Lock, Stock, and Two Film Geeks

Alien, The Thing, and The Abyss take focus in our Isolation Sci-Fi podcast where we discuss a bit of horror, a bit of sci-fi, the combination thereof, and how extreme isolated situations have an effect on characters.

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We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.  Like the American Justice System.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time  

James: Because I’ve liked a lot of Bruckheimer films that even others have not, and because I have a nostalgia for the franchise, I may try to see this, this weekend.  But because of the mediocre reviews, it may not happen as well.  But if I see anything this weekend, it will be this.

Benn:  You know what, I don’t have a problem with the Disney/Bruckheimer adventure films; they’re easy fun and very enjoyable.

Dylan: The Bruckheimer/Disney Pirates films, though void of making any sense, were decent popcorn flicks. Kingsly is awesome, but I’m not sure about Gyllenhall. He doesn’t see like the action type of actor. If I’m dragged to this, I’ll do it without much complaining.

Fil:  You would think I’d be excited about this.  I love Pirates.  I love Bruckheimer.  But seriously – how the FUCK is Jake Gyllenhall a prince of PERSIA?  Also – the coolest thing about this (the parkour action) looks soooo bad.  No no no no no.

Anna: The only thing that barely tugs me about this movie is Kingsly, but I just don’t care to see another generic period/action/adventure/romance/CG piece. Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Shrek: The Final Chapter

James: I was barely able to make myself watch the last film on TV while multitasking and making food.  After that, I decided I had no need to move forward with the franchise, even though I love the first film.

Benn:  Mike Myers once said he was afraid that the no-talent police would come and get him.  No-Talent PD, we’re waiting….

Dylan: I must have been in the dark because I had no idea there was a third one let alone this forth. This one looks like they’re wringing the towel for whatever is left in the original idea, which doesn’t look like much anyways. Pass.

Fil: I was initially into Shrek – but then I realized the comic book Fables does everything Shrek does better.  This movie can go fuck itself.  Also, the last one was terrible. (I’ll probably watch it someday).

Anna: I love all three of the Shrek movies. They may not be the best movies out there, but I have a lot of fun with them. I’ll definitely be seeing this.

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For those unaware, Troll 2 is a film that is considered by many to be the worst film ever made.  And yet, it’s gained a cult following because it’s so entertainingly bizarre that it’s an extremely enjoyable view all the way through.  We reviewed it back in the day in our Film Duel column, check it out if you haven’t already.  Moving on.  Best Worst Movie is a documentary made by Michael Stephenson, the child “star” of Troll 2.  He, alongside almost every American involved with the film, had been embarrassed all his life about his involvement in the film.  But when a cult following begins to build around the film, many of the characters involved begin to see things differently.  In many ways, Best Worst Movie is the story of a phoenix.  It’s the story of new life rising from the ashes of something that was dead. Continue reading

"I guess I see myself as a kind of professional appreciator."

I love movies.  I love all types of art: literature, comics, music, photography, and painting.  I’m an appreciator of most creative endeavors, and my primary goal with this website, at least in the case of the films, is to share that love with other people.  You can think of this as the mission statement I never wrote when we started this website almost a year ago, but my real intention is to question the act and processes of criticism of the arts, and the way in which I’m contributing to it at the moment. Continue reading

Ben Hur, Last of the Mohicans, and Braveheart take the forefront in our discussion of epic movies.

As usual the podcast is available for download on iTunes and Podcast Alley. Please leave a review there if you haven’t yet, we need more listeners. And you can always listen to it right here on our web page.

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We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Robin Hood

James: Check out the upcoming podcast for my thoughts on these sort of epic movies.  This looks pretty cool, but it also looks like more of the same from all involved.  I’ll likely see it, so here’s hoping it’s good, but I’m not chomping at the bit.

Benn:  It looks like a typical Ridley Scott epic (see: “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Gladiator”), which isn’t a bad thing.  We may have seen this type of film countless times before, but you can’t argue with a strong cast and director.  Go.

Dylan: It’s got the look and feel of an epic film, like Gladiator or Master and Commander, but I just can’t get myself excited to see this one. When the trailer ends with Russell Crowe charging into battle, it just feels bland and steril. I’d see it if I’m dragged to it.

Fil:  I’ve gotta agree with James on this one.  I love the people involved, but this seriously looks like Gladiator 2 mixed with King Arthur.  I mean, I won’t shy away from it, but I just can’t get super excited about it.

Anna: What Fil said.

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We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.  So irresponsible of us.

Iron Man 2

James: Do I really need to tell you how I feel about this one?  The reviews aren’t quite what I hoped but I still plan to have a ball.

Benn:  Having seen the midnight showing of the film, it’s not as good as the first, and it suffers from “Sequel Syndrome” (more is better, or so the execs may think).  Still, Downey, Rourke and Rockwell are solid.  See it.

Dylan: Sure, it’s not as good as the first, but it’s still an awesome movie. Went to the midnight showing and loved every moment. See it now and watch the trailer for J.J Abram’s super secret project Super 8. Boner!

Fil:  Was definitely looking forward to this.  Saw it at midnight.  Enjoyed the hell out of it.

Anna: I’m seeing it tonight. The trailers were enticing, especially with Rourke. I’ve heard it doesn’t live up to the first, but I still expect something decent.

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This time around I have a slightly classic recommendation for you.  Movie experts have long praised Ran as not only one of the better foreign films, but one of the best films ever.  IMDB’s top 250 (hardly a home for sophisticated criticism, but still an easy place to start when looking to build the “canon” of film) places the film at #143 currently, which is nothing to sneeze at in terms of rankings.  And as someone who’s already seen Seven Samurai and Rashomon, it seemed time to take the next step in my education on the works of Akira Kurosawa.  For those who don’t know, Kurosawa is essentially the most heralded auteur in Japanese Cinema history.  He’s known for long, epic, period pieces primarily set in feudal Japan.  He’s not the most accessible filmmaker by any means, but a full viewing of his better films is always rewarding to those who have the patience.  Ran is no less trying when it comes to its commitment requirements, but I found it incredibly immersing and an amazing film overall. Continue reading

Beetle Juice is the center of attention as we discuss Tim Burton’s body of work.

As usual the podcast is available for download on iTunes and Podcast Alley. Please leave a review there if you haven’t yet, we need more listeners. And you can always listen to it right here on our web page.

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