Closing Time (The Matinee Turns Four, and Gets a New Home)

Four years ago today, I began writing The Dark of The Matinee. Today I thought I'd honour that by shutting this space down...

...and moving it all to a brand new home.

For much of this year, I've slowly been mapping out how to up my game, and I firmly believe that what this change will enable can help me, as the saying goes, to "Dream a Little Bigger, Darling".

So thank-you all who have helped make The Dark of The Matinee as successful as it has been up until this point, but it's time to let Franz Ferdinand have their song back.

Please reset your bookmarks, readers, or whatever else you use to follow along with my brain droppings, and find me at The Matinee.

Out With the Old...

Everybody's Talkin' 8 - 19 (Chatter from Other Bloggers)

I'm feeling nostalgic today. As such, I decided to take a break from my usual link routine where I refrain from linking to the same blogs and podcasts two weeks in a row. You see I happened to reflect on how I managed to keep writing this space as long as I have, and I realize that it was those sparse few comments I got in the early going that kept me plugging away.

So today I give a quick tip of the cap to that early fraternity and sorority of film enthusiasts...the ones who took a moment to read my words when few others were.


For your listening and reading fulfillment, I give you...


Scott got tired of all of us making him endure the unendurable and took back control of his show with Whitney last week. take a listen to a very special episode of Frankly My Dear. ("Very Special Episode"...sounds like it should end with Mayim Bialik telling you that to learn more you can find all sorts of info at your local library)

Shannon the Movie Moxie soaked up THE HELP as part of her 2011 Book-to-Fim club.

Fandango Groover spent recent days going on a bit of a Potter bender.

I think Blake might be begging to be hit in the face so he can truly see some stars.

My dvd shelves swell with suped up editions of movies and many Criterion titles. But as Dylan points out, such consumer excess and cinemania isn't for everyone.

Someone who was with me before the beginning is Charles in Chicago. One of these ays, I must meet the man and buy him many beers. He watched SUPER recently and seems as though he's one of those who enjoy it (like myself).

I've recently become the proud owner of a Film Forager Original. Have you checked out her handsome work? I actually haven't seen the film that inspired this week's handsome piece, but nobody tell Alex - OK? She might lose what little respect she has left for me!


Enjoy!

Summer In the City (Reflecting on Summer 2011)

Given Hollywood's complete disinterest, I'm gonna call the time of death on the summer right now. 8am on Thursday August 18th, Summer 2011 at The Multiplexes officially ended.

Oh sure you can still soak up some Frightful Nights and some barbaric dude named Conan before Labour Day weekend arrives and really throws cold water on it all, but let's call a spade a spade - we're all finished with this summer...we're all starting to look forward...we're all beginning to smell autumn in the air.

Right about now is when you'll start to see summer recaps - weighing out how the blockbusters did, and decrying the state of affairs with a longing for better times. I could follow suit, but if you'll recall - I already did that. In the time between then and now, my movie-watching slowed a little bit, more because of outside influences than lack of options, since a quick skim of the listings tells me that I would have half a dozen films that interest me to pick from were I to go to a screening tonight.

Being in this position pushed me to reflection on what exactly summer really brings us at the movies - and specifically, what it has brought me. The handy thing about this blog is that it allows me to take pen-to-paper and examine my passion from a statistical perspective. Examining what I have written about for the summers of 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, certain things jump out...

• I have seen an increasing amount of films every summer. From 15 in 2008 to 21 last year. This year's tally sits at 19 and there are still a few titles I intend to see.

• Every summer has brought me at least two four-star films. The last two summers have actually given me four each.

• And give or take a quarter point, my average score for each summer's crop of films? Three stars out of four.

Interesting information, but what does it mean?

For starters, the fact that I am able to continually expose myself to more and more material is helping to keep the balance. Sure the blockbusters feel like they're disappointing more and more...but the indie offerings are delivering a great bounty, which is the spoonful of medicine to help the sugar go down. I don't say this to boast, I say it because I never want to forget it - I am truly lucky to live in the film-going market I do. (Sidebar: Analyzing these summers didn't even include instances where I catch screenings of old films)

The fact that every summer without fail has given me a film that I later regard as one of the best of the year is also telling. Whether it's just a studio not knowing where to put a smaller title, or a blockbuster delivering on its promise, I can't sob too hard at the state of summer at the movies when the warm months have given me THE HURT LOCKER, WALL-E, TREE OF LIFE, and INCEPTION. Thus it would seem that studios hording everything until the fall to angle for the best Oscar chances isn't entirely a true concept.

Finally, for better or for worse, the median score of my summer experiences is staying steady from year to year. Sure I catch some turkeys - summer of 2009 gave me two 1.5 star films on the same day!! - but they continue to be propped up. It doesn't take a stats wizard to understand that the steady rise in movies seen is helping to filter the crappy scores, but I can't easily point to a declining scorecard and say "You see! I'm not just being old fashioned! They don't make 'em like they used to!" It tells me that the goods are out there to be had...you just have to stray off the trodden path a little bit.

Taking a moment and summing up my own experience - and more importantly taking that summation and comparing it to what has gotten me this far was a bit surprising for me. I was all ready to sit here and say "Told Ya!"...but as in the past, the fact is that sort of negativity just isn't true. Understandably, my sort of luck isn't the norm all over; but three of my four top scores received wide releases. Ditto five of my six "excellent" films (3.5/4).

The fact is my friends, that we can get through a summer with nothing but happy memories. The trick, it would seem, is to always be selective, and wait to drown in SUPER 8...as opposed to wading in COWBOYS & ALIENS.

Lay Lady Lay (SLEEPING BEAUTY Trailer)

As I mentioned yesterday, one film announced for TIFF that has me curious is SLEEPING BEAUTY (even though one reader has suggested that it's not up to snuff).

While the concept is still drawing me in, I think some small part of my subconscious wants to see if Emily Browning can do something this year to get the taste of SUCKER PUNCH out of my mouth. Admittedly, I could be wasting a pass...but at the moment, I'm thinking I just might take the gamble.

News of The World iv (TIFF 2011 Announces More Titles)

This is the day my head usually explodes. TIFF announced more galas and special presentations today, and along with the bounty that is easy to spot from a distance there, the festival also unveiled its programme for contemporary world cinema and visions.

Within these two programmes are the titles and directors that might not be quite as recognizable at a glance, but are bound to supply festival-goers with wonderful international content. Essentially, it's the part of the line-up people like me have to study a bit harder because there's no sexy directors or actors to tip off the bounty within.

But amongst the titles that I do know a thing or two about, today's announcements unveiled that TIFF 2011 will include...

KILLER ELITE: A shoot-em-up pitting Clive Owen & Robert DeNiro against Jason Statham
MACHINE GUN PREACHER: Marc Forster's new film starring Gerrard Butler
TRESSPASS: Joel Schumacher's new film starring Nic Cage and Nicole Kidman
SLEEPING BEAUTY: Julie Leigh's twisted tale starring Emily Browning.

The details of the international titles can be found at TIFF.net, and the full details of today's Gala & Special Presentation line-up can be found below the jump. Take a look and tell me if any title jumps out at you that I should keep in mind!

