Cracking the Art of the Critic

To most individuals the words film and critic should never be uttered in the same sentence. Whenever a friend asks me what I have heard about a certain film and I say the critics have blasted it, I usually get an ear full about how you cannot believe everything those old hacks write.

A bit of an extreme reaction? Yes. But there is some truth behind it. I am sure everyone has had occasions where they saw a film based on positive word of mouth and hated it, or saw a critical bomb and loved it. Movies, like all art, are viewed with subjective eyes. One person witnesses a masterpiece, while another is bored out of their mind. It all depends on what film you are seeing, and what you are looking to get out of the experience. Are you interested in checking your brain at the door? Do you want to be challenged? Or do you want a bit of everything rolled into one? I myself, want it all. I want to be taken out of my world and put into one that challenges my emotions, my intellect, and my spirituality; yet also looks incredible on the screen. I admire ambition and originality in film making, and the more movies I watch, the harder I am to please.

The problem with viewing a great film, is that when you are done, your quality bar rises a little higher than it was before. In turn, this could be why critics despise so many mainstream films. It is not that they are more intelligent than the viewer, it is that they are more versed in the ways of great films. For example, I met a girl a few years ago who told me her favorite film was Wicker Park (a question I ask every girl on a first date, and if the response is something along the lines of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, there definitely won't be a second date, haha). I thought this was a very odd choice. Not because it is a bad movie, but because it is a bad movie that tries to be good. Wicker Park is not your typical Hollywood cookie cutter; instead it is a flawed remake of the French film L'Appartement. She explained to me that she liked it because it was different than anything she had ever seen before, and that it made her think. I thought to myself: "Good answer, she must actually want to take something from the films she watches." Every part of me knows though, that if she would have seen the original version of the film, or Hitchcock's brilliant, Vertigo (a film that shares many similar themes) she could not possibly call Wicker Park her favorite film, and she would understand why so many critics thought it was a waste of time.

The most important part of following film reviews though, is that you have to be familiar with the critic. I do not mean that you have to personally sit down with the man or woman, but you have to be acquainted with their film taste, and their style of writing. I am sure this will disappoint some of you; as I am aware you are disgusted with the monumental geek I have become, but I have read every film review that Roger Ebert has written since I was 17 years old. Only half of the time do I agree with his ratings, but I read every one because the man has an amazing talent for writing, and I understand what he wants, and what he likes in a film. If someone tells me John Smith from Time magazine says David Lynch's new film is a piece of trash, that means nothing to me. I need to know what kind of films he thinks are worthwhile, what ones he thinks are terrible, what he thought about Lynch's past work, and I want to know exactly why the film in question did not work for him. Otherwise, it is all just hear say.

Film critics, reviewers, analysts, or whatever you want to call them, live in a world where movies are everything. They go to the art houses, the multiplexes, the festivals, and the private screenings. You may not agree with their opinions, but you have to at least respect that they might know what they are talking about...

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Alright, if anyone is still with me, I would like to highlight some of the films that I have been closely monitoring at this years Cannes Film Festival. Toronto is arguably the most important festival, but Cannes is a close second. The coveted Palmes d'Or is still sought after by the worlds greatest filmmakers, and this years event has a slew of heavyweights with films in contention. The three I have been keeping a close eye on are: AntiChrist (Lars von Triers), Inglorious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino), and Thirst (Park Chan Wook).

I am particulalry interested in how Thirst is sitting with critics because I am fairly certain that I am going to write my graduate school thesis on the work of Park Chan Wook. So far reviews have been mixed, with none describing it as his best film. I am a little disappointed, but hopefully its true potential comes out after repeat viewings.

From a personal standpoint, Inglorious Basterds is the picture I am most intrigued about. A couple of critics have slammed Tarantino for not being himself, while some have said the script is too talky (kind of conflicting arguments if you ask me). Others have hailed it as another triumph for Quentin. I love it when critics are divided because it shows that QT went for it, and did not try to please everyone.

Antichrist has actually been the most talked about film at the festival so far. Reviews have been mixed to say the least. Damon Wise from Empire Magazine declared that: "What Lars is driving at is something completely bizarre, massively uncommercial and strangely perfect. On the other hand, Todd McCarthy from Variety was not as kind: "Lars von Trier cuts a big fat art-film fart with "Antichrist." As if deliberately courting critical abuse...". Either way, I am pumped to see this one.

