Roger Ebert

Recently we lost Roger Ebert to cancer. I remember reading in the news that afternoon that he was undergoing treatment again and would be reducing his workload. Just a few short hours later he died. I can't imagine the pain that he endured and hope that he has found peace. 

He was a hero to me as a child. His reviews fueled my love for the movies, and I obsessively highlighted my favorites and built lists around his recommendations. He almost single-handedly introduced me to what are now considered the classics of the 60's, 70's and 80's, and opened my eyes to art-house and off-beat cinema (pop passed the jump for my great and not-so-great list of must-watch-movies from childhood; Ebert should not get the creditblame for some of these travesties).

He was a hero to me as an adult. His passion for film never wavered, and despite a disease that drained and disfigured him, he carried on -- eloquently and intelligently, with humor. Few people find such success and respect, and endure in the face of such challenge. 

He was the last word, and sometimes the only word that mattered, in sealing a movie's fate.  I doubt anyone will come close again. 

I hope they have a theater in dachshund heaven (where I plan to go when the end comes) and that I'll be able to see him at the movies, where he'll be keeping a balcony seat warm for me.

[ photo by grossyall ]

map of texas

I recently watched the film Bernie, which is based on a true story that took place in East Texas back in 1996. For some reason my expectations were fairly low, or maybe non-existent is more apt. Lo and behold it was a pretty great movie, in large part due to the performances of the chatterbox townsfolk. If memory serves (and I'm apparently too lazy to look this up AS I TYPE ON A COMPUTER WITH INTERNET) many players were not actors, but actual citizens of the town. This scene is one of my favorites. And if you live, or have ever lived in Texas, you'll know why.

film friday: summer c(h)amps

The end up summer is upon us with Labor Day just around the corner. Technically the season carries on a bit longer, and here in Texas, the weather thumbs its nose at the calendar and keeps on keepin' on until October or November. For many though, this holiday weekend marks the end of vacations and outdoor adventures.

With this change to the seasons I thought it was the perfect time to squeeze in my silly homage to one of my favorite movie genres -- summer camp. Is that really a genre? Let's just say it is.

When I was growing up, summer camp represented to me either hijinks or getting hacked up. This is at least the expectation that film represented; there was no middle ground, just extreme experiences and outcomes -- anything goes (virginity, body parts). Reality, on the other hand, delivered a dose of arts and crafts, swimming, and letter writing. Not quite as exciting, but probably for the better since I left with my head still attached. Bill Murray would have been a welcome addition to the camp roster however.

So good-bye summer, but long live one of the stickiest, ickiest and raunchiest pleasures of cinema.

Trailers of each movie after the jump:

advanced style

1) I will find this movie when it's released.
2) This trailer makes me want to go to New York and take style tips from older ladies.
3) Please let me be as cool as the woman with orange eyelashes when I'm 90 years old.

good medicine: the incredible shrinking woman

I feel like lately I've been writing a lot about my childhood obsessions. Well here's one more. When I was a kid I LOVED the 1982 movie The Incredible Shrinking Woman -- a zany tale, staring Lily Tomlin, about the perils of consumerism (or how Galaxy Glue will make you shrink). Over the years I've searched high and low for a DVD copy. Recently I was thrilled to find it on instant streaming on Netflix. I can't say that it's completely held up over time, but it's still a fun film with a kooky color palette; the cast appears to be dipped in an array of candy coated brights and pastels. One favorite is the mint green suit that Charles Grodin wears.

I almost wonder if Tim Burton was semi-inspired by the set design and costumes. Look through some of these screen shots and ask yourself if there's not a similarity to Edward Scissorhands.

More after the jump...

film friday: numbers game

Today is 11/11/11. Some of you may consider this just another day, while others think evil has knocked on the calendar. More likely you are peeing in your pants waiting for luck to rain down. I'm not going to lie -- I probably fit into the latter. Yep, I still make wishes when the clock reads 11:11, and I love any excuse to buy into superstitious nonsense.

Hollywood finally got the brilliant idea to capitalize on people's fascination with just a few little numbers by making a movie centering on the phenomena. It's come out today and I'm pretty sure it will be pure garbage. Here's a few other films, that vary thematically, but share the distinction of being numerically titled, and are almost all crap. Note: 10 is the good kind of crap, you know, if you're into Dudley Moore and cornrows (and who's not).

FILM COUNT:



More after the jump...

good medicine: 2001 lobby cards

There's no denying the gorgeous cinematography and imagery in the classic 1968 Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Most of the movie's stills could easily work as brilliantly composed and beautiful photos on their own. I recently found these lobby cards, that transform the stylistically streamlined future to a decidedly rosier vision with its water color hues. I like it.

More after the jump, as well as a fuller collection here.

weekly prescription

HELFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:

Read -- [ Random House ]

Watch -- [ Attack the Block Official Site ]

Listen -- [ NPR ]

Do -- [ Epicurious ]

Austin Event -- [ Harry Ransom Center ]

film friday: final resting place

What is Halloween without horror movies? And what's a good horror movie without a dedicated place to unleash some mass murder and mayhem. Hotels and motels provide a perfect backdrop for the lazy homicidal maniac.

If you like a little ridiculous with your horror, I strongly recommend Motel Hell. A classic. If you like inn keepers with killer alligator there's a film for you. And if you like John Cusak, you're also in luck... times 2.

