Guest Columnist: Gianna reviews Avatar

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last year, you’ve heard that James Cameron’s fantasy epic Avatar has been hailed as the future of movies. Critics have been touting this movie as amazing and visionary, and I’d like to know what kool-aid they’ve been drinking quite frankly. Is Avatar a bad film? No it’s not. But it is no where near the cinematic masterpiece that we’ve been led to believe. Yes, technically it’s overwhelming. However, that does not make up for the fact that the characters are cardboard, the dialog is awful and its story is boring and has already been told.

The main story concerns itself about the planet Pandora. Evidentially, planet Pandora houses a mineral called ‘unobtainium’ (think un-obtainable) which we never really find out what its purpose or function is; only that it’s expensive and some corporation from Earth wants it badly. However, wouldn’t you know that those pesky indigenous aliens’ village (a giant tree, named Home Tree) is smack dab on the top of one of the largest supplies of unobtainium. Enter Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and the Avatar program, in which real-life avatars allow us humans to interact with the Na’vi (the aliens on Pandora). Despite the fact that you evidentially have to train for years and years to get in this program, Jake (a paraplegic ex-marine) gets in sans any training. Why? Because Jake’s twin brother (who had trained for years and years) was killed and avatars are so damned expensive, that’s why. To add to the fun, Jake is also part of the military action at Pandora that is concerned with containing, or killing off, the local aliens. As you can guess Jake soon finds himself immersed in the Na’vi culture. Before you know it he is accepted as part of the tribe and finds himself a Na’vi girlfriend ( Zoe Saldana). In the end Jake must decide whether he wants to side with the human world, in which he’s paralyzed and the other soldiers call him ‘meals on wheels’; or with the Na’vi where he’s 9 feet tall, practically indestructible and worshiped by all. Guess which side he joins.

That is the basic story of Avatar, and that is where its problems lie. Yes the visuals are impressive. At 300 million dollars, they should be. The film has been art-directed within an inch of its life; and while the forests of Pandora are beautiful, after a while it starts to remind one of a Kincaid painting. The Na’vi aliens are a step up from the usual CGI humanoids that have been created in the past, but there are still those herky-jerky movement issues. Also the design of the aliens reminded me too much of the character animation from a Canadian film Rock ‘n Rule. When we strip away all the pretty spectacle what we are left with is a film that is essentially a re-tread of Dances With Wolves that is populated by stock characters and bad dialog. What’s infuriating about this movie is not the movie itself, but the fact that so many critics have been willing to overlook its mediocrity because the effects are so cool, and elevating what is, at heart, a summer blockbuster to Citizen Kane status. Go read some of the reviews; you’ll find almost every critic admitting that the core of the film (its story) is not very good, but those visuals are just amazing! Well, I’m not buying it. It very well may go on to win a ton of Academy Awards come March 7^th. Most Oscar watchers have confirmed that its winning Best Picture is already a done deal. Which is a shame, when you consider that films like Hurt Locker, Up in the Air, Precious, Up, hell even Inglourious Basterds (all far better films) will be steamrolled at Oscars for this bloated over-hyped mess. Avatar shows that if you have a big name and some fancy special effects, you can fool most anyone.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Worst of the Decade

Here is the Worst of the Decade. Please not that I only list the films I actually watched, which is why some of the truly terrible are not on the list. Instead of me giving my opinion, I decided to let the critics do it for me.

The Worst of the Decade

An American Carol (2008, Dir: David Zucker)“about as funny as an exploding toilet seat for hemorrhoid-induced senior citizens”

Battlefield Earth (2000, Dir: Roger Christian)“watching Battlefield earth is to a movie-watching experience what having a yeast infection is to having sex.”

Beyond the Sea (2004, Dir: Kevin Spacey)“one of those labors of love, that reminds you that love is blind.”

Cat in the Hat (2003, Dir: Bo Welch)“The best argument yet for extending artists rights beyond the grave”

Contender (2000, Dir: Rod Lurie) “The most offensive film of the year”

Crash (2004, Dir: Paul Haggis)“How many racists does it take to screw in the point?”

Family Stone (2005, Dir: Thomas Bezucha)“A miserable misfire that might explain why so many people take their lives during the holidays.”

Four Christmases (2008, Dir: Seth Gordon)“The acrid, wince-worthy Four Christmases may well be part of the war on Christmas Bill O’Reilly’s always foghorning about.”

