Well here's a project that went straight to "Must See Now" for me

Last night I was watching 24/7 (fantastic show, by the way) and Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale were watching Manny Pacquiao train and it made me wonder if they were researching roles- especially Bale. Then today I read this.

The fact that David Russell is involved adds a huge excitement/what-the-fuck/SWEET! aspect to it. I'm a huge fan of Bale's and have been for awhile, long before Batman and his work is nothing less than astounding. I'm also a big fan of Wahlberg's. He's a great actor who is capable of much more than he sometimes gets credit for as evidence in Boogie Nights, Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees and The Departed. David Russell makes fascinating films with a completely original spirit and tone. What he would bring to a movie like this intrigues me. Let the David Russell/Christian Bale flipout jokes commence, but regardless this movie could be something special and amazing.

As Good A Time As Any...

Clearly it's been awhile. Why do that have to date these goddamn things?! Anyway, Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are? FINALLY has a proper trailer. I'm interested in anything Spike Jonze's does and that fact that Dave Eggers (who happened to write one of my favorites books of all time) wrote it just fires me up even more.

I love this trailer. Love it. There's really nothing like letting image play to music, pulling you in, soaking up the vibe of what you're dying to watch for 2 hours (or thereabouts). Too many trailers give too much away and I hate that shit. This trailer is perfect. Somehow my anticipation is higher than it was 5 minutes ago.

The 44th is really the 1st in my mind

For the first time in my life I voted for someone who I actually liked. Someone whose hand I would honored to shake. Someone who I am happy represents our country, and my own beliefs. Usually I'm settling- voting for the "lesser of two evils"- but not this time. This time felt really good.



I do find it surprising that in a time when we elected, for the first time ever, a black man to be the President of the United States, there is still intolerance. The same state which sealed Obama's victory voted to ban same sex marriage. I kept seeing "Vote NO for Prop 8" but I never thought it would pass. Well it did and now same sex marriage is banned in California. Can someone please explain this to me?

One more thing...
This song was written in response to Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind." When Sam Cooke first heard the song he was taken aback at how well a white man wrote a song about the black experience. While Dylan claims that's not what he was writing about, Sam Cooke penned this classic regardless and the power resonates more today than ever.
"A Change is Gonna Come"

For Your Listening Pleasure...

Angel from Montgomery...such a powerful...beautiful...haunting and lonely piece of music sung perfectly by Bonnie Raitt and the songwriter John Prine.

Let the Right One in

Just in time for Halloween comes one of the creepier trailers I've seen in awhile.
I found it on Ain't it Cool, but it was originally posted on Rotten Tomatoes.

Otis covers The Hardest Working Man in Show Biz

The Man covers The Man. Who could ask for anything more? Thanks for this one Kindy.

Shine A Light

Martin Scorsese is a die-hard music fan. He has always infused his movies with rock music, fueling his scenes with energy and vigor. It wasn’t much of a surprise when he made his first concert documentary, The Last Waltz, that it was not only an exercise in style but had some of the greatest musicians onstage throughout. Well I’m a die-hard Scorsese fan. I literally have watched Goodfellas, rewound it (when DVD’s didn’t exist) and watched it again. I’m also a die-hard Stones fan so when I heard about Shine A Light I was beside myself.

Unlike The Last Waltz, Shine A Light doesn’t have a lot of doc scenes throughout- it has a few, but it’s all archival footage. There isn’t a single interview conducted by Scorsese. Mainly it is all about the music. As far as documentary footage goes, there is a wonderfully edited opening section of the film involving the back and forth the Stones and Scorsese went through to get the staging right and then in true Scorsese fashion there is a great line of dialogue and then a smash cut into the opening number. There’s only about 5-7 minutes of archival after this so if you were looking for a straightaway doc, don’t bother- but if you want a musical doc, you’ve got it. I for one was enraptured.

The camera work is top notch. Scorsese famously wrote shot lists on music cue sheets for The Last Waltz so he knew which camera would do what, and what lighting cue would hit on a certain section of a certain song. Yes, he did. Here doesn’t seem to be much different. His cameras are all over the place and he captures beautiful moments. Of note…he hired the top cinematographers in the business to shoot the concert, again, much like he did in The Last Waltz.

There are 3 musical guests that join them onstage and all are excellent with one notable, expected standout and that would be Buddy Guy. If you’ve ever seen Buddy Guy in concert or even just heard him you know what a presence he is. The man is 72 years old, not much older than The Stones, but he wiped the floor with them. He sings, with Mick, Champagne & Reefer, and it is beyond words. Watch for a tight shot on him that just holds on his face during the performance, I was trying to find it use it in this post but can’t seem to. It got to me and made me wonder where his head was at that point.

