hero sports a beard, rocks out the earrings and bell bottoms, and gets his groove on at counterculture parties, but, unlike a few too many on the corrupt New York police force that he valiantly works for, he maintains his integrity. No free lunches for Frank Serpico; he's a noble soul through and through. And yet, that's the problem, that's what puts him in harm's way, not just with criminals, but with those who are supposedly there to protect and serve. He might be a hit with the ladies (especially when calling himself Paco), but his fellow boys in blue regard him as an outcast, a tattletale, a troublemaker. Directed by Sidney Lumet in one of his many terrific cop films (including "Prince of the City" and the fantastic "Q & A"), "Serpico" is a gritty, gripping and exciting experience that boasts a performance by Pacino that's as powerful and heroic as it is subtle and touching. A fine tribute to a great man, "Serpico" is now the one name definition of "good cop."

Final report: He's a good one. Too good.

Read the rest of boys (and girls) in blue here.

--posted by Kim

Charlton Heston: 1924-2008

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 22:08:17 GMT

I'm not going to say..."I didn't always agree with his politics but..." when talking about Charlton Heston. I'm sick of that line, as if honoring this commanding, charismatic actor might cause a reader to think you're a member of the NRA. (And who cares if they think that anyway?)

Given that the man was involved in the early Civil Rights movement (wait...I'm getting political...I'll leave that alone...). Anyway, given that the actor helped Orson Welles get one of his greatest pictures, "Touch of Evil" made, I like to think of Heston as a movie actor.

And I despised Michael Moore's treatment of the actor in "Bowling for Columbine."

So goodbye Mr. Heston.

Everyone keeps quoting that "damn dirty ape” or "From my cold, dead hands!" but I like to think of you walking through that Tijuana border town with Janet Leigh in Orson Welles' fantastic tracking shot before the car explodes. "We'll have to postpone that soda." Indeed.

--posted by Kim

How About Magnum In 3D?

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 23:46:30 GMT

--Movies about the war are hard to market and increasingly unpopular. You know, like the real war.

--3D is back! How do we know this? Because of James Cameron's upcoming 2009 3D extravaganza "Avatar"? Yes, of course. But how about that "Hannah Montana" 3D movie? Who needs drugs? Let's all get our Miley on! Alright! The room is spinning! I...don't feel so good...

--John Cusack's screwdriver stalker has been charged with a felony count of stalking. She's now seeing the doorway to a thousand jail cells in your eyes. Ah, it's not funny.

--Matthew McConaughey as Magnum P.I.? As Higgins would say, "Oh my GOD Magnum! Zeus, Apollo, attack!"

--posted by Kim

Jules Dassin: 1911-2008

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:35:55 GMT

First Richard Widmark and Abby Man, and now Jules Dassin -- one of film noir's most inventive, raw, soulful, intelligent auteurs.

With noir titles like "Thieve's Highway," "Brute Force," "The Naked City" and my favorite, "Night and the City" (featuring Richard Widmark's greatest, most quintessential noir performance) and the brilliant "Rififi" and "Topkapi," as well as "Never on Sunday," a popular picture that served as a valentine to his talented wife, actress Melina Mercouri, Dassin was a seminal figure who deserves the respect of a Hawkes, a Ford, a Hitchcock or a Kazan.

And speaking of Kazan...Dassin suffered the vile witchunt of HUAC, and was blacklisted from Hollywood after director Edward Dmytryk named him as a communist. Dassin high-tailed it to Europe, where he would fashion his aforementioned greatest work -- "Night and the City," shot in London, and later the influential "Rififi," made in France.

There's many terrific tributes to Dassin online, and I'm working on my own (I'm still reeling after Widmark) but I love (love, love, love) Self-Styled Siren's passionate objection to the AP's lame-brain Dassin obit.

Sayeth Siren:

"Did you get the part where he was a leftist? Are you sure? Should we mention it again? Lefty-left-left-leftist, got that? How about the fact that Dassin left the Communist party in 1939? Oops, no space for that. He moved to London to do 'Night and the City,' who knows why. Then Dassin 'abandoned' the U.S. after being denounced by vaguely plural 'contemporaries' and put on the blacklist. They wouldn't let on just anybody, you know, you had to be 'Communist enough.' Then Dassin lived in Italy and France and after soaking up the Euroscene he returned with 'Rififi.'

