Magnolia Pictures presents Adrienne Shelly’s SERIOUS MOONLIGHT

Opens in theaters on December 4, 2009

Director Cheryl Hines (Actress on “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, “Waitress”) Starring Meg Ryan, Timothy Hutton, Kristen Bell and Justin LongDirected by Cheryl Hines. Written by Adrienne Shelly. Produced by Andy Ostroy and Michael Roiff High-powered Manhattan lawyer Louise (Meg Ryan) is touched when she comes home for the weekend to her upstate getaway house to find it strewn with rose petals by Ian, (Timothy Hutton) her husband of 13 years.

Unfortunately, as Louise quickly discovers, Ian is not expecting her and has laid out the spread for his much younger girlfriend (Kristen Bell) who was meeting him for a secret getaway. In fact, he’s in the process of writing Louise a letter explaining his intention to leave her for good. But Louise has other plans--one thing leads to another, and Ian soon finds himself held captive by an oddly cool Louise who calmly explains that she won't release him until he professes his love for her and commits to working on their marriage together. And when Ian’s impatient mistress shows up, not to mention an opportunistic gardener (Justin Long), that’s where things start to get really weird.

The Great Buck Howard - A movie that will make you smile

This past Saturday I truly saw my zodiac sign , Libra's indecisive nature kick in. I didn't know which film I should see, being that their are many that have been released the past few weeks. After going through the listings and reading reviews, I finally came upon a movie I should see: The Great Buck Howard. What drew me to wanting to see this film was the story; the story of a young man who was not fulfilled with his career, so he decides to try a new path. Also, another element that drew me in to wanting to spend a few dollars was that John Malkovich was going to star . He brings an intense, yet realistic portrayal to his roles. Malkovich was not quite as intense in this film, but he played well opposite Colin Hanks, who was the calm to Malkovich's sometimes outspoken character. The Great Buck Howard, this movie charms you due to its down to earth tone, humor, and emotional depth.

Colin Hanks in this film, stars as Troy Gabel, a young man who goes through law school, but finds himself unhappy with his career choice. Troy does not feel fulfilled with what he is doing. Hanks, narrating during the movie, brings an honest voice to his character. You can feel this when he begins to list the excuses he will tell his dad ( played by real life father actor Tom Hanks) about why he decided to drop out of school. Hanks gives his character a quiet, unassuming touch. One can feel this quality as his character Troy begins to look for jobs after dropping out of school, and eventually lands an interview with The Great Buck Howard, an illusionist who is attempting an comeback to the entertainment scene. Hanks also shows through his calm stage presence how the character Troy almost always can settle down his boss, The Great Buck Howard. Buck Howard can be shrewd, antsy, and a bit naiive; he comes from another place in time...


John Malkovich, starring as The Great Buck Howard, truly becomes a man from another time period. Buck Howard was a star during the Tonight Show era of Johnny Carson. It is as if Buck has not left that time period. One can see this through Buck's clothes, high show biz nature. When Buck is first introduced to Troy during their interview, I expected him to be arrogant and unfriendly due to the background that his top manager gave Troy before he came. However, there is a warm nature to Buck which Malkovich shows. He doesn't scare the young Troy away, but rather is eager to get his career going and will work with anyone who can aid in the endeavor. Malkovich , while many at first see his character Buck as a sweet older man, suddenly shows the fiery side of his character when he goes on the road. Buck is a man who has to have everything his way, no mistakes accepted at all. Malkovich portrays this character trait well, showing how small things such as stage setup, press interviews not going well irritate this great
star of the past, Buck Howard, to no end.

While Malkovich and Hanks played well off of each others character, another standout performance in this movie came from actor Steve Zahn. Zahn plays one of Buck's hosts in Oregon, who is assigned to help him around the town. Zahn and his fellow hostess, played well by actress Wendy Worthington, are so excited that Buck is there and are truly big fans of his. After the duo make an error in judgment with one of Buck's shows( Worthington's character decides to sing a tribute song to Buck before he goes on stage, much to Buck's chagrin) they get kicked off the tour. Zahn's character really is upset about the decision. He tells Troy how his friend only wanted to sing a nice song for Buck, and how much Buck, just getting his autographed picture, means to him. This is the scene in the movie where Steve Zahn shines. You can feel the emotion in his characters voice, persona, and the dedication he represents of a fan who has been moved in his life by this one man, Buck Howard. I felt like crying right with Zahn's character during this scene; you can't help but be touched.

