Popcorn and Cigarettes

Mila Kunis in Black Swan

2011-01-08T14:27:00.008-05:00

This year, I have chosen Mila Kunis as Lily/The Black Swan in Black Swan as my Supporting Actress of 2010. Before reading any further into this post I have to warn you that their will be spoilers here, and so if you have not seen the film, I HIGHLY recommend you go out and watch it immediately/you stop reading this post until you do.

I have to admit, I have been taken with Kunis for quite some time, and so when I first heard that she was teaming with Darren Aronofsky, you could say I was a little bit ecstatic. I've always thought Kunis had a lot of charisma, likability and charm, so I was happy to see that Aronofsky had used all of her natural abilities to their fullest extent.

What I liked most about this performance was the way that Kunis chose to express the character's physicality. A simple smile or flicker of her eyes (and what eyes they are!) are evocative enough to represent Lily's sexuality and dark side. Lily's movements and her expressions all call forth a seductive darkness that plays in direct contrast to Natalie Portman's Nina/The White Swan. It was vital to the story that the character Lily is sensual enough to rival Nina's purity and draw her into trying to express that sensuality herself in her dancing. I would argue that Kunis leaves more of an impression with her body language than Portman does. In a few scenes we can already tell what the character of Lily is like though her general demeanor around the company and especially through her dancing (which I think would have come across even without Vincent Cassel's voice telling us so).

Lily is a free spirit, willing to do what she wants and say what she feels, I mean she goes out to a restaurant and orders a cheeseburger! In the world of ballet where the upkeep of bodies is so important what kind of ballerina would do that? Lily of course. Kunis makes these kinds of choices believable which is why we are so drawn to the character, and why Nina is so bewitched yet jealous of her. She somehow possesses the freedom to make her own choices and essentially live her own life outside of the ballet company, and that is all due to the fact that Kunis has created a character layered with so many interesting subtleties that it is easy to imagine a whole world outside of the film in which Lily is living her own life. Just watch the scene at the restaurant, where Kunis goes everywhere from concerned to devilish in mere moments. I must say all of that work is pretty impressive given the fact that the film is really the Natalie Portman show.

It would have been easy to make this character a one-note cliché, but to Kunis' credit, she ground Lily in reality. Much like her dancing in the film, Kunis brings a fresh sense of naturalism to the role, making it look effortless and thus making her fascinating to watch in contrast to Portman. Another thing that I loved about Kunis was the real levity she brought to the work that she did in the film. She delivers all of the films best and most memorable lines does with such wit and good humour ("Was I good?"). It offers a nice counterpoint to all of the film's difficult and heavy scenes, which I think is essential.

Kunis understands that Lily is the catalyst for Nina's ultimate transformation, and she plays her so well that when Nina delivers her performance the audience can clearly see that Lily has left her mark on Nina as well as ourselves. I think that is what the job called for, and Kunis has clearly delivered on all fronts. The is why she is my choice for the best Supporting Actress of 2010, and my entry into StinkyLulu's 2010 blog-a-thon.

-Cigarettes

[This post is part of the Supporting Actress Class of 2010 blog-a-thon happening over at StinkyLulu. You should head on over there if you haven't already and check out more of the entries from all the other bloggers.]

Supporting Actress Blog-a-thon 2010!

2011-01-08T14:10:00.004-05:00

Hey everyone! (If there is any still left out there...) This is an announcement that Popcorn and Cigarettes is coming out of semi-retirement in order to participate in StinkyLulu's Supporting Actress Blog-a-thon. If you have a blog of your own (it doesn't matter what the usual subject of your blog is) you can find out all of the details on how to submit your own entry right here!

So if you are as excited as I am, come back to the blog tomorrow and read who I picked for my Supporting Actress of 2010!

You can also find my past entries for 2009 (here) and 2008 (here). Whoever my choice is tomorrow, she will definitely be in good company.

On a sidenote, I thought that this was an interesting tidbit, both Rinko Kikuchi and Julianne Moore, my two choices for previous Supporting Actress Blog-a-thons were both muses to Tom Ford and both walked the catwalk in his latest women's wear collection. The video is below if you are interested!

Eat Pray Love

2010-06-05T17:29:00.007-04:00

So, I know I've been a bad blogger but I am back with a poster update! More of a passing commentary really... anyways, first up (as you can see above) is Eat Pray Love. It is written and directed by Ryan Murphy (Running With Scissors, Glee) starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. It's also has Viola Davis, James Franco, Billy Crudup and Richard Jenkins but let's not kid ourselves, this is totally going to be the Julia show.

I actually have no problem with that at all, in fact I miss Julia. I thought she was good in Duplicity, not enough to warrant a Golden Globe nomination mind you, but I thought she did a decent job, and I thought the film was enjoyable enough. I was actually on the fence about Eat Pray Love until I saw the poster above. It's not the design of it that sold me, but rather it was the combination of Julia Roberts + Foriegn Country + What I am assuming is gelato. Although this formula has been done before in Under the Tuscan Sun, I actually enjoyed it, so I am hoping that this will run along a similar vein, while hopefully being better.

I actually saw a video with the novel's author Elizabeth Gilbert discussing the nature of creativity and how she dealt with her surprise success. I watched this talk on a fantastic website called TED. Since it directly relates to her life after the success of her book, I thought it fit in perfectly with this post, you can watch it below.

[Source IMP Awards]

Films of the 2000s

2010-02-08T20:50:00.005-05:00

I just saw a really great montage video, capturing the films of the past decade over at Thomson on Hollywood, and I thought I would share it here. I know it misses some great films, but you can't have everything right?

Enjoy!

-Cigarettes

[Source Thompson on Hollywood]

Uma Thurman In...

2010-02-05T18:15:00.003-05:00

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

I have no real intention of watching this movie, but I thought the look on Uma Thurman's face in the above picture was both delightful and amusing, so I thought I would share.

The picture also reminded me that... someone needs to give her a role she can really do something with! She hasn't really been in anything worth watching since... Kill Bill!

Hopefully Bel Ami will change all of that.

-Cigarettes

Looking Forward to 2010!

2010-01-22T11:47:00.005-05:00

Instead of trying to do a breakdown of films coming out in 2010 (which I totally failed at last year), I came across this astonishing and comprehensive list of notable films coming out in 2010 over at Dark Horizons. The list is broken down into eleven sections, so it is quite a long read, but well worth it if you have time to spare. Also, each entry comes with a picture of the film/behind the scenes of the film, which is always nice.

You should definitely check it out! The link to the first part is here. Enjoy!

-Cigarettes

[Source Dark Horizons]

Julianne Moore in A Single Man

2010-01-17T00:06:00.018-05:00

Julianne Moore's Charley from Tom Ford's A Single Man is my choice for StinkyLulu's annual Supporting Actress Blog-a-thon. Now I realize that the goal is to paint a portrait of the supporting actresses of 2009 that is both broad and diverse, but I couldn't help myself and I ended up choosing a rather popular choice. I contemplated many actresses who could have taken this spot, but I found myself always coming back to this performance as my favourite supporting actress of the past year.

One of the reasons I picked Julianne's performance is because her character Charley has no idea what movie she is in. Now, I realize that sounds like a terrible reason to chose a supporting actress but hear me out. Normally, I would think that a performance that plays on another level than any of the other characters would be terrible and totally detrimental to a film. However, this is a special circumstance because not only is Charley in the hands of Julianne Moore, but also because Charley also doesn't fit in with the world around her. She is loud, boisterous, and absolutely charming. As far as Charley is concerned, the world revolves around HER.

A Single Man (if you couldn't already figure it out by the title) is a story centered around Colin Firth's character George, and Charley is George's best friend. Charley does get some minor screen time during the first half of the film; her reaction to George sobbing at her door, or a phone call to George asking him to bring gin to her dinner party, but it is during the second half of the film (more specifically the aforementioned dinner party scene) that Charley really gets her chance to shine.

As the scene unfolds in front of you, it is obvious that these two friends have been comforting each other for a long time. George because of his lover's death, and Charley because of her failed marriage. What separates this party from all of the others these two must have shared over the many years they have known each other, is that Charley reveals how lonely and desperate she truly is, she reveals a hidden part of herself to George. Charley is not one to be dismissed easily, being the center of attention is where she is the most comfortable. However, the years of being ignored by both her ex-husband and her children, have created a deep desire to be loved and noticed. When George does not reciprocate the feelings that Charley lays down, Charley lets loose.

This whole dinner sequence is Moore's to chew, and she does just that. Between the laughs, the smoke, the booze, and the hair, Moore creates a window into the life of Charley in just mere moments. It is amazing that Moore can tap into this woman's loneliness and sadness, but also into her magnetic charisma and natural good humor. It is during these moments that I forgot that the film was about George, because when Moore was onscreen it was ALL about Charley (and to be honest I wouldn't have it any other way).

I don't want to spoil any more of the film than I have to, so that's all I am going to say about this performance. Hopefully reading this entry gives some incentive to those of you reading this post who have yet to watch A Single Man, to get out there and support this film.

-Cigarettes

[This post is part of the Supporting Actress Class of 2009 blog-a-thon happening over at StinkyLulu. You should head on over there if you haven't already and check out more of the entries from all the other bloggers.]

Also, Not a Bad Way to Start Off the Year...

2010-01-03T02:18:00.003-05:00

"I am Shiva the destroyer, your harbinger of doom this evening."

