Review: "This is Spinal Tap" Never Stops Being Funny (Happy B'day, Rob Reiner)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 106 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Running time: 83 minutes (1 hour, 23 minutes)
MPAA – R
DIRECTOR: Rob Reiner
WRITERS: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, & Rob Reiner
PRODUCER: Karen Murphy
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Peter Smokler
EDITOR: Kent Beyda and Kim Secrist

COMEDY/MUSIC

Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, June Chadwick, Tony Hendra, RJ Parnell, Fran Drescher, Patrick MacNee, Bruno Kirby, Ed Begley, Jr., Billy Crystal, Dana Carvey, Howard Hessman, Fred Willard, Paul Shaffer, Gloria Gifford, and Anjelica Huston

The subject of this review is This is Spinal Tap, a faux documentary that parodies rock documentary films. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film also satirizes the behavior and attitudes of members of hard rock and heavy metal bands.

This is Spinal Tap basically says that, “It’s time to get personal with one of music history’s greatest and loudest rock bands… Spinal Tap.” Documentary filmmaker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) is making a “rockumentary,” a rock documentary of the band’s 1982 tour in support of the release of its 15th album, but the band has falling on some hard times. They’re playing smaller venues in front of an ever-shrinking audience, and the band’s front men: guitarist/co-songwriter David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean), lead guitarist/co-songwriter Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), and bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) are older and struggling with inner band turmoil. DiBergi’s documentary gives them a chance to talk about themselves, their history, and their music and gives the audience a behind the scenes look at rare footage and a chance to hear lots of music. Will Spinal Tap survive, or will we die laughing first?

This is Spinal Tap, Rob Reiner’s faux documentary, created a film genre, the “mockumentary” or mock documentary. This is Spinal Tap is a fake documentary that follows the life and times of an aged metal band on an less-than-successful American tour, and everyone involved, especially the band comes across as twits. They don’t, in all seriousness, see themselves as pathetically funny as they actually are. Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer wrote all the songs for the fake band called Spinal Tap (which some movie audiences initial thought was a real band), and with the rest of the cast, adlibbed most of the dialogue.

Anyone with more than a passing knowledge of heavy metal music and the eccentricities of metal’s most famous practitioners will double over in laughter at this “behind the scenes” look at band infighting, groupies, cancelled concerts, impractical stage sets, musical and performance pretensions, tight pants, misogynistic music, and the long hair and makeup. Even if you don’t like music, This is Spinal Tab is still funny; in fact the magazine, Entertainment Weekly, named it the #1 cult film of all time.

The film’s strength is in the music; one is actors playing the front men are all competent musicians. Spinal Tap’s songs are so funny and so dead on rock and roll and heavy metal, that for all that they are satires of metal songs, they also work quite well as actually metal music. Great parodies have to work as the thing they are parodying; Mel Brooks has made a career on getting the setting right in such films as Young Frankenstein, which looked like the classic black and white Universal Studios Frankenstein films and Blazing Saddles, which looked and acted like a western. The film’s other strength is the cast. Everyone is so good at playing so many absurd situations and saying so many ridiculous things with the straightest faces, as if the entire Spinal Tap scenario were all real and serious. This is Spinal Tap is a must-see for lovers of comedy.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
2002 National Film Registry: National Film Preservation Board, USA

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"The Lion King 1½" and "The Lion King" Now on Blu-ray

The Lion King 1½

Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa are Back For a Limited Time, Includes a New Timon and Pumbaa Bonus Feature Available March 6, 2012 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital

Synopsis: Hilarity reigns in the motion picture comedy-adventure that takes you waaay back to the beginning before Simba’s tale began…now more fabulous than ever for the first time in a 2-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack!

From their uniquely hysterical perspective, Timon and his windy pal Pumbaa—the greatest unsung heroes of the savanna—reveal where they came from, how they helped Simba save the Serengeti and what really happened behind the scenes of The Lion King’s biggest events.

This essential chapter of The Lion King trilogy features your favorite characters voiced by the original cast (Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Ernie Sabella plus Julie Kavner and Jerry Stiller) and music by Elton John and Tim Rice. You’ll feel the love for every outrageously funny moment.