Overall, The Great Buck Howard is a good movie. Other standout performances include Tom Hanks, as Troy's dad. He showed the stern, hardcore nature of a father who does not understand his sons choice. It was great to see Tom Hanks on screen with his real life son, Colin. I felt like two different generations were working together( also its crazy how much Colin favors his dad in looks!!) Emily Blunt, as the character Valerie, was not very strong. She has a striking onscreen presence, however in her role as an aggressive Publicity Assistant, I didn't see much depth in her performance. Also, Colin Hanks, I wanted to see more depth from his performance as well. The character Troy seemed too calm at times. I wanted to see Troys young side, the one that I know would have rebelled a little to Buck Howard's sometimes overdrive personality.


To conclude, I will say go see The Great Buck Howard!!! it will leave you with smiles on your face, particulary the middle of the movie towards the end ( events happen that I won't give away!)

SEEN O' The Day: The Witches

Remember the movie The Witches??? It's one of my cult favorites!! Well in the spirit of our upcoming scary holiday, let's take a look at a scene from the classic 1990 film The Witches. The Witches is totally a kid's flick and it's not quite a horror film, but ya gotta admit, if you saw the transformation of Angelica Huston's character approach you in the dark , by yourself, at midnight, on Halloween...you'll be scared!

The scene is a little lengthy, but you gotta see the whole clip to appreciate the scene!

P.S. Rowan Atkinson a.k.a Mr Bean is in it too!

Indie Pick O' The Day: Chuck & Buck

Are you in the mood for love?? How about a homoerotic masochistic love story? Well that's exactly what you'll get when you pop in the DVD and watch Chuck & Buck. The film tells the story of Buck who comes off as being mildly retarded, but really he's just a man-child who refuses to stray away from his childhood. Buck has a childhood crush on his best friend Chuck. A simple twish of fate bring these two together under unfortunate circumstances after Buck's mother passed away. They meet at her funeral and reunite once again as friends. Although the years that passed has changed and matured Chuck, his old pal Buck has remained the same and wants to go outside and play as if he never grew up as they parted as friends.

Chuck who lives in Los Angeles, kindly tells Buck that he should come by and visit sometime. Poor ol Buck sees that remark as more than just a friendly invitation and moves to Los Angeles permanently where he begins stalking Chuck. The movie begins to become even more bizarre when Buck decides to write and produce a play about Chuck and their friendship.

The film won an Independent Spirit Award in 2001 for Best Feature under $500,000. It was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Pretty compelling performance by Mike White who plays Buck and also wrote the screenplay. You might have seen his written work too in a little unknown film called School Of Rock.

The movie is weird and bizarre, but quirky and cute in its own way. A creative effort by the director and writer and shot on a shoestring budget.

Remember Mystery Science Theater 3000?

I loved that show! I used to watch that show and afterwards pop in a movie and provide my own comical commentary. Of course, I was by myself. With no audience. In the dark. Okay way too much information, but at the CMJ Music Marathon and Film Festival, they decided to showcase the talents of The Raspberry Brothers. They screened the film The Lost Boys---a Corey's classic of course and I was laughing out loud the whole freakin time.

The funniest thing the commenters pointed out to the audience was Corey Haim's wardrobe during the movie. I never noticed how gay it really looked!!! Like seriously, what was the set costumer thinking?!? Also there is a quick shot when Corey shuts his closet door and there is a pic of Rob Lowe with an open shirt and oily chest. Was there some homoeroticsm in this movie?? I'm just sayin! I never noticed, but the Raspberry Brothers did!!

Basically the comedy trio did a short presentation of the film and there was a moment midway into the film that they stopped the DVD. The three guys went in front of the movie screen and re-enacted a scene from the film. It was pretty hilarious. Remember the scene with Corey Haim in the bathtub taking a bubble bath and singing the song "Aint Got No Home". In case yall forgot what scene I'm talkin about look at the infamous clip below:





Well the Raspberry Brothers didn't quite re-enact it the way the film was shot, they did it in their own sophmoric kind of way. It was pretty funny...plus there was some brief nudity. Which was kinda of weird for me. The picture above is an old screening date for the trio...but for more info go their website.

Indie Pick o' the Day: MASH

Forget Alan Alda and Loretta Swit. Forget the laugh track, the transvestite Klinger and the comedic stylings of David Ogden Stiers. In the name of all that's holy, forget After MASH, which was to sitcoms what Treblinka was to Slavic partisans. Okay, now that you've cleared your mind...