If you don't know what the title to this post refers to, just click here. I had no idea this blog is over a year old... I guess I can just blame my sporadic posting habits.

Oh well, here's to a lovely 2010! I wish all of you readers out there (if there are any) a very happy and prosperous new year!

I should probably make some kind of new year's resolution to blog more often... Nah.

-Cigarettes

StinyLulu's Supporting Actress Blog-a-thon Class of 2009

2009-12-16T19:12:00.003-05:00

So just like last year, Popcorn and Cigarettes will be participating in StinkyLulu's Supporting Actress Blog-a-thon.

It was a lot of fun to see who supported who last year, and so I am excited to be doing it again. Unfortunately, Rinko Kikuchi will have to sit this year out (click here to see my post on her performance from last year).

Just like last year, any blog may participate, so even blogs that aren't focused on film may enter their own posts! Click here for all of the information on how to enter. I highly recommend you enter, not only because it is a lot of fun, but also because it is great to write about highly deserving performances that probably do not get as much recognition as they deserve.

See you on January 17, 2010!

-Cigarettes

I Hope...

2009-11-11T19:27:00.005-05:00

...that you guys aren't sick of me blogging about Nine yet.

In case you missed it, here is some behind the scenes footage of Vogue's cover shoot with the ladies of Nine.

Clearly...

2009-10-20T19:26:00.007-04:00

... my obsession with Nine is not going to be ending anytime soon, seeing as how they pushed back the release of the film to Decem ber.

Here is a nice little montage of footage from rehearsals mixed together with footage from the actual film.

-Cigarettes

Happy Birthday...

2009-09-28T18:26:00.003-04:00

... Naomi Watts!

This lovely leading lady (and personal favourite of mine) turns 41 today! She is so talented, but I believe that she is underrated compared to a lot of the actresses around her age. Taking a look back at her performances in King Kong, 21 Grams, The Painted Veil, and Eastern Promises, I would consider all of them among the best of their respective years.

On a side note, Naomi Watts was recently in Toronto to promote her new film Mother and Child, which I foolishly chose not to attend. It has been getting some good buzz since the festival, and hopefully will find a distributor soon.

-Cigarettes

Behind the Scenes...

2009-09-23T19:09:00.003-04:00

...of Nine!

Here is a short clip (via Entertainment Tonight) showing some behind the scenes footage of Nine. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

-Cigarettes

[Source In Contention]

Hello September

2009-09-05T21:01:00.001-04:00

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! (Was I ever really gone?)

-Cigarettes

Kubrick and von Trier

2009-07-16T21:19:00.008-04:00

I was over at In Contention, and I came across two articles that I loved so much I had to share them. First up is the article on Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. The article over at In Contention is actually a link to a longer piece by The Mutiny Company, which I actually just finished reading. I thought the piece was really fantastic, so I felt I had to post about it.

Next up I have another article (credit is due to In Contention once again for bringing the article to my attention) from The Independent chronicling von Trier's work up to his new film Antichrist. Here is a second article from The Guardian which gives eight opinions on the film from various backgrounds (the lovely Samantha Morton is one of those voicing her opinion on the film).

I absolutely cannot wait to see Antichrist, I sincerely hope that it is coming to the Toronto International Film Festival. If it doesn't I might just have to pull a Charlotte Gainsbourg.

-Cigarettes

[Source In Contention]

Marvelous Meryl Streep...

2009-06-22T22:16:00.005-04:00

So, today is the 60th birthday of one of the greatest actresses who has ever lived. We should all take a moment today, bow our heads and remember, no matter how great you think you are at something, Meryl Streep will always be better.

Amen. Happy Birthday Meryl Streep!

P.S. The Film Experience has a great tribute post on their blog entitled "60 Appropriate Ways to Celebrate Meryl Streep Month", and a nice video to go with it. Head over there, or check out the video below.

-Cigarettes

I Can't Help Myself

2009-06-20T23:09:00.005-04:00

Today is a day to celebrate, as it is Nicole Kidman's glorious day of birth. If you can believe it she turns 42 today.

She is truly a goddess among mortals. (Although I know there are PLENTY of you out there who would disagree, I don't care. I love her that much.) Happy Birthday Nicole Kidman!

-Cigarettes

The Hours: Part Deux

2009-06-16T21:13:00.004-04:00

Michael Cunningham, who wrote the novel The Hours, which was later adapted into a film, has written a new script for a slasher movie. I know this is kind of old news, but any chance I get to celebrate The Hours, is one that I will take.

Ephemerist has a post covering the news, that does a better (and funnier) job than I could ever do, so go over there right now and check it out.

-Cigarettes

[Source Ephemerist]

My Name is Cigarettes...

2009-06-09T18:05:00.002-04:00

...and I like Kirsten Dunst.

P.S. I cannot wait for All Good Things.

-Cigarettes

[Source Cinematical]

In Character: Actors Acting

2009-06-06T17:10:00.004-04:00

IAN McSHANE
Left: You’re a politically ambitious prosecutor trying a sensational murder case, and you’ve just realized that the defense’s key witness has given you a huge opening to prove that he’s lying. Center: You’re an ex-Marine, on the way home from a workout at the gym, suddenly confronted by a knife-wielding mugger. And you’re thinking, “This dude has picked the wrong fookin’ guy to take on.” Right: You’re watching your son on television in his first Formula One race, moments after his car has hit a wall. Track workers have lifted him out of the tangled wreck as the announcer says, “He doesn’t appear to be moving … “

Do you want to see some great actors acting (like the fantastic Ian McShane, above), but don't have the time to sit down and watch a movie? Head over to Vanity Fair's online Portfolio, where you can see sixteen actors give you a snapshot of three different moments in three different character's lives. It's pretty fantastic.

-Cigarettes

[Source Vanity Fair]

TRAILER: Map of the Sounds of Tokyo

2009-06-05T12:31:00.012-04:00

So, what the hell?! I just found out that my beloved Rinko Kikuchi's new film has a trailer online, and no one has bothered to post on it? (Update: It turns out some people actually have posted the trailer online... whatever. I had to find out for myself)

Anyways, for those of you who haven't heard of this film, it is the latest film from Isabel Coixet, who recently directed Elegy. The film, with an estimated budget of $8 Million, stars the lovely and talented Rinko Kikuchi. The film actually just had it's world premiere at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Golden Palm, and where Aitor Berenguer (the film's sound recordist) took home the Technical Grand Prize. Here is the synopsis from the film's Official Website:

Ryu (Kikuchi) is a solitary girl whose fragile appearance is in stark contrast with the double life she leads, working nights at a Tokyo fish market and sporadically taking on jobs as a hit-woman.

Mr Nagara (Takeo Nakahara) is a powerful impresario mourning the loss of his daughter Midori, who has committed suicide. He blames David (Sergi López), a Spaniard who runs a wine business in Tokyo.

Mr Nagara's employee, Ishida (Hideo Sakaki), was silently in love with Midori and hires Ryu to murder David.

A sound engineer, obsessed with the sounds of the Japanese city and fascinated with Ryu, witnesses this love story which searches the shadows of the human soul, reaching deep into places where only silence has the power of eloquence.

Sounds amazing, no? Well without further ado, I give you the trailer... oh, and just a warning, it is NSFW.

Oh and here is an extra tidbit. The folks over at Nippon Cinema have a great article that goes behind the scenes of Map of the Sounds of Tokyo, and there are some behind the scene stills available over there as well. Enjoy!

-Cigarettes

I Just Rewatched Red Dragon...

2009-06-05T02:40:00.002-04:00

...and the only thing I can say is... can someone please give this woman an Oscar?!

-Cigarettes

R.I.P. David Carradine

2009-06-04T18:25:00.004-04:00

"I suppose the traditional way to conclude this is, we cross Hanzo swords. Well, it just so happens, this hacienda comes with its very own private beach. And this private beach just so happens to look particularly beautiful bathed in moonlight. And there just so happens to be a full moon out tonight. So, swordfighter, if you want to sword fight, that's where I suggest. But if you wanna be old school about it - and you know I'm all about old school - then we can wait till dawn, and slice each other up at sunrise, like a couple real-life, honest-to-goodness samurais."

-Cigarettes

What's Going On?

2009-02-20T02:57:00.003-05:00

In the past month we have been pretty busy with real-life stuff, too busy to update. This is just a post to inform you all that our Oscar predictions will be up by tomorrow night, and so you have that to look forward to... think you can beat us?

Sorry Penny... we will try harder next time.

-Cigarettes

[Image via StinkyLulu]

The Reason Why...

2009-01-25T21:44:00.004-05:00

... I watch the SAG Awards. Moments like this make it bearable when something like Slumdog Millionaire wins the Best Ensemble Cast over the likes of Doubt, Milk, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, or even Frost/Nixon. Sigh, I still don't get how it could have been nominated for Best Ensemble over Happy-Go-Lucky, Synecdoche, New York, Rachel Getting Married, or The Dark Knight.

(Also I think Meryl Streep's speech was amazing. Totally worth it.)

-Cigarettes

It's a Funny, Funny Feeling Down in Your Heart

2009-01-19T03:14:00.003-05:00

This of course relates to my last post on Junebug. It just makes me happy when I hear it and it never fails to remind me of this wonderful film. Hopefully you enjoy it too! (The song and the film.)

