Merry (early) Christmas, movie house frequenters! I bring you tidings for Muriels season:
Simon Abrams, Chuck Bowen, and Glenn Heath all contributed to Slant’s best movies list of 2011. Check it out here.
And if that’s not enough Simon for you, he also recapped Fantastic Fest and wrote shorties on Sleeping Sickness, Dogfight, and Unfaithfully Yours.
Danny Baldwin reviewed the new-to-DVD Kung Fu Panda 2, The Hangover Part II, and The Debt, starring Muriel winner Helen Mirren and the ubiquitous Jessica Chastain.
And speaking of the lovely Ms. Chastain, here’s Andrew Bemis on Tree of Life.
Sean Burns discovered that it’s not easy Being Elmo. Except that it sounds like it kind of is, but never mind. He also had some harsh words for the new Sherlock Holmes adventure.
Chris Devlin shared two of his musical favorites from 2011.
Jim Emerson posted his thoughts on the awards-season jungle and the trolls who frequent best-of lists. And as if to prove his point, he shared the MSN critics’ composite list, to which he contributed.
James Frazier didn’t care for The Sitter.
Glenn Heath had qualified praise for Shame but was rather more enthusiastic about Hugo.
Craig Kennedy’s Living in Cinema is is your one-stop destination for awards season coverage, casting news, trailers, and interviews. See for yourself here.
Uncle Crizzle talked smack about Lindsay Lohan’s Playboy misadventures and shed some light on the work of Kevin Hart’s rapper alter ego, Chocolate Droppa.
Lucas McNelly enjoyed a sweet new iPhone app and ventured to Arkansas.
Marya Murphy disappeared from the blogosphere. Waaaaa!
Bryan Whitefield also shared his favorite music of 2011, along with news of a tasty-sounding new food truck and a recent photo he took.
Alison Willmore added some flavor to the AV Club’s eclectic list of the best films of 2011 and reviewed Cook County for them as well.
Finally, rather than posting a video today, I would instead like to provide a service for all you Muriel voters who are Netflix members. As Muriels season heats up, it can sometimes be hard to get your grubby paws on all the movies you’d like to see from the past year. Therefore, it might interest you that a decent number of this year’s Muriel-eligible titles are available to stream on Netflix. Sure, the quality might not be as good as a DVD, but it’s better than nothing, especially considering that some of these are not yet on DVD. Besides, it’s only going to get better, right? Anyway, the list:
13 Assassins (Miike)
The Arbor (Barnard)
Cold Weather (Katz)
Heartbeats (Dolan)
I Saw the Devil (Kim)
Leap Year (Rowe)
The Myth of the American Sleepover (Mitchell)
The Names of Love (Leclerc)
Potiche (Ozon)
The Princess of Montpensier (Tavernier)
Le Quattro Volte (Frammartino)
Rapt (Belvaux)
The Robber (Heisenberg)
Rubber (Dupieux)
To Die Like a Man (Rodrigues)
The Trip (Winterbottom)
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (Joe)
Viva Riva (Munga)
The Way Back (Weir)
Hope this helps!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Seven days without an update makes me weak: December 4th-10th
I really can't let this stuff sit this long. Oy.
- Simon Abrams reviewed the latest episode of Covert Affairs and another episode of Cowboy Bebop. He then broke down the PSA-bait 1990 version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, found much to like about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, sorted through the madness of Zulawski's Possession, got down with the paranoid cinema of Clouzot, ragged on Short Circuit and slammed the holy hell out of Another Earth. Seriously, I don't know how he does it. YOU HEAR THAT SIMON I JUST CALLED YOU SARAH JESSICA PARKER HA HA HA
- The most important thing I gleaned from Chuck Bowen's negative writeup of the awful-sounding Seducing Charlie Barker? Holy crap, Daphne Zugina is still working.
- Sean Burns found Shame to be directly in his wheelhouse, then got to interview its director Steve McQueen. The he asked for another assignment, and for his sins, they gave him one.
- Dennis Cozzalio interviewed Edgar Wright about stuff he's never seen. Which is why he's a better man than I: Pretty sure my first and only question would consist of "AAAAAAH I LOVE YOUR MOVIES AAAAAH."
- Chris Devlin spun some garage punk that sums up his attitude on life much of the time. (I concur, by the way. Especially around this time of year.)
