Origins: Let’s Go to the Movies

26 07 2010

As “The Origins Project” chugs towards its end, I figured it was time to revisit an old friend, Caz of “Let’s Go to the Movies,” one of my first readers/commenters.  She runs an eclectic site, drawing from all sorts of sources to create posts that are always fun.  I always love visiting the site and being surprised as to what the most recent posts will look like.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?
While I have always watched films, “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” has to take credit for really getting me into cinema and beginning the love affair.

When did you start blogging?
February 2009.

Why did you start blogging?
I was going to the cinema a few times a week and have hundreds of DVDs, so thought blogging my opinions on all of those films would be a good idea.

What has kept you going?
Getting feedback from people and the great group of other movie bloggers I have met over the last year and a half.

Has there been a particular person (or people) that has helped you along the way?
Again this has to be the fellow film bloggers who’s blogs were started around the same time as mine and we helped each other along the way.

What’s the best part of being a blogger?
When you get invited to previews of films a few weeks or month or so before the actual release. Even if I haven’t been able to go to any yet!

The worst?
When you totally lose being able to come up interesting blog posts, and stop posting for a while – writers block!

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?
I seem to go through phases depending on what movies are due for release and what projects my favorite actors are in. But overall it has to have increased my passion.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?
This is a tough one, I think it has to be when someone says they like my blog as that means the hard work I put in it hasn’t gone un-noticed.

What advice would you give to someone looking to follow their passion?
If its your passion you have to keep it your passion so that means go for it, don’t let anything or anyone stop you.

To someone starting a blog of their own?

Don’t give up! As starting off your blog has to be the most difficult time. Just keep working at it, and read other peoples blogs. Don’t be afraid to ask fellow bloggers for advice.


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Random Factoid #363

26 07 2010

Just like a convict or Lindsay Lohan, the pre-show entertainment before your movies is doing some reform.  According to an article in The New York Times, Screenvision is trying to take “advertainment” to a whole new level.  They say:

“Instead of the usual assortment of trivia, banner ads and snack-bar enticements, the new advertising preshow will rely more on celebrity and sponsored entertainment.”

We will get to see exclusive content from NASCAR (because nothing says “sophisticated” quite like it, I can’t wait to get to the theater before a Best Picture nominee and watch their stuff), Timbaland, and Paula Abdul.  And rather than have us pretend like our cell phones don’t exist, they plan to incorporate the smartphone into the experience by providing exclusive mobile-only content, which could include coupons you can only download in the theater.

The real question is, will moviegoers care?  I won’t.  According to their research, about 23 percent of moviegoers are in their seats 16 minutes before the trailers start; about 50 percent of the audience is seated 10 minutes before showtime.  I have no set routine, I like to slip in just as the pre-show entertainment ends and the trailers begin.  I’m only there before if it’s going to be a crowded show, and I’m only intentionally there later if I know the movie will be pretty empty.  This isn’t likely to change my moviegoing behaviors unless the coupons are very substantial.

Will you change?  Do you care now and would you care if they changed?


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REVIEW: The Messenger

26 07 2010

“The Messenger” – it’s just like “Up in the Air,” only with graver situations and implications. And that’s a very good thing!

The movie captures with a haunting realism the journeys of two enlisted men (Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson) assigned to notify the families of killed soldiers.  It’s a tough job, and they deal with some furious people (the most memorable of which is a livid father played by Steve Buscemi).  They eventually grow used to the reactions and train themselves to be callous to the anguish of the families, largely by sticking to a set script.  Yet they never allow themselves to be a broken record, always performing their duties with the intent of honoring the fallen soldier.

It gives them quite a shock whenever one wife, Olivia (Samantha Morton), anticipates their bad tidings and shows little emotion at receiving the news.  Her unusual calmness rattles them both, particularly Foster’s Ben Montgomery, who winds up forging a deep connection with her.  But when his job entails conveying only the emotion of deep respect, it causes some friction between the two soldiers.