Cast:
Nathan Lane (Broadway’s “The Producers”) as voice of Timon
Ernie Sabella (The Lion King) as voice of Pumbaa
Julie Kavner (TV’s “The Simpsons”) as voice of Mom
Jerry Stiller (TV’s “The King of Queens”) as voice of Uncle Max
Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as voice of Simba
Robert Guillaume (TV’s “Benson”) as voice of Rafiki
Moira Kelly (The Lion King) as voice ofNala
Whoopi Goldberg (voice in Snow Buddies) as voice of Shenzi
Cheech Marin (Cars) as voice of Banzai
Jim Cummings (Winnie The Pooh) as voice of Ed
Director: Bradley Raymond (Tinker Bell and Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue)

Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari
This new animated bonus feature shows Timon & Pumbaa watching home movies of their animal friends at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

Deleted Scenes
Director Bradley Raymond and Producer George Mendoza explain why these segments did not make the final film.

1. Opening Concept #1
2. Opening Concept #2
3. Old Fearless Buzz
4. Timon talks to Dad
5. Timon, Dad & Mom
6. Intro to “Scurry, Flinch, Sniff”
7. Timon & Pumbaa look for Oasis

Timon: Behind the Legend
Hosted by Peter Graves, this mock-umentary traces Timon’s childhood. There are interviews with Timon’s mom, Uncle Max & Pumbaa, plus snapshots show him growing up.

Before the Beginning: The Making of Lion King 1 1?2
Director Bradley Raymond and Producer George Mendoza walk viewers through the film… from before the beginning. Brad and George are silhouetted against their own film with a remote, just like Timon and Pumbaa.

“Grazing in the Grass”
Music video performed by Raven.

Digital Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari
Timon: Behind The Legend

Rating: G in U.S. and G in Canada
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature Run Time: Approximately 76 minutes
Suggested Retail Prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Standard Definition Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray: 1.66: 1/1080p High Definition
DVD: 1.66:1/Widescreen
Sound: Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French and Spanish, 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: 5.1 Dolby Digital English, French andSpanish
Languages: English
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish
Special Edition Available March 6, 2012 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital
Includes a New Timon and Pumbaa Animated Short




The Lion King 2

Synopsis: The king of animated films reigns in this final chapter of The Lion King trilogy, now breathtakingly beautiful for the first time in a 2-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack! Experience the power of “Upendi”—which means “love”—as Kiara, Simba’s strong-willed daughter, seeks adventure away from her father’s watchful gaze. Timon and Pumbaa can do only so much to protect her, especially when she encounters an intriguing rival, Kovu, a cub who is being groomed to lead Scar’s pride.

As Kiara and Kovu search for their proper places in the great “Circle Of Life,” they discover that it may be their destiny to reunite their prides andbring peace to the Pride Lands.

Featuring the original all-star voice cast, breathtaking animation and enchanting songs, Kiara and Kovu’s adventure thrills audiences of all ages as the glorious “Circle Of Life” continues for a new generation.

Cast: Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) as voice of Simba
Nathan Lane (Broadway’s “The Producers”) as voice of Timon
Ernie Sabella (The Lion King) as voice of Pumbaa
Neve Campbell (Scream) as voice of Kiara
Jason Marsden (TV’s “G.I. Joe: Renegades”) as voice of Kova
Andy Dick (TV’s “Community”) as voice of Nuka
Robert Guillaume (TV’s “Benson”) as voice of Rafiki
James Earl Jones (The Lion King) as voice of Mufasa
Moira Kelly (The Lion King) as voice ofNala

Directors: Darrell Rooney (Mulan II) and Rob LaDuca (Mickey’s Adventures in Wonderland)

Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Insectapedia
In this new animated bonus feature, Timon & Pumbaa gaze at the night sky as the star constellations resemble their favorite meal, insects!

“One By One”
An original animated short with vocals by The Lion King vocalist Lebo Morake.

