Short Review: Sometimes there are moments when the fast-forward button ain't fast enough.


I just sat there muttering, “Well, I don’t do that.”

It is easy to mock this film. It’s about gay cowboys (for you hypersensitive clods, yes I know they are sheepherders and there is a difference - settle down), the jokes are inherent. Furthermore, it is difficult to speak about this film without falling into juvenile double entendres (not that I’m above being juvenile.) Much of this has to do with the average person's reaction to homosexuality in particular when it is hung over a mismatched environment. Even more of this has to do with the unbelievably stupid marketing that surrounded the release of this film.

Much has been said about the agenda framing this production and I have nothing new to add there. The main thrust of the piece is to deconstruct the American image of the cowboy. The point is to muddy the image. This is the well-worn path of post modernists. Impulsively reject a social construct, then remake it in your image by lowering its standards. Once the image has been dismantled, you can shove in a new icon or idea that is more to your liking. By now this kind of redefining of American culture, language and attitudes has become tedious in most respects. We have seen it constantly throughout the past decades. Superheroes like Superman and Batman are no longer heroic, they're conflicted and dark (Superman Returns, The Dark Knight). Cowboys don't wear white and black hats, they're either wolves or sheep being led to the same slaughterhouse (3:10 to Yuma).

This deconstruction is nearly mocked in this case. It is so over overwhelmingly obvious that the icon image of the rugged American man, in full cowboyesque dress is being tampered with and on purpose.

Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) are sheep herders who fall in lust while monitoring a herd on Brokeback Mountain. These two characters could have been in any line of work, surrounded by nearly any environment, and this story would have still worked. The choice to make them rugged, outdoorsmen who are easily mistaken for cowboys is an intentional move - a move done to challenge our iconic thoughts and sully them publicly.

The social marketing aspect of this film is a shame because this is a fully realized and forceful film. Particularly impress is Heath Ledger who proved himself to be one of the best actors of his generation in his role as Ennis, a mealy mouthed loner who apparently likes to ride the range. Ledger coupled with Ang Lee’s masterful direction and Rodrigo Prieto’s heart stopping cinematography makes this one of the better made films of 2005.

But then there is all of that gay sex stuff.


Listen, I’ll be honest, I’m not reflectively against exploring all aspects of human behavior in art. The human experience is rich and interesting and should be discussed in film, but let’s be real about it. It’s one thing to speak to homosexual behavior, it's another to shove it down the audience’s throat.

This is by its nature a controversial film, but the way it was marketed was disgusting. At first it the whole gay cowboy thing was ignored and the original commercials simply played up the images of men herding their sheep. Once poor grandma and grandpa were lured in thinking they were getting a western to find two guys locking stirrups, the ads changed. The Oscars were coming* around and there ads splashed around claiming this to be the “date movie” of the year. No guy in his right mind is ever taking his lady out to see two confused sheepherders play slap and tickle. The first set of ads lied by omission and the second set just lied outright.

Something that irritates me about this film is people’s reaction. Liberals and gays tend to tried to use this as a social barometer of how “accepting” America was towards homosexuality. If you have issues with this film you’re a homophobe. If you mock the stupidity at the heart of the film, you’re hateful. This is unfair. The concept of two apparently straight (or at least one of them is) cowboys falling in love while on the job and doing whatever it is they do when they get together was laughable. Which explains why every one was laughing. This film was not a reflection on American values it was a reflection on how out of touch the elite class was with the world.

While there are many honest and believable moments, the relationship at the middle of the story is flimsy. The initial homosexual encounter between the two main characters Ennis and Jack Twist in the infamous “pup tent scene” is inorganic to say the least. I think we can assume that two men who supposedly are tough cowboys don’t rush into a homosexual adventure without due diligence. Even if they did, the way it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

The two guys are just hanging out and then decide to go for a test drive? I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been that drunk. Furthermore, the two leads don’t have a deep enough emotional connection to support the notion these two men being obsessed with one another of twenty years. If we’re to understand their love for one another, the roots of that love are not explained or shown. If it were simply lust and lust wouldn’t sustain the hell these two guys are forced to inhabit.

Speaking of hell, I watched the whole film. I do have to admit I found a surprisingly moral message if taken a certain way. The two men have an “encounter” otherwise known as “rough gay sex” up on Brokeback Mountain and spend the rest of their lives drowning in their obsession for one another. Their “love” destroys their lives and the lives of their families. I found this film to be less about homosexuality (actually these guys are bisexual but who’s keeping count) and more about sin.

The two guys commit a sin on Brokeback Mountain and ruin their lives trying to retain that moment. In fairness to the production, this is hardly an advertisement for homosexual behavior, as many believe it to be. While the film makes some lame attempts to blame the horror of these men’s lives on society not allowing their love to speak its name - it ends showing what happens to those who are unable to turn from their selfish desires.

Do I recommend this film? No.

