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Post by chadgumbo on Jan 16, 2005 21:02:21 GMT -5
Mark, Thanks for the heads up. I didn't get to see it this morning but if AMC showed it today chances are good they'll be showing it again over the next couple of days. I'll be looking for it. Did you get a chance to see it yourself this morning? If so, what did you think? - chadgumbo
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Post by chadgumbo on Jan 25, 2005 12:30:12 GMT -5
I went to Hollywood Video a couple of days ago with my son, Phillip. I decided to rent something I'd not yet seen, The Village. He recommended that I leave it on the shelf, but I had enjoyed The Sixth Sense so much that I went ahead and rented it. I should have listened to Phillip. This movie was about as scary as The Wizard of Oz. Wait a minute, I may owe Margaret Hamilton an apology here. Her characterization of the Wicked Witch of the West was far scarier than any of the creatures depicted in Village. I dozed off a time or two, only to reawaken to the ongoing boredom on my TV screen. Actors such as Wm. Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Joaquin Phoenix must have been excited about the prospect of working with M. Night Shyamalan after his big hit with Bruce Willis, the aforementioned Sixth Sense. I don't what else could have drawn them to this movie (unless it was a huge paycheck). If any of you out there are having trouble sleeping lately though, then I highly recommend this movie. Pop in the DVD, hit the couch... works better than Sominex. - chadgumbo
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Post by chadgumbo on Jan 26, 2005 12:40:07 GMT -5
It's not a movie, but it is a very short video (it's actually an ad) so I guess this is the best place to put this. Anyway, if you'd like a good laugh today go to www.undergroundhumor.com That will put you at their home page. Nearly all the way down on the left hand side of the page click on the box that says "Check out Microsoft's ad for their X-box gaming system." It's a hoot! -chadgumbo
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Post by jashley on Jan 27, 2005 17:58:21 GMT -5
Has anyone out there seen "Ray"? I've heard it's great and am interested in your opinions. Ray is one of my heros and I'm dying to see it. Do you know when it will be out on DVD?
Featphoto,
For some reason I happened to see "What a Girl Wants" on HBO (what's wrong with us?) and when the daughter asks her father who his favorite band was (she was hoping it wasn't something like KC and the Sunshine band, how come we always think our parents are inherently uncool; fortunately my dad was the coolest) and he replied that it was Little Feat (I didn't think hollywood was that cool) I almost fell down. What a perfect place for a Feat tune; esp. when he started to relive his R&R days. The tune never came, WHY NOT? Movie is not as bad as most "teen" movies but I don't think its ever going to make my top 10....Maybe if they had put in "Long Distance Love" or "Gringo".
Your posts about "Roadhouse" brought to mind an interesting topic, crappy movies (my humble, Patrick Swayze is hilarious, not on purpose) with great music.
By the way, my nomination for best original soundtrack (all new music) is "Passion" (commonly known as), Peter Gabriel' soundtrack for the terrific Scorcese (my favorite director) movie "The Last Temptation of Christ". If you are curious about "world music" it's all in this one CD, and I do mean the whole world. Much more interesting (soundtrack and movie) than Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". Soundtrack of recycled music; the one that comes immediately to mind is the soundtrack for "Desperado" the Richard (?, you know how I am with names) Rodriguez movie with Antonio Banderas and, my pick as the sexiest woman alive, Selma Hyak (yes she is partially nude in the movie, movie is good too; much better than the more popular "Dusk 'till Dawn", which I found stupid. The soundtrack features Tito and the Tarantulas (with many others) who I thought were terrific (tex-mex mixed with r&r and a bunch of other stuff, you know how I love melting pot music) but I have never seen anywhere else. Could this be a hollywood psuedonym? Does anyone have any more information on this band? I would appreciate your help finding these guys.
