Film Arcade recently received information reguarding the release date change of "The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard". The film has been pushed back from November 10th to November 17th.

Emmy® winner Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”) stars as a smooth-talking salesman in the “cheerfully energetic” (Robert Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times) comedy THE GOODS: Live Hard, Sell Hard, arriving on DVD November 10, 2009 for rental from Paramount Home Entertainment. One of the most outrageous movies of the year, THE GOODS was produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay‘s Gary Sanchez Productions and directed by Neal Brennan, co-creator of the Comedy Central hit “Chappelle’s Show.”Don Ready (Piven) is a jack-of-all-trades who cares about one thing and one thing only…selling cars. The ultimate hustler faces the greatest challenge of his legendary, and notorious, career when he attempts to save a local struggling car dealership from bankruptcy. In just one week Ready and his crew need to move over 200 cars and prove that when it comes to conning, conniving and all kinds of bad behavior, they’ve got the goods. Piven leads an all-star comedy cast including Ed Helms (The Hangover), David Koechner (Get Smart), Kathryn Hahn (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy), Alan Thicke (“Growing Pains”), James Brolin (“Hotel”), Rob Riggle (Step Brothers) and Ving Rhames (I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry).

THE GOODS DVD is presented in widescreen enhanced for 16:9 televisions with Dolby Digital English 5.1 Surround and Spanish 5.1 Surround and English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Starring: Trevor Morgan, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Ray Liotta, Samantha Mathis, Diana Scarwind, Ron Perlman
Written & Directed By: George Gallo
Grade: B

Local Color is a heartfelt coming of age film set in the 1970s, specifically during the summer that changed our protagonist’s life forever. We are given a voice over through the man looking back on his youth and all that he learned about art and life during the moments he takes us through. The film not only shows us how he grows through the time we are with him, but how his unlikely friend and mentor changes when he felt he had lost too much to ever feel so carefree again. The film shows us a wonderful and extremely interesting relationship while showing us the value in young, aspiring youth as well as experience and wisdom, enhanced age, and all the two can learn from one another.

John Talia Jr. (Morgan) doesn’t have a lot of friends, doesn’t really bother with girls, and mostly keeps to himself. His father, John Talia Sr. (Liotta) worries about this behavior constantly, mostly due to his horrible fears that his son might be a homosexual since he doesn’t seem to ever be after girls. John’s isolation is simply due to his studying and passion of art. He paints constantly and when he isn’t in his room painting, he’s at the art museum, studying other people’s work and trying to learn from them. He’s been getting lessons from an art teacher in town, but when he hears that his favorite artist, Nicoli Seroff (Mueller-Stahl) lives in town, he makes an appearance, hoping to pick his brilliant brain. Nicholi keeps to himself even far more than John does. He doesn’t have much use for people, doesn’t even paint anymore, and has a fairly bitter view of the world. Nicoli brushes John off when he comes to visit him and continues to do this the more John tries. John still can’t give up though, he convinces Nicoli to talk to him, to look at his paintings, and eventually to let John look at his art studio. Nicoli finally caves and agrees to teach John, but John must come with him to Pennsylvania where he will be for the summer.

John’s parent’s forbid him to go, fearful that this old man is taking him up to a shady cabin in the woods to murder or molest him. John has the chance to learn from one of his heroes and he knows this is a once in a life time opportunity so he leaves despite his parent’s wishes. John teaches him everyday and gives him a place to live and meals every day in exchange for fixing up the place while he stays there. Nicoli gives him a new lesson everyday, which John tries to transform in to his work. John is immediately attracted to Carla (Mathis), a young friend of Nicoli’s who takes care of him, partially to deal with her son’s death. Nicoli in return lost his beloved wife and nearly all of his family back in Russia. Carla reminds him of his wife and is very protective of her, especially when he sees John’s interest in her. Nicoli doesn’t keep it any secret how he feels either. He speaks his mind, both about Carla and when he thinks John’s work is useless. Is he pushing him to a higher level or is he unable to really let John in all the way?

The stellar performances are one of the best elements of the film. Trevor Morgan, who I recognized from Mean Creek and Off the Black, does an incredible job as John. He simply radiates on screen and captures all the energy, enthusiasm, and desire that is inside of his character. He shows his eagerness to compromise everything to create truly good art simply because it is an urge that lies deep down inside of him. Morgan has extraordinary screen presence and is a joy to watch. Armin Mueller-Stahl works wonderfully aside of him as the cynical Russian artist, Nicoli Seroff. He makes a good transition from the angry, old hermit who hates everyone to a more awakened artist who is sharing his knowledge and depth to the younger generation and realizing that this is what will make him live on. Still, it’s a very subtle change. Sometime in movies through similar character transitions the character does a complete 360, which can leave an impression it is still somewhat unrealistic. Here, it feels like we start and finish with the same man, but we are able to see a bit more clearly in to the individual who he truly is and the vibrant energy that is still inside of him.

Ray Liotta did pretty well as the homophobic man’s man. He showed a lack of understanding and complete indifference in his son’s life, while still showing that he wanted to care; his son just wasn’t the man that he wanted him to be. This relationship actually could have given us a little more as after this summer it is clear that there is a change in their relationship. It would have been nice to see how it changes, why, how they truly view each other, and what personal reasons they have for doing this. Still, it was an interesting element that made John do the things he did, but it wasn’t the main focus of the film so I can excuse it. Samantha Mathis was a joy as Carla. She was kind, gentle, but was clearly pained and wanted to be motherly to Nicoli since she could no longer be to her deceased son. It is clear that she was in turn an inspiration to John, quite possibly the first woman he really cared about. Ron Perlman was quite a riot as Nicoli’s art modernist friend. His performance shows how completely composed his character is in the art scene, making him feel much more intellectual than he might actually be.

Two of the funniest scenes in the film mock the modern art scene, but more so how people equate great value and depth to trivial and meaningless things. The first scene where we get this is when Nicoli is judging an art competition in the area. One piece is basically just a regular canvas. When Nicoli asks what it’s supposed to be, the artist claims that he was exploring the 2 dimensionality of the space. Nicoli then says you mean its flatness and the artist tries to come up with an artsy answer to bring depth to this flat board and claiming that means something. Nicoli leaves the show, yelling at all the artists that their work is shit. The next scene takes place during a dinner with Nicoli, John, and Ron Perlman’s character and his wife. Nicoli shows him the supposed work of a new artist. The paintings are mere splotches of finger paint, some simple images like a tree, some shapes, and some just random lines. They were created by disabled children in an art therapy class Nicoli teaches. Without knowing this Perlman’s character goes on and on about this brilliant artist he must meet. He claims there is such depth, sorrow, and anger, because a painting of an X is so angular that it shows this anguish. He is just made a fool of when he learns the truth.

One particular stylistic technique that went along with the emphasis on art were the freeze frames on the significant people in John’s life. Rather than being real life freeze frames, the particular character being introduced was shown as if it was a painting that John drew himself, showing us his perceptions of these people. Nicoli, who is perhaps the biggest influence on him, is shown in this freeze frame as well, but not until the end of the film. When John first met him he treated him like an icon, but at the end of the movie he is a true friend. It isn’t until the end that he can truly comprehend how much this man changed his life and captures him in that realization. Local Color has great character development, an inspiring story, and is a very personal film about relationships, life, and passion.

Spike Jonze’s take on Maurice Sendak’s “Where The Wild Things Are” is one of the few movies I’ve seen in awhile that actually deals with real kids instead of these stereotypically spoiled movie kids who are way too pampered to our collective annoyance. So many family movies these days are watered down crap, mostly Disney releases, that aim to be as inoffensive as humanly possible. As a result, we find ourselves mocking what we see instead of relating to it. But here, we get a young boy who has quite a vivid imagination that he retreats to when the real world becomes too scary to deal with, and who comes from a broken family that is getting by the best they can. For once, we see kids treated as intelligent and capable of learning more than they knew, and it combines them with things that are real, imaginary, and (of course) wild.

The Max of the story is played by Max Records, and he gives one of the best performances that I have seen from a child actor. Seeing him build an igloo out of a snow pile or making a spaceship in his bedroom with his stuffed animals as willing passengers brought back some great memories from when I was a kid. But reality rears its ugly head every once in awhile as some kids thoughtlessly smash down his igloo, not thinking about what it meant to him. Then we see him in elementary school as his teacher explains how the sun will die one day. This is one of the funnier moments in the film in that the teacher just can’t stop talking about all the different ways the planet will die off when the sun is no more. Granted, this won’t happen for another billion years, but when you’re a kid, things like this feel like they will occur tomorrow.

