Tony Talks Film

It’s been an unfortunate month due to the fact that I have not been able to see nearly as many films as I was hoping to. By the end of April, my goal was to have seen eighty films so far this year, averaging twenty a month. Yet, here we are at the end of the month, and I have only managed to watch sixty-six. Disappointment. With that said, I received a package today that made my April just a little better. Three films that I have been anticipating for quite some time arrived and I’ll give a brief breakdown of each one.

The Flying Swords of Dragon Gate - Directed by Tsui Hark and starring Jet Li, I’ve seen mixed reviews on this film, but I’m still looking forward to watching it. There is something about Tsui Hark’s films that keep me coming back. I loved “Seven Swords” and found “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” to be a standard, but fun, cinematic exercise. With Jet Li on board, I’m hoping this fares as well (or better) than “Detective Dee.”

The Viral Factor - I’ve never actually seen a Dante Lam film. I hear the name and discussion about the writer/director. Every time a DVD/Blu-ray is released with his name attached, I mean to see it. I even buy them sometimes and they just sit there (“Stool Pigeon” being key amongst these titles). Yet, I never get around to actually watching them. “The Viral Factor” stars Jay Chou, who I absolutely loved in “True Legend,” and hopefully that will be enough to get this disc into the player. And maybe “Stool Pigeon” afterward.

Norwegian Wood - I haven’t read the novel, but I do have a story about how my interest in this film was piqued. I generally sleep very well, but late one summer night when I found it absolutely impossible to get a wink in I began reading an old issue of “All-Story.” I randomly chose a short story and found myself engrossed in it. I didn’t make a note of the author’s complete name, but I remembered the last name was Murakami. I knew an author with this last name. I was thinking of the author who wrote “Norwegian Wood” and “Kafka on the Shore.” I’d heard of his work and how great he was from English students at the University. Then I heard about the film version of “Norwegian Wood,” and I considered the fact that I enjoyed the short story that I had read by him. Figuring I would give the film a try, I ordered it. Later, doing more research, it turned out that I had actually read a story by Ryu Murakami, writer of “Audition” and writer/director of the film “Tokyo Decadence,” not Haruki Murakami. So, this film will actually be my first exposure to the author Haruki Murakami. Not a very exciting story, but it’s a story.

Three films I’m looking forward to, but certainly three wild cards. If anybody has seen any of these three, then feel free to comment with thoughts.

Over the last few days, I have become extremely excited for “The Avengers.” Look at that little Thor!

Tim Burton’s remake of “Dark Shadows” comes out this May, and as a fan of horror cinema/television I have to confess that I have never really given the original “Dark Shadows” a try. I watched the 1990’s television remake on Chiller late last year until I became bored with it and I also watched “House of Dark Shadows” earlier this year. I wasn’t overly impressed with either one of those, but I knew that I had not given the original television series a shot. It was something I wanted to do before this remake came out, no matter how different Burton’s film is from the series.

Walking around Wal*Mart with the purpose of buying a new toothbrush, I found this set and figured that this was my opportunity to catch up on “Dark Shadows.” “Dark Shadows: The Haunting of Collinwood” in a cardboard box labeled five dollars. If that’s not classy then I don’t know what is. It is a cheap way to familiarize yourself with a TV series, I figured, even though I do try to avoid the five dollar bins like the plague. It was time.

Like with any release there are negative and positive aspects:

1. “The Haunting of Collinwood” is not broken down into separate episodes, but rather it is just several episodes strung together as though it were one long episode. I’m just watching it for about a half hour, guessing where each episode ended, and stopping there. - Negative.

2. The show is surprisingly addictive. I haven’t been this hooked on a soap opera since Marlena was possessed by THE DEVIL on “Days of our Lives,” which I think was the best plot line for a soap opera ever! You simply can’t top that. - Positive.

3. I’m not overly familiar with the TV series, but so far I have watched for over an hour and the main two characters are children named David and Amy. That’s for this arc at least. Where is Barnabas? Where is the werewolf thing!? Are Amy and David fan favorites that I was simply unaware of? If so, why are they fan favorites? From where I’m standing, they can become fairly annoying. - Negative.

