Movie Review: Batman Begins

In a word, fantastic. I was so sure I was setting myself up for a fall. I remember reading about how Warner Brothers was going to get this franchise going again. Visions of Batman & Robin filled my head. Then a glimmer of hope in the darkness, Christopher Nolan was brought in to direct. For those unfamiliar with his past work, he did the phenomenal Memento and the also excellent remake of Insomnia. Then David Goyer was brought in to write, he had done excellent work with the Blade series.

The big question was who could pull of our complex hero? Enter Christian Bale, who proved to me he could play the role with the underrated Equilibrium. Then the big names started rolling in. Before long the cast comprised of Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Katie Holmes, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, and Rutger Hauer. This sounded too good to be true. I was sure Warner would find a way to turn this into a train wreck. Fortunately, that didn't happen.

This is a wonderful interpretation on the creation on one of the most interesting of heroes. This is the first film to truly capture who Batman is without requiring any leaps of logic. The film, while clearly not "real" in any sense, plays by it's rules and the logic holds through to the end. This is the first real insight into why Bruce became the Bat, the first to explore with any type of depth to give background to his pathos. It has become more than just a reaction to his parents murder.

I really don't want to get into too much of the story. Many of you, even non-Batman fans have at least a basic knowledge of Batman's origin and the fact that he has a large rogue's gallery to choose a villain from. What is really going to cement the stature of this film is going to be the a combination of character(including acting and dialogue), visual style, and story. So, it may be a better idea to take a look at these elements.

The first one to look at is going to be the story. This film, more so than any of the Burton/Schumacher era films, gives us a clear focus on Bruce Wayne. The first hour of the film shows a great deal of development and growth in the Wayne character. We all know that his parents are murdered by a robber in an alley after going to the theater, we know that he grows up and puts on a bat costume on and fights crime. Christopher Nolan gives us reasons for this change, and Bale gives us a conflicted young man. We see him develop naturally. The growth we get and the way they tie his training and such in to the later story works well and gives it more emotion.

The visual style that Nolan brings to the plate is also fantastic. There is a blend of the 40's and the current day combining to create a darkly real vision. It isn't the overly gothic look of Burton's films, nor is it the overly cartoony vision of Schumacher. What we get is a believable looking city that is also not recognizable as anything in the real world. The costumes are great, the batsuit may still be of the armor variety, it still looks right. I love the Scarecrow's mask. Everything hits the right mark visually.

Then there are the performances. First there is our star, Christian Bale, easily the best Bruce Wayne/Batman so far. Not to belittle the efforts of Michael Keaton, but Bale almost seems to have been born to play this role. He brings a previously unseen depth, successfully playing the two sides of his personality, the struggle to reconcile them. Then we have Michael Caine stepping into the role of Alfred, and what a performance he brings. He brings such weight and meaning to all that he says, there is a love and dedication in his words. Morgan Freeman bringing Lucious Fox to the screen as a scientist and friend to Bruce. Freeman brings a quiet intelligence to the role which plays very well. This is the first film to show Commissioner Gordon prior to becoming Commissioner, here he is Sergeant, and he is played by Gary Oldman. Oldman does a great job, possibly the best supporting performance of the bunch. On the other side of the coin we have Ken Watanabe as Ras al'Ghoul, the leader of a terrorist group which steps in when civilization becomes too decadent. Liam Neeson as his right hand man, Ducard. Ducard plays a pivotal role in the training of Bruce, I kept waiting for him to say "Use the Force." Scarecrow is brought to us by Cillian Murphy, whose performance I really enjoyed. He infuses it with this quirkiness that I just loved, I am not sure how else to describe it. Then there is Katie Holmes as Rachel Dawes, it is such a nothing role, which isn't really true, she is rather pivotal to the plot, but she is so underwritten that it comes across as a bad performance, when I think the writing is at fault.

You know, as I write this, I recognize that it has not been terribly informative, and for that I am sorry. I have not been able to find the words to adequately convey my feelings for this movie. It will be interesting to see how it holds up on multiple viewings. I think it is the next film to do a great job of starting a franchise, in the same league as X-Men and Spider-Man. I think the sequel could be even better. Just like those two examples, this did a great job of introducing characters and detailing the origin, but now that the origin exposition is out of the way, there will be more room for the story in the sequel.