While the movie did receive an Oscar nomination for its screenplay, this is definitely a movie to see for the actors.  It’s not exactly a breakout role for Foster, but the up-and-comer sure shows promise of great things to come.  He’s great on the road, but the mushier scenes with Olivia.  Previous Oscar nominee Morton is powerful as ever as she keeps her grief repressed inside.  At the heart and soul of the movie is Harrelson, who delivers a truly compelling performance truly worthy of the Academy Award nomination it received.

As great as everything is, I left the movie not knowing how the filmmakers wanted me to feel. The movie begins to drag as it comes to a close, mainly because of the muddled emotions.  “The Messenger” loses a lot of its ability to rivet us in the last thirty minutes, but there’s plenty of powerful scenes and moments beforehand to still leave us very satisfied.  B+ /


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Origins: The Soap Box Office

25 07 2010

Today, “The Origins Project” takes a look at a new movie blogger, Brian of “The Soap Box Office.” I found his site after he found mine, and I’m certainly glad he did.  After taking a look at his site, I can tell you that it’s very professional, and I look forward to seeing what’s coming in the future.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

The original “Star Wars” saga. Isn’t that the answer for pretty much every nerd? When I was a kid that’s all I even thought about. But I guess “Shawshank Redemption” changed the way I thought about movies. Before that all movies were just entertainment, “Shawshank” made 12 year-old me understand how significant movies could be.

When did you start blogging?

I started back in 2006. I slowly transitioned to writing solely about movies and that spawned The Soap Box Office, which has been working itself into game-shape for a couple of months now.

Why did you start blogging?

As a movie freak, I got sick of hearing my friends say they didn’t want to see this movie or that because some published critic said it wasn’t good. So many of the “real” critics, it seems, are out to impress only themselves and their colleagues. I, on the other hand, am just a dude who happens to watch a lot of movies. If I can give friends, coworkers, and seventh cousins a reason to go see a movie that they might have skipped because Armond White or someone like him said it sucks, then I’m happy.

What has kept you going?

I always get a little rush from an acquaintance or friend of a friend stopping me to say they liked what I had to say about “Movie X.” It’s a small ego boost for any of us I would imagine. Plus, at the end of the day, I just like to write. It’s my release from job stress and a better hobby than puppy kicking, which I gave up years ago.

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

Life in Equinox was the first blog I stumbled onto within the LAMBs. I’m not really one for asking for help and advice, but the opportunity to study some of the high quality blogs the group has to offer has been a great help.

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

I just like having the platform, even if no one is reading. For a guy like me who has always been better at writing than talking, blogs are an outstanding thing. The worst I would say is the intimidation factor – there are so many wonderful writers out there pouring their hearts into movie blogs and at times it’s tough not to wonder if anyone is paying attention to mine.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Definitely increased. I’m an all-in kind of guy. If I’m going to rank all the movies I saw at the end of the year, I want to have a well balanced list to present to my mythical readers.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

I honestly get a kick out of every comment, whether on the site or in person. When someone says my review made them want to see a movie or, even better, that my review made them appreciate the movie more than when they originally saw it, I consider it an accomplishment.

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

Find something that differentiates you a little. I try to find a personal connection or anecdote to tie into every review I write. Some people like that, some people don’t, but it (at least hypothetically) stands out a bit from the standard review. And try to find a decent format for your site. I can’t tell you how many times I click on a site and the color scheme and format are so painful that I bail out immediately. They could be great writers but I’ll never know because the site makes my eyes bleed.


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Random Factoid #362

25 07 2010

Is a one-word title a tragedy?  That is exactly what the Chicago Tribune‘s cultural critic, Julia Keller, dares to suggest in the wake of the release of “Inception” and “Salt.”

Here’s her argument:

There’s a word for titles like these: Ugh.

The hot new summer films “Inception” and “Salt” may be entertaining and popular, but when it comes to the snipped-off monikers by which they’re known — the one-word title — they’re as disappointing as stale Milk Duds.