- Jim Emerson thought David Cronenberg had some interesting stuff to say. And wouldn't you know it - he's damn right. (Can A Dangerous Method please hurry up and open around here?)
- Kenji Fujishima posted his latest consumption log and, in doing so, made me realize that I forgot to wish him a happy birthday. Fuck. Happy belated birthday, dude.
- Glenn Heath notes some surprising similarities between Let the Right One In and Dogtooth... and got a hat-tip from Roger Ebert for doing so. Good job bud! (He also wasn't terribly keen on Shame.)
- Daniel Johnson wrote up The Descendants and noted that not only is Emilio Estevez still being allowed to direct, but his latest is actually worth a look, if only for his old man.
- In the past seven days, Craig Kennedy has posted 38 times. 38! I don't think I've posted 38 things all year. Some highlights: interviews with Tom McCarthy, Mark Strong, Peter Straughan and Tomas Alfredson (the last three contributed by Jackson Truax); the biggest titles in this year's Sundance lineup; the faux-Hard Copy viral advert for Fincher's Dragon Tattoo; and a poster trailer combo for A Separation which if you haven't seen yet holy shit, do so pronto!
- Adam Lemke continued on with his year-end catch-up. (Was anyone actually excited by the prospect of 30 Minutes or Less?)
- Craig D. Lindsey showed off a review that went unpublished because the film in question was too shitty, got on Robin Thicke's case (scroll down to December 10th) and mounted a depressing defense for a depressing band. He also continued in his quest to rescue his back catalog from the wilds of the Internet; complete details of this week's archival posts can be found at his site.
- Matt Lotti's most recent batch of reviews appear to have been eaten by his site's coding. Come back, reviews! Come back!
- Sam C. Mac liked Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy so much that he wrote a review of it. By his own admission, it's his first full-length review in a year's time. The lesson here? Gary Oldman is magic.
- Lucas McNelly dressed up as a panda and made out on a pool table with a tiger. No, really. He also attended a rave for a French mime. No, really. And he watched a dude beat the hell out of another dude with a cricket bat. No, really. A Year Without Rent has taken a turn for the weird in my opinion, bud.
- Phil Nugent caught us all up on what he's been doing at The AV Club. Goodness, but does he keep busy.
- Philip Tatler was positive on Alex Cox's Highway Patrolman. Though, from his description, it doesn't sound like anyone takes turns dancing with Maria, so I'd probably just be disappointed.
- Alison Willmore slagged the galaxy of slightly orange people known as New Year's Eve, because of course it's that bad. She was more forgiving of The Sitter, sorta dug Knuckle and fully dug Young Adult.
Today's video: Too spent to think of something clever here. So here's what I'm about to go see.
- Simon Abrams reviewed the latest episode of Covert Affairs and another episode of Cowboy Bebop. He then broke down the PSA-bait 1990 version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, found much to like about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, sorted through the madness of Zulawski's Possession, got down with the paranoid cinema of Clouzot, ragged on Short Circuit and slammed the holy hell out of Another Earth. Seriously, I don't know how he does it. YOU HEAR THAT SIMON I JUST CALLED YOU SARAH JESSICA PARKER HA HA HA
- The most important thing I gleaned from Chuck Bowen's negative writeup of the awful-sounding Seducing Charlie Barker? Holy crap, Daphne Zugina is still working.
- Sean Burns found Shame to be directly in his wheelhouse, then got to interview its director Steve McQueen. The he asked for another assignment, and for his sins, they gave him one.
- Dennis Cozzalio interviewed Edgar Wright about stuff he's never seen. Which is why he's a better man than I: Pretty sure my first and only question would consist of "AAAAAAH I LOVE YOUR MOVIES AAAAAH."
- Chris Devlin spun some garage punk that sums up his attitude on life much of the time. (I concur, by the way. Especially around this time of year.)
- Jim Emerson thought David Cronenberg had some interesting stuff to say. And wouldn't you know it - he's damn right. (Can A Dangerous Method please hurry up and open around here?)
- Kenji Fujishima posted his latest consumption log and, in doing so, made me realize that I forgot to wish him a happy birthday. Fuck. Happy belated birthday, dude.
- Glenn Heath notes some surprising similarities between Let the Right One In and Dogtooth... and got a hat-tip from Roger Ebert for doing so. Good job bud! (He also wasn't terribly keen on Shame.)
