This Is the End (2013)

HEY! I''m back! For another post at least. I saw a film tonight that I absolutely loved and decided to write a little something. 

"This Is The End" was written and directed by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg and was released just a few weeks ago. It centers around the comedy heros we've all grown to love over the last decade. Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson and Danny McBride find themselves thrust into an apocalyptic nightmare and they must band together to survive.  

I enjoyed this film so much. I can't remember a better time at the movies. Never a dull moment and filled with unexpected gems. All six comedy stars have their hilarious moments. It's hard to choose a standout but for me, I was enamored with Danny McBride's performance. (Also happy to know Eastbound & Down is returning)

I knew going in that this was going to be a crazy film but I was not prepared for what I saw. It's even crazier than you think. But as crazy and wild as it is, it's a terrifically written film. Some of the best jokes I've heard in a while. It really proves how funny these guys actually are. 

Anyway, I know I'm late to the party but I adored this film. If you haven't seen it go check it out. It is so worth the 14 dollars and 25 cents. (I got a coke) Hope you enjoy "This Is the End" as much as I did. 

One last thing, Michael Cera steals the show in his cameo. 

Here's the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNs0vQgCWY0

Here's the IMDB page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245492/

Mean Streets (1973)

"Mean Streets" was released in 1973 and was written and directed by my favorite director, Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas). It's a simple tale of small time hoods who struggle to achieve significance in NYC's Little Italy. 

If you love Martin Scorsese, Robert DeNiro or gangster films in general, this is a film you have to see. The long and the short of it, it's a great early vehicle for DeNiro, who turns out an excellent performance. Although its a primitive film for Scorsese, his direction shines and his writing is honest and funny. 

The film just kind of goes. There's no solid narrative but more a character study of Charlie, played by Harvey Keitel. Charlie is liked by everyone and is trying to come out of the shadows with the help from his big time uncle, Giovanni. However, Charlie cares too much and his friendship with Johnny Boy(DeNiro's character) is causing a major rift in his business and his desire for legitimacy. A love affair is also complicating matters but you'll have to find out for yourself. 

"Mean Streets" paints an accurate picture of Italian-american life in the 1960's and 70's. It's a subtle masterpiece in my opinion. I can't recommend this film enough, especially if your a Scorsese fan. For some filmmakers it's the best film they'll ever make. For Martin Scorsese, it was just the beginning. 

Till next time. 

Here the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070379/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAQZzfwQGHQ

TOP TEN DIRECTORS

The director is the architect behind every film. Whether he or she be the writer or not, they are still responsible for the visualization of the film itself. Cinema has always been and will always be a collaboration of talents melded together to produce a product of art and entertainment. However, the director is the key component to truly giving the script life and transforming pages into moving image. Actors provide their own touches to films as well, but behind every great actor is a great director. 


Here's my list of the top ten directors of all time. This is up for speculation of course and it was very difficult to narrow it down. Remember, this is my personal opinion. 

TOP TEN DIRECTORS

10. Joel and Ethan Coen

Known for Raising Arizona, Fargo, The Big Lebowski and No Country for Old Men. 

9. Billy Wilder

Known for Double Indemnity, Sunset Blvd., Some Like It Hot and The Apartment.

8. Steven Spielberg

Known for Jaws, Indiana Jones films, Schindler's List, Jurassic Park and Saving Private Ryan. 

7. Woody Allen

Known for Annie Hall, Manhattan, Hannah and Her Sisters and Midnight in Paris. 

6. John Huston

Known for The Maltese Falcon, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and The African Queen. 

5. Martin Scorsese

Known for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, The Departed and Hugo. 

4. Stanley Kubrick

Known for Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket. 

3. John Ford

Known for Stagecoach, The Grapes of Wrath and The Searchers. 

2. Federico Fellini

Known for La Strada, La Dolce Vita and 8 1/2.

1. Alfred Hitchcock 

Known for Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest and Psycho. 

Let me know what you think and I would love to hear some of your opinions. I chose these directors based on what their films have meant to me and to the history and survival of cinema. I am not saying these are my favorite directors, but I am saying that I believe these directors are some of the most important. But like all film, its all up for interpretation. 

Till next time. 

State of Grace (1990)

"State of Grace" was released in 1990 and was directed by Phil Joanou (Gridiron Gang). Terry Noonan, now a New York cop, returns to his childhood neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen and reunites with his old pals. However, his pals are now part of the Irish mob scene looking to take a dominant stand in NYC. Terry is attempting to pull off a sting operation but his friendship to them is hindering his job. He's falling in love with the sister of the men he's trying to put behind bars as well.

Sounds like a loaded plot, right? Don't let my description steer you away. This is a character driven film. It's super intense. Sean Penn, who portrays the undercover cop Terry Noonan, is excelent as always. Ed Harris is top-notch as well. The real standout here is the impecable and timeless performance given by Gary Oldman. One of my favorites, Oldman always gives a stellar performance even when it's not expected. He's constantly stealing the show. 

This is a gangster film, which due to the year it was released, didn't get much notice. "Goodfellas"(My all-time favorite film) and "The Godfather Part III" were also released that year, stealing some of "State of Grace's thunder. But this film belongs right up there with some of the best gangster pieces in cinema.  It's exceptionally shot, acted, directed and the story is told flawlessly. It's a must-see in my book. 

I've done enough talking, it's your job to go and check this one out. It won't disappoint. It's violatile, intense and erupting with emotion. "State of Grace" remains one of the best films of the 90's as well as one of the most overlooked. 

