Netflix Fridays: What are We Watching Now?

First let me start off by saying, poor Henry Selick. Last week I incorrectly attributed the direction of "Coraline" to Tim Burton, when in actuality Mr. Selick was at the helm. Why did I make such an assumption? Because it was billed as "From the director of 'The Nightmare Before Christmas!'" That was Tim Burton, yes? Nope! Burton only came up with the story for "Nightmare," thus why it is entitled, "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" but Mr. Selick directed that one, too! Man, does this guy get the SHAFT! Anyhow, my apologies and I shall never trust Mr. Burton again. How could I ever have trusted the man behind the "Planet of the Apes" remake, anyway?

Here's what we're watching this week:

Layer Cake - One of the films that made Daniel Craig, "Daniel Craig." It's the story of a drug dealer who longs to ditch his illegal trade. But he can't do that without wrapping up just one more job involving a gargantuan stash of purloined ecstasy. Wackiness - or at least gun play -ensues!

Shoot 'em Up - So here's the deal: We had a date to go to our friend Stephanie's house to watch movies last weekend. She giddily described the awfulness of this particular choice knowing how partial we are to "Margarita Movies." But we got to chatting and somehow or another, the night got away from us ...as did "Shoot 'em Up." Next day, we decide to look up the trailer to post on our Facebook "Margarita Movies" page and Shazzam! This movie has it ALL! Carrot guns, Oscar Nominated actors, Michael Bay worthy explosions, and a small child that needs protecting. Needless to say, it was quickly added, and rocketed up to the top of, our Netflix queue.

Mini- Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Jami's Take

So Sean & I finally got out of the house and saw "Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince" and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite the fact that it was critically very well received, I had only personally know 2 people who enjoyed it at all! Couple that with the fact that it was being directed by the same man, David Yates, who I thought had ruined the film adaptation of Book 5, and I went in very skeptical that I would get much enjoyment out of this new film at all. Still, while I had a few quibbles with things here and there, I wasn't nearly as bothered by Prince as I was by Phoenix.

Why not? My problems with Phoenix were much more sweeping: the whole tone of the film felt off for me, I hated the performance of the usually wonderful Imelda Staunton as Delores Umbridge, and it felt so rushed and chopped that I felt there needed to be at least another half hour to properly tell the story the way Yates was choosing to. Prince felt much more properly paced to me and the with the lack of Imelda Staunton and addition of Jim Broadbent, the performances were mostly pitch-perfect.

While there were a lot of cuts again, I felt that the cuts made were acceptable in the scope of the film. The small additions, save one egregiously erroneous scene, didn't feel as though they were distracting us from the story at hand. The Half-Blood Prince story line was seriously trimmed down to nearly-nothing, but even this is forgivable in my book as the bulk of that storyline involves Harry using it in classes, which would have been hard to fit into a film without sacrificing alot of time better spent on plot. It's sad that this makes the reveal loose al ot of its punch, and that the very title of the book/ movie becomes more or less of an afterthought, but so it is.

Bottom line for me is that Rowlings books are so dense with action and plotting, that it is impossible for anyone to squeeze it all in without a lot of allowances. For me, this movie is right in league with the film adaptations of Books 3 & 4 - not as great as the first two films, but an acceptable adaptation.

Netflix... ahem ... Fridays: What are We Watching Now?

Schedules were a bit wonky this week and most of yesterday was spent painting, so sorry for the delay (all of you breathlessly waiting to see what we've got from Netflix... that's right, I know you're all dying to know!)





Grey Gardens – One of Gianna’s recommendations we’re finally getting around to! I have no idea what to expect after seeing just 30 seconds of this documentary on an episode of “Gilmore Girls.” Looks like some trippy stuff!






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Coraline – Always up for a good stop-motion animation tale and this one got particularly good reviews. It’s nice to see Tim Burton somewhat returning to form after a somewhat disastrous period of films from the late 90s to the mid 00’s.





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Nixon – Boy after recent viewings of Watchmen and Frost/Nixon, we’re really on a Nixon jag! Still, neither of us have seen Oliver Stone’s opus to tricky Dick and it’ll be fun to see which Nixon had the worst make-up (though I think the Dude in Watchmen has this sewn up!)