I Was Born in Japan

2009-01-19T02:43:00.003-05:00

(I love this movie so much, I just had to pick more than one quote from it.)

"I wonder what she looks like. I bet she's skinny. She probably is. She's skinnier'n me and prettier too. Now I'll hate her. Oh, I can't wait!"

"All I really want is for Johnny to love me like he did in high school."

Let the Sunshine In

2009-01-19T02:33:00.002-05:00

"We went to Tijuana, Mexico, you know? And we thought it would be fun, you know, to go to a show. Everybody says you gotta check out one of these shows. And... it's a woman fuckin' a horse. We get there and we think it's gonna be awesome and... it is not as cool as it sounds like it's gonna be. It's kinda gross."

Why All the Hate?

2009-01-18T04:54:00.011-05:00

I think by now, any reader of this blog will know that I am a huge fan of Nicole Kidman. Whatever she chooses to do, whatever projects she blesses with her presence, I will be there.

What I am having some trouble understanding is all of the hate and negativity directed toward this woman. What has she done to deserve any of it? Some label her as box-office poison, and others just like to call her a terrible actress on completely unfounded and unsupported grounds. Look at the hoopla surrounding Nicole's latest interview with 2day FM. A few select quotes were taken out of context and blasted around the internet, painting a pretty awful picture. Why all the hate?

I'm just going to say it right now. Nicole can act. Don't believe me? The Academy, BAFTAs, and the Golden Globes have all presented their trophies to her so she may place them on her mantle. Can she really be that terrible, and have somehow magically convinced all of these people that she is worthy of honoring? Maybe you're not convinced and think that I am just hiding behind these groups because I don't have a real example of Nicole Kidman doing some fantastic work. Well go put your copy of Moulin Rouge! back into your DVD player and go to the scene where Nicole is looking at the birdcage, or when she ascends from the heavens on a swing, or perhaps when she desperately calls for forgiveness from center stage. I am telling you Nicole can act. For those of you who don't own the DVD (for shame!) I am going to provide the scenes I am talking about after the jump.

I was just thinking about comparing Nicole to another one of my favourite actresses (who is having a banner year this year) - Kate Winslet. As far as I know, Kate Winslet is universally beloved by everyone in the whole world, and rightfully so. However, Kate has had her share of box office and critical bombs. Now I mean no disrespect, I love Kate with all my soul, but why haven't I heard websites going on and on about her box-office bombs, and critics smearing her with hatred. Now I will admit that Kate Winslet generally gives out performances that are always outstanding, whereas Nicole's performances can be a little shakey at times, but all the same, how come I find all the hate directed at Nicole? I hear people going on and on about how Australia was a huge bomb and whatnot, but I checked out Box Office Mojo, and I discovered that Australia has made a profit of $21 Million and counting. It may not sound like much, but I wouldn't consider it a bomb! Heading over to Rotten Tomatoes, Australia seems to be sitting at a luke-warm 54%, but Winslet's latest offering, The Reader, isn't doing that much better with a 60% approval rating.

How about we look at the box office receipts of The Golden Compass, Bewitched, The Interpreter, Birth, The Stepford Wives, and Dogville? All of these films, despite what critical reception they might have recieved, have all managed to turn a profit at the box office. Compared to the likes of Romance and Cigarettes, Little Children, All the King's Men, and Hideous Kinky, I think Nicole looks like a pretty good bet. Just to top off my point, Revolutionary Road and The Reader have yet to recoup their budgets (not to suggest that I don't want them too... I wish Kate all the success she can handle!) and if they don't receive any Academy Award nominations, I doubt the films will be able to recoup at the box office.

So why all the hate? Where has all the love gone? Both of these woman are fantastic actresses who have made fantastic films, and hopefully go on to make many more. So why does one side seem to bathe in praise, while the other is scorned and shamed by the public?! Can someone explain this to me?! Is it her personality? Her background? Her face? Can someone tell me why the whole world doesn't love Nicole Kidman? Because I do, and I think I will until the day I die.

Unfortunately I could not find the video for this, just the song, so I guess you will just have to hear the pain in her voice rather than see it.

Try to ignore the... Spanish?

Nicole is so lovely.

-Cigarettes

Perhaps We Can Obtain Another?

2009-01-18T03:56:00.002-05:00

"Has your mind become as decrepit as your face Empusa? You speak as if such things are freely available."

The Hollywood Reporter Roundtable

2009-01-17T17:08:00.008-05:00

I just ran into these videos on Youtube thanks to Guy Lodge over at In Contention. I found the video so intriguing, that I checked it out a little further and found the channel for The Hollywood Reporter. Now here's the thing, this channel has been around for just under a year, yet they only have 152 subscribers (as of today) and their videos have not been viewed by very many people. I mean some of the older stuff in their video library is not that great, but I thought these round tables with writers, directors, and actors were pretty awesome. To have Amy Adams and Michelle Williams sitting and discussing their roles with Emma Thomson and Sally Hawkins... it just made me happy. I think the videos are fantastic, not long enough, and I still can't get enough. The video of which I speak is below, and if you want to see more, there are many more videos after the jump, or at The Hollywood Reporter Channel on YouTube.

-Cigarettes

[Source In Contention]

I'll Have the Chateau Cheval Blanc

2009-01-16T03:05:00.004-05:00

"Uh, I don't know, I don't know. Um, it's a hard grape to grow, as you know. Right? It's uh, it's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's, you know, it's not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and uh, thrive even when it's neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention. You know? And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And, and only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh its flavors, they're just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and... ancient on the planet."

Top Shots of 2008

2009-01-15T16:56:00.003-05:00

Kristopher Tapley of In Co ntention has written an excellent article about his top ten favourite shots of the year. What is unique about this particular article, is that Tapley has actually gotten the cinematographers themselves to provide blurbs about each shot in question. He has some fantastic little snippets of information from a nice mix of cinematographers, some of which include Roger Deakins, Wally Pfister, and Claudio Miranda.

Tapley then goes on to include some of his own opinions and why he chose a particular shot. Many of the shots he has chosen are beautiful and well captured, but I think that the meaning behind each and every one of them grows exponentially when it is described by the cinematographer that shot it.

So without further ado, here is Part One and Part Two of "The Top 10 Shots of 2008". If you've read the article, and want some more cinematography goodness, check out Part One and Part Two of "The Top 10 Shots of 2007".

Sidenote: As you can see, I've filled this post with some of my favourite shots of the year (that aren't included on Tapley's list) and so now I'm wondering... what were your favourite shots of 2008?

-Cigarettes

[Source In Contention]

Lovely Trailer Music

2009-01-15T16:42:00.003-05:00

I am an avid watcher of movie trailers. I love them. In fact, the only reason why I make it to the movie theatre on time is so that I don't miss the trailers. 2 minutes of condensed romance, action, comedy, horror, etc. set to catchy music and with spitfire editing. I dig it. In fact, these days a lot of my love for trailers is attributed to the music selection. The other day I watched the trailer for the remake of Wes Craven's "The Last House on the Left". I loved Bergman's "The Virgin Spring" and so was itching to see Wes Craven's 1972 version of the ol' Swedish ballad, but have yet to find it anywhere. When I heard that it was to be remade I became wary. Not because I have any sort of loyalty to the original, as I've yet to see it, but because these horror remakes generally pale in comparison to the originals, and even when not being compared side-by-side, tend to be severely lacking in terms of quality film-making. After watching the trailer for the remake, however, I found myself itching to see it. Those clever little trailer editing folk used a lovely cover of Sweet Child o' Mind by Guns N' Roses by Swedish pop/folk singer Taken by Trees. What a beautiful, beautiful choice! It's certainly not an original idea to have the carnage and brutality of these horrific events heightened by having them juxtaposed next to a sweet, innocent, classic song (in fact, I'm under the impression that Wes Craven's film featured light and fun songs), but this particular song couldn't have been better selected in my opinion. I won't say much more, but post the video and a couple of other trailers where I was taken in by the music.

-Popcorn

What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love and Understanding?

2009-01-14T22:48:00.003-05:00

"Can you keep a secret? I'm trying to organize a prison break. I'm looking for, like, an accomplice. We have to first get out of this bar, then the hotel, then the city, and then the country. Are you in or you out?"

Lots of Reasons to Go to the Theatre in 2009

2009-01-14T21:21:00.001-05:00

I've come across a lot of blogs that are now posting "Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2009" lists, and I thought I would do something similar too. This post is going to be dedicated to the films that I am looking forward to seeing in 2009. I also think it will be fun to look back at this list come 2010 and see what was great and what was terrible. However, this post does come with a warning because I think it is going to be a very long one (edit: I have decided it is probably a better idea to do this in a series of smaller posts), so only trudge ahead if you are committed. (And I also want to hear what films I've left off of this list that you are looking forward to!)

Ponyo on the Cliff

First up, we have one of my most anticipated films of the year, Ponyo on the Cliff. This film is directed by animated-film legend Hayao Miyazaki and animated by his studio, Studio Ghibli. Do I really have to add anymore? This is the guy who brought My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind into existence (and many, many more classics... too many to list them all here). Miyazaki has also been considering retiring from directing and animating since 1997, so any more films that we get from him should be considered blessings.