- Daniel Johnson wrote up The Descendants and noted that not only is Emilio Estevez still being allowed to direct, but his latest is actually worth a look, if only for his old man.
- In the past seven days, Craig Kennedy has posted 38 times. 38! I don't think I've posted 38 things all year. Some highlights: interviews with Tom McCarthy, Mark Strong, Peter Straughan and Tomas Alfredson (the last three contributed by Jackson Truax); the biggest titles in this year's Sundance lineup; the faux-Hard Copy viral advert for Fincher's Dragon Tattoo; and a poster trailer combo for A Separation which if you haven't seen yet holy shit, do so pronto!
- Adam Lemke continued on with his year-end catch-up. (Was anyone actually excited by the prospect of 30 Minutes or Less?)
- Craig D. Lindsey showed off a review that went unpublished because the film in question was too shitty, got on Robin Thicke's case (scroll down to December 10th) and mounted a depressing defense for a depressing band. He also continued in his quest to rescue his back catalog from the wilds of the Internet; complete details of this week's archival posts can be found at his site.
- Matt Lotti's most recent batch of reviews appear to have been eaten by his site's coding. Come back, reviews! Come back!
- Sam C. Mac liked Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy so much that he wrote a review of it. By his own admission, it's his first full-length review in a year's time. The lesson here? Gary Oldman is magic.
- Lucas McNelly dressed up as a panda and made out on a pool table with a tiger. No, really. He also attended a rave for a French mime. No, really. And he watched a dude beat the hell out of another dude with a cricket bat. No, really. A Year Without Rent has taken a turn for the weird in my opinion, bud.
- Phil Nugent caught us all up on what he's been doing at The AV Club. Goodness, but does he keep busy.
- Philip Tatler was positive on Alex Cox's Highway Patrolman. Though, from his description, it doesn't sound like anyone takes turns dancing with Maria, so I'd probably just be disappointed.
- Alison Willmore slagged the galaxy of slightly orange people known as New Year's Eve, because of course it's that bad. She was more forgiving of The Sitter, sorta dug Knuckle and fully dug Young Adult.
Today's video: Too spent to think of something clever here. So here's what I'm about to go see.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Muriel re-emerges: 19 Nov through 3 Dec, 2011
Back from our turkey comas to bring you more Muriel goodies for the season! Here’s what you’ve missed:
Since we last checked in with Simon Abrams, he’s been even busier than usual. Rather than bombard you with everything he’s done, some lightlights: his list of the best and worst of Kevin Smith, a recap of Toronto 2011, a look back at the heyday of the ZAZ team, and his and Steve Carlson’s latest Bad Idea Podcast. All that and more can be found at Simon’s blog, your one-stop shop for all things Simon!
Danny Baldwin praised Happy Feet Two. To which I say- really, bud? Really?
Sean Burns took down The Other F Word.
Paul Clark- yes, really!- had very few kind words for Breaking Dawn and Happy Feet Two.
Dennis Cozzalio heard Edgar Wright’s True Confessions, shed some light on New Beverly’s fight for 35mm, and gave thanks.
Chris Devlin posted the new single by Office of Future Plans.
Jim Emerson re-posted one of his golden oldies, an examination of morality in the films of Martin Scorsese.
James Frazier wasn’t much taken with Larry Crowne but was slightly more forgiving of J. Edgar.
A double dose of consumption from Kenji Fujishima!
Glenn Heath reviewed Happy Feet Two, Rampart, and The Descendants, plus examined the ins and outs of male friendship on film and took a second stab at Melancholia.
Daniel Johnson saluted the year’s creepiest movie, was stunned by Martha Marcy May Marlene and Michael Shannon’s performance in Take Shelter, discussed the MacGuffin in Margin Call, and enjoyed- to varying degrees- three new family-friendly titles.
Craig Kennedy’s been busy too! Hop on over to his blog to see all he’s been up to these past few weeks. Take your time- we’ll wait.
Michael Lieberman shared the wisdom of Straub-Huillet and two images from the apocalypse according to Von Trier.
Uncle Crizzle posted a review that got rejected by an alt-weekly through no fault of his own, shared John Waters’ top 10 of the year, took on The Muppets and Arthur Christmas, and gave five reasons to attend the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ Genghis Khan exhibit.
