Review: "Knives Out" a Fresh Cut of Murder Mystery

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 15 (of 2020) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Knives Out (2019)
Running time:  130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material
WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Rian Johnson
PRODUCERS:  Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Steve Yedlin (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Bob Ducsay
COMPOSER:  Nathan Johnson
Academy Award nominee

MYSTERY/COMEDY

Starring:  Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Christopher Plummer, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Riki Lindhome, Edi Patterson, Frank Oz, K Callan, Noah Segan, M. Emmet Walsh, and Marlene Forte

Knives Out is a 2019 mystery film written and directed by Rian Johnson.  The film is a modern whodunit and a murder mystery inspired by the works of the legendary mystery novelist, Agatha Christie.  Knives Out focuses on a master detective investigating an eccentric, combative family after the family's patriarch is found dead.

Knives Out introduces wealthy crime novelist, Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer).  He has invited his family to his Massachusetts mansion for his 85th birthday party.  The following morning, Harlan's housekeeper, Fran (Edi Patterson), finds Harlan dead, with his throat slit.  Local police Detective Lieutenant Elliott (LaKeith Stanfield) believes Harlan's death to be a suicide.  However, an anonymous party among the family has secretly paid private eye, Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), to investigate Harlan's death as a homicide.  Blanc finds his suspects among the members of the family, and each one is either eccentric or combative.

Blanc learns that Harlan's relationships with his family were strained.  Blanc is keeping an eye on particular members of the family.  There is Harlan's eldest daughter, Linda Drysdale (Jamie Lee Curtis), a real estate mogul, and his youngest son, Walt Thrombey (Michael Shannon).  There is also Joni Thrombey (Toni Collette), Harlan's daughter-in-law and the widow of his late son, Neil, and his son-in-law, Richard Drysdale (Don Johnson), Linda's husband.  Even Harlan's nurse and close friend, Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), is a suspect... or at least has knowledge that will answer important questions.  And where is Harlan's grandson, Ransom “Hugh” Drysdale (Chris Evans), the spoiled playboy son of Linda and Richard?

Whodunit... if it is true that someone did anything criminal?  Or is the truth more complicated and too obvious for even world-famous private investigator Benoit Blanc to discover?

Rian Johnson's Knives Out starts with an excellent screenplay, not necessarily in terms of the mystery's plot.  That is mostly just an exercise in genre elements and trappings – similar to the twists and terms found in the works of Agatha Christie and those stories inspired by Christie.  The best of Knives Out is in the characters, the kind that character actors can use to chew up movie scenery.

The cast of Knives Out is comprised of actors who have been at or near the top of their professions in film or television at some point in their careers.  They are not really known as character actors because they have been or still are headliners.  However, they are mostly veteran actors, and they can do what character actors do best, and that is deliver performances that create the kind of characters of which film audiences cannot get enough.

That is what Rian Johnson did with this film.  He composed a topnotch script, and then, he directed his actors to topnotch performances.  The result is a mystery film that grabs the viewers and holds them from start to finish.  I certainly felt as if I could not let stop watching Knives Out; it is truly a fun film to watch.  It is not perfect; there seems not to be enough screen time for some of the best characters, such as Jamie Lee Curtis' Linda Drysdale, Michael Shannon's Walt Thrombey, and Toni Collette's Joni Thrombey.  And Chris Evan's Ransom Drysdale seems misused...

Still, get yourself to Knives Out, dear reader.  It is one of the funniest and most enjoyable murder mystery films in quite some time.

8 of 10
A

Saturday, June 20, 2020


NOTES:
2019 Academy Awards, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Original Screenplay” (Rian Johnson)

2019 BAFTA Awards:  1 nomination: “Best Screenplay” (Rian Johnson)

2019 Golden Globes, USA:  3 nominations:  “Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy,” “Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Ana de Armas), and “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy” (Daniel Craig)


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site or blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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"The Dark Crystal" Returns to Theaters in Feb. 2018

“The Dark Crystal,” Jim Henson’s Epic 1982 Fantasy-Adventure, Makes a Rare Big-Screen Return for Two Nights Only This February

From Co-Directors Jim Henson and Frank Oz, the Film Returns to U.S. Cinemas February 25 and 28 Only, Featuring an Exclusive Interview with Lisa Henson

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thirty-five years after it first stunned audiences and critics with its unprecedented visions and mythic storytelling, Jim Henson’s 1982 epic fantasy-adventure “The Dark Crystal,” co-directed by Henson and Frank Oz, will return to big screens nationwide in a special two-night presentation from Fathom Events, The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures.

    .@Fathom Events News: Jim Henson's "The Dark Crystal" Makes Rare Big Screen Appearance Feb 25 & 28 #DarkCrystal

Newly restored in 4K (at select theaters), “The Dark Crystal” is a visually spectacular tale of a young hero who must find a legendary relic in order restore harmony to the universe. A watershed in fantasy filmmaking produced by Gary Kurtz (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back), “The Dark Crystal” will play in U.S. movie theaters on Sunday, February 25, 2018, and Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time (both days).

Each screening of “The Dark Crystal” will also feature a brand-new featurette with Lisa Henson (CEO and President of The Jim Henson Company), who will reflect on the making of the one-of-a-kind film and its creative legacy.

Tickets for “The Dark Crystal” can be purchased beginning Friday, January 12, 2018 online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations will be available January 12 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Following its two-day-only theatrical presentation, “The Dark Crystal” will debut on 4K Ultra HD™ and return to Blu-ray™ and Digital March 6 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The Blu-ray will be presented in an all-new collectible Digibook package, complete with rare photos and behind-the-scenes info about the making of this iconic classic.

The ambitious story of “The Dark Crystal” takes place in the world of Thra, which has been torn asunder by a fracture in a great magic crystal, causing two races to be created: the tranquil Mystics, or urRu, and the evil Skeksis, who all but destroyed Thra’s native species, the Gelflings. Now, the Mystics have summoned Jen, one of the last surviving Gelflings, to find the lost piece of the crystal. The quest sends him on an unbelievable adventure that can restore harmony and peace to Thra.

“The Dark Crystal” features performances by Jim Henson as Jen (voice of Stephen Garlick), Kathryn Mullen as the Gelfling Kira (voice of Lisa Maxwell), Frank Oz as the astronomer Aughra (voice of Billie Whitelaw), and Dave Goelz as Fizzgig (voice of Percy Edwards), with Henson, Oz and Goelz also performing as the Skeksis. Kiran Shah also performs the body of Jen, Kira and Aughra. With a screenplay by Dave Odell (“The Muppet Show”), “The Dark Crystal” also features a majestic score by Trevor Jones (Excalibur, Labyrinth).