Timon & Pumbaa: Find Out Why
In this series of animated shorts, Timon and Pumbaa provide answers to some of life’s most puzzling questions including:

1. Why is there lightning and thunder?
2. Why do we sneeze?
3. Why don’t Pandas live in the desert?
4. Why is there wind?
5. Why does an airplane fly?

Proud of Simba’s Pride
A featurette that traces the making of the movie.

“Love Will Find a Way” Music Video
Performed by Kenny Lattimore and Heather Headley.

Digital Bonus Features: Timon & Pumbaa’s Insectapedia
“One By One”

Street Date: March 6, 2012
Rating: G in U.S. and G in Canada
Bonus materials not rated.
Feature Run Time: Approximately 81 minutes
Suggested Retail Prices: 2-Disc Blu-ray (Blu-ray + DVD) = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
1-Disc DVD = $29.99 U.S./$35.99 Canada
High Definition Digital = $39.99 U.S./$46.99 Canada
Standard Definition Digital = $29.99 U.S./$35.99
Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray: 1.78: 1/1080p High Definition
DVD: 1.78:1/Widescreen
Sound: Blu-ray: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD: 5.1 Dolby Digital English, French and Spanish
Languages: English
Subtitles: English SDH, French and Spanish

Review: "Hitch" is Funny and Sweet (Happy B'day, Eva Mendes)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 22 (of 2005) by Leroy Douresseaux

Hitch (2005)
Running time: 115 minutes (1 hour, 55 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for language and some strong sexual references
DIRECTOR: Andy Tennant
WRITER: Kevin Bisch
PRODUCERS: Will Smith and Teddy Zee
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Andrew Dunn
EDITOR: Troy Takaki and Tracey Wadmore-Smith

COMEDY/ROMANCE

Starring: Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Kevin James, Amber Valletta, Julie Ann Emery, Robinne Lee, Nathan Lee Graham, Adam Arkin, Michael Rapaport, Jeffrey Donovan, and Matt Malloy

The subject of this movie review is Hitch, the 2005 romantic comedy starring Will Smith. In the film, directed by Andy Tennant, Smith plays a professional matchmaker.

Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) is a professional “date doctor,” who helps mostly shy, insecure, and nervous men learn to be confident enough to date the woman they just can’t get out their minds. His biggest project is to help a pleasantly plumb accountant named Albert (Kevin James) find his confidence so that he can woo his employer’s biggest client, wealthy playgirl, Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta). Hitch runs into his own complications when he becomes smitten with Sara (Eva Mendes), a New York gossip columnist. Both Hitch and Sara have dating issues, especially Sara, who usually erects an impenetrable wall whenever a man attempts to be friendly with her. However, Sara is determined to discover and publicize the identity of the mysterious “date doctor” about whom she’s been hearing in relation to the Allegra-Albert romance, even if it costs her personally.

Early reviews of the film suggest that Hitch is a trifle and a bit a fluff that Will Smith manages to save with his endearing film personality. Hitch is lightweight subject matter, but Will Smith and his co-conspirators make this a winning romantic comedy and comic romance. It’s not as good as When Harry Met Sally, but there is a lot more meat on Hitch’s film bones than on most romantic comedies about mismatches and misunderstandings. Will Smith does give this film vibrant life because he is a fine actor and a radiant movie star. He is comfortable and super confident on the big screen, and the camera loves him. If Denzel Washington is the heir to Sidney Portier, then, Smith is the black Cary Grant.

The rest of the cast, however, does it part. Eva Mendes is more like a co-star than supporting player. She carries this film, and there is an air about her that suggests she can go toe to toe with a man in the vein of Katherine Hepburn. No, Ms. Mendes isn’t yet as good as Ms. Hepburn, but she seems headed in the direction of being a movie star because in this film, she shows that she can carry a lead role by making her end of the story as engaging as that of the central character.

Kevin James is surprisingly delightful. I like him, but I’ve never quite enjoyed his CBS television comedy series, “The King of Queens.” James usually plays charming, fat guys, and everyone seems to love a fat guy who can make fun of himself. James is also witty and sarcastic; his self-effacing tendency and smart alec cool serves him well in Hitch, making him a scene-stealer.