When Richard Hooker's MASH came out in 1968, it was a revelation. Following in the ideological footsteps of Richard Heller's Catch-22, it covered the author's experiences as a doctor during the Korean war. Many of the characters hailed from New England prep schools and colleges, where they had pledged fraternities, played football, and generally followed the well-worn path of Northern preppies. In Korea, their activities, while playful, fit into the traditions of college pranking.

When Robert Altman made MASH two years later, he transformed his characters from being a familiar bunch of collegiate cutups into a diverse gang of countercultural heroes. Their actions, which had previously tweaked the nose of authority figures in a playful way, became distinctly anti-authoritarian. From the first scene, in which a gang of lower-level bureaucrats get into a fist fight in a huge mud puddle, to the depiction of Army officers as either useless, malevolent, or downright psychotic, the movie is distinctly aimed at the perspective of a lower-level grunt who finds himself inducted into the military. In this context, Altman clearly intended Mash as a commentary on Vietnam, and he followed that impulse into some of the smallest details, even dressing peasants in traditional Vietnamese garb.

Although Altman acceeded to the studios' demand and opened the film with a coda that clearly placed it in Korea, his other impulses, thankfully, managed to make their way to the screen. His cast is a veritable who's who of future stars, including Tom Skerritt, Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Sally Kellerman, and Robert Duvall. He heavily spiced the film with blasphemous references, notably the Painless Pole's Last Supper-influenced suicide, as well as heavy amounts of sex, nudity, and a hitherto-unheard of amount of blood and gore.

Beyond the groundbreaking combination of comedy and horror, the film also marked the beginning of the famous Altman style. All of the elements of his latter films are here, including overlapping dialogue, long-distance close-ups, and naturalistic settings. The music is, largely, environmental, which enables the viewer to truly fall into the story. One unfortunate exception is the mawkish, sophomoric theme song, "Suicide is Painless," which was written by Altman's son.

When the movie was being filmed, the cast and crew had no idea how it could possibly be transformed into a coherent narrative; quitting in anger, the scriptwriter, Ring Lardner Jr., publicly disassociated himself from the film, although he later accepted a best adapted screenplay Oscar for his work on it. However, Altman managed to weave a compelling story out of the scattered elements that he created, laying the groundwork for his creative process in subsequent films, including the amazing Nashville. Whether as a groundbreaking technical achievement, a political watershed event, a masterful advance in cinematic storytelling, or simply as one of the definitive works of an American auteur, MASH is a film that is definitely worthy of study.

The Royal Tenenbaums-Why this a great Indie Classic

If you want to see a movie that will make you laugh, touch your heart, and also wonder if there are people as eccentric as the characters in the film, you have to see The Royal Tenenbaums. This movie, starring Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ben Stiller is a story about a family of genius children who come together after the false announcement that their father is desperately ill. The genius children are Margot, an accomplished writer, Richie, a world champion Tennis player, and Chas, a successful businessman and accountant.

The actor who stole this movie, in my opinion, was Gene Hackman. Hackman is a chameleon in a sense,being that he can adapt to any role and puts believability into his performance. As the father, Royal Tenenbaum, Hackman is truly funny, and also touching. He can make you believe a lie and tell it so good (a great scene, when he approaches his ex-wife Ethel (played well by Anjelica Huston) and tells her that he is dying. Hackman sounds convincing, even holding his stomach like he needs an operation. Another funny scene is when Royal and his son Chas (played by Ben Stiller, who I was not used to seeing play a serious character like this!) are playing a game. The movie goes back to when Chas was young, acting out this game which required him using a BB gun. Royal decided to join in on the fun, but accidentally shoots Chas, who is on his team, in the finger.

Gwyneth Paltrow is great as Margot Tennebaum, the dark, sullen child of the family. Paltrow shows this side of Margot with her stoic vocal tone, expressionless face, and also her nonchalant attitude. While we see this part of Margot, there is also a sweet side to her. Margot loves her brother Richie (actor Luke Wilson). When she greets Richie as she sees him arrive at the bus station, she says “turn around, let me get a look at you”. Viewing this scene, I could relate: when my family has not seen me, they have to look, see how I am doing, how I am taking care of myself. While at first I was moved by the relationship Margot and Richie had, later in the movie I found out that it was more than family love; Richie was actually in love with Margot!! ( Margot was also the adopted child in the family.)

