This week is Tim Burton's "classic" The Nightmare Before Christmas. I have yet to see this (before this post) and have always wondered what drew in all of the punk and goth kids to this movie. I remember seeing a making of on HBO before this came out and was really interested in the process of how it was filmed (stop motion) but didn't have a desire to see it. Well before I attempt to delve in to this movie a little bit here is a trailer for your viewing pleasure...
This might come to a shock to some people but after seeing this movie i am rather indifferent towards it. If you didn't know what this movie was about here ya go, Bored and unhappy with the life of being "The Pumpkin King" Jack Skellington of Halloween Town, Jack sets out to find something exciting. Jack discovers "Christmas Town" and takes it upon himself to take over the duties of Santa to deliver toys across the world to children. (credit to IMDb) I was a little bummed out that this movie isn't even feature length with a run time of only 76 minutes. I'm not really sure what all to say without bashing this movie but, I didn't care for it at all. So the only thing that I really liked in this movie would be the soundtrack. The story was really predictable and I could almost tell what the fate of all the characters were (a lot like when I saw Corpse Bride). That's all I really want to say about this mediocre movie, I guess I can still show you some interesting scenes...
I loved the detail in the "art".
The holiday crossroads.
Jack's Christmas experiments.
The black light was interesting effect, it added to the psychedelic feel.
Zero is the new Rudolph.
Christmas turns evil!
Halloween Town gets a little taste of the real Christmas.
This week I am gonna attempt to talk a little about Jonathan Demme's concert movie about the Talking Heads, Stop Making Sense. I'm not really sure what all to say about this movie, I have never really heard much from the Talking Heads. After seeing this movie I have new affection for them. But first lets start out with a trailer...
I had no idea what I was getting into when I first started watching this movie, but immediately started to like it when it opened up with Psycho Killer. It was a pretty enjoyable show for me, having never heard much from the Talking Heads. I could see if their stage show was as good as this movie it would be one hell of a live performance. I have only heard about three of the songs prior to seeing this movie but enjoyed everything I did see. Not really sure what else to say, but here are some interesting scenes.
This week I am gonna talk a little bit about a French movie called Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, or known buy Americans as Amélie. Basically it is about a girl that helps people out while seeking a little revenge and just happens to fall in love. That's basically a brief synopsis, now lets get to some trailers...
I don't really have a whole lot to (or know what to) say about Amélie other that this was only the second time i have seen this and I loved it even more this time around. The first time I had seen this it was about seven years ago and I could only remember that it was really funny and enjoyable. It is definitely better that I remembered, especially watching it with a crowd. This movie (at least to me) was very French, not just because of the language. The music was really good and wasn't the typical kind of score, also there was an interesting use of computer animation. The CG added to the feel of the movie which was shot extremely well. Not really sure what else to say so lets get to some interesting screen shots...
Getting revenge when she is younger.
She is even awkward while having sex.
The start of everything.
It's a gnome-napping.
This is what makes her first interested in Nino. Discovering his photobook.
Zorro strikes, seeking revenge on the people who deserve it.
Sex in the restroom.
Seeing the gnome traveling inspires Amélie's father to do the same.
Plans to meet in person for the first time, but is to afraid to actually say anything to him.
After Nino shows up at her apartment she finally expresses her feelings.
This week I watched Boogie Nights, I have seen it before but this time watching it I have found a new apreciation for it. This is the Paul Thomas Anderson "classic" movie about one persons rise and fall in the porn biz throughout the 70s and 80s. Mark Wahlberg is the new star that rises to the top quick and the falls hard after getting hooked on drugs. Julianne Moore has a downward spiral into drug addiction. Burt Reynolds is the director just trying everything to stay on top. Also there is a bevy of other big name actors that play smaller bit parts in the film, such as Luis Guzmán, John C. Reilly, Don Cheadle, William H. Macy and Thomas Jane to just name a few. Alright i'm gonna kick this off with a handful of trailers first.
I'm not really sure what exactly to say about this film, there is not a lot to it besides a great story. Going along with Dirk Diggler's story are a bunch of side stories and characters that are interesting by themselves. Such as William H. Macy's wife constantly fucking random guys and he keeps finding them until the new years eve of 1980 when he cant take it any more.I thought it was kinda interesting (maybe it was just that time period) when everyone first meets Mark Wahlberg they instantly fall head over heels for him. I wonder how much research (porn watching) Paul Thomas Anderson did to get some of the dialog for when they showed them fliming the porn movies. I wish that the Brock Landers films were actually real, they seem like they would be so hillarious to watch. Also when Dirk is trying to record his album, It is funny to see someone that was once a singer (kinda) do such a bad job when they were recording the music. Basically this movie is about everyones downward spiral and them trying to stay on top of there world. The only thing I didn't really care for was how low everyone fell and then the end of the movie is really happy and almost everyone getting what they want. Here are some worth while sceens...
Everyone does karate in their mirror...right?
One of the gayest conversions between two straight guys.
Let me just check on something. That is a giant cock.
Just a look at one of the artsy shots in the movie.
I wish this was a real movie.
Enter Todd Parker, the best porn star mustache ever!
The start of the downward spiral.
I like simple pleasures, like butter in my ass, lollipops in my mouth. That's just me. That's just something that I enjoy.
The best New Years party.
Lie still, lie still or I'll punch you in the goddamned face!
You got the touch ... you got the power.
Ten is all that I have.
Blood Money
Nothing to sat just a entertaining gunfight.
Still wondering how Dirk's Corvette go so fucked up.
Dirk goes back to Jack and asks for forgiveness.
Happy ending, everyone gets better.
I am a star. I'm a star, I'm a star, I'm a star. I am a big, bright, shining star. That's right.
