Well Cinethusiasts, we are thick into the flicks of December. I had a chance to see ROB MARSHALL'S much-hyped, follow up to his multi-awarded film, CHICAGO. This one is also based on a popular Broadway musical and it's called NINE. Since, it is a musical, I thought it might be time for another song parody, which will also tell you how I felt about the flick.
...AND SO WITHOUT FURTHER ADO...
...MR. MUSIC, PLEASE...
CHICAGO LITE (SUNG TO THE TUNE OF ALL THAT JAZZ)
COME ON WEINSTEIN'S
WE'RE GONNA MAKE A FLICK-
CHICAGO LITE
WE'LL USE PARTS OF CHICAGO,
CABARET AND ALL THAT JAZZ-
CHICAGO LITE
STACK THE DECK
WITH BIG STARS WITH BIGGER PARTS
EYE CANDY FROM THE VERY START
IT WAS A BIG BROADWAY HIT
BUT IT HAS NO GREAT SONGS
IT'LL BRING TO MIND
A MOVIE SO FINE,
IT'S, CHICAGO LITE
SO, IS IT AS GOOD AS CHICAGO? - NEIN!!!
...UNTIL NEXT TIME MON PETIT CINEMEN
T.T.F.N.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
AWESOME AVATAR
Well, my Cinefollowers, last week was a banner one for yours truly. I was able to see a truly great film, that was a treat for all the senses. That was JAMES CAMERON'S AVATAR. Not since I saw the first STAR WARS, have I been so dazzled by a movie.
This film of course is CAMERON'S much-ballyhooed, directorial follow-up to his last flick, does anyone remember a modest effort called, TITANIC?
Every time, CAMERON, does a film, he reinvents the medium. AVATAR, is no exception. The film reputedly has a negative cost of $200,000,000, well it certainly seems to be all up there on the screen. I saw the film in 3-d and it simply blew my mind. CAMERON, fills the frame with imagery, that I have never, ever seen before. The battle scenes at the end are simply breath-taking and you will be blown away. Apparently, for this film, CAMERON, invented his own camera, I wouldn't be surprised.
In addition to all the visual razzle dazzle, the film does have a good story, (a trademark of a CAMERON film). SAM WORTHINGTON, must be singled out for holding his own among the synthespians, and of course, it's always nice to see SIGOURNEY WEAVER, on screen.
If you want to see a treat for both the head and the heart, get thee post haste to your nearest multiplex and check out AVATAR, you'll be glad you did.
Until we meet again...
T.T.F.N.
This film of course is CAMERON'S much-ballyhooed, directorial follow-up to his last flick, does anyone remember a modest effort called, TITANIC?
Every time, CAMERON, does a film, he reinvents the medium. AVATAR, is no exception. The film reputedly has a negative cost of $200,000,000, well it certainly seems to be all up there on the screen. I saw the film in 3-d and it simply blew my mind. CAMERON, fills the frame with imagery, that I have never, ever seen before. The battle scenes at the end are simply breath-taking and you will be blown away. Apparently, for this film, CAMERON, invented his own camera, I wouldn't be surprised.
In addition to all the visual razzle dazzle, the film does have a good story, (a trademark of a CAMERON film). SAM WORTHINGTON, must be singled out for holding his own among the synthespians, and of course, it's always nice to see SIGOURNEY WEAVER, on screen.
If you want to see a treat for both the head and the heart, get thee post haste to your nearest multiplex and check out AVATAR, you'll be glad you did.
Until we meet again...
T.T.F.N.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
''FIDDLER'' ON THE BLOG
Good day, all my Cineflotilla, I hope to be assaying the latest JAMES CAMERON'S opus, AVATAR, tomorrow and so for today, let's go to the theatre and discuss FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, starring HARVEY FIERSTEIN.
Now, you have to understand up front that FIDDLER and I, have a very rich tradition, (sorry, I couldn't resist), together. I have now seen, the musical three times and that includes Stratford's fabulous production with BRENT CARVER. I have played the role of TEVYE, myself twice - the second time I also directed - so, it is a property very near and dear to my heart. When I heard that it was coming to Toronto and it would be TOPOL'S farewell engagement as TEVYE, I was beside myself with excitement.
O.K. now we fast forward to a few weeks, before the production. The press announces that TOPOL, is injured and will not be playing TEVYE, in Toronto. You may ask, who did they get to replace him? I'll tell you - HARVEY FIERSTEIN, who played TEVYE on broadway.
So, how was HARVEY? We all know that he got fabulous reviews on broadway, however, much of a voice he does not have - it sort of sounds like he gargled with ground glass - that said, he was magnificent. He made the most of the voice he has and it has a great ensemble as well.
TIME FOR A DIGRESSION...
Why is it that whenever, I go to live theatre, there is one person in front of me, who does not laugh, cry or even genuflect once during the entire production, but looks back at me every time I do, with disgust, (sir, if you were to take the pickle out of your ass, you might enjoy the production and lighten up). As for me, the tears usually start at the beginning and abate around the time when ANATEVKA ends.
