Archive for Features
Fun Facts About James Cameron’s ‘Titanic’
Posted by: | Comments
In honor of Titanic being re-released in 3D today, I thought I’d commemorate the event by listing some interesting facts about the film few people know. For example, did you know all the drawings in Jack’s sketchbook, including the naked drawing of Rose, were drawn by James Cameron himself? The hands shown sketching Rose sprawled out nude on the couch are those of the famous director. More after the jump.
Comparing ‘Alien’ to the ‘Prometheus’ Trailer
Posted by: | Comments
We can all agree the Prometheus trailer is kick-ass. But there is more to the trailer than meets the eye. After the set-up, the trailer flickers through very short sequences which can make any viewer feel dislocated and scared straight. Not because of any gruesome film making, but because of the strategic and haunting camera work of Ridley Scott. Prometheus is the prequel to the 1979 Sci-Fi Thriller Alien. Ridley has downplayed the relation of Prometheus to Alien, but I am going to show that there is more than just small strands that link the two films.
The Harry Potter Movies Are Over, But the Magic is Still Alive at Leavesden Studios
Posted by: | Comments
While many Potter fans are sad the long running movie series has come to an end, they will be encouraged to know they can still experience the movie magic. But this experience is much different, more behind the scenes. It also involves a trip to the Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in London. So if you can pony up the cash, you can still squeeze some magic out of the Harry Potter universe.
Kevin Smith Wants Batman vs Darth Vader Animation From Fans
Posted by: | Comments
Filmmaker Kevin Smith just did a massive canon-ball into the deep end of the Holy Shit pool. Through his blog silentbobspeaks.com, Smith has asked fans to animate a fight between Darth Vader and Batman. And the deadline is next Friday, March 16th.
CIFF: Mike’s Preview of The Chicago International Film Festival
Posted by: | Comments
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.
Rob’s Take on Oscar Hopeful ‘The Social Network’
Posted by: | Comments
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’
Posted by: | Comments
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’
Posted by: | Comments
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’
Posted by: | Comments
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.
When Critics Attack: Armond White Strikes at the NYFCC – Darren Aronofsky Strikes Back
Posted by: | Comments
The annual New York Film Critics Circle dinner brought out the stars on Monday night. All the A-list awards hopefuls were there: Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, etc. It’s a night where critics honor the actors, writers and directors who make the movies that they critique, thus giving them a job. It’s supposed to be a night of respect, admiration and celebration of all the great films and performances of the past year. That is, of course, when contrarian film critic and certified douchebag Armond White of the New York Press isn’t hosting. The infamous critic who notoriously bashes nearly every film that the rest of the world considers great, created some apparently uncomfortable and awkward moments at the ceremony, most notably when Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky had enough and struck back.