It was nice to see in this movie Ben Stiller playing a serious role as Chas Tenenbaum. Chas was also a widower, who had survived a plane crash with this two sons. Sadly, his wife did not. Stiller shows with conviction how this man Chas is trying to hold it all together yet raise his sons through his overprotective stance towards them and also his over the top safety habits (funny scene, when Chas has his sons wake up and quickly performs a fire drill. They end up staying at his mom Ethel’s house, because Chas does not feel safe). I enjoyed seeing Stiller in this role, but I missed seeing him be funny. I guess I am spoiled in that way; have to get used to some comedians doing dramatic work!

The Royal Tenenbaums is a great family film as well. When the Tenebaum siblings learn that their father is sick, they come together to support him. It is amazing how in this film, each one returns home in some way,due to a failing marriage ( Margot’s) a need for protection ( Chas) or just coming home to show love toward their fathers situation ( Richie, played wonderfully by actor Luke Wilson). You see how the siblings bond with each other through conversations and time spent together. Also through this film, the relationship between a grandfather and his grandkids can be seen. Royal really wants to get to know Chas’s two sons Ari and Uzi ( what names!). Chas has kept the boys away from Royal due to the rocky relationship with his dad. Royal refuses to let Chas’s stubborn ways get in between the bonding he desires with his grandsons. So, he arranges for them to meet up for fun activities such as getting ice cream, go cart riding, and even stealing things from the store and running away! The boys, in the end, end up liking Royal and humorously call him “Pappy”.

In conclusion, The Royal Tenenbaums features great performances from each of its actors. I cannot forget the great work Danny Glover, Owen Wilson, and Anjelica Huston did in this movie. Each brought a fresh and honest spirit to their characters. If you have not seen The Royal Tenenbaums, I recommend doing so. Wes Anderson, who directed,and Owen Wilson, who was a writer on this film, really put together a great story and led an ensemble of talented actors well. You can just see this through the magnificent acting done.

Indie Pick O' The Day: Sidewalks Of New York

Sidewalks of New York, written and directed by Edward Burns in 2001, is a must see Indie movie. It is engaging, funny, and speaks directly to the heart. All of the actors in this film bring a certain charm to their performance, which makes you want to like them even though their actions in the movie would tell you to do otherwise. This movie follows the love lives and drama of six different individuals who in some ways are going through things that many can relate to.

I first came upon the movie Sidewalks of New York at an FYE store. I was looking for a good movie to buy which I had never seen. So, after noticing that Sidewalks of New York was available I decided to buy it. I am so glad that I did What got my attention about this movie was how engaging it is. Each of the main characters speaks candidly (to an unseen interviewer) about their love lives. You get the perspective on love and sex from three different age groups: the young adults (the characters Ashley and Maria), the middle aged (the character Tommy), and the older adult (the character Griffin).

The best performances from this movie came from actresses Brittany Murphy, Rosario Dawson, and Actors Stanley Tucci and David Krumholtz. They are all engaging. Brittany Murphy, playing the youngest interview subject Ashley, brings a vulnerability and emotional cadence to her role. Her character Ashley is a young woman who is having an affair with a dentist (Griffin). When you first get to know Ashley, you can see that this is a hardworking girl: she works as a waitress at a coffee shop and works long hours. She also, even though it may appear she is naive, is very smart and strong. A great scene that shows this is when Ashley confronts Griffin about why he can never take her out in public. All they ever do is go a hotel room, have sex. Ashley wants more out of the relationship, which Griffin won’t give. This is where the emotional side of Brittany Murphy’s acting comes out; she knows how to bring sweetness to her character, yet you get the picture through her speech and body language that this a woman who is getting fed up. She really wants an honest relationship.

For the young adult contemporary woman, if they view Rosario Dawson's character Maria, they may see a side of themselves. Dawson brings an honest, fresh, and funny spirit to her role. Through her up front conversation on dating, life, and the craziness of men, you can feel a certain kinship. You also forget that you are looking at Rosario Dawson, who has done good dramatic roles, and you see a young woman who is trying to live her life and not fall hard in love. One good scene in Sidewalks of New York which shows this is the one in which Maria and Tommy first meet in the video store. Maria approaches Tommy about a video he has. She wants the video, but Tommy says he needs to see it for work. It, at first seems awkward how the two connect: Tommy doesn’t seem so interested at first in Maria; Maria appears to be shy and apprehensive. However, when Maria walks out the store after losing her fight to get Tommy’s video, Tommy comes after her. It’s a good dynamic between the two; you can see that Tommy wants to get to know Maria, but Maria is standing her ground and not letting him into her space so easily. Great acting by both Edward Burns and Rosario Dawson in this scene.