That no in place, I do have to admit this is a very well-done film and it has a humanity to it that is undeniable. The problem is that the bloated agenda at the core is undeniable. This is a social marketing movie. If one is able to get over the homosexual scenes (see my short review) and look at this film from the standpoint of sin more than gayness, one may get something from this production. Then again, dropping the homosexual aspects of this film is like trying to drop all of that icky “holocaust stuff” from Schindler’s List.


Related Reviews:
Heath Ledger movies
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)
Casanova (2005)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Decent Films Guide
Roger Ebert



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You Are What You See:
Watching Movies Through a Christian Lens

Labels: Anne Hathaway, film, Heath Ledger, Jake Glyyenhaal, movie reviews, Randy Quaid, social marketing

First, this whole Minutegate deal is a joke. Ol' Roger wrote what may be his most famous review after he walked out of a movie after eight minutes and then posted a critique of the film. There's been plenty of breathless criticisms of Ebert's choice to do this, most with snobby claims about fairness and giving the artist his due. Eventually the old guy caved in on the subject. We're all kidding ourselves. It is not the critic's job to be mindful of the artist's feelings or give them the benefit of the doubt. I do not need to sit through another Uwe Boll or Eli Roth movie to know what he's about. We see countless of movies, of which 90% seriously stink. You get to a point where you can tell what's coming and what is worth the effort and what is not. Most directors are corporate hacks who offer as much artistry as the kid down at Burger King slinging fries. Don't give me these artistic platitudes.

Should a critic try their best to sit through a whole film? Absolutely. Not out of deference to the "artist" but for their readers. No matter how crappy a film is, someone is going to like it. You need to write for them as well. Sitting through a bad movie is also usually a learning experience for most film geeks. Why does it stink so bad? What went wrong? These can be fascinating questions when faced with a piece of trash.

Have I ever walked out of a film? Plenty of times. Have I ever walked out of a film and reviewed it? Yep, Vanity Fair. Unlike Ebert, I don't feel bad about criticising something before seeing the whole product (although his eight minutes is extreme). I don't need to finish a banana doused in vinegar to know the whole thing tastes bad. Presumptively, the reason I review films, and more importantly, that people actually read my reviews, is because I know what I'm talking about and can back up any claims I make in my posts. To pretend as if all films deserve attention is bunk. As long as the critic admits they walked out in as clear language as possible, they should be able to do so and write about it. The fact that they were induced to go do something else is an important element of the review. A potential audience member should know if a film is likely to do this to them.

One other thing, in his apology Ebert ponders "Should I have sent it in to the paper? I wish I hadn't. As many comments have pointed out, I was harming the chances of a small indie film. From the very beginning," Are you kidding? Its not the critic's job to keep from harming anyone. It is their job to tell the truth. If the truth is that the film was a bore and you were compelled to move on then that's the way things go. The Indies should not be treated with kid gloves, if for no other reason, they tend to be young and maybe a swift kick in the shin will get them to make better movies later on. Worrying about "harming the chances of a small indie film" is more offensive to me than reviewing a film you didn't sit all the way through.

In the end, critics are derivative creatures. We're cultural traffic cops and nothing more. All of this pretence is shallow nonsense. Ebert is the best in his field, I say this knowing that his taste in film is seriously suspect. He's given rise to modern film criticism and is responsible for all of those pesky online losers, present company included, who have run the stodgy newspaper review guys out the door. We need to have standards but we also need to have some common sense as well.

Labels: miscellaneous, movie reviews, Roger Ebert

Too often movie review sites get too wrapped up in the new releases, only mulling over the latest useless wad of cinematic waste that Hollywood deposits into the mainstream of our culture. In addition, some sites, in particular this one, tend to give more negative reviews than discussing what's worth seeing.

I've put together a list of fifty movies that are worth seeing, and none of them are brand-spanking new. These are movies that perhaps you've never heard of, or if you have you may have looked them over. This isn't a list of the best movies ever made, although there are a few that belong on such a list. These are not in any specific order.

Let me know which off the beaten path movies you'd recommend.

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s stirring tale of a East Berlin Communist functionary whose party loyalty disintegrates while surveying a rebellious playwright and his beautiful actress girlfriend. The two are being watched to satisfy the gluttonous ego of a party official who fancies the young woman. This, one of Ulrich Mühe’s final performance, he died of stomach cancer in 2007, is brooding but moving. His quiet delivery is remarkably tense as he shows a man who comes to realize the works and beliefs he’s spent his life protecting were all to support a corrupt and despicable cause.

This film is also notable for its frank view under communism. As our own government seeks to entrench itself into every aspect of our lives: health care, education, to how high our thermostats can be set, it’s important to see depictions of where government control takes societies.



