All Consuming : GhostSeed

Consumed "Terminator: Salvation [Theatrical Release]"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:47:49 GMT

Terminator: Salvation [Theatrical Release]

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Puzzlehead"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:38:17 GMT

Puzzlehead

by James Bai

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Space Camp"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:36:41 GMT

Space Camp

by Harry Winer

WORTH IT!

Perfect! (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:37:30 GMT

All About Eve (1950)

by Joseph L. Mankiewicz

::sigh:: If only I could write HALF as well…

The dialogue is like a whip to the spine. Sharp, strong and so quick that it makes this movie even more of a joy to watch again and again if only to catch it all.

The story is compelling, and gives an interesting inside look at the drama behind the scenes of theater-life.

More than that, the acting is ridiculously good. I adore the relationship between Margo and her boyfriend Bill. Their back and forth sass and subtle sweetness is remarkable…

...as for Eve, I’d like to slap the broad.

A Gem! (rated 4 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:19:21 GMT

The Great Dictator (1940)

by Charles Chaplin

This grand production is a Chaplin great. The sets and costumes don’t disappoint, and as cheesy as it sounds, this is one of those rarely seen classics that should be shown in theaters across the world today.

The end speech is powerful, and his choice to deliver it directly into the camera was so very effective.

It’s packed with scenes of Charlie’s usual warmth and humour, paired with those bearing a hefty message – this is a film all should see.

Remarkable... (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:15:01 GMT

A Man Escaped

by Robert Bresson

A raw, almost documentary style film shot in gritty, black and white perfection. Bresson uses simple tactics to induce a strong claustrophobic feeling of being caged by shadowy foreign captors right along with the story’s hero Fontaine, subtly (and flawlessly) acted by non-actor François Leterrier. Leterrier’s calm voice-over and soft, almost constrained facial expressions only sweeten the realism of this “based on true events” movie that could have easily been crafted into an over-emotional cheese-mess.

You root for this man, completely absorbed in the unfolding of his plots & strategies…and admire him for his unwavering determination.

An excellent piece of work for those that study (& have a passion for) film and filmmaking.

Comedic Gold (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:06:34 GMT

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Ah John Hughes…the man was a screenwriting wizard, and he sure kindled some magic here.

This is an extremely simple story done extremely well. A rare “Comedy” that is actually funny – laugh till my eyes well-up kind of funny, and it was written back when comedies were crafted with intelligence by film makers not afraid to give the plot some heart. It stands the test of time with jokes that never grow stale even after repeated viewings.

The same can be said for the performances, as Steve Martin and John Candy are absolute comedic gold, and the development and growth of both characters actually plays out quite genuinely along with all the laughs (another rare thing in comedy.)

Like most brilliant Hughes films of this time, Planes is crammed-full of quotable lines and classic scenes, if you haven’t in a while, I highly recommend again…this one is definitely worth re-watching.

(to think Hughes is now penning quarter machine garbage like Maid in Manhattan and the concept for Drillbit Taylor – under a pseudonym of course, and who could blame him?)

In-The-Not-Too-Distant-Future... (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:00:44 GMT

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie (Widescreen)

by Jim Mallon

The most stellar television show of all time enters the very realm it has creatively ridiculed since it’s birthing…and it accomplished exactly what it should have – A chance for Mike and the bots to be viewed on the silver screen, essentially leaving themselves wide open for slams and pokes, and basically to be picked apart in the same manner as they had done to other movies for years. (Hey, it’s only fair)

MST3K holds a special place in my heart. It forced me into the risky genre of retro sci-fi. (that of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s) These gents are impressively quick witted & their vast knowledge and exposure to powerfully bad cinema and all forms of “media” actually, is staggering. They often make strange comparisons, citing or referring to any number of films, songs, celebrities, television shows, books, etc. in a single episode, and as the viewer you either catch it (& laugh) or you miss it (& laugh at the next one soon to follow,) no one is left out no matter what your level of cinema expertise.

The big-screen version is just as wonderfully silly and full of laughs. The crew, forced into an evil scientist’s experiment, is subjected to the 1955 science fiction film This Island Earth (which I enjoy for it’s cheesiness regardless, but is made even funnier here.) they endure the movie’s “awfulness” through jokes and mockery, providing a one-of-a-kind commentary much like watching with a group of witty friends. With Hilarious writing, and charming characters (both robot & human) this flick which has recently been made available on DVD (finally!) is a comedy/sci-fi lover’s dream.

Zero Star-Power (rated 1 star)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:57:39 GMT

The Wedding Date (Widescreen Edition)

by Clare Kilner

If I’m not mistaken, this is one of the in-flight movies shown on the way to hell. (at least it would be for me.)

Never mind my staggering hatred for Mr. Dermot Mulroney – a hatred that includes his shallow soul-less eyes, cheesy faux-hunk grin, even his irritating name – but the inclusion of Debra Messing, who was apparently “made-up” and styled to look like something out of a quarter machine in this role, is enough to push anyone over the edge…

And Messing’s self-conscious acting in this film is just as tacky as the fright-fest that is her hair…never have I been exposed to so many eerie shades of offensive orange in my lifetime… Some I didn’t even know existed! (and frankly, I was happier without them.)