“Jim Henson created a truly one-of-a-kind experience with ‘The Dark Crystal,’ one that is rarely seen on the big screen,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations. “Fathom Events could not be more excited about the privilege of working with The Jim Henson Company and Universal Pictures to give movie lovers the chance to see the visual splendor of ‘The Dark Crystal’ in movie theaters.”


About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with participating theaters in all 100 of the top Designated Market Areas®, and ranks as one of the largest overall distributors of content to movie theaters. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) (known collectively as AC JV, LLC), Fathom Events offers a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top stage productions including Newsies! The Broadway Musical and George Takei’s Allegiance, major sporting events such as Mayweather vs. McGregor, epic concerts with artists like Grateful Dead and Dixie Chicks, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events such as Steve McQueen: American Icon and In Our Hands, and beloved anime titles like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 897 locations and 1,387 screens in 181 DMAs. For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About The Jim Henson Company
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world-famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards, two Academy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. The Company is currently in production on the feature film The Happytime Murders, starring Melissa McCarthy, and the upcoming Netflix original series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. Recent credits include Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix), Dot. (Sprout/Hulu), Splash and Bubbles (PBS), Word Party (Netflix), Doozers (Hulu/ Sprout), and the Emmy®-nominated Sid the Science Kid (PBS), and Dinosaur Train (PBS). Television productions include Fraggle Rock, The Storyteller and the sci-fi cult series Farscape. Features include The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and MirrorMask. Projects in development include the highly anticipated film Fraggle Rock.

The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot with additional locations in New York and London. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building, and visual effects group, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities.

http://www.henson.com
www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
www.twitter.com/hensoncompany

About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group includes film labels Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from October 22nd to 31st, 2017 - Update #46

Support Leroy on Patreon.

MOVIES - From Variety:  Paramount Pictures' "Pet Sematary" remake will be directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, the directors of the buzzed about horror film, "Starry Eyes."

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Blake Lively's spy thriller, "The Rhythm Section" is due in 2019.

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SCANDAL - From Deadline:  Harvey Weinstein has been expelled from the Producers Guild of America for life, following scores of sexual misconduct allegations.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Lupita Nyong'o and Josh Gad to star in zombie romantic comedy, "Little Monsters.

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SCANDAL - From Variety:  Kevin Spacey becomes the latest big-time Hollywood actor to be accused of some kind of sexual misconduct.  His accuser is Anthony Rapp of "Star Trek: Discovery."

From Variety:  Kevin Spacey's response to those accusations have irked some.

From Deadline:  Netflix is cancelling Kevin Spacey's streaming series, "House of Cards," after next year's sixth season in light of allegations against the two-time Oscar winner.

From HuffPost:  Remember that creepy Kevin Spacey joke on "Family Guy" in 2005?

From YahooNews:  Sexual misconduct accusations have dogged Kevin Spacey for year, according to "Newsweek."

From TheWrap:  Netflix is looking at creating a spinoff of its hit series, "House of Cards," which is will end after the sixth season - in light of accusations against series star, Kevin Spacey.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 10/27 to 10/29/2017 weekend box office is "Jigsaw" with an estimated take of $16.25 million.

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MOVIES - From Collider:  Quentin Tarantino has summoned big studios to look at the first script for his anticipated Charles Manson project.

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SCANDAL:  From YahooGMA:  Actress Annabella Sciorra ("Jungle Fever," "The Sopranos") is the latest to accuse Harvey Weinstein of rape.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  Zachary Levi, best known for NBC's "Chuck," has been tapped for the lead role in New Line Cinema's "Shazam," film based on the DC Comics character.

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MOVIES - From YahooEntertaiment:  Writer-director Robert Rodriguez ("Spy Kids") once dated Rose McGowan, who says she was raped by Harvey Weinstein, who released several of Rodriguez's films.

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ANIMATION - From TheVillageVoice:  This article argues that "South Park," has backed off criticizing President Trump and the alt-right, when it has historically not back off any sacred cows.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Tom Hanks to star in science fiction film, "Bios."

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MOVIES - From Collider:  Vin Diesel releases information about the upcoming ninth and tenth installments of the "Fast & Furious" film franchise.

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CULTURE - From SplinterNews:  The military has a serious White Nationalists problem?  [Yes, it does. This is not new news. - Leroy]

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TELEVISION - From Deadline:  Who knows what is going on with the "Bad Boys" film franchise, but producer Jerry Bruckheimer is developing a TV spin-off.  The character played by Gabrielle Union, who was in "Bad Boys 2," will be the focus on the series.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Adam Driver ("Star Wars") is attached to star in Spike Lee's "Black Klansman" film.

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COMICS-FILM - From TheWrap:  Gareth Evans, the director of the fantastic film, "The Raid," is in talks to direct a film based on the "Deathstroke" character from DC Comics.

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MOVIES - From Variety:  Colman Domingo joins Barry Smith's (Moonlight) drama, "If Beale Street Could Talk."  Domingo is known for his role as "Victor Strand" on "Fear the Walking Dead."

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MOVIES - From THR:  Sharon Stone will star as a mob mistress in "Sunny," the English-language debut of Norwegian filmmaker, Eva Sorhaug.

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CELEBRITY - From YahooEntertainment:  The daughter of the late actor, Paul Walker, has reached a settlement in her wrongful death lawsuit against Porsche.  Walker and another man were killed in a Porsche car crash in November 2013.

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COMICS-FILM - From Variety:  "Captain Marvel" director Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are in talks to have the star of their film, "Mississippi Grind," Ben Mendelsohn, join their Marvel Studios film as the villain.

From WeGotThisCovered:  Director James Mangold begins work on movie that spins off the character, "X-23," from the hit movie, "Logan."

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SPORTS - From CNN:  The site offers a guide to the 2017 World Series pitting the Los Angeles Dodgers (National League) against the Houston Astros (American League).  This is the Astros second trip to the World Series; they last played in 2005 as the representative of the National League, where they were until 2013.  The Dodgers were last in the World Series in 1988, which they won.

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COMICS-FILM - From Deadline:  Set photo from first day on the set of "Venom" starring Tom Hardy.

From Refinery29:  Why is Tom Hardy always cast as the ugliest comic book characters.

From TheWrap:  Marvel's "Captain Marvel" film will lead into the fourth "Avengers" film.
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TELEVISION - From TVLine:  Ray Donovan is coming back for a sixth season, but there will be a big change.

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MOVIES - From THR:  Oscar-winning actress Renee Zellweger will portray the legendary actress, Judy Garland, who is most famous for role in "The Wizard of Oz."  The film will be set in the final years of Garland's life.