"It is worse to hear that an American director of exceptional talent, the maker of at least three excellent movies ('Brute Force,' 'The Naked City' and 'Thieves' Highway') and two great ones ('Night and the City,' 'Rififi') has died at the ripe old age of 96, and then see that the obituary flashing across the newswires is a slanted piece of crap."

Siren has riled me up over this -- like prison riot riled up. I need to break a bottle or something. Or watch "Brute Force" again -- clearly the superior alternative.

Rest in peace Mr. Dassin.

--posted by Kim

John Hughes: Gen X J.D. Salinger

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:53:21 GMT

"John Hughes hasn't set foot in Hollywood for years, but his influence has never been more potent. The king of 1980s comedy, Hughes now qualifies as something of a Howard Hughes-style recluse -- he doesn't have an agent, doesn't give interviews and lives far away, somewhere in Chicago's sprawling North Shore suburbs where most of his films were set.

"But he has an entire generation of fans in the industry who grew up infatuated with his films, especially a string of soulful mid-1980s teen comedies that helped capture the eternal drama of modern teenage existence. They include 'Sixteen Candles,' 'Pretty in Pink,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and 'The Breakfast Club,' which no less an authority than Courtney Love once called 'the defining moment of the alternative generation.' Any number of successful actors and filmmakers, from Judd Apatow and Kevin Smith to Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller and Wes Anderson, are fans, having soaked up Hughes' keen observational humor, love of mischief and shrewd dissection of social hierarchies."

Read the rest of this fascinating LA Times piece here.

--posted by Kim

Ledger's Joker: 'Thrilled'

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:31:35 GMT

Can't wait.

Footage from Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight" has been unveiled and the buzz concerning the tragically departed Heath Ledger's performance is powerful:

"Heath Ledger's Joker springs full-blown in this summer's 'The Dark Knight,' the sequel to 2005's 'Batman Begins' that was previewed for theater owners Thursday with a clip showing the new movie's opening sequence. Unlike 1989's 'Batman,' in which the deranged, disfigured clown appearance of Jack Nicholson's Joker resulted from a dip in chemical goo, 'The Dark Knight' starts right in with the bad guy in all his psychopathic glory.

"'I believe whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you stranger,' Ledger's depraved Joker cryptically tells an accomplice in the opening scenes, in which he pulls off a daring bank robbery.

"In an interview at ShoWest, a theater-owners convention where distributor Warner Bros. showed off footage of 'The Dark Knight' and the rest of its summer lineup, director Christopher Nolan said it was almost inevitable that the sequel would pit Christian Bale's Batman against the Joker.

"'The psychopathic clown, that's an icon to stand with the guy with the ears and cape,' Nolan said. "It's just a wonderful visual relationship, and it's a terrifying image.'

"Long before Ledger's death of an accidental prescription drug overdose in January, the marketing of the movie had focused on the villain's rise to power and his creepy appearance. There had been speculation among critics and fans that the studio and filmmakers might take a different approach to selling the film in light of Ledger's death, but the marketing has gone on as originally planned.

"'I think he'd be very pleased to see we're just moving ahead as is,' Nolan said. 'If you try to honor somebody, you honor them by respecting their work and putting it out there for as many people to see. He was immensely proud of the work he did on the film. I feel a great burden to present that in an undistorted form.' The last time producer Charles Roven saw Ledger was when he showed the actor the very footage that was screened at ShoWest.

"Fans have been buzzing over the anarchic style Ledger brings to the role in the movie's trailer, but the actor himself was utterly taken by what he saw of himself on screen, Roven said.

"He was just blown away by his own performance,' Roven said. 'He said, `Can I see it again?' So he was really, really thrilled.'"

The movie opens July 18. Again, cannot wait.

--posted by Kim

Anthony Minghella: 1954-2008

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:18:18 GMT

Tragic and alarmingly too soon. Director Anthony Minghella has died at the age of 54:

"Minghella, who won an Oscar for 'The English Patient' and directed such hit movies as 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' 'Cold Mountain' and 'Truly Madly Deeply,' has died. He was 54.