Trying to come up with an evocative one-word title is a challenge, a dare, a high-wire act without a net. It’s an all-or-nothing adventure without a Plan B. There’s no backup adjective, no cushioning adverb, no peppy little verb to take the pressure off. Neither a politely introductory “The” nor the helpful threshold of an “A” or an “An” is present to lend aid and comfort. No prepositions are in sight. No ampersand stands by.

Going with a solo word as a title is like risking everything on a single throw of the dice or spin of the wheel. It’s like betting the house on red 7 or black 17. It’s one-and-done. title is a challenge, a dare, a high-wire act without a net. It’s an all-or-nothing adventure without a Plan B. There’s no backup adjective, no cushioning adverb, no peppy little verb to take the pressure off. Neither a politely introductory “The” nor the helpful threshold of an “A” or an “An” is present to lend aid and comfort. No prepositions are in sight. No ampersand stands by.

But whether it soars or it sinks, the one-word title is a constant reminder of the marvelous, astonishing, complex and unfathomable power of words. Words are a matter of nuance and texture, of memory and association, of linguistics, of history, of that ineffable magic attending any creative enterprise. With just a single word, an entire world may leap to life. A one-word title can imbue a work with the primitive, epic, thunderous power of eternity; indeed, some one-word titles — think of the film “Gladiator” (2000) — march forth and demand to be chiseled in granite. Other titles — think of the film “Sideways” (2004) — seem achingly fragile, ephemeral, as if they might blow away at the merest hint of wind and be lost forever, like first love.

She lists “Inception” as one of the worst one-word titles ever.  But I say, what’s wrong with the title “Inception?”  It perfectly communicates the mystery and power of the movie, and what more can you ask for?

Let’s brainstorm some other titles – “Subconscious Security?”  It sounds like a bad Martin Lawrence comedy.  “Dream Within a Dream?”  That wouldn’t sell because it sounds way too complicated.  “Limbo?”  Sounds like a raunchy beach movie.  “Inception” perfectly teases us, sounding sophisticated without giving too much away.

Is a one-word title really THAT bad?  Sound off below!


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REVIEW: The Boys Are Back

25 07 2010

I saw “The Boys Are Back” a few months ago, and I remember as much about it now as I did the day after I saw it.  If that doesn’t speak volumes about this ultimately forgettable movie, I don’t know what does.

The plot revolves around a widower played by Clive Owen who takes on an interesting parenting philosophy: no rules.  As a sports journalist, he traveled quite a bit and never really had much practical parenting experience.  So his strategy gets a serious test, particularly when he invites his son from a prior marriage to come live with him in Australia.  This proves to be just enough to keep us from counting down the minutes until the movie is over but not enough to fully engage.

Really, the movie’s only talking point is Clive Owen.  He’s a fantastic actor who has given some riveting performances, particularly in “Children of Men” and “Closer.”  Owen won a Golden Globe and received an Oscar nomination for the latter, and I think it’s just a matter of time before he nets the industry’s most coveted prize.  He gives a respectable performance here, showing a tender side he usually hides.  The previously mentioned roles were both hardened, gruff characters that Owen nailed with a stone-faced tenacity.

He’s not bad at the lighter fluff, but he needs to get back to his comfort zone to further elevate his status.  It’s pretty obvious that “The Boys Are Back” is a half-hearted attempt at awards bait.   You would think it’s the kind of role that might garner some serious attention and then laurels.  But the movie isn’t flashy in the slightest, and Owen has practically no opportunities to show what a talented actor he is.  So for now, we can dream about the day that Owen sinks his teeth into the career-defining role.  Until then, we’re stuck with this.  B- /


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Reviewing My Review

24 07 2010

Back in June, I was treated to a blog review over at Anomalous Material, the spoils of placing in their commenting contest.  I’ve allowed comments to flow without too much intervention, planning on addressing them all here in one post.  This is that post.

Design – Divisive

… [I like the site because of] its simplicity. Not weighed down with a lot of gadgets, and such. You got what you need, and nothing more. But I also think that’s most effective because your site is set perfectly for that. Any more and it would just look cluttered.
… nice clean site that’s easy to navigate.
It’s clean and crisp.
I don’t think Marshall’s site design boring, though – clean and simple, as others have stated.