Page Eight
David Hare, United Kingdom
Johnny Worricker (Bill Nighy) is a long-serving M15 officer. His boss and best friend Benedict Baron (Michael Gambon) dies suddenly, leaving behind him an inexplicable file, threatening the stability of the organization. Meanwhile, a seemingly chance encounter with Johnny's striking next-door neighbour and political activist Nancy Pierpan (Rachel Weisz) seems too good to be true. Set in London and Cambridge, Page Eight is a contemporary spy film which addresses intelligence issues and moral dilemmas peculiar to the new century. Also stars Ralph Fiennes and Judy Davis.

The Awakening
Nick Murphy, United Kingdom
Haunted by the death of her fiancé, Florence Cathcart is on a mission to expose all séances as exploitative shams. However, when she is called to a boys’ boarding school to investigate a case of the uncanny, she is gradually forced to confront her skepticism in the most terrifying way, shaking her scientific convictions and her sense of self to the very core. Haunting and moving in equal measure, The Awakening is a sophisticated psychological/supernatural thriller in the tradition of The Others and The Orphanage, but with its own unique and thrilling twist. Starring Rebecca Hall, Dominic West and Imelda Staunton.

Beloved
Christophe Honoré
France
From Paris in the 1960s to London’s modern days, Madeleine and her daughter Vera waltz in and out of the lives of the men they love. But love can be light and painful, cheerful and bitter. An elegy to femininity and passion with musical outbursts. Starring Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve.

Hysteria
Tanya Wexler
USA/United Kingdom
A romantic comedy based on the surprising truth of how Mortimer Granville came up with the world's first electro-mechanical vibrator in the name of medical science. Academy Award®-nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy headline in this untold tale of a young Victorian doctor's quest to figure out the key to women's happiness. Also starring Jonathan Pryce, Rupert Everett and Felicity Jones.

Killer Elite
Gary McKendry
USA/Australia
Based on a true story, Killer Elite races across the globe from Australia to Paris, London and the Middle East in the action-packed account of an ex-special ops agent (Jason Statham) who is lured out of retirement to rescue his mentor (Robert De Niro). To make the rescue, he must complete a near-impossible mission of killing three tough-as-nails assassins with a cunning leader (Clive Owen).

Machine Gun Preacher
Marc Forster
USA
Machine Gun Preacher is an inspirational true story, about Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing criminal who undergoes an astonishing transformation and finds an unexpected calling as the saviour of hundreds of kidnapped and orphaned children. Gerard Butler (300) delivers a searing performance as Childers in Golden Globe®-nominated director Marc Forster’s (Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland) moving story of violence and redemption.

Trespass
Joel Schumacher,
USA
What happens when a man with everything – a beautiful wife, a teenage daughter and a wealthy estate – is confronted with the reality of losing it all? That is what Kyle Miller must come to terms with as he and his family become the victims of a vicious home invasion. Starring Nicolas Cage and Nicole Kidman.

Winnie
Darrell J. Roodt,
South Africa /Canada
This film reveals the enigma that is Winnie Mandela. A sensitive depiction, Winnie portrays her life’s journey amidst the unwavering love between her and Nelson Mandela, and their unfaltering commitment to the struggle for democracy in South Africa. Winnie takes the audience on an epic voyage of understanding – painting a vivid portrait of one of the world’s most remarkable women. Starring Jennifer Hudson, Terrence Howard, Elias Koteas and Wendy Crewson.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

The Cardboard Village
Ermanno Olmi,
Italy
An old priest and his church are about to be demolished. A group of clandestine immigrants seeking protection find refuge in that church. In a circumstance of crisis and discouragement, together these people will be able to find the real meaning of the word “solidarity” and realize that the church is much more than a place for liturgical ceremonies and golden altars. Starring Michael Lonsdale and Rutger Hauer.

Damsels in Distress
Whit Stillman,
USA
Damsels in Distress is a comedy about a trio of beautiful girls as they set out to revolutionize life at a grungy American university – the dynamic leader Violet Wister (Greta Gerwig), principled Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and sexy Heather (Carrie MacLemore). They welcome transfer student Lily (Analeigh Tipton) into their group, which seeks to help severely depressed students with a program of good hygiene and musical dance numbers. The girls become romantically entangled with a series of men – including smooth Charlie (Adam Brody), dreamboat Xavier (Hugo Becker), the mad frat-pack of Frank (Ryan Metcalf) and Thor (Billy Magnussen) – who threaten the girls’ friendship and sanity.

Death of a Superhero
Ian FitzGibbon
Germany/Ireland
Donald is 15 and dreams of girls, sex and crazy adventures. In his fantasy world, he creates an immortal superhero who fights against all evil. And in reality? Donald is falling in love with the school rebel while fighting against a terminal illness. Starring Andy Serkis, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Aisling Loftus, Michael McElhatton, Sharon Horgan and Jessica Schwarz

The First Man
Gianni Amelio
France/Algeria/Italy
An adaptation of Albert Camus’ autobiographical last novel. Part childhood memoir, part epic narrative of Camus’ beloved Algeria and its struggle for independence from France, The First Man was left unfinished by the Nobel Prize-winner who died at age 46.

In Darkness
Agnieszka
Holland, Canada/Germany/Poland
In Darkness tells the true story of Leopold Socha, a sewer worker and petty thief in Nazi-occupied Lvov, Poland. Stumbling upon a group of Jews in the sewers, he agrees to hide them for a price. What starts out as a straightforward business arrangement becomes something unexpected, as they all try to outwit certain death during 14 months of intense danger. Starring Robert Wieçkiewicz and Benno Fürmann.

Intruders
Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Spain World Premiere
Juan and Mia, two children who live in different countries, are visited every night by a faceless intruder – a terrifying being that wants to get hold of them. These presences become more powerful and start ruling their lives as well as their families’. Anxiety and tension increase when their parents also witness these apparitions. Starring Clive Owen.

Life Without Principle
Johnnie To,
Hong Kong
What do a bank teller, a small-time thug and a police inspector have in common? Nothing. Not until a bag of stolen money worth $10 million crosses their paths and forces them to make soul-searching decisions about right and wrong and everything in between on the morality scale.

Low Life
Nicolas Klotz, Elisabeth Perceval
France
After making love, the youngsters slipped happily into dreamland… but when they opened their eyes the world appeared joyless, and stomach-wrenchingly old. And so they quickly sank back into their happy world, where all sleepers are equal. This is the place they called Low Life.

Mausam (Seasons of Love)
Pankaj Kapur,
India
Mausam is a story of timeless love in the face of political hostilities and religious conflict, between a proud Punjabi air force officer and an innocent Kashmiri refugee. Set against a landscape that transcends decades and spans continents, Mausam is a classic journey that transports one into a world of indestructible bonds of love enveloped by the roulette of destiny. Starring Shahid Kapur, Sonam A Kapoor and Anupam Kher.

My Worst Nightmare
Anne Fontaine
France/Belgium World Premiere
Agathe doesn’t realize to what extent her life is going to be turned upside down when she takes in Tony, the best friend of her son Adrien. Tony’s father, Patrick, leads Agathe down a merry path of existential chaos, which just may deliver her from herself. Starring Isabelle Huppert.