Then everything comes to a head as Max gets very resentful when his mother (the always terrific Catherine Keener) brings home a new boyfriend (played by Mark Ruffalo no less). The bond that Max shares with his mother is very strong, and she is there for him more than anyone else is. But when he is no longer the center of her attention, he rebels and ends up biting his mother on the shoulder. Horrified with what he just did, he ends up running away from home and sailing off to a distant island where he does indeed come across the wild things of the story. And that’s where the rumpus truly begins…

The monsters here are a combined use of puppetry courtesy of the Jim Henson Company (he is still missed) and CGI effects. Using giant puppets instead of just creating the monsters with computers a la George Lucas with the “Star Wars” prequels was a masterstroke on the part of Spike. It makes the monsters all the more real to us as a result. CGI effects are used to give the individual monsters their own facial expressions which vividly captures their happiness and sadness in a way that genuinely pulls at your heartstrings almost effortlessly. With “Where The Wild Things Are,” it never ever felt like I was just watching a whole bunch of special effects. It really felt like I was watching creatures that I could interact with for real.

Of all these monsters, the one with the most recognizable voice is Tony Soprano himself, James Gandolfini. James plays the prominent wild thing, Carol, and we first see Carol destroying some dwellings that he had just built. For Max, breaking things has a wonderment to it, and Carol links on to that with the upmost enthusiasm. Gandolfini is wonderful, and at times he is wonderfully heartbreaking as we see Carol go from utterly enthusiastic to downright angry to utterly heartbroken. This is not him doing Tony Soprano as if he was all covered with fur. When we last see Carol in the movie, it is a moment that may bring tears to your eyes, and Gandolfini sells it for all that it is worth.

Among the other voices in the movie are Catherine O’Hara’s, and she plays Judith, the one monster who is very mistrusting of Max and who he is. It’s always great to see Catherine in just about anything she does. Paul Dano (“There Will Be Blood”) plays the ever so sensitive Alexander, and he captures the shy nature that is more a part of us than we ever realize. Forest Whitaker voices Ira, and I barely recognized his voice in the part which is pretty impressive. Lauren Ambrose’s voice is a wonderful presence in the character that is KW, and the moments she shares with young Max form some of the movie’s best moments.

You know how people have said how we have met the monster, and the monster is us? Well that is very much the case here also. The monsters clearly represent the different parts of Max’s personality, and he soon comes to see himself in all of them. As a result, Max manages to see things a little more clearly in relation to his own family and especially his mother who loves him so. How many Disney movies can you say cover this ground so effectively without sugar coating every single thing?

I really mean it when I say that Max Records gives one of the best performances I have seen from a child actor in some time. We see him take Max from being a brat of a kid (and we have all been brats at one time or another) to one who is more understanding after all he has gone through. The whole movie really rests on Max’s shoulders when you think about it, and it is a lot to put an 11-year old in that unenviable of positions. That really is almost too much to ask for. Spike Jonze really lucked out with getting Max Records to play this part though, and it is not as easy as it looks for anyone regardless of age. Max really does make his character’s transition from being just a kid to someone who is more mature and understanding, and it really shows in the last half of the film. The monsters name him their king, but they come to see that he is not as powerful as he says he is. Even young Max has to admit that at some point as he has become the mother to these directionless monsters the way his own mother is to him, and he sees himself in a better light as we do.

Spike Jonze shot a good portion of the movie with handheld cameras to give it more of an immediacy, and he thankfully doesn’t overdo it. His work here proves that Spike is indeed one of our most original filmmakers working today as he has given us a family movie that feels unlike any other. This is only his third movie as a director, but he made such an amazing splash with “Being John Malkovich” which combined him with another creative mind, Charlie Kaufman. Together, they made one of the most original movies of the 1990’s, and they went on to make one of this decade’s best films with “Adaptation.” With his film version of “Where The Wild Things Are,” Jonze continues to show that he has a vision all his own, and it does not easily lend itself to comparison the way other films do.

I’m glad that Jonze got his vision to the screen after all this time. “Where The Wild Things Are” was originally supposed to come out last year, but Warner Brothers was apparently considering the possibility of reshooting the whole darn thing. It turned out that the movie was a lot darker than they expected it to be for something they wanted to sell to the whole family. I imagine that the studio heads and executives saw it as a huge money making bonanza that they could sell a plethora of tie in products the way others did with “Transformers” among others. Looks like Warner Brothers’ only option was to pump up a lot of money in advertising so that it would have a big weekend that would encourage more people to see it as the event movie they could not miss to save their lives. I am eager to see how this movie does over the next few weeks, and I really hope a lot of people will embrace it for what it is. It’s not your usual piece of corporate filmmaking that we have all gotten way too used to seeing, and thank god for that.

“Where The Wild Things Are” also has a wonderful soundtrack done by Karen O (of the Yeah Yeah’s) and the Kids. It’s one of those soundtracks that has really great songs that fit the themes of the film almost perfectly, and it adds vividly to the strong emotions generated throughout. Outside of the movie, it is a CD (or digital download if you must) to listen to, and the songs themselves threaten to make the Best Original Song Oscar at the Academy Awards a little more legitimate than it has any right to be (assuming one song or two from this film does get nominated).

Is it appropriate for kids? I think so, if only to a certain extent. If you have kids under 6 years old, you may want to see the movie before they do. I was sitting next to a kid and his mother when I saw it, and the kid did get a little freaked out at some parts. Still, the movie is not really traumatic the way “E.T.” was for me when I first saw it or “The Neverending Story” for that matter. If your kid can handle “Bambi,” then I would guess that your kid could handle this one as well. It’s up to you, but better this than the new Lars Von Trier movie, “Antichrist.” They probably wouldn’t let your kid into that one anyway, and although I haven’t seen the movie just yet, I’m positive that’s good thinking on their part.

There are a lot of wonderful moments to be found throughout “Where The Wild Things Are.” One of my favorites was when Max and the monsters were jumping all over the forest, and Carol was creating big dust clouds when he landed. That all lead to what I felt was a heartwarming moment where the wild things pile on top of each other and fall asleep. Seeing Max befriend the somewhat alienated KW is great because their differences really just evaporate at that point. These are two people who can relate and sympathize with one another as they both come from worlds where they rather feel like outcasts.

If there is one weakness to Spike Jonze’s “Where The Wild Things Are,” it’s that the story doesn’t hold together all the time, and there are some moments that drag a little where you really want the pace to pick up. Then again, this movie is based upon a book that is only ten sentences long. The fact that Jonze and his co-writer Eggers were able to craft a story for a feature length movie is pretty amazing I have to say. But if you read (or re-read) the book at some point, you’ll find that there is more to the book than you realize at first. Along with Sendak’s sentences, he gave us wonderfully memorable illustrations that added to the various themes of the story. Spike and his fellow collaborators manage to build upon those manages to craft a movie that stays true to the book without diluting it any.

There was a bookstore next to the theater I saw the film at, and I dashed in there to read the book. I can’t even remember the last time I read the Caldecott award winning story, and there is a lot of different ways you can look at it to where it appeals to adults as well as kids. You could see it as a story of how kids cannot separate from their parents all that easily, and of how you have to go far away to truly realize where home is for you. Maybe you will see it as a story of the one person who becomes king and gets what he wants, but then finds that it is unfulfilling and bereft of those who give him or her a love they cannot live without. Barrack Obama has said that this one of his favorite books ever. Honestly though, I am tempted to see this story these days as almost metaphorical for the Bush Presidency. Bush became President, started the wild rumpus, but while he made his journey back to land on his sailboat, it took him 8 long years to get there, and he was still in contact via fax and cell phone. Don’t worry, he would have found a way! I know this book was written WAY before George W. Bush became President, but I just had to put that in there.

In my opinion however, I think Spike Jonze saw the book as one that can clearly take in a child’s point of view of things. Just about everything in this movie made me feel like I was a child again, and of how we become shaped by the things that make us happy and of what makes us sad. The movie is not meant to break down the imaginary worlds we create for ourselves, but of how they can make us understand the world around us and the people who figure most prominently in our lives. Spike sees “Where The Wild Things Are” as Max’s journey to understanding why his mother treated him the way she did before he ran away. Spike also must see it as how kids can become mature a lot sooner than we think.

“Where The Wild Things Are” is in some ways a godsend for family movies in that it treats kids like real kids, and it has genuine imagination and emotions fueling it throughout. I found that to be very refreshing in today’s risk adverse studio system, and the movie has a lot of great moments that make you laugh and others that will choke you up. That last moment with Carol on the island came close to bringing me to tears. It doesn’t always hold together, but it is a much more accomplished film than a lot of the others that get passed off as “family entertainment.” Indeed, no one could have filmed this version the way Spike Jonze did.

I am also glad that the monsters didn’t have these whiny, high-pitched voices that stayed at that level all through the running time. I see this in just about every other cartoon show that is on television on the weekends, and I have no idea how today’s kids can stand it. There’s room for Barney The Dinosaur or Jar Jar Binks on Jonze’s island, and we can all collectively breathe a sigh of relief for that. With that in mind, this is a rumpus you can and should look forward to!

***½ out of ****

The Hills Run Red
Year: 2009
Director: Dave Parker
Studio: Warner Premiere
Stars: Sophie Monk, Tad Hilgenbrinck, William Sadler
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 81 Mins





“The Hills Run Red’ is the long awaited second horror film Dave Parker, who cowrote the screenplay for “House of the Dead” and directed the very entertaining “The Dead Hate the Living” for Full Moon Features.