Finally, for the men represented, you see two different sides . One side is sweet, giving; The character Benjamin played convincingly by David Krumholtz. The other side is savvy, yet charming; The character Griffin played by Stanley Tucci. Now when you first get introduced to the character Benjamin, at first you might think this guy is really desperate and needs a girl. Benjamin is a man who tries so-so, hard at love, but he just can’t seem to get it right. Actor David Krumholtz really makes you believe these qualities by how sad his character is after his breakup with Maria (that’s right, Maria from the video store and Benjamin dated), and also by how he stumbles when he tries to flirt with Ashley ( you guessed right again, this is the same Ashley who is having an affair with Griffin the dentist!... twists and turns all around!) A funny moment in the film, when Ben guesses something incorrectly about Ashley’s hometown; he feels so bad, like he truly messed things up! Krumholtz makes you really believe he is this young man who wants love through the innocence and heart he brings to this role; you can’t help but want him to win!

Changing direction from sweet to sleazy, Stanley Tucci’s character Griffin is one sneaky man! He is having an affair, cheating on his wife, yet lying and trying to live his life like everything is normal. Griffin is also a charming man too. Tucci really shows this, especially during the scene in which the film shows Griffin and Ashley first meeting in the park. Griffin charmed Ashley so well; any woman would have been knocked off her feet. Despite this feeling however, the love spell dies once it is seen how dishonest Griffin is being to his wife Annie (played well by actress Heather Graham). Tucci does an amazing job in his role as Griffin because you hate him and love him at the same time. You hate him for what a mess he is creating and how badly he is treating his wife, yet you love him because Griffin is not a horrible acting man. He has a nice quality to his personality, warmness shines through.

Overall, Sidewalks of New York, I recommend everyone seeing it. It’s a great date movie, has unforgettable scenes, and really made me want to experience New York for a day, feel the energy of the city.

Top 10 Parker Posey Movies

Who embodies New York indie cinema more than actress Parker Posey?? She's considered to be the Queen of independent cinema, however she's crossed-over a few times to mainstream to get a bigger paycheck. Hey it doesn't hurt. It seems like almost every indie film that has come out in the last 10 years has Parker in it. I remember 8 years ago when I used to work at a video store there was this one guy who rented all of these films that starred Parker Posey. I didn't quite know who she was back then and he insisted I rent some of her movies. I gotta say, I can see why the guy hada thing for her. She's one of the best and yet most underrated actresses in Hollywood. But we love her and want to pay homage to our IndieSeen Favorite!!

Here is our list (both mainstream and independent) of our favorite Parker Posey films!!

10. Superman Returns - This movie sucked major monster's balls. However, thanks to the scene stealing performances of Parker Posey and Kevin Spacey, I acutally kept my eyes open while watching this craptacular flick!

9. Scream 3 - The last installment on this horror trilogy was a hilarious train wreck. We can't say much about the quality of the film's plot or ragged performances, but Posey posing as Gale Weathers was definitely a treat! Posey played it so well we would have been better off having her play the original Gale Weathers

Fast forward to 2:40 see Parker in all her glory

8. SubUrbia - Linklater's signature classic about losers and burnouts features five teens who have nothing else better to do with their lives. However a mutual friend becomes a successful rock star and his manager is Erica played by Posey. Erica is obnoxious, stuck up, and pretentious...just like we like our Parker!

7. The Oh in Ohio - Posey plays a woman who is orgasmically-challenged. Uh..I just made that term up. But basically she can't climax and need some serious help! Uuuuuhhhhaaahhhh!

6. A Mighty Wind - What better way to enjoy a movie night than to watch a folk song mockumentary? Posey is by far the best when it comes to the Christopher Guest improvisational flicks!

Parker Posey is not featured in this clip

5. Best In Show - Here's another one for ya. This anal-retentive A personality dog owner will do everything it takes to make sure her puppy is the winner! A sure fire winner!

