People often ask me if I have any interest in advertising on my blog. I usually tell them that this blog is a special place for me. I love movies and enjoy movie trailers. If I were to advertise it would make this blog more like a job. I don't ever want to feel obligated to provide content in order to drive traffic. As long as I have the drive and desire to add content, I will.
This is where it ends. Sorry, mom.
Occasionally I do a Google search for "Beerbohmtastic" to see what comes up. I discovered that some site has valued this blog at $264 US. No, mom, I'm not selling it and buying you a new VCR. I don't even think they make VCR's anymore. How many times can you watch Ben Hur?
That said, my blog has a 100% safety rating. I am glad that it is a safe place. It would suck if you the reader were in danger while visiting. This is supposed to be fun. It isn't supposed to hurt your computer or insult your intelligence... at least I hope not on both counts.
There is a world filled with people who love film and whether viewer, film maker/actor/crew etc., critic, lover or hater, we all share a passion for the art.
As I also do once in a while, I look at my blog stats. I was surprised to see that my posting titled, "VIEWED: Shark Night 3D" has 185 more all-time page views than the next most popular post. 185!!!???
Why do people seek out this particular post?
Is the post funny? Is it insulting? Is it way off base? Am I missing something?
I hated the trailer and found the movie to miss the mark on every level, including social commentary and anything remotely tongue-in-cheek. Thus, the trailer seemed insignificant and the movie wasn't clever like it tried so hard to be.
Yes, I am very much aware that I'm not as clever as I try so hard to be, either... point taken.
I'm curious. I'd really appreciate your comments on my "VIEWED: Shark Night 3D" post. Either leave them below, tweet me @beerbohmtastic or email me at beerbohmtastic@gmail.com
Here it is for reference: http://beerbohmtastic.blogspot.ca/2012/10/viewed-shark-night-3d.html
I will post all comments, good, bad insulting or otherwise.
Thanks for reading and commenting and sending me really cool stuff!
Mike
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Way Down in Chinatown
Thank you to Maria Olsen for inviting me to review this film, pre-release.
I've never really reviewed a film on this blog without reviewing the trailer, first. But I've never been asked to review a film prior to its release before.
Cool.
What if you were part of a race or species that were on the verge of an apocalypse and there was nothing you could do? Would you panic? Would you run and hide? Not knowing exactly when the end would come would you spend every unknowing moment with loved ones? Would you do, or continue to do, what you loved?
If you were part of a race or species that were observing another race or species' slow demise, what would you do? Would you stand back and watch them destroy themselves? Would you try to help prevent their demise or destruction? What if you didn't have the power? Would you try to save a few? Who would you save?
Way Down in Chinatown examines both sides.
There is a couple, a play write and his manager/partner/wife who continue to live their lives against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse. So immersed in their work that when we meet them they are in the process of casting for their newest play, Apocalypse Tomorrow (I think). Talk about drawing inspiration from a bleak situation...
There are underground dwellers in Way Down in Chinatown. They are a sort worm people. They are aware of the apocalypse but do not have the power to stop it. So, in order to ensure that they have entertainment before the apocalypse kills everyone on the surface, they select "exceptional" people to lure - with no pretence of saving them - underground.
Way Down in Chinatown was interesting to watch and conceptually pretty cool. When it ended it took me a while to process it. I let it sit and digest for four days before writing this review. I'm glad I did because as I reflect on it, there was a depth to it that I didn't quite grasp when I viewed it and it posed questions that were difficult to answer.
Watch it and see for yourself...
I've never really reviewed a film on this blog without reviewing the trailer, first. But I've never been asked to review a film prior to its release before.
Cool.
What if you were part of a race or species that were on the verge of an apocalypse and there was nothing you could do? Would you panic? Would you run and hide? Not knowing exactly when the end would come would you spend every unknowing moment with loved ones? Would you do, or continue to do, what you loved?
If you were part of a race or species that were observing another race or species' slow demise, what would you do? Would you stand back and watch them destroy themselves? Would you try to help prevent their demise or destruction? What if you didn't have the power? Would you try to save a few? Who would you save?
Way Down in Chinatown examines both sides.
There is a couple, a play write and his manager/partner/wife who continue to live their lives against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse. So immersed in their work that when we meet them they are in the process of casting for their newest play, Apocalypse Tomorrow (I think). Talk about drawing inspiration from a bleak situation...
There are underground dwellers in Way Down in Chinatown. They are a sort worm people. They are aware of the apocalypse but do not have the power to stop it. So, in order to ensure that they have entertainment before the apocalypse kills everyone on the surface, they select "exceptional" people to lure - with no pretence of saving them - underground.
Way Down in Chinatown was interesting to watch and conceptually pretty cool. When it ended it took me a while to process it. I let it sit and digest for four days before writing this review. I'm glad I did because as I reflect on it, there was a depth to it that I didn't quite grasp when I viewed it and it posed questions that were difficult to answer.
Watch it and see for yourself...
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
Viewed: Pain and Gain
My trailer review said...
"So, how does one create a trailer that teases without giving away the story when we know the story (well if we google it) because it's true? Not like this. While I like the cast, I've already seen this film via the trailer."
The wife and I stood inside our local theatre and argued over which movie to see. I wanted to see Oblivion... you know, in Cruise we trust, when Cameron Diaz is NOT in the film. Nothing against Cameron but the duo don't work.
The wife wanted to see Pain and Gain. She doesn't like Tom Cruise. I told her the story based on the trailer. She made it clear that she was not going to see Oblivion. So, while I stared down at my lack of abs and flexed my less than bulging biceps, I conceded.
Pain and Gain was exactly like the trailer, only with detail of course. No surprises.
While the movie itself wasn't bad and the acting was fine, the story - the true story - was brutal and disturbing. The criminals who committed the heinous crimes were true morons. But sadly, they were a reflection of a shallow generation - beautiful on the outside, ugly on the inside.
The wife said it was difficult to watch the brutality. I felt it was just difficult to watch.
The trailer was more than enough.
"So, how does one create a trailer that teases without giving away the story when we know the story (well if we google it) because it's true? Not like this. While I like the cast, I've already seen this film via the trailer."
The wife and I stood inside our local theatre and argued over which movie to see. I wanted to see Oblivion... you know, in Cruise we trust, when Cameron Diaz is NOT in the film. Nothing against Cameron but the duo don't work.
The wife wanted to see Pain and Gain. She doesn't like Tom Cruise. I told her the story based on the trailer. She made it clear that she was not going to see Oblivion. So, while I stared down at my lack of abs and flexed my less than bulging biceps, I conceded.
Pain and Gain was exactly like the trailer, only with detail of course. No surprises.
While the movie itself wasn't bad and the acting was fine, the story - the true story - was brutal and disturbing. The criminals who committed the heinous crimes were true morons. But sadly, they were a reflection of a shallow generation - beautiful on the outside, ugly on the inside.
The wife said it was difficult to watch the brutality. I felt it was just difficult to watch.
The trailer was more than enough.
Truth or Dare (Update)
There's a new updated teaser trailer for Scream Queen, Jessica Cameron's new film, Truth or Dare.
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.." Which direction will Truth or Dare go?
See here... because it's torture ;p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?client=mv-google&hl=en&gl=CA&feature=plcp&v=GLdZj3zL0QM&nomobile=1
"Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.." Which direction will Truth or Dare go?
See here... because it's torture ;p
http://www.youtube.com/watch?client=mv-google&hl=en&gl=CA&feature=plcp&v=GLdZj3zL0QM&nomobile=1
Pain and Gain
Who doesn't like Dwayne Johnson? Seriously, he's a badass with great comedic timing. Wahlberg has done some good things, but as the post-traumatic-stress disorder fire-fighter who prefers to ride a bicycle in, I Heart Huckabees, he was at his best.
The trailer says that Pain and Gain is a true story. It's directed by Michael Bay which will mean an explosion and at least one car chase. I like explosions and car chases.
The trailer also shows that Wahlberg, Dwayne and their sidekick plan a heist on a rich guy, played by Tony Shaloub (another one with brilliant comedic timing). The trailer opens with Wahlberg getting chased by police. Then goes into planning the crime, committing the crime, almost killing the mark (Shaloub) by running over his face with a van, getting away with it, temporarily, and then Ed Harris foils the crime and the boys go to jail. I'm guessing the last part because it's a true story and we know that they go to jail.
So, how does one create a trailer that teases without giving away the story when we know the story (well if we google it) because it's true?
Not like this.
Last year I dropped the Worst Spoiler Trailer category from the Annual Beerbohm Awards, but in the last month I have enough nominees to reinstate the prize. It's annoying.
While I like the cast, I've already seen this film via the trailer.
The trailer says that Pain and Gain is a true story. It's directed by Michael Bay which will mean an explosion and at least one car chase. I like explosions and car chases.
The trailer also shows that Wahlberg, Dwayne and their sidekick plan a heist on a rich guy, played by Tony Shaloub (another one with brilliant comedic timing). The trailer opens with Wahlberg getting chased by police. Then goes into planning the crime, committing the crime, almost killing the mark (Shaloub) by running over his face with a van, getting away with it, temporarily, and then Ed Harris foils the crime and the boys go to jail. I'm guessing the last part because it's a true story and we know that they go to jail.
So, how does one create a trailer that teases without giving away the story when we know the story (well if we google it) because it's true?
Not like this.
Last year I dropped the Worst Spoiler Trailer category from the Annual Beerbohm Awards, but in the last month I have enough nominees to reinstate the prize. It's annoying.
While I like the cast, I've already seen this film via the trailer.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Oblivion
What do you get when you cross an elephant with a rhino?
Hell if I know...
I am Legend was a better Omega Man which sort of confirms my believe that it's better to remake a bad movie than it is to remake a good movie badly. Please, Spike, don't do it! Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.
My daughter played an adventure game on her PC called Oblivion. I used to be a FPS (first person shooter) game fanatic, but when I tried Oblivion, not an FPS, I couldn't seem to get past the first section - collecting stuff. My daughter laughed at me and called me lame.
When she was in grade 2 a guest speaker spoke to the class about the dangers of video games. At the time the speaker cited, among others, the game, "Doom." She told the class how bad it was and that people who play video games are violent. My daughter put her hand up and said, "my daddy plays Doom3 and he's not violent so I don't believe you." I was so proud.