HORROR BUSINESS:



More after the jump:

good medicine: kid casting

I'm a complete movie and TV geek so I immediately fell for this tumbr. I particularly enjoy when shows/films feature a younger version of a character. It usually prompts "what, oh my god they look nothing alike" (which I secretly get WAY too worked up over and involves mental hair pulling) or "hell yeah, perfect casting" (which involves unnecessary and lame mental high-fives with myself). So if you're a dork like me you'll enjoy this site called Kid Casting.

most overused line in cinema: you look like shit

Get some sleep. Go home. Take something. Look in the mirror. Lay off the drugs. Get it get it together. All roads lead to looking like shit in Hollywood.

[ via Internet Therapy ]

if we don't, remember me

I haven't had a new favorite website in quite some time, but behold, here it is. If We Don't, Remember Me is full of animated gifs from classic (in my opinion) films, matched with quotes from their respective movie. I feel like it's something I tried to do long ago with screen shots but way better.

[ via Human Resources ]

the sequel map

Here's a nifty diagram charting Rotten Tomatoes' scores of film's and their sequel (reboots and post-part 2's not included). This is for folks that need visual proof or further evidence that quitting while you're ahead is usually the best bet.

[ Box Office Quant via /Film ]

film friday: B-E-A-C-H

This week marked the beginning of summer, even though for many this means nothing... you're either already out of school or working like it's any other time of the year. Anyway I thought this would be the perfect time to remember a genre that was all about the season -- Beach Party movies. I can't say that I've seen most, if any, of these films, but I love the fun and sugary vibe they suggest. Makes me want to be there, living it up in a technicolor, problem-free sandy world with the Beach Boys playing non-stop. These movies may have been short on substance but when it's summer sometimes all that's called for is dancing with your friends and swimming your cares away.

I don't have any videos again, because yikes that's A LOT of movies so here's a song and a video instead. I was going to make a whole playlist, but, well time slipped away. P.S. You can watch Beach Party on Hulu.

Beach Boys - Good Vibrations download at emp3

weekly prescription

HELPFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:
Read -- [ Simon & Schuster ]
Watch -- [ Vimeo ]
Listen -- [ Gil Scott Theron ]
Do -- [ Yizzle ]
Austin Event -- [ Paramount Theatre ]

film friday: target practice

Mr. T was recently quoted as saying that he did not approve of the violence in the new A-Team reboot. And while I'm pretty sure he doesn't have an issue with the amped up action (it's more about being true to the wholesome spirit of the original?) the former wrestler must know that the secret to many a gun slinging movie, especially one that aspires to be in the franchise hall of fame, must have a healthy dose of kills. So get on board T and welcome the magical ingredient that makes mothers cringe and movies rise to the top. This is summer; it's the way things have to be. Just ask Rambo... who's on what, an upcoming 5th installment of the series. Now that guy can blow things away.

Sorry no videos to accompany the post this week. I didn't even know where to begin and quit looking before I really tried.

film friday: copy shop

With the release of Karate Kid today, I decided to dedicate this week to the wonderful remake trend. I mean once really isn't enough. Sequels aren't enough. Let's make a new improved version and start the whole process over again. It's hard coming up with an original story. Tweaking a script and filling the roles with super relevant up-and-coming stars is a great strategy. Release in a warm sunny climate for optimal results. It's a perfected science.

I don't know about you but I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for:
Fright Night
Arthur
Footloose
The Thing
Overboard
Red Dawn
The Warriors

In fact here's a whole list for you to swoon over.

THE PRE-XEROXED ORIGINALS:

film friday: play with your food

I meant to post this last Friday, but I ran out of time. Then I got sick. And now, well here we are. These movies don't have much do to with summer films -- a theme I've been sort of trying to stick to -- but it's the first thing that came to my mind in keeping with the theme of the (last) week. Food is not the main character, but makes a memorable cameo. Dig in.

FOOD TRAILERS:

film friday: teens and ass

Movies geared towards teens don't really go for it like they used to... pants off, hormones ready to dive-bomb anything with a pulse. The closest thing I can think of is the American Pie series, and that was what, almost 10 years ago. Where are the films that are full of gratuitous nudity, raging parties, inexperienced horn-dogs with clueless friends as sex mentors, and maybe a hot tub or two. Cartoony and sexually amped-up, the 80's undoubtedly mastered one of my favorite comedy sub-genres. Yes, they're over the top and usually lacking much of a plot, but they're the perfect match for summertime... teenage hi-jinks and the quest for a little nooky. I guess nooky is putting it mildly (yes, I'm secretly 80 years old).

Un-Hughesian, they're good in that bad way, like spiked punch or coconut scented tanning oil, not at all sweet or poignant. Not coming-of-age, but coming of, well nevermind. I'm almost shocked that parents weren't on a constant dose of anti-hypertensives. But, I saw a lot of them as a kid and things worked out ok. Right? Anyway, my best guess is we can thank an onslaught of STDs for almost killing this kind of movie. Thank goodness for late night cable to keep the memories alive.

There were so many to choose from but I think I've managed to select the greatest hits. BEWARE, the 80's were less censored when it came to trailer content, so there's some jiggle and horizontal dancing in a few.

the mystery of flying kicks

Almost everyone has a pair of these in their neighborhood. Look to the telephone wires and you just might see a pair of sneakers hanging like a little urban ornament. And if you're like me you stop for a second and wonder how they got there. Well The Mystery of Flying Kicks is a documentary that explores different theories using photos and story contributions from around the world. I watched this short film during SXSW and meant to comment on it shortly after but, well, forgot. Better late than never. Check out the trailer below and the site for an on-going blog. You can also submit your own stuff.

The Mystery of Flying Kicks - Trailer from Closer Productions on Vimeo.