Set in early twentieth century China, a crooked love triangle forms between two male opera performers and a beautiful whore. The calculus of this is a little off since the triangle is constructed one of the men fawning over the other guy. Yeah, one of the guys is hot for the other guy. This is not a film for many people. First of all, it is in Chinese, so there are subtitles. This will scare many people off (which has always annoyed me.) Secondly, this is a brutal film and I mean brutal. For those of you who don’t know, the Chinese Opera tortures (or at least tortured) its child actors into performing perfectly. It is hard to watch children being beaten and tormented. If you can work past these issues (if you consider them issues) you will find a provoking film that is really something special. If you're a fan of literate, sweeping films, this should be near the top of your must-see list.



This is a series of ten short films about the Ten Commandments. Each short film is an hour long – yes, that means a total ten hours of film. Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Kieslowski initially wrote these films to be directed by ten different directors. Once he saw what he had created in the scripts, he chose to direct all ten himself. To his credit, he did use different cinematographers for each piece, which gives each films its own individual touch.

Instead of slamming everyone over the head with obtuse messages and a countdown of the Commandments, Kieslowski instead offers characters trapped in dense moral problems. Each character spends their time trying to unravel a tight moral knot in their lives. Some succeed, some fail – just like in real life. With the premise of the film it would seem like these would be moralizing films but they are really deep investigations into moral choices but keep things above board and realistic. Amazing, a series about the Ten Commandments that will speak as much to Christians as it will to non-believers.



Terry Gilliam is probably the most self-indulgent film directors to ever walk behind the camera. This, his least indulgent and most accessible production retains his grandiose style but keeps his story reasonable coherent. Full of twists and clever turns, the movie follows James Cole a prisoner who is sent back in time to uncover the conspiracy of the 12 Monkeys which led to a worldwide epidemic that forced humanity underground. Brad Pitt scored an Oscar Nomination for Best-Supporting Actor for his role as Jeffrey Goines, an animal rights terrorist who James runs into on his trips into the past. Pitt's take on Goines has impacted his entire career. You will see shades of Goines in each of Pitt's performances from this point onward. He found a trick that worked and then commenced to work his trick for the next fifteen years.

Overall, this is a smart, enjoyable movie that is a perfect replacement when what you want to see isn't available - even if you've seen it before.



Tsotsi (which means “thug”) is a young punk gang leader in a shanty town slum in Johannesburg, South Africa. The piece opens with Tsotsi thoughtlessly committing a series of vicious and wholly unnecessary crimes that are so reprehensible that even his own gang shuns him. This series of crimes ends with a car jacking. In the film’s only moment that comes close to being predicable, Tsotsi finds a cute infant strapped to a car seat in the back. Strangely stirred by the baby, Tsotsi cannot leave it behind and smuggles the child back to his filthy home in his crime ridden part of town. There he must, for the first time, think of someone other than himself.

If that set up doesn't get you interested nothing will. This is one of the great overlooked films of all time. It is simply stunning. At the heart of the success of this film is Presley Chweneyagae in the titular role. Chweneyagae gives one of the best debut performances ever. His character is real and solid and his screen presence is undeniable. He commands this film. This isn’t some cheap role, this is a fully realized character that goes from being a sociopath to trying to redeem a life of crime. Chweneyagae manages the extreme peaks of this character with a talent that deserves wide praise.

Labels: list, movie reviews, Recommedations

We open this week with the late Dino Risi.

Dino Risi was an influential director of Italian comedy. Even if you're not familiar with Italian cinema, you're probably still familiar with at least one of his films. Michael Leahy of SCREENPLAY EUROPE has a very good obituary.


Sticking with the Italians, we turn to CAFE PELLICOLA - WINDOW TO FINE ITALIAN CINEMA. This week, the site boasts a post from Shlomi Ron about Gabriele Salvatores' Mediterraneo. He says its both "a film dedicated to all the people who cherish the virtues of escape" and "A movie dedicated to premise of escape from the mundane."


For those looking for a movie dedicated to the geeky, WESTMINSTER WISDOM has what you're looking for. The King of Kong: For a Fistful of Quarters gets the works this week, in all of its brilliant, geeky, glory. Head over and see what Gracchi has to say about that fantastic documentary as well as the new independent release Mongol.


A very independent release is mockumentary Sizzle. Its apparently a comedy about global warming. For more, check out GREG LADEN'S BLOG.


Next, the ENTERTAINMENT BUFF Dave talks about his run in with the fires that consumed a good portion of Universal Studios.


Geez, I'm getting a little depressed. I know what will cheer me up, stupid fighting pandas.

Vaprak of THE CRITICAL CRITICS reviews Kung-Fu Panda, the biggest animated feature of the summer...until WALL-E blows it out of the water. Head on over to see if this thing is worth the price of admission.


Over at CHINA LAW BLOG, Dan Harris posts about a joke in Kung-Fu Panda that needs a little explaining and shows the writers of the film knew what they were talking about.


Third in our trio of Kung Fu Panda posts is SIZZLING POPCORN's Jean Brunet's look at the flick. Jean also has additional posts to offer us this week. One discusses M. Night Shamalamadingdong's The Happening, the other focuses on the release of Invisible Target, now out on DVD.


