What a fabulous summer its been. Hot, steamy, sticky, the sun blaring down in a mocking 'take that' stream of unrelenting brightness.......Early morning Sunday here in the Midwest we start out at a mild 80 degrees at 9am - I wonder if the coffee companies would go on hiatus if it weren't for our delightful over use of Air Conditioners??
Comfortably ensconced in an air conditioned breezy basement with temperatures hovering around 70 I am able to enjoy my new "Zen" blend from Great Lakes Roasting Company (yes, they have a facebook page) .......Freshly ground and brewed by the boyfriend (who's previous fame as a horrid coffee maker is well known) he can now claim 'Baristo boy' as his newest endearment.
Ah...but what of movies you might ask? Well....The enjoyment of this new cup o joe has allowed the brain to focus on a viewing of an indie film that waited several years to come out in the USA.....
Filmmaker David Robert Mitchell delivers "Myth of the American Sleepover" to his hometown theater in Royal Oak Michigan this weekend to full theater audiences and enthusiastic VOD streamers (locally carried by both Comcast and U-Verse, check your local listings)
"The Myth of The American Sleepover" (2010) Written and Directed by Clawson, Michigan raised David Robert Mitchell and staring Redford Township's own Claire Sloma.
Capturing those waves in adolescence that define us as individuals and yet carry a universal theme of growth is presented here with awkward depictions of sleepovers as the last refuge of being a kid with the need to have adult moments of decision making. Mitchell offers a peek into one night in an American suburb of teens on the edge of the next phase of their lives. Entry into High School, a last summer of feeling like anything is possible, a last few seconds before the world gets bigger and beyond comprehension.
All of the teens realistically carry on a last night romp, but certainly Ms. Sloma has an 'it' factor that helped her earn two film festival acting awards. Annette DeNoyer also stands out as the meekly devoted BFF.
A culture defining film that well states the 'myth' with an honest portrayal of American teenagers. This film will help you remember what it was like.
Don't miss this.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Stove Bolt Six, Steady Breaker or A Tin Lizzie
Cars that make the movie
What other films use a car to symbolize the identity of the hero and his time period?
Presumptive Princess
Prince Albert II of Monaco was married yesterday, I know right? Never thought that was gonna happen. So its seems (yes, WIKI is a wonderful thing) that Albert's illegitimate children have no claim to the throne and its become of great concern that he has no direct heirs. So his sister Princess Caroline (totally our favorite right?) is heir presumptive. I'm not sure if its the stars in my eyes created by a Hollywood princess, but I've always found the Grimaldi's fascinating.
In dedication to the lovely Grace Kelly who's charm and wit stole the heart of many, she was our American Princess long before marrying into royalty:
"Dial M For Murder" (1954)- I had the honor to see this in 3D at the Redford Theater in a far northwest corner of Detroit on a rainy Friday evening. It was captivating. Robert Cummings is smooth and fresh, Ms. Kelly is bright and lovely, both setting a perfect background for the devious calculating schemes of Ray Milland. Director Hitchock doesn't need over the top production to make this film riveting and satisfying.
"Rear Window" (1954) - This is a perfect contrast film to "Dial M For Murder" to showcase Ms. Kelly's talent. Here she is slick, sophisticated and seductive. The perfect juxtapose to Jimmy Stewart's immobility she is flexible, rash and complex.
"High Society" (1956) - There must be something about this play - it almost can't be done wrong. Normally, I would rant about remakes - but this one works for all the wrong reasons. No one here fits into good casting. If you watch "The Philadelphia Story" with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant you'll see what I mean....yet...this is a really decent film on its own. Humorous, well timed, cute and as we know, the camera loves Ms. Kelly well suited as a rich flighty love interest.
In dedication to the lovely Grace Kelly who's charm and wit stole the heart of many, she was our American Princess long before marrying into royalty:
"Dial M For Murder" (1954)- I had the honor to see this in 3D at the Redford Theater in a far northwest corner of Detroit on a rainy Friday evening. It was captivating. Robert Cummings is smooth and fresh, Ms. Kelly is bright and lovely, both setting a perfect background for the devious calculating schemes of Ray Milland. Director Hitchock doesn't need over the top production to make this film riveting and satisfying.