The film is about three horror film fans, who are looking for a print of a never released film called “The Hills Run Red”. They find an actress, who was involved with the making of the film. The four travel to where the film was shot int the woods. They soon discover that it’s more that a film and they are their newest stars, as “Babyface” is not a character, but a person who’s intend on killing them. Now they must find a way out of wood before the come the film’s latest victims.

After watching film, I really hope Dave Parker gets a chance to direct another horror film, as he hasn’t lost the touch that made his last film, very fun to watch.

“The Hills Run Red’ is a very effective and disturbing slasher film that’s not for the little kiddies. Parker does a very good job making the action, very violent and shocking. He makes those aspects on the level with the Saw and Hostel franchises, as the violence is very hardcore. But what makes the violence work is the way that Parker moves the action along. Its moved at a quick pace to make everything feel intense, as there’s no dead spots to the point that you’re bored with the film. He also does a good job with the acting. I thought the cast here was pretty good. Parker makes the actor’s performances gel with the fast pace that this film has. There was good chemistry with the cast, as I never had problems with that aspect.

The screenplay was written by John Dombrow and based on the story by John Carchietta, who co-wrote and co-directed the horrifying short film “The Pick Up”, and co-produced the very wicked, “Wicked Lake”. They both did a very good with making the story, very brutal and shocking. They both do that, by making the tone very violent and very dark. By creating that tone, it makes it entertaining and not just a film that is there to just see how much violence that they could put in a screenplay, while at expense of the development. Dombrom does a good job in writing the suspense and shocking moments that make this film succeed. He does that by creating intense situations that the characters enduring while trying to find this lost film and outrun your typical masked killer. It’s make entertaining, not boring.

I truly hope Dave Parker has another chance to direct on this level, as he has shown with this and “The Dead Hate the Living” that he made his films frightening and fun to watch. “The Hills Run Red” is a very shocking film that’s frightening to its disturbing end.

Review Rating 4 Star.

Skull Heads
Director: Charles Band
Studio: Full Moon Features
Stars: Robin Sydney, Samantha Light, Steve Kramer
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 78 Mins.



“Skull Heads is the latest film from noted B movie maven, Charles Band. The film is about a family, who lives in an isolated castle for many generations. A trio of art thieves, who want some of their precious painting, threatens their castle and privacy. But unknown to the thieves, the family has a group of ancient protectors known as Skullheads Those deadly dolls will protect the family at all costs.

This is one of those films where it had everything going for it. “Skull Heads” had good acting and a story that kept you interested, but it’s little things that this film has, prevents this from being one of Charles Band’s best films.

Everything was there for it to be very enjoyable. Band’s direction was one of this best. He does a great job with the way he uses the setting of the film. It gives off this gothic vibe that goes along with the story. It makes the film more of a chamber drama than an all out bloody horror film which Band is more known for, as he has direct such gorefest as “Blood Dolls” and “Hideous”. He also did a very good job directing his actors here. I liked how he makes the family very odd and gothic, from the look to the tone in which they speak. It adds film’s darkness tone that makes this watchable.

There is also a very good lead performance from Robin Sydney, who is truly on that list of B-movie starlets, with films like this, “Wicked Lake” and “The Lost”. She brings that energy that is needed to make you not sucked in with the tone of the film. Sydney did that, by making her character very lifelike and different from all the other family members. The performance helped me become interested with the story.

August White’s screenplay was for good for about two thirds of the film. One of the things that he does well is focus on the Arkoffs. He does that, by developing each of the family members and their history. The development helps give this film, its dark and gothic tone. White also does a good job holding much of the film’s action to the final act. It gives time to develop the characters and the mythology of the family and the Skull Heads.

But the most disappointing thing about this film was that the ending felt incomplete. This hurt my enjoyment for this film. It left me mind boggled, as the ending felt abrupt. This irritated me to a degree, because this is one of those films where it doesn’t work. You’re left wondering what happened to the remaining character. I felt that there could have been five more minutes to explain the aftermath, which would helped explain some of it and not leave you with all of these questions.

“Skull Head” is one of Charles Band’s better-directed films, but it’s disappointing ending hurt most of the enjoyment that I had.

Review Rating: Three Stars

Welcome to the 205th Edition of my blog. I have one selection from the Random Myspace Profile selection process. Next week will have none. I am releasing this one a little early since I don't know when I'll be home tomorrow because I'm trying out again for AMERICA'S GOT TALENT to give it another shot. Get out your Netflix and Blockbuster Queues and read on.

The Union: The Business of Getting High (2007): I saw this movie at Pruis Hall for the viewing of the Truth Movement group at Ball State. This is a great documentary which talks about that drug marijuana. Brett Harvey directed this and goes around to explore the history of marijuana and hemp which is used for it along with the effects. They made a big argument that there really are no effects and that it has always been blown way out of proportion. It shows how alcohol and cigarettes lead into more deaths than marijuana. People being interviewed include Joe Rogan and Tommy Chong plus many other politicians and doctors who support the legalization. There are also some interesting comparisons to Prohibition of 1920 showing how criminals take full advantage of the prohibition. This movie has some humorous moments, good archival footage, and soundtrack. I also enjoyed seeing Tommy Chong reflect on his life and his recent arrest. I have only seen him in shows and movies playing the stoner but he was very informative in what he had to say. I will start by saying that I do not smoke pot but I do support the legalization of it. If you are totally against pot, this could change your mind. For you stoners out there, you will love this one.

Ocean's Eleven (2001): This is a selection from the Random Myspace Profile selection process and for this one I chose Juliana. This is a remake of the 1960 film which starred the Rat Pack. Steven Soderbergh directed this film which stars George Clooney as Danny Ocean who is just getting paroled from prison and goes straight...straight into plans for a heist of three casinos. He then gets a group together that consists of Brad Pitt, Elliot Gould, Scott Caan, Casey Affleck, Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Matt Damon, among others. Andy Garcia plays Terry Benedict, the head of the casinos and Julia Roberts is Tess, Danny's ex-wife who is now with Terry. Reiner is very amusing as one of the elderly members of the heist. I have seen the original one a while back but have not seen any of these until now and I must say it kept me engaged the whole movie. There is an interesting opening scene with Brad Pitt trying to teach former tv stars like CHARMED alum Holly Marie Combs, 7TH HEAVEN alum Barry Watson, and THAT 70S SHOW alum Topher Grace how to play poker.

The General (1926): I actually had the pleasure of viewing this silent comedy classic on the big screen at the Paramount Theater in Anderson. Ball State was shooting a movie and needed extras so the reward was to see this movie. This is considered by many to be Buster Keaton's best work and though there are others of his I prefer, this was a very groundbreaking comedy. Buster stars as Johnny Gray, a train conductor during the Civil War. He tries to enlist in the south but is declined because they feel he is valuable as a train conductor. The woman he loves, Annabelle Lee, believes that he is a coward and will not speak to him unless he is in uniform. Things change when his locomotive is stolen and at the same time they kidnap Annabelle Lee. He then sets out to rescue Annabelle Lee with some comic results on a train as he is pursuing soldiers in the north. He is able to come up with all kinds of hilarious gags on that train. It is loosely based on a true story but I'm sure not this funny as Buster Keaton, like Chaplin, made comedy out of some pretty dark events just not as extreme as Chaplin.

Written on the Wind (1956): Douglas Sirk directed this great drama which stars UNSOLVED MYSTERIES alum Robert Stack as Kyle Hadley, a rich playboy who marries Lucy, played by Lauren Bacall. Lucy is secretly loved by Kyle's best friend Mitch Wayne, played by Rock Hudson. Kyle learns that he is sterile but his wife gets pregnant causing him to suspect Mitch of having an affair. Dorothy Malone plays Kyle's conniving sister who watch Mitch for herself and puts the belief in his head that Mitch and Lucy are having the affair which leads to disastrous results. The performances by all were great and was a soap opera and love story with intelligence. I really liked Malone in this movie.

Shortbus (2006): The Facebook friend I chose for this week was Zach who I was in 12 BAR BLUES with at the Muncie Civic Studio Theater. This movie is by no means for everyone, I'll get that out of the way now. John Cameron Mitchell wrote and directed this movie. First we got Rob and Sophia, a happy couple but Sophia, who is a sex therapist, has never experienced an orgasm. Jamie and James are a gay couple and James wants to bring a third man into the relationship. Sophia then goes into a world she has never seen where she meets a dominatrix and they help each other with their lives. This movie does not hold back at all. Soon-Yik Lee was great as Sophia and the rest of the actors also fare pretty well for most having acted for the first time. I admit, there were times even I had to turn my head but still enjoyed this movie.

San Quentin (1937): Lloyd Bacon directs this prison film which was an early role for Humphrey Bogart as inmate Red Kennedy. Pat O'Brien is an army trainer named Captain Jameson, who is assigned to be the head of the prison. It's a big place but he immediately starts getting results but takes interest in Kennedy, feeling he just got a bad break and can reform. Ann Sheridan plays Red's sister May and forms a relationship with the prison captain. One of the prisoners tries to stir up trouble with Kennedy when he spreads rumors on his sister and the captain leading into some bad decisions. This was an interesting film depicting prison of a place of rehabilitation and that people can change. O'Brien was very good and Barton Maclane co-stars as the previous corrupt captain who plays the role very well.