Lucas McNelly related his latest A Year Without Rent adventure, this one in Marfa, Texas.
Phil Nugent delved into his thoughts on Pauline Kael, looked at the current state of the Republican Party, and thought Eastwood’s Hoover movie, well, sucked.
Bryan Whitefield posted some new photos at his Tumblr.
Alison Willmore’s kept busy at Movieline and the AV Club.
Finally, I’d like to apologize for missing out on last week’s update, but I was busy with the preparations for my grandmother’s funeral. Grandma, who passed away at age 92, was a movie lover throughout her life, and while her tastes were pretty standard, she did have some unexpected favorites mixed in with the others. Six years ago, I remember her raving at Thanksgiving about Elizabethtown. So in her memory, one of the most memorable moments from Elizabethtown, beginning at the 1:00 mark. This one’s for you, Grandma:
Since we last checked in with Simon Abrams, he’s been even busier than usual. Rather than bombard you with everything he’s done, some lightlights: his list of the best and worst of Kevin Smith, a recap of Toronto 2011, a look back at the heyday of the ZAZ team, and his and Steve Carlson’s latest Bad Idea Podcast. All that and more can be found at Simon’s blog, your one-stop shop for all things Simon!
Danny Baldwin praised Happy Feet Two. To which I say- really, bud? Really?
Sean Burns took down The Other F Word.
Paul Clark- yes, really!- had very few kind words for Breaking Dawn and Happy Feet Two.
Dennis Cozzalio heard Edgar Wright’s True Confessions, shed some light on New Beverly’s fight for 35mm, and gave thanks.
Chris Devlin posted the new single by Office of Future Plans.
Jim Emerson re-posted one of his golden oldies, an examination of morality in the films of Martin Scorsese.
James Frazier wasn’t much taken with Larry Crowne but was slightly more forgiving of J. Edgar.
A double dose of consumption from Kenji Fujishima!
Glenn Heath reviewed Happy Feet Two, Rampart, and The Descendants, plus examined the ins and outs of male friendship on film and took a second stab at Melancholia.
Daniel Johnson saluted the year’s creepiest movie, was stunned by Martha Marcy May Marlene and Michael Shannon’s performance in Take Shelter, discussed the MacGuffin in Margin Call, and enjoyed- to varying degrees- three new family-friendly titles.
Craig Kennedy’s been busy too! Hop on over to his blog to see all he’s been up to these past few weeks. Take your time- we’ll wait.
Michael Lieberman shared the wisdom of Straub-Huillet and two images from the apocalypse according to Von Trier.
Uncle Crizzle posted a review that got rejected by an alt-weekly through no fault of his own, shared John Waters’ top 10 of the year, took on The Muppets and Arthur Christmas, and gave five reasons to attend the NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ Genghis Khan exhibit.
Lucas McNelly related his latest A Year Without Rent adventure, this one in Marfa, Texas.
Phil Nugent delved into his thoughts on Pauline Kael, looked at the current state of the Republican Party, and thought Eastwood’s Hoover movie, well, sucked.
Bryan Whitefield posted some new photos at his Tumblr.
Alison Willmore’s kept busy at Movieline and the AV Club.
Finally, I’d like to apologize for missing out on last week’s update, but I was busy with the preparations for my grandmother’s funeral. Grandma, who passed away at age 92, was a movie lover throughout her life, and while her tastes were pretty standard, she did have some unexpected favorites mixed in with the others. Six years ago, I remember her raving at Thanksgiving about Elizabethtown. So in her memory, one of the most memorable moments from Elizabethtown, beginning at the 1:00 mark. This one’s for you, Grandma:
Saturday, November 19, 2011
There's a Little Muriel in All of Us: Nov 12-18, 2011
The ever-prolific Simon Abrams wrote up a bunch of John Sayles movies, Poetry, two by Francesco Rosi, 3D Sex and Zen, a mess of late-summer releases, Suddenly, Life During Wartime, Attack the Block, The Muppets Take Manhattan, and a roundup of the week’s new DVDs. He also podcasted the history of Captain America on film with fellow Muriels voter Steve Carlson, just for the hell of it. Would you like to know more?
Danny Baldwin reviewed Into the Abyss and Bellflower.
