2008-Jan-10 - There Will Be Oscars
Posted by KYJoe
Although by now many of you cinephiles have had the opportunity to catch what possibly may be the Best Picture and quite easily the Best Actor performance of '07, we at HIT (that being LC & me) were privy to an advance screening last year (OK so it was New Year's Eve and it was only "advance" insofar as it was the one theatre in L.A. showing it last week). We made the hike to the Mecca of multiplexes, the Arclight in Hollywood, and shelled out 14 clams a piece for a matinee screening of Paul Thomas Anderson's latest and greatest work.
A picture of hell? Or just West Texas?
There Will Be Blood is a churning, screeching locomotive trek of a film, which is fueled of course by yet another Daniel Day-Lewis tour de force. Do you think DDL ever sits around and thinks to himself: "I've been kickin ass for a while now so maybe I'll just go ahead and mail the next one in"? The man is the Tom Brady of acting- he makes flawless decisions and scores every time.
One of Daniel Day-Lewis' greatest skills has got to be his ability to brood. In fact he's on my all-time list of brooders alongside the likes of Bogart and Dean. One wonders what lies beneath the surface of a man who seems to have so much bubblin up. What's amazing, though, is that while he's a big-time star, unlike the Clooneys, Pitts, and DiCaprios of the world, you never feel like you're watching Daniel Day-Lewis, but Christy Brown, Gerry Conlan, Bill the Butcher, or the indomitable oilman Daniel Plainview instead.
In the case of Plainview, in particular, I was swallowed up in his world, a world engendered painstakingly by Paul Thomas Anderson and most notable Production Designer Jack Fisk, Art Director David Crank, Set Decorator Jim Erickson, and Costume Designer Mark Bridges Yeah, There Will Be Blood is ostensibly a "period piece" set in turn of the century Texas and California, but unlike many a stuffy "piece", this one is alive, teeming with desire.
There is a looming ominousness that pervades in the film. Though somewhat derivative of The Shining score, Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead guitarist by day) infuses a visceral, heart-accelerating collection of music that only adds to the mood. To some it may seem a little forced, but I see it as an attempt to convey that roiling emotion of not only Plainview, but his son and Paul Dano's Eli Sunday as well.
The relationship between Plainview and Sunday who spar and compromise and antagonize each other is screen magic. They turn on a dime, keeping the viewer guessing throughout the film. Dano is one of the most capable actors of his generation (I guess that would Y) and he more than holds his own with one of the greats. Their characters' clash of capitalism vs. religion is one for the ages.
I don't want to get into too many particulars with There Will Be Blood. You can go to a myriad of other sites for that. Is it my favorite film of the year? If it isn't it's in the top 3 (I have to admit I'm partial to Into the Wild- brilliant work in my mind). But There Will Be Blood affects you in a way that few films do. It breathes you in, immerses you in its foul belly, and spits you out in pool of saliva and blood (I had to) in the end.
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2007-Oct-15 - The Coens' Latest
Posted by KYJoe
Any Coen fans out there might be interested to know that the next installment from the bros. will be opening in about a month.
No Country for Old Men is based on the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name and stars Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin.
The synopsis: 1980, Texas. A young Vietnam vet, Llewelyn Moss (Brolin), discovers a pickup truck with 2 million in cash, a stash of heroin, and a bunch of corpses. He takes the dough, thus setting off a chain of catastrophic events. Jones is the sheriff and Bardem the druglord in search of his money.
Hey, don't talk about my step-mom that way or else I'll make you watch Hollow Man
over and over again.
Let's hope the Coens have brought their A game to the table for this one. The last success they had in my mind is The Man Who Wasn't There back in '01.
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2007-Oct-12 - New Review!
Posted by KYJoe
Hey there y'all. Tis the season for scary movies.
I've posted a review on our Indieflics page for a film titled Harvest Moon. It comes to us from Cedar Street Productions and Brent Nowak who produces, directs, edits, and stars in the movie.
Check it the review now.
Their DVD is available for sale. Go to www.harvestmoonmovie.com.
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2007-Oct-9 - Climb Aboard the Wes Express
Posted by KYJoe
Do you enjoy exotic locales? Lush scenery? Seductive stewardesses? Spiritual questing? Snakes on a train? Then look no further- The Darjeeling Limited is the film for you!