Jack White comes out to sing and play with the boys on Loving Cup- my personal Stones favorite. Since I have a keen love for this song I was fully prepared to have Mr. White hunted down and killed if he fucked it up in anyway. Not only does he kill, he has some moments that have made me listen to his version of the song again and again. He also has clear knowledge and respect for a version of the song found on the box set The First Decade. More than commendable, I have a new respect for him.

Christina Aguilera comes out to duet with Mick on Live with Me. It becomes clear quite quickly that while Mick probably has a huge appreciation for her singing talents, he also has a huge appreciation for some her other assets. Some have called it creepy and weird watching him dance with her, but I just laughed because if anyone is surprised to discover that Mick is still a complete horndog I don’t know what to tell them. Also, this is man who’s has gotten women that much younger than him so he probably thinks he might have a chance. In either case, she was terrific also.
Too some, his voice may be an acquired taste, but I loved Keith’s tracks in the film. He sings You’ve Got the Silver, another one of my favorites and Connection, which was one of my highlights.

Until another Stones song makes it into one of his films, this could be the only true Scorsese/Stones collaboration in this life. I know I’ll cherish it.

2 Months to the day...almost

Been awhile...I completely slack (clearly) when I have a lot going on, and to be honest I really haven't seen many movies this summer. Aside from being uninterested in most, I also haven't had much time. I did see Charlie Bartlett and Vantage Point on On Demand and both were entertaining, but nothing. More importantly, I saw The Stones/Scorsese concert doc Shine A Light, which I'm going to write a review of. The short review is: Amazing.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has a new trailer. I've been anticipating this movie since I read about it years ago and with each new trailer it looks more and more amazing. David Fincher has an uncanny ability to infuse pizazz and camera flair into emotional stories and is only improving with age. Anyway, check out the trailer and see for yourself.

TV-wise, the new season of Entourage started a few weeks ago, which I've been enjoying and I started watching the new show True Blood, which I also like. It's entertaining, slightly campy, violent, very sexual and very well written and acted. Give it a look see.

The new season of Dexter started last night and I can't emphasize enough how great it is. Both of the previous seasons are available on DVD- rent them or buy them because it's easily the best show on TV, although as someone pointed out to me that I don't watch Mad Men and that could be a close runner up if not better. Either way, Dexter is excellent.

I'm still working on an original score for Okay Great, but I'm seriously considering dropping it online with the temp music and just updating it when I have the score. Could be soon so keep an eye out.

For Your Listening Pleasure...

The Rolling Stones are known for their classic pumped up bluesy rock n roll. I don't think alot of people have heard this grinder - Memo from Turner - from the Performance soundtrack and they should cause it's nasty. Ry Cooder is ripping up the slide on this track.


For a similiar vibe check out Jammin' with Edward although Memo from Turner isn't on it. The album was tossed together one day while for an a fellow band member to show up- possibly sleeping off a hangover. Keith? Maybe? Sorry I can't find a link to a tune from the album.

W

A teaser trailer for Oliver Stone's W has been leaked. I'm really interested in this film for many reasons. Stone is an compelling filmmaker even when he's heavy handed and he's great when he attacks a subject he's passionate about and he's definitely passionate about his hatred for Bush. So am I. He also is making this film at a break neck pace and I think that just drives filmmakers even more. Spielberg made Munich top to bottom in 6 months and it's a masterpeiece. Stone is on an even tighter schedule. I believe he started shooting in April and the film will be released before the election. Hope this one turns out as good as the teaser looks.

***EDIT***
Sorry it's already been pulled. This is the problem with illegally "leaked" material. I'll post again when it finds it way back online.

W. Teaser Trailer
by iliketolookatmyranch

The Savages

I watched Philip Seymour Hoffman knock another one out of the park last night. In a performance he won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor for, Hoffman plays the son of an abusive father who now has dementia and needs home care. Laura Linney plays his sister, complimenting Hoffman's performance with a note perfect one herself. Dig the scene when she's looking for a red pillow. Another great scene is when the two of them are in a hallway and Hoffman is an awkward position.

The Savages is at times funny and sad, but very observant and challenging. I enjoyed it very much for the writing and directing by Tamara Jenkins and especially the performances. Laura Linney, like Hoffman is always top notch but Hoffman has had a helluva year. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Charlie Wilson's War and The Savages. Most actors hardly give 3 performances as good as those in their careers, nevermind in one year.