"Rear Window" (1954) - This is a perfect contrast film to "Dial M For Murder" to showcase Ms. Kelly's talent. Here she is slick, sophisticated and seductive. The perfect juxtapose to Jimmy Stewart's immobility she is flexible, rash and complex.
"High Society" (1956) - There must be something about this play - it almost can't be done wrong. Normally, I would rant about remakes - but this one works for all the wrong reasons. No one here fits into good casting. If you watch "The Philadelphia Story" with Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant you'll see what I mean....yet...this is a really decent film on its own. Humorous, well timed, cute and as we know, the camera loves Ms. Kelly well suited as a rich flighty love interest.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Summer in the City or The American Teenager is a little crazy
Perhaps the title should be, OH SO Emo......Teenagers are a different animal and as much as we can understand brain activity and hormones its so true what Chemical Romance shouts, "They all said TEENAGERS scared the livin' shit outta me ..So darken your clothes or strike a violent pose....' Nothing can be as scary as teenager angst movies:
"Empire Records" (1995) - These days they are all grown up and have responsible acting careers, but way back in the day- Robin Tunney shaved her head, Liv Tyler wore a plaid skirt, Ethan Embry ooozed emotional stress and Rory Cochrane & Anthony LaPaglia hadn't become familiar cop faces on tv.....faced paced getting to know you flick with edgy grown ups like Maxwell Cauflield and Debi Mazar.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) - Sean Penn has fortunately grown way past his portrayal as Spicolli and he is probably extremely grateful. Its one of those roles that could stereotype and haunt you if you let it. A silly stoner, wish I could get a girl movie but with impressive acting, directing and editing. Pheobe Cates, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Forest Whitaker use this jumping off point to high light decent careers.
"American Graffiti" (1973) - Fondly looking back at the angst of the 50's teen - the first generation with true leisure time and the freedom of automobiles. Great cast, interesting premise- slightly cheesy. You'll want to keep the remote in your hand to slow down and repeat for the cars....
"Empire Records" (1995) - These days they are all grown up and have responsible acting careers, but way back in the day- Robin Tunney shaved her head, Liv Tyler wore a plaid skirt, Ethan Embry ooozed emotional stress and Rory Cochrane & Anthony LaPaglia hadn't become familiar cop faces on tv.....faced paced getting to know you flick with edgy grown ups like Maxwell Cauflield and Debi Mazar.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) - Sean Penn has fortunately grown way past his portrayal as Spicolli and he is probably extremely grateful. Its one of those roles that could stereotype and haunt you if you let it. A silly stoner, wish I could get a girl movie but with impressive acting, directing and editing. Pheobe Cates, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Forest Whitaker use this jumping off point to high light decent careers.
"American Graffiti" (1973) - Fondly looking back at the angst of the 50's teen - the first generation with true leisure time and the freedom of automobiles. Great cast, interesting premise- slightly cheesy. You'll want to keep the remote in your hand to slow down and repeat for the cars....
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Hanging Around
Clicking 122 channels with nothing to watch I caught a few moments of Criminal Minds (TV,CBS, 2005-present) a show I have watched because who couldn't love Mandy Patinkin (2005 -2007) and Joe Mantegna (2008-2011) ? Usually I drift away during a commercial and don't remember what happened nor care that I don't have the solution. The acting is terrific but the stories are repetitious and not in a good way like ABC's Castle or FOX's Bones .......who are more like Matlock in their soft core murder cozies.
Anyway, I digress. A glimpse of Beth Grant being her best at matronly evil was enough to catch my attention for a moment. In the closing scenes of the show I seriously had a LMAO as Bud Cort was found hanging from a bathroom ceiling fixture. How odd that a few seconds of homage to a 70's cult film would bring such joy to my heart.....