Wes Anderson’s latest is a mystical trek through the countryside of India depicting a reunion of the brothers Whitman played by Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman. As the brothers embark for points unknown the eldest Wilson requests that they agree on several things: two of which are “to become brothers again like they used to be” as well as (I’m paraphrasing) “to be open to new experiences no matter how strange they may seem.” The latter seems to be the message inherent to all Anderson’s films- Hey, this isn’t your usual garden variety cinema which may make some of you queasy, but jump in- the water’s fine.
Anderson receives a lot ‘o flak for doing what some like to call something to the effect of focusing on his own navel. How many times do we hear about a particular artist being so completely oblivious of his audience that he retreats into the recesses of his umbilical scar? Think of something new to describe this, people! I don’t deny that it goes on. Of course there are many artists so obsessed with their own creative processes that they lose sight of those for which they are creating. But does Wes Anderson fall into this category? I think not. He invites you the viewer into his stories. You need only decide whether you’ll be whisked away.
But hey, I digress. I should be reviewing The Darjeeling Limited. Then again in reviewing a piece of work one has to take into account its creator and the prevailing attitudes about said creator I suppose. OK, so I’ll take those attitudes into account and then I’ll get back to the movie.
When it comes to Anderson there are ostensibly two schools: those that get his work and those that don’t. There are not many figures in the Biz who are divisive as he. Why, on our little site here we have representatives of both sides. (Now, just so you know, by “get” I’m not saying that those who don’t care for Anderson’s films are lacking intellectually or in hipsterishness, which is why they don’t understand his stuff and subsequently dismiss it.)
It really seems to be a matter of taste. And speaking of taste, to me his films are sumptuous little morsels. Not too rich or filling, but just enough to satisfy. From the eccentric characters, to the bold hues, to the honest familial relationships, to the meandering storylines, to the whimsical tones, to the must-have soundtracks- I’m sold.
As for The Darjeeling Limited, Anderson incorporates those common components evident in his prior films and builds upon them. He forges into new territory (I won’t tell you what exactly, just that it’s a bit more serious than usual). What follows this particular episode are some of the sweetest moments of the film. Made that much more so by the performance of Adrien Brody.
As in Anderson’s other films, the major themes of reconciliation and discovery are present. Cruising through India aboard the Darjeeling in fact allows for discovery after discovery for the average Western movie goer- a visual treat.
While it may not be as acerbically amusing as Rushmore nor utilize an ensemble quite as inimitable as does The Royal Tennenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited has an allure all its own. I recommend you take it in.
BEER RATING: Yeti Special Export Lager (8.5 out of 10)
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2007-Aug-15 - Feeding the Football Fantatic's Frenzy Fix
Posted by KYJoe
Hey y'all. Man I gotta tell ya- I am addicted to the NFL. I mean I love movies- don't get me wrong- but the NFL?- well that's a whole nother monster.
Really- the NFL is the ultimate theatre. It has the ultimate players- they are seen by more people and compensated for more dollars per actual hour worked than just about anything this side of the Hiltons. But I digress... It's Hard Knocks- featuring the Kansas City Chiefs in training camp!
I don't know why I picked this pic especially- for me it exemplifies
those fine Sunday zealots we like to call: football fans.
There's the drama of the guys who could be cut and thus are giving it their all, and the comedy of Herm Edwards, and the hubris of Larry Johnson. Well, if yer not a footballphile those names probably don't mean jack treehorn to you. And that's OK. My point was that I can't wait for the season to start.
Who Dey!
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2007-Aug-3 - Rant 'o the Week
Posted by KYJoe
Hey everybody- I'm KYJoe!
Those of you Simpsonatics will have caught the reference right away eh.
So I realize I can't really call this column "Rant of the Week" if I only do them every month-and-a-half or so... But 1 per week is my own personal paragon I hope to attain.
Anyway, what am I ticked off about this month-and-a-half you wonder? The tacitly condoned practice of leaving all/most/any of one's refuse on the movie theatre floor, I answer. Why is this OK? I mean, throwing the used condoms and roaches on the floor make them soggy and sticky, resulting in no possiblity of re-use.
I don't like lighting up a trashed roach with a dirty Chuck Taylor All Star sole imprint on it. Kindly sit them on the seat or arm rest, OK?!?
Un-effin-acceptable!!!!
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2007-Jul-5 - There's More Than Just Porn in the Valley
Posted by KYJoe
There are also films about the classics being shot (pun intended) there as well, as evidenced by Gold Cap Films' feature Never Say MacBeth.
"Is that a hand I see before me? Palm toward my mouth?