4. It was five dollars. - Positive.

5. The picture quality and sound quality are decent given the age and medium. - Positive.

6. The subtitle is accurate as there is a haunting at Collinwood. - Positive.

Four positives beats two negatives. Though it’s still not as good as Marlena being possessed by The Devil. 

criterioncorner:

CRITERION CORNER GIVEAWAY!!!

LATE SPRING edition.

hey there. it’s been a while since i’ve randomly given stuff away, and that doesn’t jive well with my philosophy that love and / or readership should be shamelessly bought. so in honor of Criterion’s first Yasujiro Ozu blu-ray (the cover art of which, as with the original DVD, looks sorta like a Tumblr photo post), i thought it might be fun to give everyone out there a chance to take home one of the most beautiful stories about home ever told.

THE PRIZE: 1 Criterion DVD or Blu-ray (your choice, but choose the blu-ray) of Yasujiro Ozu’s LATE SPRING. Depending on the response, i may have more than 1 winner so that the ratio of entrees to prizes isn’t silly.

TO ENTER: just “like” and / or Re-blog this post (or RT on Twitter @Criterioncorner). each note will count as a separate entry, so everyone can theoretically submit a maximum total of 3 entries, if that’s how you roll.

giveaway will be closed at 11:59 P.M. EST on Friday, 4/20/2012. winners will be randomly selected. the odds may not be ever in your favor, but someone (or a few someones) are gonna get something sweet for nothing.

good luck, and thanks for reading!

(via 2or3thingsiknowaboutfilm)

A quick update that isn’t really an update.

Not chronicled on here, but chronicled elsewhere, the Criterion Blu-ray edition of “Bleu” in their box set of the “Three Colors” trilogy has an odd bit of framing. Incorrect? Probably not, but certainly something that was non-existent on the old Miramax DVD’s. You can look into it if you want, but I’m curious if anyone knows if these editions use the framing that the Miramax/Alliance DVD editions used, or if this is the same source material as the Criterion/Artificial Eye?

EDIT: For those curious, the framing issue can be looked at more in-depth at this link … http://postimage.org/image/tg032wdl5/

Or the whole thread here http://criterionforum.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=11644&start=25

As well as the thread on www.blu-ray.com which I don’t want to dig up to link.

I have nothing against Criterion or Artificial Eye. I think they are both wonderful companies and I own many of their releases. From what I’ve heard the discs look and sound great. Yet looking at the comparisons between shots of the “Bleu” Blu-ray, I can’t help but think that it still looks misframed. The frame seems to be opened up slightly at the top and on the sides, but it seems that a lot of space is taken away at the bottom. At times, the boom mic is even visible at the top where it wasn’t in previous releases. Even if this is how it was initially intended to be shown, the old Miramax DVD’s are what I’m used to and I certainly can live with this different framing, but it will take some time to adjust.

Also, this is a minor thing, and is really not a huge concern. I’m just curious if the Alliance Blu-ray discs will have the same framing. We’ll know shortly and I will update for those that are curious.

Thanks to reader and follower crpalo for bringing the ambiguity of my first post to light! Hope this helps and I’m willing to hear any takes on this that people have!

A VHS a Day - A new series of posts focusing on VHS titles that are currently not available on DVD or Blu-ray.

VHS #5

“Spookies” (1986)

Director: Eugenie Joseph, Thomas Doran, and Brendan Faulkner

As many readers may have noticed, this is the fifth blog entry in the “VHS a Day” series, yet I have been doing this series for more than five days. The reason for this is I simply cannot keep up with the demand of one quality blog entry a day. And I use the term “quality” loosely. Not only that, but if I actually went at a “VHS a Day” pace, I would run out of VHS tapes to write about by the end of the year.

I was enthusiastic today, though, because I ran into a worker at the local Edge Video who happens to read my blog. To this reader, I’m sorry that I did not get your name, but I thank you for reading and I’m sure I’ll run into you in the future. For that matter, I thank any reader of my blog and hope you all stick with it. Now, onward with the VHS talk.