After spending years directing episodic TV, director Andy Tennant has worked mostly on romantic comedies, Sweet Home Alabama being his biggest hit to date. At present, Hitch may be his best work as he took Kevin Bisch’s funny script and made it into a high-energy comic romp of misunderstandings and dating chess matches. Some might see this as a “chick flick,” but Hitch is simply funny. Like many films, the ending is too sweet by a mile. Still, it works, and Will Smith has another winner.

7 of 10
A-

NOTES:
2006 Black Reel Awards: 3 nominations: “Best Actor” (Will Smith), “Best Film” (Will Smith, Teddy Zee, and James Lassiter), and “Best Original Soundtrack”

2006 Image Awards: 2 nominations: “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” (Will Smith) and “Outstanding Motion Picture”

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Star Wars Artist Ralph McQuarrie Dies at 82

George Lucas did not do it alone.  Conceptual designer and illustrator Ralph McQuarrie has died.  He is best known for his work on the original Star Wars trilogy.  In 1975, George Lucas hired McQuarrie to illustrate scenes from his Star Wars script, and McQuarrie also designed many of the characters, including Darth Vader, R2-D2, and C-3PO.

McQuarrie did design and concept work for some of Steven Spielberg's films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park.  McQuarrie won an Oscar for best visual effects for his work on the film Cocoon.

McQuarrie was born on June 3, 1929 in Gary, Indiana, and passed away Saturday, March 3, 2012 at his home in Berkeley, California.  R.I.P. Mr. McQuarrie.  You work continues to inspire me.

38th Annual Saturn Award Nominations - Complete List

The Saturn Award is an award 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. Dr. Donald A. Reed devised the Saturn Awards in 1972 because he felt that genre films were frequently overlooked by mainstream entertainment industry awards. The Saturn Award trophy is a representation of the planet Saturn, surrounded with a ring of film.

Like the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammys, the Saturn Awards are voted on by members of a presenting Academy, in this case, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films. This Academy is a non-profit organization with membership open to the public.

Although the awards still primarily nominate films and television programs in the science fiction, fantasy and horror categories, the Saturn Awards have also recognized productions in standard dramatic genres. There are also special awards for lifetime achievement in the field, such as the George Pal Memorial Award (which goes to Martin Scorsese this year).

The qualifying period for the 38th annual Saturn Awards was Feb. 1, 2011, to Jan. 31, 2012. This year’s Saturn Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in Burbank.

38th Saturn Award nominations:

FILM NOMINATIONS

Best Science Fiction Film:
The Adjustment Bureau - Universal
Captain America: The First Avenger - Paramount/Marvel
Limitless - Relativity Media
Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox
Super 8 - Paramount
X-Men: First Class - 20th Century Fox

Best Fantasy Film:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Hugo - Paramount
Immortals - Relativity Media
Midnight in Paris - Sony Pictures Classics
The Muppets - Walt Disney Studios
Thor - Paramount/Marvel

Best Horror/Thriller Film:
Contagion - Warner Bros.
The Devil’s Double - Lionsgate
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Sony
The Grey - Open Road Films
Take Shelter - Sony Pictures Classics
The Thing - Universal

Best Action/Adventure Film:
Fast Five - Universal
The Lincoln Lawyer - Lionsgate
Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount
Red Tails - 20th Century Fox/Lucasfilm Ltd.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - Warner Bros.
War Horse - Walt Disney/DreamWorks

Best Actor:
Antonio Banderas, The Skin I Live In - Sony Pictures Classics
Dominic Cooper, The Devil’s Double - Lionsgate
Tom Cruise, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount
Chris Evans, Captain America: The First Avenger - Paramount/Marvel
Ben Kingsley, Hugo - Paramount
Michael Shannon, Take Shelter - Sony Pictures Classics

Best Actress:
Jessica Chastain, Take Shelter - Sony Pictures Classics
Kirsten Dunst, Melancholia - Magnolia
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Sony
Brit Marling, Another Earth - Fox Searchlight
Keira Knightley, A Dangerous Method - Sony Pictures Classics
Elizabeth Olson, Martha Marcy May Marlene - Fox Searchlight