The Field (1990): Jim Sheridan directed this movie that takes place in Ireland which centers around "Bull" McCabe, played very well by Richard Harris, whose family has farmed for many years and have given much of his sweat and tears to the field. Then "the Widow" who the Bull pays rent to, played by Frances Tomelty, decides to put up the land for sale. The Bull is determined to take it but an American comes in feeling he must make highways out of it. Tom Berenger plays "The American" who very much dismays the Bull when he buys the property Bull feels is his so Bull takes some very drastic measures to keep it. Sean Bean also co-stars as Bull's son who is clearly intimidated by his father but very loyal to him. This was rather moving but pretty dark too. The Irish scenery was great and I always love that Irish music. John Hurt was pretty amusing as Bird adding some comic relief.

Hyde and Hare (1955): This is my Looney Tunes short for the week where Bugs Bunny meets a nice, quiet man who gets him carrots and insists that the man adopt him. Bugs does not know this person is really Dr. Jekyll whose evil side of Mr. Hyde tries to harm Bugs with a comical end result. This is well worth the seven minutes.

Robocop (1987): I found this 80s action classic on IFC and I had not seen it in some time so it was time to bring it back on here. Peter Weller stars as the title character who is first an officer named Alex Murphy, who is murdered, then reconstructed by a massive company who first develops a crime-fighting robot that goes absolutely awry. They then develop Robocop who cares about nothing but fighting crime but when going after the people who had him killed, he slowly develops his memories back. This is an interesting futuristic film taking place in the not-so-distant Detroit. I never realized how satirical this movie is on finding ways to reduce crime and developing this technology that can go awry or be clouded by corruption within the company. THAT 70S SHOW alum Kurtwood Smith and REAPER star Ray Wise co-star as a couple of the thugs who made the mistake of killing Murphy. Paul Verhoeven directed this movie which I feel is his best work. I also liked the use of the phony commercials and newscasts. This is a great blend of action and satire and very innovative for its time.

Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954): I end with this Universal horror film which shows a group of people on a scientific expedition to the Amazon river only to encounter the title character. One of the people in the group becomes obsessed with catching this creature and while succeeding, he only escapes with Kay who the creature likes throwing in that BEAUTY AND THE BEAST theme. I have seen this one in the past but this time I analyzed it more like I did the last featured film on here and realize that the Creature is really the tragic hero in all this. It did not seem to mean much harm until man does the usual and fears the unknown so he had to defend himself however he needed to. This is a really good one of the later Universal films and starts this part of the sci-fi genre.

Well, that is it for this week. Tell me what you love and what you hate and stay tuned for next week which includes Edward James Olmos, Paul Muni, an Australian film.

HORROR MOVIE MADNESS: BAD BABY WEEK 2

I didn't quite match my score from last week but we'll see how others do. Kelsey is the only one who can really take off with the lead right now but we'll see what I can do next week. Maybe if I didn't focus so much on my recommendations blog and focused on this I would do better but I still have a method for my recommendations that I still stick to. I am releasing this early because I don't know when I'll be home tomorrow.

1. It Lives Again (1978, 1.5 stars, 6 points): I got the sequel in which is good for entertainment value but does not match IT'S ALIVE which I used last week. These babies are crazy. Larry Cohen wrote and directed again. Liz, if your baby turns out like this, please stop it. Don't be like the parents in the first two and try to protect the baby.

2. The French Connection (1971, 2.5 stars, 2 points): Directed by William Friedkin, not one of my favorite movies but a good loophole for me, I'll check it out again sometime when I'm in a better mood to put it into the recommendations

3. Bubba Ho-Tep (2003, 4 stars, 2 points): We got a collaboration between Don Coscarelli and Bruce Campbell which is probably very high on my list of favorites. Just to let everyone know, Bruce Campbell plays an aging Elvis in a nursing home, who claims to be the real person and took the name from an impersonator who had died. Ossie Davis plays JFK who survives the assassination but is turned black by the government. Together, they team up to take on a mummy who is feeding off of souls in the nursing home. It is a true story except the part of the mummy. What's the Horror Movie Madness without some Bruce.

4. It's Alive 3: Island of the Alive (1987, 2 stars, 6 points): The last of the evil baby trilogy. Michael Moriarty stars as a father who does not believe these evil babies should die so the judge puts them on an island. Moriarty had a strange, over-the-top performance.

5. Baby, It's You (1983, 3 stars, 2 points): This is my John Sayles loophole for the week which stars Rosanna Arquette and Vincent Spano in this coming-of-age film. No evil babies or endangered children, or even violence, just a loophole. I know no one would no what to think if I didn't take advantage of "does not need to be horror".

6. Jekyll: Episode 4 (2007, 3.5 stars, 1 point): I'm liking this more and more. This is a really cool variation of the Stevenson classic.

7. Creature From the Black Lagoon (1955 3 stars, 2 points): The only one on here that was on my recommendations but that doesn't mean these others won't be though

8. Jekyll: Episode 5 (2007, 3.5 stars, 2 points): Yes, you see that right, I am trying to argue for double points here. It was not really like this on the other episodes but in this particular episode, Dr. Jackman's two twin children are put in quite a bit of danger with the Mr. Hyde persona and the people who work at the scientific lab who want Mr. Hyde for their own purposes. We learn more and more of the connection between Tom Jackman and Henry Jekyll who James Nesbitt plays in the flashback scenes.

9. Jekyll: Episode 6: Hyde (2007, 3.5 stars, 2 points): This is series finale and an episode where Dr. Jackman's children and wife were abducted by a secret agency to get to Mr. Hyde. I really enjoyed this British series which was left open for another series but I guess they did not decide to pursue it since what more could they do but a great show from BBC

10. My Name is Bruce (2007, 3.5 stars, 2 points): Bruce Campbell directed this great one where he plays himself. An obsessed fan of his from a small town encounters a real monster and believes Bruce can really do all the things he can in the movie. This is great seeing him to a parody on himself.

Hi, Welcome to another edition of Anthony T's Take. This time around I explain why "Saw VI" is actually one of the best horror films of the year. And no, I'm not joking.

(Please note that it represents Anthony T's Opinion and not the opinion of Filmarcade.net.)

I do apologize about the language in the beginning, but I'm still shocked at how much I liked it.

Film Arcade recently recieved the official poster and trailer courtesy of Lionsgate, for the upcoming Jackie Chan family film "The Spy Net Door"

While babysitting his neighbor's children, a mild-mannered guy winds up having to
fight off secret agents after one of the kids inadvertently downloads a secret code.

Jackie Chan kicks it into high gear with this hilarious action-comedy that’s fun for the whole family. The film also stars the lovely Amber Valetta and funny men George Lopez and Billy Ray Cyrus.

The film hits theaters January 15, 2010

"The Spy Next Door" Official Trailer:

AFI FEST 2009 presented by Audi recently announced the complete lineup of films for the 23rd edition of the Festival, including the Closing Night Gala, Centerpiece Screening, Tributes and Special Presentations.

The Weinstein Company’s A SINGLE MAN has been selected as the AFI FEST Closing
Night Gala presentation. A SINGLE MAN will make its US Premiere at Grauman’s
Chinese Theatre on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Sony Pictures Classics’ THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS has been selected
as AFI FEST’s Centerpiece Screening Gala presentation. THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR.
PARNASSUS will make its US Premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Monday,
November 2, 2009.

The Closing Night Gala presentation of A SINGLE MAN features the directorial debut of
fashion designer Tom Ford from his script adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s
acclaimed novel. The film follows a day in the life of a gay British college professor in Los Angeles as he attempts to cope with the death of his partner. Ford’s work helming the project and Colin Firth’s lead performance in the film have received critical acclaim following screenings at the Venice and Toronto film festivals. Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode and Ginnifer Goodwin also star in the film. The Weinstein Company release is due in theaters on December 11.
Ford, Firth and Moore are scheduled to attend.

"It is exciting to champion a talented artist like Tom Ford as he moves beyond the
boundaries of one medium into another. In A SINGLE MAN, he delivers an elegant and
beautiful personal story that will resonate with all audience members“ said AFI FEST
Artistic Director Rose Kuo.

The Centerpiece Screening Gala presentation features the latest work by director Terry
Gilliam. THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS follows the leader of a traveling
theater troupe who, having made a deal with the devil, takes audience members
through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations. The film stars Christopher
Plummer, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell and Heath Ledger in his
final role. The Sony Pictures Classics release is due in theaters stateside on December
25. Gilliam and Plummer are scheduled to attend.

"The mind-altering, looking-glass world that Terry Gilliam creates in THE
IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS," notes Director of Programming Robert Koehler,
"is like a model for his ideal cinema, in which anything can happen and all rules are
broken. If audiences thought that THE DARK KNIGHT was their last glimpse of Heath
Ledger, then what Ledger brings to Gilliam's fantasy-adventure will surprise them."