It's time for some random thoughts. I liked how the bat was fully integrated into the origin. I liked the discussion of being an incorruptible symbol rather than just a man fighting crime. I liked Scarecrow's mannerisms. The training sequences reminded me of old kung fu flicks. I like how the origin is fully a part of the the rest of the story, I like how Gordon was willing to work with our hero. I liked Batman getting stun gunned. The more I think about it, the more I think the fast cutting in the action sequences works for the style of the film, I wasn't sure at first. All of Wayne Enterprises toys just waiting to be picked up.

Bottomline. This is pure and simple a great film, easily the best Batman film. One of the better films so far this year. I need to see it again, then I may be able to write a better review. What I really want to say is to just see the movie.

Highly Recommended.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

Stuntmen Deserve an Oscar Too

It was reported at www.IMDB.com that a group of 65 stuntmen organized a demonstration outside the offices of the Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles. Jack Gill organized the protest telling reporters I am baffled why all these other categories: production, design, special effects, wardrobe, are included and we are left by the wayside."

To be honest, I am inclined to agree with him. These men and women put the bodies on the line int he pursuit of delivering an exciting and convincingly real action sequences. The work they do is just as important as any other member of the production. Considering all of the other categories that are honored by the Oscar each year, why is it that stunts are overlooked?

Oscars are given to costume designers and sound designers, special effects creators and production designers. Nothing is given to the stunt coordinators. I think it is about time that their valuable contribution to the art of film be recognized.

Don't you?

Also at Blogcritics.org,

New Movie Releases: 6/17/05

Not much to report this week. I think we all know who is going to take this week's box office.

Batman Begins. It actually opened this past Wednesday, but this is it's first weekend. I had the opportunity of seeing it opening night, and it is fantastic. Everything from the director to the writer to the cast, it all works. Good action, high drama. Warner really hit this one out of the park. This is the best filmed incarnation of the Dark Knight.

The Perfect Man. Heather Locklear returns to the big screen with Hilary Duff and Chris Noth in this harmless looking comedy. It looks like it may be OK, but not one that I am terribly excited about. Locklear is giving up on men, when Duff creates a secret admirer. At least, that's what I think it is about.

Short Cut to Nirvana. This looks as if it could be interesting. It is a documentary about the carnival like spiritual gathering, Kumbh Mela, in Allahabad, India. Director Nick Day is accompanied by Swami Krishnanad and his crew as they introduce us to the variety of spiritual leaders that take part in the gathering. This one features a special visit from the Dalai Lama.

Mondovino. This is a documentary that takes us into the world of wine and shows how the old world is conflicting with the new world. I am not really one for wine, but who doesn't want to learn about it's origins and futures?

Until next week.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

December 2004 Movie Recap.

December is the time for the studios to try and get their films out for Oscar considerations. In addition to those, there is also the holiday counter programming. Meaning, the annual holiday films, and light comedies. You typically don't get the blockbuster type film. Anyway, here is a look back at what I saw.