Oblivion the video game has nothing to do with this movie. Oblivion the movie isn't a remake of anything from what I can tell, either. So, what the hell am I talking about?
Post apocalyptic fantasies are usually interesting, if nothing else. They show what the world could be like when we humans, sometimes helped by aliens or mother nature, truly f**k things up. There is often much creativity in the story telling. I kind of like post apocalyptic visions on film.
The trailer for Oblivion shows two people, Tom, the "fixer" and his high-tech administrative colleague. They are on earth after a war that has caused humans to flee and/or be elsewhere. Tom and partner are almost ready for "elsewhere" when they discover the underground people. This first part of the trailer was cool, even when he goes underground, is captured and we meet antagonist, Morgan Freeman.
When you've seen as many movies, well trailers anyway, as I have you make associations. A few things came to mind. Omega Man, for one... just because there were people living underground who "survived" the apocalyptic nightmare. In the case of Oblivion, war. As mentioned earlier, Omega Man became I am Legend and a bad movie was remade into a good movie... Sorry Chuck.
The more we see and hear Morgan Freeman in the trailer the more the name Michael Bay pops into my head. As in, The Island. You know, everybody want to go to the "Island" where life is beautiful because the people don't realize that they are being harvested for their organs... kind of like that Twilight Zone episode from the 60's where the payoff is the last line spoken, "to serve man... it's a cook book!"
The second half of the trailer reveals a conspiracy of sorts and it is implied that elsewhere doesn't really exist "the people who you work for have lied to you..." says Morgan. So he shows Tom what is really going on... thankfully I'm too dumb to truly figure it out but I know it's implied in the trailer somewhere... and now Tom has turned against his bosses and is on the side of the underground people trying to find the truth and then make things right.
Kind of a spoiler trailer, huh?
I like Tom and Morgan. I like these types of movies even if I don't always like their trailers. I'll still see it. I might even like it.
Hell if I know...
I am Legend was a better Omega Man which sort of confirms my believe that it's better to remake a bad movie than it is to remake a good movie badly. Please, Spike, don't do it! Yeah, you know what I'm talking about.
My daughter played an adventure game on her PC called Oblivion. I used to be a FPS (first person shooter) game fanatic, but when I tried Oblivion, not an FPS, I couldn't seem to get past the first section - collecting stuff. My daughter laughed at me and called me lame.
When she was in grade 2 a guest speaker spoke to the class about the dangers of video games. At the time the speaker cited, among others, the game, "Doom." She told the class how bad it was and that people who play video games are violent. My daughter put her hand up and said, "my daddy plays Doom3 and he's not violent so I don't believe you." I was so proud.
Oblivion the video game has nothing to do with this movie. Oblivion the movie isn't a remake of anything from what I can tell, either. So, what the hell am I talking about?
Post apocalyptic fantasies are usually interesting, if nothing else. They show what the world could be like when we humans, sometimes helped by aliens or mother nature, truly f**k things up. There is often much creativity in the story telling. I kind of like post apocalyptic visions on film.
I also think Tom Cruise is still a great action hero. When his name is on the marquee for a movie, I trust that it will be entertaining. In Cruise we trust.... He's had a few duds, for sure, but (lovely) Cameron Diaz isn't in this one.
When you've seen as many movies, well trailers anyway, as I have you make associations. A few things came to mind. Omega Man, for one... just because there were people living underground who "survived" the apocalyptic nightmare. In the case of Oblivion, war. As mentioned earlier, Omega Man became I am Legend and a bad movie was remade into a good movie... Sorry Chuck.
The more we see and hear Morgan Freeman in the trailer the more the name Michael Bay pops into my head. As in, The Island. You know, everybody want to go to the "Island" where life is beautiful because the people don't realize that they are being harvested for their organs... kind of like that Twilight Zone episode from the 60's where the payoff is the last line spoken, "to serve man... it's a cook book!"
The second half of the trailer reveals a conspiracy of sorts and it is implied that elsewhere doesn't really exist "the people who you work for have lied to you..." says Morgan. So he shows Tom what is really going on... thankfully I'm too dumb to truly figure it out but I know it's implied in the trailer somewhere... and now Tom has turned against his bosses and is on the side of the underground people trying to find the truth and then make things right.
Kind of a spoiler trailer, huh?
I like Tom and Morgan. I like these types of movies even if I don't always like their trailers. I'll still see it. I might even like it.
Tuesday, 16 April 2013
Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare is a new film by Scream Queen Jessica Cameron.
I recently viewed the 55 second teaser trailer - thanks for sending the link.
“Truth or Dare, is about 6 college kids who find Internet stardom when they make 'Truth or Dare' videos with a violent twist. It is all fun and games until their number one fan decides he wants to play..."
The teaser shows Jessica Cameron, bloodied and gagged with an off-screen voice - her captor - telling her... "...you can't have a game without rules and you have to follow the rules in order for the game to work... now what's it going to be, truth or dare?"
After reading the synopsis and then watching the trailer, one classic Cronenberg movie jumped out at me like the Alien bursting out of John Hurt's chest... Videodrome. Yeah, the title is so 80's but it was basically a reality/fantasy/sex blur mindf**k involving a pirate cable TV broadcast of torture and murder. Back in the day they called it a snuff film.
"Television is the retina of the mind's eye..." is a famous quote from the film. I like the quote because I believe it's saying that art doesn't imitate life any more, life imitates art. Just look at reality TV... wouldn't it be great to see a movie where a serial killer has decided that he will rid the world of reality TV by.... No, no, no... I digress.
In the case of Truth or Dare, maybe it's "youtube is the reality of a desensitised generation..." or maybe it's, "it's all fun and games until someone loses a limb..." What do I know?
What I do know is that in the last six months on this blog, I have been exposed to the beauty, creativity and vision of independent film. There is a vibrant community taking risks and working hard to make an impact on an industry that is both brilliant and stupid, sometimes in the same breath. But the independents are making an impact and it's awesome for everyone.
The teaser for Truth or Dare is just that, a teaser. It gives a small glimpse of the potential for this story. A story, I'm guessing, where lines are crossed and blurred. Everybody wants to be a star. Youtube is a likely delivery method. When there are no rules there is nothing to bend - only pushing boundaries until something breaks. It seems like more than bones will be broken in Truth or Dare, likely spirits, too.
Check out the teaser and decide for yourself...
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/truth-or-dare--2
I recently viewed the 55 second teaser trailer - thanks for sending the link.
“Truth or Dare, is about 6 college kids who find Internet stardom when they make 'Truth or Dare' videos with a violent twist. It is all fun and games until their number one fan decides he wants to play..."
The teaser shows Jessica Cameron, bloodied and gagged with an off-screen voice - her captor - telling her... "...you can't have a game without rules and you have to follow the rules in order for the game to work... now what's it going to be, truth or dare?"
After reading the synopsis and then watching the trailer, one classic Cronenberg movie jumped out at me like the Alien bursting out of John Hurt's chest... Videodrome. Yeah, the title is so 80's but it was basically a reality/fantasy/sex blur mindf**k involving a pirate cable TV broadcast of torture and murder. Back in the day they called it a snuff film.
"Television is the retina of the mind's eye..." is a famous quote from the film. I like the quote because I believe it's saying that art doesn't imitate life any more, life imitates art. Just look at reality TV... wouldn't it be great to see a movie where a serial killer has decided that he will rid the world of reality TV by.... No, no, no... I digress.
In the case of Truth or Dare, maybe it's "youtube is the reality of a desensitised generation..." or maybe it's, "it's all fun and games until someone loses a limb..." What do I know?
What I do know is that in the last six months on this blog, I have been exposed to the beauty, creativity and vision of independent film. There is a vibrant community taking risks and working hard to make an impact on an industry that is both brilliant and stupid, sometimes in the same breath. But the independents are making an impact and it's awesome for everyone.
The teaser for Truth or Dare is just that, a teaser. It gives a small glimpse of the potential for this story. A story, I'm guessing, where lines are crossed and blurred. Everybody wants to be a star. Youtube is a likely delivery method. When there are no rules there is nothing to bend - only pushing boundaries until something breaks. It seems like more than bones will be broken in Truth or Dare, likely spirits, too.
Check out the teaser and decide for yourself...
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/truth-or-dare--2
Monday, 15 April 2013
Iron Man 3
I only watched the teaser trailer (2:03). There's a longer "official" trailer but I was afraid to watch it because I didn't want anything to spoil my excitement for the release of this film.
I love this Iron Man franchise. The first one is one of my all time favourite comic book movies. The second one was entertaining. The Avengers was one of the best ever!
I am truly a sucker for comic book movies. I love them, even the mediocre ones have their merit, but the really bad ones are so hard to watch.... Green Lantern, Fantastic 4, Ghost Rider...
I think it was director legend, Robert Altman, that said Robert Downey Jr. is the greatest living American actor. He said this long before Iron Man. Altman commented that no matter what issues Downey Jr. was facing in his life, he always arrived on set prepared and professional. That is very high praise.
Guy Pierce is really good at playing a dick. Ben Kinglsey: from Gandhi to Sexy Beast to Suspect Zero to The Mandarin... he's simply awesome in everything he does.
So, we've established that the villains are good... but what about the trailer?
Despite my excitement for this film, the trailer kind of left me in one of those... this reminds me of... moods.
As in, it made me think of The Dark Knight Rises or even Superman Begins (I mean Man of Steel, of course). You know, hero loses everything and despite all odds rises from the ashes to save or avenge the world. Yeah, I know that's the theme to pretty much all of these movies and yeah, I know that despite the stories being pretty much the same, I can't get enough. It's the 10 year-old boy in me that absolutely loves every second of every setback and bites his nails during every battle and cheers the loudest when good triumphs over evil. Because good triumphing over evil is what is ALWAYS supposed to happen.
It's just that I had to say something "critical" because that's kind of what I do on this blog... but f**k it!
I can't wait to see this movie and, for 2 hours, be a 10 year old boy again. Thank you comic book movies for giving me that joy!
I love this Iron Man franchise. The first one is one of my all time favourite comic book movies. The second one was entertaining. The Avengers was one of the best ever!