And even though I generally HATE English dubs of foreign films, I must say that Walt Disney (who is in charge of releasing Studio Ghibli films in North America) usually does a fantastic job with dubbing Studio Ghibli films, and has assembled an amazing cast of actors to lend their voices to the film. The assembled cast includes (but is not limited to) Cate Blanchett, Liam Neeson, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Lily Tomlin, Betty White, and Cloris Leachman. If that is not enough to get you go to see this film in theatres, there is no hope left for you... Okay let's pretend you are living in a fantasy world where you are still not convinced to go see this film, here is my final argument to convince you. The exceptionally talented composer Joe Hisaishi is back to compose the score of Ponyo, and you can watch a clip of him conducting a piece of the score below.

Duplicity

Duplicity (opening on March 20, 2009) is a film that reunites the stars of 2004's Closer, Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. The film is written and directed by Tony Gilroy whose last directorial and writing effort resulted in the excellent film Michael Clayton. The film's supporting men include Paul Giamatti and Tom Wilkinson (who got an Academy Award nomination for his last collaboration with Gilroy). The film is about two spies (Roberts and Owen) who infiltrate two rival corperations in order to pull off a huge con job on their respective bosses (Giamatti and Wilinson). I think it has been too long since we've seen Julia Roberts on screen as a lead actress. Don't get me wrong, I think she is a great team player and a wonderful supporting actress to a large cast, but I think she really shines when she is in the lead role. I hope these two actors still have the same amount of chemistry together that was pretty evident in Closer.

The link to the High Definition trailer is here.

The Youtube trailer is below.

-Cigarettes

Being Annette

2009-01-08T02:26:00.002-05:00

"I've lived in the theatre since I was a kid, what I don't know about acting isn't worth knowing. Now, you may be 20 years old and just beginning, but I think you're a genius. You've got magnetism, but no idea how to use it. You have to grab the audience by the throat and say "Now, you buggers, you pay attention to me!" and remember this, when you're on the stage acting, theatre is the only reality, everything else, the world outside, what civilians call the real world, is nothing but fantasy and I bloody well won't let you forget it."

Rinko Kikuchi in The Brothers Bloom

2009-01-04T04:15:00.009-05:00

A little side-note before we begin. The film The Brothers Bloom was originally supposed to be released on October 3rd, 2008, but Summit Entertainment in their infinite wisdom, decided to push back the release date to December 19, 2008. It was then delayed again from December to May 15, 2009 (limited) and May 29, 2008 (wide). I was fortunate enough to catch this gem at the Toronto International Film Festival, and so I hope all of you readers can bear with me while I gush about a supporting actress that no one else has likely seen. One of the reasons I chose Rinko (other than her being the most memorable supporting actress I've seen in 2008), is because I hope that this post will convince at least one reader to go out and see this film (and wonderful performance) when it does eventually come out in theatres. I will try to keep this post as spoiler free as possible.

Rinko Kikuchi plays Bang Bang, superb con artist and accomplice to the Brothers Bloom. The job that is given to her by director Rian Johnson is not an easy one. She has to share the screen with the likes of Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, and Mark Ruffulo, not to mention that her character is almost completely silent throughout the film. However, above all of this she still manages to steal the show right out from under them.

As I said before the character is almost completely silent throughout the film (territory I'm sure Ms. Kikuchi is familiar with), and Rinko must completely rely on glances, facial expressions, and gestures to express anything and everything she is feeling. Of course Rinko goes far beyond physical mannerisms and nuances, she creates a being that seems to be operating on a level higher than any of the con men in their troupe, and perhaps the audience as well. I am almost certain that Bang Bang is in absolute control of almost every situation that she is put in, and is generally able to maintain her composure at all times. This could have been a problem with a less talented actress because playing a character that always maintains composure and sees and knows everything, could have turned out quite dull. Lucky for us Rinko knows how to maximize her opportunities.

Although Bang Bang seems to be completely capable to do anything and everything, Rinko plays her with a certain sense of improvisation and openness. Any task that looks as though it required much planning and construction seems to be done on a complete whim by Bang Bang. This leaves a sense of playfulness when we see her onscreen that keeps the audience wondering what she will do next. When we see her working alongside the other actors, she adds touches of humor to every scene through her actions and reactions, which elevates and adds dimensions to the scenes she is in. She gives off energy that the other actors are clearly aware of and react to, which is generally the job of a supporting actress, no?

There is also the fact that Bang Bang is so damn cool. Just take a look at her wardrobe. She is easily the most awesome looking con man alive. This part could have been played in a way that made the character completely cold and inorganic, but Rinko plays her in such a way that even if the audience isn't playing at the same level as Bang Bang, we still end up wanting to know her or be friends with her. Or be her.

I know I left the movie theatre after the screening of The Brothers Bloom thanking whoever it was who had the great idea of casting Rinko Kikuchi in this part. I'm sure when you see her performance, you will be thinking the same thing.

- Cigarettes

[This post is part of the Supporting Actress Class of 2008 blog-a-thon happening over at StinkyLulu. You should head on over there if you haven't already and check out more of the entries from all the other bloggers. I know that's where I'll be.]

Not a Bad way to Start Off the New Year

2009-01-03T02:34:00.003-05:00

"Sit here and behave yourself."

A Year in 4 Minutes

2009-01-02T20:36:00.006-05:00

Above is a video made by Matt Shapiro (aka oyguvaltshappy) which pieces together some great moments from films that came out in 2008 (if you like the video above, you can also find his video chronicling 2007 here). I'm posting this video for a few reasons. First of all, I am a sap for this kind of thing so I thought I would share it with you all. Secondly it is also an easy way to inform you guys that a huge post about what I am looking forward to in 2009, is on its way shortly.

Lastly, this post is also here to remind any of you readers out there who might be interested that I will be participating in StinkyLulu's Supporting Actress blog-a-thon in a mere two days! So make sure you stick around long enough to see that. All of the details about the blog-a-thon can be found in my previous post or at the StinkyLulu's blog here.

P.S. If you have a blog too, you should also think about participating. It doesn't matter what the focus of your blog is, as long as you can dedicate one of your posts to a supporting actress in 2008. Think about it.

-Cigarettes

Warm and Fuzzy Feelings

2008-12-22T00:34:00.003-05:00

This video sums up everything I want to say to all of you, just in case I didn't get a chance to do it myself.

Happy Holidays!

-Cigarettes

Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby

2008-12-19T13:07:00.014-05:00

If you haven't heard the news by now, here it is. Nikke Finke of Deadline Hollywood Daily revealed that Baz Luhrmann's next film is going to be an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and that he has already purchased the rights to the novel.

The reason I am posting about this news is because the novel is absolutely fantastic, and I think Baz Luhrmann has the ability to make a film adaptation of the novel that could be extraordinary. Apparently Baz is in the process of looking for actors to cast in his new adaptation. Now I don't often like to play the "Who Will Be Great in This Part?" game because the effort is usually fruitless and completely off from what the final result is, but with this film I just could not help myself. So here are my personal choices for who I think would be fantastic in The Great Gatsby.

Leonardo DiCaprio for Gatsby, Kate Winslet or Rachel McAdams for Daisy Buchanan, Ryan Gosling for Nick Carraway, Ryan Reynolds for Tom Buchanan, Anne Hathaway for Jordan Baker, Mark Ruffalo for George B. Wilson, Rachel Weisz for Myrtle Wilson. So basically this will be the best movie ever, with the best cast ever. Well except for one missing ingredient...

I vote that Rinko Kikuchi plays either Pammy Buchanan, the three year old daughter of Tom and Daisy, or Meyer Wolfsheim the Jewish gambler and crime kingpin. Or both. Please Baz, do this for me.

-Cigarettes

[Source Deadline Hollywood Daily]

A Little Off Topic

2008-12-18T10:20:00.006-05:00

While a lot of the film blogs I'm reading are busy reflecting about the films of 2008, I thought it would be a nice change of pace to look back at our world in 2008. Over at Boston.com they have a section titled "The Big Picture" which is a collection of photographs taken in 2008 documenting what happened in the world and how this year changed our world.

While it is nice to talk and think about some of the amazing films that came out in 2008, it is just as nice to see the beautiful (and harrowing) photographs that documented what happened in the real world.

You can find the first third of the collection, along with descriptions of each photo, here. As far as I know, the other two sections of the piece have not yet been posted.

-Cigarettes

[Source Boston.com]

Coming Soon

2008-12-17T11:31:00.014-05:00

Nathaniel over at The Film Experience created this hilarious little teaser trailer for the upcoming Supporting Actress blog-a-thon that is happening over at StinkyLulu. I for one will be participating and creating a special little post about a supporting actress I think deserves some recognition this year. If you want to know who it is, you are just going to have to wait until January 4, 2009.

So until then!

P.S. If you wish to participate, you can go here to see all of the details. Any blog (it doesn't have to be a movie blog) can participate, so why not? Here are the links for The Class of 2006 and The Class of 2007.

P.P.S. I love Amy Adams in that trailer!!

-Cigarettes

[Source The Film Experience]

TRAILER: Mei Lanfang is Forever Enthralled

2008-12-12T20:46:00.009-05:00

This post comes with some good news and some bad news. I will tell you the bad news first. The English title of Chen Kiage's new film Mei Lanfang has been retitled Forever Enthralled. This is probably one of the most vomit-inducing changes in a film's title I have heard in awhile (another film that comes to mind is another Zhang Ziyi film, The Banquet which was retitled Legend of the Black Scorpion for its American DVD release).