Sean Burns sort of enjoyed The Descendants and sort of wanted to rip his face off during Jack and Jill.
Jim Emerson examined Pauline Kael and the intersection between cinematic technique and criticism.
Kenji Fujishima offered up a Vertigo homage from his own life and consumed.
Glenn Heath closed out his coverage of AFI Fest and took a look back at Man of the West and What Happened Was…
Craig Kennedy reviewed The Descendants, interviewed Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, shared the Oscar doc shortlist, forecasted this weekend, posted some clips from the new Woody Allen documentary, and a whole lot more.
Michael Lieberman continued to report from the Occupy Wall Street front lines.
Uncle Crizzle interviewed experimental filmmaker Tom Whiteside and posted a bunch of other must-see stuff on his Tumblr.
Matt Lotti posted a slew of new reviews, complete with a new starlet photo to grace his front page. Find out who here!
Lucas McNelly submitted dispatches on the first two days of This Is Ours.
Phil Nugent contributed like a champ at the AV Club.
Scott Von Doviak recapped The Amazing Race.
Bryan Whitefield posted some thoughts on Moneyball and the art of the obsolete.
Alison Willmore reviewed Breaking Dawn, Another Happy Day, Tomboy, Rid of Me, and In Heaven, Underground.
Finally, here’s a fascinating video Bryan Whitefield shared called The Influencers:
Additionally, Jim Emerson shared a cool new video for Bad Lip Reading’s “Russian Unicorn”, a write-up of which he did here (http://blogs.suntimes.com/scanners/2011/11/we_could_shoot_a_russian_unico.html):
And courtesy of Craig Kennedy, a highlight reel of the career of Saul Bass by Art of the Title editor Ian Albinson:
Oh, what the hell… Chris Devlin posted a trailer for From the Back of the Room, a doc about women in punk that could potentially be pretty awesome. Check it out:
Danny Baldwin reviewed Into the Abyss and Bellflower.
Sean Burns sort of enjoyed The Descendants and sort of wanted to rip his face off during Jack and Jill.
Jim Emerson examined Pauline Kael and the intersection between cinematic technique and criticism.
Kenji Fujishima offered up a Vertigo homage from his own life and consumed.
Glenn Heath closed out his coverage of AFI Fest and took a look back at Man of the West and What Happened Was…
Craig Kennedy reviewed The Descendants, interviewed Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, shared the Oscar doc shortlist, forecasted this weekend, posted some clips from the new Woody Allen documentary, and a whole lot more.
Michael Lieberman continued to report from the Occupy Wall Street front lines.
Uncle Crizzle interviewed experimental filmmaker Tom Whiteside and posted a bunch of other must-see stuff on his Tumblr.
Matt Lotti posted a slew of new reviews, complete with a new starlet photo to grace his front page. Find out who here!
Lucas McNelly submitted dispatches on the first two days of This Is Ours.
Phil Nugent contributed like a champ at the AV Club.
Scott Von Doviak recapped The Amazing Race.
Bryan Whitefield posted some thoughts on Moneyball and the art of the obsolete.
Alison Willmore reviewed Breaking Dawn, Another Happy Day, Tomboy, Rid of Me, and In Heaven, Underground.
Finally, here’s a fascinating video Bryan Whitefield shared called The Influencers:
INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION from R+I creative on Vimeo.
Additionally, Jim Emerson shared a cool new video for Bad Lip Reading’s “Russian Unicorn”, a write-up of which he did here (http://blogs.suntimes.com/scanners/2011/11/we_could_shoot_a_russian_unico.html):
And courtesy of Craig Kennedy, a highlight reel of the career of Saul Bass by Art of the Title editor Ian Albinson:
The Title Design of Saul Bass from Ian Albinson on Vimeo.
Oh, what the hell… Chris Devlin posted a trailer for From the Back of the Room, a doc about women in punk that could potentially be pretty awesome. Check it out:
Friday, November 11, 2011
All the Muriels That's Fit to Print: Nov 9-11, 2011
Simon Abrams took on Topsy-Turvy, Tekken, A Time for Killing, Forbidden Zone, The Blade, and a new frontrunner for the worst of 2011. Additionally, he offered up a George Peppard twofer, two July releases beginning with “h”, and a trio of films by Stuart Gordon. Hey bud, where’s Stuck?