  • Well, that’s definitely the point.  I haven’t messed around too much with design, largely because I’ve decided to focus more on content.  I’ve definitely been more committed to providing writing because I assume most people come to read instead of look.

Clean albeit generic looking blog. Loads quickly.
The only problem with your site is the aesthetic but that is solely the fault of wordpress’s boring templates.

  • Again, I’ve been looking for ways to add some flair, and I might invest more heavily in researching that coming soon.  It’s just that giant pile of reviews that I can’t ever seem to finish…

… Reorganize your side bar a bit. Categories down, latest posts/comments up.

  • I’ve always been kind of clueless as to how to organize it.  I’ve taken my best stab at it, so maybe it’s time to experiment a little bit.

I kind of love … the header …

  • I try to do the best I can with what I’ve got.  I wonder if it isn’t stubborn refusal to change my design/theme that’s keeping me grounded.  I try to change it out thematically now, and it’s due for a change in the coming weeks.

Your site is a lot better since you removed The Blind Side from your banner.

  • Couldn’t agree more!

Your blog has a banner which is good. I do think however that so many bloggers use the “collection of movie posters” banner that you might consider brainstorming and making a new one that is more original.

  • I have been thinking about it, and I think I’m going to see about designing a logo of some sort with a friend of mine who dabbles in graphic design.  Win-win for all, right?

I wouldn’t mind it nearly as much were the images at least high res enough to be able to see them clearly. The double whammy of the “collection of posters” and out-of-focus pics (even weirder given their size) is probably my least favorite thing about your site.

  • I have a very strange way of making the banner and resolution was never really a priority for me.  But clearly I can see that it is for many people, so it will definitely be a consideration from now on.

I see you use pages and categories, have a review index, a search box etc…

  • I try to make the site user-friendly and am hoping to soon figure out a better way to catalogue all my reviews and such.  It may constitute a massive reworking and redesign of my system, but whatever is best must be done.

… not a fan of the justified text.

  • Justified frustrates me at times, but I’ve looked at posts with other alignment options, and nothing else looks any better.  So the text stays as it is for now.

Content – Good

I also love the content. Great writing, to the point, but amusing all the same.

  • I definitely don’t want to waste your time by bogging you down with verbose wordiness, so I’m glad that’s working.  And I always aim to amuse, and it makes me especially glad to hear that!

Excellent reviews, polls…

  • Glad to hear from someone who votes in the polls!  I’ve been trying to incorporate them more, although I can’t seem to get them into the sidebar where they belong.  Sigh.

… sharp, concise content, with a nice combination of honest reviews and random comment on obscure facts which always seems to work on nearly any medium.

  • I love to dabble in the obscure on occasion, and I’m glad you all are willing to go there with me.  Also like to hear people think I’m honest – because I’m definitely not in the blogging world to conform.

… you don’t f**k around or make posts for posting sake.

  • I try not to make the so-called “filler” posts, but some have accused the factoids of being just that.  Glad to know I have a fan there.

There is some good content to read as of late. In the past, one of the main complaint I had was the large amount of “filler” content such as “Random Factoids”, trailers and other short posts that most people don’t really actively seek.

  • I’ve definitely tried to step up my effort to provide substantive content every day, particularly recently.  Sometimes in the school year, though, it would be so much easier to post a trailer or a quickie factoid and be done.  I’ll try to keep that up this year, but there will be significantly less time available to work on the blog.

Great content too, I absolutely love … the reviews, movie previews, etc.

  • Hooray!  Happy to hear someone likes the previews.

Random Factoids – Divisive

Though at times I am left scratching my head after a few Random Factoids.

  • If only I knew which kinds you were referring to.  The factoid has definitely undergone a metamorphosis over the past year, going from me spewing details of my movie obsession to me postulating about all things cinematical.  They have definitely become more about moviegoing in general, and I often leave them very open to discussion.  I’ve tried to cut down on the obsession factoids, and I might understand if you scratch your head after a few of those.