Best of the Month: The Aviator
Worst of the Month: Christmas with the Kranks

1. The Aviator. Martin Scorsese gives us another amazing film, recreating the 1930's and 40's and giving us the profile of a strange individual. Fine performances all around, including DiCaprio as Howard Hughes. ***.5
2. Blade: Trinity. Featuring Van Wilder: Vampire Slayer. Directorial debut of writer David Goyer is a fun filled action romp. Lot's of comedy and some big action abound. The villain is bit weal, but this is a very fun third entry in the series. ***
3. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. Not nearly as good as the first film. This one tries to be too epic in scope and crosses the line into absurdity. **
4. Christmas with the Kranks. Awful movie. Not funny, poorly acted, poorly conceived, just one of the worst films I have ever seen. Avoid at all costs. *
5. Closer. Twisted film. Four very damaged people attempt to enter into relationships with each other. About beginnings and endings. Fascinating in the sheer unlikability of the four characters. ***
6. Finding Neverland. Another great performance from Johnny Depp. A magical film that takes liberties with the tale of the creator of Peter Pan. This should not be missed. ***.5
7. Guerilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst. Interesting, if seemingly incomplete. I was not around when this odd event took place. After viewing this film, I am not sure what to think, it was definitely strange, scarcely believable. I just wish there was a bit more substance to it. ***
8. Kinsey. Interesting, if slightly dry film, with surprising moments of humor. Liam Neeson gives a fine performance. I cannot say I agree with everything that Kinsey was about, but he was definitely a character! ***
9. Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. A triumph of set design. Slightly repetitive, and in need of some fleshing out, but still a fun movie. It may be a bit too dark for the whole family, but seeing Jim Carrey mugging can be fun for all. **.5
10. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. Very disappointing film. It has some funny moments, but it is rather dull an seems to be trying to hard to be weird. **
11. Meet the Fockers. Funny movie, not quite as good as the original film. The cast is clearly having a lot of fun and it translates to a fun experience. **.5
12. Ocean's 12. Another example of style over substance. The plot is completely ludicrous, but getting this cast together is enough to create a fun movie, don't think about the plot and just go with it. ***
13. Spanglish. Surprisingly good film, but it still has a sitcom like feel to it. Sandler does a good job holding back in his most restrained and matured role yet. Cloris Leachman is a scene stealer, and Paz Vega virtually lights up the screen. ***
14. What the F@#& Do We Know? Existential spiritualist propaganda in the guise of a documentary on metaphysics. Amusing to watch, but rather hokey. **

That brings the year 2004 to a close.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

DVD Review: Night of the Demons

Let's take a trip back, all the way back to the 1980's. An era where horror films stepped over into camp, where gratuitous nudity and over the top gore was king. An era where acting was bad and the killers were the heroes. It is with that in mind that we take that trip and watch a moderately successful horror film called Night of the Demons. It was successful enough to spawn two sequels, but not really successful enough to enter the consciousness of the popular community like the Nightmare and Friday films. Anyway, on with the show.

I first saw this about seven years ago when I was working at a video rental store. I was watching anything and everything I could get my hands on, and one of my targets was the horror section. I remember something on the cover which was great marketing, it said something to the effect of "Freddy and Jason were too scared to come." That just grabbed my eye, plus it had Linnea Quigley from Return of the Living Dead, figured how could I go wrong? Anyway I went home and popped it in, and was simultaneously entertained and disappointed. On one hand, it was goofy, had gratuitous nudity, some decent gore, and an entertaining new bad girl. But on the other hand it had a non-existent plot, really bad dialog, and felt awfully dated.

The story, such as it is, concerns a group of teens skipping the school dance in order to go to a party hosted by the school weirdo, Angela. On top of that, the party is being held at an abandoned mortuary, which holds a secret about people having been brutally murdered. Before long, actually too long if you ask me, the kids are holding a seance during which a demon appears in the mirror and soon enough they are doing what any group of randy kids would do in a mortuary, they split up to explore and have sex. A short time later things start happening to them, and they start getting killed off. Amelia becomes the demon we know her to be and leads the charge. In addition to this there are other possessions and various bizarre happenings, such as a trick with lipstick you are unlikely to see duplicated.

For some reason I still like this movie despite it making absolutely no sense, except as a showcase in makeup effects and 80's style. The story and any type of explanation is truly non-existent, but it makes no difference once the killing starts. A big problem is that it takes way too long for it to get going, we are nearly halfway through a 90 minute movie before anyone gets killed. In my mind that is too long to wait, a movie like this needs to pick up from the get go.

The directing is OK, makes effective use of a corny setting. The writing is awful, bad dialogue, bad exposition, bad plot, and to top it off bad acting to deliver it! I really have no idea why I enjoy this, but I did.

Video. It is presented in an anamorphically enhanced ratio of 1.85:1 which is it's original aspect. It looks good for 80's low budget horror, the blacks are deep and colors good, there is a loss of some detail in the dark scenes, but it is the best that I had expected of it.

Audio. Presented in Ultra Stereo. It sounds good, a 5.1 remix may have sounded good for this, but it would betray it's roots. The stereo presentation is fine for and sounds good, it does not have a wide dynamic range, but it does the job.

