Criterion Collection - July 2013 Barnes and Noble Sale Part 1

I've made some mention before, but I'm a huge fan of the Criterion Collection.  Particularly the genre film releases are my favorite (such as Repoman and Godzilla), but I can find something to appreciate in all of their editions.  I'd love to get a copy of every spine number (because of my collector mentality), however my wallet can't afford it.  However, whenever I see a 50% off sale, I'm sure to take advantage of it whether its on the Criterion Website or Amazon.com .

For both comic books and movies, I enjoy the hunt of physically adding things to my collection.  Luckily, Barnes and Noble holds a 50% off sale twice a year (July and November).  Since I consider it Christmas in July, I've already taken advantage of the sale and picked up a couple of things at the Dr. Philips store in Orlando:

• High and Low:  Directed by Japanese legend Akira Kurosawa, this 1963 thriller is about a rich industrialist and the tension involving the ransom of his kidnapped family.

• Eating Raoul:  This 1980's dark comedy is the genre selection of my most recent buy.  I haven't spoiled myself of the twist yet, but I'm pretty sure it has a relation to Sweeney Todd.

• Breathless:  Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, this film  pretty much helped jump start the French New Wave.   I haven't seen much from this era of film, but from what I've seen, I've enjoyed.

• Band of Outsiders:  Also known as Bande à part, this is Tarantino's favorite Godard film.  Inspiring the name of Tarantino's production company (and publisher of Tarantino Comics), I'm excited to see this film inspired from the early American Gangster Movies. 

• Zazie dans le métro:  I don't know much about this film other than it contains fantastical and cartoonish comedy elements brought together by French director Louis Malle.

Although these are all things I've yet to see, I'm pretty excited to watch them.  Be sure to check back as I'm sure I'll be taking advantage of this sale each week.

Bullet Points: Documentary Obsession

If it wasn't for the perplexing trailer of Catfish, I would have never been compelled to seek out documentaries (although I'd eventually be influenced by the Film Junk Podcast).  Whether it comes from the subject of the film or the documentarian themselves, it is their Obsession that makes me enjoy these movies the most.  Documentaries are living proof that anyone can create something if they have the passion (hence one day I want to make a printed book of Tarantino Comics).  Anyways, here are some documentaries I've recently watched, all in which you can see on Netflix:

• Resurrect Dead: The Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles (Director Jon Foy):    Besides Catfish, this movie really got me into documentaries.  It's about these tiles inscribed with the "Toynbee Idea in Movie 2001 Resurrect Dead on Planet Jupiter" somehow mysteriously get embedded into the asphalt of busy roadways of Philadelphia (although they have appeared in many other areas including South America).  Displaying pure obsession, this documentary explores why and how these tiles magically appear.  Mix in some conspiracy theory, this is a gripping movie to watch.

• Indie Game The Movie (Directors Lisanne Pajot & James Swirsky):  I dabble with video games here and there, but in no way do I consider myself a gamer.  However, this documentary makes me really appreciate those simple games I used to play in the computer lab before going to class.  This movie takes you on a journey of how the creators of three Indie Games (Super Meat Boy, FEZ, and Braid) put all their emotions and livelihood into their game's development and hopeful success.

• Cropsey (Directors Barbara Brancaccio & Joshua Zeman):  In Staten Island, the boogieman named Cropsey has been blamed for the disappearance of young children.  However, can this urban legend be linked back to the convicted child killer named Andre Rand?  Starting with stories of childhood fears to Geraldo Rivera's claim to fame (with the Willowbrook State School), this documentary does a good job exploring Andre Rand as the possible monster named Cropsey.

• The Thin Blue Line (Director Errol Morris):  Not the best documentary I've ever seen, but it's probably the most influential.  Acclaimed documentarian Errol Morris presents the murder case of Dallas Police Officer Robert Wood after he was shot and killed while pulling a stolen car over.  Morris claims Randall Adams was wrongly accused of the murder while scrutinizing the corruption that exists in the justice system.  By providing reenactments based on the narrations of interviewees, Morris paved the way for the modern "A&E" documentary.

• Into the Abyss (Director Werner Herzog):  This triple homicide case in Conroe, Texas is told by another Documentarian Legend - Werner Herzog.  Herzog doesn't defend the convicts.  However, he analyzes what possessed them to kill and if it's right for society to condemn them to death.  Making strong points on both ends of the spectrum, this story is heavy, but good.

