Here's a new short called Wisdom Teeth by one of my all-time favorite animators Don Hertzfeldt (of Rejected fame). I won't say too much other than it has very little to do with wisdom teeth and a lot to do with...I don't know, just watch it. I predict while watching the video below you will be like "Why am I watching this?" And then you will laugh hysterically. Or not, I don't really care. At least I had a good time. "This is a pain of unreasonable proportions."
Kill the Irishman is a mobster movie that's based on a true story about an Irishman mobster who blah, blah, blah...Basically it's a movie that, when it comes out March 2011, has the potential to be good but it has two things going against it. Its poster and its trailer.
Here's my reasons why it has the potential to be good:
1) It has a cast of crazy good, and literally crazy, actors including Vincent D'Onofrio, Val Kilmer, Christopher Walken and Vinnie Jones.
2) The title is awesome.
3) It's based on a true story.
4) The opening line of the trailer: "I'm an Irish catholic with the grace of God on my shoulder. If any of these maggots from the so called mafia want to come after me, I'm not a hard man to find." Baaaaaaaad-aaaaaaaaaaaassss.
Reasons why the movie could be bad.
1) The poster looks like someones project from a night class called "Photoshop for beginners and the blind."
2)The trailer features a rap-rock track. Rap-rock. Was it originally made in 1995?
3) How many explosion are there in this trailer? Seriously, because I lose count. They could have dialed that back a bit. Just a bit.
Here is the music video for "We Got More" from Eskmo. Get a good grip on your head because you are about to loose your mind. When you got a rad video like this who cares if it's electronic music? Not me, my friends, not me.
Hollywood is running out of taglines. The creative well seems to be running dry when I noticed that two unreleased movies have very similar taglines. The taglines, as you will see, are simple and slightly different. But for these two soon to be widely distributed films it seem the studios didn't even try at coming up with anything resembling creative or different. Most of the time the tagline of a movie poster is laughable and forgettable but that doesn't mean they have to be.
Here look for yourself:
The tagline for Sanctum is "The only way out is down." and the tagline for Rabbit Hole is "The only way out is through." Seriously.
So, I'm guessing after the team of producers that came up with the respective taglines felt that spending 5 minutes on it was good enough and then they handed their assistants a piece of paper with "The only way through is _____" scribbled on it, then said "Send this to marketing." and took a two hour lunch.
Here are some possible better taglines for these two movies:
The only way out is in. The only way out is pajamas. The only way out is Lou Ferrigno. The only way out is out. The only way out is your mom. The only way out is the exit on the right side of the movie screen. The only way out is a tagline.
A long time ago, in like February, I saw a trailer for I Love You Phillip Morris. I thought to myself, "Self, that could be a funny movie, plus it's based on a true story and you're a sucker for that kind of crap. Ah, self, you are so cool." But then it didn't come out. Eventually after several distribution problems and release delays, the movie finally made it to my small little hamlet of Los Angeles. What in the world could delay a true life con man movie starring Jim Carrey and Ewan Mcgregor? I'll give you a hint: Gay.
Oh yeah. They're gay and this is America so of course it's going to have distribution problems. They even had problems getting the movie made in the first place. Rumor is that possible producers asked for Ewan McGregor's character to be changed from male to female. But that wouldn't work for one teensy reason: It's a true story about 2 gay men you fucking morons! No you can't change the title fucking character, Phillip Morris, into a god damned woman! They meet in prison. How is that going to work if Phillip is a fucking girl? Sheeesh!
Anyway it did eventually get made and then eventually released and here's my review. It's pretty good.
Oh, you want more detail? OK then.
I Love You Phillip Morris is a too-weird-it-has-to-be-true story of a con man Steve, played by Jim Carrey, and his love affair with Phillip Morris, played by Ewan McGregor. I'm not going to go into too much plot description here because the film itself doesn't delve too deep into the details of the story itself. Which I feel is a flaw in a movie that is supposed to have "really happened." The who, what, when, where and whys are secondary to a love story about the extremes a man would go through for the person he loves.