Minghella's death was confirmed Tuesday by his agent, Judy Daish. No other details were not immediately available.

"'The English Patient,' the 1996 World War II movie that won nine Academy Awards, was one of a series of literary adaptations directed by Minghella. Others included 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' (1999) and 'Cold Mountain' (2003). Minghella was recently in Botswana filming an adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith's novel 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.'"

A major loss to the world of filmmaking.

--posted by Kim

Madonna Thanks Her Critics

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 19:52:33 GMT

Madonna is an actress after all...

She never made the transition in the mold of multi-media star Barbra Streisand, another talented, driven self starter and inspiration to those who defy the odds, BUT she did make "Desperately Seeking Susan" and "Evita" as well as "The Next Best Thing" and "Swept Away."

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame (a very staid affair -- there's no way you can pretend this event is wild and crazy), Madonna gave a long speech discussing everything from Madonna Wanna-Be's to dropping ecstasy. She thanked some people, including her critics:

"Even the naysayers who said that I was talentless, that I was chubby, that I couldn't sing that I was a one hit wonder, they helped me too. They helped me because they made me question myself repeatedly and they pushed me to be better and I am grateful for their resistance."

Watch the speech here.

And read more about the inductees, including John Mellencamp, The Ventures (yes!), Philly soul producers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the Dave Clark Five and the great Leonard Cohen (who, among many other distinctions memorably contributed songs to Robert Altman's masterpiece "McCabe and Mrs. Miller").

Anyway, the whole thing always looks and feels like an ill-fitting suit. I do love that Iggy and the Stooges performed "Burning Up" and "Ray of Light" while everyone just blankly stared at him. After all these year, and while simply being low key, amidst all the suits and clinking cocktail glasses, Iggy manages to make people uncomfortable.

Leonard Cohen summed it up almost perfectly: "This is a very unlikely occasion for me. It is not a distinction that I coveted or even dared dream about."

Thank you Mr. Cohen and indeed. While penning their next "Highway to Hell" or singing about "the darkest depths of mortor" what rocker dreams of making a speech to recording industry executives, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan? I wish Bad Company was still together so they could write a song about it.

--posted by Kim

Work It Ladies

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:49:48 GMT

I've always enjoyed this especially sexist, but hilarious quote uttered by Spencer's Tracy's drinking buddy in "Woman of the Year": "Women should be kept illiterate and clean, like canaries." Funny, but...au contraire you jerk. What kind of movies would be made about them?

Whether sleeping one's way to the top, kidnapping a boss for progressive office improvements or embezzling wads of cash, women in the workplace have always made for intriguing cinematic fodder. They also reflect changing, evolving or, sometimes, de-evolving attitudes and actions concerning career gals in society, something that's been relevant since the beginning of film. And Hollywood never tires of the topic. With March's Women's History Month in mind, I'm returning to memorable cinematic depictions of working girls. Some might be considered role models, some quite questionable at their jobs and some just plain mentally disturbed. But all of them are fascinating -- here's my pick of those who deserve raises.

"Network" (1976)

Name: Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway)
Job Title: TV executive
Strengths: Ambitious, brassy, ballsy, idea-driven, helps create modern television as we know it.
Weaknesses: A power-hungry bitch, bad in bed, encourages Howard Beale (Peter Finch) to continue his nervous breakdown on TV, helps create modern television as we know it.
Final Analysis: Is this what the modern-day working woman would become? For some work-a-holic ladies, yes. Dunaway's blistering, brilliant performance as Diana shows how climbing the ladder and allowing career to take precedence over every other aspect of one's life could be, well, a tad limiting in terms of leading any kind of nourishing personal existence. Though some view this character as misogynistic, Dunaway's power-hungry future media mogul is just like any human, man or woman, who's entirely caught up in personal ambition -- she's just given some additional symbolic layers as a woman. Deservedly, Dunaway won a Best Actress Oscar for her role.