Rebellion
Mathieu Kassovitz
France World Premiere
April 1988, Ouvea island, New Caledonia, a French colony. Thirty policemen are kidnapped by locals fighting for their independence.
Three hundred members of the French army special forces unit are immediately sent on a mission to fix the situation. An encounter of two cultures: Philippe Legorjus, head of the unit, versus Alphonse Dianou, head of the rebels. Together, they’ll fight to resolve the situation through mutual trust and dialogue over violence. Except that they’re at the heart of the most-tense presidential elections in French history – when issues at stake are purely political, rules of law and order are not exactly moral.

Sleeping Beauty
Julia Leigh
Australia
“You will go to sleep: you will wake up. It will be as if those hours never existed.” Death-haunted, quietly reckless, Lucy is a young university student who takes a job as a Sleeping Beauty. In the Sleeping Beauty Chamber, old men seek an erotic experience that requires Lucy’s absolute submission. This unsettling task starts to bleed into Lucy’s daily life and she develops an increasing need to know what happens to her when she is asleep. Starring Emily Browning and Rachael Blake.

Terraferma
Emanuele Crialese
Italy
Terraferma is the story of an uncontaminated Sicilian island inhabited by fisherman. Still barely touched by tourism, the islanders have begun to alter their mentality and behaviour as they realize the economic potential of this new industry. At the same time, they deal with illegal aliens flooding the island and a new law requiring them to turn back undocumented peoples seeking aid.

That Summer
Philippe Garrel
France/Italy/Switzerland
A couple living together in Paris – he’s a painter, she’s a film actress – befriends a couple of film extras who fall in love with each other. All four go to Rome where their relationships undergo profound changes as emotions shift and change.

Violet & Daisy
Geoffrey Fletcher
Violet & Daisy, the whimsical story of a teenager’s surreal and violent journey through New York City, follows Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan (Hanna, Atonement, The Lovely Bones) as Daisy. With her volatile partner-in-crime Violet, played by Alexis Bledel (Sin City, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Gilmore Girls), the two young assassins face a series of opponents, including one unusually mysterious man (James Gandolfini), in a life-altering encounter. The film, written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Geoffrey Fletcher (Precious), also stars Oscar nominee Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Danny Trejo.

Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale
Wei Te-Sheng,
Taiwan
Wei Te-Sheng’s epic film Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale reclaims an extraordinary episode from 20th-century history which is little-known even in Taiwan. It’s a story of the encounter between a people who believe in rainbows and a nation which believes in the sun. It takes the form of a heroic battle in defence of faith and dignity.

Wuthering Heights
Andrea Arnold
United Kingdom
A Yorkshire hill farmer on a visit to Liverpool finds a homeless boy on the streets. He takes him home to live as part of his family on the isolated Yorkshire moors where the boy forges an obsessive relationship with the farmer’s daughter. Starring James Howson and Kaya Scodelario.

Days of The Week (Films Watched 8/6 - 8/12)

Once more I'm posting a Saturday feature on a Monday. What can I say - it's been that sort of weekend. Hopefully now that I have my computer system back, I can get myself back into the swing of things. Who knows - I might even manage to get out to a theatre sometime soon! I've gone two weeks without seeing a new release and I'm actually starting to feel a bit squirrely.

Seriously - I can't remember the last DOTW post that had no screenings listed. Instead this past week was spent boning up on films for a pair of upcoming podcasts. I'm sure it won't be hard to spot the common links.

Here's what was on tap...

Blu-Rays/DVD's I've Never Seen
SCHIZOPOLIS - Tremendously odd, but I want to watch it again.
ALL THE REAL GIRLS - Unexpectedly lovely.
THE TENANT - One of the best Polanski films you'll find.
THE NINTH GATE - It all goes well until the Satanic sex.
YOUR HIGHNESS - That's gonna leave a mark
THE GOOD GIRL - Why it took me so long to catch up with this indie gem, I cannot say.


Blu-Rays/DVD's I've Watched Before
THE PIANIST - Even better than I remember it.
CHINATOWN - Seems like a few people were watching this one last week.
THE AVIATOR - Was Ben from Parks & Rec always in this?
10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU - Got your Ledger, Got your Gordon-Levitt, what else could you want?
(500) DAYS OF SUMMER - Actually, I'm Sid.


Boxscore for The Year
148 First-Timers, 108 Re-Watched
256 Movies in Total

How's about you - seen anything good?

Review: 30 MINUTES OR LESS * * * 1/2

I'm beginning to wonder if the trick to a good comedy is identity. Ever watch a comedy and just think to yourself that it's "trying too hard"? I get the hunch that such instances come when a film sets out to make us laugh but doesn't, it's because the film doesn't have a sense of self...and without that, there's nothing for the audience to identify with, attach to, and ultimately be amused by.

Happily, not all hope is lost. 30 MINUTES OR LESS knows precisely what sort of movie it is...and that's what helps it work.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Nick, a pizza delivery boy. He lives an unassuming life; He delivers pizzas in thirty minutes or less, pines for a lovely girl named Katie, and hangs out with her twin brother Chet (Aziz Ansari). He talks like someone who wants more, but if he's doing anything about it we aren't privy to it.

By contrast, we meet Dwayne (Danny McBride) who is doing something to help himself - even if it is wildly misguided. Dwayne wants to get his mitts on his father's money, so like many a criminal before him he plots to kill a man for his money. To do so, he orders a pizza from Nick's restaurant. When Nick shows up to deliver it, Dwayne and his friend Travis (Nick Swardson) strap a bomb to him.

At this point the math is simple: Nick will rob a bank to get money for Dwayne to pay a hit man to kill his father and gain an inheritance. If Nick tries anything sly or can't get the job done in ten hours....."boom".

That notion of identity I alluded to in the intro is announced with authority during one of the film's biggest action scenes. During a particularly exciting moment, the film's soundtrack begins to blare out a pop hit from the 80's. As those notes wail, one can't help but smile as memories of similar films start flooding. The predicament of Nick and Chet could easily be played out by Lieutenants Riggs and Murtough. It could be played out by Axel Foley. It could be played out by John McLane. 30 MINUTES OR LESS is the sort of of buddy/crime caper that has seldom been seen since the Berlin Wall came down.

Part of how 30 MINUTES makes the format its own is how it shows how much an everyman can trip over the steps of robbery and extortion. Think about a film like OUT OF SIGHT and how charismatic Nick Foley is while holding up the bank. makes it look easy doesn't he? Keep cool, act confident, be professional and you can get in and get out lickity-split. But of course, we aren't all as suave as George Clooney, are we? What's worse is that actually robbing the bank is just one step. I've never tried of course, but something tells me that if I were forced to jack a car and meet up for a drop like Nick does, that I'd fumble the job in the same way he does.

This is the second feature film directed by Ruben Fleischer, and his first film ZOMBIELAND, had a few of those retro flourishes too. It's not like the guy is flat out copying slapstick comedies of the 80's, nor is he making an homage. What he appears to be doing is mining them for the elements that still work, and updating the comedic rhythms with fresh delivery. So far with the two films, it's worked rather well. The story tends to find the right rhythm, and in large part that's because we don't stand around letting a gag run itself into the ground...unlike some modern comedies.

Beyond the throwback structure, what makes 30 MINUTES OR LESS succeed as well as it does is the chemistry and performances turned in by Jesse Eisenberg and Aziz Ansari. The fact that they both bring the goods is encouraging for both actors. For Ansari, it's great to see that he won't always be playing Tom from Parks & Rec (Chet is less cocksure). For Eisenberg, it's another step on his breakout path that he's been walking down for two years now. He's as funny as he was in films like ADVENTURELAND and ZOMBIELAND, but without the wimpiness. After playing the socially detached character of Mark Zucherberg, this was a choice follow-up.

