The Return of the King (2003)

I made it to 50! *throws confetti* My next mini-goal is to watch 60 films before the end of January. Can I do it? Only time will tell! By time I mean, "about a week." 

Today's films are: 

50. The Return of the King
51. Street Fighter
52. Particle Fever
53. The Conformist
54. Jean Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean

The Return of the King (2003)

Pretend you have never seen this film (easy to do if you actually haven't) and take a look at the above image. Is that from the actual movie or from the crappy computer game based on the movie? Hard to tell, huh? That's how I feel about so much of Return of the King. As I pointed out in my last post, these films had an incredible team of production designers, prop makers, art directors, and costumers. Sadly, as the films went on, more and more of the incredible artistry was replaced by cartoonish looking CGI. There are entire sequences that feel completely inauthentic because of the over reliance on computer effects. CGI can be used well, and has the capability of making things possible that filmmakers could once only dream of. Jackson just does not know how. His own filmography shows that he has a high level of competence when it comes to practical effects, but after he was given a huge budget his campy cartoonishness no longer seems to fit. These books deserve better, which is sad because I doubt that a better cast will ever be assembled. 

Standout Moment: Finally getting to Shelob's lair! How did the climax of the 2nd book get thrown midway into the third film? The extra ridiculous, non-book scenes that bloat the second and third films may have something to do with it. 

Street Fighter (1994)

We bought this movie for my 5 year old son's birthday present. It was a perfect gift. I had never seen it before and it was super fun getting to see it for the first time with my son (who is a huge fan of the games). Before seeing it, I had heard horror stories about how ridiculous and campy it was. I was not disappointed. The film starts out well enough. The first ten minutes or so feel like it's just a C level action flick. By the time Guile (Jean Claude Van Dam) reaches the secret evil base, everything has gone completely bonkers. Raul Julia is just incredible as M. Bison. His character reads as if the screenwriter never bothered with a 2nd draft. He starts off as a cold blooded dictator, and ends as a complete looney. I couldn't stop laughing as he piloted his little floating command center around the room. This is not a good movie by any means, but my son and I enjoyed it quite a bit. 

Standout Moment: Zangief suddenly being a part of the good guys. The guy is, at best, wanted for war crimes and terrorist acts, but being lovable and holding doors open for the people you were holding hostage apparently scores you a "get out of jail free" card. 

Particle Fever (2013)

I had the pleasure of catching this movie when it was on the festival trail. I even had the opportunity to meet one of the main Theoretical Physicists from the film. Watching this again gave me the exact same feeling that it did when I first saw it: science is awesome! This is such an exciting movie! I think that it should be shown to all junior high and high school kids to show them what it's really like to work in a science or mathematics related field. The fact that several of the main characters are women (and extremely important researchers in their field) is even more exciting! This is a life affirming movie in the best way possible. 

Standout Moment: The climax of the film, with Peter Higgs standing by and waiting to hear if his life's work is worth anything, is both moving and joyous. 

The Conformist (1970)

Picking a single frame for this film was nearly impossible. It is one of the most beautiful and visually inventive films ever made. The way light is used to tell the story is absolutely incredible. This was my fourth time seeing it, and I really just want to watch it again. Although the thematic material is incredibly different, a lot of the visual style from The Godfather series was borrowed from this film. The Conformist tells the chilling and philosophical tale of a wannabe fascist during Mussolini's rise in Italy. Although there is a lot of emotional power in the performances and story, Bertolucci is able to bring a sense of heightened absurdity to the proceedings. Much of the film seems like it was meant to be laughed at as much as it was meant to be absorbed. It really is a film unlike any other, even Bertolucci (the director) would never make another film quite like The Conformist, though most of his oeuvre is still very, very good. 

Standout Moment: The Plato's cave scene in Luca's office is one of the best uses of light and shadow in modern filmmaking. 

Jean Michel Cousteau's Secret Ocean (2015)

We watched this in IMAX at The American Museum of Natural History for my 7 year old son's birthday. My entire family loved it! It was beautifully shot, technically dazzling, and thoroughly interesting. It is in the style of the PBS documentaries that I watched as a kid, only made on much better cameras. The cinematography in this film was honestly a revelation. It was like getting a chance to see alien life. 

Standout Moment: Since it was Xavier's birthday, I will use his favorite part of the film for this. Although he was excited about every new creature, it was the section on Basket Stars that he thought was the best. 

That's it for today! My next post will commemorate the sixty film mark. 

Josh D.
5181 Productions

Return to the 36th Chamber (1980)

I didn't think I would have much for this post, but then the blizzard hit. What better way to spend a couple of days trapped inside than watch some movies? 

