Origins: A Life in Equinox

5 07 2010

“The Origins Project” continues today with Ryan, also known as Univarn, from “A Life in Equinox.” We only recently discovered each other, but as some little-known movie called “Casablanca” says, “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

I’ve always been in love with movies, but the one film that really solidified it for me was Edward Zwick’s 1989 film GLORY. The real, honest, connection to fictitious (on some level of portrayal given artistic freedom with historical events) characters, wrapped in a meaning. In many respects it became the template by which I judge most movies.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging way back in 2003 over at Rotten Tomatoes. I did that, off and on, for a handful of years, but A) The community had way too much turn-over and B) They removed all the personal aspects of it. It became a feeding ground for such anger. So, in 2009 I started up A Life in Equinox, and have been rolling along nicely every since.

Why did you start blogging?

For the ladies, obviously! Oh, ok, fine, not for the ladies (*wink*). I started it when I was 16, and very much in that “ugh, nobody’s listening to me phase” and felt like I needed a medium. Movies were a growing passion, and so I felt film blogging would be a perfect fit for me.

What has kept you going?

Comments. I know it sounds weird, but every time I get back from going some place and see a comment from one of my fellow bloggers, or someone whose never commented before, it just gears me up. It’s the equivalent of getting an energy drink. Just the knowledge that someone’s taken the time to read what I wrote, and respond, makes me feel great. No comments always leaves me a bit *sad face*

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

Well, despite how silly blogging can sound to others, my family’s always been very supportive of my blogging over the years, and have grown to appreciate, and cheer me on. In the blogging world TheAnswerMVP2001, Hollywood Spy Dezmond, and every one’s favorite Mad Hatter have been especially supportive in their own way (helping to keep me in check at times). But it’s great to get such support.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

Best: Discussion. I love a good discussion. And here, with the LAMB, and everyone, so open to sharing opinion, discussing film, and arguing over whatever… ah, it’s just great. Makes me perk up with anticipation for each reply to my comment. Worth it every time for that freedom.

Worst: Running into the occasional film absolutist. Film scoring is opinion, you’re not the supreme judge of all that qualifies as cinema, bugger off!

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

My passion for movies as a whole, most definitely not. If nothing it’s strengthened my love for the history, and influence cinema has had onto itself throughout the last century! I would say over time it has greatly influenced my taste in movies, but I’m thinking that’s probably for the best.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Well that would be very recently when I got 5 nominations for the LAMMY! Still not sure how that happened, but it did, and I’m eternally grateful for it. The fact that with 500+ bloggers, even a select handful thought of me when listing 5 of their favorites in any category, made it just incredibly special.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

It’s always hard starting a new blog, but you’ve got to understand the crucial factor: You. You have to be willing to put yourself out there, allow your opinions to be open for attack, respected, and always be looking for new ways to grow, both as a person, and as a blogger. Comment, allow for people to comment. Agree, disagree. If you do it enough, and put real, valuable, points into every post and comment, people will find their way to you.

Tomorrow, “The Origins Project” continues with a look at what got Kai of “The List” started and what keeps him going.


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Origins: Foolish Blatherings

4 07 2010

Today, “The Origins Project” focuses on Branden of “Foolish Blatherings.”  He has been a great commenter since November when he discovered this blog through my review of “Precious.”  He stepped away from the blogosphere for a few months in the spring for training camp in the military, but now he is back in full force.  Needless to say, we are all glad to have him back.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

It would have to be “Brokeback Mountain.” I wished I had my blog back then to tell about the visceral expierence I had when I saw that film at the local indie theater in town. The line going around the building, the theater being packed, completely sold out, everybody going on a journey with the characters.

When did you starting blogging?

I started writing for “Foolish Blatherings” in September 2008.

Why did you start blogging?

A couple of my friends had their own movie blogs and I loved reading their words about the movies they have seen. I wanted to get my opinion of movies myself. I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did.

What has kept you going?

I think what kept me going in the dialogue that I have with fellow movie bloggers. The comments kept me motivated to continue to evolve and make my writing better.