Peace j
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Post by northboggiechick on Jan 29, 2005 13:34:00 GMT -5
DO DO DO go see Ray - how's that for a review? ;D Jamie Fox seems to have really put his heart into this interpretation of Mr Charles' life, including how his voice changes over the years. The story of his childhood and the demons that resulted, is thoughtfully presented - I wish more movies did as good a job at presenting how our childhood experiences drive us to extreme coping mechanisms in adulthood. "Ray" exposes some uncomfortable realities of the time period, and how Mr Charles and his peers handled it. A really well made movie and, again, new found respect for Jamie Fox. Now, speaking of soundtracks ...I've worn out the cassette and had to do some serious searching for ANY copy of the soundtrack to the movie "The King of Comedy". It starred Jerry Lewis as a Johnny Carson (RIP) like late night talk show host who is kidnapped by Sandra Bernhard's character & her boyfriend who is played by - I think - Robert DeNiro. He may not be the boyfriend - but the replacement host...he's IS in the movie. I don't know how popular this movie was when it came out in the early 80's, but I remember seeing it, and as hilarious as it was, I kept getting distracted from the story by the music, which included songs by BB King, Pretenders, Robbie Robertson, Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Talking Heads and more great stuff I've never heard anywhere else. I have the album now...trying to take really good care of it as I've never been able to find it on CD at any on-line music store. I'd be grateful for any suggestions about where I may find it on CD. Thanks for being here!!!! Laura
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Post by chadgumbo on Feb 1, 2005 20:58:26 GMT -5
I haven't seen Ray yet myself, but like Jashley, I'm also patiently awaiting its arrival on DVD. Jamie Fox's star certainly does seem to be on the rise. We've lost a few of the great ones recently, and as this is the films thread, just wanted to pay my respects to them. First, of course, is Johnny Carson. The difference between Carson and Leno or Letterman, in my mind, is this. I enjoyed watching Carson so much that I would tune in at night just to see Carson. It didn't matter who the guests were. On the flip side of that coin, though, if I'm going to watch Leno or Letterman I first want to know who the guests are. That's not to say that I don't enjoy the latter 2, and maybe it has to do with the added competition that Carson was not subject to (for example, Johnny didn't have Colin Quinn over on the Comedy Channel, but then, neither do Leno or Letterman right now either). But Johnny used to be the way I'd wind down before hitting the sack. End of story, lights out, period. I really hated to see him retire. Next I want to pay respects with regard to the loss of Jerry Orbach. I'm a long-time Law and Order fan, and he and Sam Waterston have been my favorite 2 characters. When he retired from the show (a year ago or thereabouts) I wasn't aware it was due to health problems. So his passing, sadly, made a certain kind of sense when it happened. Not only a wonderful actor, but I've heard that he was a wonderful man as well. He will be missed. And then there's Ruth Warrick. She and I shared birthdays (not the same year ). She's certainly most remembered as Phoebe Tyler (and half a dozen other last names) on ABC's daytime drama, All My Children. Personally, I'm not a soap opera person. But my wife could tell me the various highlights of the character, Phoebe, over the past couple of decades if she thought I would care to listen. Ruth, of course, is also remembered for having starred in Citizen Kane. There ya have it. I realize this isn't an obituary page/thread. But these three I thought were worth a few paragraphs. - chadgumbo
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Post by chadgumbo on Feb 8, 2005 1:19:14 GMT -5
On December 22, 2004 at 11:15 PM chadgumbo wrote: On January 29, 2005 at 1:34 PM northboggiechick wrote: Back in December I said something to the effect that the movie industry, in rock's infancy, was struggling to get a handle on how to make rock movies, market them, etc. I felt that they made rock 'n roll movies like kiddie movies because the people in the industry thought of rock 'n roll music as kiddie music. As the decades have gone by I feel that Hollywood has been getting better at making rock movies, in part because rock 'n roll has grown up, but also because Hollywood came to realize that rock 'n roll could be intelligent and the music appeals to many intelligent people. When I said on December 22nd that a great R&R movie was right around the corner, I didn't realize there was one that had just made its way through the theaters. I saw that movie tonight on DVD. Ray is an outstanding movie. The writing, producing, directing, and the performances of the cast are nothing short of brilliant. One never knows what influences the voters of the academy, but I'm personally keeping my fingers crossed for Jamie Foxx as best actor. The film also deserves consideration for best film of the year. If you haven't seen this movie yet, see it soon. That great R&R movie I predicted is already here. - chadgumbo
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Post by jashley on Feb 22, 2005 20:25:19 GMT -5
I'm reading a very interesting book about movies called "Not Playing at a Theater Near You" about great movies that didn't do much business. It was written by the movie critic for the LA Times and is very good. Two movies among many good ones that he mentions and I would encourage everyone to see are "Waking Ned Divine" and "Ulee's Gold". Read the book it will remind you of all those movies that you wanted to see but didn't get a chance to see because they only played in your town for about a minute, and when you go to the DVD store it will give you some ideas. Oh yea, and the most overlooked great great great Woody Allen movie, "Deconstructing Harry"; even if you don't like Woody's movies nomally you will probably like this one. "Stardust Memories" is probably the second best of Woody's overlooked movies but may be an aquired taste.