Georgia Rule (2007, Dir: Gary Marshall)“If Hollywood keeps cranking out movies like Georgia Rule, specially tailored for the second Sunday in May, we should probably just cancel Mother’s Day.”

Gigli (2003, Dir: Martin Brest) “It’s a sorry statement when the most subtle performance is the kid with tourettes.”

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, Dir: Ron Howard)“Watching it approaches the disturbing experience of being bedside as a loved one expires from a terminal disease.”

I Am Sam (2001, Dir: Jessie Nelson)“There are few films that imprint a sense of complete and utter violation on the viewer like I Am Sam, easily the worst film of 2001.”

I Know Who Killed Me (2007, Dir: Chris Siverston) “Horror/thriller/pile of excrement.”

Isn’t She Great (2000, Dir: Andrew Bergman) “Here is a movie that needed great trash, great sex and great gossip, and at all the crucial moments Susann is talking to a tree.”

Lake House (2006, Dir: Alejandro Agresti) “I couldn’t spoil the plot if I wanted to, since I have no idea how it all ties together.”

Million Dollar Baby (2004, Dir: Clint Eastwood)“After his wildly over-praised Mystic River, Eastwood delivers another sucker punch, and the critics have fallen for it again.”

New Moon (2009, Dir: Chris Weitz) “Oh God…make it stop.”

New York Minute (2004, Dir: Dennie Gordon)“part of our ongoing national lobotomy.”

Pay it Forward (2000, Dir: Mimi Leder)“No wonder Arlene keeps a bottle of vodka in the chandelier. You would too with this demonic, passive-aggressive, New Age munchkin trying to run your life.”

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004, Dir: Kerry Conran)“A 70 million dollar novelty item.”

Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002, Dir: George Lucas) “Yes it’s better than Phantom Menace. Think for a minute how little that means.”

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005, Dir: George Lucas) “The good news is that Lucas promises that this is the last Star Wars movie. Hallelujah.”

Stepford Wives (2004, Dir: Frank Oz) “Would I see it again? I’d rather pass a kidney stone.”

Surviving Christmas (2004, Dir: Mike Mitchell)“Ben Affleck needs to stop making movies.”

Transformers (2007, Dir: Michael Bay) “A sensory attack that drives us into tiny little fetal balls on the ground, whimpering that we must have liked it because the car effects looked cool.”

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009, Dir: Michael Bay) “Fallen indulges Bay’s excesses well past the point of reason to deliver the male teenage cinematic equivalent of snorting cocaine off a hooker’s ass.”

Twilight (2008, Dir: Catherine Hardwicke) “I’m glad I saw Twilight for one reason: it made the phrase ‘jump the shark’ obsolete, to be potentially replace with ‘the vampires are playing baseball.”

Upside of Anger (2005, Dir: Mike Binder) “Binder’s film is a raging morass of misogyny, a self-congratulatory exercise in mental masturbation.”

The Women (2008, Dir: Dianne English) “Abandon hope all ye who enter here: Strange casting and a lousy script make The Women the sort of film that’s pure torture to sit through.”

Wicker Man (2006, Dir: Neil LaBute)“This is the kind of film for which Golden Raspberries were invented.”

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Best of the Aughts

Adaptation (2002, Dir: Spike Jonze)-Brilliant take on writer’s block and a scathing look at the workings of Hollywood. One of the rare films that Nicolas Cage was actually good in.

Amelie (2001, Dir: Jean-Pierre Jeunet)-A frothy, gorgeous confection of a movie whose one of many highlights was the performance of Audrey Tantou.

Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007, Dir: Andrew Dominik)-A breakout performance by Casey Affleck, tops this wonderful, if somewhat overlooked film.

Before Sunset (2004, Dir: Richard Linkletter)-The sequel to Linkletter’s Before Sunrise, catches up with the Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke now in their 30’s, and there’s still a lot to be said.

Billy Elliot (2000, Dir: Stephan Daldry)-A wonderful joyous film about discovering who you are.

Bowling for Columbine (2002, Dir: Michael Moore)-Love him or hate him, Moore’s examination of our country’s gun culture still raises many questions.

Coraline (2009, Dir: Henry Selick)-Selick’s master work of stop-motion animation was one of the most creative films of 2009.

Dogville (2003, Dir: Lars Von Trier)-The first of Von Trier’s ‘America’ trilogy, a thinly veiled commentary on US foreign policy, strips cinematic devices bare and produces a raw hard-hitting film.