For Your Listening Pleasure...

This is such a good tune...chill, feel good...love it. If you've seen 25th Hour you may recognize it from there. It's called Bra by Cymande. Enjoy!

For Your Listening Pleasure...

I'm a new fan of Afro Celt Sound System but they're addictive because they kick ass!

"I'm just ahead of the curve"

In retrospect, 1989 was a pivotal year in my movie-going experience. I saw 3 movies that year that changed my outlook on film. Do the Right Thing completely opened my eyes to everything from tone to choice of music, color and camera movement and angles. sex, lies and videotape was a movie completely different from anything I had seen up to that point and it proved to me you could make a movie without action and mostly dialogue, which was basically all I was writing at that point. I also saw Batman.

Batman was being hyped beyond belief. It was everywhere and I was fired up! I saw it with my friend Jon on opening weekend in a packed theater. When the movie ended, everyone in the theater jumped to their feet and applauded. My friend Jon and I looked at each other and said “let’s get the fuck out of here.” Batman was the first major movie disappointment in my life. You see I wanted so much more out of Batman. I had watched the series on TV as a kid and I loved it. What the fuck happened?! While Nicholson was fun (when isn’t he?) it was a cakewalk for him and he didn’t take any risks. I realize a lot of people liked that movie and my elder cousins thought I was too young and stupid to get it. Fuck you guys- the movie still sucks!

Well, when Batman Begins was announced I had renewed fire, thanks to the choice of Christopher Nolan as director and Christian Bale as Batman. Then came Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and Cillian Murphy. Nice cast and Nolan can do no wrong. Batman Begins was incredible- ballsy, smart, action packed, faithful and yet rooted in the real world, not some fucking cartoon land where everything can be written off to fantasy and “comic books” never having to make some real dramatic choices. This Batman wisely took its time building character and motivation and story. I’ve watched it several times since on HBO and DVD and it holds up well.

I saw The Dark Knight last night and was completely blown away. At 2 ½ hours, one might think the film is too long. It isn’t, it’s perfect. I feel bad for Sam Raimi because he tried to do in Spiderman 3 what Nolan has done here. Spiderman 3 bite off more than it could chew and soured the trilogy. The Dark Knight bit off a lot and chewed it right up. There is significant character development with some new faces and the film wisely takes its time building to the conclusion on that character and story development. I stayed away from previews and press so I’m not going to talk about plot, I’d rather have you discover that for yourself.

The Dark Knight is a character study. A dark (get it- hahaha) character study. Essentially everyone in the film has moral decisions to make or is deeply troubled- to say the least in the Joker’s case. Nolan and his brother Jonathan, who co-wrote The Prestige and the short story Memento is based on, wrote the script, which is chock full of big action set pieces. There are bursts of action all throughout the film and big gasp inducing moments- one in particular, you’ll know it when you see it. And the setup for the next Batman is brilliant.

Okay so Heath Ledger…um, how do I put this…? Heath Ledger is incredible and you miss him when he’s not onscreen. His work is so rock solid he makes the other highly talented actors around him appear to be lazy. He also had the most fun role, but still. Ledger has always made impressions in film. He’s just one of those actors. I realize Brokeback Mountain has been reduced to late night talk show one liners and further proof of the country’s homophobia, but if you go back and watch that film, his performance there is amazing. Now back it up to The Dark Knight and look at the difference. In both films he uses everything a good actor should. He has a posture and walk to go along with the voice, the laugh and the small mannerisms he displays with his mouth and the constant liplicking. His commitment is undeniable. I can’t wait to see the movie again just to watch his performance. I must mention that it made me sad to watch him in this film, but you know why.

Drunk in A Park on A Saturday

Pottyboy strikes again.


Drunk In A Park On A Saturday from Pottyboy on Vimeo.

"Do you drink?" "Oh God yeah."

I was gone for the past week and a half for work, but I managed to sneak a few from netflix. First I saw Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, an excellent piece of work from one of the greats, Sidney Lumet. The always spot on Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke play brothers who plot what they think will be the perfect crime. They are wrong, of course. Definitely check out this very well made film and don't let anyone tell you about it so you're nice and surprised.

I also saw Jumper, which should have been a big ballsy action flick, instead it just felt like a slight, paint by the numbers- holy-shit-did-they-cut-alot-of-stuff-out- standard popcorn movie. That being said, it flew by, had some fun action, good effects, and was fine for a brain dead sunday afternoon.