Extras. For an old catalog title,we get a couple of nice extras.
-Commentary. Features director Kevin Tenney, Executive Producer Walter Josten, and Producer Jeff Geoffray. I sampled some bits and pieces of the track, it was OK, but they seemed to be too much in awe of how great their work was here. Eh.
-My Demon Nights. An interview with co-star and 80's scream queen Linnea Quigley. This is an interesting interview with how she got to be in the movie and others of the time and her horror history.
-Promo Reel. This was my favorite extra, an old 4 minute video promoting the movie for retailers comparing it to other releases and it's theatrical performance.
-Theatrical and Video trailers. Two trailers are included, they are in decent shape too.
-TV Spots. Closing out the extras are a couple of television commercials.

Bottomline. Not a good movie by any stretch, but a fun reminder of what it was like to be a horror film in the 1980's. I'd recommend for a night of beer and pizza.

Mildly Recommended.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

Box Office Update: 6/10-12

Well, Mr. & Mrs. Smith exceeded all expectations to lead the box office this week, grabbing more than $50 million dollars. I admit, I added to the pile of that film, and had a blast doing it. The film goes far in proving the star power that Pitt and Jolie have obtained.

Despite the opposition obliteration of the top film, the box office continued it's slump into a fifteenth week. I am surprised that it has lasted this long with the strength the Episode III displayed when it opened and the opening of the Smiths.

Madagascar showed some legs finishing second with over $17 million, just ahead of Episode III which finished at $14.8 million. High Tension rounds out the top ten with a disappointing opening.

Perhaps Batman Begins can break the slump?

Here are the top ten films for the weekend:

• Mr. and Mrs. Smith $50,342,878
• Madagascar $17,180,801
• Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith $14,851,474
• The Longest Yard $13,878,482
• The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl (3D) $12,582,088
• Cinderella Man $9,728,955
• The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants $5,711,420
• The Honeymooners $5,538,835
• Monster-in-Law $2,624,376
• High Tension $1,897,705

Figures courtesy of www.BoxOfficeMojo.com

Also at Blogcritics.org.

DVD Pick of the Week: 6/14

This week doesn't have a lot to choose from, but there is one that stands above the rest. This weeks pick is Jaws: 30th Anniversary Edition. Steven Spielberg single handedly ushered in the era of the summer blockbuster with this film version of Peter Benchley's giant shark tale.

It has been awhile since I have seen this film, but it is such a great film that it belongs in everyone's collection. This has been released a couple of times in the past, but in such an elaborate package as this. In addition to the film, there is a two hour documentary covering all aspects of the film which has received high praise from all who have seen it.

Whatever the case may be, if you don't have it, even if you already have an earlier version, this is going to be the one to get.

Other titles this week:

• Casino: 10th Anniversary Edition. Scorsese, DeNiro, Pesci, Stone. What else do you need to know?
• Dead Meat. This looks interesting, a mutated strain of mad cow disease turning people into flesh eating freaks?
• A Dirty Shame. I dunno, I never really got into John Waters.
• Gatchaman: Collector's Box. This has had so many different versions over the years. ADV is now working on releasing all of the originals.
• Guns & Talks. This title is vaguely familiar, I can't remember from where. Street thugs decide to choose both crime and women, leading to disastrous results.
• Hitch. This was an enjoyable Will Smith vehicle.
• Man-Thing. A moderately enjoyable Sci-Fi original, here in it's uncut form. It is also based off of a Marvel character.
• Road Warriors: Life and Death. A two disk retrospective of one of the greatest tag teams to ever enter the ring.
• Greatest Wrestling Stars of the 80's. A collection of classic matches from a bygone era.
• Samurai Resurrection. This just looks like an interesting title, samurais and the dead, how can you go wrong?
• Touch of Death. A Lucio Fulci gore fest. I have never heard of this one, but it involves dating and cannibalism.

That's it for this week.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

The Trailer Park: A History of Violence

I saw this trailer the other day, and it made me want to watch another movie. That isn't a negative, it just reminded me a lot of a film that came out about ten years ago with a seemingly similar setup.

The older film is Renny Harlin's Long Kiss Goodnight. I haven't watched that in a long time, but I remember it being a fun over the top type action film. It featured Geena Davis as, I believe, a teacher. It turns out she was suffering from amnesia, and she was actually some sort of assassin.

This one is a bit different. First off it's got a much better director in David Cronenberg, the twisted mind behind some of the most bizarre films ever made. Second it is starring Viggo Mortensen, while he is no Davis, he is becoming a pretty good actor in his own right. Then there is Ed Harris with a messed up eye.