Sure enough, 30 MINUTES OR LESS has a firm grip on its identity. That alone would bring the laughs and allow it to succeed. But what puts it over the top and raises it beyond a typical blue comedy is the way the film knows what it is, but so few of the characters know who they are. Nick deludes himself that he's killing time as a pizza boy, Chet has to muck around in other people's lives since he finds his own so unsatisfying, and Dwayne just knows that he wants more but hasn't a clue how to do it through hard work.

Identity: It can avoid you making a royal mess of your life, and give an audience some great laughs too.

What did you think? Please leave comments with your thoughts and reactions to 30 MINUTES OR LESS

Radio Bomb: The Film Locker episode 11

There were a few bumps getting number eleven nailed down, but hopefully we can make up for it with a better bout of luck when we record the finale tomorrow.

We go to Mexico for the eleventh with conversation focus on Guillermo del Toro and PAN'S LABYRINTH.



(If the embedded player doesn't start, please tune in through Podomatic or The iTunes Music Store)

Take a listen, and be sure to check out the Film Locker Blog for further writing, updates, and conversation.

I Think I See The Light

Today, I Feel Like This...

Everybody's Talkin' 8 - 11 (Chatter from Other Bloggers)

And now for the really hard part...

The next seven days are gonna sting folks, but once they're over I can breathe again and finally get back to normal for a few weeks before TIFF begins. Around these parts, things oughta be especially nutty as I'm recording three podcast episodes in four days. In the category of "Small Mercies", one of the three isn't my responsiility to edit and post.

All I can say is bring it on!

Not sure what I'm seeing this weekend, though a showing of LA DOLCE VITA is there for the pickin'. We shall see...


For your listening and reading fulfillment, I give you...

The ladies of Reel Insight welcomed a new guest to their fold this week when David stopped by for some John Cusack chatter. Listen closely and you can hear the margaritas being slurped.

Like something that is generally derided? Mike at You Talkin' wants you to nut up or shut up.

A doc I've been wanting to see for almost a year now is Errol Morris' TABLOID (perhaps the doc's subject matter will even troll my comment section!). The newly spruced-up Film Forager has seen it and adds another log to my burning fires of curiosity.

Anomolous Materials wonders whether we have seen the last of the great blockbusters (I say nay, but they're becoming fewer and further between).

I'm anxiously waiting for a blu-ray copy of MODERN TIMES to arrive in my mailbox (thanks again RI). Stupid Barnes & Noble is taking a stupid long stime shipping me the stupid package (harumph!). In the meantime I can catch up with Charlie and The Void's thoughts on this Chaplin classic.

Rich wonders (rightly) if we have to be grossed out to laugh these days.


Enjoy!

Balance (Reflecting on a Summer of Watching With a Purpose)

What a busy summer it has been for me movie-wise. With the end of it in sight - and in many ways the final crux of it happening over the next ten days - I find myself trying to take a breath this morning and understand what I brought upon myself...for better, and for worse.

Once upon a time I was chided for suggesting a movie get watched (or re-watched) specifically for blogging/podcasting purposes. The prevailing argument seems to be that what so many of us do is "for funsies", so why turn it into work? Right behind that was the point that there are so many hours in the day. Thus, what point does it serve to re-watch something to be in-the-know for a podcast, when those two hours could be better spent watching something newer and/or more fun.

My blog-writin' co-horts might be on to something...then again, they might not.

Leafing through the official tally, I see that from the beginning of May until now I have watched exactly 100 movies. Of that hundred, fifty-two of them were watched (or re-watched) expressly for podcasting or blogging purposes. In some instances I was truly happy to do my homework. Other times...far less so.

But as a wise sitcom once said, "you take the good, you take the bad".

Watching a self-assigned syllabus is tricky. Beyond the fact that it can feel like work, and likewise take the joy out of something that is supposed to be fun, you are deliberately turning down avenues you wouldn't normally travel. Following this particular road map might have left me grumpy at times (I could have done without FRANTIC and A LIFE LESS ORDINARY), but I tried to hold fast to the fact that I was building a better appreciation of context.

I'm lucky that it worked out for me - especially after my foray into the Shelf of Doom. Setting one's self a watchlist doesn't always work out. You end up sitting through movies because you think you should, and less because you would. That leads to thoughts of boredom, restlessness, and increased discontent for the movie at hand. That's understandable, after all I much rather would have re-watched HIGH FIDELITY for the six hundredth time than enduring NAKED LUNCH (at midnight). But the way I look at it, experiencing NAKED LUNCH and reflecting on it was educational.

It was like a film lit lecture...but without the thousands of dollars in tuition fees.

So would I take my experience and suggest that everyone who blogs or podcasts deliberately set themselves a checklist? Not entirely. If it feels like work, it won't do you any good. Likewise, swimming out of your depth is a pretty bad idea - hence, no Bergman episode of The Film Locker. My old thoughts about familiarizing one's self (or re-familiarizing if it's been a while) remain unshaken, so don't think I'm going soft in my old age.

If you're reading this space, odds are you have some sort of "to-watch" list. As you scratch titles off that list through the days, weeks, and months to come, I can promise you that they won't all be up your alley. When that happens, don't sweat it - think about the glimmers of goodness the film offered you, and let go of the rest. I promise you, it will make it all feel less like work...and more like the fun that watching movies is supposed to deliver.

News of The World iii (TIFF 2011 Canadian Titles Announced)

Admittedly, I have a bit of a blind spot for the cinematic landscape of my home country, but I am proud to say that day by day, that blind spot is dwindling. My taste for the domestic must be improving because in the past I might just glean over the Canadian titles announced for TIFF's programme...this year however, there is a lot that gives me the tingles. Among them...

GOON - Starring Sean William Scott and Jay Baruchel about a bouncer who becomes a hockey enforcer
CAFE DE FLORE - A supernatural love story directed by C.R.A.Z.Y's Jean-Marc Vallee
TAKE THIS WALTZ - Sarah Polley directs Seth Rogen and Michelle Williams
I'M YOURS - Described as "a sexy and irreverent two-hander"> What else does one need?
HARD CORE LOGO II - Fifteen years later, Bruce mcDonald goes back for more.
and
KEYHOLE - MY WINNIPEG's Guy Maddin goes gangster.

The full programme of 2011 TIFF Canadian Features can be found below the jump.

Starbuck
Ken Scott, Canada
Just when David Wosniak (Patrick Huard) decides to finally take control of his life, this eternal 42-year-old teenager discovers that he's the biological father of 533 children. Suddenly, his life is much more complicated than he anticipated. Also starring Antoine Bertrand, Julie le Breton.

Previously announced Canadian Galas include David Cronenberg‟s A Dangerous Method and Sarah Polley‟s Take This Waltz.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

North American Premiere

Afghan Luke
Mike Clattenburg, Canada
Disheartened when his story about Canadian snipers possibly mutilating corpses in Afghanistan is buried, Luke (Nick Stahl) quits his job but is even more determined to return to Afghanistan to get the real story. Starring Nicolas Wright, Stephen Lobo, Vik Sahay and Steve Cochrane.