I am truly a sucker for comic book movies. I love them, even the mediocre ones have their merit, but the really bad ones are so hard to watch.... Green Lantern, Fantastic 4, Ghost Rider...
I think it was director legend, Robert Altman, that said Robert Downey Jr. is the greatest living American actor. He said this long before Iron Man. Altman commented that no matter what issues Downey Jr. was facing in his life, he always arrived on set prepared and professional. That is very high praise.
Guy Pierce is really good at playing a dick. Ben Kinglsey: from Gandhi to Sexy Beast to Suspect Zero to The Mandarin... he's simply awesome in everything he does.
So, we've established that the villains are good... but what about the trailer?
Despite my excitement for this film, the trailer kind of left me in one of those... this reminds me of... moods.
As in, it made me think of The Dark Knight Rises or even Superman Begins (I mean Man of Steel, of course). You know, hero loses everything and despite all odds rises from the ashes to save or avenge the world. Yeah, I know that's the theme to pretty much all of these movies and yeah, I know that despite the stories being pretty much the same, I can't get enough. It's the 10 year-old boy in me that absolutely loves every second of every setback and bites his nails during every battle and cheers the loudest when good triumphs over evil. Because good triumphing over evil is what is ALWAYS supposed to happen.
It's just that I had to say something "critical" because that's kind of what I do on this blog... but f**k it!
I can't wait to see this movie and, for 2 hours, be a 10 year old boy again. Thank you comic book movies for giving me that joy!
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Trance
What an annoying spoiler trailer... what an annoying way to take something that looks really cool and interesting and turn it into another cliche and give away the bulk of the story. Maybe the Beerbohm Award for Worst Spoiler Trailer should be issued, now. It was dropped from the 2nd Annual Beerbohm Awards because I lumped this category into the worst trailer award. But, this wasn't a bad trailer. It was just a terrible spoiler trailer.
The wife really likes James McAvoy. I like him because he's a good actor and I'm not threatened by guys who look to be around a foot shorter than I. I say this as I look down at my lack of abs...
I like Rosario Dawson. The wife doesn't care for her. The wife is blond so maybe she feels threatened in some way....
The wife thinks Vincent Cassel is a good actor. I liked him in Brotherhood of the Wolf. Otherwise he seems to play an arrogant Frenchman in every film he's in. In Trance, he looks to play an arrogant Frenchman. Surprise!
While Trance is really just a Hollywood double-cross caper film, the concept is better than average in an interesting, Memento, sort of way. Remember, Memento?
"A man, suffering from short-term memory loss, uses notes and tattoos to hunt for the man he thinks killed his wife." (from IMDB)
What's cool about Memento is that, from the opening scene, it works backwards from his present situation to how he arrived at the situation. It was really cool.
What looks cool about Trance is the relationship between psychiatrist, Dawson and patient, McAvoy. McAvoy is involved in a heist, is the only one who knows where the treasure is, but was hit in the head and has amnesia. So, the crook (Cassel) charges psychiatrist, Dawson to use hypnosis to retrieve the whereabouts from McAvoy. In the first part of the trailer the cinematography mixed reality with hypnosis - it looked great! The acting and dialogue were believable and the whole package sucked me in.
The trailer should have ended here and I would have been interested in seeing this film.
Then they throw in a love triangle, explosions and the blatantly obvious double cross. The trailer pretty much tells you that, after the dust settles, Dawson and McAvoy end up running off with the treasure, or were in cahoots and then they outsmart Cassel.
I know I could be wrong, I often am. But, if I can take all this from a 2+ minute trailer, then I don't need to see this film, I don't need to waste the cost of admission or 2 hours of my life or even talk about Trance again. The End.
The wife really likes James McAvoy. I like him because he's a good actor and I'm not threatened by guys who look to be around a foot shorter than I. I say this as I look down at my lack of abs...
I like Rosario Dawson. The wife doesn't care for her. The wife is blond so maybe she feels threatened in some way....
The wife thinks Vincent Cassel is a good actor. I liked him in Brotherhood of the Wolf. Otherwise he seems to play an arrogant Frenchman in every film he's in. In Trance, he looks to play an arrogant Frenchman. Surprise!
While Trance is really just a Hollywood double-cross caper film, the concept is better than average in an interesting, Memento, sort of way. Remember, Memento?
"A man, suffering from short-term memory loss, uses notes and tattoos to hunt for the man he thinks killed his wife." (from IMDB)
What's cool about Memento is that, from the opening scene, it works backwards from his present situation to how he arrived at the situation. It was really cool.
What looks cool about Trance is the relationship between psychiatrist, Dawson and patient, McAvoy. McAvoy is involved in a heist, is the only one who knows where the treasure is, but was hit in the head and has amnesia. So, the crook (Cassel) charges psychiatrist, Dawson to use hypnosis to retrieve the whereabouts from McAvoy. In the first part of the trailer the cinematography mixed reality with hypnosis - it looked great! The acting and dialogue were believable and the whole package sucked me in.
The trailer should have ended here and I would have been interested in seeing this film.
Then they throw in a love triangle, explosions and the blatantly obvious double cross. The trailer pretty much tells you that, after the dust settles, Dawson and McAvoy end up running off with the treasure, or were in cahoots and then they outsmart Cassel.
I know I could be wrong, I often am. But, if I can take all this from a 2+ minute trailer, then I don't need to see this film, I don't need to waste the cost of admission or 2 hours of my life or even talk about Trance again. The End.
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
The Purge
This year's Beerbohm Award for Best Independent trailer went to a film called, "Consequence." The question it asks is: what would you do if you could live one day without consequence?
The story is of a women who lives her consequence-free day building up to a purpose: to right a wrong. The build up is in how she tests the consequence idea. First on a fun and harmless level and slowly building to the real purpose. Given the opportunity, what would you do? It's a pretty powerful concept.
Naturally, The Purge reminded me of Consequence.
The Purge takes place in an America that has very little crime because once a year for 12 hours its citizens are permitted to commit crimes at will, without consequence. The Purge focuses on one family that chooses not to participate in the violence because they are happy with their lives. They have created a fortress of their home and they wait out the night - the purge. This time, however, the children are old enough or wise enough to ask questions. One child let's in a stranger on the run and the family home comes under siege as the community, which is out for the stranger's blood, converges on the family home.
While the concept is interesting from a sociological perspective, kind of like Shirley Jackson's, The Lottery, is interesting for the same reasons, it's also frightening.
Frightening because blood sport is the likely the next uncharted reality TV territory.... You know, like The Running Man or The Hunger Games, or UFC... this is a rant for another day.
So, if on the night of the purge, one commits a crime and will likely either develop a taste for blood or be disgusted by their actions. Either way, not good. If the taste for blood is developed than is it realistic to think that the need can only be satiated once a year? Would giving one this taste make them more patient or less patient? Can one really live by the rules for 364.5 days per year only to break them for half a day?
On the flip side, if enough are disgusted by their bloody actions would they not try to stop the purge from happening? I guess they could always move to Canada or the U.K.
I believe that The Purge is disturbing food for thought. In many films of this genre, there is a menacing force targeting potential victims. It is usually isolated and the tension is created by the battle for survival. In The Purge, the family's battle for survival is just a microcosm of what is really happening all over America. Allowing an entire country to commit heinous acts without consequence for 12 hours is like handing children hand guns and asking them not to hurt themselves.
Maybe the statement that The Purge is making is that humans, given that we are inherently violent, are not capable of making the right choice so the government has found a way to allow us to show our true colours for 12 hours in order to control our base urges for the rest of the year?
My head hurts.
Any trailer that causes me to think so much is a good one. Morbid fascination will likely drive me to see this film... but then, what does that say about me?
The story is of a women who lives her consequence-free day building up to a purpose: to right a wrong. The build up is in how she tests the consequence idea. First on a fun and harmless level and slowly building to the real purpose. Given the opportunity, what would you do? It's a pretty powerful concept.
Naturally, The Purge reminded me of Consequence.
The Purge takes place in an America that has very little crime because once a year for 12 hours its citizens are permitted to commit crimes at will, without consequence. The Purge focuses on one family that chooses not to participate in the violence because they are happy with their lives. They have created a fortress of their home and they wait out the night - the purge. This time, however, the children are old enough or wise enough to ask questions. One child let's in a stranger on the run and the family home comes under siege as the community, which is out for the stranger's blood, converges on the family home.
While the concept is interesting from a sociological perspective, kind of like Shirley Jackson's, The Lottery, is interesting for the same reasons, it's also frightening.
Frightening because blood sport is the likely the next uncharted reality TV territory.... You know, like The Running Man or The Hunger Games, or UFC... this is a rant for another day.
So, if on the night of the purge, one commits a crime and will likely either develop a taste for blood or be disgusted by their actions. Either way, not good. If the taste for blood is developed than is it realistic to think that the need can only be satiated once a year? Would giving one this taste make them more patient or less patient? Can one really live by the rules for 364.5 days per year only to break them for half a day?
On the flip side, if enough are disgusted by their bloody actions would they not try to stop the purge from happening? I guess they could always move to Canada or the U.K.
I believe that The Purge is disturbing food for thought. In many films of this genre, there is a menacing force targeting potential victims. It is usually isolated and the tension is created by the battle for survival. In The Purge, the family's battle for survival is just a microcosm of what is really happening all over America. Allowing an entire country to commit heinous acts without consequence for 12 hours is like handing children hand guns and asking them not to hurt themselves.
Maybe the statement that The Purge is making is that humans, given that we are inherently violent, are not capable of making the right choice so the government has found a way to allow us to show our true colours for 12 hours in order to control our base urges for the rest of the year?
My head hurts.
Any trailer that causes me to think so much is a good one. Morbid fascination will likely drive me to see this film... but then, what does that say about me?
Friday, 5 April 2013
The Evil Dead (2013)
When I moved out of my parents house (actually, I was asked to leave) at the ripe old age of 19, I moved into a house with 3 other guys. We were all musicians and avid readers and part-time students and full-time pot-heads.
As a house warming gift my friend Tanya gave me a box filled with used books. Tanya worked in a used book store. I looked through the box and found many horror novels. "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," Peter Straub's, "Ghost Story," one called "Harvest Home," Clive Barker's, "Weaveworld," an odd one called, "It's Alive," and many others.