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 10

Note from Gianna: The 10th and final installment of Movies You Should See! Hopefully, this has provided people with some new titles to check out or reminded them of forgotten gems they can check out again. I think I’ve finally sent a list of films that Jami has seen all of. Happy viewing.

Jami says: At last! I truly have seen every film listed here! - And heartly recommend all of them, too! - And just in the nick of time!
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Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964, Dir: Jaques Demy, Wr: Jaques Demy, Music: Michel Legrand)-Jaques Demy’s and Michel Legrand’s lovely French musical is a wonderful lost gem. From its gorgeous score to its candy-colored art design it is a piece of European cinema that is worth discovering.

The Up Series (7 up, 7 plus 7, 21 up, 28 up, 35 up, 42 up and 49 up) (1964, 1970, 1977, 1984, 1991, 1998, 2005- Dir: Paul Almond/ 7 up Michael Apted/7 plus 7 and on)-What started out as a couple of BBC television specials has transformed into one of the most intriguing pieces of cinema ever. Using the phrase ‘Give me the child at seven and I’ll give you the man’ as its inspiration, a film crew assembled British school children from every class system. Since then every seven years they have revisited these children to see where their lives are. Fascinating, touching and heartbreaking; it will be interesting to see how long this series continues. And yes, even though I lumped them all together-they count as seven films.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988, Dir: Robert Zemeckis, Wr: Jeffrey Price)-I am constantly flabbergasted as to why this film does not get more adulation. Maybe because it was a summer blockbuster, maybe because its plot is rooted in animation which tends to be easily dismissed; or maybe people simply don’t get it. Every time I re-watch this film I am continually impressed with the skill and technique that this film demands. It should also be noted that the animation in this film, including the great opening sequence were all directed by Richard Williams of the previously mentioned Thief and the Cobbler.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf (1966, Dir: Mike Nichols, Wr: Ernest Lehman)-Mike Nichols directing debut and boy is it strong. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor bring a rawness to Edward Albee’s wonderful classic stage play. Probably Taylor’s best film performance ever.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 9

OK - So cleary, I'm not meant to see more than 7 out of each list. Jeez!
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Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993 Dir: Steve Zaillian, Wr: Steve Zaillian)-Based on the true story of a young chess prodigy, Searching for Bobby Fischer is beautiful in its simple execution. Whereas most family-aimed films tend to go down a saccharine path, Bobby Fischer roots itself in pure honest storytelling.

Send Me No Flowers (1964 Dir: Norman Jewison, Wr: Julius J. Epstein)-The third and final film Rock Hudson and Doris Day made together. All their films are wonderful, but this one where Hudson plays a hypochondriac who believes he is dying, is adorable.


Sophie’s Choice (1982 Dir: Alan J. Pakula, Wr: Alan J. Pakula)-Of all the amazing performances Streep has turned in, nothing is better than this particular role. Excellent performances by Kevin Kline and Peter MacNicol enhance this film that always packs an emotional wallop.

Thief and the Cobbler (1993 Dir: Richard Williams, Wr: Richard Williams & Margaret French)-Veteran animator Richard Williams spent over 30 years in production making this film, only to have it taken away from him and re-edited at the eleventh hour. The official DVD release only gives you glimpses of the absolutely stellar and intricate animation that was produced. To fully enjoy Williams original intent, a restored work print is available for viewing on YouTube in 11 ten-minute spots.

Time Bandits (1981, Dir: Terry Gilliam, Wr: Terry Gilliam & Michael Palin) -Terry Gilliam’s wonderful time-traveling romp is pure joy to watch. A young boy meets up with a band of little people who have stolen a map to the universe and are using it to rob people throughout time. Time Bandits also features some great cameos by John Cleese as Robin Hood, Ian Holm as Napoleon, Sean Connery as Agamemnon and Michael Palin and Shelley Duvall as a pair of doomed lovers.

Touching the Void (2003, Dir: Kevin MacDonald)-One of the most thrilling documentaries I’ve seen. The harrowing true story of Joe Simpson and Simon Yates, two mountain climbers who encounter un-fathomable disaster and tragedy on their descent. The story will have you on the edge of your seat, despite the fact you know how it will all turn out.

Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988, Dir: Francis Ford Coppola, Wr: Arnold Shulman & David Seidler)-Francis Ford Coppola’s forgotten gem about the ill-fated Tucker automobile. Jeff Bridges plays Preston Tucker a man who designed a car so good that the auto-industry turned around and killed his car before it even went into mas production. A slick-looking piece of filmmaking, that makes wonderful use of creative edits.

Twice Upon a Time (1983 Dir: John Korty & Charles Swenson, Wr: Bill Couterie)-An adorable, yet snarky, animated tale about a dastardly plot to give the wonderful never-ending nightmares. Twice Upon a Time uses an animation technique called Lumage, a process of using cut out pieces of plastic on a lighted table. The effect is stunning and unique animation.

Valley of the Dolls (1967 Dir: Mark Robson, Wr: Helen Deutsch)-One of the grand dames of Bad-Movies-We-Love cinema. Over the top and ridiculous, it has to be seen to be believed.



Vanishing (1988 Dir: George Sluizer, Wr: Tim Krabbe)-A wonderful mystery/suspense film worthy of Hitchcock. The ending of this film sticks with me to this day. If you search it out, make sure you are getting the original Dutch film and not the horrendous remake.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 8

Newman! I'm still stuck at 7 for 10! Maybe I can eventually go 10 for 10 in one of the last two installments!

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Peeping Tom(1960, Dir: Michael Powell, Wr: Leo Marks)-Another great forefather of the modern horror slasher flick. Michael Powell’s unnerving film about a serial killer who films his victims as they are being killed. Not appreciated in its time, Peeping Tom effectively killed Powell’s career.

Picnic at Hanging Rock(1975, Dir: Peter Weir, Wr. Cliff Green)-The story of several girls who simply vanish on a school trip to Hanging Rock. Unlike most American films, no answers are given to the fate of the girls. Haunting and lyrical, a fantastic example of how great Australian cinema truly is.

Purple Rose of Cairo(1985, Dir: Woody Allen, Wr: Woody Allen)-One of my all-time favorite Woody Allen flicks. Mia Farrow plays a depression era housewife obsessed with movies. After numerous repeated viewings of one film, the main character leaves the screen to be with Farrow. Sweet, charming and very funny. (One of Jami's Top 100 of all time!)

The Red Shoes(1948, Dir: Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger, Wr: Emeric Pressburger)-Powell and Pressburger’s wonderful film about life in the ballet. Interesting to note that the Red Shoes ballet sequence was an inspiration for Martin Scorsese in shooting the boxing sequences in Raging Bull.

Repulsion (1965, Dir: Roman Polanski, Wr: Roman Polanski & Gerard Brach)-Polanski’s gripping and disturbing portrait of a young sexually repressed woman descent into madness.

Richard III (1995 Dir: Richard Loncraine, Wr: Ian McKellan)-This broke down some of my Shakespeare snobbery. I personally hate ‘concept’ Shakespeare and get fits watching American actors not ‘get’ how to act it. This film adaptation of Ian McKellan’s wonderful stage production is fabulous! Setting Richard III in a pseudo-Nazi type setting is brilliant and the cast which includes Robert Downey Jr., Annette Benning, Jim Broadbent and Kristen Scott Thomas are fantastic.

The Right Stuff (1983, Dir: Phillip Kaufman, Wr: Phillip Kaufman)-I have no idea why this excellent film of the early days of the Mercury Space program, continually get overlooked when people craft ‘Must See’ lists. Based on Tom Wolfe’s excellent novel of the same name, The Right Stuff has it all, great story, great direction and a superb cast. If you haven’t seen this film yet, rent it today! (One of Jami's Top 10 of all time!)

River’s Edge (1986, Dir: Tim Hunter, Neal Jimenez)-Based on a disturbing true story of a teenager who kills his girlfriend and then brings their friends over to view the body. An interesting and honest depiction of the apathy and disconnect of the American teenager.

Rope (1948, Dir: Alfred Hitchcok, Wr: Hume Cronyn)-A lesser know Hitchcock, interesting in that it was shot with only 15 edits. Based very loosely on the Leopold and Loeb murder, it features a great Jimmy Stewart speech at the end.