Danny Baldwin posted some thoughts on the final Harry Potter adventure.
Sean Burns went nuts for Melancholia, but didn’t have many kind words for J. Edgar.
Steve Carlson showed off part of his DVD collection. Wait, that’s the Antichrist movie you own???
Dennis Cozzalio wandered down Nightmare Alley. No relation to Jason, I’m guessing?
Chris Devlin tried to get us into Sex Church.
Kenji Fujishima spotlighted some shorts about Japan and shared a lovely afternoon with us- on video, that is.
Glenn Heath reported about five titles from AFI Fest.
Craig Kennedy interviewed Werner Herzog. Oh, and he did some other stuff that was pretty good but didn’t involve, y’know, interviewing Werner Herzog.
Uncle Crizzle stuck it to the Ratner and chatted up a local gal gone Rockette.
Phil Nugent chimed in on the Joe Paterno clustertiff and the defeat of Russell Pearce.
Alison Willmore podcasted about “anti-romances”, and reviewed Immortals, London Boulevard, 11-11-11, and Elite Squad: The Enemy Within. Oh, and she saw Jack and Jill and lived to tell the tale!!
Finally, if Philip Tatler can post Muriels FYCs here, so can I. I caught up with Take Shelter today, and it’s every bit the movie Jeff Nichols’ last film Shotgun Stories was and then some. Michael Shannon obviously excels at playing crazy, but he digs even deeper than usual here, playing a character who just wants to do right even if he isn’t on the same wavelength as the rest of the world. Also, Jessica Chastain’s gotta win something this year, right? Like, either breakthrough or body of work? Anyway, the trailer:
Oh, and I also found out the truth about Eddie Murphy stepping down from the Oscar gig. Supposedly he wants us to believe he resigned in solidarity with his pal Ratner, but the truth is that once Brian Grazer stepped into the producer role, he informed Eddie that he would not longer be performing this on the show:
So now you know.
Danny Baldwin posted some thoughts on the final Harry Potter adventure.
Sean Burns went nuts for Melancholia, but didn’t have many kind words for J. Edgar.
Steve Carlson showed off part of his DVD collection. Wait, that’s the Antichrist movie you own???
Dennis Cozzalio wandered down Nightmare Alley. No relation to Jason, I’m guessing?
Chris Devlin tried to get us into Sex Church.
Kenji Fujishima spotlighted some shorts about Japan and shared a lovely afternoon with us- on video, that is.
Glenn Heath reported about five titles from AFI Fest.
Craig Kennedy interviewed Werner Herzog. Oh, and he did some other stuff that was pretty good but didn’t involve, y’know, interviewing Werner Herzog.
Uncle Crizzle stuck it to the Ratner and chatted up a local gal gone Rockette.
Phil Nugent chimed in on the Joe Paterno clustertiff and the defeat of Russell Pearce.
Alison Willmore podcasted about “anti-romances”, and reviewed Immortals, London Boulevard, 11-11-11, and Elite Squad: The Enemy Within. Oh, and she saw Jack and Jill and lived to tell the tale!!
Finally, if Philip Tatler can post Muriels FYCs here, so can I. I caught up with Take Shelter today, and it’s every bit the movie Jeff Nichols’ last film Shotgun Stories was and then some. Michael Shannon obviously excels at playing crazy, but he digs even deeper than usual here, playing a character who just wants to do right even if he isn’t on the same wavelength as the rest of the world. Also, Jessica Chastain’s gotta win something this year, right? Like, either breakthrough or body of work? Anyway, the trailer:
Oh, and I also found out the truth about Eddie Murphy stepping down from the Oscar gig. Supposedly he wants us to believe he resigned in solidarity with his pal Ratner, but the truth is that once Brian Grazer stepped into the producer role, he informed Eddie that he would not longer be performing this on the show:
So now you know.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
This Is This: November 6th-8th, 2011
Late again! Oy. Never enough time. Let's get this knocked out.
- Simon Abrams posted capsules on a Mike Hammer film, an amazing-sounding ninja flick and a cat man.
- Danny Baldwin caught some films at the AFI Fest.
- Chuck Bowen reviewed The Love We Make and the awesome new disc of the awesome Island of Lost Souls.
- Kenji Fujishima tipped his cap to the New York City Marathon runners and updated us on his artistic consumption.
