Hidiho, movie masters, well this week, I went to see something a little off the beaten track and you know what - it was goooooood. I went with the missus (hereafter, to be known as MRS. C. - C IS FOR CINEPINION). What I saw was THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE, directed by R.J. CUTLER, who is the director of that fine flick, behind the scenes of the CLINTON campaign, THE WAR ROOM. This time we're behind the scenes with editor- in-chief of VOGUE, (ANNA WINTOUR), as she assembles the September 2007 edition, their biggest one in history.
My wife, has been eagerly awaiting this film, and since VOGUE, is her bible, the way that VARIETY, is mine, I thought she would be the ideal person to interview, about the film, so here goes...
MR. C. : What was your overall impression of the movie?
MRS. C. : I thought it was very slick and well-edited. I did not think there was a dull moment, in the whole movie.
MR. C. : I have to agree and concur with you there. It received a zero, on my personal schluffometer.
MRS. C. : I was also pleasantly surprised at all the men in the audience.
MR. C. : And some of them were straight.
MRS. C. : Good one .
MR. C. : How do you think Ms. Wintour, came off in the film?
MRS. C. : She came off, very guarded, very professional and strictly business. As opposed to her right hand person, GRACE CODDINGTON, who is the creative director, of the mag.
MR. C. : Yeah, I thought GRACE, was much more boho, more of a free spirit.
MRS. C. : Yeah, and WINTOUR, was humourless. But, the movie showed how they needed each other, and really relied on one another.
MR. C. : What else did you like about the doc?
MRS. C. : It really looked, behind the scenes, at the creative process, involved in putting a fashion mag together.
MR. C. : Cutler, was obviously granted full access.
MR. C. : And may I add, the clothes
MR. C. : The stores... Oh, I thought we were doing the theme for GREEN ACRES.
MRS. C. : Wouldn't it be more appropriate, to do the theme for HAPPY DAYS?
MR. C. : Good one MRS. C.
MRS C. : You're welcome Arthur.
MR. C. : Getting back to the film - any last words?
MRS. C. : Yeah, for once, something I had highly anticipated, didn't disappoint.
MRS. C. : Yeah, kind of like PORKY'S 12, where they finally got the formula right.
MRS. C. : You and your PORKY'S 12.
MR. C. : GOOD NIGHT MRS. C.
MRS. C. : GOOD NIGHT MR. C.
...AND UNTIL NEXT TIME...
T.T.F.N.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
ZANY ZOMBIES
Hi film fanciers, my name is TALLAHASSEE, you may know me better as WOODY HARRELSON, and you may have seen my punim on CHEERS, or maybe at your local picture show in THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLINT, or WHITE MEN CAN'T JUMP. Currently, I'm starring, in a new flick: ZOMBIELAND, directed by a very talented feller, named RUBEN FLEISCHER.
Now, this flick is more fun than a bag of possums covered in molasses. You see, in this ole film, there has been an epidemic of sorts, which has turned the populous into flesh-eating zombies. There's a few of us human critters left and we're all trying to get back to our home, just like that Dorothy gal in that Oz, film. Our names reflect where we're tryin' to get.
There's me, my buddy, COLUMBUS, he's played by that actor feller JESSE EISENBERG, who seems to specialize in playin' the virgin type. He has all these rules ya see, for stayin' alive. Then, there's also some females, as well. There's WICHITA, who is played, by EMMA STONE (I thank that COLUMBUS, is a little sweet on her), and her sister LITTLE ROCK, who is played by ABIGAIL BRESLIN, thass right, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, herself. There's also a surprise, big shot star type, as well, but I ain't tellin' you who...
Anyways, this film is lotsa fun, the zombies are gross, but kinda cute, in a grotesque, kinda way. this is a real popcorn movie, with thrills, chills and even a little skin for you teen fellas. This director is making his debut, behind the camera and he does, a bang-up job. I give this film five twinkies, and say go see it.
In closin' I'd like to give you some friendly advice, ya gotta shut up or nut up, ok?
That Cinepinion dude will be back next week to review, LAW ABIDING CITIZEN. So, until then, as he would say:
T.T.F.N.
Now, this flick is more fun than a bag of possums covered in molasses. You see, in this ole film, there has been an epidemic of sorts, which has turned the populous into flesh-eating zombies. There's a few of us human critters left and we're all trying to get back to our home, just like that Dorothy gal in that Oz, film. Our names reflect where we're tryin' to get.
There's me, my buddy, COLUMBUS, he's played by that actor feller JESSE EISENBERG, who seems to specialize in playin' the virgin type. He has all these rules ya see, for stayin' alive. Then, there's also some females, as well. There's WICHITA, who is played, by EMMA STONE (I thank that COLUMBUS, is a little sweet on her), and her sister LITTLE ROCK, who is played by ABIGAIL BRESLIN, thass right, LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE, herself. There's also a surprise, big shot star type, as well, but I ain't tellin' you who...
Anyways, this film is lotsa fun, the zombies are gross, but kinda cute, in a grotesque, kinda way. this is a real popcorn movie, with thrills, chills and even a little skin for you teen fellas. This director is making his debut, behind the camera and he does, a bang-up job. I give this film five twinkies, and say go see it.