"His Girl Friday" (1940)

Name: Hildegaard 'Hildy' Johnson (Rosalind Russell)
Job Title: Newspaper reporter
Strengths: Crackerjack newswoman, super clever, ultra quick with the quip, has ex-husband/editor Walter Burns' (Cary Grant) heart.
Weaknesses: Insensitivity to her fiancée (played by Ralph Bellamy) whom she certainly won't marry. She'll never have any kind of typical family life, but then, when you're with Cary Grant, who cares?
Final Analysis: Working in the boys' club of the newsroom, Russell's character isn't an overly ambitious shrew full of swaggering show; she's completely on the same level as every guy tapping out his copy. And the men not only know it, but wholly embrace it. What makes her interesting as an example of working women is that she feels it necessary to begin a "normal life" and attempts an ill-fated second marriage to pushover Bellamy. But ex-editor Grant can smell the play-acting a mile away, getting under her skin as only an ex-husband you're still in love with can. His Girl Friday says, with positive grit, that we need Hildy, not in the kitchen, but in the newsroom, full of rat-a-tat banter and, sometimes, heartless scoops. And you've got to love a movie in which an ex-husband teases, "Why, Hildy! You've got the old-fashioned idea that divorce is something that lasts forever, 'til death do us part.' Why, divorce doesn't mean anything nowadays, Hildy, just a few words muttered over you by a judge." This was made in 1940? Right on.

Read my entire list of working girls here

--posted by Kim

Oscargirl15

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:48:56 GMT

According to an article in Variety, the Academy Award Ceremony is starting to show its age:

"For years, the heads of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences have viewed the Oscar TV broadcast as a sacred tradition.

"However, with viewership of the ceremony hitting an all-time low last week, it's clear that Oscar, now 80, is showing his age. Many members of the Academy -- even conservative types that aren't your typical squawkers -- are grumbling that it's time for a change.

"But how? Should the ceremony segue to an 'American Idol'-style vote by the public? Should nominees have to endure a series of "Survivor" style challenges to prove how much they want that statuette?

"Of course, Oscar would never stoop to adopting the conventions of reality television. And that's part of its problem. As the granddaddy of awards shows, and the most prestigious honor Hollywood has to bestow, Oscar seemingly has the obligation of maintaining its dignity, even a little pomposity. But it's also feeling pressure to reinvent itself for the YouTube generation.

"After the Feb. 24 telecast, many Acad members had specific ideas on changing the show: Give out more trophies before the telecast starts, limit the broadcast to two hours, offer lengthier clips that demonstrate the actor's prowess, the director's technique, the writer's way with words, etc.

"Others have suggested that an interesting twist would be to announce the vote tallies -- finding out not only who won, but who was runner-up, and how many votes made the difference for the winner."

Oh God...these can't be serious ideas, right? Oh who am I kidding, of course they are. Pressure from the "YouTube generation" -- the continual concern of Hollywood. Ugh.

Why not just leave well enough alone? No desperate producer changed The Laurence Welk Show or the Jerry Lewis Telethon and they stayed on forever. I sound like I'm kidding but I'm not. I also sound like I'm 85-years-old. I swear I'm not that either. Anyway...just accept a drop in ratings and move on.

--posted by Kim

Remember Renfro

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:56:47 GMT

This was really terrible of the Academy:

"Tragic actor Brad Renfro was snubbed at Sunday's Academy Awards when organizers left him out of a montage of stars who died in the past year. Renfro was found dead from a drug overdose in Los Angeles in January, aged just 25. But he was overlooked on a list of 98 movie industry people, that included everyone from actors and directors to public relations people.

"A statement from the Motion Picture Academy of America claims, 'It is simply not possible to include everyone in that segment.' But a friend of the late star of The Client, Apt Pupil and Ghost World tells Tmz.com, 'It's unbelievable and disgusting.'"

Honestly. The Academy need to truly apologize for their mistake and include Renfro in the reel next year. He deserved to be included.

--posted by Kim

Oscar Best Worst And Weirdest

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:24:19 GMT

To think that just a couple of weeks ago, this whole Oscar shindig might have been cancelled...