The trailer sets up a sleepy little town where not much happens. Viggo has a family and runs a diner. One night at closing time a pair of guys come in a hold up attempt, which Viggo handles quickly and easily leaving the two men dead. Then Ed Harris shows up to expose the truth behind Viggo's past.

I loved the slow leisurely pace of the trailer. It looks great, and I am really looking forward to seeing this one.

You can see the trailer HERE.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

Movie Review: High Tension

The first thing I need to comment on, before I even begin the review, is Lion's Gate Films decisions regarding this release. Why do you go and import a French film and then dub part of it and subtitle part of it? That just makes absolutely no sense. The film should have been entirely subtitled, you would think that after all these years of sub par dubs they would realize that dubbing has a vastly negative affect on the effectiveness of the film as a whole. Beyond that, if they were to dub, why not take some effort and make the dubbing sound as if it belongs there? The dubbing is awful, they did not seem to take the effort to lay the sound in with the background noise, so it has this awkward quality that seems to just lay on top of the rest of the sound bed. Now, on with the show.

This is the sort of film where you really can't get into to much detail without giving the film away. The story is thin and the length is short making all of the details all the more important. Still, the film has some interesting aspects, about equal to the maddening aspects.

The film opens with a pair of friends, Marie and Alex, traveling the countryside in southern France. They are on their way to Alex's parents home, presumably to study for classes away from distraction. It doesn't take long before their plans are thrown into chaos.

We glimpse a rusty old truck, very reminiscent of the Creepermobile from Jeepers Creepers. There is an act being performed in the cab of said truck, and upon completion we realize that this is the bad guy. Later on that night the truck arrives at the secluded home and the killing begins. Pretty quickly we are back down to our original pair of young woman, one in chains, the other in pursuit of this jump suited killer.

It was during the household slaughter where I started to formulate my thoughts about the film. It struck me that the film was an experiment in terror, so to speak. Take a situation, which is so out there, don't explain it, just focus on two characters and watch how they react in the situation. Taking this point of view and the film is fascinating. The more realistic take is obviously the victim, it is very easy to believe that a person would, essentially, fall into a state of shock. The more interesting though, is the one who decides to try and do something about it.

In this case, Marie is the one trying to do something. Right from the start she seems to be taking the smart proactive approach to the situation, but before long, things head south. Like any number of horror films before it, we watch her make what we all believe to be bad decisions. But the question here is would you make different decisions? No one knows how they are going to react in a given situation until you are in it. We all want to think that we would know what to do and that we are smarter than the on screen characters. But are we really?

That way of watching the film worked for most of the film. But then each and every viewer is betrayed by the filmmakers. I won't say what the problem is, I don't wish to spoil it for you. I will say, however, that it is completely impossible for what happens to happen based on what we know has happened. It almost feels that they needed to add another layer in an effort to "compete" with the other horror films of recent years. The problem is that it almost sinks the entire effort and effectively sinks my earlier point of view.

As a horror fan there is a lot to like in High Tension. There is a plentiful amount of gore, some gratuitous nudity, some bad decision making, a straightforward story. It was playing out as a throwback type of horror film with a modern flair for gore, until the previously mentioned screw up.

The acting is adequate, although I think my view is tempered by the dubbing. When the subtitles are in effect, there is a much more genuine feel to the film than the awful dub which generates unintentional humor. The gore effects are top notch. There are also some great looking shots, and there are three which stand out in my memory. One is a tracking shot following Marie up to and then around in her guest room. Next is a brief shot when Marie's face emerges from the shadows to watch the killer and disappearing back into the inky black. Lastly, at the tail end of a car chase there is some great lighting through the trees.

Bottomline. Despite the edits (it was cut to get an R rating), the hack dub job, and the betrayal ending, I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. The first two thirds build a great amount of tension and suspense. The first two thirds are excellent and the end is a letdown. I still recommend this for the horror fans in the house. I will be seeking this out as an import so I don't have to deal with the dubbing.

Recommended.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

The Week That Was.....A Viewer's Diary: 6/5-6/11

Welcome back. This week is a little more robust than last week as some shows are returning for the summer. Let's see how it turned out, shall we?

Sunday 6/5.