Today's films are: 

44. Return to the 36th Chamber
45. I Dream of Wires
46. Beneath the Planet of the Apes
47. Escape from the Planet of the Apes
48. The Fellowship of the Ring
49. The Two Towers

Return to the 36th Chamber (1980)

After I watched Disciples of the 36th Chamber,  I realized that it was actually the third in the series. I thought it would be fun to watch the other ones with my boys. Halfway through this one, though, and I realized that I failed again. This one is the 2nd in the series. Oh well, it seems as if they are all barely related stories, anyway. This one was fun, but not quite as fun as Disciples. The dynamics between characters were not quite as entertaining, and it didn't have that constant bounciness that the third one has.

Standout Moment: When the main character first tries to trick the bad guys. It's a really funny set up. 

I Dream of Wires (2015)

This documentary follows the rise, fall, and resurrection of the analog synthesizer. It was a fun doc that had a lot of really great info. All I wanted to do after it was over was get a hold of one of those original synths. The device really speaks to both the tech and music nerds within me. Thanks to this doc, I now know that they are still being made, and I have some money to raise. 

Standout Moment: The very beginnings of the instrument were completely unknown to me. This film adequately illuminates that part of musical history. 

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

Not quite as good as the first one, Beneath the Planet of the Apes is still a great follow up. The ending secures the series' place as the most nihilistic movie series in popular culture. None of these films end well, but they always have some something thought-provoking to say about human nature, war, and fate. 

Standout Moment: The church service deep within the caverns of the mutants is weird in a way that is really chilling. 

Escape From the Planet of the Apes (1971)

I very distinctly remember watching this film as a kid. Just as with the rest of the series, this film offers very little hope to its audience. The concepts are deeper than happy endings. It admittedly gets a little goofy near the beginning, but the last 40 minutes are a riveting march towards inevitability. 

Standout Moment: The climax of the film is chilling and incredible. 

The Fellowship of the Ring (2002)

The LOTR books were incredibly important to me when I was a kid. I read them before the movies came out, and then learned that there would be a huge, three part film series coming to theaters. This set me up for disappointment. The cast, art design, and music is all amazing in these films, but the direction is a little bland and boring. Moments from the books that left me breathless were merely entertaining in the films. I like to put them on as background noise, and they are a great thing to watch when stuck inside. 

Standout Moment: The Bridge of Khazad Dum.

The Two Towers (2003)

This movie was one of the most disappointing theater-going experiences I ever had. I was psyched. I thought the first one was a little bland, but I knew that the second one had the promise of Shelob's lair. I waited through long stretches of badly written scenes made specifically for the films (in other words, not from the book), but by the time the credits rolled giant spiders were nowhere to be found. I was mad more than anything. I refused to watch this movie for several years after it came out because I was so angry. The audience was already primed to watch a third film, so I still don't know why they pushed back the 2nd book's most incredible scene. 

Standout Moment: "Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys!"

That's it for now! Look for another post on Wednesday or Thursday.

Josh D.
5181 Productions

Frank (2014)

Tonight I have a heapin' helpin' of seven films (and a BONUS short!). Let's take a gander!

36. Frank
37. Lady Snowblood
38. Lady Snowblood II: Love Song of Vengeance
39. House of Yes
40. The Brainiac
41. Disciples of the 36th Chamber
42. Meet the Parents
43. Heathers
*BONUS*- World of Tomorrow

Frank (2014)

The best part of this challenge is that it allows me to see all of the films that have intrigued me, but for one reason or another I was unable to watch them when I first had the chance. Frank is a film that I couldn't quite wrap my mind around, and even after seeing it I'm not sure how I feel about it. Michael Fassbender does some of his best work to date in this film, and his Frank character is completely unlike what I expected him to be. The soundtrack is also very good. I want to hear their album, they seem like a band I would really be into. I'm not sure if that means the movie was effective, or if I'm the brunt of it's joke. 

Standout Moment: When the album finally comes together, the passion and energy between the characters gives you a real feeling of release. 

Lady Snowblood (1973)

I can't say enough good about this film. It has some of the most gorgeous and inventive cinematography I have ever seen. Yuki, the eponymous Lady Snowblood, gives a real incredible performance, as well. The film balances camp, pathos, and riveting storytelling. It is on Hulu right now, and any fan of samurai films or of 70's camp needs to check it out pronto. 

Standout Moment: The first sword fight is really great and a perfect way to set up the film. 

Lady Snowblood II: Love Song of Vengeance (1974)

Not quite as good as the first one, mostly because it sidelines Yuki for way too long in the middle of the film. Saying that, the cinematography is just as incredible as the first film, and Yuki continues to be an incredible dramatic force. This one is also on Hulu, I would suggest watching this one right away, as well. 