Excellent … factoids.
I absolutely love the Random Factoids … always interesting to read.
I too love the way that they are offered as “Random Factoids”. There’s something wonderfully personal to that sort of style and structure.

  • I try to make them fun to read!  I’ve really started using them more as an open forum, and I think it makes it more fun for everyone.  Plus, I feel like everyone deep down inside has to love something random.

Personality – Good

You have a nice distinct voice and sense of humor.

  • I try to be witty, so glad that’s working!  Also happy to hear that I’m “distinct,” not just one in the crowd.

I’m liking it more the more I read and get to know you, so that’s a good thing.

  • I like to hear that there’s more to me than meets the eye!

Watch for excessive amount of the first person “I”, “my” etc… What can you do for me? Most visitors (who don’t know you) are not interested in personal diaries and accounts unless it can be immediately helpful in their own lives.

  • I do get conscious about first person (in fact, I almost considered using third person in the sentence), and it’s something I’m trying to work on.  But I do call the site “Marshall AND the Movies,” so readers should expect a great deal of me along with the movies.  I separate myself from the equation when it’s necessary, but since movies are such a very personal thing for me, it’s impossible to take myself out entirely.

Community – Room for Improvement

I haven’t seen you being very active in terms of commenting in the movie blog community as a whole so I guess you could do a better job at that (we all could) as it drives good traffic to your own site.

  • For a long time, I foolishly assumed that good writing would bring visitors.  But it doesn’t – you have to sell yourself.  Your writing, your design, your personality, everything.  You have to put yourself out there.  And I hope I have improved.  To everyone out there who comments on my blog and I don’t do my part to reciprocate, know that I am sorry and intend to go crazy commenting on your site.  I’m trying to widen my scope, but that’s taken longer than I expected.

I know you have been working hard to get a little community started with mixed success. Keep plugging at it and try different things: Discussion worthy content, less emphasis on personal accounts, engaging the reader. Contests are good ideas but they only have a temporary effect especially if the community and reader-base is small to begin with.

  • I think it’s the double-whammy of “Inception” and my series “The Origins Project” that has made July such a viewing and commenting bonanza.  But before that, things were often very slow.  I’ve been trying to build a community because it’s no fun for me just sitting here and writing to my computer.  I get so much pleasure out of knowing someone reads or knowing that someone sees a movie because of my review, and when I don’t hear that, I begin to feel that blogging is a very self-serving thing.  So thanks to everyone who has participated in July, and I sure hope I have earned your readership in the months (and years, I guess) that follow!

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Origins: Pompous Film Snob

24 07 2010

We’re getting close to the finish of “The Origins Project,” but there are still plenty of interesting entries, such as that of Frank Mengarelli of “Pompous Film Snob.” I’m pretty sure we discovered each other at “Anomalous Material,” bonding over our dislike over “The Blind Side.”  Then he came and backed up my hatred of “Punch-Drunk Love” on my site, and he’s been someone I’ll always listen to ever since.  He’s got a thing for Jeff Bridges (which doesn’t really show up here), too.  And don’t let the name fool you – it’s a great tease because he’s neither pompous nor a snob.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

I would say that seeing “Batman” in theaters when I was 4 really, really got me into film and as I got older, I watched a lot of films with my Dad. Mainly Scorsese and John Ford films and once I got to middle school, that’s when I really began to branch off into the world of independent film and saw “Reservoir Dogs” for the first time.

When did you start blogging?

I started blogging days before Christmas 2009.

Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging because I have a much deeper take on films than most people I know. I could talk about the decade of the 1970’s films forever. I can also talk in depth about the film “Cop Land”.

What has kept you going?

Lately it’s been other bloggers. Whether I agree or disagree with them, that’s what keeps me trucking.

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

Not really, I tend to go my own way.

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

The best part are comments from other bloggers/readers who make insightful comments on my posts, maybe it’s a post on a film they’ve never seen before, or something in a film they never noticed. The worst when people comment just to comment.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Not one or the other, I have a very high level passion for film, and if I’m really passionate about a particular aspect of film, I scuddle off to my blog and write.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

When my blog gets linked on other film websites (IMDb).