Ultimately it's a bittersweet, gay, screwball romantic comedy. And that's all really. It's not subversive or incendiary. It's not really radical in any way. It's nothing that would warrant the production or distribution problems it supposedly had. The movie isn't Oscar worthy either, except for maybe Jim Carrey's performance. It's just a sweet, quirky, funny movie that just happens to have a lot of blow jobs.
The movie centers on Steve McVicker who is played by Jim Carrey. And by "centered" I mean he is the movie. He carries the movie. Other actors like Ewan McGregor and Leslie Mann are barely in it. This was a wise choice by the filmmakers because Steve is a pretty narcissistic guy and it makes sense that the film should revolve around him. I'm not a Jim Carrey fan but this film gives him space to do his Jim Carrey thing and the result is hilarity. The movie reminds you that he is a funny and talented actor. It could have been easy for me to hate the rather selfish criminal character Steve, but Jim fearlessly portrays him with heart and bravado. Ewan McGregor is pretty good too.
So, I recommend I Love You Phillip Morris to you dear blog readers. If you are looking for a funny film about a con man whose love, and actual person, a prison system couldn't hold then you will not be disappointed. I do not recommend this movie to your grandma or to Texans. It makes fun of Texas pretty bad.
Below is the trailer for the new five part Back to the Future video game, the first chapter will be coming out this month. (Insert your favorite BTTF quote here. )I am going to go with..."Hey, you! Get your damn hands off her! " -George McFly. I picked this quote because I have to wonder if there will be a farcical incest storyline in the game. Also the faux Crispin Glover voice over in the trailer is creeeeeeepy. But mostly I'm excited to play a game with a Huey Lewis heavy soundtrack. I seriously am.
Some mad genius has a tumblr account and is making fake Criterion covers of not so worthy movies. I want this to go on for a long time, considering the endless resources of movies they have at their disposal and how much I am enjoying them. Take a look at the ones I have here, quietly laugh to yourself, and then check out more of them here.
There is a gradual escalation for a movie until it technically becomes "cult." Point markers for a film climbing that ladder to a cult like status include: Frat boys constantly quoting it, t-shirts at Hot Topic and eventually a three day festival in its honor.
A midnight showing of your favorite movie is an experience everyone should partake in. It gives the film an electric excitement that it hasn't had since your very first viewing. Being surrounded by fellow fans who laugh and cheer at the exact right moments and who quote along with the actors gets kinda addicting. These movies, either mainstream or indie, that become the headliners at your favorite cinema dives are usually unpredictable. From Rocky Horror to The Room to Donnie Darko to Office Space the only thing these films have in common is the loyal fan base that love these films to death and that want to share that experience with other people over and over and over again.
So what do you think are going to be the new Midnight Movies? What are going to be the new movies that people will recite lines, bring props and dress up as the characters? Throw away any concrete definition of cult movies you might hold. History shows the diversity of these "cult" films is too far and wide to be too selective. I just want to know what you think will be the next Goonies or Big Lebowski. I have started a short list of films that I think have a good shot of becoming the next Clerks and I would love to hear what you would want to add. Suggestion: Don't name anything that's already on this list.
In no particular order, here are my picks for the new class of midnight movies:
In Bruges (2008) This film is one of the most quotable movies that I have seen in a long time. The more this movie gets seen the more steam it picks up. This clip is all the convincing you will need.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010) Scott Pilgrim was able to combine cinema and video games into one entertaining and visually stunning film. It was pretty funny to boot. Again, it is a very quotable film with a huge cast of characters for people to dress up as. Oh and the music is excellent. People love good music.
Idiocracy (2006) Mike Judge is like a cult leader. The creator of Beavis and Butthead and Office Space seems to have written the book on how to create a cult hit. And he definitely did it again with Idiocracy. A movie that the studio didn't know what to do with and that didn't fall into any known marketable demographic, is a movie perfect for the midnight masses.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) The return of Shane Black did not commence with a big bang. A murder mystery, a strong cast and some great writing didn't get the people in the theaters. But this movie is like wine, or Jon Stewart, it got better with age.
Kick-Ass (2010) Two things automatically make Kick-Ass a cult movie contender. One: Hit Girl. Two: Nick Cage's acting and mustache. It's also ultra violent and isn't afraid of going way over the top. Like, a child ruthlessly killing dozens of people over-the-top.