One of the last books I pulled out of the box was a black covered paperback with a circled pentagram on it titled, "Necronomicon" the Book of the Dead. A shiver went down my spine as I open the cover and read the warning...
"The NECRONOMICON'S magick is nothing to fool with and it may expose you to psychological forces with which you cannot cope. Remember if you fool with the incantations, you were warned!"
That was enough for me. I'm no hero. In a sea of mediocrity, I'm floating somewhere in the middle. I'm cool with that. I closed the book, put it back in the box along with a few other books that I decided not to keep, and gave them back to Tanya. I mentioned Necronomicon to her and she smiled and said, "weird, huh?" Creepy.
I remember seeing the original Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 movies many years ago. I think I enjoyed Evil Dead 2 more than I enjoyed Evil Dead because of the humour gore mix. I trust Evil Dead is only being made so the real gem, Evil Dead 2 can be remade, too.
Remake... I think that word is in more than half of my reviews.
Okay, I have to also say: it's better to remake a bad movie than it is to remake a good movie badly. There, I've said it again for what it's worth.
So in this case, the Evil Dead remake is actually remade by the same people who made the Evil Dead. I don't think that there is a precedent for this, so all judgements are off.
The trailer for the Evil Dead remake was exactly what it was supposed to be. A bunch of friends in the woods, one stumbles upon a "book," ignores the warning, is exposed to "forces with which he cannot cope" and, in a manner of speaking, all hell breaks loose. I'm glad I didn't "fool with the incantations" way back when. But that's me...
The trailer was pretty good. It had a good balance of creepy and gore. There was also a lot of blood, almost Tarantino-esq blood - without the humour, I think. There was nothing really new or original but it was in the spirit of original Evil Dead and, like I said, I'm sure it will spawn a remake of Evil Dead 2.
That's not so bad because in the realm of horror, The Evil Dead franchise stands out. It's just sad that I have to call it a franchise, now.
I'm a sucker for this stuff and I do look forward to seeing this film.
As a house warming gift my friend Tanya gave me a box filled with used books. Tanya worked in a used book store. I looked through the box and found many horror novels. "The Exorcism of Emily Rose," Peter Straub's, "Ghost Story," one called "Harvest Home," Clive Barker's, "Weaveworld," an odd one called, "It's Alive," and many others.
One of the last books I pulled out of the box was a black covered paperback with a circled pentagram on it titled, "Necronomicon" the Book of the Dead. A shiver went down my spine as I open the cover and read the warning...
"The NECRONOMICON'S magick is nothing to fool with and it may expose you to psychological forces with which you cannot cope. Remember if you fool with the incantations, you were warned!"
That was enough for me. I'm no hero. In a sea of mediocrity, I'm floating somewhere in the middle. I'm cool with that. I closed the book, put it back in the box along with a few other books that I decided not to keep, and gave them back to Tanya. I mentioned Necronomicon to her and she smiled and said, "weird, huh?" Creepy.
I remember seeing the original Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 movies many years ago. I think I enjoyed Evil Dead 2 more than I enjoyed Evil Dead because of the humour gore mix. I trust Evil Dead is only being made so the real gem, Evil Dead 2 can be remade, too.
Remake... I think that word is in more than half of my reviews.
Okay, I have to also say: it's better to remake a bad movie than it is to remake a good movie badly. There, I've said it again for what it's worth.
So in this case, the Evil Dead remake is actually remade by the same people who made the Evil Dead. I don't think that there is a precedent for this, so all judgements are off.
The trailer for the Evil Dead remake was exactly what it was supposed to be. A bunch of friends in the woods, one stumbles upon a "book," ignores the warning, is exposed to "forces with which he cannot cope" and, in a manner of speaking, all hell breaks loose. I'm glad I didn't "fool with the incantations" way back when. But that's me...
The trailer was pretty good. It had a good balance of creepy and gore. There was also a lot of blood, almost Tarantino-esq blood - without the humour, I think. There was nothing really new or original but it was in the spirit of original Evil Dead and, like I said, I'm sure it will spawn a remake of Evil Dead 2.
That's not so bad because in the realm of horror, The Evil Dead franchise stands out. It's just sad that I have to call it a franchise, now.
I'm a sucker for this stuff and I do look forward to seeing this film.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
Man of Steel
I'm reviewing the Man of Steel trailer well in advance of its summer release because I keep seeing the trailer at the movies and on DVD rentals...
Just so I don't have to say it again, I began my review for Oz: The Great and Powerful with this...
"Here we go... another prequel.
I really don't like films (trailers anyway) that smell of prequel, sequel or terribly unequal to anything creative or original.... Maybe I should paint The Mona Lisa 2: The Day Before. Then I could paint The Mona Lisa 3: The Day After. Well, I can't paint and if I could would anyone buy it? What would this blog be if not for my occasional rant?"
So, maybe I'm not so bright and it's yet another remake but it kind of feels like a prequel.
I'm sure I've written on this blog, somewhere and likely several times, that remakes happen so quickly that a generation isn't even given the opportunity to savour the previous version of a film. Cases in point: The Hulk, Spider Man and even Batman - though Christopher Nolan's vision made Tim Burton's vision look like the blind leading the naked....
While I love comic book movies, I very much struggle with sequel after prequel after remake. Superman is a comic book and screen icon. He is the ultimate superhero because he is virtually indestructible. He has been around longer than most of our grandparents and even our grandparents know who he is. We all know the story, too. Something to the effect of.... in an effort to save their son from their dying planet Mr. and Mrs. Superman send their son to earth. He is found by a farming couple, the Kents, and raise him as a human... but he isn't human... at some point he becomes Superman.
The Superman comic dates back to the 30's followed by radio in the 40's and the first movie and TV series in the 1950's. YES, WE ALL KNOW THE STORY.
SO WHY TELL IT AGAIN?????????????????????????
Here end-ith the rant.
The trailer for Man of Steel looks at a young Clark struggling with his powers. It shows a common human struggle for identity and hard lessons learned in the quest for it. It paints a picture of an extraordinary being, guided by his step-parent's love and fear, struggling with his own greatness to be only mediocre. He says, "my father felt that if the world knew what I was, they would reject me..." Sad words for a child to live by.
The trailer for Man of Steel showed something that the other Superman films only touched on (I can't speak for any of the TV shows because I've never viewed any of them): the internal battle Superman fights to become who he is meant to be. This is a strong message and it is universal. Anyone that has ever overcome adversity can relate. The greater the struggle and the more difficult the road, however, the sweeter the victory. Being "right" or "winning" can also be bittersweet as there are always sacrifices.
Perhaps this is the message that Man of Steel is trying to relay. It worked, at least on me. As much as I wanted to hate this trailer, I couldn't help but be moved by it. It...was...a...really... good trailer. Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan are masters.
I guess one can compare Man of Steel to Batman Begins... but that's another discussion.
And as much as I want to hate it for being a remake that looks like a prequel, the trailer gave me the crunchies (goosebumps)... and that alone is pretty spectacular because I only get the crunchies when zombies are near...
Yeah, I will see this movie.
Just so I don't have to say it again, I began my review for Oz: The Great and Powerful with this...
"Here we go... another prequel.
I really don't like films (trailers anyway) that smell of prequel, sequel or terribly unequal to anything creative or original.... Maybe I should paint The Mona Lisa 2: The Day Before. Then I could paint The Mona Lisa 3: The Day After. Well, I can't paint and if I could would anyone buy it? What would this blog be if not for my occasional rant?"
So, maybe I'm not so bright and it's yet another remake but it kind of feels like a prequel.
I'm sure I've written on this blog, somewhere and likely several times, that remakes happen so quickly that a generation isn't even given the opportunity to savour the previous version of a film. Cases in point: The Hulk, Spider Man and even Batman - though Christopher Nolan's vision made Tim Burton's vision look like the blind leading the naked....
While I love comic book movies, I very much struggle with sequel after prequel after remake. Superman is a comic book and screen icon. He is the ultimate superhero because he is virtually indestructible. He has been around longer than most of our grandparents and even our grandparents know who he is. We all know the story, too. Something to the effect of.... in an effort to save their son from their dying planet Mr. and Mrs. Superman send their son to earth. He is found by a farming couple, the Kents, and raise him as a human... but he isn't human... at some point he becomes Superman.
The Superman comic dates back to the 30's followed by radio in the 40's and the first movie and TV series in the 1950's. YES, WE ALL KNOW THE STORY.
SO WHY TELL IT AGAIN?????????????????????????
Here end-ith the rant.
The trailer for Man of Steel looks at a young Clark struggling with his powers. It shows a common human struggle for identity and hard lessons learned in the quest for it. It paints a picture of an extraordinary being, guided by his step-parent's love and fear, struggling with his own greatness to be only mediocre. He says, "my father felt that if the world knew what I was, they would reject me..." Sad words for a child to live by.
The trailer for Man of Steel showed something that the other Superman films only touched on (I can't speak for any of the TV shows because I've never viewed any of them): the internal battle Superman fights to become who he is meant to be. This is a strong message and it is universal. Anyone that has ever overcome adversity can relate. The greater the struggle and the more difficult the road, however, the sweeter the victory. Being "right" or "winning" can also be bittersweet as there are always sacrifices.
Perhaps this is the message that Man of Steel is trying to relay. It worked, at least on me. As much as I wanted to hate this trailer, I couldn't help but be moved by it. It...was...a...really... good trailer. Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan are masters.
I guess one can compare Man of Steel to Batman Begins... but that's another discussion.
And as much as I want to hate it for being a remake that looks like a prequel, the trailer gave me the crunchies (goosebumps)... and that alone is pretty spectacular because I only get the crunchies when zombies are near...
Yeah, I will see this movie.
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
914 Dunne (Teaser)
The first "trailer" for 914 Dunne was a first, of sorts, for me. It exposed me to the world of "crowd funding" for film. With my focus on the blog and watching movie trailers, as well as being a productive member of society and devoted family man (the wife told me to write that part), I just hadn't been exposed to the concept. It's very cool.