Best Supporting Actor:
Ralph Fiennes, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Harrison Ford, Cowboys and Aliens - Universal
Tom Hiddleston, Thor - Paramount/Marvel
Alan Rickman, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Andy Serkis, Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox
Stanley Tucci, Captain America: The First Avenger - Paramount/Marvel

Best Supporting Actress:
Elena Anaya, The Skin I Live In - Sony Pictures Classics
Emily Blunt, The Adjustment Bureau - Universal
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Melancholia - Magnolia
Paula Patton, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount
Lin Shaye, Insidious - FilmDistrict
Emma Watson, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.

Best Performance by a Younger Actor:
Asa Butterfield, Hugo - Paramount
Joel Courtney, Super 8 - Paramount
Elle Fanning, Super 8 - Paramount
Dakota Goyo, Real Steel - Walt Disney
Chloe Grace Moretz, Hugo - Paramount
Saoirse Ronan, Hanna - Focus

Best Direction:
J.J. Abrams, Super 8 - Paramount
Brad Bird, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount
Martin Scorsese, Hugo - Paramount
Steven Spielberg, The Adventures of Tintin - Paramount
Rupert Wyatt, Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox
David Yates, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.

Best Writing:
J.J. Abrams, Super 8 - Paramount
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris - Sony Pictures Classics
Mike Cahill, Brit Marling, Another Earth - Fox Searchlight
Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox
John Logan, Hugo - Paramount
Jeff Nichols, Take Shelter - Sony Pictures Classics

Best Music:
Michael Giacchino, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount
Michael Giacchino, Super 8 - Paramount
Howard Shore, Hugo Paramount
Alan Silvestri, Captain America: The First Avenger - Paramount/Marvel
John Williams, The Adventures of Tintin - Paramount
John Williams, War Horse - Walt Disney/DreamWorks

Best Production Design:
Stuart Craig, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Dante Ferretti, Hugo - Paramount
Tom Foden, Immortals - Relativity
Rick Heinrichs, Captain America: The First Avenger - Paramount/Marvel
Kim Sinclair, The Adventures of Tintin - Paramount
Bo Welch, Thor - Paramount/Marvel

Best Editing:
Maryann Brandon, Mary Jo Markey, Super 8 - Paramount
Mark Day, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Paul Hirsch, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol - Paramount
Michael Kahn, The Adventures of Tintin - Paramount
Kelly Matsumoto, Fred Raskin, Christian Watner, Five Five - Universal
Thelma Schoonmaker, Hugo - Paramount

Best Costume:
Jenny Beavan, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - Warner Bros.
Alexandra Byrne, Thor - Paramount/Marvel
Lisy Christl, Anonymous - Sony
Sandy Powell, Hugo - Paramount
Anna B. Sheppard, Captain America: The First Avenger - Paramount/Marvel
Jany Temime, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.

Best Make-Up:
Shaun Smith, Scott Wheeler, Conan the Barbarian - Lionsgate
Nick Dudman, Amanda Knight, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Annick Chartier, Adrien Morot, Nikoletta Skarlatos, Immortals - Relativity Media
Tamar Aviv, The Skin I Live In - Sony Pictures Classics
Tom Woodruff Jr., Alec Gillis, The Thing - Universal
Dave Elsey, Fran Needham, Conor O’ Sullivan, X-Men: First Class - 20th Century Fox

Best Special Effects:
Scott E. Anderson, Matt Aitken, Joe Letteri, Matthias Menz, Keith Miller, The Adventures of Tintin - Paramount
Tim Burke, Greg Butler, John Richardson, David Vickery, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 - Warner Bros.
Dan Lemmon, Joe Letteri, R. Christopher White, Daniel Barrett, Rise of the Planet of the Apes - 20th Century Fox
Steven Riley, Russell Earl, Kim Libreri, Dennis Muren, Super 8 - Paramount
Scott Benza, John Frazier, Matthew Butler, Scott Farar, Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Paramount