Now it's time for some good news as well. Twitch has just unveiled a new trailer for the film which actually looks decent. This is great news for me because I have been dying to see Zhang Ziyi on the big screen for awhile now... the last time I saw her, it was at the Toronto International Film Festival Gala Screening for The Banquet back in 2005.

I have no idea if anyone out there is a fan of Zhang's work, but this film looks as though it could be something special. The director's past credits include The Emperor and the Assassin and Farewell My Concubine. The estimated $15 Million film not only boasts Zhang Ziyi, but also Honglei Sun (who also appeared in Mongol and Zhou Yu's Train) and Leon Lai (from Comrades Almost a Love Story and Fallen Angels) who is taking on the title character.

Above is a still of Leon Lai in costume as Mei Lanfang. The trailer and a little something extra is available after the jump.

I also have an extra tidbit for those of you who are interested. There is a music video with Zhang Ziyi and Leon Lai titled "You Feel My Love" which also (in between shots of both of the stars singing) shows off some gorgeous stills from the film. (Unfortunately if you don't speak Chinese, the lyrics will do nothing for you.)

-Cigarettes

[Source Twitch]

Queen of Hearts

2008-12-03T20:44:00.004-05:00

Julianne Moore is the queen of tears. She is also the queen on choosing the wrong movie as a vehicle for herself (The Forgotten).

However, her greatness outweighs any shadows that may be cast over her presence, and for that I salute her. Happy 48th Birthday Julianne Moore!

P.S. I personally do not believe this woman is a day over 40.

-Cigarettes

The Only Club I Want to Be In

2008-11-16T18:12:00.003-05:00

I have just recently discovered, and thus combed through the archives of Club Silencio. I will keep it short, but I have to say his posts are usually brilliant. If you don't believe me, I have picked out a sample of his work:

Slave Labor With Björk

Diagnosing Jennifer

Signatures: Julianne Moore (This was a guest post over at The Film Experience)

Ang Lee and the Negative Zone (My favorite post so far.)

Adam (the writer) has got some glorious screen-caps to go with those posts as well. Enjoy!

-Cigarettes

Don't Try to Tell Me There is No God

2008-11-07T17:43:00.004-05:00

This photo clearly confirms that he is up there, and he is clearly looking out for my best interests.

-Cigarettes

[Source The Film Experience]

And Today We Have...

2008-10-23T20:17:00.005-04:00

... Ang Lee who turns 54 today! A very Happy Birthday to one of my favourite directors ever! He is currently shooting his next project Taking Woodstock with Emile Hirsch , Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Liev Schreiber, Paul Dano, Eugene Levy, Kelli Garner, Mamie Gummer, and Imelda Staunton. Can't wait.

-Cigarettes

7 Greatest Fang-Bangin' Classics

2008-10-20T23:35:00.007-04:00

I have always been partial to a good vampire movie. When I was a kid my grandparents owned a farm out in the middle of nowhere in South-Western Ontario. My cousins would always tell me and my little brother scary stories about werewolves living in the forest behind the farm, and zombies that stalked anyone lost within the corn fields. Now, I didn't particularly believe in either werewolves or zombies; that, and I wasn't exactly scared of them. To me, werewolves were easily taken care of with a rifle, and they would probably go for the easily accessible horses or cattle before they'd take care of me. As for zombies, well they always seemed to move so slowly, and I couldn't wrap my mind around dead tissue suddenly coming back to life for no reason. What I could believe in, was the existence of vampires. To me it made sense that way back when this evil dude renounced God, had a demon living inside of him that required the blood of humansto continue "living". I don't know why these particular creatures managed to work their way into my imagination to apoint where I was terrified of being alone after the sun went down, but they did. I thought it logical that for a vampire the country would be the best place to grab a snack.People out for a drive in the middle of nowhere getting picked off, bodies easily hid among the acres and acres of farmland. Plus, if there was a serious lack of human activity, they could rely on their being a sheep, cow or horse around. Needless to say, I developed a sort of a fascination with vampires and have been a fan of movies/books featuring vamps ever since. As such, and because it is Halloween, I thought I'd compile a list of my favourite vampire movies should anyone care.

(Note: Because I am indecisive, this list is in no particular order.)

1. Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922)

The earliest movie on this list, and probably one of the best. Not only is it a horror classic, but also a classic of the Silent era. Max Schreck as Count Orlok is beyond frightening. The physical appearance being more bat-like than more recent, and romanticized versions of the infamous Count. What I remember most are his fingernails, long and sharp, and just creepy as all hell. It's a really fun flick whose visuals stay with you. Though, if you're in for a fun and fast vampire flick to watch with a bunch of friends over some pizza and beer, it might not be the film for you.

2. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

Despite the thinly veiled homoeroticism and general melodrama, this is (in my estimation) the most visually sumptuous vampire movie I have ever seen. Every actor, every place, every prop, every costume in this movie is beautiful. Kirsten Dunst does a fantastic job that she's fought to live up to ever since, and both Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise have fun with their roles. I wish that we'd seen River Phoenix rather than Christian Slater as the interviewer, but what can you do? Also interesting to see an early Thandie Newton as one of Brad Pitt's slaves. I'd recommend it if only for the visuals and epicness.

3. The Lost Boys (1987)

I love this movie. I love it so much. To me, it's a classic. It's so much fun to watch. It's up there with any of the John Hughes movies as being one of the best teen movies of its (or any) decade. All of the leads give just enough to the performance without taking themselves too seriously. That's what's great about this whole movie, it never takes itself too seriously. Plus, the final showdown against the vamps is hilarious, exciting and awesome. "Death by stereo!"

4. Near Dark (1987)

Near Dark is another personal favourite of mine. To be honest, I'll watch just about anything with Bill Paxton in it. What's not to like about a gang of way too cool vampires driving around the southern states messing things up. Another 80's vampire flick that's a lot of fun to watch. I also didn't realize that this movie introduced me to Adrian Pasdar, and that's why he looked so familiar when I started watching Heroes!

5. Vampire Hunter D (2000)

Along with Interview with the Vampire, this is one of the more beautiful movies on this list. The animation is simply astounding. It's pretty straightforward in the hero has to go save girl from evil baddie storyline, but when it looks this good, who cares? Nah, there's enough action and funny to keep the movie going. Definitely a great movie, but maybe not for everyone (especially the monster/anime factor)

6. Dracula (1992)

This movie should be higher on the list, but I can't help but feel as though they could have made a better movie out of the source material. I love the original novel, and so am unsure how I feel about the overly romantic and melodramatic feel of this one. It was a little too 'B' movie for me. I mean, to be fair this is all just a matter of how I would have directed it had I a smidgen of Coppola's talent or ability, but I think I had imagined a much different atmosphere and style. That being said, despite my issues with the choice, they did an amazing job with what they chose. The actors were all just right (except of course Keanu Reeves who ruined just about every scene he was in, I couldn't take it), especially Gary Oldman who I'm already an avid fanboy of; his Dracula was creepy, powerful, sexy, intelligent, fierce. Great work.

7. Blade (1998)

This movie is pure fun. It doesn't pretend to be anything else. It's a nice little action horror that provides a nice little escape from reality for 90 min. It's not exceptional in any particular aspect, but bundled together is a fun little vamp flick that I wouldn't mind watching again but isn't on my "Must See Again" list.

Some Honourable Mentions:

I really want Shadow of the Vampire on that list in order to kick one of the lesser films off, but I haven't gotten around to watching it yet. Also, I need to see The Hunger, because Bowie, Deneuve and Sarandon vamp love sandwich is a little too much for me to handle. I hated Queen of the Damned, I'm not really looking forward to Twilight, but I am enjoying HBO's True Blood. Ya, it's a little silly, but the great thing about HBO is that there is a good amount of sex and violence to make up for any silliness or lag in plot. Also, Ball does a good job of keeping his characters super-flawed, which makes for interesting television.

Also, Parker Posey is fierce as f*** in Blade: Trinity.

Thoughts? Comments?

- Popcorn

Halloween

2008-10-14T01:17:00.011-04:00

It's that time of the year again. As the 31st of October draws nearer, people begin decorating,buying candy, making costumes, and watching scary movies. I have never been a huge fan of scary movies; or so I thought. When I was 8 years old I watched SCREAM for the first time, and it ruined me. I didn't even get the whole way through, stopping after that indelible image of Drew Barrymore hanging by her intestine from her tree. I had never seen anything like it, and although I was no longer able to go to the basement or garage by myself, or sleep in total darkness, I found myself consistently drawn to these scary movies. I couldn't figure out why I would return to these movies that so utterly terrified me that I would embarrassingly ask to sleep with Mom and Dad, or to keep a night light on in my room, at all times. I realized, that despite the sleepless nights, the pure adrenaline rush I experienced while watching these movies was to be found nowhere else. It was like a drug. I just kept on scaring myself witless. So, in order to celebrate Halloween along with every other movie blog on the internet, starting Friday our posts will be related to something Halloween-y. Whether it be a feature on the next film in our top 10 horror movie countdown, a preview of an upcoming scary flick, or a fun little comparison/editorial/actor feature, all will be posted in an attempt to make your Halloween movie experience a fun and frightful one.

- Popcorn

Ebert says, "Thank you for Smoking"

2008-10-12T15:08:00.006-04:00

I came across a very interesting article over at Roger Ebert's online journal about the digital removal of a cigarette from a stamp featuring Bette Davis.