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STAR TREK - From TheWrap:  "Star Trek: Discovery" gets a second season from CBS All Access, the streaming service.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo:  The winner of the 10/20 to 10/22/2017 weekend box office is "Tyler Perry's Boo 2! A Madea Halloween" with an estimated take of $21.65 million.

From Variety:  Tyler Perry's "Boo 2!" keeps the weekend box office from being a complete disaster.

From Variety:  With its big debut in China, "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" wins the recent international box office.

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SCANDAL - From TheWrap:  James Gunn, director of Marvel's "Guardian of the Galaxy" films, says that he has been trying to warn people about writer-director James Toback, who has been accused by over 30 women of sexual harassment.

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MOVIES - From YahooEntertainment:  Frank Oz talks about the Muppets and his career directing films.

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MOVIES - From SlashFilm:  There is a synopsis and the promise of a trailer for Paul Thomas Anderson's upcoming film, "Phantom Thread."

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POLITICS - From NYTimes:  President Trump isn't Adolf Hitler, but...

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SCANDAL - From LATimes:  "Stranger Things" and "IT" star, "Finn Wolfhard," has led the LA-based talent agency, APA, after his agent, Tyler Grasham, was accused of sexually assaulting a teenager (who is not a director) a decade ago.

From LATimes:  Over 30 women have made sexual harassment claims against director and Oscar-nominated screenwriter ("Bugsy"), James Toback.

From MadameNoire:  Director Michael Canton-Jones days that Harvey Weinstein would not let him cast actress Sophie Okonedo in his 1998 flick, "B. Monkey," because Weinstein did not find her "f***able."  Okonedo would go onto star in "Hotel Rwanda," for which she received a best supporting actress Oscar nomination.  She has won a Tony Award.

OBITS:

From THR:  Actor Jack Bannon has died at the age of 77, Wednesday, October 27, 2017.  He was best known for playing the amiable city editor, Jack Donovan, on CBS's "Lou Grant."

From THR:  Famed cinematographer Harry Stradling, Jr. died at the age of 92, Tuesday, October 17, 2017.  A two-time Oscar nominee, Stradling was known for his work on Western films, like "Little Big Man" and "Rooster Cogburn."  He worked across genres and earned Oscar nods for "1776" and "The Way We Were."

From RollingStone:  The music icon and legend, Fats Domino, died at the age of 89, Tuesday, October 24, 2017.  Domino, a symbol of the dawn of rock and roll, was an architect of rock and roll, and during the second half of the the 1950s, his record sales were reportedly second only to Elvis Presley.  His hits including "I'm Walkin'," "Blue Monday," and "Ain't That a Shame," to name a few.

From TheWrap:  The actor Robert Guillaume has died at the age of 89, Tuesday, October 24, 2017. He was best known for playing the character, Benson DuBois, a butler.  He played Benson as a supporting character in the ABC TV series, "Soap," and as a lead character in the ABC series, "Benson."  He won two Emmys for the role, once as a supporting actor and once as a lead actor.  Guillaume is also known for his voice performance as "Rafiki," in the Disney animated film, "The Lion King."  Guillaume won a Grammy Award for performing the character on "The Lion King" Read-a-long Book.

Review: "Inside Out" is Outta Sight

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 17 (of 2016) by Leroy Douresseaux

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

Inside Out (2015)
Running time:  95 minutes (1 hour, 35 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTOR:  Pete Docter
WRITERS:  Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley; based on an original story by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen
PRODUCER:  Jonas Rivera
EDITOR:  Kevin Nolting
COMPOSER:  Michael Giacchino
Academy Award winner

ANIMATION/ADVENTURE/DRAMA/COMEDY/FAMILY

Starring:  (voices) Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dais, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paula Poundstone, Bobby Moynihan, Frank Oz, Dani Dare, Dara Iruka, Dawnn Lewis, and Rashida Jones

Inside Out is a 2015 computer-animated feature film from Pixar Animation Studios.  The film is directed by Pete Docter and is based on a story written by Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen (who also co-directed this film).  Inside Out focuses on a 'tween girl who struggles with the move to a new home and on her animated emotions who get carried away by her stress.  Inside Out was executive produced by John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton.

Riley Anderson (Kaitlyn Dais) has within her mind, five personifications of her basic emotions:  Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith).  This quintet influences Riley's actions by using a console in her mind's Headquarters.  The emotions' biggest challenge comes when Riley is 11-years-old.

Riley and her parents, Bill Andersen (Kyle MacLachlan) and Jill O'Riley-Andersen (Diane Lane), move from her birthplace in Minnesota to San Francisco for Bill's new business.  Joy, who is the leader of the emotions, is determined to keep Riley happy during this transition.  However, an accident sends Joy and Sadness far away from Headquarters, leaving Anger, Disgust, and Fear in charge.  Chaos ensues, and Joy is determined to get back in order to take charge and fix the problems.  But can she get back in time before a great disaster occurs, and does she know what the problem with Riley really is?

Sometimes, it seems pointless to review Pixar movies, especially when they are as exceptionally good as Inside Out most certainly is.  Of course, this film is gorgeously animated.  Of course, it is both inventive in its conception and powerfully moving in its drama.  Inside Out is the best non-sequel Pixar film since 2009's Up.  So instead of heaping more praise on a movie upon which much praise (and an Oscar) has already been heaped, I will talk about a few things I liked about Inside Out.

I liked how the film emphasized that it is okay for people not to be happy all the time, that it is okay to sometimes be sad.  Joy and sadness go hand in hand, and sometimes they are connected in ways we never realize.  Obviously, Inside Out seems to be a movie made by filmmakers who are parents and who wish that their children would never grow up, but realize that of course they will.  Inside Out is about change, and sometimes change is painful for the things that we lose that we cannot get back.  Sometimes, we should not even want to get back things that are recoverable.

The voice performances are, all around, quite good.  I particularly liked Richard Kind as Riley's former imaginary friend, Bing Bong.  Amy Poehler's turn as Joy is full of shifts in character, mood, timbre, and color that not only define Joy, but also shape and define the narrative.  Lewis Black is surprisingly nimble as Anger, and Bill Hader manages to make his character, Fear, stand out when he could easily disappear into the pack.  I have to admit that I find Kaitlyn Dias exceptionally good as Riley; her performance makes the character seem genuine and goes a long way in making Inside Out work.

I won't say that this film is perfect.  I think the first 25 minutes are problematic because the story struggles.  It is as if the storytellers cannot hide the fact that they are bored with the obligatory set-ups and cannot wait to get to the part where the story really begins.