Just Thoughts...

Sorry for the delay folks. I know all 11 of you have missed my oh so interesting posts, haha. I have not really had much to say over the last few weeks as I have been catching up with friends and family in New Brunswick. I plan on starting to write again tomorrow, so hopefully i can come up with something worth while to say. I have enjoyed being home (I am glad it is only for a few months though,) although I find there is little to do. The movie theater is depressing, and the music scene is sparse. I did however make it into Saint John to see both Wolverine and Star Trek. Wolverine was average (6/10) but Star Trek (8.5/10) trails only Coraline 3D and Watchmen as my favorite mainstream film released this year. The casting was perfect, and although the script had a few issues, I thought it was an engaging story.

As far as music goes I have not really been listening to much lately. I really like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs new album, and the latest Green Day is starting to grow on me.


Anyways, what I really wanted to say is that although New Brunswick is, and always will be an antithesis of excitement, I am proud of where I come from, and I adore my little province because of all the wonderful people. New Brunswick consists of women who actually seem like normal individuals(as opposed to 90% of the females I used to meet in Calgary), and men who won`t threaten to stab you if you accidentally bump into them. I highly doubt that I will ever permanently live in New Brunswick again, but I will always make time to visit whenever I can. I am who I am partly because of my environment, and I would not change a thing...

Someone Is Ruining a Perfectly Good Game of Football?!

I know I am a bad Canadian, but I really do not care for hockey that much. I am excited that playoffs have started, and I hope the Flames do well, but I will not lose any sleep if they don't. NFL football is the only sport that touches my heart. I was more excited to find out what team Jay Cutler was going to go to, than I ever will be for the Stanley Cup playoffs (Being a Packers fan I am disgusted that Chicago got him). To me football is the be all and end all of sports. You need skill, size, speed, and most importantly, a solid game plan. You can have the best quarterback, the best wide receiver, and one of the best defenses; but if you are not prepared for the multiple blitzes that the New York Giants are going to throw at you, you will lose the game (I will never get tired of blasting the almost perfect Patriots). Football is the closest sport to a chess match that you will ever get. Every play is carefully thought out, and while some players have made careers based on improvisation, they are few and far between.

Most Hall of Fame players owe as much to their playbooks and coaches as they do to their natural skill. Take Peyton Manning for example. I hate the guy, but I love to watch him when he is in the zone. He picks apart a defense like no other. He goes to the line with three plays in mind, and he chooses the one that best fits what the defense is showing him. If he then goes with a throwing play, there is a good chance that at least one receiver will be running what is known as an option route. An option route is when a receiver makes his cut, or lack thereof, based on how he is being covered. Manning of course has to be on the same page, and act accordingly. If the receiver chooses to do a curl, Peyton will most likely have the ball in the air before his target has even looked his way. One wrong step, and boom, Ed Reed steps in and adds another six to his ever increasing stats. How do I know all this? Well, because John Madden told me so.

For thirty years or so Madden has been the voice and face of NFL commentating. He has worked for the four major studios, and he is the Roger Ebert of the football world. However, I am sad to report that he will no longer guide us through games, as he has retired today.

Many of us learned how a screen pass can be successful at countering a blitz, or how LaDainian Tomlinson gets so many touchdowns, because Madden showed us (well unless you actually played football when you were a kid). He analyzed every stiff arm, fumble, and touchdown with a passion that most individuals will never understand. Sometimes he tended to be a little over the top with his observations, but we love him because John Madden is football. He never had a losing season when he was a head coach, and he never let us down when he was in the booth.

One of my favorite Family Guy jokes was the one where Madden loses it because Peter is "ruining a perfectly good game of football!"

John you will be missed. Every Monday when I have to be subjected to Tony Kornheiser rambling on about how quarterbacks should just keep throwing it deep until they get a touchdown, I will shed a tear in your honor...

Creepy Creepy Creepy

I use the word love way too much on this site, but I really have to say that I love Willem Dafoe. I also love horror movies, and I also have a love/hate relationship with Lars von Trier. Take that all into account and you will understand why I had to post the trailer for "Antichrist".


Lars von Trier's Antichrist - Official Trailer from Zentropa on Vimeo.