4. Clockwatchers - Working as a temp at a shitty job never seemed so adventerous as it does in this Posey classic.

3. The House Of Yes - In the film she plays a woman who is obsessed and thinks she is Jackie Kennedy and has a creepy “incestuous-like” relationship with her brother Marty who brings his fiancée with him to visit the family. It’s a fun dysfunctional family type flick.

2. Waiting For Guffman - A hilarious comedy about a small town who puts on a pageant, despite the residents lack of theatrical or stage performance experience. Again...Posey kills it in another mockumentary classic

1. Party Girl - After getting in trouble with the law, Posey ends up having to work as a librarian for her godmother to pay her back for bailing her out. Posey is a New York night life scenester at heart and has to wrestle with her burning desires to drug, drink, and be fabulous and her godmother's constant finger waving dissaproval.

The Short & Precise Movie Review

Idiocracy 2006

An army shulb (Luke Wilson) and a sassy prostitute, played to perfection by (Maya Rudolph)… Ordered by the government to become apart their Human Hibernation experiment, when the project gets lost in shuffle, the mis-match pair are forgotten and awake to the year 3001. Where a Pro-Wrestler resides in the White House, law degrees can be purchased at Costco’s and Starbucks has a merger with the “Oldest Profession in the World”. A clever spoof with a satirical wit based on corporate sponsorship, consumerism and a spot on ability to exaggerate the current culture trends. Smart imagery filled in with clever little details. A generic comedy with a spunky attitude and a trivial thought provoking premise.
2stars




Clerks 1994
True cult indie, directed by Kevin Smith. Slackers Dante (Brian O’halloran) and sidekick Randall (Jeff Anderson) are clerks. Somewhere between dealing with irate customers they find time for roof hockey, an off-beat love triangle and a romp to the funeral parlor. This film has a crude sense of realism and a raunchy comedic edge, with a voyeuristic type presence. Vintage style black and white, raw budget, real wit, great dialogue.
5stars




Drowning Mona 2000

The most despised women in town, Mona Dearly (Bette Midler), careens her car off a cliff. Ironically, the town mourns in a celebratory manner. This is a perfect character driven cast; featuring Danny Devito, Neve Campbell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Casey Affleck. Innovating and daring, very much a farce abstraction that’s made memorable. Every character has unique personas, which give the film a non-predictable story line. The film location is rustic backwoods’ forest, an eclectic realism. The Yugos are a faultless touch. A dark comedy that is well written, with welcomed newness from the cast.
5stars

Harold and Maude- Why this is a Classic Indie Film

About 8 years ago, I was introduced to a dark, funny, and touching movie. At first glance, I didn’t think I was going to enjoy this story, due to the opening scenes and references to death. However, the more I watched this movie, I got more into the story and really began to feel like the character Harold, played by actor Bud Cort, was really a normal guy despite his eccentricities. I saw this displayed through Harold’s friendship with Maude, an older woman who could have been mistaken for Harold’s aunt or grandmother. What grabbed me about Harold and Maude and what might grab you, the movie viewer, is that this film shows the warm side to a somber person, teaches you how to laugh, and also teaches you how to appreciate and live life,

At first, when you see the character Harold, you may think, ok this guy needs to see a therapist and quick! In an attempt to get attention, Harold acts out fake suicide attempts. He also goes to funerals as a hobby. While Harold, at first seems a dark and sad person, you see when he buys his car and is drinking his soda that this is a young man who indeed is normal. Also, when Harold meets the crazy, fun loving Maude, played brilliantly by the late Ruth Gordon, you see other aspects of his personality come out. Harold smiles more, is inquisitive, and also has a sharp sense of humor (an example. the scene where Maude tries to guess why Harold can’t stay for tea she says “you have an appointment at the dentist”? Harold, not telling Maude why He can’t stay (he has a dinner date that he does not want to go to), says amusingly in response “kind of”. This is one of the funniest lines in the movie; it really made you feel the connection between being in pain at the dentist in relation to going to a dreaded date!

Usually, when you think of movies that make you laugh, you may think of films such as Ace Ventura or Knocked Up. When you watch Harold and Maude, scenes which feature the most normal or abnormal events will have you in hysterics. Harold’s overbearing mother, Mrs. Chasen, tries to set Harold up on blind dates. The humor with these dates comes from the women Harold is set up with. One date, talks so much and is so bubbly, Harold’s mother can hardly get a word edgewise in when she attempts to have a conversation . Another date, Sunshine Dore, is an over the top aspiring actress, who tries to fit in with Harold. She lies about her expertise on knives, and ends up really stabbing herself in the chest when she tries to impress him. Another area of funny scenes in “Harold and Maude”, revolve around the growing friendship between the two. Maude, being outgoing and wild, is not afraid to do anything. Harold, being more reserved and quiet, has hesitations about breaking the rules.