I have often heard it said or read that Pixar is like classic Walt Disney animated film in that Pixar movies have heart.  I think that Pixar's storytellers are willing to grapple with the bittersweet nature of life.  Like true artists, they find beauty in life:  the good, the bad, and even the mundane.  Pixar sells hope and embraces the fight for survival... or at least for something better.  Some might think of this as American middle class values.  I think Pixar's films are timeless and universal.  Woody and Buzz Lightyear's race to catch up to the car at the end of Toy Story will always be compelling.  And now, Inside Out has Joy and Riley's journey, and I don't think that story will ever grow old.

9 of 10
A+

Friday, April 22, 2016


NOTES:
2016 Academy Awards, USA:  1 win: “Best Animated Feature Film of the Year” (Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera); 1 nomination: “Best Writing, Original Screenplay” (Pete Docter-screenplay/story, Meg LeFauve-screenplay, Josh Cooley-screenplay, and Ronnie Del Carmen-story)

2016 Golden Globes, USA:  1 win: “Best Motion Picture – Animated”

2016 BAFTA Awards:  1 win:  “Best Animated Film” (Pete Docter); 1 nomination: “Best Original Screenplay (Josh Cooley, Pete Docter, and Meg LeFauve)


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: "Labyrinth" Gets Better with Age

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 118 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

Labyrinth (1986)
Running time:  101 minutes (1 hour, 41 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTOR:  Jim Henson
WRITERS:  Terry Jones; from a story by Dennis Lee and Jim Henson
PRODUCERS:  Eric Rattray
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Alex Thompson, B.S.C.
EDITOR:  John Grover
COMPOSER:  Trevor Jones
SONGS:  David Bowie
BAFTA Awards nominee

FANTASY/FAMILY with elements of adventure

Starring:  Jennifer Connelly, David Bowie, Toby Froud, Shari Weiser (Hoggle costume)/Brian Henson (Hoggle voice), Rob Mills (Ludo costume)/Ron Mueck (Ludo voice), David Goelz (voice), David Shaughnessey, Frank Oz (voice), Danny John-Jules, Shelley Thompson, Christopher Malcolm, and Kevin Clash

The subject of this movie review is Labyrinth, a 1986 British-American fantasy film directed by the late Jim Henson.  The film was written by Terry Jones from a story by Henson and Dennis Lee, although various writers contributed without receiving screen credit, including George Lucas (who was also an executive producer of the film), Elaine May, and Laura Philips.  In the film, a teen girl wishes her baby brother away and is then forced to travel through the Goblin King’s Labyrinth in order to save the infant.

Four years after the groundbreaking film, The Dark Crystal, appeared in theatres, Labyrinth was released early in the summer of 1986.  It was the last film directed by famed puppeteer and creator of “The Muppets,” the late Jim Henson’s (1936-1990).  Met with a cool reception at the box office, Labyrinth has gone on to find a large audience on home video, where children who were born long after the film first played in theatres can watch and enjoy it.

Tired of babysitting on yet another weekend night, Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), a teenager with an active imagination who loves to envision herself in fantasy worlds, calls on the goblins from her favorite book, Labyrinth, to take her baby stepbrother, Toby (Toby Froud) away.  What she doesn’t know is that goblins do exist in another world, and they hear her plea.  They take Toby, and Sarah finds herself face to face with Jareth the Goblin King (David Bowie) in her home.  He tries to dissuade her from following him back to his world, but she realizes that she must rescue her brother.

Following Jareth, she discovers that the Labyrinth itself guards Goblin City, in the middle of which sits Jareth’s castle.  Sarah must navigate the twisted maze of deception, full of strange, kooky, and menacing characters if she is to save Toby before the end of 13 hours or he will become a permanent resident of Goblin City.  To save Toby and outwit Jareth, Sarah befriends some of the goblins to aid her on her quest.  Can Sarah and her friends save Toby in time?

Labyrinth doesn’t have The Dark Crystal’s production values, but the creature costumes, makeup, and effects are very good.  In fact, the Goblins (designed by Brian Froud, the father of Toby Froud) are some of the most vividly imaginative creatures to populate a fantasy film.  The performances are good, not great; David Bowie sings the songs he composed for the film, and the tunes have the feel of most music and songs composed for fantasy films of the 1980’s, which is to say they work well enough for the film, even if they’d sound funky on the radio.

The film seems to meander quite often; the filmmakers obviously have the kind of ideas that would fit an epic film, but not enough of them.  Thus, Labyrinth at times feels like a wandering film; the filmmakers are just biding time until the stage the final confrontation between Sarah and Jareth, but to get a full-length film, they had to stretch the middle.  In fact, Labyrinth, because of the quality of its filmmaking, would today be a TV movie.  Still, this is fun to watch just to see the Jim Henson Company’s fabulous puppetry in action – always a good enough reason to watch any Jim Henson production.

6 of 10
B

NOTES:
1987 BAFTA Awards:  1 nomination: “Best Special Visual Effects” (Roy Field, Brian Froud, George Gibbs, and Tony Dunsterville)

Updated:  Friday, March 21, 2014


The text is copyright © 2014 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

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You can buy LABYRINTH on Blu-ray at AMAZON.

Amazon wants me to inform you that the affiliate link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the affiliate link below AND buy something(s).

Review: "The Dark Crystal" Retains its Beautiful Magic (Remembering Jim Henson)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 119 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Dark Crystal (1982)
Running time: 84 minutes (1 hour, 24 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTORS: Jim Henson and Frank Oz
WRITERS: David Odell, from a story by Jim Henson
PRODUCERS: Gary Kurtz and Jim Henson
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Oswald Morris, B.S.C.
EDITOR: Ralph Kemplen
COMPOSER: Trevor Jones
BAFTA Awards nominee

FANTASY/ADVENTURE/FAMILY/ACTION

Starring: Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, and Frank Oz

The subject of this movie review is The Dark Crystal, a 1982 American and British fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. It remains one of the most unique and imaginative fantasy films ever made.

Although “The Muppet Show” may be the thing for which Jim Henson is best known, many movie fans, especially fans of fantasy movies, fondly remember Henson’s ambitious film, The Dark Crystal. Costing roughly $20 million to produce and in production for nearly five years, The Dark Crystal was a live-action fantasy film that featured some of Henson’s most imaginative creatures ever, many of which were the concept designs of Brian Froud, who would collaborate with Henson on his next fantasy epic, the mid-80’s flick, Labyrinth.

The story revolved around The Dark Crystal, a source for Balance and Truth in the Universe. One thousand years before this film begins it was shattered, dividing the world of the film into two factions: the wicked, avian-like, Skeksis, and the peaceful Mystics. Now, the convergence of the world’s three suns again approaches, and the Crystal must be healed by then or the Skeksis will rule for eternity. Enter Jen (Jim Henson), a Gelfling (like an elf), who believes that he is the last of his race. A Mystic took Jen into his home when Jen was an infant; on his deathbed, the Mystic tells Jen that he must find the shard that broke off the Crystal, and he later learns that he must restore that piece and make the Crystal whole. Another Gelfling, Kira (Kathryn Mullen), joins Jen on his quest, and together they brave the unknown dangers that await them on their quest to restore the Crystal and end the reign of evil on their world.