Peace j
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Post by Scott Hays on Feb 22, 2005 23:28:15 GMT -5
Waking Ned Devine, if you want to go back and look, appears way back on page one of this thread ... one of many low-key comedies from the British and Emerald Isles. There's one that's been on my mind for a very long time, but which I haven't seen in several years -- that would be Bill Forsyth's "Local Hero", the quirky story of an American businessman (Peter Riegert) sent to Scotland to buy a village so an oil refinery can be built there. The soundtrack is by Mark Knopfler, and is as haunting as the northern lights that intrigue Burt Lancaster (also in it).
Then there's "The Butcher's Wife" ... a magical woman who marries the butcher and brings love to everyone she touches.
Or "The Milagro Beanfield War" ... an abbreviated version of the much better book (actually, trilogy) that addresses the transformation of a subsistance, non-cash economy in the American Southwest by developers and capitalists who must still address the very real ghosts and magic of the Spanish speaking population.
And so far, no one has mentioned Rob Reiner's "Princess Bride" ... a flawless film that works at many levels ("prepare to die!") or even something as flat out entertaining as "My Cousin Vinny".
As for soundtrack movies ... I would recommend "True Stories", with David Byrne doing a remarkably good job of frying American corporations on a really sharp stick (and lots of good Talking Heads music as the driving force of the film)
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Post by Rollin' Mark on Feb 23, 2005 13:45:04 GMT -5
Local Hero/Waking Ned Devine/Milagro GREAT choices Scott! Have you seen "Holes"? Its one of my wife's favorite intermediate school books. We watched the movie this past weekend and it was outstanding. By the Way, Love this thread, never seem to have the time to post to it. I'll just jot down a few of my more fave "quirky" (or not so quirky) movies:
A box of moonlight Cannery row Manhunter Into the Night Deliverence Shawshank Redemption The Eiger Sanction Play Misty for me Slient Running
Gotta Run, More later!
Rollin' Mark
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Post by jashley on Feb 23, 2005 17:48:39 GMT -5
Scott and Mark,
Great Choices. I haven't seen Local Hero in the DVD store lately but I saw it when it came out and I liked it. Haven't seen "True Stories" but it sounds great, esp. the soundtrack by "Talking Heads", one of my favs. Are you saying that David Byrne starred in the picture? I hadn't even heard of it, thanks I'll look for it.
Mark I'm glad you mentioned "Into the Night" this film is way under rated. It is the one with Jeff Gloldblum and Michele Phiffer isn't it? Man I'd like to see this again. It also has a great small part for David Bowie, one of his better performances. "Shawshank" was filmed in my hometown of Mansfield, Ohio at one of the oldest existing prisons in the US. The scene where the old codger gets out of prison and is walking down the street was filmed in an old section of downtown. It was wild seeing Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins et al running around town. "Cannery Row" was another of those overlooked great movies, if I'm not mistaken Nick Nolte in one of his better roles.
Isn't it amazing how many great movies get overlooked while a few mindless blockbusters get $30 million advertising budgets? It's great that we can get some great suggestions on this site from people who's taste I respect.
Thanks for the heads ups guys.
Peace j
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Post by Scott Hays on Feb 23, 2005 19:59:14 GMT -5
True Stories 1986 Written by Stephen Tobolowsky, Beth Henley and David Byrne Directed by David Byrne Starring David Byrne, John Goodman (his first major role, to the best of my recollection), Swoosie Kurtz, Spalding Gray, Pops Staples, Tito Larriva (damn, I forget the hispanic los lobos-ish band in which he was the lead singer) and others -- a lot of David Altman-type folks that you would recognize. Original music by Talking Heads, though several of the actors sing the songs ... Pops Staples plays Papa Leyba, Tito Larriva has a Radio Transmitter (in his head), John Goodman is Special People (not quite the song title), and the Heads do the rest. Byrne dons a cowboy hat, western clothes and is an "interviewer/narrator" trying to understand/chronicle the "Celebration of Specialness" that takes place in "Virgil, Texas", a town instantly sprung up in the middle of nowhere because of high tech factory.
This is a really good movie!
Yes ... I have seen "Holes". Talking about a movie that is as good as the book! And it's a great role for the kid from "West Wing". Other kids books that are good for adults to see would include The Outsiders and The Little Prince (Gene Wilder)
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Post by Scott Hays on Feb 23, 2005 20:00:57 GMT -5
Just as I clicked the Post button at the bottom of the screen, "Distant Thunder" started playing on KPIG. Not really a part of this thread, but leave it to PIG to somehow be karmically connected to Little Feat!