Breakaway
Robert Lieberman, Canada World Premiere
Breakaway is a cross-cultural hockey drama set in the Indo-Canadian community in suburban Toronto, Canada. It‟s also a keenly observed cross-cultural drama with a hero caught between a family‟s traditional expectations and a dream to make it big in the national sport of an adopted country. Breakaway is a fun, action-filled sports comedy bringing a dash of Bollywood entertainment to Canada‟s favourite sport. Starring Vinay Virmani, Russell Peters, Anupam Kher, Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi, Sakina Jaffrey, Noureen Dewulf, Rob Lowe, Camilla Belle and Akshay Kumar.

Café de Flore
Jean-Marc Vallée
North American Premiere
Café de Flore is first and foremost an epic love story between a man and woman. And between a mother and her son. Two people from two different eras who live two extraordinary moments of passion that shake their lives. A mystical and supernatural odyssey on love, starring Vanessa Paradis.

Edwin Boyd
Nathan Morlando, Canada
World Premiere
Based on a true story, WWII vet and family-man-turned-bank-robber Eddie Boyd is torn between the need to provide for his family and an unfulfilled Hollywood dream. He starts robbing banks to satisfy both, but Eddie‟s dream for stardom leads him down a path of danger and tragedy. Starring Scott Speedman, Kevin Durand, Kelly Reilly, Joseph Cross, Brendan Fletcher, Charlotte Sullivan and Brian Cox.

Goon
Michael Dowse, Canada
World Premiere
Goon is the story of Doug Glatt, a down-on-his-luck bouncer, who‟s been touched by the fist of God. Upon discovering both his right hook and skates, he joins a hockey team destined for the cellar and inspires them into the playoffs. Starring Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Liev Schreiber, Alison Pill, Marc Andre Grodin and Eugene Levy.

Keyhole
Guy Maddin, Canada
World Premiere
Keyhole is a rousing gangsters-meet-ghosts sonata in which dream and waking life are deliriously blended to arouse the eerie lusts and sadness that can slumber in an old home – in every home. Starring Jason Patric, Isabella Rossellini, Udo Kier, Louis Negin and Brooke Palsson.

Monsieur Lazhar
Philippe Falardeau, Canada
North American Premiere
Bachir Lazhar, an Algerian immigrant, is hired to replace an elementary school teacher who died tragically. While the class goes through a long healing process, nobody in the school is aware of Bachir's painful former life. Starring Fellag, Sophie Nelisse, Emilien Neron, Danielle Proulx and Brigitte Poupart.

The Moth Diaries
Mary Harron, Canada/Ireland
North American Premiere
Rebecca, haunted by her father's suicide, begins her junior year at an elite all-girls‟ boarding school, hoping for a fresh start. Her friendship with sunny Lucy is shattered by the arrival of Ernessa, a mysterious girl. As Ernessa consumes more of Lucy's attention, the latter‟s body grows pale, thin and weak. Starring Lily Cole, Sarah Gadon, Sarah Bolger, Judy Parfitt and Scott Speedman.

CONTEMPORARY WORLD CINEMA

388 Arletta Avenue
Randall Cole, Canada
Seen entirely from the point of view of hand-held and surveillance cameras, 388 Arletta Avenue tells the story of a couple, Nick Stahl and Mia Kirshner, who do not realize they are being watched. The watching becomes a subtle manipulation which ultimately escalates into a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

Billy Bishop Goes to War
Barbara Willis-Sweete, Canada
World Premiere
In Billy Bishop Goes to War acting legend Eric Peterson and award-winning writer/composer John Gray reprise their iconic two-man play that has captivated audiences for three decades. Through raucous stories, haunting memories, and vibrant song, an aged Bishop (Peterson) recounts the triumphs and horrors of „the war to end all wars.‟

I'm Yours
Leonard Farlinger, Canada
World Premiere
I’m Yours, a sexy and irreverent two-hander, sees disillusioned Wall Street broker, Robert, kidnapped and blackmailed into taking a road trip with hot and free-spirited Daphne. A thought-provoking romantic comedy about two lost souls who learn what love ultimately means as the world around them comes undone. Starring Rossif Sutherland, Karine Vanasse.
Sisters&Brothers Carl Bessai, Canada World Premiere A comedic exploration of the lives of four intersecting sister and brother relationships. A hard-done-by “entrepreneur” corrals a young girl and her sister into a trip to Los Angeles to chase the acting dream. A schizophrenic man and his pro-bono lawyer who lives in the woods cause problems with his sister. Starring Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew, Cory Monteith, Gabrielle Miller and Kacey Rohl.

MASTERS

Hard Core Logo II
Bruce McDonald, Canada
Fifteen years have passed since Bruce McDonald completed his infamous documentary that chronicled the demise of the punk rock outfit Hard Core Logo and captured lead singer Joe Dick‟s on-camera suicide. Reluctantly, Bruce finds himself following the band Die Mannequin to a recording studio in a remote town after hearing that band leader Care Failure has claimed to be channelling the spirit of Joe Dick. As increasingly bizarre events unfold, Bruce tries desperately to connect with Care in the hopes of saving the young rock star from the same tragic fate as Joe. Starring Bruce McDonald, Care Failure, Julian Richings and Paul Shull.

REAL TO REEL

Pink Ribbons,
Inc Léa Pool, Canada
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people walk, run and shop for “the cure.” Millions of dollars are raised in the name of breast cancer, but where does all the money go, and what is actually achieved? Award-winning Quebec filmmaker Léa Pool directs Pink Ribbons, Inc. which examines what many have called the „dream case‟ of cause-related marketing. Inspired by Dr. Samantha King's book “Pink Ribbons Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy,” the film juxtaposes footage from some of the biggest fundraising walks and runs in North America with uncompromising interviews.

Surviving Progress
Mathieu Roy and Harold Crooks, Canada
World Premiere
Ronald Wright‟s bestseller A Short History Of Progress inspired this cinematic requiem to progress-as-usual. Throughout human history, what seemed like progress often backfired. Some of the world's foremost thinkers, activists, financiers and scientists challenge us to overcome „progress traps,‟ which destroyed past civilizations and lie treacherously embedded in our own.

VANGUARD

Doppelgänger
Paul Dylan Akio Smith and Kris Elgstrand, Canada
World Premiere
Following a near-death experience, Karl comes to believe that Paul is his doppelgänger. When Karl finally reveals himself to Paul, a unique and troubled relationship begins to form, a relationship that is severely tested when Karl grants Paul the privilege of reading his 20,000 page manuscript, A Book About How Much I Hate Myself. When Karl‟s book is published 17 months later in a vastly edited version credited to two other authors/doppelgängers, Karl and Paul hit the road to confront the plagiarists but end up confronting themselves instead. Starring Tygh Runyan, Brad Dryborough, Ben Cotton and Matty Finochio.

Lookin' For a Leader (THE IDES OF MARCH Trailer)

George Clooney is directing a new film that will be premiering at TIFF next month, and I find myself curious.

See Clooney has directed one great film (CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND) one masterpiece of a film (GOODNIGHT AND GOOD LUCK) and...well...one other film (LEATHERHEADS). SO one has to wonder, will this film right the ship, and bring the former Doctor Ross back to a place of influential direction...or will he slip further down the slope and become "just one more actor/director?"