The Dark Crystal is arguably Jim Henson’s finest achievement as a maker of fantasy film. The plot is simple and the script barely builds on the protagonist/obstacle dynamic, but the filmmakers probably considered that to be the least important thing. They intended us to be wowed by the puppets. That is important – the incredible puppets, costumes, creature effects, and other special effects. Human don’t make an appearance in this film other than being under puppets or costumes because the emphasis is on the puppets. And what an achievement in puppetry The Dark Crystal is.

Watching it, I couldn’t help but marvel that these puppets made such engaging characters and that the operators did such a great job making the puppets seem like real beings. Jen and Kira are characters that we can’t take our eyes off of as they scramble to save their world; you could totally buy into them the way you would flesh and blood actors. They give better performances than many real actors. Over two decades later, The Dark Crystal retains its marvelous charm, and its production is still a wonder of filmmaking.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
1984 BAFTA Awards: “Best Special Visual Effects” (Roy Field, Brian Smithies, and Ian Wingrove)

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38th Saturn Award Winners - Complete List

by Leroy Douresseaux

The Saturn Awards are presented annually by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films to honor the top works in science fiction, fantasy, and horror in film, television, and home video.  Last year, I posted the nominations for the 38th Saturn Awards, but not the winners.  Well, the nominations for the 39th Saturn Awards were announces, so that reminded me of my slip-up.

The qualifying period for the 38th annual Saturn Awards was Feb. 1, 2011, to Jan. 31, 2012. This year’s Saturn Awards were presented on July 26, 2012 in Burbank.

38th Saturn Award winners:

FILM CATEGORIES

Best Science Fiction Film:
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox

Best Fantasy Film:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Warner Bros.

Best Horror/Thriller Film:
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Sony

Best Action/Adventure Film:
Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount

Best Actor:
Michael Shannon, Take Shelter - Sony Pictures Classics

Best Actress:
Kirsten Dunst, Melancholia - Magnolia

Best Supporting Actor:
Andy Serkis, Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox

Best Supporting Actress:
Emily Blunt, The Adjustment Bureau - Universal

Best Performance by a Younger Actor:
Joel Courtney, Super 8 - Paramount

Best Direction:
J.J. Abrams, Super 8 - Paramount

Best Writing:
Jeff Nichols, Take Shelter - Sony Pictures Classics

Best Music:
Michael Giacchino, Super 8 - Paramount

Best Production Design:
Dante Ferretti, Hugo - Paramount

Best Editing:
Paul Hirsch, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount

Best Costume:
Alexandra Byrne, Thor - Paramount/Marvel

Best Make-Up:
Dave Elsey, Fran Needham, Conor O’ Sullivan, X-Men: First Class - 20th Century Fox

Best Special Effects:
Dan Lemmon, Joe Letteri, R. Christopher White, Daniel Barrett, Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox

Best International Film:
The Skin I Live In - Sony Pictures Classics

Best Animated Film:
Puss in Boots - Paramount/DreamWorks Animation

TELEVISION CATEGORIES:

Best Network Television Series:
Fringe - Fox

Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series:
Breaking Bad - AMC

Best Presentation on Television (10 Episodes or Less):
The Walking Dead - AMC

Best Youth-Oriented Series on Television:
Teen Wolf - MTV

Best Actor on Television:
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad - AMC

Best Actress on Television:
Anna Torv, Fringe - Fox

Best Supporting Actor on Television:
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad - AMC

Best Supporting Actress on Television:
Michelle Forbes, The Killing - AMC

Best Guest Performer on Television:
Tom Skerritt, Leverage - TNT

HOME-ENTERTAINMENT CATEGORIES

Best DVD Release: (TIE)
Atlas Shrugged: Part One - Fox
The Perfect Host - Magnolia

Best DVD Special Edition Release:
Giorgio Moroder Presents Metropolis - Kino International

Best DVD Collection:
Stanley Kubrick: The Essential Collection - Warner

Best DVD Television Series Release:
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena – Starz

Special Awards:

The George Pal Memorial Award: Martin Scorsese

The Life Career Award: Frank Oz and James Remar

The Filmmakers Showcase Award: Drew Goddard

The Milestone Award: The Simpsons

The Innovator Award: Robert Kirkman

The Appreciation Award: Jeffrey Ross (for hosting the Saturn Awards)

www.saturnawards.org.

Review: "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" Retains Its Innocence"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 31 (of 2002) by Leroy Douresseaux

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
Running time: 136 minutes (2 hours, 16 minutes)
MPAA – PG for sci-fi action/violence
WRITER/DIRECTOR: George Lucas
PRODUCER: Rick McCallum
CINEMATOGRAPHER: David Tattersall (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Ben Burtt and Paul Martin Smith
COMPOSER: John Williams
Academy Award nominee

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE with elements of a thriller

Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Pernilla August, (voice) Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Oliver Ford Davies, Hugh Quarshie, (voice) Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Terrence Stamp, Brian Blessed, Andrew Secombe, Ray Park, (voice) Lewis Macleod, Steven Spiers, Silas Carson, Ralph Brown, and Samuel L. Jackson

The 1999 film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, is the fourth release in the Star Wars film franchise. It is also the first film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, a series of three movies in which the stories take place before the events depicted in the original Star Wars trilogy: Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983). The Phantom Menace has been recently re-released as a 3D feature.

Back in 1999, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace was highly-anticipated release, and although it was a tremendous success at the box office, the movie received mixed reviews from professional film critics and reviewers. The Phantom Menace received criticism from Star Wars fandom, some of it intense. However, I am a fan of The Phantom Menace, and it is my favorite of the three prequel films. My feelings about it are similar to a statement that Ewan McGregor, who starred in the film, made, and that is that The Phantom Menace is just a little fairy tale about a group of people running from one side of the galaxy to the other, having adventures. And I like going along with them on these adventures.

Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are two Jedi Knights who must help Queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) save her planet Naboo from the Trade Federation, which is determined to take it. Jar Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) is a Naboo outcast who joins the Jedi on their quest. After the group escapes from a Trade Federation-controlled Naboo, they land on the planet Tatooine, where they meet Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd), a boy with the potential to be a powerful Jedi. Dark forces, however, hunt them in the guise of Darth Maul (Ray Park), an apprentice of the Sith, the Jedi’s ancient enemies.

