I Just D'ohn't Know...

I'm not sure if I'm going to see The Simpsons Movie.

I'm sure you all have reasons why I should go and see it (and a quick peek on IMDB already has it rated at #75 of their top 250 user rated movies.)

I just have one BIG problem with The Simpsons, that I will admit here for the first time ever.

I don't get it.

For those of you who don't know, The Simpsons were banned in my household as a kid. My mom watched an episode where Bart tries to sneak into a movie theatre, and decided that The Simpsons were a negative influence on positive morals and values, and told my sister and I (and this held true for my father too) that we could not watch this show. Eventually the violence in The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Power Rangers made it so that they were added to the banned list as well, but The Simpsons was the one that stood out the most.

As the years went by, I didn't feel myself missing The Simpsons...I mean, if fair is fair, I didn't know what I was missing. Having never watched a single episode, I didn't have a clue what was going on. Eventually, FOX came out with a cutting edge show called Family Guy, and my sister and I took to that and were hooked quickly. Mom saw what we were watching, and I guess realized that there were worse things on television than The Simpsons, and the ban was silently lifted.

But did I rush out to watch The Simpsons after that? No. I think the first time I sat down and watched a full episode was when I was sick, at 18 years old, during a weekend in residence. Someone had the DVD's and lent them to me in my time of need and boredom (I later watched the episode that had prompted the ban, and realized that my mom must have stopped watching before realizing that Bart does learn his lesson in the end.)

So I guess I just don't understand the hype behind this movie. As someone who didn't grow up with Lisa, Bart and Maggie (although they didn't age like I did), I don't see myself rushing out to see the film. Maybe I'll see it one day...maybe I won't. Part of me does want to see it in the big screen...I guess the intrigue is driving me towards it, but I have other movies on my list to see first.

In any case, I do respect to a movie that is based on a television show that has been running as long as this one has. In our changing world, it's really neat to see something that has held on so strongly. And I have no doubt that this movie will be number one at the box office this weekend. I was at the theatre last night, and the line-ups to get in were unbelievable. I hold no hard feelings towards my mom for not letting me watch the show, and hope the movie does do well...it does look like a fun, movie-going experience. To prove this, I present you with a clip, featuring what I think is the best celebrity Simpsons appearance that there can possible be.

So enjoy your movie...let me know how it is. But no spoilers...you never know...

Brilliant Songs Used Brilliantly In Brilliant Movie Scenes, Pt. 2

When I started this little feature on my blog, I was jobless, and quite bored. Now, over a month later, I have a job and a) way too much to do in the evenings or b) I'm way to tired to DO anything in the evenings. However, I've wanted to do a feature on this song for awhile

Song: Stuck In The Middle With You
Artist: Stealers Wheel
Film: Reservoir Dogs

Explanation: When I first started film school, you wouldn't catch me watching Reservoir Dogs. Looking back, when I started film school, I don't think I really appreciated film the way I do now. To me a movie was something you saw on the weekend. You went, bought your tub of popcorn, escaped for an hour or two, and continued on with your life for the rest of the week.

As my years at college went on, I started to see film as something more, and began to find myself appreciating different genres, different languages, and different themes through the beauty of film. Now you would be hard pressed to find a movie I won't watch. I'll even watch a bad movie, just to add it to my movie vocabulary.

I think Reservoir Dogs was the beginning of a major change for me with regards to the movies I watch. After falling in love with Steve Buscemi, I simply had to get my hands on everything he had ever been in. Living in residence, with no way to go out and rent movies (in an easy capacity) I started asking around to see if any of my floormates had movies featuring the love of my life. One of them happened to have Reservoir Dogs.

Not only is Steve Buscemi brilliant as the slimy Mr. Pink, the entire script is flawless. Although the idea of the film is clearly one of Tarantino's imagination, the movie has a certain reality to it. The conversations seem real; I mean, there are scenes where the characters talk too fast...you can't understand them. They flub a word or two. Instead of spending take after take to make sure the everything is "perfect", the scenes come across as legitimate. It feels as though, even though we know we are watching a film, maybe, just maybe, someone out there could be having the same conversation with their friends about why they don't tip, or the meaning behind Madonna's Like A Virgin.

I think the reason that I never watched this film before was because it scared me. It scared me that I didn't know if there was going to be a happy ending. Now I'm not afraid of stuff like that. Tarantino's writing shows that yes, there sometimes isn't a happy ending, but that doesn't make the ride any less exciting or interesting.