BUT I DIGRESS...
The entire production, was wonderful, and the director-choreographer, SAMMY DALLAS BAYES, recreated JEROME ROBBIN'S legendary, choreography, including those show-stopping bottle dancers. Those that should be singled out for praise are SUSAN CELLA, as GOLDE, TEVYE'S long-suffering wife. MARY STOUT, as YENTE, (you know, not every woman is a yente), DAVID BRUMMEL as LAZAR WOLF and ERIK LIBERMAN, as MOTEL.
We all know the plot of FIDDLER, (the story is self-explanatory, the music is delightful..). This was one of the most delightful productions I have ever seen and it was a real delight, from start to finish.
Until we meet again mon cherie...
T.T.F.N.
Now, you have to understand up front that FIDDLER and I, have a very rich tradition, (sorry, I couldn't resist), together. I have now seen, the musical three times and that includes Stratford's fabulous production with BRENT CARVER. I have played the role of TEVYE, myself twice - the second time I also directed - so, it is a property very near and dear to my heart. When I heard that it was coming to Toronto and it would be TOPOL'S farewell engagement as TEVYE, I was beside myself with excitement.
O.K. now we fast forward to a few weeks, before the production. The press announces that TOPOL, is injured and will not be playing TEVYE, in Toronto. You may ask, who did they get to replace him? I'll tell you - HARVEY FIERSTEIN, who played TEVYE on broadway.
So, how was HARVEY? We all know that he got fabulous reviews on broadway, however, much of a voice he does not have - it sort of sounds like he gargled with ground glass - that said, he was magnificent. He made the most of the voice he has and it has a great ensemble as well.
TIME FOR A DIGRESSION...
Why is it that whenever, I go to live theatre, there is one person in front of me, who does not laugh, cry or even genuflect once during the entire production, but looks back at me every time I do, with disgust, (sir, if you were to take the pickle out of your ass, you might enjoy the production and lighten up). As for me, the tears usually start at the beginning and abate around the time when ANATEVKA ends.
BUT I DIGRESS...
The entire production, was wonderful, and the director-choreographer, SAMMY DALLAS BAYES, recreated JEROME ROBBIN'S legendary, choreography, including those show-stopping bottle dancers. Those that should be singled out for praise are SUSAN CELLA, as GOLDE, TEVYE'S long-suffering wife. MARY STOUT, as YENTE, (you know, not every woman is a yente), DAVID BRUMMEL as LAZAR WOLF and ERIK LIBERMAN, as MOTEL.
We all know the plot of FIDDLER, (the story is self-explanatory, the music is delightful..). This was one of the most delightful productions I have ever seen and it was a real delight, from start to finish.
Until we meet again mon cherie...
T.T.F.N.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
''UP, UP AND AWAY"'
Well, my Cinebuddies, I finally saw an Oscar-worthy, flick and I have to say it was a really good one. The film in question was that new one by that recent cinematic wunderkind, JASON REITMAN, called, UP IN THE AIR. There, is already serious Oscar-buzz for the film and its star GEORGE CLOONEY, who gives a remarkable performance.
CLOONEY, plays a man whose agency is hired by other companies to do the firing of their employees. He is a benevolent hatchet man, and he will fly wherever he has to, to deliver the bad news. He thinks his life is pretty orderly and neat and he has flying down to a science, but he is about to have a rude awakening...
The supporting cast is also wonderful which in addition to charter members of REITMAN'S rep company, JASON BATEMAN, J.K. SIMMONS, has fabulous performances from, VERA FARMIGA, ANNA KENDRICK and MELANIE LYNSKEY. As well, all the people who are fired on screen, are played by real people who were really fired, in this way their reactions ring true.
Now, on to CLOONEY. he is truly a revelation, in a role that requires him to be in turn, cocky, aggressive, funny, sexy, and very vulnerable, yes vulnerable.
REITMAN, does yeoman's work as director and after only three films has become one of Hollywood's best helmers. Like CLOONEY, this film is also by turns, funny, sexy, sad, and finally contemplative.
It is truly one of the best of the year and highly, recommended.
Until we meet again, sweetheart...
T.T.F.N.
CLOONEY, plays a man whose agency is hired by other companies to do the firing of their employees. He is a benevolent hatchet man, and he will fly wherever he has to, to deliver the bad news. He thinks his life is pretty orderly and neat and he has flying down to a science, but he is about to have a rude awakening...
The supporting cast is also wonderful which in addition to charter members of REITMAN'S rep company, JASON BATEMAN, J.K. SIMMONS, has fabulous performances from, VERA FARMIGA, ANNA KENDRICK and MELANIE LYNSKEY. As well, all the people who are fired on screen, are played by real people who were really fired, in this way their reactions ring true.
Now, on to CLOONEY. he is truly a revelation, in a role that requires him to be in turn, cocky, aggressive, funny, sexy, and very vulnerable, yes vulnerable.
REITMAN, does yeoman's work as director and after only three films has become one of Hollywood's best helmers. Like CLOONEY, this film is also by turns, funny, sexy, sad, and finally contemplative.