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

I think being a part of LAMB has opened my eyes to different people and different styles of writing. We support each other even if we disagree on certain things.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

The best part of being a blogger is having my work out there for tens of people to read and enjoy. The worst thing is the stigmata that bloggers have. People think that the word “blogger” is bad word. Grouping everyone into the Perez Hiltons of the world. I don’t think it’s fair.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

I believe that blogging has increased my passion for movies, because it pulls me to movies that I might not get the chance to see if I wasn’t blogging. I’m very grateful for that.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

My proudest moment is when a friend of mine, Tassoula — who writes her own movie blog — recommended me to write an article about Kathryn Bigelow and her success with “The Hurt Locker.” I was honored.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

My advice would be to make absolutely sure that you are ready. Do you have a thick skin? When you put my opinions out there, people will give you nasty comments. You have to take it with a grain of salt. If you could set aside that, then you could be a movie blogger. You never know what opportunities could be around the corner if you do take that step.


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Origins: The Dark of the Matinee

3 07 2010

“The Origins Project” continues today with some insights from the Mad Hatter, the author of the award-winning “The Dark of the Matinee.” He finished second for Best Blog at the LAMMYs and won for Best Podcast, Best Awards Coverage, and Best something else. He’s one of the smartest writers out there, something that shows in his answers below.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

THE TERMINATOR was the first movie I can remember watching over and over. It scared me and thrilled me all at the same time. Of course, our copy was taped off TV so I didn’t know just HOW violent it was until way later…ditto the sex scene.

When did you start blogging?

August 2007.

Why did you start blogging?

I’d already been writing a personal blog for three years by that point, but wanted to see if I could reach a bigger audience. My passion for film seemed like a natural platform. Plus when it came to talking about the movies I saw, I got tired of repeating my opinions over and over.

What has kept you going?

In short, stubbornness. Seeing the site grow into something I’m very proud of, meeting so many great people through it, and getting the opportunity this year to cover a pair of festivals as actual media.

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

Three above all others. Shannon the Movie Moxie who introduced me to a lot of other movie bloggers locally. Fletch who has been very encouraging where all things LAMB are concerned. And of course, my wife, for supporting this crazy project.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

The two best things are being able to meet other great people, and to spread the word of great lesser-known film. The worst is the delicate balancing act of deciding whether you’re watching to blog, or blogging because you watch.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Increased it immensely. My tastes have broadened and now there are always dozens of titles on the must-list at any given moment.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Talking to directors at Hot Docs and having them be so encouraging of what I am doing.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

Following your passion can define you. You can be working the most mundane desk job in the world, but that will never define who you are if you focus your energies on your passions. Your job will always be what you *do* – your passion is who you *are*.

To start a blog of your own, make sure you write about something you’re passionate about. For starters, you’re more likely to talk about it anyway, and further, it will give you the opportunity to meet other like-passion’d people.

The hitch is not getting discouraged when you spend days, weeks, or months getting four readers a day. Building an audience takes time – stick with it, join communities, and be pro-active.

Join “The Origins Project” tomorrow when Branden of “Foolish Blatherings” talks about his humble beginnings in blogging.


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Origins: M. Carter at the Movies

2 07 2010

“The Origins Project” continues with M. Carter of “M. Carter at the Movies,” another very early discoverer of this blog. She has consistently been a great commenter and supportive blogger. Recently, she won the Best Blog Award from the Large Association of Movie Blogs’ (LAMB) awards program, the LAMMYs.

Why did you start blogging?

For a few years I worked at a small newspaper in South Carolina, and while there I started writing reviews for the Friday issue of the paper. The reviews proved to be way more popular than I anticipated; because my mugshot ran with each column, I got stopped many times and called “That Movie Girl.” When I took a new job and moved, I couldn’t give up reviewing cold turkey, so my dentist (the South – everyone’s a character) and a friend suggested I start a movie blog.

What has kept you going?

Without the encouragement of fellow bloggers, I’d likely still be blogging just once a week, never watching films outside my comfort genres. They hold me accountable; they push me to watch new things; and they challenge me to explain WHY I love or hate certain films.