Best International Film:
Attack the Block - Screen Gems/Sony
The Heir Apparent: Largo Winch - Music Box
Melancholia - Magnolia
Point Blank - Magnolia
The Skin I Live In - Sony Pictures Classics
Troll Hunter - Magnet/Magnolia

Best Animated Film:
The Adventures of Tintin - Paramount
Cars 2 - Walt Disney/Pixar
Kung Fu Panda 2 - Paramount/DreamWorks Animation
Puss in Boots - Paramount/DreamWorks Animation
Rango - Paramount
Rio - 20th Century Fox

TELEVISION NOMINATIONS

Best Network Television Series:
Fringe - Fox
A Gifted Man - CBS
Grimm - NBC
Once Upon a Time - ABC
Supernatural - CW
Terra Nova - Fox

Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series:
American Horror Story - F/X
Breaking Bad - AMC
The Closer - TNT
Dexter - Showtime
Leverage - TNT
True Blood - HBO

Best Presentation on Television (10 Episodes or Less):
Camelot - Starz
Falling Skies - TNT
Game of Thrones - HBO
The Killing - AMC
Torchwood: Miracle Day - Starz
Trek Nation - The Science Channel
The Walking Dead - AMC

Best Youth-Oriented Series on Television:
Being Human - Syfy
Doctor Who - BBC America
The Nine Lives of Chloe King - ABC Family
Secret Circle - CW
Teen Wolf - MTV
The Vampire Diaries - CW

Best Actor on Television:
Sean Bean, Game of Thrones - HBO
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad - AMC
Michael C. Hall, Dexter - Showtime
Timothy Hutton, Leverage - TNT
Dylan McDermott, American Horror Story - F/X
Noah Wylie, Falling Skies - TNT

Best Actress on Television:
Mireille Enos, The Killing - AMC
Lena Headey, Game of Thrones - HBO
Jessica Lange, American Horror Story - F/X
Eve Myles, Torchwood: Miracle Day - Starz
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer - TNT
Anna Torv, Fringe - Fox

Best Supporting Actor on Television:
Giancarlo Esposito, Breaking Bad - AMC
Kit Harington, Game of Thrones - HBO
Joel Kinnaman, The Killing - AMC
John Noble, Fringe - Fox
Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad - AMC
Bill Pullman, Torchwood: Miracle Day - Starz
Norman Reedus, The Walking Dead - AMC

Best Supporting Actress on Television:
Lauren Ambrose, Torchwood: Miracle Day - Starz
Jennifer Carpenter, Dexter - Showtime
Frances Conroy, American Horror Story - F/X
Michelle Forbes, The Killing - AMC
Lana Parrilla, Once Upon a Time - ABC
Beth Riesgraf, Leverage - TNT

Best Guest Performer on Television:
Steven Bauer, Breaking Bad - AMC
Orla Brady, Fringe - Fox
Mark Margolis, Breaking Bad - AMC
Edward James Olmos, Dexter - Showtime
Zachary Quinto, American Horror Story - F/X
Tom Skerritt, Leverage - TNT

HOME-ENTERTAINMENT NOMINATIONS

Best DVD Release:
13 - Anchor Bay
Atlas Shrugged: Part One - Fox
City of Life and Death - Kino International
The Double - Image
The Perfect Host - Magnolia
Kill the Irishman - Anchor Bay
The Reef - Image

Best DVD Special Edition Release:
Citizen Kane (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition) - Warner
Giorgio Moroder Presents Metropolis - Kino International
Mimic (The Director’s Cut) - Lionsgate
Phantom of the Opera (1925 Silent, Blu-Ray) - Image
The Rocketeer (20th Anniversary Edition) - Walt Disney
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition) - Warner

Best DVD Collection:
Jean Rollin Cinema Collection - Kino International
Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy - Universal
The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Editions) - Warner
Stanley Kubrick: The Essential Collection - Warner
Star Wars: The Complete Saga - Fox
Superman: The Motion Picture Anthology, 1978-2006 - Warner