Guess I'll find out at TIFF!

Midnight Radio: The Matineecast Episode 38

Once more, I bring you a break from the podcast you have come to expect from these parts. You see it was just too nice a day last weekend to hole up inside and hang out around an iMac, so my dear friend and I took a jaunt down to the lakeshore and recorded a podcast al fresco at Sunnyside Cafe.

There's an ambient distraction or two, and halfway through some guys were seated at the table next to us and traces of their conversation trickles in and out...but it doesn't take away from our geeky conversation all that much. So for best results open up the windows, let in some fresh air and pour yourself a drink.

Here's the Carlos Zambrano episode...



(Go here or to iTunes if the embedded player doesn't start)

Here's what's in store in episode thirty-eight...

Runtime
60 minutes, 16 seconds

Up for Discussion

1. Introduction
2. KNOW YOUR ENEMY - Q& A with this week's guest Beth the Danger Girl (1:55)
3. COME TALK TO ME - Listener messages about filmgoing experiences (7:58)
5. THE NEW SLANG - Review and reaction of COWBOYS & ALIENS (13:35)
6. THE BEST OF YOU - Hatter's top five cowboy films, Beth's top five alien films. (28:31)

Comments and feedback are welcome, and thank-you very much for listening.

Enjoy!

Review: HORRIBLE BOSSES * * *

The star power of HORRIBLE BOSSES is an interesting roster. The six leads are comprised of three "A Listers", and three "B Listers". And while the "A Listers" get the showier roles, it's the other guys who come through and carry the film. Show of hands all those who saw that coming?

HORRIBLE BOSSES is the story of three friends and the terrible people that employ them.

Nick (Jason Bateman) is a financial executive putting in long hours trying to play the corporate game and earn a promotion. His boss is Dave (Kevin Spacey); a demanding, manipulative asshole who has been stringing Nick along with promises of a promotion he has no intention of granting him.

Dale (Charlie Day) is a dental hygienist who through bad luck has limited employment options. He is currently working for Julia (Jennifer Aniston) who is a filthy-mouthed nymphomaniac who can't seem to hear "No thanks, I'm engaged" as a reason to stop her sexual harassment.

Finally there's Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) who has a job he enjoys working for a chemical company owned by Jack (Donald Sutherland). Unfortunately, Jack dies suddenly, and the business is handed over to his son Bobby (Colin Farrell), and if there was a yang to Jack's yin - it's Bobby.

After a drink or six, Kurt, Dale and Nick decide that life might be better is all three of their horrible bosses were to meet an untimely demise. Now they just have to figure out how to actually accomplish such a deed.

HORRIBLE BOSSES succeeds despite its plot. I say that because along with its being silly, preposterous, and borderline racist, it's also a plot that steals a lot from a bunch of films we've already seen. In some other movie, that might bring the whole things down, but HORRIBLE BOSSES leaves you fully satisfied - perhaps even wanting more. How it pulls off this bit of "pay-no-attention-to-the-crappy-plot" misdirection is a great bit of comedy chemistry between Bateman, Sudeikis, and Day.

Watching these three TV comedy stars play off each other instantly made me wish they'd create a TV comedy that all three could star in together. Their friendship feels authentic in its easy-going nature, and the way they are able to tease each other with their wit and incredelousness just stokes the fire of amusement their scenes provide. It's enough to almost make you wish that the whole film was just the three of them talking in various bars. That's a good thing, because the titular "Horrible Bosses" are a bit of a letdown.

Kevin Spacey is able to do this sort of part in his sleep these days. That's not a knock on what he does here, just a note that the story doesn't take the talent he rolls out of bed with and take us anywhere unexpected with it. Colin Farrel is both outrageous and funny as the bratty boss Bobby...but I get the feeling that a lot of his role was left on the cutting room floor. He's barely in the finished film, and certainly runs a distant third in the jackassery department in comparison to Spacey and Aniston.

Speaking of the former Rachel Green, her part in this film feels like it's been played on a bounce. Sure, it's funny to watch an actress like Aniston who comes with a wholesome image suddenly speak like a horny trucker. However, the film doesn't seem to know what to do with her once the boys set their murderous plot in motion. She is essentially sidelined and dropped in the final act - and when time does come to settle her score, it feels more lightweight than the fates of Bobby and Dave.

Sounds like I'm complaining a lot about a film I'm claiming I liked, doesn't it? Admittedly, I am being hard on it, but I believe that comes from a place of seeing goodness where we could have seen greatness. There are some great moments of writing on display in this film ("I'd like to bend her over a barrel and show her the fifty states"), and the outrageousness of Farrell and Aniston deserves credit for taking famous faces somewhere unexpected. It's like a burger that smells and looks great but as you take a bite, you realize that it's overcooked.

Despite not elevating itself into something special, HORRIBLE BOSSES is something fun. Sudeikis, Bateman and (especially) Day are able to play with the movie's preposterous plot through comedy that is equally smug, zany, and clever. Their charm and camaraderie are able to send the audience home laughing at what the movie does best, and forgetting much of what it doesn't.

What did you think? Please leave comments with your thoughts and reactions to HORRIBLE BOSSES

Days of The Week (Films Watched 7/30 - 8/5)

Ain't nothin' like a long weekend to jack up one's movie-watchin' time. After several weeks being down a quart, I found myself back on my usual pace this week. Back up to my usual weekly number, back up to seeing more new stuff than rewatches, and back up to finding myself in a theatre more than once.

That, my friends, is a good week.

Here's what was on tap...

Screenings
COWBOYS & ALIENS - I'm still trying to get a grip on what went wrong.
HORRIBLE BOSSES - Sis-in-Law chose this as her birthday outing, and I must say that I'm rather glad she did!
WEST SIDE STORY - In stunning 70mm no less! All I needed was for the theatre to make my double-bill dream come true with MANHATTAN.


Blu-Rays/DVD's I've Never Seen
TANGLED - Dear Disney: This film was beyond remarkable. Please figure out what you did right and keep doing it.
DEATH & THE MAIDEN - This was a recommendation by Andrew James. part of thinks I owe him a beer now.
FRANTIC - The Reel Insight ladies recently decried this movie. By and large, they were right to do so.


Blu-Rays/DVD's I've Watched Before
THE ICE STORM - Find yourself feeling that AMERICAN BEAUTY hasn't aged well? Watch this instead.
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN - Even better than I remembered.
FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH - Looks like I dig it more than Jess does


Boxscore for The Year
142 First-Timers, 103 Re-Watched
245 Movies in Total

How's about you - seen anything good?

Radio Bomb: The Film Locker episode 10

Double digits already? Lordy does time ever fly!

Hope y'all enjoyed our spirited talk about Simon's favorite director. This episode brings us to a more neutral territory - and one that sparked Simon to do a lot of first-time watching! Here's the tenth chapter with discussion of Ang Lee and his 2000 gem CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON.



(If the embedded player doesn't start, please tune in through Podomatic or The iTunes Music Store)

Take a listen, and be sure to check out the Film Locker Blog for further writing, updates, and conversation.

All Down the Line

Today, I Feel Like This...

Everybody's Talkin' 8 - 5 (Chatter from Other Bloggers)

Dear Fellow Bloggers...