• Vigilante Vigilante: The Battle for Expression (Director Max Good):  When I first saw this title on Netflix, I thought it was going to be about men dressed up like Batman beating up thieves, murderers, and rapists.  However, the term Vigilante in the film's title can be replaced by the word "Buffer" - Meaning those who rid the street of graffiti.  Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this film because you meet these crazy characters who are obsessed with cleaning up their streets.  Nevertheless, an argument exists:  If these unsanctioned Buffers paint over street art with grey paint, aren't they just as guilty of committing graffiti?

• The Imposter (Director Bart Layton):  This may be my favorite documentary I've seen thus so far.  In 1997, Frederic Bourdin impersonated Nicholas Barclay, a young Texan boy who disappeared at the age of 13 in 1994.  Although Bourdin has no resemblance to Barclay (different colored eyes and hair), he somehow convinces the family and town that he's the long lost Nicholas.  With involvement of the FBI and a possible eerie twist, this is truly a story stranger than fiction.

• Shut Up Little Man! (Director Matthew Bate):  Before there was YouTube, Peter J. Haskett and Raymond Huffman may be the first personalities to go viral.  Back in San Francisco in the late 1980's, two tenants of an apartment recorded crazy arguments and conversations of their alcoholic neighbors through a microphone hanging out their window.  These recordings were eventually spread across the United States through underground audio cassette tape circuits.  Haskett and Huffman gained a cult-like status through comic strips and comedic plays.  I really can understand this obsession as I used to collect and record prank calls of my favorite shock jock while I was growing up.  This is definitely a recommended watch.

Tarantino Comics - Issue 29

Continuing the awesome Pulp Fiction arc from C2E2 2012, Gavin Smith really upped the ante with Tarantino Comics #29:

I've previously met Gavin at an earlier CGS Supershow.  Besides having a very loose and indirect connection with him (he lived in Peru, Indiana, a city not far from where my dad was born in), Gavin drew me an awesome Batman & Daredevil piece.  Since he had a very pulpy art style, I had to get him to draw something for Tarantino Comics.

As expected, Gavin captured the essence of an EC comic.  He designed a beautiful title banner and an iconic cover image.  Gavin shows his knowledge of Tarantino by showing the band-aid on the back of Marsellus' neck while he's giving the ultimatum to Butch.  To add to the Film Noir vibe, the comic's title ("The Dive") is fitting of those stories involving crime and boxing.

Gavin was the first to introduce the idea of a back-up feature to Tarantino Comics:  "A Night With Vincent Vega" featuring Mia Wallace.  I really love this comic book convention (meaning a practice established by usage, not a geekfest) because some of the greatest superheroes were established from back-up features including Green Arrow, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter.

If you want to see more of Gavin's awesome artwork, checkout his blog at http://gavinpatricksmith.blogspot.com/ .  If you see him at a comic book convention, be sure to stop by because he's an extremely talented artist (graduated from the Kubert School) and a cool guy.

Bullet Points - The Calm before the Storm

As usual, the summer is the season of high budget action flicks.  Star Trek was exhilarating, I'm excited to watch The Man of Steel, and I can't wait for Pacific Rim.  However, before we discuss the annual Blockbusters, I have to share the films I saw in theater earlier this year:

• Identity Thief:  Of this group of movies, Identity Thief was my least favorite... Both Jason Bateman and  Melissa McCarthy are funny people, but the story was kind of weak.  Basically McCarthy stole Bateman's identity, spends his money, the police don't do anything.  In order to stop this debacle, Bateman has to physically lure and capture McCarthy himself.  There's a few laugh-out-loud  gags (especially punches to the throat), but I wouldn't consider this a blu-ray buy.

• Mama:  As I somewhat alluded to earlier, I love the mind of Guillermo Del Toro.  Even  though he didn't direct this film, there is some fantastic imagery.  For example, the imagined animalistic  movement of two girls  raised in isolation by a ghost during the early years of their development truly sent shivers up my spine.  Other than the visuals, this movie didn't have the best story in the world.  However,  it was a fun little horror flick that I got to enjoy and watch with my sisters.  Besides, it's kinda cool to see Jessica Chastain as a punk rocker...

• Side Effects:  I know we're all curious how long Steven Soderbergh will stay away from film... But before he "retired," he made this interesting drama starring Jude Law, Rooney Mara, and Channing Tatum.  It opens as an intriguing  psychological thriller, however loses momentum when it makes a political statement about the use and advertisement of pharmaceutical drugs. Although this movie will never land a spot in my Top Twenty, it's definitely a solid movie you could watch and enjoy.  Other than that, there's not much else I can share without spoiling the story.  I guess I could describe it as a mix between Requiem for a Dream (I promise not near as depressing) and Primal Fear.