Come, let me spe---"
We'd like to thank Tammy Kaplan, producer of Never Say MacBeth, for sending it along to us and implore you in the L.A. region to go support it at the Dances With Films festival. Never Say MacBeth screens at 7:15 P.M. on Tuesday, July 10 at the Sunset 5 in WeHo. Check it out.
For our review of the film click on over to our indieflics page.
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2007-Jul-4 - Just Wanted to Say: HAPPY 4TH!!!
Posted by KYJoe
I don't know what Grucci is but this is a nice picture eh?
What did you do on the 4th? We went to my buddy's house in East L.A. and watched the Dodgers fireworks on one side, the Rose Bowl fireworks on the other, and a bunch of illegal ones in between. Nothin like a good display of contraband to exert one's independence.
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2007-Jul-4 - The Best Fifteen Bucks I Spend a Month
Posted by KYJoe
Hello y'all. I've been away for a while (got hitched, travelled overseas, was steamed at LC because of a little misunderstanding stemming from my bachelor party...), but now I'm back and ready to report on all things (OK some things) H'wood.
One thing that's been on my mind lately is the quality of programming being churned out by our friends at HBO. If not for The Office and an occasional 30 Rock, I'd have no need for anything but as far as serial TV is concerned.
It used to be that doing any kind of TV was a step back for a "film actor". That doesn't seem to be the case these days, just as long as said actor is a member of the HBO family (although one could argue that the likes of Kiefer Sutherland has raised his biz status by doing a well-regarded personal showcase on broadcast TV).
Sure I may be blinded slightly by trendinessand the knowledge that the nation at large is not plugged in like I am, but HBO is heads and shoulders above everybody else. Even with the Sopranos having sailed off into the sunset (or did they?) a treasure trove of TV remains. From comedy stalwarts Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage to the wonderfully gritty depiction of urban life The Wire to an honest representation of an average polygamist family Big Love to newcomers John From Cincinnati and Flight of the Conchords, you cannot go wrong.
If you enjoy laughter, check out Flight of the Conchords.
So I urge you- I implore you- instead of spending 15 bucks on a case of Bud or a big dinner at KFC, subscribe to HBO now. You will not be sorry. Unless of course you don't like watching TV. And then why would you be on this site anyway?
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2007-Mar-7 - Frank Miller Fans Are Foaming At The Mouth
Posted by KYJoe
The Spartans and Flying Persians in a Battle Royale!!!
2 days out from 300. 2 days out from what looks to be one of the greatest visual spectacles ever to emblazon the silver screen.
Although Sin City had its drawbacks (detached storyline, excessive gore, etc.) it was stunning to see. The eyes kind of gets lost in the marvel of it all. I can only imagine what 300 will be like. This is one of those times when CGI is entirely forgivable. The super-stylized quality of the film requires it. I can't wait to see it myself.
Although, the movie does have its playa-haters- only receiving a 60% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Oh well- guess you'll have to see for yourself...
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2007-Mar-5 - Kubrick By the Numbers
Posted by KYJoe
Last night, in a surprise, a decent film was being aired on one of my umpteen HBO channels: Full Metal Jacket.
Notice the fear & hate in the sniper's eyes. I still get chills when I watch this scene.
Now I don't know about you, but Full Metal Jacket had a resonating effect on me when I first saw it in my late teens. The camera work, the setting, the score all meld to establish the most unsettling of moods. Upon seeing it again many years later it hasn't changed much for me. I still see it as the second best Vietnam War film ever made (next to Apocalypse Now of course).
All this got me thinking: Where does FMJ rank on the list of Kubrick's works? Well, at films101 it's 9th! 9th?!?! How could it be that far down the list? Personally, I'd put it at #3 behind The Shining and 2001. But that's just me.
Any thoughts? This is a difficult list to construct. And I must plead ignorance on Paths of Glory. (I'll add that to my queue).
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2007-Mar-5 - Sienna Miller Likes to Party
Posted by KYJoe
Jude Law must have something seriously wrong with him. And we thought Hugh Grant was stupid...
From imdb:
Actress Sienna Miller has sparked controversy yet again by revealing she takes drugs because "they're fun". Last year the outspoken 25-year-old upset Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania residents after drunkenly calling their city "S**tsburgh" during an interview - but her candid drugs comments look likely to cause an even bigger furore around the globe. Miller, who plays Edie Sedgwick in her latest movie Factory Girl, confessed she took morphine to research the role of the New York socialite who died of an overdose, and understands why Andy Warhol's muse was drawn to illegal substances. She says, "They're f**k loads of fun. If I had a drug of choice it would be magic mushrooms."