I beg your patience and forgiveness. My reading of your work, and likewise my commenting on it is at a record low. I have fallen into a rhythm of skimming my Google Reader and occasionally hitting the drop-down key to get just a taste of what you are offering...but on the whole, I'm not the comunity member I usually am.

The good news is that in about two weeks, things will get back to normal and I'll be able to drown in your words, clips, images, and overall geekosity to my usual obsessive level. The bad news is that between now and then I'll be a little bit of a hermit without explanation. Hopefully I can make it all up to you though.

My mere skimming shows me that I'm missing out on boatloads, this week's posts for instance gave me a wealth of links to choose from...here's a mere six.


For your listening and reading fulfillment, I give you...


The Row Three Cinecast continues to amaze and entertain (and not just because they continually record episodes that would make Cal Ripken blush). This week, they brought in Jim Mickle (director of STAKELAND) to rap with them about COWBOYS & ALIENS.

I'm hoping that Lady Hatter and I might be able to enjoy some CRAZY STUPID LOVE this weekend (And then go see the movie - hey-o!!!). If my good friend Meredith is right, and she usually is, it's a pretty solid watch.

A pair trio of blog-a-versaries happened this week. Give it up for Movienut's Defiant Success and Mr. Helms' Life in Equinox turned two (only??), and Ms. Arcieri whose Cinefille turned six!

Shannon the Movie Moxie is feeling reflective and anticipative all at once.

Big daddy Mister Small had a rough night at the movies recently.

On the flip side is Miss James who was pretty darned giddy to be seeing a classic movie musical with some of us Toronto folk (in 70mm no less). Check out her post on it if for no other reason than to see the pretty nifty trailer that's amused many of us locals for a few weeks now.


Enjoy!

Falling For the First Time (Talkin' FAST TIMES with Jess Rogers)

For the most part, my Falling For the First Time Series has tested pop culture classics I believed would be unassailable. I could see how the effects of GHOSTBUSTERS or GREMLINS might hold them back, but all of the others were movies I believed would transcend.

Then a funny thing happened on the way to the eighth selection: I watched the film again.

So after championing the screenwriting debut of Cameron Crowe to the talented blogess behind Insight Into Entertainment, I started to think that I'd made a grave miscalculation...and that my MTV Generation ass was about to be handed to me. Do get a good seat and see how I make out as I discuss FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH with Jess Rogers.

MH: Alright dude - what did you think?

JR: It reminded me that 80s comedies were a lot raunchier than I remembered. It's a funny movie to be sure but the "kids" in it seem more like 30 year olds than some of the other teen comedies from that era.

MH: I'd argue that a lot of the so-called "kids" in movies over the years are in fact too old. But the raunchiness you mention - is it at least merited? Or does it feel like it's trying to play for SUPERBAD-esque shock points?

JR: It felt a lot like it was trying to talk and act like teens really do. For some characters they nearly get there and for others it's really fake. So some of the raunchiness works well (the red bikini scene makes sense) but losing your virginity staring at grafitti didn't work for me.

MH: Slight tangent - When Cameron Crowe set out to write the original book this was based on, he actually went undercover and spent a year in high school in his early twenties. He wrote about his experiences there, and later adapted his own book into the screenplay. Now that's not to say that he didn't shine things up a bit to play to an audience better, but a lot of it was based on real occurrences.

Change your opinion of the script at all?

JR: No. Still works in some places and charicatures the others.

MH: Guess Crowe doesn't carry the clout that he used to! Which characters work, and which felt forced?

JR: Linda (Phoebe Cates) as a character works and is like girls I knew. Stacy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) doesn't work and I actually have trouble believing they'd be friends. Brad (Judge Reinhold) is a good brother but is wholly unbelievable as a high school stud based on what we're shown. I'm actually starting to think a bit of my belief in characters that didn't work are types that didn't exist in my high school.

I loved Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) but it just seemed pretend that he'd get away with being that stoned at school. And a high school ticket scalper? Really?

MH: Hey, there were drug dealers in my high school - at least scalping doesn't involve illegal substances. Let's get back to Stacy for a second, since it is by & large her story. What about her didn't work for you? Further, what did you make of her sexual coming of age?

JR: I think Stacy stays so naive, yet gets sluttier as the movie goes on. Then she has the "epiphany" that sex isn't love. And all if that in less than a year. It seemed really forced and contrived to get that journey in one person. Linda seemed more real if not particularly high school than Stacy.

MH: Fair point - but think about life in high school...things can change dramatically over the course of a year, no?

JR: Life most definitely changes fast, but her sexual exploits seemed odd given her attitude about sex (naive but curious). I suppose it makes sense that she gets knocked up, but I just didn't buy her journey. Plus she's such a bitch for having sex with Damon when his best friend adores her. I didn't feel bad when she got pregnant.

MH: Wow - tough room! So on the whole, you weren't sold on the tale of Stacy's coming-of-age?

JR: I didn't think so, no. I thought Chad's story and even Rats' story were more believable. Likewise, Linda's "starting over" theme was all more relatable and touching than Stacy.

Her story feels more after school special against teen pregnancy and having sex without love than anything particularly genuine.

MH: Hey now, knowing is half the battle! I'd be remiss if I didn't ask your thoughts on the iconic scene of Linda and her red bikini.

JR: It was actually as hot as I expected, and it totally made sense in the context of Brad's fantasy. Specifically, she doesn't actually take the top off - just undoes it. That always bothered me, but now I get it. As iconic as it is, I was glad it wasn't a main point of the story - I was hoping the movie wouldn't revolve around it and it didn't.

MH: Cool. I could probably predict the answer to this question, but I ask it every time: How dated did it feel?

JR: It wasn't as dated as I expected it to be honestly. It felt a bit more like something from now that is trying to be dated like the Robin Sparkles videos from How I Met Your Mother. The soundtrack was really awesome though.

MH: Really? We're talking about a movie where someone unironically uses the term "fag", and front row concert tickets can be had for $20

JR: Yeah but they seem oddly out of place like trying to place it in time rather than being of the time. but a lot of it felt like it doesn't matter when it takes place. I know they were of that time...it just didn't feel like it was authentic. It was more like everything was included to sure it felt "of the time"

MH: Makes sense. Part of me wonders about the relativity of this film - which is a strange question I realize since we're both handily removed from our high school days. Did you see any of your high school experiences in this film?

JR: Definitely the friend crying because her boyfriend dumped her. The nearest mall was 30 miles away when I was in high school, so those scenes not so much. I honestly couldn't tell you if lots of kids did drugs. Given the number of pregnant girls in my class they were having sex for sure.

I think overall it did hindered my enjoyment that my high school was so rural compared to these kids.

MH: That makes sense. On the whole, how does it compare to other like films of the era?

JR: It felt less genuine than FERRIS BEULLER'S DAY OFF (which outside of his exploits feels a lot like my high school). Overall, it felt much more raunchy than any John Hughes film period. There does seem to be a parallel with Kevin Smith's movies for the nineties/aughties, but those are deliberately verbose and this isn't.

MH: Any other little bits stick out for you?

JR: I really liked when Chad picked Stacey up from the clinic -it just gave his character depth. Also the carrot scene was funny (and pretty shocking). Finally, when the Mr. Hand arrived to waste Spicoli's time as payback - loved that and thought it was brilliant.

MH: And so...on the hallowed scale of one to five?