Oh what I would do to go to Cannes this year....

Sleepy Sun

No cover, cheap food, and $4.00 pints of Guinness was all I needed to get my ass out of the house last night. I headed out to Broken City at around 7:30 completely unaware of the brilliant display of music that would soon penetrate my senses. After enjoying some $1.00 sliders I sat back with some chums and waited for the unknown band to come on. I say unknown because I really knew nothing about them. I put on one or two myspace songs during work yesterday, but that was it. My expectations were low, as I had nothing invested in the night. I was prepared to leave after I got a good buzz, but ohhhhh that was not the case. Right from the beginning I knew I was watching something special. Each song was performed with a brooding build that forced your head to bob in the finest of fashions. The band is known as Sleepy Sun and they rocked my world. I haven't the slightest clue what they were doing playing a free show in Calgary, but I am thankful they did...

In no way does one 2 minute video give their sound justice, but it is better than nothing. So here ya go yo.

The Ghost in the Machine

Ughhh I have been trying to write an opening line for like twenty minutes and nothing seems to fit. I hate writing. Why can’t I organize my thoughts into a coherent whole? Why is everything such a challenge? I bet everyone else who writes blogs, papers, poems, or novels have an easier time than I do. Why do I bother anyways? Nobody gives a damn what I think. I’m not special, I’m not gifted, and I’m certainly not original. Why did I even write that? Do I want people to tell me I am? I know they are lying if they do. There, now I sound humble again. I totally just gave the impression that I don’t take myself seriously. I cannot have people thinking their opinions actually have an effect on me.

Shit, there is that beautiful woman again. Remember, look her in the eyes to let her know you are aware of her, but don’t stare. Oh, and definitely don’t look at her chest unless you know for sure you won’t be caught; you want to come off as respectable. Ok here she comes. Look now. Nice she looked back. She must like what she sees. Ok now she is gone; well played. She has no idea what you were thinking. For all she knows you might not have noticed her. You could have been just looking around and accidentally caught her eyes. Wait…how does that work in my favor? I want to give the impression that I don’t want her attention, yet she will be in my thoughts all day. I should just go over and ask her what she does, you know, feel out the situation. But if she knows I am interested in her, and couldn’t care less, I won’t be able to think about her again. Check mate son, you just talked yourself out of another opportunity.

Look at that guy wearing those dumb sun glasses. Could he look like he was trying any harder? I bet he saw Robert Downey Jr. wearing those in GQ. Did you not think about getting a pair after seeing that ad as well? Yeah but I thought about it way before that guy did. I said that style was going to be cool like last year. I was just too lazy to grab a pair. I think they are getting old now anyways. You can tell that guy just bought them because he thought it was the “in” thing to do. I only make decisions based on my own opinion. He looks like he does not know how to make a decision for himself. You are just saying that because you know he looks better in them than you ever would, and that he is probably better than you at everything. Fuck that. He probably just tries harder

Triple Threat

Today I am in a major music mood. I have been re-visiting some songs I have not listened to in yeeeeears. I don't understand how anyone can get bored when they have a computer in front of them. I can easily fart around on youtube and myspace for 12 hours. You start off with one song, and then you get reminded of another, and all of sudden you have gone from Johnny Cash to Massive attack. Today has been a medley of sweet ass songs and here are some highlights:

We Are All Little People

Every time I watch Charlie Kaufman's Synecdoche, New York, I fall in love with it all over again. No other film in recent memory has the ability to alter my mood the way that Synecdoche does. I think one of these days I am going to have to have to really hammer out why it has such an effect on me, but today I am just going to highlight the wonderful Jon Brion song found in the film.

Spider

You must watch!! I was just reading through some coverage of last week's SXSW festival and this is one the shorts that played. Please watch the whole thing though!! Don't start it and then stop half way, pleeeease.

2pac ain't got shit on me...

Today the website I blog for (thenewwest.ca) offered up a challenge to those who think they have rap skills. The catch is you have to incorporate lingo and or facts from the city you live in. I know some of you New brunswick boys must have some fat rhymes you can throw down, so let's see it. Anyways here is what I got:

Fresh off the boat, I bust slugs in the pub
Oil cheques, large bets, and fine grub.
Stampede on them boys with power of Dion.
I’m a local phenom.
I Spawn in the city like Todd Macfarlane.