Our final excursion into the opinion surrounding animated martial art pandas is Newman's review over at NEWMAN'S OWN MOVIE CORNER. He also takes a look at Kung Fu Panda and says
its "Awesome and artistic".

Let's go from fighting pandas to mincing satyrs and grumpy centaurs.

Check out Jack Yoest's REASONED AUDACITY for a description of his viewing of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian at the White House Theater.


Next up, Steve Anderson, THE VIDEO STORE GUY, reports that Clive Barker's The Meat Train seems to be a nonsensical, violent, juvenile waste...a Clive Barker product is idiotic...and water is wet and the Sun is toasty...click on over to see what Mr. Anderson has to say.


Clive Barker stinking is a safe bet, and so is Indiana Jones.

Praveen explains that Spielberg, Lucas and Harrison Ford all dropped their up-front fees to gamble on the back-end riches coming from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I think they'll do well for themselves. Visit MY SIMPLE TRADING SYSTEM for more.


This week, FINCHER FANATIC has a pack of links for fans of director David Fincher and his films: including a Fincher directed iPhone commercial, links for the newly released novel of Fight Club scribe Chuck Palahniuk and a link to an interview with...you guessed it, David Fincher.


It's been a while since we've had anything about There Will Be Blood. Pacheco of BOHEMIAN CINEMA posts about the film and sees connections between it and Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.


Another post looking at a critically acclaimed film can be found on THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR. There, Pacheco looks at Robert Altman's Short Cuts.


Next, Linda has a couple of reviews on some Japanese kid movies. First, she gives her thoughts on Linda, Linda, Linda. Second, she posts about the animated flick The Cat Returns. Both can be found on her site MES CRAZY EXPERIENCES.


We close this week's edition with a couple of posts about the big green guy.

The McMovie d'jour is The Incredible Hunk.

THE REVIEWER is first up with a look at this latest attempt to bring the shirtless ball of green muscle to the big screen.


Next up is our final post of the week. MANNY THE MOVIE GUY has a look at the cranky superhero.





Thanks to everyone for their submissions and welcome to all of the new faces this week.




Other carnival editions:
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 29
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 39
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 43

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links, movie reviews

For those few readers who followed me over from Nehring the Edge, you may begin to see some reviews that you could swear you've seen before. To get all of my reviews in one place, I will (actually I have already started) to repost items from my original site. I will, of course, continue to put up new posts as well.

Labels: miscellaneous, movie reviews

Welcome to the Carnival of Cinema. We're back this week with another collection of some great cinema-related posts. Each week you can count on the Carnival to give you a variety of movie reviews, film commentary and industry advice from writers from around the world.

Let's kick things off with the big cinematic deal this week, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Indiana Jones...great, another aged actor tacking on another sequel to his dusty franchise. This is exactly what the world needs, Indiana Jones getting winded when he gets up too fast, chasing the bad guys in his immaculately washed Lincoln, and hoping to resolve the main conflict of the plot so he can get back to the buffet for an early lunch.


Newman of NEWMAN'S OWN MOVIE CORNER has sat through Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and his response? Well, he says its "...an exciting and expertly crafted addition to the Indiana Jones series." Want to know more? Check out his site.


MANNY THE MOVIE GUY follows up with a review of Grandpa Ford's new flick. Additionally, he has some prizes from the film such as trading cards, action figures, books, courtesy of Paramount Pictures. If you head over to his you can see if you can win some of the marketing materials.


Let's turn to the big cinematic deal last week, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.


Newman is back with another review. For this one he says it is "...a worthy follow-up, if a bit less enchanting than its predecessor." Want to know more? Check out his site.


Next up, Nigel Beale takes on Prince Caspian. He manages to see it as a battle between Anglo Saxons versus Latinos. He also seems surprised that the film based on the book by British and Christian author C.S. Lewis, would include Christian imagery and British characters. Is Narnia the Falklands, go over to NIGEL BEALE NOTA BENE BOOKS and find out.


And on the subject of racist screeds, "Racism is only funny in...Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, not in the real world...or in the blogosphere." Go find out what A_x from ANONYMOUS X is talking about.


Let's turn to the big cinematic deal (well...kinda, it was a stink bomb) two weeks ago, Speed Racer.

Linda from MES CRAZY EXPÉRIENCES gives her opinion on the Wachowski Brother's disaster film. She follows this up with a look at Oechul (April Snow).


Let's turn to the big cinematic deal three weeks ago, Iron Man.

LIVIN' THE DREAM (ONE LOSER AT A TIME)'s Christina M. Rau is all about the Iron Man. She says:


Wanna to know what the heck that's all about - head on over to her site and read for yourself.


Let's turn to the big cinematic deal seven hundred and four weeks ago, Interview with a Vampire.

Tamkia M. Murray fires up her Freaky Friday feature with a post about the Brad Pitt/Tom "Not Gay" Cruise incredibly unmasculine (yes I know its not a word) vampire flick.