Santa Sangre (1989, Dir: Alejandro Jodorowsky, Wr: Alejandro Jodorowsky & Roberto Leoni)-Legendary cult filmmaker Jodorowsky spins a creepy and surrealistic tale of a young man who essentially becomes arms for his limbless mother. Has to be seen to be believed.

Netflix Fridays: What are We Watching Now?

OK - so no new update from last week because... well, we still pretty much had the same slate of movies awaiting us. What can I say? We've had a lot of company - and a lot of Margarita Movie vierwings lately. Mmmmmm... Margaritas. So here's what's (finally) new this week:



Nine Lives - A series of revealing vignettes from writer-director Rodrigo Garcia (Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her) peers into the private lives of nine women who are each pointed toward a different destiny. Thankfully, I don't think that this is one of those "random people's lives intersect one whacky day for seemingly no reason" movies Sean & I have grown so tired of lately.





Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season 1, Disc 2 - More fun with cool, but unsuccessful criminals (come on - it WAS the 50's!)









Dr. Katz: The complete Series, Disc 10 - I just love that Ben!

Guest Columnist: Gianna's take on Harry Potter and the Half-Assed Prince

Editor's note: Sean& I have yet to see this and reserve the right to counter this argument later on.

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If you’ve never read any of the Harry Potter books, you will probably have a good time at the sixth installment of the saga. However, if you are a fan of the series you will most likely be dismayed by the copious amount of cuts and liberties that are taken with Rowling’s novel. I understand that turning a 650 page book into a 2 ½ hour film, many storylines will have to be cut or trimmed. But I always take issue when so much of the original story is cut only to make way for unnecessary scenes that have no bearing on the story. It always makes me feel that the screenwriter and/or director doesn’t care for the source material and that they know better how to make the story work.

I won’t go into much about the cuts and changes, because there are a lot of them and they give away the story. But suffice it to say that the film barely resembles book six and surprisingly leaves out some key plot points. I’m not sure who is more to blame, director David Yates or screenwriter Steve Kloves. Kloves has penned all but Order of the Phoenix, and most of his adaptations-to this point have been fairly solid. Yates had directed Phoenix, which I found to be the worst out the cannon to that point. I feel both are responsible. Yates clearly has no love for this series and it seems Kloves works with each director to give them a script they like.

Some of the cuts and changes might have been easier to take if Yates’s direction wasn’t so sterile. While the film goes crazy with art direction, it never inhabits Rowling’s world. Yates also has a heavy hand with camera angles that become more of a distraction than an enhancement. The cast is, as usual, excellent and we have two nice cast additions of Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn and Jessie Cave as Lavender Brown. Sadly though, a great deal of regulars are barely used and become little more than set dressing. The only weak spot in the cast is Helena Bonham-Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, who has become completely obnoxious in her over-the-top performance.

After seeing the sixth film I worry greatly for Deathly Hallows. Yates is on board to direct and I am dreading to see what he and Kloves have in store for the last book. They have a good deal of exposition they will have to attack to make up for information cut from film six. My hope is that they will listen to the fans and make up for the crimes they committed in Half-Blood Prince.

Netflix Fridays: What are We Watching Now?

Wow - we've been a little busy lately and haven't had a lot to comment on other than our Netflix Queue. Hermm... That's summer for you! We're still trying to get up the gumption to watch "The Assasination of Richard Nixon", too. Despite it's slight running time (90 minutes) we just haven't been in the mood to tackle it - opting last night to watch reruns of "The Office" and "30 Rock" instead. So we have just two new rentals to discuss this week:

Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic - Sarah Silverman is so hit and miss with me. When she's on, she's freaking hysterical, but so often her humor falls flat for me. I have no idea where this film will fall for me but I think it will surely be worth the rental.

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Wedding Crashers - Yep, we've NEVER seen this. I know, I know - how much money did this make? How long ago did this come out on DVD? What can I say? We're not huge fans of the "Bachelor Party" era comedies that this is modeled after. And it stars Vince Vaughn. That was really enough to keep it at bay all this time. Still, we're curious and we do love Owen Wilson, so I guess we'll see.