In closin' I'd like to give you some friendly advice, ya gotta shut up or nut up, ok?
That Cinepinion dude will be back next week to review, LAW ABIDING CITIZEN. So, until then, as he would say:
T.T.F.N.
Monday, October 12, 2009
DAMNED! FINE! FILM!
Welcome, Film Fans, to another stellar CINEPINION. I have to say that I saw a real crackerjack movie this week and I'll give you a hint: it wasn't, AIRPLANE! Everyone give up? Alright, I'll tell you, since you asked, so nicely: it was, THE INFORMANT! directed by STEVEN SODERBERGH.
This movie, is based on a true-story and features a stellar, performance by MATT DAMON - it was one of those stories that prove to be, stranger than fiction.
DAMON, plays Mark Whitacre, who is works as VP for the Agra-business giant ADM (ARCHER, DANIELS, MIDLAND), in the American Midwest. He soon becomes a whistle blower, who becomes involved with the FBI to put the kibosh, on his company. In classic movie fashion, he wears a wire, and becomes a spy against his firm. However, all is not all that it appears to be, with family man, Whitacre...
As mentioned, DAMON's tour de force performance is Oscar-worthy, as he runs the gamut of emotions. At times he is proud, scared, arrogant, paranoid - and sometimes within the same scene.
Unlike, other whistle-blower, movies, (THE INFORMER, comes to mind, for example), THE INFORMANT, is largely played for laughs. It features a supporting cast of comedians (RICK OVERTON, ALAN HAVEY and even THE SMOTHER BROTHERS). Contributing to this farcical tone, is the wonky score, by MARVIN HAMLISCH, which has to be heard to be believed.
DAMON, is in almost every scene and is also heard in a non-sequitor filled, voice-over. It's a talky-film, but it is not boring! In other words, unlike the film SURROGATES, starring BRUCE WILLIS ( about which, I will say nothing else), it is a zero on the schluffometer, in other words, I didn't fall asleep, at all.
Next flick ( I hope): ZOMBIELAND.
T.T.F.N.
This movie, is based on a true-story and features a stellar, performance by MATT DAMON - it was one of those stories that prove to be, stranger than fiction.
DAMON, plays Mark Whitacre, who is works as VP for the Agra-business giant ADM (ARCHER, DANIELS, MIDLAND), in the American Midwest. He soon becomes a whistle blower, who becomes involved with the FBI to put the kibosh, on his company. In classic movie fashion, he wears a wire, and becomes a spy against his firm. However, all is not all that it appears to be, with family man, Whitacre...
As mentioned, DAMON's tour de force performance is Oscar-worthy, as he runs the gamut of emotions. At times he is proud, scared, arrogant, paranoid - and sometimes within the same scene.
Unlike, other whistle-blower, movies, (THE INFORMER, comes to mind, for example), THE INFORMANT, is largely played for laughs. It features a supporting cast of comedians (RICK OVERTON, ALAN HAVEY and even THE SMOTHER BROTHERS). Contributing to this farcical tone, is the wonky score, by MARVIN HAMLISCH, which has to be heard to be believed.
DAMON, is in almost every scene and is also heard in a non-sequitor filled, voice-over. It's a talky-film, but it is not boring! In other words, unlike the film SURROGATES, starring BRUCE WILLIS ( about which, I will say nothing else), it is a zero on the schluffometer, in other words, I didn't fall asleep, at all.
Next flick ( I hope): ZOMBIELAND.
T.T.F.N.
Monday, October 5, 2009
THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN
Yes, cine maniacs, it finally happened, I saw my first post-TIFF flick and it was excellent. I mentioned at the end of last week's posting, that I had planned to see, TETRO. Well, there's an expression that says something about the best laid plans of, mice and men, long story short, it was no longer playing. However, all hope was not lost. There was a film I had wanted to see, earlier in the summer and it was still playing!!! That film is this week's subject: THE BOYS: THE SHERMAN BROTHERS' STORY, directed by GREGORY AND JEFFREY SHERMAN, (who are, interestingly enough, their respective sons).
This movie is one of the best docs, I have ever seen. It tells the story of the SHERMAN BROTHERS, who were the in-house tune smiths for the WALT DISNEY company, during its heyday, when it was run by ole WALT himself. They are also two of the most prolific musicians in music history, as well. A partial list of their accomplishments takes us down, movie memory lane: MARY POPPINS, THE JUNGLE BOOK, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS, and CHITTY, CHITTY BANG, BANG (which is not a DISNEY, film, although, people think it is , because, DICK VAN DYKE, was in it and they did the music and lyrics).
The interesting thing, about these two, multi-award winning composers (including 2 academy awards), is that when they weren't working together, they were virtual strangers. As well, their respective families never saw each other. Of the two, Richard (or Dick, as is he is more commonly know), is the more outgoing of the two. He is the music composer, or if you will, the PAUL MCCARTNEY, to Robert's (or Bob's ), JOHN LENNON. Like LENNON, Bob, the lyricist, is more reserved and introverted. The movie tries to show why they are, the way they are. While, they were both soldiers during World War 2, Dick, never really saw any action. On the other hand, Bob was interred in a concentration camp and bears those horrifying scars, to the present day.
