Does anyone remember watching films made in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s? In those films, all the credits were at the beginning of the film only thing up at the end were the cast, the words THE END (see above) and that’s about it? I liked those because when the movie was over, you were done. Now, there’s a spot in the credits for everything: every song that was used (even if you didn’t hear it playing) the gaffer, the key grip, the foley artist and all the other trades who worked on the film. Now I’m not saying that anyone who worked on a film is insignificant or that…
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Off the Shelf…’The Game’
Let me just start off by saying that this write-up has been a long time coming. Ever since the post I wrote last year, I have been looking for the chance to evaluate this film again. The Game is one of my very favorite “twist-endings” of all time and a damn fine picture all around. Acting, direction, patented “Fincher” visuals, this movie has it all. So why don’t more people know about it? It’s true if you say “David Fincher” to most film fans, you’ll hear them immediately respond with “Se7en” or Fight Club“…or maybe The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (which I just LOVE). Yet, only a certain number of…
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G-S-T Quick 5 – Movies That Should Be on Blu Ray
With the abundance of Blu Ray titles on the market, I find myself thinking that there are a few worthy (and much-needed) titles that deserve the “New Blu Treatment”. I know it’s a slow process as there’s got to be an incredible back log of films still to be made over. Yet, as I see what has been released the more, I feel sorry for these titles not getting a fair shake and my heart goes out to the patient fans who remain wanting. What’s worse it that some of these films never even got anything more that a “VHS dump” version on DVD. So the fact that they are…
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Off the Shelf…’Carlito’s Way’
I have always been a big fan of Al Pacino. He has a style, a look and an intensity that is all his own. He has been an important part of American Cinema in the last 30 years and played such famous (and near legendary) roles like Michael Corleone, Frank Serpico, Sonny Wortzik, and my personal favorite…a tie between Ricky Roma and Big Boy Caprice. No one will ever be able to replace him and he is just compelling to watch on-screen. I believe that, although his efforts in the last decade have been nowhere the talent he is capable of, Pacino, none-the-less, is one of my all-time favorite actors. …
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How Much “Magic” Do Films Lose From the Theater to Your Home?
My guess is that anyone reading this just flat-out loves movies. That said, I want to bring up an issue I’ve been kicking around the old noggin…and it just so happens to be about our little vice. To start this off, I’d like to bring up a situation that most of you have probably experienced and can relate to. Oh boy! Now that’s a theater!! We’ve all had this happen to us right? We see a trailer for an upcoming film and wait patiently for it. Then opening night (or when ever you get around to see it) we pay good money for (what we believe will be) a good…
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Hypothetical: If No Property Is Sacred Anymore, Could An 'Indy' Reboot Work??
I’ve been watching Justified more and more lately and it’s safe to say I’m hooked. To me it’s one of the best new shows out there and I wager it’ll pick up steam and be around for a while. Being a HUGE fan of House M.D., this is the only show that has grabbed my attention with an awesome main character on par with Greg House. Also the writing is top-notch and very very witty. Further, just when it seems like the show is about to wrap up, I am overjoyed to find I still have about 12 minutes left in the episode. Now while I have nothing but praise…
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Are Some Movies Better on TV? (Or With Beer?)
While channel surfing this weekend, I found myself sitting there thinking about something I never thought I’d say aloud. To my friend Breese, I proclaimed, “I really like Tango & Cash“. I know, I know, it was a shock to me too. My positive opinion on the movie only comes from watching it with a half-focused attention span during our viewing. It also helped that it was replete with commercials and some “picture in picture” channel flipping of course. To keep myself on good terms with all you readers, I’ll tell you that I don’t own T&C, or will I ever put in on any of my “favorite” lists. Yet in light of my most recent…
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Sorry Romero, the "Zombie Genre" Has Gotten Flawed
Over the past few weeks I have been becoming re-acquainted with my favorite zombie films. My personal un-holy trinity of “zead” flicks has to be the original Night of the Living Dead, the Zack Snyder remake of Dawn of the Dead and Edgar Wright’s Shaun of the Dead. The three together showcase the simultaneous fun/fear factor of Zombie films, the advancements (and liberties taken) in the genre and they each have something for nearly every fan, both casual and die-hard. As much fun as the films are, I thought I’d bring to light some nagging problems I have with my guilty pleasure, namely signature elements of entire zombie movie genre itself. Recall if you will,…
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G-S-T Top 10 – Things You May Not Have Known About Me (Meme)
First off, I’d like to thank Meredith of M.Carter @ the Movies for getting me included on the latest cine-blogger topic. Here’s my nod to you Mer and as required, the “10 Movie-Related Things About Me” fulfilling my part of the reciprocity.
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G-S-T Review…Kick-Ass
Not being very familiar with Kick-Ass, I was excited because of how the trailers looked and felt, but more importantly, the fact that this is directed by long time Guy Ritchie collaborator, Matthew Vaughn. So, knowing little to nothing about the “source material” I walked into the theater hoping for a ride as sweet as Red Mist‘s Mustang. In short, the movie didn’t live up to the trailers but was still an enjoyable time. PREMISE: Without any super powers to be found (or injected by radio-active insects) Dave Lizewski, after reading a few too many comic books, decides to become a real life superhero. Taking a fair amounts of knocks in his newfound profession…