Eastern Promises (2007, Dir: David Cronenberg)-This tightly woven crime mystery fully benefits from Cronenberg’s restrained direction and Viggo Mortensen’s fantastic performance.

Elf (2003, Dir: John Favreau)-An instant classic from the moment it was released. Quite frankly there is nothing more difficult than creating a Christmas film that succeeds and endures.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004, Dir: Michael Gondry)-A wonderful examination of a failed relationship, accompanied with haunting visuals. (Jami's note: meh.)

The Fall (2006. Dir: Tarsem Singh)-Singh’s wonderful fairy-tale fable is all the more impressive when you learn that all the visuals were achieved without any CGI whatsoever.

Finding Nemo (2003, Dir: Andrew Stanton)-First of three Pixar films on this list. Finding Nemo was a wonderful tale of letting go. Featuring the hallmarks of Pixar exquisite animation and a fantastic story.

Hard Candy (2005, Dir: David Slade)-What could have been a run-of-the-mill torture porn flick, Hard Candy became a taught psychological thriller. Two fabulous leads and strong direction elevated this film to a classic suspense film.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001, Dir: John Cameron Mitchell)-One of the many great musicals to come out of the decade. Cameron Mitchell’s film adaptation of his one-man show is something special, though not for all tastes.

History of Violence (2005, Dir: David Cronenberg)-An intricate study of who an individual is. Cronenberg at his best.

Hot Fuzz (2007, Dir: Edgar Wright)-This wicked send-up of Hollywood action films has what Hollywood parodies do not: humor.

In America (2002, Dir: Jim Sheridan)-A beautiful and heartbreaking story of one family’s introduction to America. (Jami's note: I think I'm still crying over this one!)

Inside Man (2006, Dir: Spike Lee)-A taught, well-crafted crime caper. Filled with great twists and turns. Wonderful entertainment.

Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003, Dir: Peter Jackson)-A daring gamble of shooting all three books at once paid off in spades. One of the most enjoyable movie-going experiences of the decade, hands down!!

Man on Wire (2008, Dir: James Marsh)-A wonderful tribute to one man’s unique quest. Unnerving, funny and ultimately inspirational.

Memento (2000, Dir: Christopher Nolan)-Nolan’s breakout film of a tale told backwards, was one of the most well-crafted mystery films of the whole decade.

Moulin Rouge (2001, Dir: Baz Lurhman)-The one that kicked off the great revival of movie musicals. Its strengths far out-weigh its weaknesses. (Jami respectfully disagrees with this choice)

No Country for Old Men (2007, Dir: Joel & Ethan Coen)-A true masterpiece from beginning to end.

O Brother Where Art Thou (2000, Dir: Joel Coen)-A great example of when critics simply get it wrong. One of the best and most quotable comedies of the decade.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001, Dir: Steven Soderbergh)-Unfortunately the subsequent sequels have tarnished this film. Still, it stands out and one of the cleverest films in a long time.

Once (2007, Dir: John Carney)-This wonderful love story, hits an emotional core that few films have ever hit.

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006, Dir: Guillermo Del Toro)-Del Toro’s fantastic horror/fairytale. Unique and beautiful.

Shattered Glass (2003, Dir: Billy Ray)-The best film you didn’t see, detailing the Stephen Glass/New Republic plagiarism scandal. If you missed it, rent it.

Slither (2006, Dir: James Gunn)-Yes, sometimes you have to grade within the genre. Slither was the best horror film to come out this decade.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008, Dir: Danny Boyle)-Why I personally love going to the movies. A great story from beginning to end; completely satisfying.

Spirited Away (2001, Dir: Hayao Miyazaki)-The film that brought Miyazaki to the mainstream.

Touching the Void (2003, Dir: Kevin Macdonald)-A taught and thrilling account of a mountain climbing expedition gone horribly wrong. The fact that you know how everything turns out and you’re still on the edge of your seat, speaks volumes.

Tropic Thunder (2008, Dir: Ben Stiller)- From it’s scathing indictment of all things Hollywood to Robert Downey Jr.’s inspired performance, it ended up one of the funniest comedies of the decade.

25^th Hour (2002, Dir: Spike Lee)-Another great, and largely forgotten Lee film. One of the first NYC based films to acknowledge its post 9/11 status.