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

Be kinder than necessary because everyone is fighting some sort of battle.


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Random Factoid #361

24 07 2010

I’m good at catching errors.  I used to help my mom proof-read order forms, and I’ve helped many a friend edit for grammatical mistakes and what not.  And I love catching errors in professional work – although it also makes me cringe.  I’m not very good about catching errors in movies (as I said in Random Factoid #345), though.

So as a moviegoer, imagine how appalled I was at seeing this stand at Best Buy.  See if you can catch their mistake.  I feel like only someone like me would take offense to this.


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REVIEW: Chloe

24 07 2010

Atom Egoyan’s “Chloe” is no fantasy, but it does ask us to suspend reality a little bit.  The movie forces us to believe that normally sweet, innocent Amanda Seyfried can be an obsessive nymphomaniac and normally steadfast, noble Liam Neeson can be a philandering husband.

Take a deep breath.  It’s hard to imagine these actors playing so against type, isn’t it?  The shock value from seeing them be so bad adds to the overall shock value of the movie, which is one of the few things it has going in its favor.  Overall, it’s a fairly predictable movie that still manages to unsettle you thanks to its graphic descriptions of sexual behavior and the psychotic Benjamin Braddock character that is Amanda Seyfried’s Chloe.

Chloe is a master of seduction, using the persuasive power of her good looks to take full control of everyone she comes into contact with.  This includes gynecologist Catherine Stewart (Julianne Moore), who has become convinced that her husband (Neeson) is cheating on her.  She hires Chloe to test his waters and see how far he will go, but she soon finds out that she is in for way more than she asked.  The assignment only proves to feed Chloe’s purely carnal desires, and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

The movie is most notable for Seyfried’s turn, which is such a departure from her lighter roles that it will leave you completely awe-struck.  She proves that she can do more than just fluff like Nicholas Sparks adaptations and campy ABBA musicals, and I’m sure excited to welcome her into the realm of real acting.  Julianne Moore goes through the movie in cruise control, but that’s still enough for one of the finest actresses of our time to be compelling.  And then there’s Liam Neeson, who’s hardly in the movie long enough to sully our views of him as such an honorable man.

Really, the movie’s biggest flaw is it’s obsession with shocking us.  There comes a certain point when it becomes overkill, and then the audience learns to anticipate it, rendering any power it might have completely useless.  So by the end of “Chloe,” when the final twists come into place and Chloe commits her most shocking deeds yet, it really doesn’t mean anything to us.  B /


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Origins: Journalistic Skepticism

23 07 2010

“The Origins Project” today comes to us from Luke Tatge of “Journalistic Skepticism.” I’m just beginning to discover his site, but on the surface, it appears to be full of Oscar talk – which I absolutely LOVE. I look forward to seeing what he’s going to do in the future, just as I’m sure you are looking forward to his answers.

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

That’s a tough one to pinpoint. I guess one in particular comes to mind. Though I’ve sort of moved on from it since, I seem to recall the first powerful experience I had while watching a movie was a tearful end when seeing Apollo 13 in theaters. I remember thinking, “Why am I crying? I don’t understand.” That’s when I discovered how powerful a medium filmmaking is.

When did you start blogging?

I began blogging August 2009 – though it was several months before anyone noticed.

Why did you start blogging?

Honestly, I began blogging during my summer of unsuccessful job searching as a means of keeping my sanity, utilizing my writing/journalism degree (you don’t use it, you lose it), and reaching out to other lifelong film nuts such as myself.

What has kept you going?

It’s a great outlet for my film-obsessed hobby, and I’ve found quite a few kindred spirits out there. Film bloggers have got to be some of the most loyal colleagues and readers you’re likely to find!

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

Well I should probably acknowledge two of my very first (non-relative) readers – and fellow Actor Factor columnists – Andrew at Encore Entertainment and Jose at Movies Kick Ass for keeping my comment count (and my will to keep blogging) up and running.