Now the title of the article is clearly referring to the 2005 film T hank You for Smoking by Jason Reitman. To get even more specific I think it is referring to the character of Senator Ortolan Finistirre as played by William H. Macy. Near the end of the film we see that Finistirre has digitally altered famous photographs of celebrities lighting up. Obviously the bit is played out for laughs because of how ridiculous the idea seems, however now it seems that life has imitated art.

So now the question is this: are we going too far? I mean there had to have been enough people who saw the preliminary designs for this stamp and said nothing about the removal of the cigarette, or were defeated by opposition who believed it was a good idea to remove it in the first place. I mean is there really a lack of people out there who believed that this was not okay? Is it okay to alter the history of a public figure just to play out a political point?

I know it may not seem like a big deal to some, but I just think that by changing our past, our history, it is also changing our present and future. I have always been taught that truth is one of the most important things in life, so doesn't it make sense to acknowledge our past rather than erase it? I mean it may just be a stamp now, but tomorrow it could be something else and that is what is truly scary. Someone out there in the world is going to see this image of Bette Davis and they will never know that there was originally a cigarette in her hand. They will never know that they are actually viewing an altered version of a classic photo. Their truth will not be the same as ours. Of course, it probably does not matter that someone out their knows this iconic image differently than you do, but someday it might matter.

I mean there is the old defence of "Think of the children!" but I honestly cannot remember the last time someone told me they started smoking because they saw it on a stamp and thought it looked cool.

-Cigarettes

[Source Roger Ebert's Journal]

To One of the Most Talented People in the World...

2008-10-06T01:38:00.004-04:00

... I would like to wish a very Happy Birthday. The lovely Kate Winslet turns 33 today, and being one of my most favourite actors in the whole wide world, I had to dedicate at least one post to this woman.

I still do not understand how so much talent and beauty can fit into one person.

-Cigarettes

TRAILER: Sunshine Cleaning

2008-10-05T12:32:00.005-04:00

Today we have the trailer for Sunshine Cleaning. The film is directed by Christine Jeffs and it premiered on January 18, 2008 at the Sundance Film Festival, with a reported budget of $5 Million. It began filming way back in February 2007, and has yet to find a distribution date. Overture Films (the distribution company that picked up the rights to this film) has stated that they plan on releasing this film before the year's end.

The film centers around two sisters, Rose Lorkowski (Amy Adams) and her sister Norah (Emily Blunt). Norah is living with their father Joe (Alan Arkin) while Rose has a job cleaning the houses of rich people. When Rose's son Oscar (Jason Spevack) gets into trouble at school one too many times, she decides to send him to private school. However she does not have enough money to send him, so she is put in the position of habing to find a new, well-paying job fast. Enter Mac (Steve Zahn) the man with whom she is having an affiar with, who informs Rose that there is a lot more money to be made in the crime scene cleaning business than she thinks. She takes his advice and decides to go into the business with her sister, creating a company called Sunshine Cleaning. Hilarity and drama ensue.

I have to say I have been looking forward to this film a lot longer than I would admit. I am a huge fan of all of these actors and putting them all together into one film seems like a perfect fit. It's sad that this has been on hold for so long, but when it comes out I will be sure to be there on opening weekend. Judging by the trailer (which is usually not a good idea) I would say it looks like everything I wanted and expected... and then some. Emily Blunt falling face first into a mattress covered in the blood plasma of some stranger sold me on it.

Adblock

-Cigarettes

[Source JoBlo]

Don't Vote

2008-10-04T08:52:00.012-04:00

"Reading, literacy... really?"

Oh Laura, this is why I love you so much.

-Cigarettes

The Blind Hating on Blindness

2008-10-01T20:22:00.015-04:00

(Just a note before reading this post, I have tried to remove as many of the spoilers as possible from this post. If you want to read them, just highlight the words in between the brackets.)

The National Federation of the Blind decided to go out of their way to protest Fernando Meirelles' new film Blindness, opening on October 3rd. The press release was sent out yesterday and it can be found here. Originally I was not going to write a post about this news until I actually read the press release that was sent out.

In their defense, Cinematical informs me that seven staff members of the National Federation of the Blind have actually seen the film, three of them being sighted and four of them being blind. It's a good thing that they actually watched the film before they started to blast it for portraying the blind as "incompetent, filthy, vicious, and depraved." I saw this film at the Toronto International Film Festival, and now I am just wondering if we all saw the same film.

Their major argument is that the film portrays the blind in a disgusting manner that will further harm the image of blind people in the real world. First of all let me just say that I personally do not believe it matters if you are blind or not, and that people are defined by who they are, what actions they take, what they think and not by physical traits, disability or otherwise.

This is a film about an epidemic of blindness that sweeps the whole world. It is not really about blind people at all, but rather about people who can see and then lose their sight after coming into contact from others who have contracted the disease. This is important because many choices of the characters and many of the circumstances are based on this fact, not that they are blind but because they have become blind so suddenly and without warning.

[SPOILERS] In the film that I recall seeing, some of the "deplorable" acts in the film occur while the population is still sighted. At the beginning of the film Don McKeller plays a character only known as "Thief". He steals the car of a man who has just gone blind, and while he can still see. Of course, this event doesn't really compare to the terrible things that happen once the characters are placed inside an abandoned asylum, but I do believe it does go to show that everyone has the capability to do evil or vicious things, sighted or not. Even once inside the asylum there are vicious acts that occur. There are some scenes that are sure to make some audience members walk out in disgust. However, even with these scenes on cannot say that there are good or evil characters. The blindness that affects the population acts as an equalizer between all people. Societal structure falls apart once we all become the same. Their is lawlessness and rampant abuse of human rights. Why? Because we no longer have to follow those rules now that there is no one left to enforce them. Some of the people who were hit with the disease at the beginning of the film slowly begin to show their true natures once they realize that there is no order inside the asylum. [/SPOILERS]

While continuing their argument, the N.F.B. states, "Only one woman, played in the film by Julianne Moore, remains able to see, feigning blindness to remain with her husband. She is portrayed as physically, mentally, and morally superior to the others because she still has her sight." While it is true that she might be superior to some of the other characters in these ways, but this would have also have been true before the epidemic of blindness had hit anyone. This is another reason why I feel that this argument is a little foolish. The film never portrays anyone as a saint, everyone does horrible things, some much worse than others.

[SPOILERS] There is a sequence in which the women of the asylum are forced to have sex with the men of Ward Three in exchange for food. If they do not give up their bodies the people in their wards will starve. While the women of Ward One are having sex with the men of Ward Three, one of then men kills one of the women. In one of the most moving and beautiful scenes in the film, the rest of the women of Ward One carry the body of the dead woman back, clean her, and wrap her. Later, Julianne Moore's character murders a man in Ward Three with a pair of scissors and arguably causes the death of many more people, does that put her morally above others in the film? This is why I say the argument of the N.F.B. is a little foolish. There is no one side to this story, no good guy and no bad guy. [/SPOILERS]

In closing I would just like to reiterate that this film is about society as it falls apart due to an epidemic of blindness that sweeps through the world. It is not an attack on the blind but an exploration of the capabilities of human beings when placed under extreme circumstances. I highly doubt such intelligent people and artists would make a film that would only act to metaphorically lambast the blind.

-Cigarettes

[Source Cinematical]

R.I.P. Paul Newman

2008-09-27T18:47:00.003-04:00

What a huge blow to movie lovers everywhere.

The New York Times has two great articles chronicling the late actor's life and career better than I ever could. You can find them here and here.

-Cigarettes

Plea Bargain

2008-09-25T20:21:00.005-04:00

Alright. So we are guilty, so very very guilty. I know I have not kept up with my promises and my duties. I fancifully frolicked around Toronto during the Film Festival and forgot my sworn duty to record the details on this blog. I have also neglected to update... I'm bad, but I figured my friend Benicio up there would convey my feelings more succinctly and accurately than I ever could in words.

So this is just so you (if there even are any of "you") out there know that I am still alive, and still blogging.... some of the time.

-Cigarettes

First Margot, and now Rachel...

2008-08-03T18:14:00.007-04:00

First off, I would like to apologize for not updating sooner. Things just keep coming up, so now that I finally have some free time, I will try to post more frequently.

So a new trailer just hit the internet, and it is for the new film by Jonathan Demme entitled Rachel Getting Married. The script is written by Jenny Lumet, a first time screenwriter. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt and Debra Winger.

The film centers around Kym (Hathaway), a girl who has been in and out of rehab for a decade and has a long history of personal crisis. She returns to her family for her sister Rachel's (DeWitt) wedding, and brings a lot of drama along with her, acting as a catalyst that exposes all of the tensions that lie within the family.

This film is actually a tough sell for me. Jonathan Demme who has done some really great work in the past has been churning out less than stellar works as of late. Although I have to say Anne Hathaway looks pretty decent in the trailer that has just been released (the trailer can be found here). I like that she is finally moving onto some smaller edgier roles, and I might dare to say she might be picking up some cred come award season.

Despite obvious similarities to the film Margot at the Wedding, I think (judging by the trailer) that this film will be leading in a different direction, just in familiar territory. The whole thing looks like it has been shot digitally, which should also be interesting. Also, unlike Margot, this film looks more like an ensemble piece.

The film will be making its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as a Gala Screening... I'm just hoping for a little more information before I take a leap of faith and buy a ticket to see this.