Judging by the cover of this fine VHS release, you might think that “Spookies” would be a classic 80’s horror film. In some ways you’re right, but in many ways you could not be more wrong. Here’s the story as far as I understand it: The film originally started out as “Twisted Souls” in 1984 with Doran and Faulkner directing. Once the initial filming was complete, the financier(s) stopped the film before post-production because of creative differences. The financier(s) then hired Joseph to finish the film and thus “Spookies” was born. Sadly.

I would also note that the story about the creation of this film is more entertaining, shorter, and easier to follow than the film itself. “Spookies” is an absolute mess. I may repeat that statement later in this write-up, because I cannot stress how much of a disaster this film is.

The best thing about “Spookies” is the cover art. Just look at that classic piece created by Richard Corben. It is truly a shame that the film could not live up to the standards set by that artwork. With all the troubles this amalgamation went through though, what can be expected? You can even see the two different films at war here: One of which was aiming to be a humorous (though unsuccessful) horror film, while the other wanted to be a dark, more thought provoking (again, unsuccessful) film.

The basic plot focuses on a group of teens who get stuck in a mysterious house. There are some creatures in the house who kill the teens, as well as a lead villain who is trying to resurrect his bride. And then there’s some boy who is looking for his birthday party? Really, you have two different films here. And, to repeat the phrase, it makes for an absolute mess. What would have become of these films had they just remained separate? We will never know.

As a final note, I can’t say that my time watching this film was entirely a waste. The creatures that were created for this film were, for the most part, pretty good. While they may not have been used to their fullest extent, certain creatures (like the “muck men”) remain a sight that you will remember. Not because you’ll be terrified, but rather because the creatures are the only things worth noting in the film. Are they excellent effects? No, but they’re more than adequate for a film of this nature.

My hat goes off to all who attempted to make this film work, but sometimes it just doesn’t happen. To all three directors: It just didn’t work.

A VHS a Day - A new series of posts focusing on VHS titles that are currently not available on DVD or Blu-ray.

VHS #4

“Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth” (1992)

Director: Anthony Hickox

First, I have to say that while “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth” is available on DVD, I do not believe that this specific cut is available on that format. I don’t own the original Paramount disc so I can’t really say for certain one way or the other, but from what I remember reading the Paramount release is different from the R-rated release, but not the same as this VHS edition. If anyone has information to the contrary, please feel free to post below and correct me.

So here we have the unrated VHS of “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth.” My VHS is a former rental, and the box has been cut to fit a hardshell case. The whole thing looks pretty rough on the outside, but the cassette which it holds plays perfectly.

Now, for a little about the film. I enjoyed the first two “Hellraiser” films a great deal, and unfortunately thought the third one was a slight step down. It’s not a complete disaster, but in comparison to “Hellraiser” and “Hellbound,” the film seems to lack the quality and feels cheaper in many ways. Director Anthony Hickox was coming off of his work on the two “Waxwork” films, and he does the best job that he can, specifically with the ending which I actually thought was brilliant for the series. However, the ending of “Hellraiser III” has no bearing on the rest of the series, which is a shame.

I know that some horror fans swear by this “Hellraiser” film, but it just doesn’t quite cut it for me. It’s the third best film in the franchise, but that isn’t exactly saying much in my opinion. If you are one of those people, and simply cannot do without owning a copy of “Hellraiser III,” then buy the unrated VHS version instead of the Echo Bridge DVD that is currently available. The quality is (sadly) about the same, and you’ll be getting more footage that, if you’re a fan of the film, you’ll want to own.

Film Journal: “Silent House”

Chris Kentis and Laura Lau return to moviemaking with their first film since “Open Water” in 2003. Based on the advertising, “Silent House” seems to be a horror film that revolves around the gimmick that the film was shot in one take. This is simplistic advertising for a film that deserves better.