A little commentary:
Drugs are fun un-kay. Everyone knows it. Why would you be upset with a person for pointing it out? Now- I'm not condoning the usage thereof by children or the weak-willed. But for the rest of us, what's wrong with a little moderate recreation every now and again?
On a side note, Sienna, if you are interested, H.I.T. would be happy to do some drugs with you (as long as it's OK with our wives). We suspect doing drugs with you would be very fun.
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2007-Mar-4 - Hear This
Posted by KYJoe
We at H.I.T. don't normally report much on music, but I've come across an artist that I have to fill you in on: k-os (pronounced "chaos" & an acronym for "knowledge of self").
Much in the vein of Gnarls Barkley, k-os melds soul, hip hop, rock, and electronica (but with a bit more reggae as well ). His album, Atlantis, runs the musical gamut with infectious results. Bob Marley, Matisyahu, J5, Roots fans et al. would be advised to check this Trinidadian out.
I Implore you to go to Itunes and sample it. My favorite tracks are "The Rain", "Fly Paper" and "Valhalla".
As usual, Wikipedia has extensive info if you'd like a more in depth report.
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2007-Mar-2 - One Movie I Won't Be Seeing This Weekend...
Posted by KYJoe
Wild Hogs.
Why?
Travolta= 1) A Scientologist 2)A philanderer who cheats on his wife with other men (hey, don't get me wrong- I don't have a problem with our brothers who like each others- It's just that I hate to see people living behind a lie to keep up appearances).
Allen= An over-rated, over-plastic-surgeried TV actor who's making a departure from his usual shitty kiddie fare- ie. The Shaggy Dog (what? Fred MacMurray wasn't bad enough?).
Lawrence= Yet another fat suit wearing black comedian who's movies always seem to make a lot more dough than they should (yes, I'm a little bit jealous).
Macy- What the hell is he doing? This is like when Buscemi decided to do Armageddon. OK- maybe I'm a little off- he's also been in Sahara and Jurassic Park III. It's not like this is his first departure from the indie circuit. Perhaps he feels the need to make a paycheck commensurate with his wife- who knows.
-Hey- I don't mean to be one of those holier than thou indie fans who sticks his nose up in the sky at most studio fare. But, I am compelled in this case. There is just so much about this movie that makes me ill. If it doesn't do that to you- speak up.
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2007-Feb-28 - Anybody Interested In An Oscar Winning Script?
Posted by KYJoe
Infernal Affairs- er, I mean The Departed has been made available for download by Warner Brothers.
Go here to grab it.
Scorsese seemed pretty humbled. No- "Thanks but it shoulda been my 4th."
Check out the script for scenes for your acting class or, if you're a writer, to emulate. Of course don't emulate it too much (unless you decide to change the language and title).
Hey- I'm kidding- although The Departed borrowed its story, it's still an enthralling film.
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2007-Feb-28 - Hollywood History VII: The Hays Codes
Posted by KYJoe
The Hays Codes allowed Marilyn Monroe in all her wonderful voluptuousness
on the silver screen? How'd that happen?
So I’m talking to Mom last night and she tells me that the Cincinnati Enquirer gave Little Miss Sunshine a bad review. And I tell her that it’s probably because of the Enquirer’s conservative Midwest sensibilities in considering the range of semi-taboo topics covered in the film: from suicide to pro-promiscuity discussions to a tween girl shaking her Djabouti to “Superfreak.”
Anyway, in the course of the conversation, we get into the Hays Codes. Apparently, as Mom pointed out, the last year the Hays Codes were in effect A Man For All Seasons (The story of Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII when the King rejected the Roman Catholic Church) won Best Picture. But a year later, when in lieu of the Codes the MPAA ratings system was begun, The Graduate (and we all know what that’s about) won. I never knew any such Codes existed. So I decided to do some research... (thanks, Wikipedia)
So who was this Hays guy and what gave him the moral authority to wield his axe of... moral authority all around MovieLand? Actually, he was a former Postmaster General:
Public outcry over perceived immorality, both in Hollywood and in the movies, led to the creation in 1922Motion Picture Association of America in 1945). Intended to project a positive image of the movie industry, the association was headed by Will H. Hays, who had previously been United States Postmaster General and the 1920 campaign manager for President Warren G. Harding. Hays pledged to establish a set of moral standards for the movies.
The Hays Codes were enacted in 1930 (just after the Roaring 20s- curious) by the Motion Picture Association of America. Here are some of the Codes:
- Nudity and suggestive dances were prohibited.