Up in the Air (2009, Dir: Jason Reitman)-A fantastic internal character study of one man’s established life. George Clooney ends the decade with one of the most subtle layered performances.

WALL-E (2008, Dir: Andrew Stanton)-Another crowning achievement in Pixar’s impressive roster of films. Sweet, touching, funny and with an environmental message that doesn’t hit you over the head.

Where the Wild Things Are (2009, Dir: Spike Jonze)-A heartful and insightful exploration of the psyche of the lonely child. Beautifully shot and heartbreaking.

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.

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.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 7

Hope you are all getting some good rental ideas from this - I know I am (except for those pesky anime choices. Uck!) I'm at 7 for 10 again... I seem to have plateaued!

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Millions (2004, Dir: Danny Boyle, Wr: Frank Cottrell Boyce)-Danny Boyle is fast becoming one of my new favorite directors, mainly because he displays such a range in the subjects he chooses. Concerning a little boy obsessed with saints, who literally has a bag of money dropped in his lap, is sweet and charming. One would never guess that it was from the same director who brought us Trainspotting and 28 Days Later (Both awesome flicks as well)

Much Ado About Nothing (1993, Dir: Kenneth Branaugh, Wr: Kenneth Branaugh)-Yes, there are countless Shakespeare films out there, all well done, but there’s something so enjoyable and exuberant about this particular film. From beginning to end, it’s pure joy.

My Dinner With Andre (1981, Dir: Louis Malle, Wr: Andre Gregory & Wallace Shawn)-Who would have thought that filming a dinner conversation between two friends would be so captivating. Of course when the friends are Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory and the dinner topics consist of experimental theater and the meaning of life, you’re bound to be mesmerized.

My Man Godfrey (1936, Dir: Gregory La Cava, Wr: Morrie Ryskind)-A lovely romantic comedy, featuring yet another forgotten actress Carole Lombard. Lombard was a fantastic comedienne and Godfrey is one of her best films. Had she lived to make more films, she’d probably be better remembered.

My Neighbor Tortoro (1988, Dir: Hayao Miyazaki, Wr: Hayao Miyazaki)-This charming little film from the Japan’s Master Animator Hayao Miyazaki is so sweet and touching. Recently moved to a new home and dealing with their mother’s ailing health, two young girls find totoros who help them cope with life. Yet another unusual story choice for an animated flim, it is a glorious little film.

Naked (1993, Dir: Mike Leigh, Wr: Mike Leigh)-Mike Leigh’s dark a disturbing tale about a drifter who is able to charm his way into almost anything. Leigh’s process of improvising the scenes with the actors creates startling realism.

Near Dark (1987, Dir: Kathryn Bigelow, Wr: Kathryn Bigelow & Erik Red)-Quite simply, one of the best vampire flicks ever.

One, Two, Three (1961, Dir: Billy Wilder, Wr: I.A.L. Diamond & Billy Wilder)-Cagney’s second to last film (his last was Ragtime-but we won’t go there), a hysterical film that displays how wonderful a comic actor Cagney was. Interesting side-note that this film achieved Rocky Horror cult-like status in Germany.

Overnight (2003, Dir: Tony Montana & Brian Mark Smith)-Every aspiring filmmaker should watch this film as a cautionary tale of how to 86 your career before you even start.

Patch of Blue (1965, Dir: Guy Green, Wr: Guy Green)-Elizabeth Hartman stars as an abused young women, who lost her sight in early childhood. She is befriended by Sydney Poitier who shows her that she is not as trapped as she may think. Obviously given the time it was shot, they really couldn’t go much futher than friendship with this couple. However, a romance would have ruined what it a lovely story of friendship and understanding of two people.

Guest Columnist: Gianna reviews "Up"

Up, Pixar’s 10^th feature film is another fantastic addition to their already impressive canon of films. It follows the late-life adventure of Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner), a newly widowed elderly man, who dreamed with his wife of going to live in South America’s Paradise Falls-a jungle wilderness discovered by their childhood hero explorer Charles Muntz (voiced by Christopher Plummer). When the threat of being ejected from his beloved house looms, Carl decides to tie millions of helium balloons to his house and set off for his beloved South American destination. Of course along the way there are a few problems thrown his way; an unwitting stowaway, an electrical storm and his old childhood hero: who has been living in Paradise Falls along with his army of dogs.

