February 24th, 2013
We've all heard the phrase 'Sex Sells;' this week it's time to talk about it! Well, okay... not just sex, but our triad of films this week definitely achieved a status of 'filthy' film infamy due to their frequency of flesh. While sex does indeed permeate the entertainment world, it's odd that movies which choose to tackle the subject are in most cases instantly vilified. Perhaps SOME have a lesson to teach us, either through their inherent narrative or by the reaction they illicit. Here are a few:
- Basic Instinct
- Color of Night
- Secretary
There are plenty of movies that involve sexuality and a good story - we want to know what moves you. We're fairly certain most people like sex AND have an opinion regarding the subject. As there are classier ways to include women without strictly sexual thrillers or sappy 'rom coms,' we would deeply appreciate any feedback beyond this topic, too. Ladies, we're asking you, 'what are you thinking about?' In regards to film, that is.
February 9th, 2013
The Quiet American - 1958 alongside 2002
Vital both on & off screen, the social atmosphere is one of the most pivotal lynch pins to a film. From the flow of the production to the tone of the premiere, many films over the decades skyrocketed or plummeted contingent on the world around it. Salt of the Earth, now considered an exceptional achievement in film-making, was vilified to the point of banishment by (most of) its contemporary audience. This week's installment of "Remakes for the Better/Worse" exhibits a similar quandary.
- 1958 - Michael Redgrave, Audie Murphy, Giorgia Moll
- 2002 - Michael Caine, Brendan Fraser, Do Thi Hai Yen
Does the original run the risk of being just another late-fifties melodrama, only to pull a complete 180 to blow you out of your proverbial seat? And what of the remake? With the Vietnam War being long over, was the modern production able to craft a more concise & compelling storyline thanks to the benefit of a more informed public & historical hindsight? To find out... you have to listen. You cannot be objective; you have to take a side.
February 3rd, 2013
This week, our theme bears a unique appraisal. Not a watery litany of conventional "Best _______ Ever" nor an obscure ode to film snobbery; more a clever "Food for Thought" assessment that rather unceremoniously plopped into our collective laps. This idea spans a select number of films when factors bring about unique (and less than ideal) work conditions for shooting and creativity is a must.
You see... one fine day, deep within the recesses of Matt's fevered psyche, a bright burning ember sprang forth quite vividly. Once he made mention of this dazzling gem to Chris, it was decided that the episode MUST happen.
Would you like to know what it is? Well, give a listen & you'll find out.
Here are 3 hints:
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
- Sin City
- No Country for Old Men
We'll give you 1 more hint: Tupac at Coachella. (He's not in the movies, it's the nature of that performance).