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

Without the encouragement of fellow bloggers, I’d likely still be blogging just once a week, never watching films outside my comfort genres. They hold me accountable; they push me to watch new things; and they challenge me to explain WHY I love or hate certain films.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

Some people watch movies and go on living their lives. Movies ARE my life; I live as much inside that screen as I do in the real world. And the thing I truly love about blogging is it connects me to movie nerds the world over, people who can argue violently about whether Darth Vader is technically a villain or an antihero. The worst thing? It pays peanuts.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Blogging has added another dimension to my movie love because now, love a movie or hate it, I get to talk about it with people just as nerdy as I am. People in the real world, for example, will give you funny looks if you regularly work “Let’s work up a No. 6 on ’em.”

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Probably I should say “Winning the LAMMY for Best Blog was the highlight of my blogging career.” It certainly was; there’s no mistaking that. But really every time I find someone who loved “Sideways” because of Paul Giamatti’s long look at Virginia Madsen, or can sing “The Ballad of Brave Sir Robin”? That day’s a good day too.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

Dear Future Blogger: Network like a maniac, but don’t burn yourself out – remember that you’re doing this because you love films. If you write from the heart, people will know and respect that.

Also, don’t ever say you don’t like Stephen Spielberg. People in America get killed for that.

Check out “The Origins Project” when the Mad Hatter talks about his motives for being in the blogosphere.


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Origins: Central Florida Film Critic

1 07 2010

“The Origins Project” begins with James DeAmara, the Central Florida Film Critic. James was the first blogger to comment on “Marshall and the Movies.”

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

That is tough to say. The Disney classics had a profound effect on me as a child, as we all did, and the original “Toy Story” made me re-think what was possible. I happened upon “The Royal Tenenbaums” when I was only 13, and even though I did not understand it, I fell in love and became known as the kid who likes “weird movies”. It was “No Country for Old Men”, though, that completely blew the mind and led to the obsessive type of film-watching that I do today.

When did you start blogging?

I had begun writing reviews on a football forum in November of 2008, but I officially started “Central Florida Film Critic” on January 14th of 2009.

Why did you start blogging?

Christopher McCandless, immortalized in the splendid “Into the Wild”, famously wrote “Happiness only real when shared”, and that explains it. Film needs to be discussed in order to refine our appreciation of its positives and negatives, and to challenge our opinions on the quality of the product. While I adore my real-life circle of friends, they are not cinephiles, and as a result I have no one to discuss these things with. A blog allows me to rant about how great or bad a film is and allow the commenters, often very smart and astute bloggers themselves, to tell me I am crazy or right on target.

What has kept you going?

A few times I have thought of giving it up for more real pursuits, but there is nothing like getting positive feedback on a lengthy criticism or a defense of a film I dismissed that makes me re-think its strengths. I do not think I could function without the type of immediate impact I can get from blogging. I can write a rant, post it, go to sleep or to class, and come back and have someone who has read my entire post and given me feedback. It is great stuff.

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?

I have been inspired by many different people, and I fear I may leave them off the list. Emily of Cinebrooding.com showed me that a blog is more interesting when the author is open and loud about their favorites, rather than trying to play it like some sort of objective approach. In that same vein, M. Carter of mcarteratthemovies.wordpress.com showed me a type of more personal reviewing style, rather than approaching it like a research paper, as I often had and still do sometimes. Your [Marshall’s] random factoid segments inspired me to structure the whole thing less formally, and to just go with whatever is on my mind, which is what blogs should do.

What’s the best part of being a blogger? The worst?

The best part is getting acclaim for a point made or generally liking the correct movies. That always feels nice. The worst part is feeling a certain obligation to watch things I would rather not. Anyone who reads my blog knows I am more passionate about arthouse and foreign film than most mainstream fare, but when everyone is talking about a certain film, I sort of need to see it to stay relevant. It is what led me to break my theater ban and go see “Toy Story 3”, which while I certainly did not regret, upsets the natural order of things.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

It is hard to say, but I think I look at films more structurally knowing I will eventually write about them. Being a blogger has increased my film snob elitism, which makes it harder to relate to my friends who were wowed by something like “Jonah Hex” or are excited for the newest installment in the albino vampire movie series.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Easily, when Chad Hartigan became a regular commenter. He is probably best known as the box office analyst for the Oscar site InContention.com, but he is also a director of some promise and skill. Also, he has fantastic taste.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion? To someone starting a blog of their own?