With a unique soundtrack, Stuck In The Middle With You, is placed in a dynamic scene, that will change the way you hear that song for years to come. A combination of great writing, mounting tension, and pure horror (all to a boppy soundtrack), this scene stands out as brilliant, solely due to the juxtaposition of good vs. evil, innocent vs. guilty.

The Scene: (potential spoiler alert) After Nice Guy Eddie, Mr. White, and Mr. Pink go to retrieve the stashed loot that Mr. Pink made off with during the heist gone wrong, Mr. Blonde is left alone with a dying Mr. Orange, and Marv the cop (who he kidnapped and brought to the meeting point.) Once all the others are gone, he turns on the radio just as Stuck In The Middle With You starts to play, and proceeds to torture the cop in the worst ways imaginable.

Why It's Brilliant: Although having some really great scenes paired with really great songs, I chose what I believe is the defining song of this film. There is something about the pairing of a 70's, upbeat tune, with a brutal and heartless act that really stands out and makes this film better than a lot of films I have seen. As disgusting and frightening the things that Mr. Blonde is doing to an innocent man, you find yourself riveted. Tarantino's directing (pushing the camera away from the gore) gives the scene that much more punch, because the audience is left to imagine what is going on.

The Scene: (For those of you with delicate ears who frequent my blog, be aware that the following scene contains some coarse language or violent imagery that may not be suitable for all viewers.)

Brilliant Songs Used Brilliantly In Brilliant Movie Scenes, Pt. 1

So I realize that I've been neglecting my blog as of late. I'd like to say that I'm busy, but with no full-time job secured yet, I haven't exactly been overloaded with work. However, I have been finding ways to fill my days, which don't usually include blogging. I have some good posts coming over the next little while though, so stay tuned.

This new series that I am doing for my blog is what I lovingly call "Brilliant Songs Used Brilliantly In Brilliant Movie Scenes."

I feel I need to explain.

Recently, I've been paying more attention to the use of music in films, especially ones I've seen over again, and one thing that I've started to love is when a song becomes part of the actual movie. Basically, I think it's fun when the filmmaker takes a well known song, and puts it in the movie, not simply as background music, but lets the song push the story forward, or tie together an integral scene. This of course, doesn't happen in "serious" movies (well, sometimes, but I'm going to go with rarely...in any case, most of my examples can not really be considered "serious".) Basically, I wanted to showcase some of my favourite scenes that do this. I don't know how many parts this series will be, or how long I'll be able to go for, but I welcome any suggestions! Here are some guidelines:

1) The song can't simply be heard in the background (ie: in a bar scene, or from a radio.) The song has to become part of the story, and the characters have to some how react to the song (this will make more sense when you see my first example.)

2) Brilliant is all a matter of personal opinion. I don't care if you don't think the song isn't brilliant or the scene isn't brilliant. It's my blog and I'll do what I want (and if you want to see something you think is brilliant, leave a message and maybe it'll get posted.)

3) Musicals don't count. Yes, the moment Tony starts singing Maria in West Side Story is agreeably brilliant, but that song was written for that film. I want music that has been used effectively in a film that it was not designed to be in.

I think that about covers it, so without further ado, here is BSUBIBMS, Pt. 1:

Song: Don't Stop Me Now
Artist: Queen
Film: Shaun Of The Dead

Explanation: Some of you may know that lately I have been somewhat obsessed with Queen. I have also started to appreciate films that at this point last year, I would have not been interested in seeing. Shaun Of The Dead is one of these films.

I became really sick mid-March, and a co-worker brought me this movie and told me that it would make me feel better. I took it to be polite, and when I started watching, I was amazed at how much I enjoyed it. It really, REALLY is a great film.

Fast forward to a few months later when I'm going through my Queen phase, and all of a sudden the song "Don't Stop Me Now" starts playing. Now, I'm confused because I like this song, it's funky, AMAZING to dance to, but I can't place where I've heard it before.

Lucky for us, we have a beautiful tool called "The Internet", and a quick Wikipedia search revealed that it had been used in the film that I had fallen for but a few months earlier.

The Scene: (potential spoiler alert) When the group makes their way to the bar for shelter, the jukebox is accidentally bumped and Don't Stop Me Now starts playing, which riles up the zombies. Deciding that the only way to save themselves is get the music turned off, one of the group runs to find the fuse box, while the others beat the zombies senseless with pool cues.

Why It's Brilliant: I can't remember who (it may have been Bryan), but somebody described this scene as "Jazzercize with zombies." Not only is it staged brilliantly, with everything from the movement of the characters to the flicking of the lights matching the song, but there is a lot of unexpected stuff that happens during the scene. It is so exciting and impossible to turn away.