Directed by George Lucas, The Phantom Menace is the first of three prequels to the original Star Wars movies (Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi). Lucas doesn’t give his cast the room to stretch their characters, and his dialogue is mostly wooden and awkward. It is often painfully obvious in how unpolished both the acting and the writing is. Neeson has the most room to roam, but McGregor’s talent is sadly wasted. The driest performance has to be that of Lloyd as the young Anakin Skywalker, he his moments. Jar Jar Binks is a computer-generated character, and while Best does excellent work in creating a unique voice for the character, Jar Jar is an annoying character.

Other than that, TPM is a blast. In a way, it is like a fairy tale in which the cast runs from one hot spot to another, barely staying ahead of the bad guys. In the pod race sequence that occurs in the middle of the film, one can see Lucas’s ability to craft scenes of breath taking intensity that match the best car chases and chase scenes with the flair of the movie serials of Hollywood’s bygone era. Maul’s attack on Qui-Gon and, later, the final battle between the two Jedi and the Sith apprentice are exciting and beautifully staged. In fact, the action sequences are so good that they make up for TPM’s duller moments.

Although it doesn’t recall the excitement of Star Wars or have the dramatic impact of The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace is fun. It doesn’t try to be quality filmmaking so much as it dares to be quality, lightweight entertainment. And at that, it is very good.

7 of 10
A-

NOTES:
2000 Academy Awards: 3 nominations: “Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing” (Ben Burtt and Tom Bellfort), “Best Effects, Visual Effects” (John Knoll, Dennis Muren, Scott Squires, and Rob Coleman), and “Best Sound” (Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson, Shawn Murphy, and John Midgley)

2000 BAFTA Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects” (John Knoll, Dennis Muren, Scott Squires, and Rob Coleman) and “Best Sound” (Ben Burtt, Tom Bellfort, John Midgley, Gary Rydstrom, Tom Johnson, and Shawn Murphy)

2000 Razzie Awards: 1 win: “Worst Supporting Actor” (Ahmed Best, the voice of Jar-Jar Binks); 6 nominations: “Worst Picture” (20th Century-Fox), “Worst Director” (George Lucas), “Worst Screen Couple” (Jake Lloyd and Natalie Portman), “Worst Screenplay” (George Lucas), “Worst Supporting Actor” (Jake Lloyd), and “Worst Supporting Actress” (Sofia Coppola)

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Review: "The Muppet Movie" Still Moves Me

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 96 (of 2011) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Muppet Movie (1979)
Running time: 95 minutes (1 hour, 35 minutes)
MPAA – G
DIRECTOR: James Frawley
WRITERS: Jack Burns and Jerry Juhl
PRODUCER: Jim Henson
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Isidore Mankofsky
EDITOR: Chris Greenbury
COMPOSER: Paul Williams
SONGS: Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher
Academy Award nominee

FANTASY/COMEDY/ADVENTURE/FAMILY

Starring: The Muppets, (voices) Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz; Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton, Edgar Bergen, Mel Brooks, Dom DeLuise, Elliot Gould, Madeline Kahn, Steve Martin, Cloris Leachman, Richard Pryor, Bob Hope, James Coburn, Milton Berle, and Orson Welles

The Muppet Movie is a 1979 live-action, comic fantasy film and musical. This Oscar-nominated film stars The Muppets, the puppet characters created by the late Jim Henson, specifically the characters that appeared on the television series, “The Muppets” (1976-81). A film-within-in-a-film, The Muppet Movie tells the story of how The Muppets came together, or, as Kermit the Frog says, “It’s sort of approximately how it happened.”

The film begins with Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) relaxing in a Florida swamp on a sunny afternoon, when a Hollywood agent tells him that he should pursue a career in Hollywood. Inspired by the idea of “making millions of people happy,” Kermit begins a cross-country journey, at first by bicycle. After an accident, Kermit teams up with Fozzie Bear (Frank Oz) and resumes the trip in Fozzie’s Studebaker. Along the way, they pick up fellow travelers like The Great Gonzo (Dave Goelz) and his mate, Camilla the Chicken (Jerry Nelson), and of course, Miss Piggy (Frank Oz).

Meanwhile, the villainous Doc Hopper (Charles Durning) and his assistant, Max (Austin Pendleton), pursue them. The Colonel Sanders-like Hopper is the owner of a “French-fried frog legs” fast food franchise, and he wants Kermit to be the new spokesman for the franchise. After Kermit says no, Hopper chases him, making offers that become increasingly threatening.

Prior to this recent viewing, I had not seen The Muppet Movie since the early 1980s (I think), but I remember liking it. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about it now, but it turns out that I still love the movie. Is the reason nostalgia? No, The Muppet Movie is simply an excellent film. As a film musical, it has terrific songs from Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher, and three of them (“Rainbow Connection,” “Movin’ Right Along,” and “Can You Picture That?”) are great.

As a comedy, it is sharp and smart, surprisingly so for a film that is aimed at children, although “The Muppet Show,” was meant to appeal to both children and adults. There is sly innuendo, clever word play, and snappy dialogue. The film even offers satire, such as its skewering of the desire to be famous for entertaining.

And hell, ya’ll, it’s the Muppets. What could be unlikable about them? I look forward to my next viewing of The Muppet Movie, and I want to encourage you, dear readers, to see it if you haven’t already or to just see it again.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
1980 Academy Awards: 2 nominations: “Best Music, Original Song” (Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher for the song "The Rainbow Connection") and “Best Music, Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score” (Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher)

1980 Golden Globes: 1 nomination: “Best Original Song - Motion Picture” (Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher for the song "Rainbow Connection")

2009 National Film Preservation Board, USA: “National Film Registry”

Monday, November 21, 2011

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Review: "Return of the Jedi" is the Ultimate Summer Movie

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 139 (of 2004) by Leroy Douresseaux

Return of the Jedi (1983)
Running time: 134 minutes (2 hours, 14 minutes)
MPAA – PG
DIRECTOR: Richard Marquand
WRITERS: Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas; from a story by George Lucas
PRODUCER: Howard Kazanjian
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Alan Hume (D.o.P.)
EDITORS: Sean Barton, Duwayne Dunham, and Marcia Lucas
COMPOSER: John Williams
Academy Award winner

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE

Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Sebastian Shaw, Ian McDiarmid, (voice) Frank Oz, (voice) James Earl Jones, David Prowse, Alec Guinness, Kenny Baker, and Denis Lawson

Return of the Jedi is a 1983 epic science fiction film and is the second sequel to the film, Star Wars (1977). It is also the concluding film in the original Star Wars trilogy. Personally, Return of the Jedi is the one for which I am most nostalgic.

The original Star Wars saga concluded with Return of the Jedi (also known as Star Wars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi). As the film begins, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) lead a charge to rescue Han Solo (Harrison Ford) from the gangster Jabba the Hutt, a giant, nasty, slug-like creature.