I’ll Sharpshoot your ass with the power of Brett Hart.
Hard as fuck, though I don’t play da part.
Snortin lines, while waitin’ in long lines,
Dodgin' cameras to avoid fines.

Been runnin’ this city since the days of Ralph Klein.
You best check yourself and know I’m gonna get mine.
Attackin mutha fucka’s with the speed of C-Train.
Best to keep away if you wanna remain sane.
You might start quick, but I'll always finish ya.
Driving to the goal like Jerome Iginla…

Uggghhh son.

SOD(x2), And I Digress...

Was anyone else really pissed when Treble Charger came out with Wide Awake Bored? I know it was like six or seven years ago, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth when I think about it. They went from being an insightful, up and coming alternative band; to an uninspired, generic rock band. "American Psycho" and "Brand New Low" were decent songs, but they had no lasting power. Also, why was it decided that only tracks sung by Greig Nori would be released as singles? Bill Priddle is by far the stronger of the two singers, and I think that is why the band fell into the shadows a few years later (Similiar to another 3 piece band from the late 90's).

Either way, Treble Charger has some really solid tunes on the albums, Self-Titled, and Maybe It's Me:

Husband and Wife make more than just Whoopie...

I think being a music video director would be one of the greatest jobs in the world. Actually scratch that...Being a music video director for independent musicians would be great. Coming up with an idea for the next Miley Cyrus video is probably not a dream job, haha. Anyways, you are probably wondering where I am going with this. Today I was doing my normal facebook surfing and I noticed that a link for the new Handsome Furs video was posted by a Mr. Mike Nason. I immediately watched the video, and I have to say that it is fabulousssssss. Not only is the song a doozy, but the video is quite well done. If you are into Wolf Parade, you will most certainly be into Handsome Furs, as Dan Broeker does vocals for both bands. So without further ado, I present to you the song of the day. The track is titled "I'm Confused" and it is from Canadian band Handsome Furs (Click the title to link to the video).

The Song of the Day Is Back Bitches!

Sorry for my slackness...Film took over my life for a few weeks and I had to shut down the song of the day posts for awhile. I am now ready to concentrate solely on music for the time being, and if anyone has any songs that I need to hear, you should let me know post haste!

Once again, I have a snowboard video to thank for my latest love interest in music. Ohh and this one was love at first listen. The track is called "Ambush" and the lucky bands name is: Figurines. At the moment I know nothing about them, but they are now officially on my radar...

I Watched the Watchman

Two weeks ago I estimated that Watchmen would rake in $65 – $75 million on opening weekend (the same estimate the studio made…damn I’m good). After a strong Friday showing, $70 million looked like it was attainable. Unfortunately optimism quickly faded as Saturday and Sunday showed a significant drop in ticket sales. My worst fear came to fruition as I knew Watchmen would make a strong initial splash, but that it would quickly lose steam once all the fan boys and girls got their fill. Watchmen finished up the weekend with a respectable $55.7 million, but Saturday’s numbers reflect the notion that the film will not have a long run atop the box office. I will say that this week will see a 45% decline in sales, and that Watchmen will finish in six or seven weeks, grossing roughly $140 million in North America. Not a bust by any means, but a sizable disappointment in the eyes of many. I guess the real question is though, is the film any good?

When I was in university my film professor always stressed that you should grab the audience’s attention right away. Zack Snyder follows this methodology to a “T”, as Watchmen begins with a brilliant scene featuring the murder of the Comedian, followed by one of the finest opening credits sequences in recent memory. Scored to, “The Times They Are-A-Changin’”, by Bob Dylan, we are given a brief, yet mesmerizing account of superheroes in an alternate United States. The visual artistry is perfect, and your thoughts will be in a tailspin when you see the impact that superheroes have had on history.

For those of you who do not know, Watchmen takes place in 1985. Richard Nixon is still president, and nuclear war seems imminent. The Keane Act has forbidden superheroes from engaging in any sort of crime-fighting activity, and a general sense of dystopian disdain lingers in the streets of New York. When a former masked vigilante/war veteran is viciously murdered in his apartment, Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley) embarks on a mission to uncover the truth. Along his way he starts to contact some of his old partners, and before you know it, the Watchmen are involved in a plot that could have devastating consequences.