The Scene: (For those of you with delicate ears who frequent my blog, be aware that the following scene contains some coarse language or violent imagery that may not be suitable for all viewers.)

So that concludes the first episode of this new feature. I hope you enjoyed it, and start thinking about those scenes. I have a few more to go, but I look forward to hearing your suggestions!

What Will The Movie Of Your Life Be Called?

I know this is a lame first post after all my Hawaii ones, but it pretty much made my day.

What Will The Movie Of Your Life Be Called?

Kyla's Movie Guide - 2007

During a (now) common night of boredom coupled with insomnia, I decided to go through a list of films being released this year, and make my choices for ones I want to see and why. Be forewarned that these are my personal choices based on my (sometimes eclectic) tastes, so you can choose to ignore them (though I would like to point out that I have been right about these things from time to time.) By the way, the dates above the films are the dates that they are set to be released in North America (and are typically subject to change.)

I have put each one in one of the following categories:

Must-See: I will go out of my way to make sure I can get to a theatre and see this movie on the big screen.
See: If I get a chance, I will spend $10 to see this movie on the big screen.
Rent: I want to see this movie, but will wait until it's available for renting.

Now, without further ado...

January 12, 2007
Home Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth) I have heard WAY too much good about this movie to ignore it. Plus, I've really started getting more and more into foreign films.	See
Miss Potter My reasoning behind this one is two words: Ewan McGregor. (But as a side note, I grew up with Beatrix Potter stories and am kind of interested in seeing the story behind the stories.)	Rent
Letters From Iwo Jima This one was getting a lot of Oscar buzz even before it's release date, and I like to keep on top of movies that are deemed "Oscar-Worthy."	See
January 19, 2007
The Good German There is just too much good about this movie (director, cast, concept) for it to go terribly wrong.	Must-See
January 26, 2007
Catch And Release I enjoy a good girlie movie from time to time, and the addition of director Kevin Smith to the mix is going to guarantee some great laughs.	Must-See
February 2, 2007
Factory Girl After having Sienna Miller and her antics shoved down my throat for the past year, I'm anxious to see if she's actually a performer or just another pretty Hollywood face. But mostly I'll probably go to watch Hayden Christensen in action.	See
February 9, 2007
Breaking And Entering After finally seeing proof that Jude Law CAN act, I'm interested to see him strut his stuff in this thriller. However, playing an adulterer in a movie and actually being one in real life might ruin him for me again.	Rent
February 16, 2006
Bridge To Terabithia Having studied this novel (Ok, Grade 6 novel study), I want to see how the director visually shares Terabithia with the audience.	Rent
February 23, 2007
The Number 23 With a concept that sounds like a dark version of 2006's Stranger Than Fiction, and a spooky poster of none other than Jim Carrey, this movie seems oddly compelling. Plus, I'm one of the few who enjoy Carrey's dramatic ventures over his early comedic work.	See
March 2, 2007
Zodiac David Fincher directed Fight Club. This movie could blow and I'd still go see it.	Must-See
I Could Never Be Your Woman Yet again, another chick-flick is sneaking into the mix. This one just sounds fun, with a highly talented cast.	Rent
Full Of It I'm judging this one solely on concept; in the same stream as Weird Science, it kind of sounds like an 'everything-goes-right-for-a-nerdy-kind-of-kid' all around, good time (albeit highly cliche) movie.	Rent
March 9, 2007
Reign Over Me Adam Sandler + 9/11 Drama = Curiosity? I think so.	See
Fast Track If the trailer for this film starring the lovable duo of Zach Braff and Jason Bateman is anything like the actual movie, this movie guaranteed to produce many laughs.	Must-See
Fido The concept of this zombie movie is unlike any I have ever heard of, and is therefore good enough for me to try.	See
March 16, 2007
Premonition Although taking a break from the indie scene which has been doing her good, Sandra Bullock's latest flick looks like it will be a good thriller, even if the plot ends up seeming canned.	Rent
Lucky You I just want to see how they make a feature film out of a game of poker.	Rent
The Pleasure Of Your Company Early reviews of this film are promising that Jason Biggs is taking a positive turn from the American Pie franchise with this hopefully sweet romantic comedy.	See
March 23, 2007
The Lookout Written by the man who brought us Minority Report I am excited to see Joseph Gordon-Levitt in this darker film, with hopefully a lot of twists and turns along the way	See
Superhero! Yes, it may be another spoof film, but it is spoofing a kind of film that I am particularly fond of. That's good enough for me.	Rent
March 30, 2007
Meet The Robinsons Already being hailed as potentially "the best-looking animated film of 2007", I am psyched to see what Disney has to offer us with this family-oriented film.	See