Till next time. 

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100685/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrIEKS1PdfI

Bottle Rocket (1996)

"Bottle Rocket" was released in 1996 and was the first feature film from writer/director Wes Anderson (The Royal Tenenbaums, The Darjeeling Limited). Three friends commit a robbery and then go on the lam. While on the run, one falls in love, one struggles with his brothers power over him and the other is simply searching for a plan.

For a first feature, this is quite impressive. It was only the start of brillant things to come from Wes Anderson. I don't think it's his best film, however. I believe that to be "The Royal Tenenbaums", but "Bottle Rocket" may be his most honest film. It's bursting with exuberance and innocence that is displayed through the characters. It's a film about growing up and learning that not everything in life has a plan. 

As is true with Anderson's other films, "Bottle Rocket" is colorful and seems to be constantly moving. Although the plot isn't too extensive, the rich characters and humorous dialogue keep it entertaining throughout. Owen Wilson, in his first feature, portrays Dignan. Dignan, the man with the plan who is a born leader. Despite sharing much screen time with his co-star and brother, Luke Wilson, I do believe Dignan is the main character here. He seems, especially towards the end, to be the most conflicted character of the film. Owen also co-wrote this with Wes Anderson. 

Overall, "Bottle Rocket" is a fun film that not many have seen. It's rich in character and stays with you long after you watch it. Please go check it out. And try and figure out why it's called Bottle Rocket. 

Till next time. 

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115734/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hspUSez-rYY

8½ (1963)

"8½" is an Italian film released in 1963 and was directed by Federico Fellini (La Strada, La Dolce Vita). It's about a famous Italian director, Guido Anselmi, as he delves into the making of his next film, which is set to be a science fiction epic. However, Guido's progress in the making of the film is hindered by his marital issues and his "directors block." Guido's memories and a series of flashbacks, as well as dreams, are interwoven throughout the film. 

"8½" is considered by many to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, films of all time. It's top five in my opinion, but I have a hard time ranking it. Now, this is a very difficult film to try and breakdown. Mainly because this film is divided into two realms. The external and the inner mind of Guido(Internal). The external nature of this film is Guido dealing with making his science fiction film, his problems with women and his wife, fidelity and desire. Intertwined with these are Guido's flashbacks and involuntary memories. By the end of the film, you have a vivid sense of who this character is. 

Federico Fellini is clearly one of the most outstanding and exceptionally gifted minds to ever consider themselves a director. Filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, David Lynch and Woody Allen have all cited him as a major influence. But when watching "8½" you must realize that it is semi-autobiographical of Fellini himself. Fellini, after the huge success' of his previous films, was under constant pressure to produce yet another masterpiece. This is the same pressure Guido goes through in a sense. Fellini used this film in a cathartic manner to express his pressures and turmoil as a director. And he does it through one of the most beautiful films ever created. 

As I stated in an post I did about the film "Taste of Cherry", self reflexivity of film, or the act of making the audience conscious that they are watching a film, is present here. Fellini does not hold back in this regard. He wants you to see what it takes to make a film. The struggle of creating something of such magnitude from the ground up. He shows you the camera, sets and even the audience. In fact, we are ALL in the film, in a sense. 

"8½" is one of the greatest films ever made. Period. It's visual beauty is a marvel and a pleasure to watch. The storyline is difficult to follow due to Fellini interweaving dreams and memories without notice. But I can guarantee absolute satisfaction from viewing this film. It's filled with symbols and themes and it engages you like no other. On a final note, the ending scene is simply brillant. 

So please go watch this. You won't regret it. Till next time. (And I apologize for the delay of this post.)

Here's the IMDB page: 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056801/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtDQOF_pU8A

P.S. This is a comic film. And try and figure out why it's called 8½. 

The Ambulance (1990)

"The Ambulance" was released in 1990 and was written and directed by Larry Cohen (Writer of Phone Booth). Josh Baker meets a beautiful woman, Cheryl, on the bustling streets of New York City. But when she is taken away in a mysterious ambulance, after an apparent diabetic episode, she is not seen again. Josh makes it his mission to find out what happened to her and why this ambulance is snatching people off the streets. 

I'm sure your eyebrows are being raised pretty high right now. First off, this film isn't spectacular. There are no brillant scenes of cinematography and the acting is sub-par for the most part. But this film is fun. It's a pleasure to watch if you can accept that it's not trying to be anything more than a entertaining film. Yes, the storyline sounds somewhat childish but it's an engaging film. 

I will say this, the film starts off quite good. It picks up with some nice shots of NYC and some witty dialogue between Eric Roberts (who sports a mullet in this one) and the woman he has fallen for. It's not till about twenty minutes in that the film turns into something wacky. 

If anything artistic can be pulled out of this film it's the comic book aspect of it. Josh is a comic book artist and Stan Lee even makes a cameo. But one could compare this film to a comic book. The style, at least. The characters are caricatures of comic book characters. But you gotta watch to find out. 

"The Ambulance" is a fun film that will definitely entertain. Don't take it too seriously and this will be a great experience. I know this really dosent fit in with the caliber of films I've written about but I try to be diverse. Some will say this is a horrible film but I don't think it is. It is what it is (how profound). Besides, to know what a great film truly is, you must know what a bad film truly is. 

Till next time. 

HERE'S THE ENTIRE FILM ON YOUTUBE.COM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6UX0bXNVaQ

Here's the IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099026/

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HKh95scktI