- Glenn Heath fell hard for This Is Not a Film and big-upped Bronson.
- Daniel Johnson wasn't keen on Tower Heist.
- It's all gone Haywire for AFI Fest-goer Craig Kennedy - follow the progress from announcement to review to post-screening Q&A. Also: A trailer for Corman's World and quotes from The Graduate and a pair of Scorsese works.
- Adam Lemke went nuts for an early Mike Leigh film.
- Michael Lieberman offered a pointed quote from Pier Paolo Pasolini.
- Craig Lindsey is right about Christina Hendricks.
- Lucas McNelly needs your help! (Also, there's an update on his latest stop.)
- Phil Nugent weighed in on Herman Cain's shenanigans.
Today's video: Courtesy of Craig Kennedy (of course!), a small taste of the feast of deleted scenes on the new Blue Velvet Blu-Ray disc (a.k.a. the release that might get me to buy a Blu-Ray player).
- Simon Abrams posted capsules on a Mike Hammer film, an amazing-sounding ninja flick and a cat man.
- Danny Baldwin caught some films at the AFI Fest.
- Chuck Bowen reviewed The Love We Make and the awesome new disc of the awesome Island of Lost Souls.
- Kenji Fujishima tipped his cap to the New York City Marathon runners and updated us on his artistic consumption.
- Glenn Heath fell hard for This Is Not a Film and big-upped Bronson.
- Daniel Johnson wasn't keen on Tower Heist.
- It's all gone Haywire for AFI Fest-goer Craig Kennedy - follow the progress from announcement to review to post-screening Q&A. Also: A trailer for Corman's World and quotes from The Graduate and a pair of Scorsese works.
- Adam Lemke went nuts for an early Mike Leigh film.
- Michael Lieberman offered a pointed quote from Pier Paolo Pasolini.
- Craig Lindsey is right about Christina Hendricks.
- Lucas McNelly needs your help! (Also, there's an update on his latest stop.)
- Phil Nugent weighed in on Herman Cain's shenanigans.
Today's video: Courtesy of Craig Kennedy (of course!), a small taste of the feast of deleted scenes on the new Blue Velvet Blu-Ray disc (a.k.a. the release that might get me to buy a Blu-Ray player).
Saturday, November 5, 2011
This week in Muriel: 29 Oct through 5 Nov, 2011
Simon Abrams was up to his old tricks again, spotlighting his favorites from the NY Asian Film Festival, three old-school women-in-prison movies, the summer’s biggest anthropomorphic car movies, Herzog’s cave paintings movie, a slug-it-out noir favorite, that Conan O’Brien documentary, and a couple of horror flicks just in time for Halloween. And somehow along the way he found time for a 24-hour movie marathon, which are always awesome.
Andrew Bemis rounded out his list of scarifying greats with ol’ Knife-Hands, an otherworldly baddie who could be any one of us, the poster boy for acupuncture, the archetypal chainsaw-wielding psycho, The Shape, and finally a perfect organism.
Sean Burns shrugged off Tower Heist, recommended Hell and Back Again, and had strong words for Like Crazy.
Demon Dennis Cozzalio submitted to the Dr. Phibes treatment, offered up some thoughts on Pauline Kael, and looked back at Eyes Without a Face.
Chris Devlin’s horror challenge ramped up with viewings of Carnival of Souls and Jeepers Creepers. He also shared a selection from the latest album by Swedish black metal faves Croft.
Jim Emerson examined our cultural fascination with zombies.
James Frazier wasn’t thrilled by Footloose 2011.
Kenji Fujishima reviewed two Doc NYC selections, posted a video from his trip to the Bay Area, and consumed.
Glenn Heath began his dispatches from AFI Fest with a pan of Eastwood’s J. Edgar, interviewed Harold without Kumar, wrapped up the SD Asian Film Festival, and reviewed Martha Marcy May Marlene, In Time, Dragonslayer, and Event Horizon.
This week in Craig Kennedy: a preview of AFI Fest, an interview with Green director Sophia Takal, a review of The Other F Word, some good news about Terrence Malick and the acclaimed doc Where Soldiers Come From, the kickoff to a monthlong tribute to the work of Martin Scorsese, birthday quotes for Art Garfunkel and Charles Bronson, the last of the Halloween quotes, the trailer for We Need to Talk About Kevin, and of course the Weekend Forecast.