Firstly, never trust a policeman in a raincoat, and secondly, just be yourself. If you are trying to do things the way you think they ought to be done, you will be miserable and people will be uninterested. Passion shows, so go for that.

Check out “The Origins Project” when M. Carter talks about why she blogs.


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LAMB Alert: “My Best Friend’s Wedding” Casting

29 06 2010

As you may recall in my post announcing my victory in the “LAMB Casting” contest for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” I had the option of choosing the next movie to be recast.  I have chosen. I decided to take “LAMB Casting” in an entirely different direction that I hope will be fun and enjoyable for all.  The movies that have been recast in the past have been very serious, Oscar-type movies like “Doubt” and “The Color Purple.”  My choice is in an entirely different genre: romantic comedy. “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” released in 1997, remains one of my favorite romantic comedies because it is charming, funny, and does not adhere to the formula.  It features Julia Roberts, who was achieving superstardom at the time, and Cameron Diaz, just beginning her own rise.  Dermot Mulroney, the romantic interest, used the movie as a catapault out of indies and into mainstream.  And then there’s Rupert Everett who is just an absolute laugh riot. I want to encourage every LAMB to participate in the event because it’s just too much fun to miss out on.  So as a kick-off of sorts to the challenge, Andrew from “Encore Entertainment,” did a little write-up of each of the roles to be recast.  Read it and submit your cast.

Julianne Potter, our heroine originally played by Roberts: assertive and outspoken, but still insecure it shall be tough to one up Julia
Michael O’Neal, our leading male but not the hero originally played by Dermot Mulroney: good looking and bland (as far as I could tell) really Mulroney was a bit of a bore, let’s see what you can do to improve
Kimberly Wallace, the ingenue originally played by Cameron Diaz: ostensibly naive but not an idiot, personable but just  a little annoying Diaz was golden here, but there are some good options out there
George Downes, the best friend originally played by Rupert Everett: smart, suave and a lot of fun this will be the tough one I think…

Let the games BEGIN!  I’ll say a little prayer for you.


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LAMB Alert: Tom Cruise “Acting School”

27 06 2010

There’s another exciting event going on over at the Large Association of Movie Blogs (LAMB).  About this time last month, I alerted you to a series called the “Acting School” to celebrate the career of Robert Downey, Jr.  This month, it focuses on Tom Cruise.

It’s a great event and there are most assuredly going to be many amazing posts, so I implore you to check it out.  I myself have two pieces in the event written especially for it – mainly because I had no reviews on my site of any of his movies.

The entire series of posts is called “Cruise Control” (because I love wordplay), and I decided to split it into two parts to provide two unique glimpses at the actor.  The first post focused on the Cruise that could have been, highlighting roles the actor almost took.  The second post, on the other hand, focused on the Cruise that I know based on his movies that I have seen.

So go over and celebrate the career of Tom Cruise by celebrating all the fantastic bloggers that submitted their own pieces.  Click on the picture below to be taken to the event.

Large Association of Movie Blogs


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Into the Wild

26 06 2010

Don’t worry, I’m not shunning materialism and moving to Alaska like Christopher McCandless (for those if you all who have read the book or seen the movie). I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be on a hiking trip in Colorado with my Young Life group for a week starting today. That means I’ll be away from my phone and thus away from my blog.

Fear not, the blog is not dying. I have a post and a factoid scheduled for every day I’m gone. I just won’t be able to respond to and/or moderate comments. So don’t panic if I don’t approve your comment or you are desperately awaiting my reply. It’s not that I don’t care. I’m just away.

I’ll be back again in a week – remember that the commenting contest starts on Thursday, July 1st!


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ANNOUNCEMENT: Anniversary Month Festivities

23 06 2010

I can hardly believe I’m saying this, but around this time next month, I will be celebrating my first anniversary as a member of the blogosphere.  That’s right, about 11 months ago, “Marshall and the Movies” breathed its first.

So in honor of the big day, I want to throw a LAVISH, OVER-THE-TOP, BLOGGING EXTRAVAGANZA OF AN ANNIVERSARY MONTH PARTY. Yes, bold was completely necessary.