• Ebert & Roeper. Making their first appearance here, I decided I might as well include it.
  Lords of Dogtown: Ebert- Thumbs Down, Roeper- Thumbs Up
  Mysterious Skin: Two Thumbs Way Up
  Cinderella Man: Two Thumbs Up
  The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: Two Thumbs Up
  Batman Begins: Two Thumbs Way Up
  Rock School: Two Thumbs Up
• Family Guy. This was a pretty funny episode, combining Meg's desire to be pretty and Peter's plan to save the Drunken Clam. It winds up with the Griffin clan forming a band, Brian's emerging racism, and an unforgettable SNL appearance resulting in the beat down of Jimmy Fallon. ***
• American Dad. Moderately funny episode detailing how Roger came to be with the Smith family. There is a minor subplot concerning religious differences between mother and daughter. There are also some recycled bits from Family Guy. **.5
• The 4400. The two hour premiere picks up about a year after the events of last years mini series. There is a 4400 organization growing, with a cult like mentality. There is a growing fervor in the government to find out why they are here and why they have the abilities they have. The show did a good job of presenting a large epic enveloping smaller more personal tales. Hopefully it can be sustained. ***

Monday 6/6.

• WWE: Raw. The first night of the month long draft, the first draftee: WWE Champ John Cena. He was introduced by Chris Jericho during the highlight real, with a visit from Christian, looking for a piece. That is followed up with the first match, a tag/handicap match pitting Hassan and Daivari against Shelton Benjamin, fortunately Benjamin won. It was then revealed that Stone Cold will be on next week. Next match was Chris Masters against Val Venis, in a match that Venis handily carried. Triple H and Batista had their signing of their Hell in a Cell match. A disturbing sequence with Edge, Lita and Kane. And Dudley Boyz appear! They put Snitsky through a table and the crowd erupted. The show ended with a showdown between Bischoff with Edge, Christian and Tomko and Heyman with the Dudleys, and during the talk down, Bischoff brought out more troops, leading Heyman to bring out more troops. It ended with ECW cleaning house.

Tuesday 6/7.

• Vampires: Los Muertos. Originally aired as a Sci-Fi Original last year, but I missed it then and never got to see the DVD, figured this rerun would be my best shot. The result was surprisingly entertaining. Jon Bon Jovi was a bit miscast as our head sucker hunter, a little too rock star for the part. It was a fun romp with decent vampire action. I had low expectations going in, and I think that is what allowed me to enjoy it. Also, Natasha Gregson Wagner is adorable. ***

Wednesday 6/8.

• That 70's Show (rerun). I started my tape early and got this. It was an enjoyable episode, featuring Eliza Dushku as a rival to Laura Prepon at the radio station. ***
• Stacked. A show I am enjoying despite any sense of reason. This one features Gavin becoming an author groupie, Katrina getting trapped at an Aerosmith party. Schuyler tries to say she's not a groupie. ***
• The Inside. An auspicious debut for the new procedural. A team member dies and a new member enters the picture in the hunt for a sicko who removes the face and hands of his victim. There is a lot of intra team tension as the sting goes down. I look forward to where this may be going. ***

Thursday 6/9.