AFI FEST has selected actors Christopher Plummer and Viggo Mortensen to receive
tributes at this year’s Festival. Sponsored by the Skirball Cultural Center, Plummer’s
tribute event will precede the screening of his film THE LAST STATION on Tuesday,
November 3. Mortensen’s tribute will precede the US Premiere of the film THE ROAD
on Wednesday, November 4. Both Tributes will take place at Grauman’s Chinese
Theatre in Hollywood.

One of the world’s most respected actors, Plummer has won two Tony Awards (for
CYRANO and BARRYMORE), three Drama Desk Awards, the National Arts Club Medal
and two Emmys. He was a leading member of Laurence Olivier’s Royal National
Theatre and Peter Hall’s Royal Shakespeare Company. Since appearing in Sidney
Lumet’s STAGE STRUCK (1958), his more than 100 films have included WIND
ACROSS THE EVERGLADES (1958), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965), WATERLOO
(1970) and TWELVE MONKEYS (1995), THE INSIDER (1999), A BEAUTIFUL MIND
(2001), SYRIANA (2005) and INSIDE MAN (2006). He stars as Leo Tolstoy in THE
LAST STATION and plays the title role in THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS.

John Hillcoat THE ROAD is adapted from the acclaimed novel by Cormac McCarthy,
THE ROAD stars Mortensen as a father making his way with his young son across the
scorched landscape of a post-apocalyptic world. Directed by Hillcoat from a script by
Joe Penhall, the film also stars Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce and Molly
Parker. The Weinstein Company release is due in theaters November 25.
Mortensen, Hillcoat and Theron are scheduled to attend.

From his debut in Peter Weir’s WITNESS (1985) to his signature role of Aragorn in
Peter Jackson’s LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, Mortensen’s career has been
highlighted by intensely stunning portrayals of men of strict and uncompromising
character dealing with a shifting moral universe. Notable films include Sean Penn’s
INDIAN RUNNER (1991), Gregory Widen’s THE PROPHECY (1995), Ridley Scott’s G.I.
JANE, Tony Goldwyn’s A WALK ON THE MOON (1999), David Cronenberg’s A
HISTORY OF VIOLENCE (2005) and EASTERN PROMISES (2007)—for which he
received Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations—and Ed Harris’
APPALOOSA (2008).

“Viggo Mortensen and Christopher Plummer are two actors and film artists of the
highest order,” said Kuo. “They share that rare trait of being looked up to by audiences and film fans around the world as well as being greatly respected by their peers.”

Other highlights among the complete film schedule announced today include Jonathan
Demme’s music documentary NEIL YOUNG TRUNK SHOW (with Demme and Young
confirmed to attend) and the screening of two films connected by legendary art director
and longtime AFI Conservatory Distinguished Lecturer Robert Boyle, who turned 100 on
October 10. Those films are AFI Conservatory Alumnus Daniel Raim’s (Production
Design ’99) documentary SOMETHING’S GONNA LIVE and Alfred Hitchcock’s classic
NORTH BY NORTHWEST, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

A follow-up to Raim’s Oscar-nominated documentary, THE MAN ON LINCOLN'S
NOSE, SOMETHING’S GONNA LIVE profiles Boyle (THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR,
THE BIRDS) and renowned art directors Henry Bumstead (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD,
THE STING), Harold Michelson (STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, CATCH-22)
and Albert Nozaki (THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS), as
well as master cinematographers Conrad Hall (IN COLD BLOOD, BUTCH CASSIDY
AND THE SUNDANCE KID) and Haskell Wexler (WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA
WOOLF?, IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT). From snapshots, sketches and vintage
footage interwoven with interviews and new scenes of these octogenarian artists at
work, we get a behind-the-scenes look at master moviemaking. Boyle and Wexler will attend the World Premiere screening.

On Monday, November 2, AFI FEST, in conjunction with Warner Home Video will
present a special screening of Hitchcock’s NORTH BY NORTHWEST. The first
Hitchcock film to be released on Blu-ray, the film has been restored and remastered for
its 50th anniversary. As part of the Gala event, director William Friedkin will attend to moderate a Q&A with Boyle and the film’s stars Eva Marie Saint and Martin Landau.
Koehler noted, “In our 23rd year, our programming seeks to shine a light on an
international cinema landscape filled with brilliant young filmmakers forging fresh,
unexpected pathways, documentarians on a quest for truth, and a fascinating survey of
stop-motion animation (FANTASTIC MR. FOX, IN THE ATTIC, A TOWN CALLED
PANIC), while delivering what AFI FEST has done from the beginning—offering
audiences a view of the vastness of cinema across the world.”

AFI FEST continues its unique and successful association with the American Film
Market with 23 of the features in official selection at AFI FEST represented by
distributors at AFM, unfolding concurrently with AFI FEST from November 4–November
11. The following films are among those that will participate in the market and screen at the festival: AFTER.LIFE; THE BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL, NEW ORLEANS;
BELLAMY; CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH; EVERYONE ELSE; FIRST OF ALL, FELICIA;
FISH TANK; THE HOLE; THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS; KANIKOSEN;
THE LAST STATION; THE LOVED ONES; THE MESSENGER; THE MILK OF
SORROW; MOTHER; NEIL YOUNG TRUNK SHOW; PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE
NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE; THE ROAD; THE SILENT ARMY; A SINGLE MAN; THE
TWO HORSES OF GENGHIS KHAN; WOMAN WITHOUT PIANO; YOUTH IN
REVOLT.

Enhancing the AFI FEST/American Film Market alliance, the final two days of AFI FEST
(November 6-7) will screen at the Laemmle’s Monica 4-plex, 1332 2nd Street, Santa
Monica, in close proximity to AFM headquartered activity.

AFI FEST 2009’s overall lineup will showcase 67 features (54 narrative, 13
documentary) and 27 shorts for a total of 94 films from 32 countries.
The breakdown by section is Galas/Tributes (7), New Lights Competition (11), Special
Presentations (3), Documentary (13), World Cinema (27), Alt_Cinema (6) and Shorts(27).

The Festival is headquartered at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. All screenings from
October 30–November 5 will take place at the Grauman’s Chinese and Mann Chinese 6
theaters in Hollywood with the final two days of the Festival (November 6-7) screening
at the Laemmle’s Monica 4-plex in Santa Monica.

Free tickets to all Festival screenings are available online at AFI.com/AFIFEST or by
phone at 866-AFI-FEST beginning October 16, at the Mann Chinese 6 Theatre (6925
Hollywood Blvd.) in the Hollywood and Highland Center) beginning October 26, and on
the day of scheduled screenings via Rush Lines. Early entry to all screenings can be
secured by becoming a patron of the Festival and purchasing an AFI FEST Patron
Pass. For more details, visit AFI.com.

Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Pepita Emmerichs, James Gandolfini, Paul Dano, Catherine O’Hara, Forest Whitaker, Chris Cooper, Lauren Ambrose
Directed By: Spike Jonze
Written By: Spike Jonze, Dave Eggers, Maurice Sendak
Grade: A+

Where the Wild Things Are has been one of the most cherished children’s books for decades and is a personal favorite of mine from my own childhood. It’s an imaginative tale of rebellion and escaping the mundane world for one of your wildest dreams. From the early production skills and trailer it was clear that this was going to be a beautifully looking and adventure filled movie. I had high expectations going in, but the film actually ended up beating those expectations to give me a truly exhilarating and blissful cinema experience. Few picture books turned in to movies draw you in so deeply and continue to be so fascinating throughout as Where the Wild Things Are does. In fact, most have such little material to draw from that the novelty in the idea is better than the actual film. Where the Wild Things Are actually expands on the original material while still representing the original story with such a youthful and true approach.

Max (Records) is a lonely young boy, full of energy with a vibrant imagination, but no one to share it with or really appreciate it. His sister, Claire (Emmerichs), is more preoccupied with her friends, who end up ruining Max’s snow fort when he tries to playfully throw snow balls at them. He has a very caring mother (Keener), but she is often busy with her job and spending time with her boyfriend (Mark Ruffalo). One day, Max gets fed up of having no one to play with and puts on a wolf costume before dinner. He acts out towards his mother to get attention. When they get in a fight he runs off. He runs and runs, sails through the sea, and crosses a lengthy dessert in to an outlandish forest. Max glimpses fire and large wild creatures, smashing their way through the woods. Max is startled and slightly scared, but also fascinated. He suddenly joins the creatures, roaring and trying to impress them. When he crushes the creatures’ homes though, he nearly gets eaten by them. He is only saved from this fate because he claims he was the king of the vikings for 20 years and that he has magical powers that can solve all of their problems.