She also posts about Jurnee Smollett, an actress who should have won best actress when she was eleven. To read these posts, click over to Tamika's site PJ'S AND A MOVIE.


Let's turn to the big cinematic deal next week, Sex in the City: The Movie.

Naomi Steven's DIARY FROM ENGLAND posts about the film's world premiere.


Sex in the City, as Peter from Family Guy said "So it's a show about three whores and their mom."


What about Sex in Gotham City? D of ENTERTAINMENT BUFF takes on the touchy subject of Batman and his many cinematic loves.


Looking for updates on The Clique Movie? Head over to THE CLIQUE MOVIE UPDATES, there Donna C. has updates on The Clique Movie.


Lacking a proper transition, I'll just keep moving forward.

Gracchi over at WESTMINSTER WISDOM make their return to the Carnival this week with a pair of reviews. First he looks at and shows his love for Industrial Britain form 1931. He says "This just blew me away!" He also tackles The Station Agent, which he calls a "meandering meditation" - "meandering" is right. Obviously a strong non-endorsement.


Speaking of meandering, where the heck is the projectionist?

Don't understand what I'm talking about? Madeleine Begun Kane does. Why? She had to deal with a wandering projectionist during a screening of the film War, Inc. For a story of disorganization and inept presentation skills, go to her site MAD KATE'S POLITICAL MADNESS and she'll tell you all about it .


When she's done tell you all about it, head over to TELL YOU ALL ABOUT IT where Silveral will tell you all about Disney and how it ain't the same as it used to be.


There's more that isn't what it used to be, namely a whole bunch of floundering careers from the outskirts of the entertainment industry. Harrison has a list of twenty-five D-List actors on CUSTOMIZED GIRL BLOG. Harrison then comes in with a list of twenty-five stupid but yet awesome vehicles.


Bringing things to a close this week is Carnival newcomer Nandita. She chats about the libel case between Princess Irina Youssoupoff and the makers of the film The Princess. Go to her site LAW MATTERS for more.


Thanks to everyone for their submissions. Another great week of posts. Do you have an opinion or article about the film industry? Have you reviewed a film or DVD? Have any tips on breaking into the biz? Send submissions HERE for next week’s edition.

Be the first blog on your street to post in the Carnival of Cinema. Some other Carnival editions:
Carnival of Cinema Episode VIII
Carnival of Cinema Episode IV
Carnival of Cinema Episode X
Carnival of Cinema Episode XII

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, list, movie reviews

The Carnival of Cinema is on the road this week. You can find this week's edition over at OBSERVATIONS FROM MISSY'S WINDOW.




Big thanks to Missy for posting the Carnival this week. She did a wonderful job.


If you have a cinema related post you'd like to submit to next week's edition GO HERE.



Other carnival editions:
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 29
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 39
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 43
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 56

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, film, links, movie reviews

You’ve come to the home of the Carnival of Cinema, the best place to find cinema related posts from around the web. Each week we collect some fantastic posts submitted from around the world and compile them for your clicking pleasure. Movie reviews, cinematic commentary, film news and industry advice, we have it all.

This week we begin with a pair of posts from BRITANNICA BLOGS.

First up, Gregory McNamee takes a look at David Mamet’s book Bambi vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose and Practice of the Movie Business. Mamet is one of the great American playwrights who has also done great work in the film industry. McNamee’s review of the book makes me want to head out and find it right away.

Mamet’s book is named after this classic short Bambi Meets Godzilla:


Second up, Robert McHenry reminisces about Cold War fear. The airing of the 80’s nuclear war flick The Day After gets McHenry thinking about growing up under the threat of a mushroom cloud.


Speaking of apocalypse, isn’t the spawn of Billy Ray “Achy-Breaky Heart” Cyrus Hanna Montana’s ascension to a prominent cultural post a sign of the end times?


For more on Montana and her efforts check out MARKETSAW - 3D MOVIES AND TECHNOLOGY. Jim Dorey writes about Hannah Montana's limited edition CD/DVD combo of her 3D concert movie.

…and the moon turned red and the oceans became blood…


Another sign may be the continued film career of Rob Zombie. Zombie’s lousy remake of Halloween was D.O.A. Pacheco looks at the dismal affair over at his site BOHEMIAN CINEMA.


For those of you who think Rob Zombie, or even Uwe Bol, make the world’s worst movies – you’re wrong.


According to Gracchi of WESTMINSTER WISDOM Rambo is the worst:


Well, that settles that. Along with this post, you can also find his review of Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Conformist and Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. His review is There Will Be Blood is particularly good.


For another post on a great Italian film click over to DEARCINEMA: MOVIEBUFF'S PARADISE where Rituparna takes on Federico Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita.


Let’s stick to the classics.


Singing in the Rain (on a personal note, it’s one of the only musicals I can stand,) gets the once over at REEL LOVE. This is a part of Anna Roth’s project of watching the films from AFI's Top 100 Passions films list and writing about what they say about love, marriage and happily ever after.