Here’s what you can look forward to in July, which will hereby be known as “Anniversary Month” on “Marshall and the Movies.”

  • A new monthly series called “The Classics Corner,” where I will discuss a movie considered a classic, share my thoughts, and postulate what has made it such an endearing movie.
  • A giant week of posts to celebrate Christopher Nolan in honor of the release of “Inception,” beginning July 9.
  • Another commenting contest, although this time it will not be random.  The person who comments the most will get their choice of a poster of a movie directed by Christopher Nolan.  The second highest commenter will receive a $10 Amazon.com gift card.  I’m working on getting something to keep tally in the sidebar, but in the meantime, just comment often!
  • An ambitious series I’m calling “The Origins Project.”  I will need the help of other bloggers to get this series off the ground, but I think it will be a rewarding endeavor for all who choose to participate.  We spend most of our time celebrating what we blog and occasionally celebrate the fact that we blog.  What I want to do is celebrate why we blog.  “The Origins Project” will be a small questionnaire sent to some of my consistent companions in the blogosphere.  The questions will try to get at what got these bloggers started and why they have chosen to keep going.
  • On the big day, July 28, I will be launching a series that is, in a sense, an in-depth look at my own origins.  As you may or may not know, I started blogging after I saw the movie “Julie & Julia” and was inspired by Julie Powell’s quest to find a more purposeful life by writing a blog.  The project consist of my journey through the book “Julie & Julia,” the Bible of blogging, and my responses to the reading.  I hope it provides entertainment and insight into myself because it has certainly proved very worthwhile for me.

And all of these festivities are just the gravy on top of the normal reviews, factoids, Oscar Moments, and other posts.

So who’s ready for an awesome month?!  (And fellow bloggers, I’m going to need at least two sites that can quickly turn around the questionnaire – sorry for the ultra-late notice!)


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“Shutter Island” Poll Results

23 06 2010

Guess you all didn’t buy it.

In my Oscar Moment about “Shutter Island,” I suggested that Martin Scorsese’s latest might have an outside shot at a Best Picture nomination.

Some people saw it as a possibility, like Dan the Man, who said, “I can see this, but yet, it was released early on in the year, and Oscars tend to look past that, but you may have something going here.”  Dreher Bear added, “It’s the Oscars, anything is possible.”

Others, ultimately the majority, disagreed.  Dave Diggler took the strongest pose against it, saying, “Shutter Island has no chance either at the Oscars or the BAFTAS.”  The Pompous Film Snob, Frank Mengarelli, added, “…no way near best picture, director, or actor – and to be honest, I don’t think it deserves it.”

But apparently, I wasn’t too crazy.  Five people thought it had no chance, and four people didn’t discount it as a possibility.  So you never know.  Just saying.


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I’m on the LAMBcast!

20 06 2010

For those of you that have ever wondered what I sound like, wonder no more. I have ventured into the world of podcasting on the Large Association of Movie Blogs’ “LAMBcast.” Three short weeks ago, I was a neophyte who had no idea how the LAMBcast worked. Now, I have gone from a participant to a discussion leader.

On LAMBcast #24, the topic on hand was film adaptations of video games in the wake of the release of “Prince of Persia.” The conversation was lively with plenty of poking fun at Hollywood’s less than stellar output in the genre. I thought I had little to contribute because I have (wisely) steered clear of video game movies, but I was surprised at how much I had to say.

On LAMBcast #25, I had a great time talking about the movies I’d seen on DVD in recent weeks. Unfortunately, technology backfired and the discussion didn’t record in a way that would be pleasant to listen to. So if you want to hear me play “Last LAMB Standing,” feel free to spend your 12 minutes doing so.

On LAMBcast #26, I led a discussion on comedies tying into the release of “Get Him to the Greek,” a movie which I gave a solid A.  First, we talked about the movie and then went into discussion about what makes a successful comedy, both at the box office and with audiences.

I would strongly recommend listening to them, not only because I am on them but also because they are fun and informative to listen to.

There are four ways to listen to the LAMBcast; unfortunately, none of them are on “Marshall and the Movies.”