Blades Of Glory I feel like Will Ferrell should take every competitive sport or event and make it into a movie mocking it's existence. Like the hilarious Talledega Nights this movie should shine on the big screen with comedic genius Ferrell being supported by the amazing Jon Heder (of Napoleon Dynamite fame) and Amy Poehler.	Must-See
April 6, 2007
Grindhouse The combined genius of Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez is sure to create one of the most memorable films that 2007 will see.	Must-See
The Hoax I don't know too much about this film, other than the fact that it stars Richard Gere, and that any movie where the audience knows more than the characters on screen is always perfect for a good movie-going time.	See
April 13, 2007
Spring Breakdown The ridiculous concept behind this film (I mean, really...30 somethings acting as college coed? I don't think so!) is enough for me to eventually spend a couple hours of my life watching it.	Rent
Disturbia Shia LeBoef certainly has come a long way since his family-oriented television days. I can wait to see him do something gritty.	Rent
Year Of The Dog I've always been fond of the writings of Mike White, and want to support his directorial debut. Besides that, a cast featuring John C. Reilly and Peter Sarsgaard are bound to make this movie great.	See
April 20, 2007
The Nanny Diaries My girl-crush on Scarlett Johansson isn't the only reason behind me wanting to see this film. Ok, it's the main reason, but the rest of the cast is great and the concept behind the film sounds like it'll be an enjoying view (and I wasn't talking about Scarlett that time.)	See
April 27, 2007
Balls Of Fury First a comedy about figure skating and now one about ping pong. 2007 appears to be the year of making fun of random sports that no one really watches. Maybe it's all a guise to actually make us appreciate the real sport behind the movie? Time will tell on that one...	See
Fracture Sounds like Silence Of The Lambs except with Ryan Gosling instead of Jodie Foster. Good enough for me!	See
May 4, 2007
Spider-Man 3 This movie (as far as I'm concerned) will mark the beginning of an excellent summer of HUGE blockbuster movies. While I am the first to complain about producers overworking movie franchises, the Spider-Man franchise is one that I am happy to see is continuing to thrive.	Must-See
May 11, 2007
Georgia Rule As much as I speak with disdain when referring to Lindsay Lohan, I must grudgingly admit that she has some talent. It'll be nice to see her in something more age appropriate. Now if she could only learn to handle her personal life...	See
May 18, 2007
Shrek The Third I love a good dose of animated pop-culture. I have no doubt that enough work was put into the story that Shrek The Third will live up to it's precursors.	Must-See
1408 I have a warm spot in my heart for John Cusack. It's pretty much as big as the warm spot in my heart for mysterious and psychologically thrilling movies.	See
May 25, 2007
Pirates Of The Caribbean: At Worlds End Finally! Answers to all the questions the second Pirates movie left unanswered. I'm so excited to see how they wrap up this amazing trilogy!	Must-See
I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With For the same reason I saw Snakes On A Plane, I will see this movie. The title rocks! I don't even know what it's about. All I know is that I want to see it!	Rent
June 1, 2007
Knocked Up Judd Apatow is one of the funniest men making movies these days, and if his follow-up to The 40-Year Old Virgin is even close to being as funny or well-constructed, this is a good way to kick off June.	Must-See
June 8, 2007
Ocean's Thirteen I love the Ocean's franchise. I will probably go see this movie 6 times in theatres, just to see the beauty that is combined sex-appeal of Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon. Oh, the stories are usually good too as well. Yay heist movies!	Must-See
Surf's Up What is it with people and penguins lately? I just don't get it. Oh well. The fact that this is an animated movie with talented voices means I will probably give it a chance.	See
June 15, 2007
Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer Ok, so the first Fantastic Four blows. I know that. You know that. But it does have some fantastic special effect. I'll probably see it simply to watch the special features on the DVD release.	Rent
June 22, 2007
Evan Almighty It's good to finally see Steve Carell get the attention that was stolen from him by Jim Carrey in the first Almighty movie. Bonus points for securing Morgan Freeman as God again.	Must-See
June 29, 2007
Ratatouille I started seeing trailers for this years ago, and think I got it mixed up with the other animated rat movie, Flushed Away. This one looks a whole ton better though, and will probably be the rat movie I choose to spend money on.	See
July 6, 2007
Transformers This is one of those movies where the hype building up to it will be the reason I go see it right away. I mean, when other movies talk about your movie in their script (coughcoughClerksIIcoughcough), you know that it's kind of a big deal.	Must-See