In the movie, when Maude decides to steal a tree from a public place so it can be planted, she asks Harold for assistance. Harold at first is against the idea. However, that all changes in a small amount of time. Harold gives in and the two very calmly get the tree, and Maude drives off in a police officer’s car! (Maude will steal any car and drive off with it, as if she just bought it!) The calm approach and teamwork that Harold and Maude use when they need to do something, even if it’s a scheme, will bring when you watch even more laughs: you actually can’t believe that the two have gotten away smoothly with their plan, even if it is a felony.

One aspect of Harold and Maude that you will come away with, (and I know that I did) is how to appreciate and love life more. Maude, being the free spirit she is, finds joy in art, nature, and life. Harold, being a sheltered young man, has yet to experience the joy of these things. A great scene (and one that almost made me cry) was when Maude invited Harold to smell different aromas through her oxygen device. Harold experienced the smells of cigarette smoke, a subway station and even snow. The look on Harold’s face after he experiences these smells really makes you believe that he has been touched by this new experience. Actor Bud Cort, who is excellent in this movie with conveying expression through his eyes, carries out emotion well. An additional great scene that also helps you appreciate life is one that involves flowers. Maude asks Harold what his favorite flower is. She afterward then, relates flowers to people, describing how people are flowers in full bloom, yet they allow themselves to be treated as weeds.

Harold and Maude is just a truly great film. Actors Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles (Harold’s mother) and Ruth Gordon really carry this movie through their unique acting, comedic timing, and emotion. Also, Cat Stevens did a phenomenal musical score for this movie. Every song he composed for this film went directly and related to each scene. I wish Harold and Maude could have gotten more recognition from the film academy, but I am glad to have been exposed to it and I hope others will one day as well.

THE SHORT&PRECISE MOVIE REVIEW!

Walk All Over Me 2007

Alberta (Leelee Sobieski) is a naive walking disaster, who somehow keeps repeating her mistakes. Again, finding herself in the middle of a life-threatening situation that moves the story into slapstick mode, that off sets a light and breezy tone. The colorful assortment of characters give the film a bit of life. All and all nothing too serious about this film.
1 star




Cassandra's Dream 2007

Tale of two brothers with extravagant dreams. Facing financial woes and addiction, one becomes obscenely smitten with a young actress; the other is consumed by a mounting gambling debt, which reiterates the fact, that money is the root to all-evil. This film explores themes of hope, love, doubt, crime, family and guilt. This is a real morality melodrama, with great cinematography. Collin Farrell stands out among the rest .Interesting dilemma, situations and characters. Woody Allen does this film at his own pace.
2 1/2 stars




Boarding Gate 2007

An Italian Moll (Asia Argento) has a manipulating, monetary, love-lacking affair with an underworld entrepreneur (Micheal Madison). An erotic thriller with a bizarre love triangle with a touch of what some would call intriguing espionage. Artsy retro B Foreign film, a real slow goer, too much excessive mindless banter. This film crawls to the end.
1 star




Margot at the Wedding 2007

Self-righteous Margot (Nicole Kidman) en route to the wedding of her estranged sister (Jennifer Jason Leigh). This is a wry comedy about psychologically damage people with injured relationships. This film gives off a dry unrealistic dialogue, with characters that seem whiny and flawed, with twisted views, and bizarre behavior. This makes it all the easier to dislike them. Main plot deviates to neurotic side stories, which give the story interpersonal drama.
1 star



Descent 2007

A Quiet college girl savagely raped tries to cope with the demons created from the horrific event, only to descend further from reality. Rosario Dawson (Maya) gives great screen! This film is dark, wicked, steamy and seedy an expected seductive twist that you only have to see for yourself. Examine what happens when the victim finally gets a chance to exact revenge upon her attacker. A pleaser to the end.
3 stars

Indie Pick O' The Day: Waitress

Make sure you watch this movie on a full stomach. Quite honestly, I was craving for pies after watching this cute film about an unhappily married small town waitress hoping to win a pie baking contest so she can leave her husband.