1. Listen on Podomatic, the site where the podcast is hosted
2. Find the LAMBcast on iTunes
3. Listen on the embedded player on the LAMB
4. Listen on the embedded player on Blog Cabins

I’m sorry I can’t figure out a way to get WordPress to embed that darned thing, but I’ll work on it for future podcasts.  Click on any of the links above for some good listening!


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My “Virginia Woolf” Cast WON!

16 06 2010

Back in May, I alerted you to a contest I was participating in, “LAMB Casting,” over at the Large Association of Movie Blogs (LAMB).  The premise was to recast a classic movie with modern actors.  The last contest asked bloggers to take their best crack at creating a new cast for Mike Nichols’ censorship-defying “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

Andrew from “Encore Entertainment” was in charge of the event, and he created some great graphics as well as great write-ups on each of the casts submitted.  Go over to the LAMB and check out his hard work, or better yet, go look at his site itself.

Andrew’s comments on my cast were as follows:

Marshall’s cast is the most Hollywood, and that is a compliment. I can see this one being made and the casting of Ms. Bening is largely responsible for that. From Carolyn Burnham to Julia Lambert to Deidre Burroughs how could I not think she can handle this? I’ll admit George Clooney does nothing for me, and though I’m somewhat sceptic of his ability to succeed Richard Burton he would probably surpise me. It would be interesting see good-boy Jake playing Nick, but it is the sort of role he could make work and his pairing would Amy Adams would be believable (who gets chosen once again).

My Favourite: Annette Bening

Sure enough, in a close race, I (or really, my Hollywood cast) won by two votes.  So, for my victory lap, I’ll explain my casting choices.

As soon as I heard that “LAMB Casting” was covering “Woolf,” I knew two things.  The first was that the cast needed to be all highly respected and established actors, preferably Oscar nominees since the entire cast received nominations back in 1966.  The second, and probably most key to my victory, was that Annette Bening had to be Martha.  She’s the best actress at suppressing rage underneath a fairly calm exterior and still making it terrifying when it inevitably explodes out of her.  Carolyn Burnham, her character from “American Beauty,” was incredibly influential in my decision.  Her constant frustration with her husband and the mediocre life they live clearly takes its toll on her to the point that she completely alters her lifestyle to keep from boiling over.

The other quick decision was casting Amy Adams, an Oscar nominee for “Junebug” in 2005, as the more innocent yet feisty Honey.  Few others can play that level slightly above ditzy, and none to more acclaim than Adams.  As for being sweet and lovable, look no further than “Enchanted.”  She hasn’t really taken on a role that shows us her wild side (the closest she got would probably be “Talladega Nights”), but the movie would definitely prove a chance for her to wow us with something new.

As for her husband, Nick, I was looking for someone with a good amount of charm and someone fairly “good looking” by Hollywood standards.  Thinking of Oscar nominees, Jake Gyllenhaal kept coming to mind.  His first big role was the modest and humble Homer Hickam in “October Sky,” which is enough to convince me that he can handle the at first polite Nick.  But as the movie progresses, he’ll have to become more serious and stand head-to-head with Bening.  He could clearly match her in intensity, as roles in movies like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Brothers” have shown.

My last role to cast, George, was kind of a toss-up.  I couldn’t really think of anyone with the same qualities as Richard Burton, who was very grave and serious basically throughout – a counterpoint to his wife who’s drowning in alcohol.  Ultimately, it came down to finding someone who could have some compelling arguments with Bening and wouldn’t be totally overshadowed by her either.  I settled on Clooney because “Up in the Air” showed us that he can share the spotlight with women, and I think his generally friendly personality might lend a little bit of lightness to George that wasn’t there with Burton.  And after that final scene in “Michael Clayton,” I know he can make one heck of a great argument (start the “Michael Clayton” video at 3:30 to see Clooney in action).

CAUTION: SPOILERS IN VIDEO BELOW

So, in closing, let me give a big “Marshall and the Movies” THANK YOU to everyone who voted for my cast.  As a result, I now get to pick the next “LAMB Casting.”  Any suggestions?  My initial thought was to keep the Mike Nichols theme going and recast “The Graduate,” but that has such a small cast.  I’ll field any ideas, no matter how crazy, in the comments below.


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Review Me on ANOMALOUS MATERIAL!

