To those children of the 80’s, Drive might seem like a welcomed trip in the way back machine to the kinds of dramatic films your parents would watch as you peeked through a cracked door. Not a period piece mind you, or even a true 80’s movie, Nicholas Winding Refn’s film just has a timeless look and feel that is both muted and yet bold (like a Michel Mann film). Further, that “look” is made enticing and ethereal thanks to Refn’s stylish visuals and a perfect selection of songs and score from Cliff Martinez. Winner of Best Director award at Cannes, this film has been getting so much attention and frankly it deserves all of it. Hold on tight, Drive is one…
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Groovers & Mobsters Present: "Time Travel"
Groovers and Mobsters is back with another installment and today we focus on one of the most fun elements in the sci-fi genre; Time Travel. DISCLAIMER: Timecrimes (Los cronocrímenes) is one ultra effective and yet amazingly simplistic look at time travel. I have reservations about writing anything as this fantastic film benefits from going in completely blind. As such I feel telling anything about it would be a spoiler so I’ll keep this as exposition free as possible…although those of you who’ve seen it should know how great it is.
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'300: Battle of Artemisia' Adds Minor Roles For Gerard Butler and Lena Headey
It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything solid about the follow up to Zack Snyder’s 300. But news from Movies.com gives us just an update (as well as some story line familiarity) beyond heresay and rumors a plenty. Producer Bernie Goldmann has confirmed that, “It’s a different story. [However] there’s a small part for Lena Headey. There’s a small part for Gerry [Butler].” Bringing back King Leonidas and Queen Gorgo in any capacity for this prequel will help tie the two film together even though they more than likely will be regulated to a cameo. Some argue the casting lesser-knowns in the first film helped its success. In that respect you could go as…
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Tribeca Film Picks Up Rights to Tony Kaye's 'Detachment'
Making some buzz (and its world premier) at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival Adrien Brody starring alongside and very strong cast in Detachment from acclaimed Director Tony Kaye (American History X). Brody stars as Henry Barthes, an educator with a true talent to connect with his students. Yet Henry has chosen to bury his gift. By spending his days as a substitute teacher, he conveniently avoids any emotional connections by never staying anywhere long enough to form an attachment to either students or colleagues. When a new assignment places him at a public school where a frustrated, burned-out administration has created an apathetic student body, Henry soon becomes a role model to the disaffected youth.…
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Netflix Instant – Death Dealer to the Personal Video Library?
They say that video killed the radio star, and frankly if it wasn’t true they wouldn’t have written a song about it right? Well friends, as per the news from last week, I guess in a few years time we might hear a tune touting how Netflix killed the video store…and I’m guessing a slew of film fans’ personal video libraries while they were at it. And while I’m not entirely sad to see Netflix take down Blockbuster I am a little mournful about the haymaker they’ve dealt to the mom-and-pop shops and even my own personal library. Headlines aside, it’s that last bit has actually been the inspiration for today’s’ editorial so lets get started shall…
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The Rocketeer FINALLY Gets A Blu Ray Release!!
Last week we got some great news and after months, nay, years of praying one of my very favorite films is getting the Blu Ray treatment it deserves!! For two decades Cliff Secord and the gang have been garnering fans and after all this time this underrated gem has reached the level of cult classic. I’m an admitted die-hard Rocketeer junkie (try typing “The Rocketeer” in our search bar and you’ll find plenty of posts where I’ve either mentioned it or flat out gushed over the film or its fantastic score) and as such Joe Johnston’s serial adaptation of Dave Stevens’ graphic novel has made more trips to the VCR in my childhood than any other film. The previous DVD was…
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Woah, Netflix and Starz Entertainment Part Ways
As if news of the Netflix pricing increase (or jack if you ask me) wasn’t enough of a blow to loyal Netfilx customers, today’s news is another unexpected body blow. For those who have fallen in love with the Instant Feature, this will sadden you to hear that Starz (who is gives Netflix a huge portion of the Instant titles) has decided not to re-up the existing content deal. Translation: the 1,000+ movies offered in the Netflix Watch Instantly service will not be offered once the current contract expires in February 2012. Wow, talk about a hay-maker huh? For those interested have a look at the official press release after the jump:
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Sweet Trailer…'Margaret'
Fox Searchlight has released the first trailer for the very dramatic film Margaret and it’s a doozy to say the least. Telling the story of a girl who has witnessed a bus accident, she becomes caught up in the aftermath where the question of whether or not it was intentional affects many people’s lives. For only a 2:17 runtime, this trailer is like a sure-shot punch to your emotions. Sporting an impressive cast for an indie film Anna Paquin stars alongside Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon and many more, you’ll be surprised just who pops ups in this tearjerker. Have a look for yourself… Well I certainly didn’t see this coming but it’s on my radar now. Written…
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Ohhh, Look…Slick 'Drive' Character Banners/Posters
A few weeks ago Nicolas Winding Refn came through Dallas on a PA tour for his new film Drive. The film, in what I can tell you before the embargo allows us to post the review, is a tight, hard edged film that that is pure noir-styled perfection. Refn has a wonderfully detailed eye and as such his films are enticing, engaging and almost play out like visual poetry (even if the less than savory subject matter doesn’t agree with everyone). So have a look at the 6 new character banners and posters released by Film District after the jump…
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"Cool Off With the Classics" Blog-A-Thon
Hello film fans! I’d like to welcome one and all to our August Blog-A-Thon and to start things off I have just one question for you all…Is it hot enough for you?? This time of year is the perfect opportunity to relish in the films of old and staying indoors to do so is a good way to beat the heat. So pour yourself some lemonade, turn on all your fans (they didn’t have A/C in the 40’s) and travel back to the bygone era of the Golden Age in cinema as we prepare to Cool off with the Classics.