Finally, I saw Charlie Wilson's War which I liked quite a bit. The two out of three ain't bad, can't miss cast consisted of Tom Hanks, Phillip Seymour Hoffman (in another stellar performance) and Julia Roberts. Mike Nichols directed from a Aaron Sorkin script. The film is based on a true story and you don't know whether to laugh or cry at the outcome, but it seems pretty fitting for our government. I'm going to take this film as an opportunity to rail a bit. I think Julia Roberts sucks. I just wish she'd continue to be a stay at home mom and not act anymore. Actually to call her an actor is an insult to actors. She sucks, and yet she always comes across as so pleased with her performance as she's performing it. I have news for her- she shouldn't be pleased because she isn't good, and it's all the more apparent when she's acting opposite Hoffman and Hanks. Would've been nice if they got Cate Blanchett, or Kate Winslet, or the numerous other ubertalented actors out there besides her. But enough about her, Charlie Wilson's War is very good.

Blindness

This looks very cool. It has tone to spare- creepy tone. This is the latest film from Fernando Meirelles, who directed City of God, and The Constant Gardener, two fantastic films. If haven't seen them, put them high atop your list- they're worth it. Meanwhile check out the trailer for Blindness. It's slated to open September 26th.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/miramax/blindness/large.html

Also worth noting...I find Mark Ruffalo and Julianne Moore to be two of the better and more interesting actors working today, and the rest of the cast ain't too shabby either.

For Your Listening Pleasure...Boogie on Reggae Woman

The first time I heard this song I think I listened to it about 50 times in a row. I'm not kidding either. This was before iPods, and the like, so I was laying on my bed listening to it on my walkman- just rewinding it over and over again. It's a fan-funk-fucking-tastic, groovy tune. Enjoy!

"WHERE THE FUCK ARE MY HARD-BOILED EGGS?????!!!!!"

This is the best news I've heard in awhile. This has already been confirmed, but to continue to hear more and more about it just makes me smile. As reported in the NY Post this morning...
'ARRESTED' MOVIE IN 'DEVELOPMENT'
By MICHAEL STARR

June 25, 2008

A big-screen version of cult favorite "Arrested Development" is on the fast track.

Jason Bateman, who starred as Michael Bluth in the Fox sitcom, says an "Arrested" movie is being planned for next year.

"When it was on TV, if you missed one word, the whole third act could be blown for you," Bateman told the London Times.

"And TV is a different experience," he said. "You come home and you've got to finish a call so you miss the first ten minutes or you get snacky and you go to the fridge and you miss another two minutes.

"So it's a different experience to film."

"Arrested Development," which aired on Fox from 2003-2006, revolved around the quirky Bluth family and was narrated by Ron Howard (who co-produced the series).

It was never a ratings hit, but was a critical darling and developed a cult following.

The show also starred Portia de Rossi, Jeffrey Tambor, Jessica Walter, Will Arnett and Michael Cera ("Juno").

If the movie comes to fruition, it would be the latest in a long line of hit-or-miss big-screen versions of TV shows, including the just-released "Get Smart," a box-office smash with Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway in the roles originated by Don Adams and Barbara Feldon in the classic '60s series.

Other TV shows, including "The Wild Wild West," "The Mod Squad" and "Miami Vice," had a rocky transition to the big screen.

This is one of my all-time favorite shows. For a gauge my others are The Simpsons (though in the past 6 or 7 years it's been fairly lackluster considering what it used to be), The Sopranos, Seinfeld and quite possibly Dexter. If you have never seen this show, I can't stress to you enough how brilliant it is. Yes I know brilliant gets thrown around alot but this show deserves the title. There are only 3 seasons so go out and buy the DVDs. There are clever jokes twisted into other clever jokes which revolve around clever plotlines. The characters are about as sharply drawn as you can get. Ron Howard executive produces the show and he also narrates. Guess what? He's fucking perfect! The lore has it that he read a temp track for the pilot and everyone loved it. The rest is history. At least it is to the 53 people who actually watched the show. What other show on TV has roofies, the blue man group, christians, magicians, pot smoking, incest, afternoon delight, and the aforementioned hard-boiled eggs? If that doesn't sell you then check out the cast.By the way this show also wisely put Jason Bateman back on TV and cast Michael Cera before Superbad and Juno came out. Plus they hired David Cross.

"Then why don't you marry an ice cream sandwich?"

Dope

Apparently you don't have to be smart ot be a police officer. My friend sent me this and if you haven't seen it, you need to. The video speaks for itself.