"Harold and Maude" (1971)- A iconic 70's cult film once shown for matinee's and midnight movies, now available on DVD...a film that epitomizes the fight between modernity and postmodernism through out the 20th century. Maude is modernity, a woman of great narrative who has collected all the symbols (smell machine, sculpture, musical instruments) of an age. She has fought for human rights, created art, loved strongly and with a Victorian era calm knows when her time is up. Harold is young, vibrant and missing parts. He has no story, no future and no cause to fight for. His only action is to fight against the past and its conventions. He is not of this time but can't envision a future. He is the image of an image that is fading and can only be seen its momentary phases as he captures death. Don't watch this the first few dozen times for its battle of modern vs postmodern, but for the tree that is rescued, the pastor who is rattled, and the car that is sent over the cliff. And mostly for Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort who create with laughter, dance and love.
Anyway, I digress. A glimpse of Beth Grant being her best at matronly evil was enough to catch my attention for a moment. In the closing scenes of the show I seriously had a LMAO as Bud Cort was found hanging from a bathroom ceiling fixture. How odd that a few seconds of homage to a 70's cult film would bring such joy to my heart.....
With Love For Bud and Ruth
"Harold and Maude" (1971)- A iconic 70's cult film once shown for matinee's and midnight movies, now available on DVD...a film that epitomizes the fight between modernity and postmodernism through out the 20th century. Maude is modernity, a woman of great narrative who has collected all the symbols (smell machine, sculpture, musical instruments) of an age. She has fought for human rights, created art, loved strongly and with a Victorian era calm knows when her time is up. Harold is young, vibrant and missing parts. He has no story, no future and no cause to fight for. His only action is to fight against the past and its conventions. He is not of this time but can't envision a future. He is the image of an image that is fading and can only be seen its momentary phases as he captures death. Don't watch this the first few dozen times for its battle of modern vs postmodern, but for the tree that is rescued, the pastor who is rattled, and the car that is sent over the cliff. And mostly for Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort who create with laughter, dance and love.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Just a Bit on the Dreamy side ......
Day dreams, fright night mares, long shiftless naps with quiet undertones - the sensory oddity of the brains pictures, sounds and scents meant to make sense of and sort through the vast undertaking of a day or a life..........and then they grasp it in images and words that help it all seem weirder than we thought......
"The Cell" (2000) - Ugh, it doesn't work. Jennifer Lopez is a decent actress, Vincent D'Ofrino is okay and the sets, costumes and most of the music are fair to midland. Yet, this just falls apart- while watching, you will keep asking yourself, Why you've bothered.
"The Never Ending Story" ( 1984) - Delightful if overly sweet. A definite rewatchable- you'll notice something different with each viewing.
"Office Space" (1999) - A dream that shouldn't have been put on film and now can't get out of your head. Ick. But so worth it for this otherwise terrific odd film. Yay to Stephen Root!!
"The Cell" (2000) - Ugh, it doesn't work. Jennifer Lopez is a decent actress, Vincent D'Ofrino is okay and the sets, costumes and most of the music are fair to midland. Yet, this just falls apart- while watching, you will keep asking yourself, Why you've bothered.
"The Never Ending Story" ( 1984) - Delightful if overly sweet. A definite rewatchable- you'll notice something different with each viewing.
"Office Space" (1999) - A dream that shouldn't have been put on film and now can't get out of your head. Ick. But so worth it for this otherwise terrific odd film. Yay to Stephen Root!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Film Maven's Dad Day Tribute
Scott's Favorite Movies and why you should watch them too:
"Gunga Din" (1939) - When a young and emo Rudyard Kipling was hanging out in India under British rule writing poetry he probably didn't consider the impact it would have on the world of film-making. "Gunga Din" is a superb film connecting all the elements of charm, comedic timing, brotherhood, drama and romance. From the cinema-photography to the costumes and on through the direction and editing- this film fits equally with the other major productions of 1939, a year filled with unmatched film quality.
"Drums Along the Mohawk" (1939) - Somewhat forgotten character actors like Edna May Oliver and John Carradine help build a production through the direction of John Ford that stands up against the creations of 1939 (as you may know, is the best year for films). Vistas spend equal time with emotional story telling. A true blue American myth building romantic epic.
"Northwest Passage" (1940) - Visually pretty, action sequences to rival any - One of those films that little boys play act in various forms on sandy hills and cardboard boxes using the dog, their sisters dolls and anything that is remotely shaped like a gun...Spencer Tracy, Walter Brennan and Robert Young forge a new world in another myth-building love affair with American history.
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