• WWE: Smackdown. The show starts off with JBL lamenting the loss of John Cena to Raw, this leads to GM Teddy Long announcing their new addition: Chris Benoit. That goes on to set the main event JBL v Benoit. The first match was pretty good pitting Charlie Haas against Carlito, save the frightening botched dive over the ropes by Haas. Then a decent cruiser match of Paul London v Akio is interrupted by Eddie Guerrero who plans on destroying Rey Mysterio. Booker T v Kurt Angle was next putting on an entertaining match despite my complete dislike of the angle(hehe). After the match Angle confronts Tazz about which side he is on, this leads to a stiff shot on Tazz. Paul Heyman and a contingent of ECW come down for the main event, the surprisingly good match between JBL and Benoit which leads to all out mayhem as both sides hit the ring, including a bloodied out of shape Tazz. Decent show. ***
• MTV 2005 Movie Awards. Not very good. There were a couple of good segments. I liked Eminem's mocking of Triumph into his performance with the Crank Yankers crew. I liked Dustin Hoffman's acceptance, one of the more sincere moments. Note to Lindsay Lohan, lose the blonde. I liked the tribute to The Breakfast Club, but Yellowcard's performance of Simple Minds' "Don't You(Forget About Me" was awful. Note to Katie Holmes, stop acting so giddy around Tom and eat a freakin' hamburger, plunging necklines are not sexy if we can count your ribs. Note to Tom, I think you are underrated as an actor, but it is time for you to return to Earth, or at least add more oxygen to your diet, you are in danger of sucking in all the wind around you leaving you trapped in the vacuum of your ever growing personality. Jessica Alba=Yummy! Zhang Ziyi=Yummy! Question, since when was dancing a musical performance? Quentin, love your work, but please show restraint when others win awards. Samuel L. Jackson's little speech was very entertaining. Foo Fighters had a decent performance. I'm surprised there is no category for best song from a movie. Jimmy Fallon was very hit or miss, but mostly miss. As for the winners, does it really matter? I like the outside the box thinking for category selection, but you could use some work. Where else can you see serious vs fluffy films in the same category? Some portions were skipped, a few speeches, Mariah Carey, the worthless stuff. Something struck me while watching this, it is amazing that whatever appears on here suddenly seems less cool, food for thought..... Oh yeah, Napoleon Dynamite won Best Movie. **

Friday 6/10.

• Into the West. I got home a bit late and missed the first few minutes of the beginning, but I don't feel that I missed much. Actually, I kind of wish I missed more. I was left rather flat and uninvolved at the end of these first two hours. I think the biggest problem is that I am not the right audience for this material. I may try next week, and see if it grabs me, but after that, probably not. It is beautifully shot, so it has that going for it. At this point I would rather watch Spielberg's last epic mini Taken. **

Saturday 6/11.

• Animal Icons: It Came from Japan. I missed the first few minutes of this, but what I saw was excellent. The show tracked Godzilla's career from his debut in 1954 through the production of Final War. The initial overtones of horror and the birth through fear of nuclear power, to the transformation into the kid friendly defender of Earth, to the reinventions of the 80's and 90's. Very informative and fun overview of Godzilla. I only wish it were longer. ***.5
• The Batman. Not as good as last week's Scarface episode, this week has Bats facing off with The Joker who is seeking revenge on those who have done him wrong. The best was when Joker turned the tables on Bats and trapped him in an Arkham cell, forcing Bruce to assume the clown identity. **.5
• Justice League: Unlimited. Great episode! Batman needs backup and calls for help, Superman is a little late getting there as Captain Marvel has already on the scene. There is a new boyscout in town, and Superman feels a bit threatened. Marvel brings a child like focus with him, seeing the good fight with a different perspective. This leads to a knock down drag out fight between the two heroes over the intentions of Lex Luthor. It all turns out to be a plot by Luthor that Marvel's involvement just makes it better. ****
• All Souls Day: Dia de los muertos. What a goofy flick this was. A bizarre Mexican styled zombie movie. On the plus side it has both Danny Trejo and Jeffrey Combs, on the other hand, they don't get nearly enough screen time. Apparently Trejo's character buries all of the townsfolk alive back in the late 1800's, this triggering a chain of events which leads to the present day and a couple who wind up in this town just in time to see a woman fall out of a coffin missing her tongue. There was clearly a lot of gore and nudity trimmed to makes this Sci-Fi premiere, but I doubt that would have helped it. The zombie hordes were decent. **

That does it for this week.

Also at Blogcritics.org.

The Trailer Park: Yokai (aka The Big Spook War)

Where to begin with this one. Takashi Miike is a director that is hard to peg down. He is quite possibly the most prolific working director with 64 films to his name since 1991. He is best known for his hyper violent and straight up bizarre films like Visitor Q, Ichii the Killer, Happiness of the Katikuris, and Audition. This is something different altogether, a film for kids.

The first trailer is up, the video quality is not all that great, but it does the job. This is a strange looking film. Unfortunately, it is not subtitled, and I do not know Japanese, therefore have no idea what is being said. What I see tells a different story, well not really a story, but my sockets are assaulted with strange creatures and mystical battles. There is a sense of wonder. The effects may not be able to match what you see in the US, but there is an energy which could make them more convincing than the heartless high quality effects in many films.

All I can really say is check out the trailer and let me know what you think.

You can this oddity HERE.

Also at Blogcritics.org.