The creatures are so amazed by Max’s abilities that they make him their new king. He rules proudly despite his differences and some of the creature’s doubts in him. Max becomes quick friends with Carol in particular (Gandolfini) who has confidence, pride, and affection for Max. Max also becomes close to Carol’s crush, KW (Ambrose), who Max convinces to stay with them when Carol feared they had lost her forever. Carol had dreams of building a momentous land of their own, but never really believed this was a possibility. Max insists that they can do this though, starting with a fort. He claims that it will be a place where only good things can happen and only people they want will be able to enter or their brains will be destroyed. After working on it together day after the day, they built a large fort where they can all huddle together. When Carol is feeling jealous of KW’s new owl buddies, Max starts a war where they throw dirt clots at each other. Day in and out they run and play and are each other’s comfort when the day is gone. As more of the creatures doubt Max’s abilities and honesty this perfect place begins to fall apart. He realizes that things aren’t perfect among this family just as his isn’t, but he still belongs with his own kind.

Max Records did an incredible job as Max, the king of the wild things. A big part of it was simply because he acted like a kid. He brought out the rebelling and obnoxious side, the lonely and caring side, and the playful and inventive side; especially when it went to the nonsensical tone that many young kids hold in their language. In the scenes where he was trying to act on his inner wild thing, his growls and attempted toughness were absolutely adorable. His portrayal of the character gets to your emotions through the end and is entertaining along the way. Although, a somewhat smaller role, Catherine Keener did very well as Max’s preoccupied, but very loving mother. James Gandolfini did a wonderful job as Carol with his low booming voice, showing the potential for power and aggression, but overall being a much more soothing and compassionate voice. Lauren Ambrose brought forward a calming and resonant voice that went off of Gandolfini’s very nicely as their characters had a complicated, but close relationship and were portrayed as the other halves of each other, guiding and comforting Max in their own ways. Paul Dano offered the slightly squeakier and shrill voice of the bird like creature of the group. Catherine O’Hara and Forest Whitaker also had lower voices, O’Hara’s more sharper and intimidating and Whitaker more soulful and emotional.

I am really glad they decided to make this in live action rather than animation. In doing so, it brought an entirely new life of the film and made it seem all the more real. The creatures themselves look fierce and monstrous with a naturalistic touch to them, that makes them almost blend in to their surroundings of the woods; their wild domain. Yet at the same time there’s a misunderstood, kind, and gentle characteristic to them in some of the softer features that contrast the rougher ones. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful. There are many bright, sunny shots where the sun is beaming on Max’s new world and all that it encompasses. The texture of the earthy tones both through the atmosphere and the creatures, and even Max as he dirtily wears the earth on him, are well defined.

The soundtrack really compliments the movie wonderfully. It allows for the action and escapades we see Max and the wild things explore. Through it the film is able to show the sheer joyful moments and simplicities as well as bringing a youthful and carefree spirit to the table. The dialogue is excellent as well. I laughed through majority of the film, far more than I expected to. It’s very unique comedy and the rarity and richness of it makes it all the more enjoyable and fresh. Most of it is through how closely it resembles the average young child with a rearing mind as well as plenty of moods would in fact talk. Kids can really say the funniest things, exploring this is far more genuinely funny than simply placing jokes in the film. There’s a very natural comedy that shows exaggerated, overstated, and silly absurdities in how our young character sees both his world and even more so the exciting and new world of the wild things.

Where the Wild Things Are resembles very well what it is to be a kid. It shows the loneliness and longings, angry outburst for craving of attention, the pure joy that can be found in simple things like dirt clot wars, using ones imagination to get out of sticky situations, and the essential need to be loved and truly belong in a place you can call home. It doesn’t just focus on the fun and exploration had, but all of the ups and downs, confusions, and joys. This is really spoken in a child’s language more than most films with children as main characters do. Still so much of what Max encounters is highly representative of what adults go through too, just showing it through actions and adventures rather than the lone internal mind. Through this it hits all audiences and more importantly feels like a more honest film. Where the Wild Things Are is one of the truest Children’s book adaptations and one of the best and emotionally riveting films of the year, bringing such a range of emotion, combining sadness and adventure with fantastical elements that are balanced by a very natural, honest tone.

Starring: Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Colm Meaney, Leslie Bibb

Written by: Kurt Wimmer

Directed by: F. Gary Gray

As someone who formerly worked in the court system, I can tell you that “justice” is rarely fair. It is not meant to be really. The criminal justice system is set up so that the innocent people get a fair shake, even if it means the guilty get too much leeway. The system has its problems and its failsafes, and it is not perfect. The system simply cannot not be perfect.

There is no right or wrong, there is simply proven and unproven. This means the guilty are often set free and even when the guilty are convicted, they are out on the streets of the great U.S.A. shortly thereafter. Working in that system I have been tremendously frustrated. But I also know that overall, it is a pretty well thought out process.

“Law Abiding Citizen” is a movie that examines one man’s ferocious determination to fix the judicial system. How? By spotlighting absurdities with violence. Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) is an inventor whose wife and young daughter are killed during a home invasion. Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx) is an assistant district attorney assigned to prosecute the Shelton murder case. Fearful of losing the case and damaging his win ratio, Rice agrees to cut a deal with one of the accused home invaders in order to get the death penalty for the second accused murderer. To rationalize his actions, Rice says, “Some justice is better than no justice.”

In real life, Rice’s comment is almost a maxim to live by. Often crucial evidence is inadmissible or made inadmissible and the only way to send an accused criminal away for any length of time is to cut a deal. It is not pretty, but it is common. Rice makes just such a deal with the one criminal, causing Clyde Shelton’s world and quite possibly his sanity, to crumble down around him. Distraught over Rice’s deal, Shelton fades away into obscurity only to reappear ten years later with a vengeance.

Though the premise is a bit far fetched (and what action/thriller movie isn’t?), it is worth the requisite suspension of disbelief. Normally Shelton’s methodical and ultra violent killing spree would seem absurd coming from a man who tinkers with robots for a living, however, the plot gains traction is in the backstory.

*SPOILER* Clyde Shelton previously made a living as a specialized and highly imaginative assassin. As Clyde is someone who once killed for a living, I think it is plausible that he snapped and now has no compunction about killing people left and right in order to prove a point.

The most difficult part to this movie is that the audience truly wants to root for Shelton. Shelton’s family was brutalized while he watched, helpless. Then the man that was personally responsible for killing his wife and child is set free after a brief prison term, while Shelton again watched helplessly from the sidelines. When Shelton notes the problems with the criminal justice system, he is absolutely right. As the movie does not delve into the counterarguments to Shelton’s issues, we really only see Shelton’s side of the conversation. It is only because Shelton coldly executes innocent people that you find yourself stopping just short of rooting for him.

Is this story ever likely to happen? No but the idea is an intriguing way to look at the problems with the criminal justice system. These are very real and very frustrating issue. Plus, the special effects have very little CGI work, which gives the story a bit more realism as well.

Regarding the cast, Butler turns in some very good acting here, but we never see his character fully break. You see Shelton’s emotions and some of his internal struggle, but for any man capable of doing what Shelton did, perhaps Butler should have exhibited either less or more emotion. Either Shelton is a sociopath or he has gone completely insane. Instead, Butler’s portrayal is somewhere in between making it good, but it falls short of what it could have been.

Foxx turns in solid performance as the mouse to Butler’s cat, but the character of Rice never shows the charisma that Shelton does. You know you need to root for Rice, but you also know his inability to learn a simple lesson is causing people to lose their lives. For that reason, it is kind of hard to root for him and enjoy it.

The dialogue is fairly well done with a few laugh out loud moments and lines. We never get a full soliloquy of exposition and explanation, but we get enough to get the point. Besides, anyone as brilliant and methodical as Shelton is not going to have a long-winded explanation for his mayhem. However, if he had been clearer from the start, maybe more people would have survived Mr. Shelton’s class on the justice system.

As it is, I was actually pretty entertained throughout. The movie clips along at a swift pace, and there are a few tense and surprising moments. This is not one of the best thrillers of all time, but it was a solid bit of cat and mouse story telling. The character of Shelton I found to be riveting, even if he was a bit gruesome at times. Still, the movie is worth a viewing in the theatre if you want to enjoy the explosions, but a viewing on Blu-ray at home would be a pretty good way to watch it as well.