Based on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s visionary graphic novel, Zack Snyder has literally taken specific frames from the comic and brought them to life. The result is that Watchmen looks and sounds incredible. You can tell that every dollar of the budget was put to good use, as all of the scenes are an absolute attack on the senses. From the seamless soundtrack, to the brilliant cinematography, Watchmen is an unforgettable experience.

As expected though, there are a lot of differences between the novel and the film. However, Snyder does his best to stick to the basic story, while simultaneously leaving his own mark. One major alteration (aside from plot differences) between the film and the book is that Snyder has chosen to amp up the level of violence. No where in the novel does Nite Owl twist an arm in half, or does Rorschach take a meat clever to an enemies head. Slow motion and gore can be found in almost all of the fight scenes as Snyder is going for a Matrix/Sin City environment for the action. From an aesthetic view point I agree with the decision, but from a storytelling view point I disagree. Moore’s writing always maintained the notion, with the exception of Dr. Manhattan (the only character who actually has super powers), that all of the masked vigilantes are human. When Nite Owl and Silk Spectre go up against the droogs in the alley, or the criminals in the prison, they attack with a power and presence rivaling the likes of the Hulk.

Another minor issue I had with the film is the casting of both Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) and Ozymandias (Matthew Goode). Both actors embody the physical requirements of their roles, yet come up short in presence and execution. Charisma is a huge requirement for being an actor, and neither have what it takes to fill the shoes of their respective characters. On the other hand, Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley), Nite Owl (Patrick Wilson), Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup), and The Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) are examples of picture perfect casting. All three personify exactly what I had imagined when reading Watchmen; especially Haley’s Rorschach, who feels as though he has jumped straight from the page to the screen.

Despite minor flaws, Watchmen is better than anyone could have expected. The once dubbed “unfilmable” graphic novel is now an extremely enjoyable motion picture. I urge everyone to see it. Even if you do not get absorbed in the story, you will enjoy the soundtrack and the visuals enough to justify spending the cash on the inflated ticket price.

Who Will Watch the Watchmen?

Twenty years, half a dozen scripts, an annoying lawsuit, multiple directors, and a lot of money have finally brought Allan Moore's visionary graphic novel to the silver screen. Watchmen fans are equally excited and scared to finally have the chance to see their favorite characters come to life, and I for one do not blame them.

Just a few weeks ago I was standing in the office of one of the film professors at the University of Calgary and I asked him what his thoughts were on the upcoming Watchmen film. He stated that he was not sure how they were going to pull it off. He reminded me that Watchmen is not your typical superhero story. Instead, Watchmen is a complex character study, consisting more of ideas than blockbuster action scenes. Of course, like any literary adaptation, much will be lost in the transfer from page to screen. However, Zack Snyder is fully aware of the monumental task he was given, and I have no doubt that he has done everything in his power to make Watchmen as faithful to the source material as possible; but is 2 hours and 42 minutes enough time to even briefly portray the power of Moore's writing (he refuses to watch it by the way)?

Also, the major problem that no one seems to be talking about is who is going to watch Watchmen? I know that the graphic novel has been flying off bookshelves, but is that enough to sell out screenings? Huge box office receipts are dependent on two things: word of mouth, and repeat business. If Watchmen is to be a success, it has to be a perfect mix of spectacle and intelligence. If not, Warner Brother's could be looking at the first major flop of 2009.

The estimated budget of the film is just under 100 million, and judging by all of the exposure, I would say the marketing budget is probably as high, or higher. Fan boys and girls will be there on opening night, but does the general public have any interest? The trailers look incredible, but an action orientated experience is portrayed. If Watchmen virgins go in expecting an X-men type of film, they could come out horribly disappointed...

However, I am going to be optimistic and say that opening weekend will bring in $65 - $75 million. After that, I just don't know...

Either way, I already bought my IMAX ticket.

"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense." - Edward Blake

- Watchmen opens March. 6th.