However, the fight against the Empire also continues. The Rebel Alliance has received sensitive data about the Empire’s new Death Star satellite, so our favorite rebels head for the Forest Moon of Endor on a mission to cripple the Death Star’s defense systems. But Luke must once again confront his father, Darth Vader, (David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones), the evil face of the empire, and Darth Vader’s master, The Emperor (Ian McDiarmid). Are the heroes walking into a carefully orchestrated trap, and will they win the day?

As with the other two original films, Return of the Jedi is a thrilling ride in the tradition of matinee serials, or serialized adventures in general. The film moves at a fast, brisk pace, and the script tightly and concisely moves through the plot. The film has two glaring weaknesses. First, some of the acting is terrible, and in a few scenes the actors deliver the dialogue with a total lack of inspiration. Secondly, the inclusion of the new characters, the Ewoks (basically a tribal group of human dwarf-size teddy bears), is a painfully obvious attempt to sell toys, because that’s what the Ewoks are – toys and merchandising.

Otherwise, Return of the Jedi is a very entertaining film; it is the least in terms of quality of the original trio, but it’s still great and fun entertainment. It gets better with age, especially when one considers that as the closing shot gives way to the credits, this signals the end of an era – the original cinematic run of the original Star Wars films.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
1984 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Special Achievement Award” (Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Phil Tippett for visual effects); 4 nominations: “Best Art Direction-Set Decoration” (Norman Reynolds, Fred Hole, James L. Schoppe, Michael Ford), “Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing” (Ben Burtt), “Best Music, Original Score” (John Williams), and “Best Sound” (Ben Burtt, Gary Summers, Randy Thom, and Tony Dawe)

1984 BAFTA Awards: 1 win: “Best Special Visual Effects” (Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Kit West); 3 nominations: “Best Make Up Artist” (Phil Tippett and Stuart Freeborn), “Best Production Design/Art Direction” (Norman Reynolds), and “Best Sound” (Ben Burtt, Tony Dawe, and Gary Summers)

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Review: "An American Werewolf in London" Will Howl Forever (Happy B'day, Rick Baker)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 85 (of 2003) by Leroy Douresseaux

An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Running time: 97 minutes (1 hour, 37 minutes)
MPAA – R
WRITER/DIRECTOR: John Landis
PRODUCER: George Folsey Jr.
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Robert Paynter
EDITOR: Malcolm Campbell
COMPOSER: Elmer Bernstein

HORROR with some elements of comedy and romance

Starring: David Naughton, Griffin Dunne, Jenny Agutter, John Woodvine, Anne-Marie Davies, and Frank Oz

I remember when my late father had to actually go to the ticket window and physically purchase a ticket for me to see John Landis’s comedy/horror classic, An American Werewolf in London, because it was an R-rated movie. At the time, the local sheriff was forcing the theatre I frequented to abide by the MPAA ratings system. In the early 80’s, there were so many (fairly) hardcore teen-oriented films with strong sexual and violent themes, but I’m sure it was the sex that was bothering any influential locals who might have protested to the sheriff. I think the area was just starting to understand that the less attractive aspects of the sexual revolution were coming to visit us.

However, the “inconvenience” to my father was worth it, at least to me. An American Werewolf in London truly is a great horror film. I recently watched the movie in its entirety for the first time in over 20 years, and I still liked it as much as I did the first time. Even the special makeup effects by SFX maestro Rick Baker (who won an Oscar for his groundbreaking work here) for the first werewolf transformation that we see is as stunning, shocking, hilarious, frightening, and quite intense as it was when it first wowed audiences.

In the film two American college students, David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne), on a walking tour of England are attacked by a werewolf (Paddy Ryan) near a small rural village on the moors. David survives the attack, which the superstitious town folks hastily cover up. While recovering in a London hospital, David falls for his nurse, Alex Price (Jenny Agutter), and she takes him how so they can bop each other’s brains out. However, David receives a gruesome surprise when Jack returns as an undead apparition that only David can see. According to Jack, David carries a curse, and during the next full moon, he will transform into a werewolf and kill more people. Only David’s death will end the curse, free Jack’s soul, and save others from a brutal death in the jaws of the lycanthrope.

From Animal House to Blue Brothers, writer/director John Landis showed his gift for sheer lunacy, which he combined with a rich sense of humor. Granted that American Werewolf’s has some story holes (didn’t the neighbors hear all the racket David made the night he transforms and how did he leave Alex’s apartment after he transformed?), but the movie is such fun. It’s creepy, but not in a dreadful sort of way. It’s inventive, especially in the dream sequences and scenes where Jack and other undead visit David. It’s spectacular in Rick Baker’s surreal and near supernatural display of make up wizardry. Werewolf is hilarious and goofy; it has a B-movie spirit of winks and nudges with just enough gore to place it firmly in the pantheon of “serious” horror films.

I liked the acting because all the actors played their parts with such aplomb. Although I really liked David Naughton’s frantic portrayal of the doomed David, I also liked Griffin Dunne’s turn as the sarcastic and deadpan Jack. What more do I need to say? If you like horror movies, especially the one’s in which the comedy is intentional, and a good old-fashioned thriller, An American Werewolf in London is the film for you. It stood out amongst the flood of crass slasher films of its time, and it has a special quality that would make it stand out today. And I love Rick Baker even more!

7 of 10
A-

NOTES:
1982 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Makeup” (Rick Baker)

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"Monsters, Inc." a Fantastic Monster Movie

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 18 (of 2001) by Leroy Douresseaux


Monsters, Inc. (2001)
Running time: 92 minutes (1 hour, 32 minutes)
DIRECTORS: Peter Docter with David Silverman and Lee Unkrich
WRITERS: Andrew Stanton and Dan Gerson with additional screenplay material from Robert Baird, Rhett Reese and Jonathan Roberts, from a story by Peter Docter, Jill Culton, Ralph Eggleston, and Jeff Pidgeon
PRODUCER: Darla K. Anderson
EDITORS: Robert Grahamjones and Jim Stewart
COMPOSER: Randy Newman
Academy Award winner

ANIMATION/COMEDY/FANTASY/FAMILY

Starring: (voice) John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Jennifer Tilly, Bob Peterson, John Ratzenberger, Frank Oz, Dan Gerson, Steve Susskind, and Bonnie Hunt

Monsters, Inc. is the fourth collaboration between computer animation studio Pixar and Walt Disney, a match made in heaven that has already produced three brilliant films: Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, and Toy Story 2. Monsters was a safe bet to be a hit, which it is, and it was also a safe bet to be a darned good movie, which it certainly is.