914 Dunne was also a tipping point for Beerbohmtastic as independent film makers began sending me their works; trailers in various stages of development and I reviewed them. This also resulted in great traffic to the blog and my Twitter followers jumped from about 40 to about 700 in less than a month. 914 Dunne, and film maker, Ryan Robins, thank you...
The new teaser trailer for 914 Dunne arrived at an interesting time. I viewed it after viewing Django Unchained and Seven Psychopaths; two movies that entertained me immensely, but left me asking the same question...
Is gratuitous violence or disturbing subject matter more palatable when presented with humour? Maybe. But does that make it acceptable?
In 914 Dunne, two bumbling criminals are looking for a $200,000 payday, which happens to be held in someones home safe. Being unsure which house the safe is in, and being less than criminal masterminds they embark on a series of home invasions - until they get to 914 Dunne.
The bumbling criminals seem to interrupt the daily lives of people on a nice street, kind of like door-to-door salesman... only door-to-door home invasions. Home invasions are pretty serious and often really violent. I didn't get the sense from the trailer that 914 Dunne is gratuitously violent. There is too much comedic banter between the criminals, both spoken and not.
The teaser trailer was only 34 seconds long, but I found it amusing. Amusing enough to want to see 914 Dunne when it's completed.
Watch the teaser here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-FpXjATME
914 Dunne was also a tipping point for Beerbohmtastic as independent film makers began sending me their works; trailers in various stages of development and I reviewed them. This also resulted in great traffic to the blog and my Twitter followers jumped from about 40 to about 700 in less than a month. 914 Dunne, and film maker, Ryan Robins, thank you...
The new teaser trailer for 914 Dunne arrived at an interesting time. I viewed it after viewing Django Unchained and Seven Psychopaths; two movies that entertained me immensely, but left me asking the same question...
Is gratuitous violence or disturbing subject matter more palatable when presented with humour? Maybe. But does that make it acceptable?
In 914 Dunne, two bumbling criminals are looking for a $200,000 payday, which happens to be held in someones home safe. Being unsure which house the safe is in, and being less than criminal masterminds they embark on a series of home invasions - until they get to 914 Dunne.
The bumbling criminals seem to interrupt the daily lives of people on a nice street, kind of like door-to-door salesman... only door-to-door home invasions. Home invasions are pretty serious and often really violent. I didn't get the sense from the trailer that 914 Dunne is gratuitously violent. There is too much comedic banter between the criminals, both spoken and not.
The teaser trailer was only 34 seconds long, but I found it amusing. Amusing enough to want to see 914 Dunne when it's completed.
Watch the teaser here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7-FpXjATME
Monday, 1 April 2013
VIEWED: Seven Psychopaths
My trailer review for this one said...
"I just hope that all the funny scenes aren't wasted in the trailer. Yet, the warning on CinemaClock stated: Extreme violence, gory scenes, nudity, sexual content. So, actor's commentary isn't necessary to suck you in because the trailer sucks you in; but with the comedy. Then the film (I trust) will punch you in the face with shocking and graphic violence. That could work. I'm sold. Good trailer."
I was right - even though it was obvious. The comedy and somewhat absurdity of the film suck you in and yes, the violence at first is like a punch to the stomach. After a while though, I wasn't sure if the pain was from getting punched or from laughing. It was very funny.
The real plot, identifying the seven psychopaths for a book that budding writer, Colin F, is working on, is juxtaposed with the main sub-plot and involvement with one psychopath, Woody H., and his quest to retrieve his kidnapped dog. A shih-tzu... big man with a little dog. I laughed everytime Woody pined for Bonny...
Two thirds of the way through, the story becomes driven by the idea for Colin's novel. His buddies, Christopher W., and Sam R. are also psychopaths. This is where the story gets a little dry.
However, Sam Rockwell is so perfectly cast in everything he does, it's amazing. Christopher Walken is simply brilliant. Woody, in my mind, is still the best zombie killer ever. And, Colin is pretty damn good and even better in his natural accent.
Seven Psychopaths was pretty much what I thought it would be from the trailer: very funny with too much unexpected violence. That's okay, because the comedy made the violence more palatable... I'm not becoming de-sensitized, am I?
Either way, glad I saw it.
"I just hope that all the funny scenes aren't wasted in the trailer. Yet, the warning on CinemaClock stated: Extreme violence, gory scenes, nudity, sexual content. So, actor's commentary isn't necessary to suck you in because the trailer sucks you in; but with the comedy. Then the film (I trust) will punch you in the face with shocking and graphic violence. That could work. I'm sold. Good trailer."
I was right - even though it was obvious. The comedy and somewhat absurdity of the film suck you in and yes, the violence at first is like a punch to the stomach. After a while though, I wasn't sure if the pain was from getting punched or from laughing. It was very funny.
The real plot, identifying the seven psychopaths for a book that budding writer, Colin F, is working on, is juxtaposed with the main sub-plot and involvement with one psychopath, Woody H., and his quest to retrieve his kidnapped dog. A shih-tzu... big man with a little dog. I laughed everytime Woody pined for Bonny...
Two thirds of the way through, the story becomes driven by the idea for Colin's novel. His buddies, Christopher W., and Sam R. are also psychopaths. This is where the story gets a little dry.
However, Sam Rockwell is so perfectly cast in everything he does, it's amazing. Christopher Walken is simply brilliant. Woody, in my mind, is still the best zombie killer ever. And, Colin is pretty damn good and even better in his natural accent.
Seven Psychopaths was pretty much what I thought it would be from the trailer: very funny with too much unexpected violence. That's okay, because the comedy made the violence more palatable... I'm not becoming de-sensitized, am I?
Either way, glad I saw it.
Thursday, 28 March 2013
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
I liked it when it was called, The Losers. Remember that movie? CIA operatives betrayed by their superiors then spend the rest of the film kicking ass. It starred Zoe Saldana and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Morgan was awesome as the sociopath Comedian in Watchmen, a personal favourite.
Kind of like Ghost Protocol and the newest crap Bond film...
The trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation shows Jonathon Pryce as the President of the United States. In the first scene he's in he looks creepy. He reminded me of the character he played in, Something Wicked this way Comes. He was, though, quite lovable in the Terry Gilliam classic, Brazil. But I digress...
I like Dwayne Johnson. He played a gay, wannabe actor, enforcer tough guy in that crap Travolta movie, Be Cool, which was the sequel to Get Shorty. Dwayne was freaking hilarious. He seems like a good guy.
Where was I?
The Trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation provided nothing new, original, thought provoking or interesting. It was a ton of the same old, same old followed by an ageing Bruce Willis struggling ever so hard to maintain that tough guy persona. It just seems so forced, like the struggle one has when constipated.
But you know what?
I couldn't help but love the trailer. I know, I know, then why slam it?
It just looked great. The action was non-stop. The story, while apparently the same old, same old, took the betrayal theme to the highest level. The President is now the bad guy. An order from the President takes the G.I. Joe team out. Buy why? What evil underhanded plan could the guy who plays the devil in Something Wicked this way Comes possibly have? In bed with China? That's kind of what it looks like, but why? Power, money, greed? Not world domination? It can't be! No!
YES!!!
The world will be saved this time, not by 007, not by Superman or Spider Man or Batman. The world will be saved by the remaining G.I. Joe's. It actually kind of makes sense. I mean if a bunch of teenagers and a few soldiers can take on the North Korean and Russian armies in, Red Dawn, doesn't it stand to reason that the G.I. Joe's could easily save the world against some assassins who know Karate?
I'm a sucker for action movies. I am also - as you can see - critical of action movies. Despite my rantings and the flaws in story that the G.I. Joe: Retaliation trailer expressed. It looked freaking cool and entertaining as hell.
I look forward to seeing this one.
Kind of like Ghost Protocol and the newest crap Bond film...
The trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation shows Jonathon Pryce as the President of the United States. In the first scene he's in he looks creepy. He reminded me of the character he played in, Something Wicked this way Comes. He was, though, quite lovable in the Terry Gilliam classic, Brazil. But I digress...
I like Dwayne Johnson. He played a gay, wannabe actor, enforcer tough guy in that crap Travolta movie, Be Cool, which was the sequel to Get Shorty. Dwayne was freaking hilarious. He seems like a good guy.
Where was I?
The Trailer for G.I. Joe: Retaliation provided nothing new, original, thought provoking or interesting. It was a ton of the same old, same old followed by an ageing Bruce Willis struggling ever so hard to maintain that tough guy persona. It just seems so forced, like the struggle one has when constipated.
But you know what?
I couldn't help but love the trailer. I know, I know, then why slam it?
It just looked great. The action was non-stop. The story, while apparently the same old, same old, took the betrayal theme to the highest level. The President is now the bad guy. An order from the President takes the G.I. Joe team out. Buy why? What evil underhanded plan could the guy who plays the devil in Something Wicked this way Comes possibly have? In bed with China? That's kind of what it looks like, but why? Power, money, greed? Not world domination? It can't be! No!
YES!!!
The world will be saved this time, not by 007, not by Superman or Spider Man or Batman. The world will be saved by the remaining G.I. Joe's. It actually kind of makes sense. I mean if a bunch of teenagers and a few soldiers can take on the North Korean and Russian armies in, Red Dawn, doesn't it stand to reason that the G.I. Joe's could easily save the world against some assassins who know Karate?
I'm a sucker for action movies. I am also - as you can see - critical of action movies. Despite my rantings and the flaws in story that the G.I. Joe: Retaliation trailer expressed. It looked freaking cool and entertaining as hell.
I look forward to seeing this one.
Slash (coming soon)
Slash is a new film by Maria Olsen.
The 16 second teaser was fun... who doesn't like Jack the Ripper?
To learn more about this feature film, investor
opportunities or product placement advertising, please visit the website www.slashflick.com. In order to contribute
to the making of the film, the public is encouraged to support the crowd
funding efforts on the Slash
IndieGoGo campaign.
The 16 second teaser was fun... who doesn't like Jack the Ripper?
Here's the press release...
“SLASH” filming begins this summer in New Mexico
“SLASH”, a SAG feature film starring Maria Olsen (Percy
Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Paranormal Activity 3,
American Horror Story), Todd Farmer (Jason X, My Bloody Valentine, Drive
Angry), Gibby Haynes (lead singer of Butthole Surfers) and including several
cameos by A-List actors, will be filming in New Mexico for four weeks.