Top Films 2008: The Top 10

10. Doubt: “Doubt” - To be uncertain about something; be undecided in opinion or belief. “Certainty” – A conclusion or outcome that is beyond doubt. John Patrick Shanley presents Doubt in a way that emphasizes ideas and not plots points. Does it really matter if Flynn is guilty or not? Not really. Everyone will have his or her own opinion, but I doubt there is even an answer…

9. Revolutionary Road: Leo and Kate reunite under the direction of Kate’s husband (who is putting together an immaculate resume by the way) and the results are phenomenal. Kate is solid as April, and once again Leo shows that he is one the best in the business. Revolutionary Road is tour de force of emotions from start to finish. By the end you will wonder what John Lennon was thinking when he stated that “All We Need is Love”.

8. Paranoid Park: Stunning cinematography and tonal filmmaking make Paranoid Park one of the year’s best. Gus Van Sant plants the viewer into Alex’s (newcomer Gabe Nevins) world and poetically reveals the chaotic emotional rollercoaster that has become his life. If you like your films to be fast moving, exciting, and narrative, this one is not for you. But if you like stylized mood filming, Park should be up your alley.

7. 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days: Sharing many similarities to Paranoid Park, 4 months will be an exercise in patience to some, and a devastating tale to others. The story involves two college roommates who have the night from hell. Abortion, rape, and government control are the prevailing themes, and I recommend a strong stomach for anyone who dislikes uncomfortable images because there is one that you will not soon forget…

6. Milk: Sean Penn does not imitate Harvey Milk, he becomes him. The surrounding cast is also on the top of their game, and Milk is probably the most culturally relevant film of 2008. Filmed with accurate precision by the wonderful Gus Van Sant (can you tell I am a fan, haha), Milk brings us back to a time when one man made a decision to stand up for what he thought was right. If only Harvey were around today to rally Californians…

5. The Class: Anyone who says that teachers have it easy is ignorant. I cannot imagine trying to teach and babysit 25 kids. The Class follows a grade 9 class (I believe) for an entire year, and the struggles of both teacher and student are put on display. Do you teach the curriculum, or go with something they will learn the most from? Do you work hard when your teacher shows you little respect, or fight back and let him know where you stand? At times I was sure I was watching a documentary. The Class is about as engaging as a film can be, and it is my favorite for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars (though I doubt it will win).

4. Slumdog Millionaire: (spoilers ahead) How can you not want the lead character to succeed? The only minor problem I had with the film was that he way almost too likable. I normally like my films to end on a somber note, but not this one. Slumdog represents storytelling at its finest, and a fairy tale ending is what it deserved. Danny Boyle has finally concreted himself as an A list filmmaker, and I am excited to see what he does next.

3. Synecdoche, New York: No film in 2008 left my mind in more circles than Synecdoche, New York. It demands multiple viewings, and even then, I doubt that all of your questions will be answered. Charlie Kaufmann is an absolute genius. He is obsessed with the workings of the inner-mind, and I love it. Initially I did not know what to think when Kaufmann announced he was going to start directing, but he put my fears to rest with Synecdoche.

2. Let the Right One In: Already watched it four times; though with all my rewinding it is more like six. Some scenes are so beautiful that you have to watch them over and over again. In a year filled with vampires, you think I would have been sick of all the blood thirsty mayhem, but no… Twilight is garbage, True Blood is actually quite good, but Let the Right One is the holy grail of vampire stories. I cannot say anything else, just go watch it.

1. I am sure my film taste has already given away my number one film of the year…Let me set the stage for you though: The date is July. 14th, 2008. I take the afternoon off and hop on the train to head to Chinook station. I leave two hours early to make sure I do not have to sit in the front row. I make sure I have my wallet and my oh so precious Imax ticket. I arrive and decide not to get popcorn just in case it upsets my stomach. I sit on the floor, listen to some soothing music on my ipod, and wonder whether Warner Brother’s should have went with Darren Oronofsky’s Year One script a few years ago. I mean I really enjoyed Batman Begins, but it was no masterpiece. An hour and a half passes and boom, I enter the theatre and get blown away by the upcoming Watchmen trailer. I imagine my pulse was pumping at say, 150 by this time. I felt as though I was getting bet into when I had a royal flush…Then it starts… The opening shot of Gotham looks so vivid I feel as though I can walk into the city. For the next two and a half hours I absorbed an absolute masterpiece of a film. Christopher Nolan, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckart, and everyone else who worked on the Dark Knight, took me to a world that every film lover dreams of. Not only is The Dark Knight the best film of last year; it is one of the best films of the decade… Anyways folks, that’s all I got for 2008. See you at the theatre!