-Cigarettes

[Source Cinematical]

Uh Oh...

2008-07-15T21:53:00.011-04:00

It has just been announced that Kate Hudson is officially attached to Rob Marshall's musical-extravaganza, Nine. Now, I'm thinking the same thing that you're thinking: Kate Hudson is a talentless and vacuous blonde who will drown next to the acting heavyweights who also grace the line-up; but, what if she does a good job? Huh? Maybe she'll be amazing. I mean, when I was 14 years old I watched Almost Famous and decided that I needed to leave home, become a rock journalist, and fall in love with a slu-... groupie named Penny Lane. I loved her. I adored her. When she said, "What kind of beer?" my heart broke into millions of little pieces and has never fully recovered. Whatever you want to say about her, the girl has charm and presence. At least, I believe that she does. Who knows, maybe acting with Nicole Kidman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Marillon Cotillard, and Sophia Loren will force her to play up to their level. Good Lord that cast list makes me all kinds of happy. Rob Marshall is a very talented guy who pulled a great performance out of Renee Zellweger in Chicago, and I had absolutely no faith in her whatsoever; so, maybe he'll be able to do the same with Kate Hudson. To sum it up: she showed great promise in Almost Famous; she was wonderfully charming and funny in Le Divorce; and, despite the movie itself being kind of crappy, she was able to turn in a decent performance in The Skeleton Key. With a great director and fantastic cast she might just do a great job.

Oh... crap... wait. She has to sing as well, doesn't she? Hmph.

Now, not only is she joining this impressive group of people, but unlike the rest of them, her character has been created for the movie and wasn't featured in the Broadway musical it's based on. For those of you who don't know, or didn't read my colleague's previous post, Nine follows famous film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) as he struggles with the pressures of his relationships with his wife, lover, muse, agent, and mother.

Rob Marshall's statement as of yesterday (Mon. July 14th):

"[Hudson's] revelatory skills as a singer and a dancer lead to the creation of the role."

If he has faith, I have faith.

Thoughts?

[Source LA Times]

- Popcorn

Something Wicked This Way Comes

2008-07-15T18:53:00.026-04:00

Every year around this time I start anticipating all the goodies that the Toronto International Film Festival will have to offer. I figure, then, that to work with my anticipation we will begin linking to posters, trailers, and news about various films that myself (popcorn) or cigarettes are interested in seeing! It's always fun (and actually a bit nerve-wracking) hearing about last minute line-up changes, so I figure that any information we hear should be passed on to y'all. Now don't for a second take what's posted here as gospel; we all know that the rumour mill turns out a doozy every once in a while. What you can expect is a routine update on said rumour mill and our excitement, disappointment, or disgust with the decisions being made by the higher-ups.

So, without further ado, I give you some movies that I want to see:

1. Tokyo Sonata - Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Tokyo Sonata tells the

story of a dysfunctional Japanese family dealing with their

individual differences whilst coping with a sudden and unexpected event that shakes everything up.

Now, I for one am all about the dysfunctional family movie genre. I love everything from Ordinary People, to The Ice Storm, to American Beauty, and so am hopeful that the early praise that this film has received is well-earned. Kurosawa proved with his 2001 effort, Kairo (Pulse), that he has a strong visual imagination, which should hopefully help elevate any lapses in energy or pace should the film suffer from any moments of yawn-this-is-the-same-family-drama-we've-all-seen-before. Now, the film did win the Jury Prize - Un Certain Regard at this year's Cannes Film Festival, so my guess is that Kurosawa's film is as great as I expect it to be. I mean, hello, it won an award; that, like, totally means that it's automatically the best thing ever. Deal with it.

Oh, and the poster is awesome: gorgeous type-face; wonderful capture of the lead character; fantastic colour palette. I'm really rather excited.

Oh and make sure to check out the website here and a larger version of the trailer here. (Yes, I know that it's all in Japanese. hmph.)

2. The Secret Life of Bees - Gina Prince-Bythewood

Yes, I know that this movie stars Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah, but I still want to see it.

Things it has going for it:

- Sophie Okonedo who was fantastic in both Dirty Pretty Things and Hotel Rwanda

- Based on a critically acclaimed, best-selling novel

Things it has against it:

- Seemingly melodramatic saturation

- Lead cast of debatable credibility and talent

The movie stars Dakota Fanning and Jennifer Hudson who move in with three sisters (Latifah, Keys and Okonedo) after Fanning's mother is murdered. Hmm... coming of age chick-flick set in South Carolina in 1964. This could be terrible, or it could be endearing and heart-warming. Plus, Dakota Fanning looks all growed up now! Don't get me wrong, I still find her an annoying little brat; but, I'm curious to see whether or not hers is a talent that will last or not.

You can check out a clip here and let me know how much you don't want to see it.

3. Un Conte de Noel - Arnaud Deplechin

Just like family dramas, I love me a good Christmas movie. I especially love them if they include Catherine Deneuve and Mathieu Amalric in the cast list. This movie has all the elements of a terribly cheesy, redundant, and piss-poor Hollywood Christmas film: a family reunites in their old home as Christmas draws nearer, allowing for a mix of comedy, drama, questions, and answers. Eugh. But, all reviews, all news, all anything point towards this film being handled with a grace and sophistication that Hollywood should take note of. I mean, the presence of Catherine Deneuve itself elevates this movie above any Hollywood, Stone Family (or otherwise) garbage.

Click here to watch the french trailer of Un Conte de Noel by Arnaud Deplechin.

Well, that's all the time I have for today. My God these posts take for-bloody-ever to write up. So drop me a line and let me know if you find yourself interested in any of these, think they'll be codswallop, or have any suggestions of your own.

Cheers.

- Popcorn

[Source TIFF]

Popcorn & Cigarettes Hall of Fame - Nicole Kidman!

2008-06-22T19:29:00.024-04:00

Welcome to the very first inductee to the Popcorn & Cigarettes Hall of Fame! We will be doing this every so often to highlight and honor some of the best and brightest actors, directors, writers, and anyone else who contributes to the film industry. Hopefully you guys will send in some suggestions for new ones, and comment on them as well!

So first up I, Cigarettes, have chosen Nicole Kidman. Mostly because she is one of my all time favorite actresses, but also because it was her birthday just recently (Happy Belated Nicole!) and she has a new movie coming out this year which looks all kinds of exciting.

Nicole Mary Kidman was born on June 20, 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Dr. Anthony Kidman and Janelle Kidman. The family moved to Washington, D.C. soon after her birth and three years later they relocated to Sydney, Australia. While still a child she took up ballet, mime, and acting. Eventually she began to pursue acting over the other arts while attending high school (with fellow classmate and friend Naomi Watts). She began to study at the Phillip Street Theater in Sydney where she once received a letter of praise from an audience member Jane Campion (who was a film student at the time).

She went on to star in Dead Calm with Sam Neill and Billy Zane in 1989, which was her first major film in America. She continued to work in film, but it wasn't until Gus Van Sant's To Die For, that she garnered a Golden Globe for her work.

She was nominated for an Academy Award in 2002, for her work in Moulin Rouge!, but it was her work in The Hours in the following year that would claim the Best Actress Oscar.

She has continued to make some damn fine films over her career, which now spans almost twenty years on the American screen. Although her films might span from everything in between great and trash, I find that her characters are almost always compelling and interesting to watch. She is a brilliant actress and has some excellent work behind her, and hopefully more to come (which seems highly likely to me). Her future projects include Australia, Need, and Nine.

Australia, the next film from Baz Luhrmann (who collaborated with Nicole on Moulin Rouge!) is scheduled to hit theatres on November 14. The $120 Million project is centered around an aristocrat by the name of Lady Sarah Ashley (Kidman) who inherits a cattle ranch the size of Maryland. She hires a cattle driver named Drover (played by Hugh Jackman) when she discovers that cattle barons plan to take over her land. The film is set prior to, and during World War II, when Australia was still under the threat of attack by Japanese air fleets.

So the trailer hit the internet awhile back (for those of you who missed it, it can be seen here) and it just looks stunning. This film looks so beautiful, I don't think anyone will be skipping out on seeing this on the big screen. Promotion has already begun on this film (July's Vogue has our lady Nicole gracing the cover) and it also looks fantastic. (In case you're wondering some of those photos are littered all over this post.) I know I will be seeing this on the week it comes out, and hopefully it will be a certified hit, because both Kidman and Jackman certainly could use one (remember this and this?).

Need is the new film from director Ryan Murphy who wrote, produced, and directed 2006's Running With Scissors. What is special about this project is that it will be the first time Nicole Kidman and her good friend Naomi Watts will pair up together for a project onscreen. [SPOILERS] The film centers around a suicidal woman (Kidman) who is infatuated with her very successful psychiatrist (Watts). Little does the woman know that the psychiatrist's marriage is on the rocks due to her cold and controlling nature. She meets the psychiatrist's husband in a bar, and they begin an affair, and upon discovering the truth, the psychiatrist seeks revenge and disregards personal ethics. Sounds like something I want to watch. Watts vs. Kidman. [/SPOILERS]

And finally, the last of her upcoming projects (for now) is the film Nine directed by Rob Marshall, the guy who brought us Memoirs of a Geisha and Chicago. Nine is based on the stage musical of the same name, which is based on the Federico Fellini film 8½. The cast of the film is stunning and awe-inspiring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, Penélope Cruz, and Dame Judi Dench.