SLASH is a story about young people who see their friends
butchered around them. They must deal with each other’s violent fantasies and
face their own demons...or die trying!
The writer/director/producer Rycke Foreman and producer/actress
Maria Olsen (of MOnsterworks66)
are using Sheryl Roberts to do the Principal Casting. A casting call will
be held in New Mexico in April and the production will begin in late June. The
film will employ a crew of at least 85, a cast of 25 to 30 speaking roles, and
approximately 350 background players. A vast majority of both will be New
Mexico hires.
Currently, the attached crew consists of such notables as
Rich E. Cordobes (Special FX: Lord of the Rings trilogy, Transformers), Steve
R. Moore (Visual FX: Avatar, Titanic) and Peter Devaney Flanagan (Editor:
Scream, Hellboy 2). More crew members are needed to fill production
requirements. The film will employ a crew of a minimum of 85. For more information
on being considered for the crew, please get in touch with Lora Carlson,
producer, at lora@slashflick.com.
Rycke Foreman has worked in virtually all aspects of
independent film, television and theatre for more than fifteen years around the
Four Corners area. In 2009, he optioned a horror spoof to a small production
company in Hollywood, and was part of the writing/producing team behind the
multi-award winning short film “Auto Care,” shot later that year for the
National Film Challenge. Another award-winning short he co-produced was “Locked
Away,” winning the Remi award at Houston WorldFest. He has published short
fiction since the early 90s, appearing in dozens of publications such as Marion
Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy Magazine and 69 Flavors of Paranoia, which he edits.
Best known for her appearances as Mrs. Dodds/The Fury in
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, as well as Paranormal
Activity 3, American Horror Story and Rob Zombie’s Lords of Salem, Maria Olsen
has worked on more than 40 feature films and over 70 shorts since 2005. She has
also won four awards (including awards for both acting and directing), had
two short films appear at the 2009 Cannes Short Film Program, one at the
2010 Sundance Film Festival, plus others at Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors
and HorrorFest. Olsen also owns MOnsterworks66, producer of features such as
Brandon Scullion’s Live in Fear, Randal Kamradt Jr’s Faraway, Eric Michael
Kochmer’s Way Down In Chinatown, Bert Havird’s Reunion and Michael LaPointe’s
LoveTouchHate.
To learn more about this feature film, investor
opportunities or product placement advertising, please visit the website www.slashflick.com. In order to contribute
to the making of the film, the public is encouraged to support the crowd
funding efforts on the Slash
IndieGoGo campaign.
Please Note:
I don't usually promote films in production on this blog, but I am a big fan of independent film and will do my best to help. Indie film makers, please continue to send me your trailers and promos. Mike
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
VIEWED: Django Unchained
My trailer review for this one said...
"All that to say that the trailer for Django Unchained looked, cool, fun and entertaining despite being longer than 2 minutes. Mr. Tarantino, this looks like a good movie. I'm sure I will see it."
I saw it last night.
It was better than the trailer.
The comedy, story and even the typical Tarantino over-the-top violence made Django Unchained highly entertaining. That said, I know that hyperbole when it comes to blood is almost a trademark of Tarantino's, but some of the violence was beyond gratuitous. I realize a point was being made but does adding comedy to extreme violence make the violence more palatable? Maybe.
Django Unchained could have been divided into two movies. Django Unchained Part 1 and Django Unchained Part 2.
I realized that during Django Unchained Part 1 - the liberation of Django followed by the evolution of Django the bounty hunter - completely absorbed my attention and I did not move from my seat. I don't even remember eating my popcorn but I assure you it was emptied. It was that riveting.
Django Unchained Part 2 - the bounty hunter with a heart helping his liberated slave partner liberate his enslaved wife - was over the top in so many ways. That's not to say that it wasn't entertaining, it was, but it had a more Kill Bill feel. During part 2 I remembered reaching for my dwindling popcorn and shifting in my seat.
Christoph Waltz is awesome in both parts.
As a whole, this was a very good movie. I'm glad I saw it and of the three Oscar Best Picture films that I've seen (and I will never see Amour or Les Miserables), this is the best so far.
"All that to say that the trailer for Django Unchained looked, cool, fun and entertaining despite being longer than 2 minutes. Mr. Tarantino, this looks like a good movie. I'm sure I will see it."
I saw it last night.
It was better than the trailer.
The comedy, story and even the typical Tarantino over-the-top violence made Django Unchained highly entertaining. That said, I know that hyperbole when it comes to blood is almost a trademark of Tarantino's, but some of the violence was beyond gratuitous. I realize a point was being made but does adding comedy to extreme violence make the violence more palatable? Maybe.
Django Unchained could have been divided into two movies. Django Unchained Part 1 and Django Unchained Part 2.
I realized that during Django Unchained Part 1 - the liberation of Django followed by the evolution of Django the bounty hunter - completely absorbed my attention and I did not move from my seat. I don't even remember eating my popcorn but I assure you it was emptied. It was that riveting.
Django Unchained Part 2 - the bounty hunter with a heart helping his liberated slave partner liberate his enslaved wife - was over the top in so many ways. That's not to say that it wasn't entertaining, it was, but it had a more Kill Bill feel. During part 2 I remembered reaching for my dwindling popcorn and shifting in my seat.
Christoph Waltz is awesome in both parts.
As a whole, this was a very good movie. I'm glad I saw it and of the three Oscar Best Picture films that I've seen (and I will never see Amour or Les Miserables), this is the best so far.
Monday, 18 March 2013
Oz: The Great and Powerful
Here we go... another prequel.
I really don't like films (trailers anyway) that smell of prequel, sequel or terribly unequal to anything creative or original. That's not to say that the prequel or sequel can't be original in its own way but it's kind of like Doodle Art. Anyone remember Doodle Art? It was basically paint by numbers. One buys a beautiful picture of virtually anything, with each section outlined and numbered (the trunk of the tree assigned a number, the leaves another etc.). Just paint the correct colour in the proper number and you have a masterpiece. The problem is that no matter how beautiful the final product is, it's still someone elses idea or concept. Maybe I should paint, The Mona Lisa 2: The Day Before. Then I could paint The Mona Lisa 3: The Day After. Well, I can't paint and if I could would anyone buy it?
What would this blog be if not for my occasional rant?
The Wizard of Oz is a classic. No argument here. In my opinion, all classics should be off limits to sequels or prequels. That said, you know what else is a classic? Gone with the Wind? Maybe I, or someone with actual writing talent could write a sequel or prequel to, Gone with the Wind. Maybe it could be called, Who has seen the Wind? Wait, that's a W.O. Mitchell novel. How about, Blowin' in the Wind? Wait, that's a Bob Dylan song. I digress.
Smokin' hot Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams. Oz's angels? Maybe that's the next sequel... Great cast here, including James Franco who more and more impresses me with his acting chops. I also like Sam Raimi. There is no doubt that, Oz: The Great and Powerful has much talent behind it.
So what about the trailer?
I know that in the New Testament, Book of Matthew it says, "Judge not lest ye be judged" but it's almost more fun judging a film by it's title than it is judging a movie by its trailer. I am guilty of judging this movie by its title.
I also like being wrong...
The trailer for Oz: The Great and Powerful was very good. It had a great pace, it didn't try to tell us a story, rather it teased us with great visuals and very few words. It captured the spirit of the original, Wizard of Oz and, in magical Disney form, was visually stunning. There was very little dialogue but the images told the story of a small time carnival magician from the black and white world of Kansas who gets swept away by a tornado and lands in Oz - clearly pre-Dorothy. Like Dorothy, he encounters a complex world in vivid colour and his journey to becoming the great and powerful Oz begins with his choice to become a "great man."
Despite my earlier rant, this was a very good trailer.
I will likely see this film.
I really don't like films (trailers anyway) that smell of prequel, sequel or terribly unequal to anything creative or original. That's not to say that the prequel or sequel can't be original in its own way but it's kind of like Doodle Art. Anyone remember Doodle Art? It was basically paint by numbers. One buys a beautiful picture of virtually anything, with each section outlined and numbered (the trunk of the tree assigned a number, the leaves another etc.). Just paint the correct colour in the proper number and you have a masterpiece. The problem is that no matter how beautiful the final product is, it's still someone elses idea or concept. Maybe I should paint, The Mona Lisa 2: The Day Before. Then I could paint The Mona Lisa 3: The Day After. Well, I can't paint and if I could would anyone buy it?
What would this blog be if not for my occasional rant?
The Wizard of Oz is a classic. No argument here. In my opinion, all classics should be off limits to sequels or prequels. That said, you know what else is a classic? Gone with the Wind? Maybe I, or someone with actual writing talent could write a sequel or prequel to, Gone with the Wind. Maybe it could be called, Who has seen the Wind? Wait, that's a W.O. Mitchell novel. How about, Blowin' in the Wind? Wait, that's a Bob Dylan song. I digress.
Smokin' hot Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams. Oz's angels? Maybe that's the next sequel... Great cast here, including James Franco who more and more impresses me with his acting chops. I also like Sam Raimi. There is no doubt that, Oz: The Great and Powerful has much talent behind it.
So what about the trailer?
I know that in the New Testament, Book of Matthew it says, "Judge not lest ye be judged" but it's almost more fun judging a film by it's title than it is judging a movie by its trailer. I am guilty of judging this movie by its title.
I also like being wrong...
The trailer for Oz: The Great and Powerful was very good. It had a great pace, it didn't try to tell us a story, rather it teased us with great visuals and very few words. It captured the spirit of the original, Wizard of Oz and, in magical Disney form, was visually stunning. There was very little dialogue but the images told the story of a small time carnival magician from the black and white world of Kansas who gets swept away by a tornado and lands in Oz - clearly pre-Dorothy. Like Dorothy, he encounters a complex world in vivid colour and his journey to becoming the great and powerful Oz begins with his choice to become a "great man."
Despite my earlier rant, this was a very good trailer.
I will likely see this film.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Stoker
Chan Wook Park is a very interesting director. One of my all time favourite films, which is also one my all time most disturbing films, Oldboy (2003). It has won many international awards and is visually and plot-wise, unlike anything in film.