Up, strongpoint is Pixar’s always-stellar animation. The storm sequence is particularly stunning animation achievement. The wordless opening piece of Carl’s life with his wife is sweet and touching. Voicework and character design blend seamlessly together, as opposed to other animated films that like to draw attention to their famous voice actors. Especially impressive is the detail and thought done to the animating and execution of the dog army. However, Up is not without its shortcomings. Mainly I felt the some of the story might have been lost to edit it down to a more kid-friendly time of 96 minutes. There’s a lot going on in Up, but we rarely do more than scrape the surface. The character of Charles Muntz suffers greatly from his limited screen-time, not really allowing us to get invested in him as the villain of the film. There are also some issues of improbability, but I guess it’s hard to really argue that as a detraction of a film who’s main plot is flying a house to South America with helium balloons.

In all Up is still a charming, wonderful film. It’s not a masterpiece like Toy Story, Finding Nemo or WALL-E, but it is far better than the mass-produced animation junk that is so prevalent nowadays.

Guest olumnist: Gianna's Top 100 Films Every Film Buff Should See Pt. 6

Here you go - I'm still at 7 for 10!

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Ju-on(2002, Dir: Takashi Shimizu, Wr: Takashi Shimizu)-One of the scariest flicks I’ve seen in the last decade or so; a sublimely creepy ghost story that gets its chills from sound effects and lighting. Awesome!

King of Comedy (1982, Dir: Martin Scorsese, Wr: Paul D. Zimmerman)-Scorsese’s excellent examination of our culture’s obsessession with fame. Robert DeNiro’s performance as Rupert Pupkin is humorous, touching and deeply disturbing.

Kiss Me Kate (1953 Dir: George Sidney, Wr: Dorothy Kingsely)-Another one of the interesting uses of 3D in the 50’s. A great musical in it’s own right, it also features a fantastic dance sequence with Bob Fosse and Carol Haney that explodes off the screen.

Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1985, Dir: Hector Babenco, Wr: Leonard Schrader)-An evocative film of an unlikely friendship between two radically different men. Tour-de-Force performances by two fantastic actors.

Longtime Companion (1990, Dir: Norman Rene, Wr: Craig Lucas)-One of the first films to examine the first decade of the AIDS crisis, it follows the lives of several gay couples from the early outbreaks through to the early 90’s.

Manhunter (1986, Dir: Michael Mann, Wr: Michael Mann)-Before Silence of the Lambs, there was Manhunter, Michael Mann’s much overlooked adaptation of Red Dragon. Gritty and low-budget, Brian Cox delivers a more understated and restrained Hannibal Lector.

Marat/Sade (1967, Dir: Peter Brook, Wr: Adrian Mitchell & Geoffrey Skelton)-An almost literal screen translation of Brook’s fantastic stage production; it has an unusual quality of being highly theatrical and amazingly filmic at the same time.

Metropolis (1927, Dir: Fritz Lang, Wr: Thea von Harbou)-For me Metropolis remains one of the most amazing accomplishments of early cinema. The art direction, effects and acting are quite accomplished and stunning. Bridgette Helms’s portrayal of the robot is one of the most disturbing and creepy performances caught on film.

Metropolitain (1990, Dir: Whit Stillman, Wr: Whit Stillman)-This mid 90’s gem about about over-privileged New Yorkers in the winter deb season is completely charming. Stillman’s strongest film, it features some of the most well-thought out characters put to screen.

Mildred Pierce (1945, Dir: Michael Curtiz, Wr: Randal MacDougall)-It’s a little sad that for most people the mention of Joan Crawford brings up images of Faye Dunaway’s over-the-top portrayal of her, for she really was an accomplished actress. Mildred Pierce is soapy and melodramatic, but Crawford’s portrayal of the mother-who-will-do-anything-for-her-daughter is a relatively anchored and understated performance for its time.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 5

Here's the next10 film recommendations, we're at the half-way point! I'm 7 for 10 again and this list has another of my all-time favorites: Holiday!

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Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001, Dir: John Cameron Mitchell, Wr: John Cameron Mitchell & Steven Trask) A rock musical, that actually features a great rock score. Cameron Mitchell’s tale of a young East German man’s struggle to find his identity after a botched sex-change operation, is humorous, touching and uplifting.

His Girl Friday (1940, Dir: Howard Hawks, Wr: Charles Lederer)-The great Roslind Russel in yet another amazing comic performance. One of the countless versions of the Front Page-this is my favorite.