And from happily ever after to…well…perhaps not so happy after all…

Actor Gig Young killed his wife and himself. Not surprising, this is how he’s remembered (when remembered at all). Miss O'Shea looks at the life of the troubled Minnesotan (so much for “Minnesota Nice”) on her site THE ROADSHOW VERSION.


On the subject of self destruction and killing let’s talk about Beowulf. Paul McElligott reviews the animated feature about the sulking hero over at his site CELLULOID HEROES. McElligott also looks at Wes Anderson’s latest quirk-fest The Darjeeling Limited. Adding to his pile of opinion, he also gives us a post on The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.

As if good ain’t good enough, Paul also gives a good guide to those of you finally breaking down and turning to the one game in town, Blu-Ray.


Let’s look at something completely unrelated to what Paul’s talking about.


Blue Skeleton is very happy to announce his good friend, Anna Wilding is screening her movie, Buddha Wild Monk in a Hut in New York, City on the 19th of March. Anna is an accomplished actress who not only wrote the film, but also produced and directed it as well. Blue Skeleton is proud to feature the film on his site BLUE SKELETON PUBLICATIONS.


Let’s take a gander at what’s going down up north

The Genies were kicked out up in Canada and Eastern Promises and Away From Her walked away with the prizes. Jean Brunet has more over at SIZZLINGPOPCORN.COM. Jean also has a review of the film Death at a Funeral. For those of you in Canada and in the Halifax Regional Municipality don’t forget to go to the site and register in their March contest.


For a real prize you can check out The Other Boleyn Girl, at least that’s what Newman has to say. Go over to NEWMAN'S OWN MOVIE CORNER to read more about this bodice ripper starring Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman.


From the Boleyn girl to My Girl.

Tamika M. Murray gives her thoughts of My Girl, a movie from her childhood. Go reminisce with Tamika over at her site PJSANDAMOVIE.


Next up, Vaprak of THE CRITICAL CRITICS takes on the new film Vantage Point. Before heading out to see this thing, you want to check out the review and see if it’s worth your time and money.


Moving forward with this week’s reviews, Joe from INTERMISSION AT WORK tackles the full blown bomb Semi-Pro.


Over at ZEE SAYS=FILM ADDICT + TEEN LIBRARIAN, Zee reviews the great Judgment at Nuremburg.


Again this week we have a look at Be Kind Rewind. This week Mathew Needleman of CREATING LIFELONG LEARNERS provides us with an opinion on the flick.


At the center of Be Kind Rewind is humorous and cheap remakes of classic scenes. For more on great scenes look to JOSH'S TOP TEN LIST. There, Josh has a list of some great Hollywood scenes.


On the subject of great scenes, at MARTIAL DEVELOPMENT this week Chris has a collection of his the best Jui Kuen (drunken boxing) kung fu scenes from a number of movies.


Bringing things to a close this week, Rickey Henderson of RIDING WITH RICKEY fills out a movie meme.


The meme is an oldy but a goody.

Look up 15 of his favorite movies on IMDB, take a quote from each and post them and wait to see who can identify them.

Your ever faithful carnival host will list some here – let's see if anyone can guess them. The answers will be in the comments section. Let me know how you did.

1. “Truck, what truck?”
2. “I'm not afraid of heights. I'm afraid of fallin'.”
3. “Why, you stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder.”
4. “God better have mercy on you. You won't get any from me.”
5. “Go ahead, skin it! Skin that smokewagon and see what happens...”
6. “THIS is why we don't pick up children!”
7. “Mongo only pawn in game of life.”
8. “In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.”
9. “Guess that concludes negotiations...”
10. “Childs, we're going out to give Blair the test. If he tries to make it back here and we're not with him... burn him.”
11. “So you're telling me there's a chance.”
12. “To repress one's feelings only makes them stronger.”
13. “Pompey, go find Doc Willoughby. If he's sober, bring him back.”
14. “Supermodels. Heh! Nothing super about them... spoiled, stupid little stick figures with poofy lips who think only about themselves.”
15. “I can't kill a lot with one sword!”


Thanks to everyone for their submissions. Another great week of posts. Do you have an opinion or article about the film industry? Have you reviewed a film or DVD? Have any tips on breaking into the biz? Send submissions HERE for next week’s edition.

Next week the Carnival of Cinema goes on the road. You'll find the Carnival over at OBSERVATIONS FROM MISSY'S WINDOW next week. Big thanks to Missy for running the show next week.
Some other Carnival editions:
Carnival of Cinema Episode VIII
Carnival of Cinema Episode IV
Carnival of Cinema Episode X
Carnival of Cinema Episode XII

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, film, links, movie reviews

Welcome to the Carnival of Cinema. Every week this is your one-stop shop for the web’s best in movie reviews, cinema news and commentary. We get posts from around the world and bring the top notch stuff your way.