• Warm Bodies:  It seems everybody loves zombies... and I can't disagree.  Although I prefer the Romero approach, Warm Bodies put a fun spin to the genre.  Rather than viewing the apocalypse from the point of view of a human survivor, we get the story from the perspective of a zombie.  With an awesome soundtrack and comedic overtones, this was a fun horror flick.

• Mud:  Prior to last year, if you mentioned Matthew McConaughey, I'd probably avoid the film.  But lately, rather than starring as the leading role of a Rom Com, he's really showing off his acting chops through some very intriguing characterizations.  Mud (played by McConaughey) is a fugitive of both gangsters and the law who makes sanctuary on a small island off the Mississippi River.  Waiting to meet up with the love of his life (played by Reese Witherspoon), he is discovered by two boys who were exploring the island.  Although Mud's a suspected criminal, the boys develop a friendly and caring relationship with him.  For a slice of life tale, I really enjoyed this film and wouldn't be embarrassed to watch this with the entire family (as opposed to Killer Joe and The Paperboy; gripping films I plan to talk about in the near future).  From the mind of Jeff Nichols, I really want to see how he directs Michael Shannon in Take Shelter.

The Killing - This Time... No Twin Peaks Comparison

I pretty much love every original show that comes from AMC (however, I'm not a fan of their reality shows).  Although this season of Mad Men has been intense, I've been needing a little more "crime" in my TV viewing.  Luckily the return of The Killing has satisfied my hunger...

I truly enjoyed the first two seasons of this detective drama.  However, I agree with the masses and thought the story was too drawn out.  Believe me - I loved Twin Peaks.  But just as Laura Palmer's murder overstayed its welcome, Rosie Larsen's death lasted a season too long.

Luckily, AMC developed some really cool characters:  Detectives Linden and Holder (played by Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman).  Unlike TNT's "last-named-shows" (i.e. Rizzoli & Isles, King & Maxwell, Franklin & Bash), The Killing is a title with true character development happening in a single overarching case.  Despite complaints from critics, AMC had the guts to throw their awesome duo into a different situation rather than just canning the show.

So with a light drizzle outside and a Cup of Joe in my hands, I thoroughly enjoyed the Season 3 premiere.  From what I've seen so far, here's a couple of reasons why I think this season will be successful:

• Linden's obsession:  Like many detective characters, obsession can be their downfall.  This season presented how Linden is building herself back up to a "normal" life.  But as we've learned in seasons past, Linden is obsessed with justifying the victim.    With a series of murders paired with a M.O. familiar to her back story, this provides the perfect setup of getting Linden back into the game (or quite possibly her demise).
• No son:  I liked the "little man," but it helps having him live in Chicago with his father.  This way Linden doesn't have to worry about her son and can focus on the case at hand in Seattle.
• A Serial Killer Story:  This story is dark (including the imagery).  Previous seasons lingered on conspiracies involving the Rosie Larsen case.  This time, it involves a series of murders involving child prostitutes.  Yes, this is pretty dark subject matter, but it's intriguing and even has a Seven vibe. 

  

 

So there you have it - I can't wait to see how the rest of the season plays out!  I have very few doubts, so hopefully it does well.. so we can have another "killing" season.

Bullet Points - Adrenaline Rush

I feel like I say this every six months, but I haven't been able to write lately because of school.  There's these things called lab reports that take priority over comic books and movies.  Luckily, I've managed to keep a running list of things I've been watching (and don't worry, I still made it to some comic cons to get Tarantino art).  So to get my writing juices flowing, I decided to start things off with a bang - literally.  Here's some films and shows that are filled with flying bullets and big explosions:

• Savages - Although Oliver Stone strayed from Tarantino's Natural Born Killers script to express his own opinionated beliefs, he usually makes pretty entertaining films.  Savages was a film I really wanted to see at the movie theater, but didn't get a chance to.  Luckily it came to video quickly and it was everything I expected:  A pure adrenaline rush filled with violence and sex.    With fast edits similar to the late Tony Scott, it's a story of two drug dealers who must save their girl from the Cartel after refusing to join them in a business venture.  Although older, Salma Hayek is vicious yet beautiful Mexican drug lord. Keeping Blake Lively as a negotiating piece, Salma commands the situation knowing both protagonists are in love with Blake, exploiting the fact "there's something wrong with their love story."  As usual with his typical roles, Benicio del Toro is terrifying and disturbing as the muscle and watchdog.   Even though violence dominates the story, it doesn't have the charm or wit like Pulp Fiction (even though it has John Travolta as a corrupt federal agent).  However, don't let this keep you away as it still has thrilling action that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