Top Films of 2008 Continued...

14. Waltz With Bashir: I think Ari Folman’s decision to animate his documentary on the Lebanon War was a brilliant one. The images are unforgettable, and there is no shortage of style. Bashir is a moving film that expertly tackles the horrors of war, guilt, and individual experience.

13. The Wrestler: Mickey Rourke’s portrayal of Randy “The Ram” Robinson is haunting. I can recall scenes in my head and instantly become sad. Rourke carries the film on his shoulders and never looks back.

12. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: While nothing like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s original short story, David Fincher provides us with an adult fairytale that is an absolute treat on the eyes. Also, there is a life long romance between Daisy and Benjamin that is truly mesmerizing. I wanted them to be together more than any other on screen couple in a long time…

11. In Bruges: Impressive first film from Martin Macdonagh. His background in theatre provided him with the skills to expertly incorporate both comedy and tragedy into film. Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes also play off each other perfectly. Ralph Fiennes literally owns every scene he is in, and surprisingly enough, In Bruges was the funniest movie of 2008.

Before I dive into the top 10 I want to throw out a couple of awards for a few other films, and highlight my honorable mentions of 2008:

Honourable Mentions (In no particular order):

Gran Torino: I loved some of the dialogue, but I just felt that a majority of the plot was too generic.

The Changeling: The direction was near perfect, and Jolie was wonderful, but there was too much going on. Two films could have been made out of the subject matter and although I really enjoyed the film, when it came down to it, like Gran Torino, it just did not make the cut.

The Reader: Absolute travesty that The Reader got nominated for best picture over the Dark Knight. I have nothing else to say. Well I guess I will let you know that it is a well made film, and definitely worth a watch. Pacing issues kept it out of the top 25 though...

W.: Interesting subject matter of course; but not as deep as I think Oliver Stone intended. I did however like the over all style of the picture, and it was a near miss for the top 25.

Best Documentary aside from Waltz with Bashir: Man on Wire. An Extremely interesting tale that details the events leading up to, and shortly following, Phillipe Petit’s high wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974.

The one film that wasted my time and money more than any other: Indiana Jones was frustrating, The Happening was lame, Choke was a waste of talent, and The Spirit was by far the worst film I have seen in a theatre for a long time…Shame on you Frank Miller, shame, shame, shame. I would sit through the mediocre Australia four times in a row before I would ever watch the Spirit again!!

Best looking average film: Hellboy 2 – Insane visual experience? Yes. Awesome plot? Naw.

The one film that deserved not to be made: Eagle Eye. Carbon copy rip off of classic science fiction / thrillers, and merely a star vehicle to further solidify the idea that Shia Lebouf has made the transition from sidekick to leading man. Monumental waste of money and talent! Kubrick would be tossing in his grave if he knew his boy Speilberg produced this steaming pile of manure.

Stay tuned for tomorrow as I will unleash the top 10...

Top films 2008: 25-15

I will not be posting any songs this week as I want to concentrate on films. I have recently completed my 2008 favorites list and I want to get it out before this Sunday’s Academy Awards. The Oscars are in no way an accurate representation of the year's top films, but they are must watch for any Cinephile. I am not overly excited for any of the nominations (though I would love to see The Class win Best Foreign Language film) but I am intrigued to see who actually acquires the coveted statues. Winning an Academy Award is a milestone for anyone working in the film industry, and unless you are Cuba Gooding Jr., your career will instantly benefit from being recognized as one of the best at your craft.

Slumdog Millionaire and Waltz With Bashir appear to be locks for both the best picture and best foreign language film respectively. In the acting department, Mickey Rourke (though Sean Penn is much more deserving in my mind), Heath Ledger, Kate Winslet, and Penelope Cruz are frontrunners for awards, while Danny Boyle will undoubtedly win the best director honor. Not many writers are expecting any surprises this weekend, but you never know… If you remember it was just a few years ago (to quote Ari Gold) when “Paul Haggis CRASHed the Oscars”…

Last year I extended my favorite films list to 15, and this year I have decided to go even further and expand the list to 25. I hear my friends and acquaintances complain every year that there are not enough worthwhile films to see, so I am getting the word out on all the ones that I think are worth the price of admission .