First, I have to confess that I have not seen “La casa muda” or “The Silent House” from Uruguay, which this film is based on. WIth “Silent House,” Kentis and Lau take the structure of a traditional “home invasion” film and turn it entirely upside down. As mentioned earlier, the film is shot (or appears to be shot) in one take, which is an impressive accomplishment despite the fact that many may view it as a gimmick. At the beginning of the film it is hard to get used to, but once the film finds its stride you really stop noticing.

Where the story ends up going is unexpected and most likely not what a majority of moviegoers will be looking for. “Silent House” aims to be different from other horror movies, while still being defined as a horror film. For those with an open mind it certainly succeeds and leaves an impression.

Elizabeth Olsen is brilliant in this film, carrying a majority of it entirely on her own. I have yet to see “Martha Marcy May Marlene,” but if “Silent House” is any indication of her future performances, then I’m sold. “Silent House” is an excellent film and may not be right for multiplexes, but it is satisfying for those who want a different horror experience.

A VHS a Day - A new series of posts focusing on VHS titles that are currently not available on DVD or Blu-ray.

VHS #3

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1980)

Director: Henning Schellerup

This made for TV film starred Jeff Goldblum and…Dick Butkus. That is former professional football player Dick Butkus. Why was he cast as Brom Bones? I suppose it was because there is no one better to bully Goldblum’s Ichabod Crane (nerd) than  former football pro Dick Butkus (jock). In all seriousness though, the choice for these two roles adds something special to this film. Butkus, not a professional actor (though a man who has appeared in several films/tv shows), does not play Brom Bones as I imagined. Does that make his performance bad? He’s not terrible in the role, but certainly not the type of character I was hoping for. If anything, his performance adds a campy feel to the film that was probably not initially intended.

Goldblum is classic Goldblum. Slightly neurotic with physical features that fit Ichabod Crane to a T, I could not have asked anything more from his performance. Well done by Goldblum and excellent job by whoever cast him in this role.

The film as a whole is fun, but nothing spectacular. If you enjoy TV movies from the late 70’s/early 80’s, then this is something that will probably be up your alley. Schellerup creates a creepy, northeastern winter atmosphere that I would not have expected from a film of this nature. I don’t know what the production budget for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was, but I get the feeling that he did a lot with a little budget. And on TV, no less.

What I like about this film far outweighs what I dislike. Has it aged well? I would say not. Does it work as a piece of nostalgia that can simply be enjoyed for what it is? I think so.  I can see how it has been overlooked for a DVD release because there is probably such a limited audience that will buy this film. For now I’m glad I have my VHS release and encourage those interested to seek it out.

A VHS a Day - A new series of posts focusing on VHS titles that are currently not available on DVD or Blu-ray.

VHS #2

“The Day of the Beast” (1995)

Director: Alex de la Iglesia

For those who have not experienced the films of Alex de la Iglesia, I recommend that you start with “The Day of the Beast.” Yes, I liked “Accion mutante,” but it feels amateurish when compared to “The Day of the Beast.” The horror/comedy revolves around the anti-christ being born on Christmas day in Madrid with the focus being placed on the priest who attempts to hunt down the birthplace and kill it. The execution of this fairly simple plot is genius, though probably offensive to some, and I would go as far as to say that this is one of the best “horror” films of the 90’s (horror in quotes only because this film, like many I feel, can’t be placed into one simple genre).

Why “The Day of the Beast” is not available on DVD is completely unknown to me. I have seen some dubious DVD copies out there (one from Korea and one from Mexico), but until there is a definite legitimate version, I will refuse to purchase any of these. The VHS copy that I have is dubbed in English, though there are copies which feature the original Spanish language with English subtitles out there. If you are (and you should be) in the market to buy this film, then that is definitely the version to go for. With that said, I was content with watching my dubbed copy. It was distracting and just felt weird, but I still enjoyed the film immensely.

After watching this film, you will most likely wonder why more cinephiles don’t talk about Alex de la Iglesia. His work is accessible and entertaining, but maybe lack a certain amount of sophistication that many look for. While not as prolific as other Spanish speaking filmmakers (Almodovar and del Toro come immediately to mind), Alex de la Iglesia creates original work and will most certainly catch mainstream attention at some point in the near future.