It is truly one of the best of the year and highly, recommended.
Until we meet again, sweetheart...
T.T.F.N.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
2012: IT'S THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT...
Well, my Cinefolks, I finally saw a new flick. you can probably guess, what it was: ROLAND EMMERICH'S 2012. As it turns out, at the same time I have been reading the hilarious book called FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: BEHIND THE MYLAR CURTAIN by GERALD ALESSANDRINI and MICHAEL PORTANTIERE, based on the legendary show that pokes fun at the great white way. Yours truly, is no stranger to the art of parody and so I thought I would do one this week in honour of the film, I saw and because its fun. So, with apologies to my favourite broadway composer, STEPHEN SONDHEIM, may I present for your amusement...
DISASTER TONIGHT
(SUNG TO THE TUNE OF ''COMEDY TONIGHT'')
SOMETHING FAMILIAR ,
SOMETHING THAT'S SIMILAR,
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT!
CITIES EXPLODING
OTHERS IMPLODING
SO MUCH FOREBODING -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT
NOTHING THAT'S SUBTLE
SOMETHING ABOUT FATE
BIG BUDGET EPIC
THE REST IS JUST TEPID
SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT
WOODY H. RANTS
AS PRES. GLOVER TRIES
CHEW ON YOUR POPCORN
AS MILLIONS DIE
A LITTLE ''TITANIC''
ASTOUNDING FX GIGANTIC
EVERY DISASTER FLICK ROLLED INTO ONE
BANALITY'S IN ORDER -
BOMBASTIC MUSIC
DID I MENTION JOHN CUSAK
COMEDY TOMORROW -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT!
-FIN-
SOMETHING THAT'S SIMILAR,
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT!
CITIES EXPLODING
OTHERS IMPLODING
SO MUCH FOREBODING -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT
NOTHING THAT'S SUBTLE
SOMETHING ABOUT FATE
AS FOR THE SCRIPT -
IT'LL JUST HAVE TO WAITBIG BUDGET EPIC
THE REST IS JUST TEPID
SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT
WOODY H. RANTS
AS PRES. GLOVER TRIES
CHEW ON YOUR POPCORN
AS MILLIONS DIE
A LITTLE ''TITANIC''
ASTOUNDING FX GIGANTIC
EVERY DISASTER FLICK ROLLED INTO ONE
BANALITY'S IN ORDER -
BOMBASTIC MUSIC
DID I MENTION JOHN CUSAK
COMEDY TOMORROW -
DISASTER FILM TONIGHT!
-FIN-
(THAT'S FRANCAIS FOR T.T.F.N.)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
THAT'S WHY HE'S THE ''KING''
You're probably wondering at this point, my loyal readers, when yours truly, THE CINEMAN, will be able to give his CINEPINION, again. It won't be this week, because, I have recently finished the latest STEPHEN KING, tome, UNDER THE DOME and as THE TUBES were wont to say: ''she's a beauty.''
When I say that this is a magnum opus, its true in so many ways. It is over 1000 pages, but not one of these, is superfluous. It is a true masterpiece, and definitely his best book in my humble opinion.
The story is simple enough. A small town in Maine, is all of a sudden one day, covered by a seemingly invisible dome. The novel tells how the denizens of this town, cope with this remarkable occurrence. To say anymore, would spoil a truly great and satisfying reading experience.
What makes this book so wonderful is how KING, makes his characters, seem like real people. I felt like I was part of this community as I read about how they deal with the dome. There are a great compliment of heroes, villains and fools.
For those old enough to remember, it put me in mind of that great TWILIGHT ZONE, episode, THE MONSTERS ARE DUE ON MAPLE STREET, but, it also contains echoes of, LORD OF THE FLIES, THE STAND and (believe it, or not), THE SIMPSON'S MOVIE.
It is a stunning achievement and a in some ways a summing up of many themes found in KING'S oeuvre, while still being wholly original.
Until next time..
T.T.F.N.
When I say that this is a magnum opus, its true in so many ways. It is over 1000 pages, but not one of these, is superfluous. It is a true masterpiece, and definitely his best book in my humble opinion.
The story is simple enough. A small town in Maine, is all of a sudden one day, covered by a seemingly invisible dome. The novel tells how the denizens of this town, cope with this remarkable occurrence. To say anymore, would spoil a truly great and satisfying reading experience.
What makes this book so wonderful is how KING, makes his characters, seem like real people. I felt like I was part of this community as I read about how they deal with the dome. There are a great compliment of heroes, villains and fools.
For those old enough to remember, it put me in mind of that great TWILIGHT ZONE, episode, THE MONSTERS ARE DUE ON MAPLE STREET, but, it also contains echoes of, LORD OF THE FLIES, THE STAND and (believe it, or not), THE SIMPSON'S MOVIE.
It is a stunning achievement and a in some ways a summing up of many themes found in KING'S oeuvre, while still being wholly original.
Until next time..
T.T.F.N.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)