Adam Lemke finished off his Halloween Horror Challenge and awarded the Magic Pumpkin to…
Michael Lieberman offered up some forthcoming proof. Of what, you ask? Better ask Mike.
Uncle Crizzle talked up Iron Man’s upcoming assault on the Triangle and gave props to Anthony David. Also, hey look Christina Hendricks!
Lucas McNelly gave his blessing to some fellow Year-Without-Rent-ers, and logs two more days on The Stagg Do.
Phil Nugent co-wrote a list of the top 50 cult movies of all time, ran down some of the highlights and lowlights of the fall TV lineup, posted some brief-ish movie reviews, examined the recent piling-on of Elizabeth Warren, and contributed over at the AV Club.
Mark Pfeiffer had some burning questions of relevance to the TIFF rookie. So burning, in fact, that he still wants to know the answers almost two months after he attended.
Scott Von Doviak reviewed Zombie Apocalypse.
Bryan Whitefield recapped his fall listening and didn’t much care for Cold Weather. Um, bud? Did you see the same movie I did?
Alison Willmore reviewed 5 Star Day and The Other F Word.
Finally, I know Halloween has already come and gone, but it’s never too late to settle in for a good scare. So here’s your old pal Count Floyd to introduce a classic of the genre, the one and only Whispers of the Wolf:
Andrew Bemis rounded out his list of scarifying greats with ol’ Knife-Hands, an otherworldly baddie who could be any one of us, the poster boy for acupuncture, the archetypal chainsaw-wielding psycho, The Shape, and finally a perfect organism.
Sean Burns shrugged off Tower Heist, recommended Hell and Back Again, and had strong words for Like Crazy.
Demon Dennis Cozzalio submitted to the Dr. Phibes treatment, offered up some thoughts on Pauline Kael, and looked back at Eyes Without a Face.
Chris Devlin’s horror challenge ramped up with viewings of Carnival of Souls and Jeepers Creepers. He also shared a selection from the latest album by Swedish black metal faves Croft.
Jim Emerson examined our cultural fascination with zombies.
James Frazier wasn’t thrilled by Footloose 2011.
Kenji Fujishima reviewed two Doc NYC selections, posted a video from his trip to the Bay Area, and consumed.
Glenn Heath began his dispatches from AFI Fest with a pan of Eastwood’s J. Edgar, interviewed Harold without Kumar, wrapped up the SD Asian Film Festival, and reviewed Martha Marcy May Marlene, In Time, Dragonslayer, and Event Horizon.
This week in Craig Kennedy: a preview of AFI Fest, an interview with Green director Sophia Takal, a review of The Other F Word, some good news about Terrence Malick and the acclaimed doc Where Soldiers Come From, the kickoff to a monthlong tribute to the work of Martin Scorsese, birthday quotes for Art Garfunkel and Charles Bronson, the last of the Halloween quotes, the trailer for We Need to Talk About Kevin, and of course the Weekend Forecast.
Adam Lemke finished off his Halloween Horror Challenge and awarded the Magic Pumpkin to…
Michael Lieberman offered up some forthcoming proof. Of what, you ask? Better ask Mike.
Uncle Crizzle talked up Iron Man’s upcoming assault on the Triangle and gave props to Anthony David. Also, hey look Christina Hendricks!
Lucas McNelly gave his blessing to some fellow Year-Without-Rent-ers, and logs two more days on The Stagg Do.
Phil Nugent co-wrote a list of the top 50 cult movies of all time, ran down some of the highlights and lowlights of the fall TV lineup, posted some brief-ish movie reviews, examined the recent piling-on of Elizabeth Warren, and contributed over at the AV Club.
Mark Pfeiffer had some burning questions of relevance to the TIFF rookie. So burning, in fact, that he still wants to know the answers almost two months after he attended.
Scott Von Doviak reviewed Zombie Apocalypse.
Bryan Whitefield recapped his fall listening and didn’t much care for Cold Weather. Um, bud? Did you see the same movie I did?
Alison Willmore reviewed 5 Star Day and The Other F Word.
Finally, I know Halloween has already come and gone, but it’s never too late to settle in for a good scare. So here’s your old pal Count Floyd to introduce a classic of the genre, the one and only Whispers of the Wolf:
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