Do you want to play a game? All year long, you’ve been letting your mind rot watching romantic comedies and World War II dramas. Jigsaw invites you to test your limits and earn your salvation by experiencing the ultimate horror movie experience, the SAW MOVIE MARATHON. This Thursday, October 22nd, movies theaters nationwide will be playing a marathon of the first five films of the most successful horror movie franchise of all time, leading up to midnight screenings of SAW VI. To buy your tickets now, go to www.fandango.com and/or www.movietickets.com

Here is a list of theaters where the SAW VI Marathon will be playing:

Carmike 10-Asheville - Asheville,NC
Carmike Market Fair - Fayetteville,NC
Carmike 18-Greensboro - Greensboro,NC
Carmike 14 Hickory - Hickory,NC
Carmike 16 - Jacksonville,NC
Carmike 15 - Raleigh Raleigh,NC
Carmike Cinema 14 - Columbia,SC
Carmike 14 - Dover,DE
Carmike 16 - Allentown,PA
Carmike Ohio Valley Mall 11 CinemasSt.- Clairsville,OH
Carmike Park Hills 7 Altoona,PA
Carmike 15 - Greensburg,PA
Carmike 6-Charlottesville - Charlottesville,VA
Carmike Midlothian 10 - Midlothian,VA
Carmike 10 - Roanoke,VA
Carmike Wynnsong 16 - Auburn,AL
Carmike 12 - Athens,GA
Carmike 15 - Columbus - Columbus GA
Carmike Wynnsong 11 - Savannah,GA
Carmike Governor's Square 10 - Clarksville,TN
Carmike Thoroughbred 20 - Franklin,TN
Carmike Johnson City 14 - Johnson City,TN
Carmike Wynnsong 16 - Murfreesboro,TN
Carmike 20 Edinburg - Edinburg,TX
Carmike 16 - El Paso,TX
Carmike 14 - Tyler - Tyler,TX
Carmike Sikes 10 - Wichita Falls,TX
Carmike 10 - Stillwater,OK
Carmike 12 - Kennewick,WA
Carmike Shiloh 14 - Billings,MT
Carmike 10 - Great Falls,MT
Carmike 10 - Missoula,MT
Cinemark Tinseltown 10 - Melrose Park,IL
Cinemark 16 at Seven Bridgesc -Woodridge,IL
Cinemark Tinseltown 19-Louisville - Louisville.,KY
Cinemark Tinseltown Movies 15 - Canton.OH
Cinemark 24 - Valley View (Cleveland),OH
Century 20 Jordan CreekWest - Des Moines,IA
Cinemark Tinseltown 16-Rochester - Rochester,NY
Cinemark Movies 16-Somerdale - Somerdale,NJ
Cinemark 20 - Moosic,PA
Robinson Township 16 - Robinson Township,PA
Cinemark 14 Chico,CA
Century 16 Greenback Lane - Citrus Heights,CA
Century 20 Daly City - Daly City,CA
Century 20 Oakridge - San Jose,CA
Century 25 @ Union LandingUnion City,CA
Century Park Lane 16 - Reno,NV
Cinemark 24 - West Jordan,UT
Theatres at the Mall of America - Bloomington,MN
Goodrich Portage 16 IMAX Theater - Portage,IN

Paranormal Activity
Year: 2009
Director: Oren Peli
Studio: Paramount / Dreamworks
Stars: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 79 Mins
Official Website: http://www.paranormalactivity-movie.com/




Found footage films are usually your typical love it or hate films. When watching one of the films, I go into that type of film with a set of questions:

First, I’m I feeling scared, when watching the film in a dark theater?
Second, are the characters believable enough for this type of film to work?
Third, are there any subplots that make the characters interesting enough to keep the action moving, when nothing is happening?
Fourth, I am checking my watch, while watching the film, because I’m bored?
Finally, did the ending provide an emotional response that made me think about it afterwards?

Here’s a little backstory to the release of this film. “Paranormal Activity” is a film that was purchased by Dreamworks at the 2008 Slamdance Film Festival. The film, then sat on a shelf for over a year and a half, as the company didn’t know what to do with it. When they came to a decision, Dreamworks along with Paramount originally planned remaking the film as a star vehicle, until they conducted a test screening of the film and the people there liked so much that they did the unthinkable and changed their minds and keep it mostly intact with the original ending changed.

The film is about a happy couple that moves into a quite suburban house, where it has a history. The two decide to document everything that goes on, so they can find out, if there is any truth to the rumors of the house that they occupy. They discovers that something mysterious is haunting them in the middle of the night, which leads to deadly consequences.

“Paranormal Activity” was worth the wait, as this left me more in shock than “The Blair Witch Project” did ten years ago. It’s one of those films that will leave you speechless. The reason for that was first time filmmaker Oren Peli’s direction. The direction was very good, as it was very scary. It answered the five questions that I posed in the beginning of the review in a positive manner. First, there were some very good scares here especially towards the end. Peli leads up to the scares, very well. He starts by doing some of the basic kinds but as the film progresses, the intensity of the scares start building up. That continues toward the end of the film, as it went on, the scares became more creepy and scary. Also. I liked Peli did the closing credit sequence, as it’s shows one card then fades to black for a minute, before the MPAA title card comes on. Don’t know that if that was intentional, but that gave me an extra scare on top of what I just saw. Second, the characters were believable. I go on and on all day and talk about how Peli directed these two main actors, but the credit has to go to them. Both Katie Featherston, and Micah Sloat really make their characters believable, as they weren’t annoying like some of the characters in “Cloverfield”. What both actors did was to make the performances feel more down to earth. That helped made their character’s interesting and worth watching. Third, Peli did a great job adding another dynamic to the film’s story, by focusing on the relationship that both Katie and Micah have for each other. Peli does that because you can’t have nothing going on and make the story that you’re trying to tell, be effective. By going into their relationship it brings depth to their characters and makes everything interesting, when nothing is happen. It also makes you invested in these characters, even though you know something bad is going to happen to them. Fourth, thankfully I didn’t have to check my watch because I was invested in everything that was going on. Finally, what makes this film very memorable was the ending. I like films that give you an ending that generates a response. The end of the film was just great, as it was very impactful without going into any detail. I was literally jumping out of my seat and almost made me duck underneath the seat. I know some people might not feel that way, but that’s the way I felt.

It’s films likes this that make me proud to be a fan of horror and independent cinema. “Paranormal Activity” is one of those films that you truly need to see on the big screen, as this is the best horror film of 2009.

The film is currently in limited release and its surely going to expand onto more screen with it 20 million dollars intake at the box office, this weekend.

Welcome to the 204th Edition of my long-running series. This week, I pay tribute to the late writer Jim Carroll. I am now 1-3 in Fantasy Football, I'm not giving up though. This week starts the Horror Movie Madness contest so I'll be putting on more horror than usual but still have priority towards this blog.

Gonzo: The Life and Work of Hunter S. Thompson (2008): This is my documentary for the week which centers upon the fearless journalist of the name in the title. It takes a look into his early life, then into his first big article doing a piece on the Hell's Angels biker gang, into his later days as the gonzo reporter who wrote a lot for Rolling Stone. Johnny Depp narrates this great documentary and played Thompson in FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS. This was very insightful looking into some writings and home-videos with some interviews from him and his other peers. He was one who no matter what you might think, he made his mark on this world.

Night of the Ghouls (1959): This is my two part Ed Wood series and this one is not as "good" as last week's but this one still entertains. This movie centers around a phony psychic who is named Dr. Acula, get it? He is making it look like he is raising up loved ones of gullible patrons. He then discovers, and it may not be a good thing, that he may not be as phony as he thinks. Tor Johnson was amusing as Lobo. This is a sequel to BRIDE OF THE MONSTER which was not released until 1982 because Ed Wood never paid the lab bill. Like PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, Criswell narrates the movie but this time in a coffin and always gives some strange narration. Ed Wood absolutely earned his title "The Worst Director of All Time" but still entertains just how he hoped.

Dracula's Daughter (1936): This Universal sequel picks up right where the classic 1931 Legosi film leaves off. Gloria Holden stars as Countess Marya Zaleska who seeks the aid psychiatrist Jeffrey Garth, played by Otto Kruger, to free herself from the spell of Dracula. We also see Van Helsing, played by Edward Von Sloan, having to defend himself for a certain murder he committed. He is the one that brings Dr. Garth in hopes he will help prove his point of vampires. Zaleska realizes that burning the body of Dracula is not the only thing it takes to free herself and then bodies start turning up. This was a pretty good sequel making the title character sympathetic. Not my favorite of the Univeral film but still entertains and is nicely atmospheric. Holden was very good as the title character but prefer BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN.

La Cotta (1967): I got this from the Criterion Collection box of IL POSTO which I featured last week and this week I used Ermanno Olmi's short film which was a tv featurette but a very good one. It focuses on a young boy and his first love. He takes quite an approach to picking up girls and meets a very unexpected one towards the end. This was pretty well done and if you find IL POSTO, check these Italian films out.

The Basketball Diaries (1995): This movie is based on the autobiographical novel by Jim Carroll who would go onto becoming a poet, singer, and songwriter. This takes place in his early days when he was the best on his high school basketball team but ruin any chances of a basketball career with his drug addiction and wrong group of friends. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Carroll very well. OZ alum Ernie Hudson plays a former junkie who tries to get Carroll to turn his life around even taking note of his early writings. A young Mark Wahlberg plays one of his degenerate friends. SOPRANOS alums Lorraine Bracco, Michael Imperioli, and Vincent Pastore all have small parts in the film as well as Juliette Lewis, Bruno Kirby, and Michael Rapaport. It is hard to watch and may not be for everyone but is a compelling film and interesting to see young talent before they rose like Mark Wahlberg.

Hello Again (1987): I admit, I was on the fence here quite a bit but decided to recommend this as my date movie for the week. CHEERS alum Shelley Long plays Lucy, the wife of a plastic surgeon named Jason, played by Corbin Bernsen. She ends up choking on a chicken bone and dying. Everyone moves on except her sister Zelda, played by Judith Ivey, who deals in the occult and uses a spell to bring her back. Upon her return, she finds her husband is with her friend, played by Sela Ward, and everything has changed in that year. She then meets another doctor who is played by Gabriel Byrne. This is an idea that could have worked so well if it was played like a satire but instead was used as a romantic comedy thus becoming the "date movie" for the week instead of much more. I liked it more towards the end where it shows how her choices can effect others. The music score seemed like the typical sappy music score for 80s movies so that did not sit well with me as I am the sucker to a good music score, I don't know how to explain it. Shelley Long was fun.