But the three-month-long Writers Guild strike was settled in the nick of time, so the biggest movie awards show in the world -- the American equivalent of a coronation -- could go on, and stars could gather to honor ... other stars. As host Jon Stewart quipped: "Having the Oscars helped end the strike ... before we spend the next four to five hours giving each other golden statues, let's take a moment to congratulate ourselves."

The 80th Annual Academy Awards were not all just pats on the back, writer jokes and fantastic frocks (well, actually, there were a lot of fantastic frocks): Many of the nominated films, actors, writers and directors were (double gasp!) actually deserving, and two of the pictures -- "There Will Be Blood" and "No Country for Old Men" -- are bona-fide masterpieces. If there was any kind of theme this year, it was Oscar getting it almost right -- nominating interesting films and artists from all over the world (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Austria were all represented). And of the contenders, there was new talent (Ellen Page for "Juno"), older icons (Hal Holbrook for "Into the Wild") and, for heaven's sake, Viggo Mortensen (perhaps one of the coolest men walking the earth) for "Eastern Promises."

Still, maybe it was all this good taste and worthiness that made the show a little ... staid. Don't get me wrong, there were some surprises and spirited highlights, like Stewart's opening monologue, some heartfelt acceptance speeches and one (or should I say "Once"?) musical performance. And there were also some lowlights, like Academy President Sid Ganis' attempts at humor, the uninspired video pieces and three musical performances from "Enchanted."

So we're here to hand out awards for the best, worst and weirdest of the ceremony. The envelope, please:

Most Moving Acceptance Speech:
How does he do it? Picking up his Best Supporting Actor award for playing psychopath Anton Chigurh in "No Country For Old Men," Javier Bardem managed to be likable, studly, humble, casual and touching all at once. Ambling on stage with his mussed-up hair and mischievous smile, he said, "I have to speak fast here, man" and then pointed out everything from how amazing the award was to his curious Dutch-boy haircut from the movie. But when he honored his "Mama" (entirely in Spanish) with nary a trace of sappiness, the charming Spaniard caught us off guard. We were positively teary-eyed. And then he all but strutted off-stage. Hmmm... maybe it's not Viggo but Javier who's the coolest man walking the face of the earth.

Best Jon Stewart Joke, Part 1:
"Tonight we look beyond the dark days and focus on happier fare. This year's slate of Oscar-nominated psychopathic killer movies. Does this town need a hug? What happened? 'No Country For Old Men,' 'Sweeney Todd,' 'There Will Be Blood.' All I can say is thank God for teen pregnancy."

Funniest Acceptance Speech:
Tilda Swinton. She is known for her edgy, serious work in heavy films like "Orlando" and "The Deep End" and as the famed White Witch from "The Chronicles of Narnia"...

so who knew she was so damn funny? When accepting her Best Supporting Actress win for "Michael Clayton," the red-haired Brit hilariously capped her speech by mercilessly teasing co-star George Clooney: "George Clooney... you know. The seriousness and dedication to your art, seeing you climb into that rubber bat suit from "Batman and Robin," the one with nipples, every morning, under your costume, on the set, off the set, hanging upside at lunch. You rock, man. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Ever the class act, Clooney took it like, well, like George Clooney -- a man.

Am I Crazy Or...
Was seeing acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee and his "Jungle Fever" star, recent tax evader Wesley Snipes, sitting together as essentially dates kind of heartwarming? And they looked fantastic. Maybe they'll make another movie together? I'm sure Snipes would be happy. The IRS is another story...

Edgiest Jon Stewart Joke:
"Julie Christie was absolutely amazing in 'Away From Her.' Brilliant movie. It was a moving story of a woman who forgets her own husband. Hillary Clinton called it the 'feel good movie of the year.' "

Buzz Off:
Can Jerry Seinfeld please stop promoting that damn bee movie? We saw you on Oprah. We saw you on Letterman. We saw you on Larry King. We get it. You made freaking "Bee Movie." And yes, we know it will be available on DVD this March. And showing the montage of great stinging film moments didn't make us want to rush out and buy (ugh!) "Bee Movie." Seriously, we'd so rather watch that hilarious Bill Murray bee sequence from "Rushmore" over Jerry's entire animated classic.