16 06 2010

The perks of a commitment to constant commenting (alliteration fully intended) are manifold, and this is my hard work manifested.

After placing second in Anomalous Material’s May commenting contests (to none other than the winner of my own commenting contest in April, Ripley from “Four of Them”), I was given a choice of many prizes.  I chose a blog review on the site, similar to the LAMB’s Brutally Blunt Blog Blustering.

I really want your honest opinion on how to change it – from bloggers and normal moviegoers.  CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW to be taken to Anomalous Material where the blog review is taking place.  Leave your honest thoughts, no matter how cruel they may be.  If you absolutely hate my blog and want me to stop immediately, phrase it nicely and leave it as a comment.  I asked for this, so I’m prepared to hear whatever you think.

Head on over to Anomalous Material and review me!

And while you are at it, check out the “Greatest Comedy of All-Time Tournament.”  It’s a massive, 128-movie bracket to ultimately determine what blog readers think is the funniest movie ever.  Basically, it’s like March Madness for moviegoers on steroids.  It’s a pretty massive undertaking, so go give Red and Castor your votes and time.

What an ambitious project. Do yourself a favor and participate.


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Categories : Blogosphere, Marshall and the Movies

“Get Low” Poll Results

11 06 2010

Back in May, I wrote about the Oscar chances of “Get Low,” which premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival and opens on July 30.  Particularly, I speculated about Robert Duvall and his status as an acting legend.  Would that be enough to catapault him into the race?  I said:

Here’s my question: does [Duvall] need Oscar bait?  He’s already won Best Actor!  Sure, it was over 25 years ago (1983 for “Tender Mercies” to be exact), but that’s still a trophy on the mantle at Duvall Manor.

People make this argument for Meryl Streep year after year.  ”She won so long ago,” they say.  ”They don’t need to hide their affection; just give her another Oscar!”

The difference between the two is as follows.  Since Robert Duvall won the Oscar, he has received two other nominations (in consecutive years, as a matter of fact).  Since Meryl Streep won her last Oscar, she has been nominated eleven times!  Eleven!

I think he will get nominated for an Oscar.  I polled to see what you all thought, and the results seemed to confirm what I thought.

Be sure to take the poll on the Oscar Moment for “Shutter Island!” I’m not sure how long I should keep a poll running; this one ran for over a month and that’s definitely too long.  I’ll happily field your suggestions in the comments below!


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Categories : Marshall and the Movies, Polls

LAMB Alert: Robert Downey Jr. “Acting School”

31 05 2010

On the first morning of summer, I got up and watched “Sherlock Holmes” just because I could.

Speaking of “Sherlock Holmes,” there’s going to be another cool event going on at the LAMB involving the movie’s star, Robert Downey, Jr.  He’s the reason I decided to give it a second view after my less than glowing first opinion.  The movie works largely because of him, and it was commercially viable also because of him.  He has perfected the smug and slightly standoffish character, and Americans can’t seem to get enough of it.  $275 million and counting for “Iron Man 2” speaks as a testament to it.

But Robert Downey, Jr. has made plenty of other contributions to acting other than this character, and his two Oscar nominations have come from playing something entirely different.  In 1993, he received his first nomination for “Chaplin,” a biopic where RDJ played the famed silent movie star.  Just two years ago, he received his second nomination for a very risky comedic role in “Tropic Thunder,” playing (as the movie puts it) “a dude playing the dude disguised as another dude.”  It’s risks like these that have made Robert Downey, Jr. a unique and lauded actor.

The LAMB is celebrating the man, the actor, and the roles.  It’s really worth checking out because there are reviews of all of his movies as well as spotlight pieces on Robert Downey, Jr. and his work.  I contributed the two reviews I have written of RDJ’s latest movies, “Sherlock Holmes” and “Iron Man 2.”  I wasn’t particularly complimentary of the actor in those two movies, but I really do admire him.  In “Iron Man,” he had a dry wit and strange charm while constantly projecting an image of authority.  He showed a very tender side in “The Soloist,” a very good movie that few people saw.  And while I loathed “Tropic Thunder,” I found his turn to be strangely satisfying.

So come join in the celebration; click the image below and you’ll be directed to the event.


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Categories : Blogosphere, Marshall and the Movies

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