Holiday (1938, Dir: George Cuckor, Wr: Donald Ogden Stewart)-Yes, everyone knows Bringing Up Baby and The Philadelphia Story, but I am at a loss as to why this exquisitely charming Hepburn & Grant film is completely neglected.

Hope and Glory (1987, Dir: John Boorman, Wr: John Boorman)-John Boorman’s semi-autobiographical film of early World War II England. Hope and Glory illustrates that even amidst the horrors of wartime, children can find the most joyous aspects of absolute destruction.

House of Games (1987, Dir: David Mamet, Wr: David Mamet & Johnathan Katz)-A thoroughly absorbing mystery/suspense flick. Though you have to endure the always wooden Lindsay Crouse (what can you say, she was married to Mamet at the time) House of Games is a tightly crafted film that keeps you mesmerized until the very end.

The Hudsucker Proxy (1994 Dir: Joel Cohen, Wr: Joel & Ethan Cohen)-Joel & Ethan’s Cohen’s wonderful comedy about the invention of the Hula Hoop. Fantastic performances by Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh and Paul Newman, superb art direction and cameo’s from Bruce Campbell and Steve Buscemi make for some fun viewing.

Imitation of Life (1959, Dir: Douglas Sirk, Wr: Eleanor Griffin & Alan S)-Douglas Sirk is too often dismissed as a director. True all his films are over-the-top, highly melodramatic and filled with Bad-Movie-We-Love moments. Still, he is a director that made every effort to push the envelop in tight 50’s production code days. Imitation of Life, with its themes of identity of race and prejudice, is one of my favorites.

Inside Moves (1980, Dir: Richard Donner, Wr: Valerie Curtin)-A totally forgotten film from the early eighties, about patrons of a local bar that caters to the handicapped. Instead of being a hit-you-over-the-head ‘See what we can do’ type of movie; Inside Moves is a small film with a sweet and human tone.

Iron Giant (1999, Dir: Brad Bird, Wr: Tim McCanlies)-Brad Bird’s wonderful animated film is stunning to watch. Utilizing a great 50’s look, this charming and entertaining film is a must for any film library.

Island of Lost Souls (1932, Dir: Erle C. Kenton, Wr: Waldemar Young)-One of the earliest and best adaptations of The Island of Dr. Moreau-there is nothing creepier or scarier than Charles Laughton.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's Top 100 Movies Every Film Buff Should See, Pt 4

Here's your latest installment... Cool, I'm up to 7 out of 10 this time!
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Dial M for Murder (1954, Dir: Alfred Hitchcock, Wr: Frederick Knott)-Another great Hitchcock film, and the only one of his films that was filmed in 3D. Interesting to watch with that knowledge, as you’d never know it (unlike other 3D films of that era) and it makes you appreciate the cinematography even more.

Dogville (2003, Dir: Lar Von Trier, Wr: Lars Von Trier)-The first of Von Trier’s America trilogy. Filmed on a sound stage with minor set pieces, it features Nicole Kidman as a young woman hiding out in a small town. Serves as an interesting commentary on America’s foreign policy.

East of Eden (1955 Dir: Elia Kazan, Wr: Paul Osborn)-In his short career James Dean shot three pictures: Rebel Without a Cause, Giant and East of Eden. Everyone has seen Rebel and Giant is, well, it’s long and it has Elizabeth Taylor. East of Eden, I feel, captures his best performance.

Ed Wood (1994, Dir: Tim Burton, Wr: Scott Alexander)-Tim Burton’s biography of Ed Wood is just heaven. One of the best Burton/Depp films, its celebration of the mediocre makes it one of the most joyous film bios made.

Eight Men Out (1988, Dir: John Sayles, Wr: John Sayles)-A great sports movie about one of the most infamous scandals in baseball. One of my favorites Sayles’s films.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988, Dir: Isao Takahata, Wr: Isao Takahata) A touching film of children in post Hiroshima Japan. An unusual subject for animated film, it executes the story beautifully.

Grey Gardens (1975, Dir: Albert & David Maysles)-This documentary, about Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edie was shot shorty after they were ordered to clean up their crumbling home Grey Gardens. No voice over narration or commentary and little background info make this an interesting documentary.

Harold and Maude (1971, Dir: Hal Ashby, Wr: Colin Higgins) The ultimate May/December romance, this film has some of the most amusing and equally touching moments I’ve seen. You also can’t beat the wonderful performances and chemistry of Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort.