The Descent (2005) One of the best and underappreciated horror films of the last decade The Decent has a loyal following already. If you haven't seen it yet make sure not to see the "American" version (Read: Happy Ending).
Anchorman (2004) I really shouldn't be telling you how funny this movie is. And I don't know why people aren't dressing up like the Channel 4 news team, roaming the streets of San Diego looking for a fight at this very moment. This movie just needs a little push to reach Lebowski Fest heights, I'm telling you.
The Hangover (2009) Zach Galifianakis. Nuf said
There are a lot more and I need your help. What other films do you see yourself going to see on a Friday night at midnight with your best friends and throwing rubber snakes at the screen?
Today dear readers I bring you "a little of this and a little of that" from around the Internet.
First up is a little of this: Illustrated pop culture Sugar Skulls! My favorite is below but you can see more of them here.
If I had a "dia de los muertos" Lego set as a kid...I would have been too scared to play with it. I would have hid it in the freezer. I would love one now of course, but I'm too old. Damn you cruel life (fist shake to the sky)!
You can't go anywhere in the Internet these days without stepping in a big pile of Cthulhu and this blog ain't any different. Mashing up Tintin and H. P. Lovecraft is a brilliant idea and these expertly rendered faux covers are all kinds of fun. Have I read H. P. Lovecraft? Of course I have! I'm American aren't I? Have I read Tintin? Of course not! I'm American aren't I?
Last but not least, here's Blondie's "Call Me" in Spanish. You know, just 'cause.
I know thatThe Green Lantern trailer was leaked but seriously you guys, Joey's back! And this time the show doesn't look abysmal. Episodes is a new comedy on Showtime about Matt LeBlanc as Matt LeBlanc trying to get his groove back. Yes, it's the same plot as The Comeback. And yes, I also verbally groan whenever Hollywood decides to make a TV show about making a TV show or a movie about making movies. But this looks like it has some comedy potential. So click that little triangle in the embedded YouTube player and remember how good it feels to ask "How you doin'?"
The story of stop motion animation told with stop motion animation. Even if you don't quite get the meaning of the previous sentence you should still watch this video. You will be entertained and learn something at the same time, which is a departure from most videos on the Internet that are usually disgusting and leave you feeling dumber.
I'm going to say this right in the beginning of the post because I want to get it out of the way: The young Jeff Bridges creeps me out. Maybe he's supposed to give you the willies, I don't know. But if Disney wants the digitally reconstructed Jeff to make you uneasy, well Mickey, I got a big "Mission Accomplished" banner for you.
Crazy Heart is in your closet and wants to eat your soul
I got a second nitpick as well. They have been hyping this sequel to Tron for, like, a year now and I keep thinking that the movie has already come out. I keep having a "Tron hasn't come out yet?" moment every time a new trailer or poster is released. Seriously enough already, get this damn movie in the theater.
Anyway, those two minor irritations aside, here's my review for the new Tron: Legacy trailer:
Music videos are surprisingly not dead despite MTV's relentless effort to do so. They seem to be actually flourishing with creativity. I guess we have the Internet to thank for that. So here are two little gems to help start your week off right. One is text base and funky the other is 8-bit and disturbing. Pick your poison.
First up CeeLo Green and his new single "It's Ok"
Next up is some murderous robot mayhem from Flying Lotus. This track is titled "Kill Your Co-Workers." Coincidentally it is also in the top 10 for best song titles ever.
On this holy of holy days I want to remind you all of what it was like as a kid on Halloween. If this doesn't give you a nostalgia headache I don't know what will.
The Walking Dead is premiering this Halloween on AMC (10pm 9 central). The good folks over at AMC have been kind enough to wet our appetites with this 5 minute clip. My review of the clip? I would have to say so far so good, lets hope they can keep this up an entire episode. It seems every time I think I'm through with zombies, they drag me back in. Enjoy.