- The ridicule of religion was forbidden, and ministers of religion were not to be represented as comic characters or villains.
- The depiction of illegal drug use was forbidden, as well as the use of liquor, "when not required by the plot or for proper characterization".
- Methods of crime (e.g. safe-cracking, arson, smuggling) were not to be explicitly presented.
- References to "sex perversion" (such as homosexuality) and venereal disease were forbidden, as were depictions of childbirth.
- "Vulgarity," defined as "low, disgusting, unpleasant, though not necessarily evil, subjects" must be treated within the "subject to the dictates of good taste". Capital punishment, "third-degree methods", cruelty to children and animals, prostitution and surgical operations were to be handled with similar sensitivity.
Wow- talk about American Puritanism. Lucky for us, the Hays Codes came to an end in 1967 and were replaced by the MPAA ratings system. Hey, a lot of us may have beefs with the MPAA, but before it came into effect there were ostensibly no "R" movies made. Interesting that what is commonly regarded as the height of moviemaking, the 70s, immediately followed the ending of the Hays Codes.
Go to Wikipedia to find out more.
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2007-Feb-25 - Another Oscar Night Has Come and- and- and- Gone
Posted by KYJoe
The Super Bowl of moviedom just kicked off about 30 minutes ago placing it just a few whiskers shy of four hours. Four Hours!!! -As in "You been here four hour!" (super-obese comedian John Pinette anybody?).
Awww yeah I love movies and I realize there are so many people that contribute to a film's production: from the seed in some writer's cranium to the guy who picks up your uneaten popcorn and cans of Pabst on the theater floor. But do we have to take so G-danged long! Keeping a nation- heck the world (or at least the American and British Empires (man those limies were prevalent tonight weren't they)- captive for four hours is just... what's the word?... fatuous. (I don't know- does that work here? Oh well I wrote and I'm keepin it).
That's right fatuous- sure we were entertained for a good 45% of the show and yes certain people need to be acknowledged and then in turn need to acknowledge scores of others at the moment of their own acknowledgements, but I've got things to do, man.
The length of the Oscars is like the price of gas: they keep growing every year but we all kind of basically accept it.
C'mon, everybody! Enough is enough. Let's put our collective foot down. We're mad as Hades and we are not going to tolerate it anymore!
Oh- who am I kidding? If I really cared that much about the time I could've TiVoed I could've had someone else could TiVo it and watch Office re-runs instead. But my curiosity about how bad I did on my Picks impelled me to keep my butt in the seat. I'm not proud to say I picked 14 of the winners. I operate a website called Hollywoodistalking and the best I can do is muster a lousy 58% score. That's sad. And I guess I really should apologize. Of course I didn't offer y'all any predictions myself so what do you care anyway?
But I digress... Hey how bout that Marty though! It's about time you 'ol son-of-a-gun. I need to watch Taxi Driver -that Travis Bickle is one funny guy...
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2007-Feb-23 - Redcarpet At It Again!
Posted by KYJoe
Our resident but elusive friend, Mr. Redcarpet, is jumping out of his skin right about now. It's 2 days before the Oscars and he will again be strategically occupying the various seats of celebs off to take a leak, a dump, or lines off of Hollywood Blvd. hookers' bellies in the Kodak Theatre stalls (Charlie and Kiefer).
Speaking of Kiefer, Red snapped some choice pics of the star of the most over-rated show on TV (sorry 24-philes) out on the town. I tell you what, I'd rather hang with Kiefer than Jack Bauer. Gettin hammered and tussling with Xmas trees sounds a lot less stressful than saving the world from sabotage every second of the day- but I digress.
Go to Redcarpet's page to see Kiefer and all the actual red carpet prep.
Follow the red carpet road. Follow the red carpet road.
Follow, follow, follow, follow, follow the red carpet road.
We're off to see the Oscar- the wonderful Oscar of... Kodak?
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2007-Feb-22 - Visit Khan's Page
Posted by KYJoe
Our new friend Khan is detailing the virtues of DIY shorts. He's really quite inspirational. Just click on "Short Filmmaking" at the top of our links section to read about his plan for breaking in the Biz.
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About Me
How awesome is it to be an actor? Well,when you aren't being hounded by papparazi, being caught with a hooker, being caught with drugs, going through a very public divorce, going through a very public custody battle or mounting a "comeback" on a reality show, it's really fucking hard! To reach a status where your private life can be bought and sold, or even make acting your bread and butter, is a long hard road travelled by many. I am one of those many.
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