License To Wed Robin Williams has been stooping pretty low lately with his movie choices. Despite that, however, he is still a ridiculously funny man, and will make this movie worthwhile in the end.	Rent
July 13, 2007
Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix This movie is a gift from the movie gods to me for my 21st birthday. Finally, we've hit the point where our favourite wizard is really starting to see the dark side of the wizarding world, and starts having to make some serious choices about his future at Hogwarts.	Must-See
July 20, 2007
I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry What if Adam Sandler and Kevin James were to get married? I know I wonder that a lot. At least this movie will be released in July and that pressing question can finally be answered.	Must-See
Hairspray I am not going to sit idly and let the many pictures of John Travolta and Christopher Walken in drag pass me by. I am going to see this movie!	Must-See
July 27, 2007
The Simpsons Movie Having been banned from The Simpsons as a child, I'm not sure if this movie will be as important to me as it will to other people (ie: fans of the show.) I fear it'll be a bit like The Trailer Park Boys Movie where the only people who enjoy it are the ones who have followed the show since the beginning. I'll give it a chance though.	See
Stardust I don't know much about this movie, but some still show it to have a really romantic and mystical look about it, which is always enjoyable for a great visual trip.	See
No Reservations At first I wasn't going to put this one on the list, the but perpetual adorableness of Abigail Breslin won out in the end.	See
August 3, 2007
The Bourne Ultimatum Here is another franchise that I really value and thank my lucky stars regularly that it was made. I have goosebumps in anticipation for the twists and turns that this movie will take me on.	Must-See
Charlie Bartlett The logline won me out. I mean, how do you resist "Initially failing to fit in at his new public school, Charlie Bartlett (Yelchin) appoints himself as the new resident therapist, where he doles out advice, and the occasional prescription or two..."	See
August 17, 2007
Super Bad Michael Cera of Arrested Development fame is headlining this movie, and my crush on his character George Michael is enough for me to venture out and see him on the big screen for the first time (first time for me at least.)	Must-See
Fanboys Any movie that has anything to do with Star Wars is to be placed on a pedestal and revered above all others.	Must-See
August 31, 2007
The Brothers Solomon First Jason Bateman, then Michael Cera, and now Will Arnett (all of Arrested Development fame) all have movies coming out this year. The previous television work of theirs is probably the only reason I will see most of their movies, but I sincerely hope for good things.	See
September 28, 2007
Mr. Bean's Holiday Another Mr. Bean movie? It's been what? 10 years? I don't care what people think or what anyone says...I will see this movie and I will enjoy it and laugh...a lot (besides...it's the only thing that even sounds remotely good to me that September has to offer.)	See
October 5, 2007
The Golden Age This one is being hyped as a sequel to Elizabeth, and I believe that a strong, time-driven piece is a good change from the rest of the movies on this list.	See
October 12, 2007
The Martian Child Once again. There is a warm spot in my heart for John Cusack. I can only image that John Cusack starring alongside a kid will bring cute results.	Rent
October 26, 2007
Mr. Woodcock Unlike I Want Someone To Eat Cheese With (mentioned earlier) I think this wins for the worst title for a movie. However, all is explained in the trailer, and I think that this is going to be a dorky, but enjoyable stupid movie.	Rent
November 2, 2007
Bee Movie I am baffled by the teaser trailer for this (which features actors dressed up as bugs trying to survive on an oversized windshield being showered with water and tossed in the wind.) The jury is still out on this one, but it looks like it might be fun.	See
November 9, 2007
Fred Claus I find there are a lot of really lousy holiday movies with a few gems (like Elf) thrown into the mix. I'm hoping this one is a diamond in the rough.	See
November 16, 2007
Beowulf The story of Beowulf is going to be motion-capture animated? By Zemeckis? I'm intrigued.	See
November 23, 2007
Enchanted I'm pretty sure I've run out of things to say now. This one is animated. If you've been reading, you'll know that animation pretty much wins for me.	See
December 28, 2007
Charlie Wilson's War I don't know much about this one yet, but it will be nice to see perennial favourite, Tom Hanks appear as the title role in another movie.	See

There you have it folks...my list for 2007. I'm sure some of these will be bombs, while others will be pleasant surprises. Some I have no doubt will blow my mind, while I'm sure there are movies that aren't on this list (and haven't even been announced for release) yet that will be extraordinary and very much worth mentioning. That's the great thing about film though - there is a whole world of options waiting for you!

Happy movie-going!