Monsters, Inc. is a utility company that generates its power from the screams of children. James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) is the company’s top scream maker, but during an attempt to help his partner Michael “Mike” Wazowski (Billy Crystal), Sully accidentally lets a human child into the building and all heck breaks loose. Although they depend on children for the power to run their world, monsters are afraid of children. The child, whom Sulley names “Boo” (Mary Gibbs) touches Sulley’s heart, and he’s determined to return her to her bedroom before harm comes to her in the form of Sulley’s chief rival, Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi).

Monsters employs the same formula that made the previous Disney/Pixar films huge successes. The personable voice talent comes in the form of Goodman and Crystal, who are capable, but are not as engaging as Tom Hands and Tim Allen in the Toy Story films; their performances are closer to the work of Dave Foley in A Bug’s Life. Buscemi, as Boggs, brings a venom filled performance that drips menace much in the manner Kevin Spacey did in A Bug’s Life.

The animation is nice, but the pastel-like tones are often dull in the film. The design of the citizens of Monstropolis, the home city of Monsters, Inc. is, at times, inventive, and at other times, rather ordinary. Most of the creatures seemed to have come straight out of cheap Saturday morning animation.

Where the film really scores is its script and direction. The film is a bit slow in its setup of the story, but the slowness does allow the story to indulge in the idiosyncrasies of its characters. The writers and directors build the tension with a slow burn, the film explodes into an old-fashioned barnburner with a rousing chases that rivals the best of cinema. The movie has the kind of action movie adrenaline hit that you’d get when Indiana Jones chased the trucks in Raiders of the Lost Ark or the pod race in Star Wars Episode One: the Phantom Menace. Pixar gave is previous films the same edge of the seat chase and rescue, which made the film a thrill ride for all ages.

With its sentimental and beautiful ending, Monsters, Inc. easily overcomes any reservations that anyone might have about it. Once again Disney/Pixar has produced a picture worthy of end of year best film lists. Awards usually ignore such films because they’re only animation, and, after all, cartoons are for kids. But the truth is in the result; don’t cheat yourself of this fine movie.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
2002 Academy Awards: 1 win: “Best Music, Original Song” (Randy Newman for the song "If I Didn't Have You"); 3 nominations: “Best Animated Feature” (Pete Docter and John Lasseter), “Best Music, Original Score” (Randy Newman), and “Best Sound Editing” (Gary Rydstrom and Michael Silvers)
2002 BAFTA Awards: 1 win: “BAFTA Children's Award Best Feature Film” (Darla K. Anderson, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, and Daniel Gerson)

Review: "Zathura" is an Excellent Sci-Fi Adventure

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 73 (of 2006) by Leroy Douresseaux

Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
Opening date: November 11, 2005
Running time: 101 minutes; MPAA – PG for fantasy action and peril, and some language
DIRECTOR: Jon Favreau
WRITERS: David Koepp & John Kamps (based upon the book by Chris Van Allsburg)
PRODUCERS: Michael De Luca, Scott Kroopf, and William Teitler
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Guillermo Navarro
EDITOR: Dan Lebental

SCI-FI/FANTASY/ACTION/ADVENTURE/FAMILY with elements of comedy and drama

Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Sheppard, Kristen Stewart, Tim Robbins, and (voice) Frank Oz

After discovering a mysterious game called “Zathura” in the basement of their father’s (Tim Robbins) house, two brothers, 6-year old Danny (Jonah Bobo) and 10-year old Walter (Josh Hutcherson) find their home flying in space, after Danny begins to play the game. The brothers realize that they must finish the game by reaching the planet Zathura, or they’ll be trapped in space forever. If that weren’t enough, their doubting sister, Lisa (Kristen Stewart), is trapped with them. The bossy Astronaut (Dax Sheppard) is eating all the food they have in the refrigerator, and a vicious alien race of flesh-eating lizards, the Zorgons, is trying to destroy everyone and the house.

Zathura: A Space Adventure is the third film based upon a book by children’s storybook author, Chris Van Allsburg, following Jumanji and The Polar Express. In fact, Zathura was a kind of follow up to Jumanji, as both books dealt with children finding enchanted board games that send them on perilous adventures. Director Jon Favreau (Elf) also made a point of using practical effects as much as possible over computer generated images (CGI). In a way, Zathura is Favreau’s nod to the sci-fi and fantasy films of the late 1970 and the 1980’s that used miniatures, puppets, on-set pyrotechnics, superbly crafted props, makeup, and creature effects (suits and prosthetics) because there was no CGI to create fantastic worlds, creatures, and situations. Favreau’s film especially seems to reference Steven Spielberg’s early work (Close Encounters of the Third Kind and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), in particular the Spielberg’s use of light and sound to create the presence of otherworldly creatures.

In fact, the film has an old-timey charm to it. It’s not the grand, testosterone, CGI extravaganza’s like the Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings franchises or The Chronicles of Narnia that have come to define big, family-oriented, event fantasy films. Favreau relies on a savvy crew of craftsman, engineers, technicians, artists, etc. that use its collective hands and wits to build on-set special effects. There is some CGI, and it is almost never as impressive as the non-computer stuff. Everything seems so real and earthy. The perils are dangerous, but not so dangerous that two resourceful boys couldn’t survive it. Favreau’s real effects have a way of making the viewer feel that he’s in that house with Walter and Danny, racing to find a way home.

In telling this story of sibling rivalry, children of divorce, and brotherly love and bonding, Favreau leans heavily on his leads, Josh Hutcherson and Jonah Bobo. They are wonderful and have superb screen chemistry. They create a big brother/little brother dynamic that is uncannily genuine. Hutcherson’s performance as a pre-teen boy is excellent and, ironically, beyond his years. He’s definitely a pro, and he acts more than he pretends (still a problem with some child actors). Bobo as Danny is surprisingly emotive. His performance comes alive in his facial expressions and in his wide, expressive eyes. He buys into Zathura’s scenario and has fun. Kristen Stewart is also fun in a woefully small and underutilized part as the sister, Lisa. I found Dax Sheppard’s performance as The Astronaut to be a mixed bag; sometimes he was good, and other times he wore his performance on his sleeve by overacting.

A flop when it was released in early fall of 2005, Zathura: A Space Adventure is a throwback film aimed at an audience (particularly young boys) that is more familiar with wide open CGI films than it is with old-fashioned sci-fi yarns that recall the golden age of juvenile sci-fi: rockets, boy astronauts, and reptilian aliens. They weren’t even born when miniature props and puppetry made hits of films like Gremlins and The Last Starfighter. Zathura’s tale of brother’s working together and of discovery has a sense of fun that is as wide-eyed as Jonah Bobo’s Danny. It’s a simple adventure film that may find a long, deserved life on TV.

7 of 10
A-

Saturday, April 15, 2006

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