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Post by Rollin' Mark on Feb 24, 2005 9:27:31 GMT -5
Scott and Mark, Great Choices. I haven't seen Local Hero in the DVD store lately but I saw it when it came out and I liked it. Haven't seen "True Stories" but it sounds great, esp. the soundtrack by "Talking Heads", one of my favs. Are you saying that David Byrne starred in the picture? I hadn't even heard of it, thanks I'll look for it. Mark I'm glad you mentioned "Into the Night" this film is way under rated. It is the one with Jeff Gloldblum and Michele Phiffer isn't it? Man I'd like to see this again. It also has a great small part for David Bowie, one of his better performances. "Shawshank" was filmed in my hometown of Mansfield, Ohio at one of the oldest existing prisons in the US. The scene where the old codger gets out of prison and is walking down the street was filmed in an old section of downtown. It was wild seeing Morgan Freeman, Tim Robbins et al running around town. "Cannery Row" was another of those overlooked great movies, if I'm not mistaken Nick Nolte in one of his better roles. Isn't it amazing how many great movies get overlooked while a few mindless blockbusters get $30 million advertising budgets? It's great that we can get some great suggestions on this site from people who's taste I respect. Thanks for the heads ups guys. Peace j J, Yes Jeff G in "Into the Night". Funny thing about this was when I first saw it, I caught it late at night on HBO and was fighting insomnia at the time. Very appropriate. Bowie did a great job as a total scumbag. Yes again. Nick Nolte in Cannery row with Debra Winger, M Emmet Walsh and John Huston doing the narrative. Great acting in this one. You are right, there are a lot of mindless blockbusters, but there are a few that I do enjoy. Jaws- "Did you bring your rubbers, Chief?" Bules Brothers "we're on a mission from God" Trading Places "please to help me with my ruuuucksack?" More recently, I thought "Mystic River" was brilliant. Hauntingly disturbing. Clint just keeps getting better with his directing skills. Speaking of which, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" is another one of my favs. And speaking of that, I will watch just about anything that John Cusack is in, he is definitely one of my favorite actors. Another somewhat quirky movie that has been on HBO a lot lately is "The Cooler" with William Macy and Alec Baldwin. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out. Which reminds me of "Fargo", another one I can't get enough of. Scott, I will check out "True Stories", sounds interesting. More to follow, I'm sure. Rollin' Mark
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Post by Rollin' Mark on Feb 24, 2005 14:01:59 GMT -5
DO DO DO go see Ray - how's that for a review? ;D Jamie Fox seems to have really put his heart into this interpretation of Mr Charles' life, including how his voice changes over the years. The story of his childhood and the demons that resulted, is thoughtfully presented - I wish more movies did as good a job at presenting how our childhood experiences drive us to extreme coping mechanisms in adulthood. "Ray" exposes some uncomfortable realities of the time period, and how Mr Charles and his peers handled it. A really well made movie and, again, new found respect for Jamie Fox. Now, speaking of soundtracks ...I've worn out the cassette and had to do some serious searching for ANY copy of the soundtrack to the movie "The King of Comedy". It starred Jerry Lewis as a Johnny Carson (RIP) like late night talk show host who is kidnapped by Sandra Bernhard's character & her boyfriend who is played by - I think - Robert DeNiro. He may not be the boyfriend - but the replacement host...he's IS in the movie. I don't know how popular this movie was when it came out in the early 80's, but I remember seeing it, and as hilarious as it was, I kept getting distracted from the story by the music, which included songs by BB King, Pretenders, Robbie Robertson, Van Morrison, Ray Charles, Talking Heads and more great stuff I've never heard anywhere else. I have the album now...trying to take really good care of it as I've never been able to find it on CD at any on-line music store. I'd be grateful for any suggestions about where I may find it on CD. Thanks for being here!!!! Laura Laura, Missed this when you first posted it. "King of Comedy" WAS a great movie. DeNiro was indeed Bernhards freind of some sort, and he and she kidnapped Jerry Lewis and DeNiro took over the show as host for one night. Martin Scorsese directed. The soundtrack has apparently never come out on CD but thought you would appreciate this: Robertson and Scorsese: More info on the Soundtrack: theband.hiof.no/albums/king_of_comedy.htmlRollin' Mark
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