I did not realize, how emotionally- affected, I would be by this film, but let's just say that copious tears, were shed during the course of this film, and not just on screen. The SHERMAN'S, are responsible for some of the most wonderful songs ever written: A SPOON FULL OF SUGAR, SUPERCALIFRAGILIS (you know the rest), CHIM CHIM CHE'REE, STEP IN TIME, FEED THE BIRDS, LET'S GO FLY A KITE, HUSHABYE MOUNTAIN, just a name a few in their catalogue.
The talking heads this film contains all attest, to the brothers' genius: HAYLEY MILLS, DICK VAN DYKE, JULIE ANDREWS, ANNETTE FUNNICELLO (in a heart-breaking appearance, she reveals how they wrote some of her greatest hits), ALAN MENCKEN, BARBARA BROCCOLI, (whose father produced, CHITTY CHITTY...), CAMERON MACKINTOSH (who produced, MARY POPPINS, on stage), JOHN LANDIS and many others.
The most fascinating part of course, is the brothers' estrangement. It shows how they were thrown together by fate. They are two people who would never have associated with each other, if they weren't work-partners, even if, they were brothers. Earlier clips show how close together the two brothers were, (they came from a musical family and their dad, who was also a musician, kept the brothers together). When they are reunited at the Broadway, premiere of MARY POPPINS, Dick, is hoping for a reconciliation with Bob, which never really happens.
As, we see them in later years, Bob, has moved to England. He is frail and concentrates on his painting, (he is quite good) and Dick is still spry and playing piano and performing.
The film works on so many levels: the inner-workings, of DISNEY under DISNEY, a look at the music business and of course, the story of two brilliant, albeit radically different brothers. It is however, directed by their sons, so there is hope for future, family reconciliation.
So, until next time, as they say in the biz..
T.T.F.N.
This movie is one of the best docs, I have ever seen. It tells the story of the SHERMAN BROTHERS, who were the in-house tune smiths for the WALT DISNEY company, during its heyday, when it was run by ole WALT himself. They are also two of the most prolific musicians in music history, as well. A partial list of their accomplishments takes us down, movie memory lane: MARY POPPINS, THE JUNGLE BOOK, BEDKNOBS AND BROOMSTICKS, and CHITTY, CHITTY BANG, BANG (which is not a DISNEY, film, although, people think it is , because, DICK VAN DYKE, was in it and they did the music and lyrics).
The interesting thing, about these two, multi-award winning composers (including 2 academy awards), is that when they weren't working together, they were virtual strangers. As well, their respective families never saw each other. Of the two, Richard (or Dick, as is he is more commonly know), is the more outgoing of the two. He is the music composer, or if you will, the PAUL MCCARTNEY, to Robert's (or Bob's ), JOHN LENNON. Like LENNON, Bob, the lyricist, is more reserved and introverted. The movie tries to show why they are, the way they are. While, they were both soldiers during World War 2, Dick, never really saw any action. On the other hand, Bob was interred in a concentration camp and bears those horrifying scars, to the present day.
I did not realize, how emotionally- affected, I would be by this film, but let's just say that copious tears, were shed during the course of this film, and not just on screen. The SHERMAN'S, are responsible for some of the most wonderful songs ever written: A SPOON FULL OF SUGAR, SUPERCALIFRAGILIS (you know the rest), CHIM CHIM CHE'REE, STEP IN TIME, FEED THE BIRDS, LET'S GO FLY A KITE, HUSHABYE MOUNTAIN, just a name a few in their catalogue.
The talking heads this film contains all attest, to the brothers' genius: HAYLEY MILLS, DICK VAN DYKE, JULIE ANDREWS, ANNETTE FUNNICELLO (in a heart-breaking appearance, she reveals how they wrote some of her greatest hits), ALAN MENCKEN, BARBARA BROCCOLI, (whose father produced, CHITTY CHITTY...), CAMERON MACKINTOSH (who produced, MARY POPPINS, on stage), JOHN LANDIS and many others.
The most fascinating part of course, is the brothers' estrangement. It shows how they were thrown together by fate. They are two people who would never have associated with each other, if they weren't work-partners, even if, they were brothers. Earlier clips show how close together the two brothers were, (they came from a musical family and their dad, who was also a musician, kept the brothers together). When they are reunited at the Broadway, premiere of MARY POPPINS, Dick, is hoping for a reconciliation with Bob, which never really happens.
As, we see them in later years, Bob, has moved to England. He is frail and concentrates on his painting, (he is quite good) and Dick is still spry and playing piano and performing.
The film works on so many levels: the inner-workings, of DISNEY under DISNEY, a look at the music business and of course, the story of two brilliant, albeit radically different brothers. It is however, directed by their sons, so there is hope for future, family reconciliation.
So, until next time, as they say in the biz..
T.T.F.N.
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