On that note here are selections 25-15:

25. The Fall: Filmed in 18 countries and without the use of special effects (so says Tarsem), The Fall is an absolute feast on the eyes. At points I was convinced I was seeing some of the most beautiful cinematography ever created. The only problem is that the plot does not contain the same sort of brilliance.

24. Speed Racer: Although a massive flop both critically and financially, I thoroughly enjoyed the psychedelic imagery and the exciting race scenes in Speed Racer. I also admired the Wachowski brother’s courage to release a unique film during the cookie cutter summer season.

23. Shotgun Stories: Family ties, hatred, abandonment, and survival are the prevailing themes in the slowly paced Shotgun Stories. The subtle dialogue is some of the best put to screen in the last year, and this is not your ordinary revenge film.

22. Vicky Christina Barcelona: Woody Allen once again proves that he is the thinking mans filmmaker. Although not a great film, Barcelona is enhanced by wonderful performances from Scarlett Johansson, Javier Bardem, and Penelope Cruz. However, the story could have been much stronger if the narrator was removed.

21. Snow Angels: A character driven story that sheds light on the trappings of small towns and the downfalls of love. While not the easiest of watches, I enjoyed the realistic dialogue, and the subtle hints at the characters true personalities and desires.

20. Pineapple Express: An absolute 180 turn for David Gordon Green after writing and directing Snow Angels. James Franco makes the film, and it is one of the funniest movies of 2008.

19. Burn After Reading: John Malkovich is one of the best actors working today and there is just something about him yelling that always cracks me up. Burn After Reading is no Coen Brother’s masterpiece, but it is a fun little film that achieves everything it sets out to do.

18. Funny Games: My favorite audience moment of 2008 occurred when a greasy looking jock in the front row insisted on yelling at the screen throughout the showing of Funny Games. Michael Haneke would have been proud to see that the reaction he intended to induce actually occurred on a Saturday afternoon in Calgary. Funny Games plays out more like a lesson on violence than a standard film, yet you have to give props to Haneke for successfully bringing it to the screen (again).

17. Ironman: Could the casting of Robert Downey Jr. have been any more perfect? He embodies the perfect Ironman in John Favreau’s first attempt at a comic book film. The comedic elements are intertwined nicely with the action, and I am expecting great things for the sequel.

16. Rachel Getting Married: I swear I saw potential in Anne Hathaway when she first appeared in the short lived series Get Real. She took some time to finally break out, but now that she is not starring in films with the word princess in the title she is a force to be reckoned with. Rachel Getting Married is not your typical wedding movie and that is what I like about it. Jonathan Demme creates an atmosphere that feels more like a documentary than a feature film, and it works well for the subject matter.

15. Frost / Nixon: I always admire a filmmaker who can take well known historical events and make them suspenseful. Even though I knew how the acts were going to unfold, I still had a moment of catharsis when David Frost finally managed to corner Richard Nixon.

How many of my top 14 do you think you can guess? Give it a shot, I double dare you!

So we don't spoil!

What do Age of Electric, Matthew Good, and the New Pornographers all have in common? They are all Canadian, but they also have all worked, or are working with former members of Limblifter. While I am not a huge fan of Limblifter, I do enjoy throwing on some Tinfoil every now and again...

Melancholy Sound Check...

I have had a love/hate relationship with The Airborne Toxic Event over the last 6 months or so. Initially I absolutley loved their song "Papillon", and I played it over and over again until everyone around me wanted to puke. I then moved on to the rest of the songs and I was not sure what to think. The entire album plays out more like a disgruntled man's homage to an ex lover than a compilation of songs. I have no problems with concept albums, or tracks with similiar themes, but I get annoyed when I feel like there is not much variety in a singers lyrics. I do however appreciate Mikel Jollet pouring his heart out, and when I found out the album actually started out as novel I understood why so many lyrics are similiar. The album's biggest single and arguably strongest song is "Sometime Around Midnight", and it is the song of the day. If you have ever been hung up on an ex you will relate to these lyrics like no other. Jollet creates a scene that is vivid, emotional, and powerful. In a number of his songs Jollet normally likes to build his energy and release a maddening yell near the end, but not in "Sometime Around Midnight". Instead, he delivers the last line in a tone that embodies the feelings of man who has had his heart ripped out...