 

• Skyfall - I've heard people compare Skyfall with movies ranging from The Dark Knight to Home Alone (yes, there are booby traps, but no paint cans to knock Marv and Harry down).  I'm currently on a journey through Bond's filmography, but I believe Daniel Craig is my favorite 007.  However, Skyfall has been my least favorite film from his run.  It's a back to the basics story, but it doesn't contain the same grittiness as Casino Royale.  Not to say I didn't enjoy this movie, but it just doesn't carry the same intensity.  Javier Bardem as the bad guy was fun - his character was similar to his previous role from No Country for Old Men spiked with the intellectual charisma of Dr. Hannibal Lector.  Skyfall is definitely a pretty and mesmerizing film, featuring beautiful landscapes filled with ultra vibrant colors.  Even though this flick didn't meet my expectations, it laid down the foundation for another sequel, re-introducing characters such as M, Q, and Moneypenny.

 

• Looper - Who doesn't love Joseph Gordon Levitt?  Put him in a sci-fi thriller with a unique story, what isn't to desire?  Looper has its action moments, but it's definitely a thinking movie.  Having dabbled in computer programming, I really enjoyed the analogies linking the present and future.  Also, when JGL was supposed to close the loop, Bruce Willis was a good choice for his future self.  With a quiet and solemn demeanor, Bruce proved to be resourceful and outsmart "himself." Although the film style isn't as dirty as Blade Runner, Looper definitely has a similar feel of contemporary landscapes re-imagined with a future twist.  For instance, the small farm where the beautiful Emily Blunt lives has a classic country vibe, but the household items are futuristic and truly imaginative because they may never come to existence.  One final note, I believe director Rian Johnson is a filmmaker to keep an eye out for.  If you're not familiar with his work, see his neo-noir film Brick.  However, to really show off his creativity, Johnson provided a downloadable commentary that could be listened to on your iPod while watching Looper in the movie theater... that's what I call genius!

• Justified - Justified sets itself apart from other crime shows because it doesn't focus on the flashy Italian mobster life.  Instead, it dives into the trashy and poverty stricken territory of Harlan County, Kentucky.  Season 4 differs from seasons past by not focusing on the Dixie Mafia, but on the Detroit Mafia who is invading the Southern territory to settle some personal vendettas.  The one thing I've noticed about this show is that it tends to start off slow each season.  However, as the episodes progress, the story builds momentum and you can't stop watching as you eagerly await for next week's episode to premiere.  Timothy Olyphant as Raylen Givens is a perfect match for the show.  As the US Marshall we love to root for, his quick wit is appealing even though he sometimes walks the line.  To compliment the hero, Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder is the perfect Foil because of his sly motives shielded by his exterior Southern Charm (you'll also love his lackey role in Django).  If for some reason you avoided Justified, I recommend getting caught up on Hulu before it starts again next year!

Tarantino Comics - Issue 28

All the covers from Tarantino Comics have been awesome thus far, but Chicago really inspired some fantastic images, particularly from Pulp Fiction.  Starting with last issue's comedic depiction of Captain Koons (anyone else spot the connection in Django?), Tarantino Comics #28 ups the ante with one of the most horrifying scenes from a Tarantino flick:  "Bring out the Gimp!"

Illustrated by Brent Schoonover at C2E2 2012, the likenesses of Butch and Marcellus are spot on.  Having seen Brent's talent on other pieces of art before, I knew I had to get him in this sketchbook.  Brent has a true talent of creating pulpy characters.  Ranging from the noirish Dick Tracy to the Silver Age of Marvel, his work really carries a classic comic book sensibility.  As perfectly shown in this cover art, Brent replicated the true essence of an EC Comic.  With overtones of a Val Lewton film, only the shadowy outline of the Gimp is ever shown to the audience.  The expressions on the characters faces display true terror (as also seen in the Title Bar), an emotion purely captured in comic book fashion.  Also of note, The Band Apart Logo is more like the classic DC Logo rather the typical boxy emblem pictured from previous issues.

I highly recommend checking out Mr. Schoonover's artwork.  As I said before, he really captures the nostalgia of classic comic book characters.  He recently had a unique mix and match between modern funny books with pulpy comic strips in Mr. Murder is Dead published by Archaia Entertainment.  You can also check for Brent's latest work and blog posts at:  http://brentschoonover.com/