In a pecan pie with almonds-nutshell...that's what the movie is about. Jenna is played by actress Keri Russell (of Felicity fame) and she consults with her co-workers Dawn and Becky about her unwanted pregancy from her husband. My favorite line from the movie is: "Why did I get drunk? I do stupid things when I'm drunk ... like sleep with my husband!" Classic! Her lowlife scummy husband is played by Jeremy Sisto (tuurrrn away...tuurrrn awayyy--Clueless reference guyz).

Anywho...the movie is deliciously refereshing and delightful. Jenna's friend Dawn is played by Adrienne Shelly who also wrote and directed the film. Tragically, Shelly never saw this film's success. She was killed in her apartment after an attempted robbery gone bad. The film was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.

The film's love story is not typical and neither is it's ending...which is why I enjoyed it so much. It didn't fall into those lackluster cliches we see in every Julia Roberts film. Waitress is definitely worth checking out if you're in the mood for an unconvential romance with a cup of sugar.

80's Nostaligia Time: Hunk

OMG I sooo remember this movie. I had a total crush on Hunk Golden. He looked exactly like my Ken doll and I remember naming my Ken doll Hunk Golden whenever he took barbie out on dates....uuhhh okay TMI I guess. But remember this movie about this nerd who is a complete loser and wants to become uber cool and makes this deal with the Devil who looks a lil like Kelly Lebrock??? She turns him into a complete hunk!!

So whatever happened to the actor who playd Hunk Golden? I IMDB'ed him and he's not soo hunky anymore. But he could still get it. I'll be his Barbie if asked me to.

Well if you don't remember the movie I posted the trailer to the film below just to refresh. Gawd I miss sappy cheesy 80s movies.

Weird Ass Movies

Here is our list of the weirdest ass movies we've seen so far. There's a lot out there...you may agree or disagree...but these movies are just fuggin weird!!!





Oldboy - A guy is imprisoned for 15 years by a some random hot guy who has an agenda....but the story becomes even creepier when the former prisoner falls for a woman who turns out to be...aiight we won't spoil it for you...but lets just say its WEIRD.

Female Trouble - A spoiled schoolgirl runs away from home, gets pregnant while hitchhiking, and ends up as a fashion model for a pair of beauticians who like to photograph women committing crimes....the spoiled schoolgirl is played by a dude. The legendary Divine.

Heathers - Veronica Sawyer plays "Bonnie" to JD who's her "Clyde" and is fascinated with murder and mayhem. Veronica accidentally finds herself involved in a school killing spree---Veronica like totally didn't mean to kill her best friend Heather and stuff...

Battle Royale - Wow. Wish I wrote this film. A Japanese film about a group of students who are recruited to Battle Royale Island. The kids are assigned to kill each other one by one and whoever survives is the winner! A lesson to juvenile disobedience.

Pumpkin - A girl falls in love with a retard. Nuff said. (excuse our political incorrectness)

Nowhere - This film goes nowhere. A bunch of California teens trippin on acid, consuming X, and have tons and tons of orgy sex. Okay...maybe that is somewhere.

Dumplings - An aging actress tries to maintain her youth by eating steamed dumplings. So what's so weird about that?? It's what INSIDE of the dumplings that gets freaky.

Twin Falls Idaho - Siamese twins and one of the twins fall in love with this goth-like chick. Gets a lil bizarre when the they decide to have sex.

Green Porno

Isabella Rossellini-- who has a name I absolutely adore-- directed a 15 minute short about the act of fucking between insects. Now that's what I like! I definitely wanna see a film about bugs gettin it on! But don't expect this short film to be a carbon copy of an episode off of the Discover Channel. No no...Rossellini dresses up in a bug costume and reenacts the act of love making. In one bug costume, she plays the role of a Praying Mantis. The costumes are very elementary and simple....something out of a school play, but the wardrobes adds its own sense of humor to this delightful piece.

The budget for this short looks like it cost 10 bucks and yet it is so imaginative and smart. It's too bad this only lasted 15 minutes I would have totally like to have seen this as a feature. Green Porno is actually a series of shorts divided into segments to precede certain screenings at the Tribeca Film Festival. Sort of a teaser film if you will before watching the feature presentation.

It figures that I would like any movie with the word "porno" in it. But trust me..you'll like it too. I'm waiting to see clips of this on YouTube! For now Sundance wants you to tune in on cinco de mayo to see the clips. All I could find was a snippet of what I saw this evening. Why didn't I think of this??