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

The best – being able to write about your favorite thing on a daily basis and getting recognition for your time spent by your peers. The worst – I’m forced to do other far less interesting jobs to actually earn money. If only.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

It has to be the former – having undergone so many viewing projects to increase my relevance and credibility within the blogging community has pushed me to see so many incredible films I otherwise might’ve put off seeing indefinitely.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Probably either my very first comment or perhaps the first time a fledgling blogger asked me for advice. Even though I hardly felt like an expert.

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

I know most people say this, but it really is the greatest tool at your disposal – you have to network. Your key to starting a readership is interacting with other bloggers. I’ve also found a lot of success by using unique graphical and visual content, interactive features such as games and contests, and running columns for readers to keep coming back for.


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F.I.L.M. of the Week (July 23, 2010)

23 07 2010

You need to see “Children of Men” if you haven’t already.  You owe it to yourself.

I rewatched it a few days ago and fell in love with it all over again.  I chose it as this week’s “F.I.L.M.” because I found it as beautifully new as if I had just seen it – and also because it stars Julianne Moore, the subject of the LAMB’s Acting School.

We’ve seen the apocalyptic situations a million times, be it by zombies or bad weather.  But in Alfonso Cuaron’s world, based on the novel by author P.D. James, the end is near because of the sudden infertility of women.  The only surviving government is Britain, which has become a hotbed for illegal immigration.  So even there, society is collapsing.

The extraordinary chain of events in “Children of Men” are set in motion by the death of the world’s youngest person, Baby Diego.  Theo, played by the powerful Clive Owen, is a little more affected than he expected and winds up barely missing being killed by a bombing set up by the Fishes, a group of political activists led by his ex-wife Julian (Julianne Moore).  They kidnap him and recruit his services to take a refugee to the Human Project, a group committed to curing human’s infertility.  This refugee is carrying the key to survival – the first child in 18 years.

It’s a really cool movie to watch thanks to the visionary Cuaron and all the life he breathes into it.   He co-wrote the screenplay, and it’s incredibly rich, both in terms of plot and dialogue.  The acting is all flawless, from Julianne Moore’s moving bit part to Michael Caine’s lovable aging stoner to Owen’s riveting leading performance.  The cinematography is astounding, and it easy to notice how innovative it is.  Thanks to utilizing some long shots (as opposed to Hollywood’s incessant changing shots), Emmanuel Lubezki’s eye for the story really stands out.

But what I found so astonishing on second viewing was the thematic depth the movie had.  Be sure to watch for the religious overtones – they really can floor you.


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Categories : F.I.L.M. of the Week, Movie Reviews

Random Factoid #360

23 07 2010

As I said recently in Random Factoid #351, I have become obsessed with listening to segments of NPR on my iPhone.  I heard a fantastic one yesterday called “The Lost Art of Credit Sequences.” Either click on the bolded link or on the picture to go to NPR’s site to listen to the segment.

If you listen, and I hope you do, you’ll hear Bob Mondello wonder why directors have moved away from really utilizing an opening credit sequence.  The two highest grossing movies of the last decade, “Avatar” and “The Dark Knight,” gave us virtually nothing – a helicopter shot of Pandora and a bat symbol emerging from blue flames.  So why is it that we just have to jump straight into the movie now?  The credits sequences are fun, and I always enjoy seeing a good one.

Really, the only director I can think of that still utilizes them well is Jason Reitman.  All three of his movies have done a great job setting the mood for what is to come, particularly the lovable “Juno.”  I can’t find a full YouTube link, but here’s the animation and the song.

I also really love the credits for “The Kingdom,” but here’s my all-time favorite: “Monsters, Inc.”

So what’s your favorite?  And why are they dying?


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Categories : Random Factoids

Origins: Plus Trailers

22 07 2010

This entry in “The Origins Project” comes from Tom Clift of “Plus Trailers.” Tom is an Aussie who led one heck of a LAMBcast on Pixar a few weeks ago – so epic it had to be split in two!  His site is great too, looking at the future but also glancing back at the past.  Be sure to check out his site and read his answers!