I hear Oldboy was part of Chan Wook Park's "Vengeance" trilogy. I saw Mr. Vengeance and while it wasn't Oldboy, it was certainly sad and disturbing. I saw Lady Vengeance and while it wasn't Old Boy, it was entertaining, complex and disturbing.
His films ooze with irony and question everything from social conventions to family. Further, morality and justice are sometimes blurred and are at other times blinding. There is rarely middle ground. Extremes and intensity. He is quoted on IMDB as saying,
"I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa."
Spike Lee is remaking Oldboy. I can't imagine why one would take a disturbing masterpiece and try to remake it for a North American audience. I maintain that it is better to remake a bad movie than it is to remake a good movie badly. Good luck, Spike.
Stoker.
Nicole Kidman, despite all of the cosmetic surgery, is still beautiful and is still a great actress. I've never seen Mia Wasikowska in anything, but she's damn good in the trailer for Stoker. Mathew Goode is very good at playing the calm, creepy guy. I really liked him in Watchmen.
Like many Park films, Stoker is a story of broken people. A woman loses her husband, her daughter loses her father. They seem to mourn differently and without compassion towards one-another for reasons not shared in the trailer. An "uncle" arrives after Mr. Stoker's death. He is filled with motives. He seduces the mother, he seduces the daughter. The division between mother and daughter broadens. One seems to grow weaker, one seems to grow stronger, but neither of them appear to be healing.
Watching the trailer was like catching brief glimpses of lives descending into darkness with the final scene of the trailer showing dirt shoveled into an open grave.
The trailer provides images and clues of the darkness but no answers, which made the visuals of the trailer that much more disturbing. This is exactly what a trailer is supposed to do, tease, and it did so very well.
I was sucked in immediately; this is one of the best trailers I've seen in a while.
I look forward to seeing this film.
I hear Oldboy was part of Chan Wook Park's "Vengeance" trilogy. I saw Mr. Vengeance and while it wasn't Oldboy, it was certainly sad and disturbing. I saw Lady Vengeance and while it wasn't Old Boy, it was entertaining, complex and disturbing.
His films ooze with irony and question everything from social conventions to family. Further, morality and justice are sometimes blurred and are at other times blinding. There is rarely middle ground. Extremes and intensity. He is quoted on IMDB as saying,
"I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa."
Spike Lee is remaking Oldboy. I can't imagine why one would take a disturbing masterpiece and try to remake it for a North American audience. I maintain that it is better to remake a bad movie than it is to remake a good movie badly. Good luck, Spike.
Stoker.
Nicole Kidman, despite all of the cosmetic surgery, is still beautiful and is still a great actress. I've never seen Mia Wasikowska in anything, but she's damn good in the trailer for Stoker. Mathew Goode is very good at playing the calm, creepy guy. I really liked him in Watchmen.
Like many Park films, Stoker is a story of broken people. A woman loses her husband, her daughter loses her father. They seem to mourn differently and without compassion towards one-another for reasons not shared in the trailer. An "uncle" arrives after Mr. Stoker's death. He is filled with motives. He seduces the mother, he seduces the daughter. The division between mother and daughter broadens. One seems to grow weaker, one seems to grow stronger, but neither of them appear to be healing.
Watching the trailer was like catching brief glimpses of lives descending into darkness with the final scene of the trailer showing dirt shoveled into an open grave.
The trailer provides images and clues of the darkness but no answers, which made the visuals of the trailer that much more disturbing. This is exactly what a trailer is supposed to do, tease, and it did so very well.
I was sucked in immediately; this is one of the best trailers I've seen in a while.
I look forward to seeing this film.
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
VIEWED: Identity Theft
My trailer review for this one said...
"...So, let me see if I understand this. A man's identity is stolen. So, he goes after the thief and hilarity, danger and general chaos ensues. They develop a bond and work together to foil a greater crime of sorts..."
The wife dragged me to the local cinema to watch this one. The cinema in our neighbourhood is, in my opinion, the best cinema in the world. Well, maybe not the best but damn good. It's never busy, they play first run movies, they have 5 decent-sized theatres and they are not part of a mega-plex conglomerate so their prices are reasonable. I just don't understand how they stay in business. Even on cheap Tuesdays, the theatres are never full. Tonight there were 12 people watching Identity Theft. Maybe that had something to do with the movie.
It was pretty much how I described the trailer, only the criminals were after her.
Bateman is so good as the straight man. Melissa McCarthy was annoyingly funny, just like the trailer. I still don't get why he had to chase here down. They didn't elaborate on why the credit card companies weren't contacted about the fraud and the police explanation - inter-state jurisdiction issues was really weak, even if it was based on fact.
I am bothered that this movie made light of something as destructive as identity theft. This is a rant for another time...
The movie also seemed to drag on for hours. For the first half of it I stared blankly at the stupid gags and situations. Then, it wore me down and I smirked. By the end, I may have even smiled.
I asked the wife what she thought. She said, "it was much better than I thought it would be."
She looked at me and said, "well?"
I responded. "I liked it when it ended."
I meant it.
I kind of feel like Identity Theft stole two hours from me that I'll never get back.
"...So, let me see if I understand this. A man's identity is stolen. So, he goes after the thief and hilarity, danger and general chaos ensues. They develop a bond and work together to foil a greater crime of sorts..."
The wife dragged me to the local cinema to watch this one. The cinema in our neighbourhood is, in my opinion, the best cinema in the world. Well, maybe not the best but damn good. It's never busy, they play first run movies, they have 5 decent-sized theatres and they are not part of a mega-plex conglomerate so their prices are reasonable. I just don't understand how they stay in business. Even on cheap Tuesdays, the theatres are never full. Tonight there were 12 people watching Identity Theft. Maybe that had something to do with the movie.
It was pretty much how I described the trailer, only the criminals were after her.
Bateman is so good as the straight man. Melissa McCarthy was annoyingly funny, just like the trailer. I still don't get why he had to chase here down. They didn't elaborate on why the credit card companies weren't contacted about the fraud and the police explanation - inter-state jurisdiction issues was really weak, even if it was based on fact.
I am bothered that this movie made light of something as destructive as identity theft. This is a rant for another time...
The movie also seemed to drag on for hours. For the first half of it I stared blankly at the stupid gags and situations. Then, it wore me down and I smirked. By the end, I may have even smiled.
I asked the wife what she thought. She said, "it was much better than I thought it would be."
She looked at me and said, "well?"
I responded. "I liked it when it ended."
I meant it.
I kind of feel like Identity Theft stole two hours from me that I'll never get back.
Monday, 11 March 2013
The Crew
The Crew is an independent film by Marco Clay.
I think if I had reviewed this trailer prior to the selections for the 2nd Annual Beerbohm Awards for Movie Trailers, The Crew would have won for best music - if there was a category for best music in a trailer, this year. The soundtrack is awesome.
A few things stand-out in the trailer for The Crew. It looks professional, the acting is very good, the scenes flow well and the package is entertaining. While the story is typical for the genre, the genre is filled with similarities - I guess that's why they call it a genre... yeah, I'm not so bright.
The Crew is about four teenagers who get involved in a caper/heist of sorts and, while they are a "gang" and try to talk the talk they don't seem to intimidate anyone as they try to walk the walk. Tons of comedic potential here. Comedic potential that is not lost in the trailer. They have a meeting in a playground while one "gang" member is playing on the swings. They acquire a getaway car, but it's a convertible VW Beetle. Brilliant.
Naturally, things go wrong for the lads and it looks like all kinds of muscle wants to hurt them. One of the lads is Marco Clay, the 18 year old film maker behind The Crew.
My only criticism is that the trailer was too long. There were great elements. Enough was shown to make this film seem both interesting and entertaining. The last 30 seconds, or so, of the trailer introduced elements that didn't need to be introduced in the trailer. They just seemed a bit random... the brother, the girl, given how the previous 2 minutes generated interest and amusement.
There was nothing in the trailer that indicated an 18 year old (with all due respect) kid made this film. It not only looked professional, it looked like a film worth watching.
Well done, Marco, where can I see it?
Check out the trailer for yourself at...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_4sTJwJm8Y
I think if I had reviewed this trailer prior to the selections for the 2nd Annual Beerbohm Awards for Movie Trailers, The Crew would have won for best music - if there was a category for best music in a trailer, this year. The soundtrack is awesome.
A few things stand-out in the trailer for The Crew. It looks professional, the acting is very good, the scenes flow well and the package is entertaining. While the story is typical for the genre, the genre is filled with similarities - I guess that's why they call it a genre... yeah, I'm not so bright.
The Crew is about four teenagers who get involved in a caper/heist of sorts and, while they are a "gang" and try to talk the talk they don't seem to intimidate anyone as they try to walk the walk. Tons of comedic potential here. Comedic potential that is not lost in the trailer. They have a meeting in a playground while one "gang" member is playing on the swings. They acquire a getaway car, but it's a convertible VW Beetle. Brilliant.
Naturally, things go wrong for the lads and it looks like all kinds of muscle wants to hurt them. One of the lads is Marco Clay, the 18 year old film maker behind The Crew.
My only criticism is that the trailer was too long. There were great elements. Enough was shown to make this film seem both interesting and entertaining. The last 30 seconds, or so, of the trailer introduced elements that didn't need to be introduced in the trailer. They just seemed a bit random... the brother, the girl, given how the previous 2 minutes generated interest and amusement.
There was nothing in the trailer that indicated an 18 year old (with all due respect) kid made this film. It not only looked professional, it looked like a film worth watching.
Well done, Marco, where can I see it?
Check out the trailer for yourself at...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_4sTJwJm8Y
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Identity Theft
I'm reviewing this trailer because the wife wants to see it this weekend.
I like Jason Bateman. I hear that the women who plays the identity thief is a flavour of the month. She's annoyingly funny in the trailer.
The trailer. So, let me see if I understand this. A man's identity is stolen. So, he goes after the thief and hilarity, danger and general chaos ensues. They develop a bond and work together to foil a greater crime of sorts.