Kicking things off this week is DotLobby who has a list of the ten best unisexual chick flicks. Guys, if your lady likes to force you to sit through these vacuous movies, try to pull a title from this list to keep yourself sane. Head over to DOTGIRLFRIEND.COM the see the list.


Let’s have another top ten list.

If you like top ten lists Mike Diamente’s site MIKE'S TOP 10 LISTS is the place you want to be. This week, Mike has a top ten list with videos of the best acting performances.


What? You want more listings? Fine, here you go…

SIBERIANLIGHT’S Andy Young has a list of all of the Russian Bond Girls available for your perusal. He has descriptions of the characters and looks at the actresses.


We move now from Russian chicks to gun totting hicks.

The remake of the classic Western, 3:10 to Yuma is on DVD and now it’s on WESTMINSTER WISDOM. Gracchi gets all cerebral with it and considers its Kantian elements. Go head over to his site, it’s good for your brain.


If you’re not into brainy stuff then you must be a huge fan of Ryan Reynolds’ movies.

MANNY THE MOVIE GUY interviews Ryan Reynolds, Rachel Weisz, Isla Fisher, and Abigail Breslin during a press junket for their film Definitely, Maybe. Manny also interviews the cast of Step Up 2 the Streets. Find out what Reynolds think of politics and the Clintons, and why Breslin named her turtle after Manny!


If you like movies that can be described as best being suited for “mostly stoners and retards” as General Disdain puts it, then you may want to look into Strange Wilderness. The General has a review of the new lowbrow comedy over at his site THE CRITICAL CRITICS.


There’s “mostly stoners and retards” and then there’s those people who actually think the Star Wars prequels don’t stink to high heaven.

If you can’t get enough of the team who brought you Jar-Jar Binks and the moping pre-pubescent Darth Vadar then you’re going to love the news that the next line of Star Wars nonsense is coming to us in cheap animated format.


Click over to MARKETSAW: 3D MOVIES AND TECHNOLOGY to read the latest. Over there Jim Dorey breaks the news that “Star Wars: The Clone Wars hits 3D theaters (100 minute movie) and then your television! 30 episodes have already been made for the small screen with many more to come.”


Geez, I hope there’s Ewoks.

If you want to see what Hayden Christensen does when he’s not turning Darth Vadar from the evil overlord of the universe into a mopey loser with girlfriend issues, check out his new film Jumper. Matt Adcock has a review of the flick over at his site DARKMATTERS: THE MIND OF MATT.

Apparently, there is life after turning over to the dark side.


According to Tamika M. Murray, there is also “life after the darkness”

Tamika takes a look at Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple on her site PJSANDAMOVIE. She also tackles the Reinaldo Arenas biopic Before Night Falls.


Since we’re already talking about a film with Johnny Depp (Before Night Falls has him) let’s keep with his work and look to Joe Ewens’ review of Depp’s most recent film Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street over at JOYOUS FILM REVIEW.


Since we’re already talking about a film with Alan Rickman (Sweeny Todd has him), let’s keep with his work and look to Paul McElligott’s review of Rickman’s film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves on his site CELLULOID HEROES. Yeah, it's the stupid version with Kevin Costner but Rickman is rather good in his role. McElligott has more over at his site including a review of The Brave One and a poll regarding this year’s Oscars.

Go on, head on over and respond to Paul’s poll.*


And now for something completely different.


Daniel Lafleche runs a site called THE IPEX FILM & VIDEO BLOG. This week said site has a post titled Indie Film Distributor Spotlight: Sony Pictures Classics deserves an Indie Spirit Award. Really. Per Daniel, “No, this article is not trying to sell anyone on SPC. However, SPC's recent Indie Film deals are making it look either, clueless, or like it is gearing up for a future of Video Direct niche markets that the rest of us are not aware of yet.” Click on the link to read more.


And now for something more like what we were talking about before.

Back to the killings. What is The Net Meets Copy Cat? Diane Lane’s latest steaming pile of cinematic poo Untraceable gets the business over at LIVIN' THE DREAM (ONE LOSER AT A TIME). Christina M. Rau reviews the serial killer movie and also provides some insight on movie-going courtesy.


Want a little insight on movie-making courtesy?

Don’t make crappy movies.


Hey, on that note, we turn to The Comebacks. Forgot which movie that is? Well, click over to THE CONSUMER’S CORNER to get reminded. Andy Gates provides a somewhat reluctant redeeming view of the spoof.


Next up, Martin chats about a movie he refers to as “Blair Witch meets Godzilla meets 9/11”. That’s right, it’s Cloverfield. If you want more, you’re going to have to go to MCT IMAGES to get it.


If you’re looking for something different, perhaps you could try a patient drama about a stroke victim who writes his memoir by communicating with his eye, the only part of his body that isn’t paralyzed. The award winning Le Scaphandre et le papillon, (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly), is reviewed by Justin on his site DEARCINEMA: MOVIEBUFF'S PARADISE.