Bad in Black:
One would think black is basic -- that it flatters all who wear it. But the usually perky and lovely Jennifer Garner appeared downright dour in her dark frock, looking both unhappy and uncomfortable in such a gothic get-up. Helena Bonham Carter (where was she, anyway?) she is not.

Ladies in Red:
Perhaps in the spirit of all the violent movies nominated this year, many actresses opted for bold red dresses. Helen Mirren, Anne Hathaway, a stunning Katherine Heigl channeling Marilyn Monroe, Heidi Klum and, uh, Miley Cirus all went primary. Wait, what the hell was Miley Cirus doing there?

Am I Crazy Or...
Is Amy Adams becoming really irritating? I don't dislike the lovable star, but her appearance this year left me with conflicted emotions. As she performed "Happy Working Song," one of the three nominated songs for her film "Enchanted," I was both embarrassed and overwhelmingly annoyed by her Betty Boop/Snow White impersonation. Did she even want to perform this? And to make matters worse, little Miss Adams continued her cutesy, goody-goody act while presenting the award for Best Original Score. Typecast much? I hate to say this, but she needs to play a hooker/heroin addict/convicted murderer stat. That cuteness is starting to curdle.

Best Jon Stewart Joke, Part 2:
"There is a great variety in the nominated films this year. Even 'Norbit,' got a nomination, which I think is great. Too often the Academy ignores movies that aren't good."

Technically Speaking:
Why do Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards always have to be handed out by Hollywood's latest babe-du-jour? I know, I know. I'm sure all those guys slaving over their computers and gadgets and inventions more than enjoy the presence of sexy Jessica Alba (who looks terrific pregnant, by the way), but why not something new next year? How about Philip Seymour Hoffman presenting the award -- preferably as his Ned Beatty/Wilford Brimley-esque character of "Charlie Wilson's War."

Ruffled Razz-Ma-Tazz:
Aside from an incredibly dapper George Clooney, who looked a cross between Cary Grant and Clark Gable with his slicked-back hair and perfect tux, this year's male attire was decidedly relaxed though strikingly attractive. Most everyone appeared a little unkempt (mussed hair, unshaven face, less-traditional tuxes) and yet not at all slobby. They were in fact elegant and eclectic. Viggo Mortensen looked extraordinary rocking a Vincent Van Gogh beard and knee-length dinner jacket. Daniel Day-Lewis' longer hair and more retro tux was fetching. And Javier Bardem, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Harrison Ford all appeared with a little bed-head ... which was actually very sexy. I'm not even going to start with Johnny Depp.

Least Surprising, Most Deserving Win:
I think he's a genius (sorry to all of you out there who think him a ham), so I was ecstatic when the entirely deserving Daniel Day-Lewis picked up his golden boy for his powerful performance as insanely ambitious oil-man Daniel Plainview in Paul Thomas Anderson's masterful "There Will Be Blood." But come on -- everyone knew it was going to happen. As said in "Sweet Smell of Success," "The cat's in the bag and the bag's in the river." I'd add something about milkshakes but that's getting a little played out...

Best Jon Stewart Joke, Part 3:
"Democrats have an historic race going. Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama. Normally when you see a black man or woman president, an asteroid is about to hit the Statue of Liberty."

Diablo Disappoints:
Diablo Cody, beloved hipster-ex-stripper-screenwriter-goddess, wins Best Original Screenplay for the indie hit "Juno," a movie soaked with forced, overly quippy one-liners that either delighted or seriously exasperated audiences (I was one of those exasperated) -- and all she can come up with is, "I especially want to thank my fellow nominees." Or, "This is for the writers!" Diablo! Honest to blog! Where was your arsenal of smarty-pants wisecracks and pop-culture Soupy Sales-isms? This is the Oscars, Home Skillet. This is your time on stage. As you wrote, this is "one doodle that can't be un-did." But hey, you pulled off the leopard dress, tats and your Louise Brooks bob. So at least you looked great. But... another thing. What was with your glum exit offstage? Was Harrison Ford taking you to Oscar detention?