The Cinefamily at the Silent Movie Theater here in Los Angeles has been showing some great long forgotten horror movies all month. Tonight is no different with a showing of Link (1986), a movie about a killer ape, with an appearance by Elisabeth Shue. It would be all kinds of great if all of you people could attend but it's a little last minute, I know. Watching the trailer for Link hereis not an adequate substitute for watching the movie in the theater with Elisabeth Shue, but it is a gem in the crown of cinematic bat-shit-craziness .
Highlights include:
Orangutan pushing a van off a cliff.
Same orangutan smoking a cigar on top of a burning mansion. I'm going to write this again because it needs to be repeated. An orangutan is smoking a cigar on top of a burning mansion.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Back to the Future. There has been a lot of BTTF goings on lately, cast reunions,Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly and the like, and I am all for it.
But in this hotly contested campaign year it's not politics as usual for the Hill Valley mayoral race. It has gotten downright dirty as you can see in this attack ad against incumbent Goldie Wilson.
I say Re-elect Mayor "Goldie" Wilson: Honesty, Decency, Integrity.
The monologue for you this week is from the late great Chris Farley. Ever since I first saw Tommy Boy this scene has been seared into my brain. It is a classic Farley moment doing what he does best. It's not a bad sales pitch, I would have bought auto parts from him.
then why did you have me go buy more?” asked Toad.
“Nomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnom.” said Frog.
Toad started to worry that Frog had been stuck in the air like that for a while now, but he had also never seen Frog this happy. "I'll get him down in a couple of days." thought Toad.
"And when their backs were turned" Frog giggled "I grabbed the kite and started running."
"Stupid kids." Said Toad.
Frog grumbled "Huh. Well I'll be, he's eating the letter. Guess I owe you $20."
"You will never guess who kills Dumbledore!" said Frog.
Here's a cool new poster design for my favorite childhood nightmare inducing movie, Poltergeist. The poster is done by Ken Taylor and the orange parts glow in the dark!
I will always remember what this movie taught me as a kid:
1) TV sets will kidnap you. 2)Trees will eat you. 3)Clown dolls will strangle you.
Remember these three things and you will live to a ripe old age.
Scream is a classic horror film. It was scary, funny, smart and most of all it was fun. Scream 2 was a sequel, meaning it wasn't as good as the first. Scream 3 was not good, even Parker Posey and Patrick "Puddy" Warburton couldn't help that film. The only good thing about Scream 3 being made is that means there is already a Scream 3 so this upcoming Scream sequel won't be "Scream 3D"! Side note, stop making everything in 3D.
Now here is a trailer for Scream 4, aka Scre4m, and I can't tell if it is any good or not. But am I going to see it? You bet your ass I am. Enjoy!
These new posters for Darren Aronofsky'sBlack Swan are not fooling around. They have just thrown down the gauntlet for all other movie posters. These four "international teasers" have an amazing design that is at the same time beautiful and haunting. You better bring it other movie posters because Black Swan just brought it to yo' face! (source)
Swingers (1996) is a pretty quotable movie and Vince Vaughn being Vince Vaughn delivers most of the memorable one liners. But the often forgotten character Rob, played by Ron Livingston, gives one of my favorite monologues. Ultimately, Ron Livingston's character is pretty much in the movie just to give this speech. He really doesn't do much else in the film. What does this scene teach us? When you are feeling down good friends bring you deli food and give you a much needed pep talk.
The treinta y tres Chilean Miners that were rescued are now international stars. And international stars deserve movie posters damnit! Well at least one person thought so and he did something about it. It turned out better than most "real" movie posters (via)
See? It's exactly what I said in the title of the post. Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly in the famous photograph from Back To The Future. Great Scott! How weiiiird is this photo? How cool is that Micky Mouse shirt? The fading photograph with Marty McFly's disappearing siblings scared the shit out of me as a kid. (Videogum)
I think my Grandpa told me about the child-eating polar bears that were around during the depression. Thanks to global warming they are mounting a huge comeback. (via)
If I had a "dia de los muertos" Lego set as a kid...I would have been too scared to play with it. I would have hid it in the freezer. I would love one now of course, but I'm too old. Damn you cruel life (fist shake to the sky)!
Crazy Heart is in your closet and wants to eat your soul
Sad Favreau
"Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown" Photo Source
Phfff, "real" movies, Whatever... 