I'm not a screenwriter. I'm not a film maker. I'm not even that smart. If I knew what would sell, I would try to provide it - but I don't. I thought credit card companies have safeguards to protect the victims of identify theft. They pardon the victim and go after the criminal. So, my real question is: why didn't he just call the police? I guess we'll find out in the movie why the credit card companies and the police couldn't do anything. To me, that's the only information I'm curious about as I go to see this film.
The wife says that I should say something positive about every trailer that I review. Here's something positive: I am pleased that this is not a prequel or sequel.
That said, I can't wait for the sequel which will likely be titled, Identity Theft 2 or Identity Theft, Too, or Also Identity Theft.
Going to see this film is strictly a peace-keeping mission.
I like Jason Bateman. I hear that the women who plays the identity thief is a flavour of the month. She's annoyingly funny in the trailer.
The trailer. So, let me see if I understand this. A man's identity is stolen. So, he goes after the thief and hilarity, danger and general chaos ensues. They develop a bond and work together to foil a greater crime of sorts.
I'm not a screenwriter. I'm not a film maker. I'm not even that smart. If I knew what would sell, I would try to provide it - but I don't. I thought credit card companies have safeguards to protect the victims of identify theft. They pardon the victim and go after the criminal. So, my real question is: why didn't he just call the police? I guess we'll find out in the movie why the credit card companies and the police couldn't do anything. To me, that's the only information I'm curious about as I go to see this film.
The wife says that I should say something positive about every trailer that I review. Here's something positive: I am pleased that this is not a prequel or sequel.
That said, I can't wait for the sequel which will likely be titled, Identity Theft 2 or Identity Theft, Too, or Also Identity Theft.
Going to see this film is strictly a peace-keeping mission.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Here are your winners for the 2nd Annual Beerbohm Awards
The Beerbohm Awards are sort of Oscars for movie trailers. In the 2 or so minutes it takes to watch a trailer, a major decision is made. The decision whether or not to see a film and to, really, support the work of the film making team. This puts much weight on the trailer.
For 19 months I've been reviewing movie trailers. Actually, I'd been reviewing them from the very first one that I saw, but only verbally. A little more than 19 months ago while watching a film at home, the wife became annoyed with my verbal trailer reviews and finally said, "enough! What are you a movie trailer critic?"
Hmm, I thought. "Movie trailer critic? Not a bad idea." Judging a book by its cover, only judging a film by its trailer... Thus, Beerbohmtastic was born.
For the 2nd Annual Beerbohm Awards I've dropped the Best Music in a trailer award because not much jumped out at me this year. I've also dropped worst spoiler trailer because there were just too many. Worst Trailer now covers that. Instead I've added two new categories: Best Independent Trailer and Best Documentary Trailer. As the Awards evolve the categories will be refined.
I'd like to thank those who sent in nominations, and thanks also to those who send in insults, comments and suggestions. And thank you to all who read the blog. I very much appreciate you taking the time to pop in for a quick review and, hopefully, some amusement. That said, I have the utmost respect for film makers, especially the independent ones. I've come to the realization that creating the perfect movie trailer is also an art. So, while this blog began and sometimes continues to be a tongue-in-cheek forum, my love and appreciation for the art of film making has grown exponentially.
And like the saying goes, "those you can't create are often keen to criticize."
And like the saying goes, "those you can't create are often keen to criticize."
The winners are selected by a panel (the wife) and viewer comments and suggestions. The only criteria is that I had to have viewed and/or reviewed the trailer. The blurbs below the award are excerpts from my original trailer review.
So, without further doo doo (thanks Cap'n'Dave), here are the winners of the 2nd Annual Beerbohm Awards for Movie Trailers:
BEST DOCUMENTARY
The Best Documentary Award is given to the documentary trailer that stirred thought and emotion while generating interest.
The nominees for Best Documentary Trailer are:
Wilmington on Fire
The Last Station (La Última Estación)
All She Wrote
Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone
And the winner is:
Wilmington on Fire
"The teaser trailer is narrated in the form of a poem. It is interspersed with what looks like actual photographs. The spoken word and the images were very powerful. They pull you into a world and a time of anger, hate and injustice. They take you by the hand and the heart and show you that the words of Thomas Jefferson, that the Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and even the teachings of the church sometimes fall on deaf ears when fear and ignorance take the lead."
http://vimeo.com/33422710
Congratulations!
BEST INDEPENDENT TRAILER
The Best Independent Trailer Award is given to the independent trailer that stood out as original, or refreshing, or interesting (to me). There were many very good candidates for this award, but these four were stand-outs.
The nominees for Best Documentary Trailer are:
The 9th
Through the Looking Glass
Consequence
Polypore
And the winner is:
Polypore
And the winner is:
Consequence
"The trailer for Consequence was beautifully shot and brilliantly communicated. It not only teases and entertains, but makes one think. This is pretty powerful stuff. " Consequence literally had us at "hello."
http://vimeo.com/46172741
BEST TRAILER
The Best Trailer Award is given to the trailer which truly teases, entertains and leaves the viewer wanting more.
The nominees for best trailer are:
Lincoln
Flight
The Hunger Games
Life of Pi
The Dark Knight Rises
Seven Psychopaths
And the winner is:
Lincoln
"The trailer for Lincoln had so much going for it. You know Spielberg is a master. Daniel Day Lewis and the rest of the cast are great. And, Abe's story and the impact he had on America and the world are inspiring. Maybe the release of this film is timely, historically speaking. Maybe I'm being a sentimental sap right now, even though the wife says I have no feelings, but I was moved by this trailer and am eager to see this film..."
Congratulations!
WORST TRAILER
The Worst Trailer Award is given to the trailer that left the viewer (me) annoyed.
The nominees for worst trailer are, and I could have added so many more:
Killing Them Softly
Taken 2
Red Dawn
Les Miserables
Cloud Atlas
And the winner is:
Cloud Atlas
This was, hands down, the unanimous choice largely due to both trailer's annoying
assault on the viewer with new-age clichés
"The [Trailers] told me that all of our lives are inter-connected and everything affects everything else and past lives and future lives are connected and maybe inter-twined and love is eternal and love is fleeting and maybe the future is the past and the past is the present and the present is the future.... and added that our spirits/souls may or may not live forever and naturally seek out the one true love lifetime after lifetime as we live, die and are born again to be touched or not touched by the actions of our previous lives because an action, great or small, can affect more than one lifetime... So, presently, I have no idea what the movie is really about."
Congratulations, I guess.
MOST MISLEADING TRAILER
The Most Misleading Trailer goes to the trailer that misrepresented
the film. It applies to either a good trailer for a bad film or
bad trailer for a good film.
The nominees for the most misleading trailer are:
The Cabin in the Woods
The Raven
Midnight in Paris
John Carter
Jeff Who Lives at Home
Hotel Transylvania
Midnight in Paris
John Carter
Jeff Who Lives at Home
Hotel Transylvania
And the winner is:
Hotel Transylvania
This Beerbohm goes to a good trailer for a bad film.
Trailer Review:
"The wife had been bugging me for a week to go and see the this film and I kept refusing. She finally convinced me to watch the trailer. I'm glad I did... And the wife is happy. Everybody wins, unless it's crap. Stay tuned.
Actual Review
"Hotel Transylvania was crap. Great cast was wasted... you know how some movies made for kids have elements adults can appreciate? This isn't one of them. The wife said it was a boring movie with a weak story. She's so diplomatic."
Congratulations, I guess.
BEST LINE(S) IN A TRAILER
Skyfall:
Bond: Everyone needs a hobby
Villain: What's yours?
Bond: Resurrection
Django Unchained:
"kill white people... What's not to like?"
Spoken by Jamie Foxx as Django
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
"I don't think we're hunting witches..."
Spoken by Jeremy Renner
Seven Psychopaths:
Gunman: Put your hands up!
Christoper Walken: No.
And the winner is:
Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
"I don't think we're hunting witches..."
Spoken by Jeremy Renner
While I didn't get around to posting my review for this one,
the panel found the line hilarious given the title of the film.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to all winners and nominees.
Thanks for reading and for your continued support!
Monday, 4 March 2013
Max Beerbohm Quote for March 2013
I've used this one before but it's too good not to repeat...
"Good sense about trivialities is better than nonsense about things that matter."
"Good sense about trivialities is better than nonsense about things that matter."
VIEWED: ARGO
My trailer review for Argo said...
"The trailer for Argo set up the story so well that one didn't need to know the history. It was interesting, exciting and amusing. There was a nice combination of suspense, foreshadowing and what a trailer is supposed to do...."
The wife and I finally watched Argo.
Because everyone knew what the outcome would be, we hoped that the very good trailer would lead to a very good film.
Argo won the Best Picture Oscar this year.
I had heard that the story told in Argo, while accurate in some ways, was not completely accurate.
But it won the Oscar Best Picture.
While the acting was very good and Affleck was again surrounded by a very strong supporting cast, the depiction of this story could have been stronger.
But it won the Oscar Best Picture.
While the film had some good tension, there was no "edge of the seat" suspense because we knew the outcome. Still, the race to the finish was weak.
Argo was a good story told simply, but I don't think it deserved the Best Picture Oscar.
I asked the wife what she thought of it.
She quoted Alan Arkin and said, "Argo-f**k yourself."
PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes the views of the wife may or may not necessarily reflect the views of Beerbohmtastic.
"The trailer for Argo set up the story so well that one didn't need to know the history. It was interesting, exciting and amusing. There was a nice combination of suspense, foreshadowing and what a trailer is supposed to do...."
The wife and I finally watched Argo.
Because everyone knew what the outcome would be, we hoped that the very good trailer would lead to a very good film.
Argo won the Best Picture Oscar this year.
I had heard that the story told in Argo, while accurate in some ways, was not completely accurate.
But it won the Oscar Best Picture.
While the acting was very good and Affleck was again surrounded by a very strong supporting cast, the depiction of this story could have been stronger.
But it won the Oscar Best Picture.
While the film had some good tension, there was no "edge of the seat" suspense because we knew the outcome. Still, the race to the finish was weak.
Argo was a good story told simply, but I don't think it deserved the Best Picture Oscar.
I asked the wife what she thought of it.
She quoted Alan Arkin and said, "Argo-f**k yourself."
PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes the views of the wife may or may not necessarily reflect the views of Beerbohmtastic.
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