Most Surprising Win:
Wow! No Julie Christie for Sarah Polley's lovely, heartbreaking "Away From Her." We thought Christie was a shoe-in. But talented French hottie Marion Cotillard was the spoiler, picking up Best Actress for her performances as iconic French chanteuse Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose." I'm thinking all those mixed CDs Academy voters picked up at Starbucks (I'm only guessing these exist -- those International flavor collections) with that strange-voiced French lady actually compelled them to do a little Piaf research. Nevertheless, though we were rooting for Christie, it was tough not to be happy for Cotillard, who appeared definitely shocked and as she said, "speechless." She also looked wonderful in white. Jean Paul Gaultier does a gal good.

The Real Enchanting "Once" Upon a Time:
Glen Hansard (he of the Irish band The Frames) and Czech musician Marketa Irglova performed their soulful, beautiful song "Falling Slowly" from their charming, touching, musical indie "Once." She on piano, he strumming a battered old guitar he's had since he was a teenage busker (street singer) in Ireland. It was gorgeous (though why did the camera choose to end on orchestra conductor Bill Conti? It was their moment, not his.) Next to all of those painfully corny "Enchanted" songs, some of which played like ads for Clorox Bleach (I could have sworn someone sang "Mama makes brights, bright like the sunshine ..."), the two channeled the late great Elliott Smith (remember him in his white suit, standing next to Celine Dion ... And losing?!). But the refreshingly independent Hansard and Irglova won! And we cheered when Hansard stated, "Make art! Make art!" Jon Stewart extended their moment by allowing Irglova, who was cut off by the over-anxious orchestra, to movingly extend her gratitude. What a moment.

The Dudes Abide:
Though some of us were also rooting for Paul Thomas Anderson's "There Will Be Blood," Joel and Ethan Coen's brilliant "No Country For Old Men" was an entirely deserving winner for both Best Director (in their case Best Directors) and Best Picture. Their bloody, beautifully acted, poetic adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's novel was soulful, inventive, mysterious and truly horrifying. Though this is one of their best pictures, us Coen fans are also taking this as a win for "Blood Simple," "Miller's Crossing," "Barton Fink," "Raising Arizona," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and of course, "The Big Lebowski." And you know, had "No Country" lost, don't think we wouldn't see "Lebowski" vet Walter Sobchak storming on stage screaming: "Has the whole world gone crazy! Am I the only one here who gives a sh*t about the rules?" So with that, congratulations to the Coens.

My Oscar Predictions (And Hopes)

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:26:57 GMT

So. Finally. I have to come to my carefully considered (and considerably annoyed) decisions regarding my full list of Oscar predictions.

Also included are the movies I want to win, some of which might, shock of all shocks, actually take home a few golden boys this year. The Academy almost got it right for 2007 (almost), unlike 1999, the year they snubbed "Magnolia" and "Fight Club" for Best Picture noms (um..."The Cider House Rules" was nominated over both of these modern classics...it's a nice movie but...what the hell?).

But this year: The Coen’s and Paul Thomas Anderson? Daniel Day-Lewis and George Clooney? Javier Bardem, Julie Christie and Mark Twain himself, Hal Holbrook? Right on Oscar. (Did I just write that? Should I be slapped?)

That being said, in a very 1999-ish move, David Fincher's masterpiece "Zodiac" was ignored in every freaking category. And where in God's name is the man who brought sexy/’70s back, the magnificent Josh Brolin?

OK, I’m not going to dive into rant mode. I’m not going to get all crazy-eyed, rocking back and forth, muttering through my hair over how misunderstood Ashley Judd and "Bug" were so…deep breath, I’m returning to positive thoughts for Sunday night.

Here are my predictions and here are my hopes:

Best Picture:
Predict: "No Country For Old Men"
Want: "There Will Be Blood"

Best Director:
Predict: Joel and Ethan Coen, "No Country For Old Men"
Want: Paul Thomas Anderson, "There Will Be Blood"

Best Actress:
Predict: Julie Christie, "Away From Her"
Want: Julie Christie, "Away From Her"

Best Actor:
Predict: Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
Want: Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"

Best Supporting Actress:
Predict: Ruby Dee, "American Gangster"
Want: Cate Blanchett, "I'm Not There"

Best Supporting Actor:
Predict: Javier Bardem, "No Country For Old Men"
Want: Javier Bardem, "No Country For Old Men"

Best Screenplay:
Predict: Diablo Cody, "Juno"
Want: Tony Gilroy, "Michael Clayton"

Best Adapted Screenplay:
Predict: Joel and Ethan Coen, "No Country For Old Men"
Want: Joel and Ethan Coen, "No Country For Old Men"

Best Foreign Film:
Predict: "Counterfeiters" (Austria)
Want: Not sure yet...