This is Not a Love Song (2002): This is a British movie which I found on Netflix. This movie focuses on two friends, Heaton and Spike. Spike is released from Prison while Heaton has stolen a truck. However, they run out of gas and when trying to steal from a farm, the owner threatens them which leads to Spike accidentally killing his Daughter. They then go on the run, not from the law but from the locals of the town. While this movie was not without flaw, it still managed to keep me. I thought the low-budget camerawork was rather fascinating and Michael Colgan and Kenneth Glenaan worked very well together. I also liked the use of the title song by Public Image LTD. I was very glad that I viewed this movie and am glad to promote it on here.

It's Alive (1974): I admit I had never heard of this until I joined the Horror Movie Madness marathon and learned I would get triple points for this one about a murderous baby. Larry Cohen directs this movie where the Davis couple are excited to have a new addition to the family but things change when the baby ends up killing many people in the hospital and sets off on a killing spree. It was interesting that while no one liked the situation, no one seemed very surprised that the baby was going around killing everyone. It is not for everyone and if you take it too seriously, you might not like it. This would spawn a trilogy and remake. That baby was probably the ugliest baby of all time so if you think your baby is ugly take a look at this one and you'll feel much better. It was interesting how they really made parenting seem negative and not having kids was the way to go so I liked that rare message in film so it makes my list. Bernard Herrman wrote a pretty good music score.

The Whistler (1944): I found this fascinating film on TCM which is actually the first of an underrated series of films. Richard Dix stars as Earl Conrad who believes his wife has died and decides he wants to die but cannot bring himself to actually kill himself so he pays a man to do the deed for him. When word reaches him that his wife dies, he decides he does not want to die but can't cancel the hit. Gloria Stuart, who many may know from TITANIC, co-stars. This was a really nice B-Film Noir with Dix great in the lead role.

Belle Epoque (1992): I watched this instantly on Netflix. This movie focuses on a soldier named Fernando during the Spanish Civil War who deserts the army. He then stays on a farm with an elderly man who he becomes good friends with. He then learns that he has four daughters who all like him and he must decide which one to be with. This was a really good foreign comedy that takes place in 1931 and is great to see some diversion from stereotype. A young Penelope Cruz plays the youngest of the daughters and was very good. This movie managed to keep my attention the whole way through and was a comedy that did not need all kinds of gags and such. This movie won an Academy Award for Best Foreign film and one I am glad to have watched.

Well, that is it for this week. Tell me what you love and what you hate and stay tuned for next week which includes a documentary, Julia Roberts, Buster Keaton, Lauren Bacall

HORROR MOVIE MADNESS: BAD BABY WEEK 1

A couple years ago, I was in this contest where I became as they said "Master of the Loopholes" as I took full advantage of their "Does not have to be horror" with Bruce Campbell, Clancy Brown, and many others. They must have taken note of what I did and while allowing loopholes, not as much plus it focuses more on what it says anyways...Bad Baby. So Bruce Campbell work like SPIDER-MAN does not count because he did not direct it and it does not lend to horror. I also used SPONGEBOB, THE JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES because of Clancy Brown while finding lots of Bruce. I probably won't do as much of the loophole thing this time as I am trying to clear things out of my Netflix queue but I'm sure I'll surprise you. They want me to do ratings and I hate rating movies so I'll do the best I can in my ratings of up to 4 stars.

1. Tell Me Something (1999, 2.5 stars, 2 points): In this Korean film, a troubled detective investigates brutal serial killings.

2. Phantasm (1979 2.5 stars, 2 points): I need no explanation here on why this needs to be included but is is of Don Coscarelli whose movies I can use.

3. The Last Temptation of Christ (1988 3.5 stars, 164 minutes 2.5 points?): Here is what we might call a loophole and I ask this one be included because Satan is a character, though used in a strange image but falls into the rules of the game. If you will count this movie, it is over two hours and rules state that gets you extra points

4. Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959 2 stars, 2 points): This Ed Wood film contains zombies making it qualify for this contest.

5. Dracula (1931 Spanish version 3 stars, 2 points): This is the Spanish version of the classic so I can still watch Legosi's version.

6. Night of the Ghouls (1959 1.5 stars, 2 points): There were a lot of ghosts.

7. Dracula's Daughter (1936 2.5 stars, 2 points): No explanation needed here.

8. Hello Again (1987 2 stars, 2 points): I ask this one be counted because there are dealings of witchcraft that was used to bring back the dead.

9. The Exorcist (1973, 4 stars, 3 points?): As someone who is not as big of fan of the genre, I have always regarded this and HALLOWEEN as the two best horror films.

10. Bride of the Monster (1955, 1.5 stars, 2 points): Probably the last of the Ed Wood movies on here.

11. Dracula (1931, 3.5 stars, 2 points): The one that made Dracula iconic and Bela Legosi in the film that would make him an icon in the years to com, much better than the last one I watched.

12. House of Dracula (1945, 3 stars, 2 points): This was a great showcase of monsters including Dracula (John Carradine), Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr.), and Frankenstein's Monster (Glenn Strange). Much better than VAN HELSING many years later.

13. It's Alive (1974, 2.5 stars, 6 points): I got the one with triple points, I don't need much explanation.

14. Swamp Thing (1982, 3 stars, 2 points): Wes Craven directed this great cult classic. I also want to send my condolences to Dick Durock who donned the Swamp Thing costume.

15. Mars Attacks (1996, 3 stars, 2 points): I am going to put in an argument for this one. I know that not all sci-fi counts, but I don't consider this a pure sci-fi film. I thought with as murderous as the aliens were that this is more of a sci-fi horror comedy.

16. Jekyll: Episode 1 (2007, 3 stars, 1 point): I found this BBC interpretation of the Robert Louis Stevenson classic on DVD so I thought I would check this out and it was pretty good so far. James Nesbitt stars as Dr. Jackman who is a descendant of Dr. Jekyll and seems to inherit Mr. Hyde and does what he must for Hyde to not harm his family. They do not know that they have many people watching both of them. This is a pretty good conspiracy thriller with Nesbitt good as the lead role.

17. Jekyll: Episode 2 (2007, 3 stars, 1 point)

18. Jekyll: Episode 3 (2007, 3 stars, 1 point)

19. Blood: The Last Vampire (2007, 2.5 stars, 1 point): This is my anime film for the contest which centers on Vampires making it qualify for this list.

20. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Episode name: Cockroaches (2007, 3 stars, 1 point): William Friedkin directed this episode.

I believe this is 40.5 points for this week.

With "Saw VI" a week away, Film Arcade has not one, not two, but three new videos on our youtube page at www.youtube.com/filmarcade. They includes the new trailer and a Tobin Bell Featurette. All videos are courtesy of Lionsgate.

Saw VI: Trailer:



Saw VI: Tobin Bell Featurette:



Saw VI: TV Spot:

Film Arcade recently recieved the latest poster for the new Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe film "Daybreakers" courtesy of Lionsgate.

Two-time Academy Award nominee® Ethan Hawke plays Edward Dalton, a researcher in the year 2019, in which an unknown plague has transformed the world's population into vampires. As the human population nears extinction, vampires must capture and farm every remaining human, or find a blood substitute before time runs out. However, a covert group of vampires makes a remarkable discovery, one which has the power to save the human race.

The film hits theaters January 8th, 2010

The Crazies, a reinvention of the George Romero classic directed by Breck Eisner from a screenplay by Ray Wright (Pulse, Case 39) and Scott Kosar (The Amityville Horror, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre).

David Dutten (Timothy Olyphant) is sheriff of Ogden Marsh, a picture-perfect American town with happy, law-abiding citizens. But one night, one of them comes to a school baseball game with a loaded shotgun, ready to kill. Another man burns down his own house…after locking his wife and young son in a closet inside. Within days, the town has transformed into a sickening asylum; people who days ago lived quiet, unremarkable lives have now become depraved, blood-thirsty killers, hiding in the darkness with guns and knives. Sheriff Dutten tries to make sense of what’s happening as the horrific, nonsensical violence escalates. Something is infecting the citizens of Ogden Marsh…with insanity.

Now complete anarchy reigns as one by one the townsfolk succumb to an unknown toxin and turn sadistically violent. In an effort to keep the madness contained, the government uses deadly force to close off all access and won’t let anyone in or out – even those uninfected. The few still sane find themselves trapped: Sheriff Dutten; his pregnant wife, Judy (Radha Mitchell); Becca (Danielle Panabaker), an assistant at the medical center; and Russell (Joe Anderson), Dutten’s deputy and right-hand man. Forced to band together, an ordinary night becomes a horrifying struggle for survival as they do their best to get out of town alive.

The film hits theaters Febuary 26th.