Awful visuals aside, the very concept of this story is ridiculously cheap and taking the time to sit through this, would offer nothing but time-wasted.

A Rich Work of Art (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:53:19 GMT

The Fall

by Tarsem Singh

It is as though Singh embarked on a comprehensive examination of the planet, plucking just the right locations, like a painter would with hues, to create this tapestry of luxurious delights. The Fall is one of the most rich, entrancing tales to be told through film. Both adorable, and beautifully sad, it’s a pleasure for the senses, as well as the heart, in much the same way that Pan’s Labyrinth succeeded.

The characters are dear, and the use of somewhat unknown (or inexperienced?) actors greatly increases your ability to sink in and take their situations seriously. Playing the role of the damaged stunt man, Lee Pace will (or maybe SHOULD) gain much respect for this difficult performance, and for proving his ability to impressively carry a film along side a child. He not only achieved a sweet rapport with the girl (6 year-old Catinca Untaru) but he displayed an almost graceful inner turmoil throughout that never crossed over into cliche.

The entire concept is unique and remarkable, it provides scenes of excitement, warmth, and tragedy…and with nearly every frame being a thing of beauty, The Fall is definitely a work of art worth owning.

The Process of Filmmaking & Human Behavior..

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:50:42 GMT

Overnight

by Mark Brian Smith

It is amazing that this footage was captured. Overnight documents the process of a man given the chance to be blessed with success and what can happen if you are undeserving of it.

It is almost like studying the behavior of another life form. That a human could be so bullishly arrogant, arrogant to the point of complete stupidity, is astounding.

Duffy is an ill-mannered man enveloped in his own world in which he is the messiah, and no one else – loved ones, friends, seasoned professionals (in which ever medium he is trying to conquer at that time) can get a word in edgewise. He is unwilling to share credit, unwilling to compromise, makes no attempt to professionally or even courteously, arrange deals and do business. All of this is bad enough, but factor in his treatment of his family, his gluttonous drinking, and chain smoking, and it becomes clear that this is a being of pure self-destruction. He is, in essence, a Neanderthal who conjured up one interesting idea…and we get to witness it being squandered.

There are moments I was compelled to shout at the screen “You idiot!! What the hell are you doing!?” as I watched him torch his entire world, angry rant after angry rant.

It can be looked at as a “What NOT to do” for those looking to enter the complex business of film making, if you can stomach your way through it.

Consumed "Sheba, Baby"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:50:55 GMT

Sheba, Baby

by William Girdler

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Revolutionary Road"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:49:58 GMT

Revolutionary Road

by Sam Mendes

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Blindness"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:48:20 GMT

Blindness

by Fernando Meirelles

WORTH IT!

A review of "My Blueberry Nights"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:01:39 GMT

My Blueberry Nights

by Wong Kar-Wai

I’ve been told this film is a waste of time, but Natalie Portman is yummy in my opinion, and since blueberries are equally as yummy, how could I go wrong?
I feel that I owe it to my tongue/taste buds to try it.

Revision
Indeed, it is a film filled beginning to end, with rich, flavorful, cinematography-wise splendor. These onscreen dessert-like delights include the presence of my current crush Portman, who is one of the films brightest qualities. Like a slice of pie, her – along with a few other lush characteristics, require a glass of milk while taking them in. The performances of Jude Law & Rachel Weisz (though not at her best) could be included, as well as those gorgeous colors and artistic camera angles.

Credit must also be given for including Chan Marshall & her music in the movie. Her face was a nice surprise.

The story and flow of Blueberry does have it’s weak points, (the casting of Norah Jones is included) but I enjoyed it for my own reasons and would still recommend it.

Consumed "Close-Up"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:49:16 GMT

Close-Up

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Sleeper"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:49:02 GMT

Sleeper

WORTH IT!

Consumed "The Lady Eve - Criterion Collection"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:48:24 GMT

The Lady Eve - Criterion Collection

by Preston Sturges

WORTH IT!

Consumed "Bride Wars"

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:38:14 GMT

Bride Wars

NOT WORTH IT!

Perfection. (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:36:32 GMT

Magnolia (1999)

by Paul Thomas Anderson

This. Is. It. One of the very few pieces of absolute FLAWLESS, Cinematic/Silver Screen Stories Ever Laid to Celluloid. This Film Is So Good It Hurts. & The Screenplay makes me wonder how this man sleeps at night if his head is full of such perfection. Forget the Brilliant acting, Forget the Stellar Cast – This is a thing of striking beauty even on paper & I thank Paul for setting the standard so high, that it is ungodly for any of us to even think that we may reach it. This. Is. Film.

Love... (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (GhostSeed) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:31:53 GMT

Mulholland Drive

Gorgeous, Clever, Remarkable, Highly Exciting…

Early sixties tunes, pleasant colors, not to mention that Hollywood stories (especially done this well) are a treat.

The more I watch it, the more I adore it!

Delicious.