With all of this news it looks like fans of Nicole Kidman will be having some pretty good times in the theatres in the upcoming year. Hooray for our first inductee into the Popcorn & Cigarettes Hall of Fame!

TRAILER: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

2008-06-20T19:46:00.006-04:00

Today, the world (outside of those who attended the new Indiana Jones) can finally witness the awe and wonder that is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This is an exciting project for almost a million reasons. First off it is being brought to us from none other than David Fincher, the brilliant director behind films like Se7en, Fight Club, and the recent Zodiac.

Not convinced? Well the screenplay is written by Eric Roth, the guy that also wrote Munich, The Insider, and Forrest Gump for starters. Still not enough? Well the story is also adapted from a short story of the same name, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It also has some great names attached to star, including Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, and Cate Blanchett.

The story centers around a man named Benjamin Button (Pitt), who is born in 1919 at the age of 80. As his life continues, he begins to age backwards, which causes some complications when he falls in love with a thirty year old woman named Daisy (Blanchett). Button's life comes to a close at the millennium.

The idea for this movie has been floating around for a long time now, all the way since 1994. It is finally getting made after going through many different drafts. I am glad that this story is finally going to see some light. The $150 Million film finished production in September of 2007 and was slated to open during May 2008, but was pushed back to November 26, 2008, and then pushed back once again to December 19, 2008 presumably to make it a big contender for the Academy Awards.

The cast is brilliant, and the trailer looks stunning in HD, so without further ado, I present the trailer for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button... errr... well actually the link for the trailer here. Enjoy!

Wallace and Gromit - A Matter of Loaf and Death

2008-06-17T17:16:00.004-04:00

Some good news out there for Wallace & Gromit fans, Nick Park (the co-writer and director of all of the previous Wallace & Gromit films) and the Aardman Studio have been hard at work on the next installment of the series. Entitled "Wallace & Gromit in 'A Matter of Loaf and Death'", the new film will be a short like the previous films "Wallace & Gromit in The Wrong Trousers" and "A Grand Day Out with Wallace & Gromit".

Here is a quick synopsis of the events that are occurring in the new installment:

Wallace and Gromit have a brand new business. The conversion of 62 West Wallaby Street is complete and impressive, the whole house is now a granary with ovens and robotic kneading arms. Huge mixing bowls are all over the place and everything is covered with a layer of flour. On the roof is a ‘Wallace patent-pending’ old-fashioned windmill. The transformation is perfect. Although business is booming, Gromit is concerned by the news that 12 local bakers have ‘disappeared’ this year – but Wallace isn’t worried. He’s too distracted and ‘dough-eyed’ in love with local beauty and bread enthusiast, Piella Bakewell, to be of much help.

The new short is set to hit televisions in the U.K. sometime during December of this year, and I personally cannot be happier. I am a huge fan of the series and the characters which are almost twenty years old! I think that the production stills look fantastic. You can keep up with updates about the new film over at their website, and you can check out the rest of the production stills here.

[Source Chud]

The Criterion Contraption

2008-06-10T12:50:00.006-04:00

I was looking around the Criterion Collection's official website when I stumbled upon a link to this blog called The Criterion Contraption.

The blog was created by Matthew Dessem whose mission is to watch all of the Criterion films in order, by spine number. The blog was created so that he could review and give some information about each film he has seen so far. He has been at this for about four years now, and he is currently at Spine Number 84: Yasujiro Ozu's "Good Morning".

I find that the reviews I have been able to read so far get better each time. He is an excellent writer who clearly puts a lot of effort and thoughts into his work. The screen captures he gets from the films are all high in quality, and are not likely to be found anywhere else (like the one above). He provides a lot of detail and insight in his reviews, and encourages discussion about each film through his comments. I find that by doing all of these things, it really sets apart his blog from some of the other Criterion completionists out there (Which he links to on his blog as well). From what I can tell, he updates about once a month so you should remember to head over to his site every now and again to check out if he has seen anymore of the Criterions.

I am going to refrain from giving too much of a synopsis of what he does and why, because there is an illuminating interview that Dessem had with Christopher Zane that covers most of it. (Interview: Part 1, Part 2) However, I will say that this was a really great find, and if you have the time, it is a great read. Do yourself a favour and head over there and check out some of his thoughts and insights.

-Cigarettes

TRAILER: Transsiberian

2008-06-05T11:31:00.013-04:00

Another new trailer today, and this one is for the new film Transsiberian (which premiered at Sundance). This film stars Woody Harrelson, Emily Mortimer, Kate Mara, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Eduardo Noriega, and is directed by The Machinist director, Brad Anderson.

The film, budgeted at an estimated $15 Million, centers around a young American couple Roy (Harrelson) and Jessie (Mortimer) who decide to head over to Moscow by taking the train. While on their ride they meet another couple in their cabin, Carlos (Noriega) and Abby (Mara). Things go sour after Roy gets separated from Jessie during a stopover, and Jessie discovers that Carlos and Abby are not exactly who they seem to be. Soon Jessie and Roy find themselves caught up with Grinko (Kingsley) a Russian police officer, mobsters, and locals on their journey.
The film is set to be released in theatres in the U.S.A. on July 18, 2008.

I have been looking forward to this film for a long time now, way back when Samantha Morton was attached to play the Jessie role (Morton had to drop out of the film due to health problems, and was replaced with Mortimer). I think the cast that Anderson has assembled is fantastic, and the trailer for the film looks pretty decent. Mortimer is a sensational actress, and I cannot wait to see her acting alongside Harrelson and Kingsley. Kate Mara has also been an actress I have been watching ever since her role in the film Brokeback Mountain, which I thought she was great in.
However, a review over at Bloody Disgusting paints a much different picture for the film which is unfortunate (The review can be found here). Hopefully this film will defy early reviews and go on to be great. One has to hope.

[Source JoBlo]

TRAILER: The Women

2008-06-05T10:00:00.011-04:00

So here is the new trailer for the upcoming film The Women. It has an all female ensemble consisting of Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Carrie Fisher, Candice Bergen, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Cloris Leachman, and Bette Midler starring in the first feature film from Emmy-winning director, Diane English.

English, who is best known for her work in television, wrote and directed the film. The Women centers around Mary Haines (Ryan) a wealthy clothing designer who discovers that her husband is having an affair with Crystal Allen (Mendes) a perfume salesgirl working at Saks Fifth Avenue. The situation becomes a hot topic among her close friends Sylvia Fowler (Bening), Edie Cohen (Messing), and Alex Fisher (Smith), and puts their loyality to each other to the test. The film is set to be released in the U.S.A. on September 12.

Adblock

Now of course this films comes with a lot of red flags. Messing hasn't done anything on film worth mentioning since the end of her show Will & Grace. (Although I have not yet seen Purple Violets, which looks watchable.) Meg Ryan hasn't done anything worth watching since... well... actually, she hasn't done anything worth watching in the last decade. However, this film does have Annette Bening, so that probably means I will be there in the theatre on opening weekend to bask in all the glory that is the Bening. Respect the Bening. Tame Meg Ryan.

[Source JoBlo]

Apologies and Prince of Persia

2008-06-03T13:44:00.007-04:00

First of all I would like to apologize for the lack of posts so far. I know we began pretty strong, full of promises. Well we haven't actually posted any reviews as of yet, however I am posting some movie news in the meantime. Hopefully this will be enough to sustain readers until we get some actual posts.

Alfred Molina, a great actor whose recent appearances onscreen include The DaVinci Code, The Hoax, and Silk, has signed on to the 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time' alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, Sir Ben Kingsly and Gemma Arterton. In the Mike Newell directed film, Molina will portray Sheik Amar, a man who becomes mentor to the prince.

Alfred Molina, Jake Gyllenhaal and Sir Ben Kingsley are all great actors so this sounds like great news to me. But I can't shake the memories of seeing Sir Ben Kingsley in the trailers for such films as: The Last Legion, BloodRayne, Thunderbirds, and Mike Myer's upcoming summer flick The Love Guru.

The director Mike Newell is kind of a mixed bag when it comes to films. (In my opinion). He did direct the recent Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which did turn out half decent, so maybe he will be able to make Prince of Persia into a blockbuster worth watching.

[Source Variety]

It Begins 2.0

2008-05-14T19:34:00.000-04:00

You might have noticed (or not, seeing as how we haven't had any visitors yet) that in the first post of this blog, it started by saying "We've ventured out..."
Well I am the second part of that 'we' making my first post on here. I suppose that he is Popcorn and I am Cigarettes. (Which was his idea, not mine... he's a smarmy bastard.)

So I'll start off by saying that this blog is going to be one that covers film. We're going to (try to) review films in that are in theatres, and on DVD. We have a lot of ground to cover, so it is going to take a while to really get going, so stick with us!

I also figured we be posting items on movie news and such, and hopefully we'll still be around to cover the Toronto International Film Festival when it comes around in September.

Since we are starting out I figure we are going to be pretty flexible and we will always be listening to all of your comments, suggestions, questions, and requests.

We are doing this because we love film, we love to talk about it, and now we want to do it on the web.... I guess. So if you can't deal with it, then sod off.

It begins...

2008-05-14T18:48:00.001-04:00

We've finally ventured out into the world of online film review. We're no longer limited to ranting at each other for hours after watching a movie, we can now do so to millions of people via the web... yay... -_-