JR: 2.5...I liked about half of it and disliked about half.

(Editor's Note: The streak ends! Every movie in this series has landed a score of 3.5 out of 5. FAST TIMES becomes the first clear miss).

News of The World ii (TIFF 2011 Midnight Madness Titles Announced)

Sure TIFF may be all about prestige films and Oscar hopefuls, but one of the coolest parts about it is the Midnight Madness programme. Unfortunately I don't usually partake in the premieres(a week solid of staying up until 3am is a bit much for me), hearing about the titles that play and the reactions they get are always entertaining.

In the past, this programme has unleashed BORAT, SAW, A TOWN CALLED PANIC, THE HOST, HOSTEL, KONTROLL, BUBBA HO-TEP, and CABIN FEVER.

This year nine of the ten films are world premieres and all of them offer chills, pitch black humour, and promises of not letting audiences get a good night's sleep.

Check out the full list of depravity after the jump.

The Day Douglas Aarniokoski

USA World Premiere
In a post-apocalyptic future, an open war against humanity rages. Five survivors wander along rural back-roads, lost, starving and on the run. With dwindling food stocks and ammunition, an attempt at seeking shelter turns into a battleground where they must fight or die. Starring Ashley Bell, Dominic Monaghan and Shannyn Sossamon.

God Bless America
Bobcat Goldthwait, USA World Premiere
Loveless, jobless and possibly terminally ill, Frank has had enough of the downward spiral of America. With nothing left to lose, Frank takes his gun and decides to off the stupidest, cruellest and most repellent members of society with an unusual accomplice: 16-year-old Roxy, who shares his sense of rage and disenfranchisement. From stand-up comedian and director Bobcat Goldthwait comes a scathing and hilarious attack on all that is sacred in the United States of America.

The Incident
Alexandre Courtes, France World Premiere
George, Max and Ricky are in a rock band and waiting for their big breakthrough. Between small gigs and rehearsals they work in the kitchen of a high-security asylum for good pay at minimum risk – they have no physical contact with the inmates. One night just before dinnertime, a big storm shuts down the security system, the doors open and the lunatics break loose. Help is on its way and should soon arrive... they just have to survive until it does.

Kill List
Ben Wheatley, United Kingdom Canadian Premiere
Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier-turned-contract-killer Jay is pressured by his partner Gal into taking a new assignment. As they track their prey, they descend into a disturbing world that is darker and more depraved than anything they experienced on the battlefield.

Livid
Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, France World Premiere
The directors of 2007’s Midnight Madness hit A L’Interieur (Inside) return with a twisted gothic nightmare. A young woman and her friends break into a decrepit mansion looking for treasure, only to unlock a dark secret of unspeakable horror ready to dish out bloody punishment for their greed.

Lovely Molly
Eduardo Sanchez, USA World Premiere
When newlywed Molly Reynolds returns to her long-abandoned family home, frightful reminders of a nightmarish childhood begin seeping into her new life. She soon begins an inexorable descent into evil that blurs the lines between psychosis and possession. From the director of The Blair Witch Project.

The Raid
Gareth Evans, Indonesia World Premiere
Deep in the heart of Jakarta’s slums lies an impenetrable safe house for the world’s most dangerous killers and gangsters. Until now, the run-down apartment block has been considered untouchable to even the bravest of police. Cloaked under the cover of pre-dawn darkness and silence, an elite swat team is tasked with raiding the safe house in order to take down the notorious drug lord that runs it. But when a chance encounter with a spotter blows their cover and news of their assault reaches the drug lord, the building’s lights are cut and all the exits blocked. Stranded on the sixth floor with no way out, the unit must fight their way through the city’s worst to survive their mission. Starring Indonesian martial arts sensation Iko Uwais.

Sleepless Night
Frederic Jardin, France/Belgium/Luxembourg World Premiere
When Vincent, a double-dealing cop, steals a big bag of cocaine from some drug dealers they counter by kidnapping and threatening to kill his son if the bag isn’t returned – fast. The swap is to go down at their headquarters in a big nightclub on the outskirts of Paris, but Vincent gets caught in a spiral of deception and betrayal and must fight his way through packed dance floors and dark corridors of the labyrinth-like club.

Smuggler
Katsuhito Ishii, Japan World Premiere
After his dreams of becoming an actor go nowhere, 25-year-old Kinuta does nothing but gamble every day. Broke, framed and now neck-deep in debt, he is recruited as a smuggler – an underground mover of everything from dead bodies to illegal goods – but one cargo triggers the rage of a psychotic gangster hellbent on revenge. By acclaimed cult director Katsuhito Ishii of Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl and Funky Forest fame.

You’re Next
Adam Wingard, USA World Premiere
From the director-writer team that brought TIFF audiences A Horrible Way To Die in 2010 comes a new experiment in tension. A family comes under a terrifying and sadistic attack during a reunion getaway. Barricaded in their secluded country home, they have to fight off a barrage of axes, crossbows and machetes from both inside and outside the house. Unfortunately for the killers, one of the victims proves to have a talent for fighting back.

Lost My Driving Wheel (DRIVE Trailer)

What a week...

Saturday posts happening on Mondays, Wednesday posts happening on Tuesdays...it's all gone pear-shaped I tell you! (I blame the long weekend).

Here's another trailer from a film playing TIFF this year, however this selection comes with a curveball. TIFF has become a springboard of sorts in recent years for movies coming out in September. Sort of a way to get a bigger crowd into a big premiere.

As such, some films start their theatrical release before the festoval is even over. Last year for instance, BURIED, EASY A, and THE TOWN all played TIFF but all also opened in theatres on September 17th...while the festival was still going!

This year, one such selection is DRIVE - which was one of the titles I was most looking forward to. So the question becomes - do I burn a pass and see it a few days early, or just wait until the fest ends and see it for 50% less?

Days of The Week (Films Watched 7/23 - 7/29)

Yes, yes, I know - this is usually a Saturday feature. But you see, it's a long weekend up here and I've been taking full advantage of it. I've packed it full of social activities you see, and not slated myself any time to write (though lots of time to watch). Thus, I'm rearranging my features to suit my own whimsy. Any complaints?

Again, the list is short this week - and there is a reason for the dip in activity, but I'll explain that at a later date. Again though, what I lost in quantity was made up for with quality. Well.....for the most part anyway.

Here's what was on tap...

Screenings
EQUILIBRIUM - While I dislike the film and find it inexplicably bad, I did at least have the good fortune to surround myself with friends and laugh my way through it in a theatre. Had I watched it alone in silence on dvd, I'd likely be more angry.


Blu-Rays/DVD's I've Never Seen
THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE -I sorta want to watch this one again, because there were a few plot elements that I think I got distracted and missed. Still, it was pretty damned cool.


Blu-Rays/DVD's I've Watched Before
CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON - It's easily been five years since I watched this last. Likewise, I reminded myself that it's been just over ten since I first watched it. I'm happy to report that it's held up remarkably well.
PAN'S LABYRINTH - Hey Potter fans: Did you know that a Mandrake makes an appearance in this film as well? Pretty cool, huh?
EAT, DRINK, MAN, WOMAN - I've said it before, I'll say it again: Never watch this film on an empty stomach.


Boxscore for The Year
139 First-Timers, 96 Re-Watched
235 Movies in Total

How's about you - seen anything good?