Archive for Features
The Movie Mash 2011 Holiday Movie Guide
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Hollywood is known for bunching releases in certain time frames that fit their strategy. January and February are the dumping grounds for forgetful flops. June through August are the glory days for blockbusters full of explosions and scantily clad ladies. September through December are the months where drama reigns king. But at the end of December, as Christmas rolls around, we get an onslaught of choices that are both entertaining and award-worthy. So, how do you pick the right one for you? Our 2011 Holiday Movie Guide, of course!
There are nine high-profile movies hitting theaters between December 16th and December 30th, along with four highly-touted limited release art films. We are aware some movies will still be in theaters from late November, but this guide is focused on those releasing in the last two weeks of December. In order to make this a little more focused, we’ll give you some sub-categories for exactly what we think each type of movie lover might want.
CIFF: Mike’s Preview of The Chicago International Film Festival
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This year’s Chicago International Film Festival has a wide array of quality films to choose from. We are going to see as many as possible to get you the earliest scoop on what’s worth seeing. Many of them should release in theaters during Oscar season, so this festival is one of the last chances for them to garner festival buzz.
‘Game of Thrones’ – The 2011 Television Triumph
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Any skepticism I had about Game of Thrones making it as a television series has been layed to rest. The show has been a thrilling success–it has enticed viewers in the same fashion that the book series captivated readers with its characters, complexity, and charisma. In fact, from what I have gathered many people who have not read the books are loving this HBO series. That is something worth celebrating a horn of wine over, while sitting at a long table in a world like Westeros. We can only imagine, and allow this TV show and the novels put us in the imaginary realm. The show is truly unlike any other fantasy you will ever watch–and now that episode 9 has left everyone in shock, waiting for some sort of release over the atrocity in King’s Landing, it is time to examine the gritty awesomeness of Game of Thrones.
Harry Potter: The End of an Era — ‘Deathly Hallows Part 2′ Featurette
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After watching this featurette for Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2, my inner wizard started casting the Avada Kedavra curse, trying to kill its way out. That’s right kiddos, my inner wizard is a Death Eater for sure! I became extremely excited, but soon after, the melancholy set in. This is it folks. After Deathly Hallows Part 2 we will all be left with a dark expansive void which no amount of magic could ever be able to fill. Check the break for my thoughts on the end of an era as well as the Deathly Hallows featurette.
*** This may contain SPOILERS, so if you haven’t read all the books skip down to the bottom for the video***
Matt’s Take on the 83rd Academy Awards
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Of course, being a movie website, The Movie Mash has to have a follow up to the 83rd Oscars ceremony that took place last night. First things first, by a show of hands, who thinks Kirk Douglas should host the Oscars next year? Wouldn’t that be a lovely five-and-a-half-hour ceremony with Douglas rambling on quietly and sometimes incoherently. If he lives until next year, he has my vote, because he can’t possibly fair worse than Hathaway and Franco playing the hosts. This year’s Oscars was watched by four million less people than last year.
Hathaway portrayed an aura of enthusiasm while Franco seemed like he was backstage with Michael Phelps tag teaming a bong. The younger duo was asked to host the Oscars to appeal to the younger audiences. Mission failed. The coveted 18-49 demographic was down 12% from last year’s viewership. But really, I don’t care about the whole procession of the Oscars. I really just care about the winners and the beautiful women in all their fancy dresses.
Rob’s Take on Oscar Hopeful ‘The Social Network’
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Mr. Zuckerberg, do I have your full attention?
-No.
Do you think I deserve your full attention?
-I had to swear an oath before we began this deposition and I don’t want to perjure myself so I have a legal obligation to say ‘No.’
Okay. No, you don’t think I deserve your full attention.
-I think if your clients want to sit on my shoulders and call themselves tall, they have the right to give it a try, but there is no requirement that I enjoy sitting here listening to people lie. You have part of my attention. You have the minimum amount. The rest of my attention is back at the offices of Facebook where my colleagues and I are doing things that no one in this room, including and especially your clients are intellectually or creatively capable of doing. (then) Did I adequately answer your condescending question?
This exchange between Jesse Eisenberg and a prosecuting lawyer is just one of the reasons I believe The Social Network is the front-runner for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Rob’s Take on Oscar Hopefuls ‘The Kids Are Alright’ and ‘True Grit’
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The Kids Are All Right
This film is definitely a little hipper, but there are so many terrific things in the script that I had to overlook that. Beginning with a rich concept: two teenagers (fifteen, seventeen) being raised by two lesbians who seek out their biological father. The execution of the story is interesting and compelling, told with patience, honesty, and big-heartedness (is that a word?). All of the grown up characters are rich, textured, and wonderfully acted. You have three world-class actors -Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo – who I would watch perform the federal budget.
Rob’s Take on Oscar Hopefuls ‘Inception’ and ‘The King’s Speech’
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Inception
Dude, it’s like a dream within a dream (within a dream within a dream)! It sounds ridiculous when I say it like that, but Inception really is the most cinematic film of the year. Christopher Nolan creates an entire world from the intriguing premise – what if we could get inside someone else’s dream? Well, if you’re Mr. Nolan you’d get in there and steal something (extraction). Or, since that’s too easy, you’d want to get in there and plant something (inception).
Rob’s Take on Oscar Hopefuls ‘The Fighter’ and ‘Black Swan’
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Allow me this small indulgence. I want to give a bit of context for the brief and specific kind of reviews for most nominees of Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay. First off, I’d like to apologize for the films I didn’t get to. Winter’s Bone and Another Year, you deserve better. I really did mean to see you. Honest. It’s just that, well, um, the dog ate my homework. Apologies. 127 Hours is another story. I never intended to see you. My only defense is that I’m a cringer. When a character’s head gets chopped off, a blade slices through flesh and bone, a fist pummels another face to a bloody pulp, I cover my eyes AND close them AND look away from the screen AND still cringe.
Top Fred Astaire Movies
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Known for his smooth dancing and charming choreography, actor Fred Astaire captured Broadway lovers’ hearts. He starred in dozens of musical films and worked for nearly 70 years. Astaire is often remembered along side his frequent dancing partner, Ginger Rogers. Hit the jump to check out my favorite films from this legend.