Standout Moment: The beach fight (seen above) showcases some of the best cinematography in either of these movies. 

House of Yes (1997)

House of Yes is based on a stage play, and I would imagine works a lot better in that format than on film. The bizarre story and dialogue are not handled very well in the blocking, cinematography, or art direction. The performances are really great, especially Parker Posie, but not quite enough to sell the dialogue that is badly matched for the film's format. I think that in the hands of a different director, this could have been a really great exploration into the bizarre. I would even keep the same cast in this hypothetical remake. As it is, though, it's a mildly entertaining, darkly comic film that doesn't quite know what to do with itself. 

Standout Moment: Parker Posie saves this film. It is worth watching just for her.

The Brainiac (1961)

This film felt like a missed opportunity. The premise is killer. A powerful sorcerer gets burned at the stake by the Inquisition, but in his last act before presumably dying he curses the children of the men who sent him to die and then promptly jumps aboard a passing comet. 300 years later he's back and he makes good on his word. The bad guy in this film is intriguing, there seems to be a real sense of humanity in his desire for vengeance. The first twenty minutes demonstrate a better than average storytelling capability, especially for the genre, and then the crappy monster costume comes out... I couldn't help but wonder about how much better the film would have been if they just kept the monster effects out of it. The monster design wasn't even too bad, they just did not have the money or capability to make it believable-- even for the standards of 1961. 

Standout Moment: The trial scene is well staged and has a sly sense of humor that the film starts to lose as the monster becomes the focus. 

Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985)

This movie is a cartoon. I mean that in the best way possible. The characters and plot do not stop moving. From the first moment to the last, we are treated with constant and engrossing acrobatics and action. The main character is a real goofball and has Jackie Chan style comedic timing. I had a lot of fun watching this movie. I ended up watching it a 2nd time with my boys. 

Standout Moment: Every group battle is a ton of fun. 

Meet the Patels (2015)

Meet the Patels was a film I missed in theaters, although Jenny and I both really wanted to see it. I was very happy to see it so quickly make it to Netflix, and my happiness was not misplaced. This documentary is the best romantic comedy to come out in the last twenty years. It is incredibly funny, touching, and says a lot about belonging and familial relationships. It was a really great "feel good" film. 

Standout Moment: The parents are just made for the movies. They were a real joy to watch. 

Heathers (1988)

This marked my first viewing of Heathers. I just have to say, I have a newfound fear of those who claim they want to date Christian Slater from this film. His character was perfect, but dating? That just seems a little misguided. The movie was not quite what I expected, and that is a good thing. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was much darker and not quite as "John Hughes" as I had imagined. The dialogue is great, and it is no great mystery as to why this film is a favorite for so many. 

Standout Moment: "I love my dead gay son!"

*BONUS* World of Tomorrow (2015)

This one is too short to count towards my total, but I loved it so much that I wanted to talk about it. Hertzfeldt has a real knack for discussing broad concepts in a funny and engaging way. This is one of my very favorite films of last year. The dialogue between the two characters, the art, the subtle attention to detail, everything adds up to it being one of the most philosophical and thought provoking films made about the nature of humanity and identity. It's only 16 minutes long and it is on Netflix. There is no reason not to watch this one right now. I've already seen it three times in two days, and I want to watch it again. 

Standout Moment: The runtime is 16 minutes, and there isn't a single second that isn't exceptional. 

That's it for this evening. Next post on Saturday! I'm well on my way to my mini-goal of watching at least 50 films before February 1st. 

Josh D.
5181 Productions

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Here it is, the big catch-up post. Tonight I will be talking about ten films. 

26. Apocalypse Now
27. Tabloid
28. Barbarella
29. Blondie's New York
30. Velvet Goldmine
31. Tangerine
32. Iris
33. Dracula vs. Frankenstein
34. Jesus Camp
35. John Waters: This Filthy World

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Apocalypse Now is one of the films that I know I'm supposed to like, I know why other people really like it, and I can see the amazing craft that went into it, but for some reason I just can't get into. I honestly feel this way about most of Coppola's work. He made some very good films that I just never want to watch. The most interesting part of this film is the bevy of issues that went on behind the scenes. How through it all, they were still able to make one of the cornerstones of popular culture is truly a miracle. I also find the way that Coppola twists Joseph Conrad's very racist Heart of Darkness into a real commentary on American imperialism a real feat. 

Standout Moment: The last thirty minutes of the film are really incredible. It transforms from a war film into something much darker without the audience even realizing.  

Tabloid (2010)

This doc by Errol Morris is alright. I was entertained, but it didn't really stick with me. The woman's story was interesting (to say the least) but I feel like there was no other real point to the film, no "theme," other than, "hey, this woman has had a strange life." Morris is a good filmmaker, but there is a reason that this is one of his least known works. 