What movie began your love affair with cinema?

My favourite film of all time is Christopher Nolan’s Memento – I remember watching it and then halfway through thinking to myself: “this is the best movie I’ve ever seen”. I’ve loved movies since I wasa little kid, but my passion for “cinema” probably began when I was about 14. I bought myself the book “1001 Movies You Have To See Before You Die” and read it cover to cover, and I started trying to watch as many of them as possible. Memento was one of the first from the book that I watched.

When did you start blogging?

December 2008.

Why did you start blogging?

In my second last year of high-school a bunch of us put together a weekly student newsletter, and I began writing reviews for that. It only lasted two issues, but I just kept writing reviews and posting them to Facebook. Eventually I decided I needed a better home for them, and so I started my blog.

What has kept you going?

Getting feedback from people. It’s always a great feeling knowing people are reading what you write. Also I just plain love writing and getting my opinion out there!

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

All the people over at the LAMB have been big sources of inspiration.

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

The best part is the sense of community. I’ve joined the LAMB, participated in of a couple of different movie podcasts, gotten pretty active on twitter, etc. It’s awesome being able to discuss films with passionate individuals from all around the world, and I’ve had the chance to interact with a lot of pretty cool people. The worst part is probably the sense that your site is never going to be noticed amongst the thousands of blogs out there.

Has blogging increased or diminished your passion for movies?

Definitely increased. I see so many more movies now because I always want to have a new review up on my site. Being part of the blogging community has also made me aware of smaller movies that I might not otherwise have heard of, which I always appreciate.

What’s your proudest moment as a blogger?

Probably being part of the first ever episode of the LAMBcast. Getting to talk over Skype to bloggers on the other side of the world from me, who I’d never met before, was a pretty cool experience.

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

Don’t use white text on a black background! I’ve always regretted picking that template for my own blog, but I’m too lazy to overhaul the whole site now. One of these days I’ll get around to it. Aside from that, try and be as active in the blogging world as possible – if you want people to find your site, go and find theirs!


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Categories : Marshall and the Movies, The Origins Project

REVIEW: Salt

22 07 2010

“Salt” is all about Angelina Jolie.  Forget the character, the movie is about making her look like a goddess.  It’s about how she can pull off being blonde and brunette.  It’s about how she can look good with long or short hair.  It’s about how she can still manage to look gorgeous after scaling a building or taking a punch.  It’s about how she can walk away from explosions and jumping on cars without ever looking unattractive.  No matter how much blood coats her face, Angelina Jolie can still look hot.

The movie is one made of surprises and twists, and Angelina Jolie’s never failing good looks are not one of them.  The movie throws us into disarray as we try to figure out what side Jolie’s Evelyn Salt is really on: Russia or America.  What we think we know is never certain, and subject to change at the drop of a hat.  It takes everything we’ve hated about summer 2010, the predictability and the banality, and gives us an entire movie jam-packed with the exact opposite.  Between this and “Inception,” the season is covered for plot twists.

For all of you who got a giddy rush from the mention of “Inception,” no, “Salt” is not in the same ballpark as Nolan’s latest and greatest.  It has the adrenaline kick of “Wanted” with the espionage intrigue of a Bourne movie.  We are always kept engaged by this combination, no matter how far the boundaries of plausibility are pushed.  It’s most like “Wanted,” though, with some similar action sequences that stay more tightly bound to the laws of physics.  Although that’s not to say they aren’t entertaining; they just lack the extra sucker-punch energy.  Salt has to be resourceful and kick butt in more human ways, which makes our jaws drop in an entirely different fashion.  It’s complication without sophistication, and there’s no shortage of fun to be had.

As for Jolie’s acting, it’s a combination of her smugly cool assassin in “Wanted” with her compellingly hysterical family woman in “Changeling.”  She’s mastered both of these character types, and while Evelyn Salt is a far cry from her award-winning roles, it’s a further reminder that she can sell us anything.  I think I can only be entertained by “Salt” once because so much of the movie is in the reversals, but I can watch Angelina Jolie many, many times.  B+ /


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