Heaven Can Wait (1978, Dir: Warren Beatty & Buck Henry, Wr: Elaine May) One of my all time favorite comedies. Warren Beatty is at his most charming and endearing in this film. A stellar supporting cast hits all the marks.

Heavenly Creatures (1994, Dir: Peter Jackson, Wr: Peter Jackson & Fran Walsh) From the opening scene, to the roll of the credits this film grabs you and never lets go. Up until this film, Jackson was mainly known for horror-comedy gore-fests. An incredibly faithful retelling of one of New Zealand’s most shocking crimes, it features the screen debut of Kate Winslet.

Guest Columnist: Gianna's top 100 Films a Film Buff Should see Pt 3

Jami's note: Ok, I guess I never saw the thing about "60 FILMS" in Gianna's previous posts... ooops! Still, who can't use a few more recommendations? Also - out of today's 10, I've seen 6. More respectable, indeed - plus 3 of today's are some of my all-time favorite films. Enjoy!
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Okay, it took me a little while to send the third installment. This was due to the fact that I had only done a list of 60 films, but the titles of the last two installment promised 100. So I went back and assessed some more films and came up with the additional 40. In a way it was a good thing, there were some titles that I had forgotten and there some titles that I had debated on that now got into the cut. I also want to clarify that this is not a ‘Best of’ list or ‘My Favorite’ list. These are films that I feel are worth seeing, but for whatever reason don’t get the same ink that other films do.

The Accidental Tourist (1988, Dir: Lawrence Kasdan, Wr: Frank Galati)-This fantastic adaptation of Anne Tyler’s wonderful novel of the same name, tends to suffer from the inaccurate billing of being a romantic comedy. Though, the film does have numerous light moments, it really is more of an examination of loss and the inability to connect with people.

Alice (1988, Dir: Jan Svankmajer, Wr: Jan Svankmajer)-A completely surreal and disturbing version of Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland. Czech animator Svankmajer utilizes stop-motion animation to create a unstable and frightening Wonderland.

Allegro Non Troppo (1977, Dir: Bruno Bozzetto, Wr: Bruno Bozzetto & Guido Manlui)- Essentially Italy’s version of Fantasia, it’s a more adult take and features some stunning and heartbreaking animation.

American Movie (1999, Dir: Chris Smith)-Chris Smith’s film of amateur filmmaker Mark Borchardt, is supremely funny. So funny that you almost think it’s a mockumentary - but it’s all true. A fantastic account of one individual who lives in his own world, not always to his own benefit.

Beauty and the Beast (1946. Dir: Jean Cocteau, Wr: Jean Cocteau)-One of the most gorgeous live-action fairy tales put to the screen. Beautiful and haunting cinematography frames this stunning French film.

Before Sunrise (1995. Dir: Richard Linklater, Wr: Richard Linklater & Kim Krizan)-Perfect in its simplicity of story of two young people who meet on a train in Europe and spend the rest of the night talking. Refreshing and honest.

Before Sunset -(2004, Dir: Richard Linklater, Wr: Richard Linklater & Julie Delpy) The sequel to Before Sunrise. This film takes up nine years later, with our twenty-somethings now in their 30’s. One can only hope that Linklater and his two stars-Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, will revisit these characters every 10 years.

Blood for Dracula (1974, Dir: Paul Morrisey, Wr: Paul Morrisey)-Sometimes a movie doesn’t have to be a great or even good film to be a must for viewing. Andy Warhol’s Blood for Dracula is one of those films. Filled with bad acting, copious sex scenes and a rather blah script, there is something joyous is it’s badness. The cherry on the cake is Joe Dallesandro’s Brooklynese dialect amongst the all European cast.

The Changeling (1980, Dir: Peter Medak, Wr: William Gray)-This fantastic ghost story shows that atmosphere and a good creepy story can be as scary as anything. Starring George C. Scott as a recent widower who moves into a house that is occupied by the ghost of a young boy; the film’s non-use of special effects is a rarity in horror.

Cry in the Dark (1988, Dir: Fred Shepisi, Wr: Robert Caswell)-Unfortunately, this film is only known for it’s infamous line ‘The dingo ate my baby!’ However, this excellent Australian offering thoroughly examines how the media manipulates a story, how public obsession clouds truth and how quickly the truth gets lost in the quest for sensationalism.