Bringing things to a close this week is Newman who has a review of The Bruges. Go to NEWMAN’S OWN CORNER to see if this new release is worth your time.


* - The answer is Michael Clayton.




Thanks to everyone for their submissions. Another great set of posts. Do you have an opinion or article about the film industry? Have you reviewed a film or DVD? Have any tips on breaking into the biz? Send submissions HERE for next week’s edition.

Be the first blog on your street to post in the Carnival of Cinema.




Other carnival editions:
Carnival of Cinema: Episode I
Carnival of Cinema: Episode II
Carnival of Cinema: Episode III
Carnival of Cinema: Episode IV

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, links, movie reviews

Welcome once again to the Carnival of Cinema, your weekly display of the web’s best cinema related posts. Want to read great movie reviews, insightful industry advice and interesting film news? You’ve hit the mother lode.


Starting us off this week is Jeet who has a post about multiplexes in Bangalore on his site BANGALOREBEATS.


Next up, Wenchypoo talks about the fact that some goofball women celebs are wearing red dresses to “bring awareness” to women’s heart disease. That works, hmmm Heidi Klum is in a red dress, I better tell my mother to take her Coenzyme Q10." Click over to WISDOM FROM WENCHYPOO'S MENTAL WASTEBASKET for more.


The issue of women’s heart disease? I had a heart attack almost five months ago, I guess since I’m a guy I can just jump off a cliff.


Speaking of throwing oneself off a cliff to their horrible doom, Hannah Montana has given plenty of people just that idea.


Jim Dorey says "Hannah Montana's 3D Movie is setting box office records! Find out more about this teen sensation that is sweeping the nation!” Need to know more? MARKETSAW - 3D MOVIES AND TECHNOLOGY is your place to go.


Hannah Montana’s 3D Movie…

…and on he subject of horror movies, what do you think about those times horror films try to make the mundane creepy? MISCGARBAGE.COM’s Blue Sunshine has a post detailing the absurdity of horror flicks trying to exploit everyday activities as being spooky and failing miserably at it.


Sticking with the horror movie thing, a subgenre of horror, the monster movie has made some news as of late with the release of Cloverfield. This week Justin talks about the film on his site DEARCINEMA: A MOVIEBUFF’S PARADISE. He says “Cloverfield is akin to The Blair Witch Project but with a traditional structure and higher production values. In this sense it loses its realism as a poorly edited home movie, but gains much in realm of entertainment that Blair Witch lacked.” Head over to his post to see if you agree.


Haven’t seen Blair Witch Project? Well, Chris Coleman has and Chris has the review ready to go. Click over to APPRECIATING GREAT TRASH (one of the best names for a film review site of all time) to see if you should see it.


Another horror film is All the Boys Love Mandy Lane. See if Matt Adcock loves her too. He has a review of the Amber Heard slasher flick on his site DARK MATTERS: FROM THE MIND OF MATT.


Want something else scary?

How about a bunch of old hippies?

Now, that’s downright creepy – the groaning, the creaking bones, the unwashed stink…



AVANT NEWS claims “Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper to Make Easy Rider Two: Cantankerous Old Hippies." Head on over to read more.


Another remake, and one that makes a little more sense, is 3:10 to Yuma. If you haven’t seen this Russell Crowe/Christian Bale film yet, maybe you should go find out if its any good. Paul McElligott has reviewed the film and has his words available to you over at his site CELLULOID HEROES.


From a remake to a movie that should have never of been made.


Adam Sandler’s movie Click is the subject d’jour over at WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. See if Miss Positive lives up to her moniker when she reviews the flick.


Newman of NEWMANS' OWN MOVIE CORNER keeps the reviews comin' with his own review of the Jessica Alba movie The Eye.


Watch the trailer below:


Now watch this scene from the original Japanese version Gin gwai:


They both look stupid.


Next up we turn to WESTMINSTER WISDOM. This week Gracchi tells everyone about Ne le dis à personne (Tell No One) Sticking with his recent trend of reviewing films released within our lifetimes, he gives his informed opinion on this recent French release.


Like to see behind-the-scenes stuff? You’ll love this. Blue Skeleton has behind-the-scenes footage taken from the film Taken. Run over to his site PRODUCTION BLOG to view this interesting footage.


And bringing things to a close this week, we have MANNY THE MOVIE GUY. Manny interviews Colin Farrell, and Martin McDonagh, the writer/director of Farrell's new film In Bruges. They talk about their involvement with the film, and their movie's connection with the Harry Potter franchise. Also, Manny the Movie Guy reviews the film.


...and CUT and PRINT!


Thanks to everyone for their submissions and welcome to all of the new faces this week.


If you have a cinema related post you'd like to submit to next week's edition GO HERE.



Other carnival editions:
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 29
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 39
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 43
Carnival of Cinema: Episode 56

Labels: Carnival of Cinema, film, links, movie reviews