Standout Moment: Joyce McKinney is a certified star. It isn't hard to imagine her capturing the hearts and minds of the public.

Barbarella (1968)

Barbarella is unlike any other movie ever made. It is the definition of a work of art being "of its time." This movie could never be made again, at least not by anyone in their right mind, anyway. There is honestly an enjoyable movie, and a lot of that has to do with how bad it is. It never fails to impress me how they can choose the absolutely wrong music every single time. It's astounding. Don't let me give you the wrong impression, though. I have watched this movie multiple times, and I would more than happy to watch it again.

Standout Moment: When the Catchman takes off his hairy coat and reveals an equally hairy chest, I lose it. Every single time. 

Blondie's New York (2014)

I love Blondie. This film was not very good, especially in the editing department. The first fifteen minutes plays twice, almost cut for cut. If it weren't for the interesting subject and the segments where Blondie songs get broken down track by track, it wouldn't be worth watching. 

Standout Moment: The best part by far is when the band discusses each recorded track that comprises "Heart of Glass." 

Velvet Goldmine (1998)

David Bowie films keep slipping into my viewing schedule, not that I mind. Velvet Goldmine is loosely based off of several unauthorized biographies about Bowie's Ziggy era. The costumes are flashy, the music rocks, and story is well told. It's an exciting film about finding your place and feeling confident in who you are. I really enjoyed it. 

Standout Moment: Christian Bale's story as a young fan trying to learn how to express himself says more about the rock stars than anything involving them. Figures like Bowie are important because they help young men and women learn how to express who they are. 

Tangerine (2015)

There was so much hype about this film that I was almost afraid to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised that the hype was all true. This was a great film from start to finish. It was beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, and fantastically scripted. I am excited to see where the director, cinematographer, and actors go from here. 

Standout Moment: The big confrontation scene in Donut Time at the end of the film was perfectly staged chaos. 

Iris (2015)

Iris is a deeply charming film. It's themes of aging and continuing to work even when society says you should quit are even more poignant considering that this was Albert Maysles last film. He is in the film at several points, and the conversations he has with her are almost prophetic. In the end, though, this was a celebration, and it was a ton of fun to watch. 

Standout Moment: It's fun to look for Iris' husband wear the red hat she buys him. It becomes a really great running joke and seriously adds to the charm. 

Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971)

This movie is terrible in every sense. I felt so bad for Lon Chaney Jr. while watching this. He is a great actor (even good in this filmic travesty), but was obviously in need of work when offered a role in this film. Cursory research revealed to me that Dracula and Frankenstein were not even in the original script, but were filmed and edited in at the last minute in a ploy to make more money. Boy does it show. The Frankenstein and Dracula plot has little to nothing to do with the rest of the film, yet it dominates the last twenty minutes of the runtime. I watched this movie with my boys, and we get a real kick out of the horrible mustache on Dracula and the ridiculous Frankenstein mask. 

Standout Moment: Dracula's hairstyle. (see above photograph)

Jesus Camp (2007)

This film was very difficult for me to watch. It is a powerful film, but it hit too close to home. It was an experience I will never forget.

Standout Moment: There is a lot of thought provoking moments in this film, but the one that I keep thinking about is the after-credits montage. 

John Waters: This Filthy World (2006)

I could listen to this man talk for hours, luckily this film is just an hour and a half of him talking. There are very few people that are as intelligent and funny as John Waters. I immediately wanted to watch this one again.

Standout Moment: His discussion of the people in Baltimore is the best part of the show. 

We are now all caught up! From this point onward I will be limiting my posts to once or twice a week. So far this has been a really fun challenge. It is nice to have a reason to make the time for film. Usually I miss out on a lot of new films (and never get a chance to watch classic films) because I just don't make the time for it. If you have any suggestions for films I should add to my viewing schedule, tell me about them in the comments below! I am going to try and add as many suggestions as possible; especially if I haven't seen them. Also, if you have any suggestions for what you would like me to write about, I am open to those too. This is my first week doing this, and I am more than happy to know how I'm doing.

If you are trying to follow along, but don't have the time or energy to watch this many films: I feel your pain. At the end of each block of 30-40, I will be giving you a top five must watch films. These won't necessarily be the best films of the block, but they will be what I feel you should watch to have a well rounded viewing experience. 

The must see films of this block are:

5. The Hateful Eight
4. Tangerine
3. The Man Who Fell to Earth
2. Call Me Lucky
1. A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

If you see any of these films, or have seen any of them, let me know what you thought! Perhaps you have a different idea of must watch. Let's talk. I would love to hear your opinions. 

I hope you've enjoyed thus far. I will see you again on Wednesday. 
Josh D.
5181 Productions