Best Film Editing:
Predict: "No Country For Old Men"
Want: "No Country For Old Men"

Best Cinematography:
Predict: Roger Deakins, "No Country For Old Men"
Want: Robert Elswitt, "There Will Be Blood"

Best Animated Film:
Predict: "Ratatouille"
Want: "Persepolis"

Best Documentary Feature:

Predict: "No End In Sight"

Want: Not sure... and why the hell wasn't "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" nominated? Why does the Academy always screw up the documentary category?

Best Costumes:
Predict: Jacqueline Durran, "Atonement"
Want: Colleen Atwood, "Sweeney Todd"

Best Visual Effects:
Predict: "Transformers"
Want: "The Golden Compass" (that Polar Bear, OK?)

Best Makeup:
Predict: "La Vie En Rose"
Want: "La Vie En Rose"

Best Art Direction:
Predict: "Atonement"
Want: "There Will Be Blood"

Best Score:
Predict: "Atonement"
Want: "There Will Be Blood" (OK. Not fair since it wasn't nominated but dammit! Johnny Greenwood's score is brilliant) so... "3:10 To Yuma"

Best Song:
Predict: "Falling Slowly," "Once"
Want: "Falling Slowly," "Once"

And...as I've stated before, I'm a gambling woman. Place your bets.

Most importantly, enjoy Sunday night. And where the hell is Josh Brolin?!

--posted by Kim

'Once' Upon An Oscar

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:10:45 GMT

Glen Hansard (he of the the Irish band The Frames) and Czech musician Marketa Irglova are intelligent, down to earth and charming? You don't say?

I learned this when interviewing these two fine people (and real life couple)-- co-stars of the charming, touching, musical indie "Once," the critically acclaimed sleeper about an Irish busker and a 19-year old Czech immigrant who learn a few things while, quite literally making beautiful music together.

From no hope of breaking through the festival circuit, to heavy Sundance buzz, to an art house hit, the two musicians/non professional actors have now found themselves as Oscar contenders. Something they never had imagined.

Like the late great Elliott Smith before them (remember him in his white suit, standing next to Celine Dion? And losing?!), the refreshingly independent Hansard and Irglova will perform their duet "Falling Slowly" at Sunday's Oscars, where they have been nominated in the Best Original Song category.

I want them to win. And after interviewing them, I found that they want to win too -- as surreal as the experience seems to both.

Check out my video interview with Hansard and Irglova for MSN here. Since this was a long talk, another video segment will follow soon.

And root for them this Sunday!

--posted by Kim

The Oscar Prediction Experience

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:17:13 GMT

Film Experience's Nathaniel R. gives us his final Oscar predictions and the result is, as usual for Mr. R, very, very thorough and very, very funny. He's even got a few surprises in there (Swinton over Dee, Nathaniel? Cotillard over Christie? Wanna make a bet? Seriously, 40 bucks -- to cover the Pink Elephant Liquor take-out I'll be eating while watching the ceremony).

But this was a hard year for him, prediction-wise, as he writes in his introduction:

"There's a lot of scenarios to consider and rebuttals for all. Yes, 'No Country' could sweep. No it can't. It's not a typical enough Oscar film. Yes, 'Juno' could surprise scurrying in between the heaviest of dramas. It peaked during balloting. No, too many people think it's overrated. Yes, there could be a few somethings for everyone (a la 2005). No, 'No Country' will hog statuettes even without a clean sweep. Etcetera..."

Read his entire list of predictions here.

(And to Nathaniel, sorry for taking so damn long on submitting the requested Oscar predictions and wishes to you...I swear I will before Sunday!)

Got those predictions up...thank you Nathaniel R.

--posted by Kim