Best DVD Television Series Release:
The Bionic Woman: Seasons 2 & 3 - Universal
Camelot: The Complete First Season - Starz
Farscape: The Complete Series - A&E Entertainment
Nikita: The Complete First Season - Warner
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena - Starz
The Twilight Zone: Season 3-5 - Image

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Paramount Pictures Dominates 2012 Saturn Awards with 46 Nominations

Hugo and Harry Potter Cast Their Spells and Lead Film Nominations for 38th Saturn Awards

Breaking Bad and American Horror Story Scare Up Most TV Nominations in Banner Year for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror; Winners to be Announced June 20

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hugo and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 each received 10 nominations as the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films today announced nominations for the 38th Annual Saturn Awards, which will be presented on Wednesday, June 20.

Other leading titles in the Academy’s film category were Super 8 (eight nominations); Marvel’s Captain America: The First Avenger (seven); The Adventures of Tintin and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (six each); and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (five).

In TV categories, AMC’s Breaking Bad cooked up six nominations, while F/X’s first foray into a genre series, American Horror Story, scored five nominations. TV series with four nominations each are: Fringe (Fox), Dexter (Showtime), Leverage (TNT), Game of Thrones (HBO), The Killing (AMC) and Torchwood: Miracle Day (Starz). Once Upon a Time (ABC), TNT’s The Closer and Falling Skies, and The Walking Dead (AMC) each earned two nominations.

The 2012 Saturn Award nominees for Best Science Fiction film are The Adjustment Bureau, Captain America: The First Avenger, Limitless, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Super 8 and X-Men: First Class. Best Fantasy film nominees are Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Hugo, Immortals, Midnight in Paris, The Muppets and Thor. Best Horror/Thriller film nominees are Contagion, The Devil’s Double, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Grey, Take Shelter and The Thing. Best Action/Adventure film nominees are Fast Five, The Lincoln Lawyer, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, Red Tails, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and War Horse.

In addition to the competitive Saturn Awards, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films announced that filmmaker Martin Scorsese will receive its prestigious George Pal Memorial Award.

“This was a phenomenal year for genre films and TV series, which broadened the horizons of storytelling and technology, bringing audiences new ways to dream,” said Robert Holguin, president of the Academy, which this year marks its 40th anniversary. The Academy was founded in 1972 by noted film historian Dr. Donald A. Reed to honor and recognize films often overlooked by mainstream awards. Over the years, the Academy has expanded its reach to include recognizing excellence in television and home entertainment, as well as other genres, including adventure, thriller and action.

The organization’s qualifying period for the 38th annual Saturn Awards was Feb. 1, 2011, to Jan. 31, 2012. This year’s Saturn Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 20, in Burbank. For a complete list of nominations and more information about the Academy, visit http://www.saturnawards.org/.

Review: "The Illusionist" Casts a Spell (Happy B'day, Jessica Biel)

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 (of 2007) by Leroy Douresseaux

The Illusionist (2006)
Running time: 110 minutes (1 hour, 50 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for some sexual and violent content
DIRECTOR: Neil Burger
WRITER: Neil Burger (based upon the short story “Eisenheim the Illusionist” by Steven Millhauser)
PRODUCERS: Michael London, Brian Koppelman, David Levien, and Bob Yari & Cathy Schulman
CINEMATOGRAPHER: Dick Pope, BSC
EDITOR: Naomi Geraghty
2007 Academy Award nominee

DRAMA/FANTASY/MYSTERY/ROMANCE

Starring: Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell, Eddie Marson, Jake Wood, Tom Fisher, Karl Johnson, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Aaron Johnson

The subject of this movie review is The Illusionist, a 2006 period drama written and directed by Neil Burger. Burger loosely bases his screenplay on “Eisenheim the Illusionist,” a 1989 short story by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Steven Millhauser.

When he was a boy, Eduard Abramovicz (Aaron Johnson) fell in love with the Duchess Sophie von Teschen (Eleanor Tomlinson) an aristocrat well above his social standing. Her parents kept them apart, so Eduard left his home and traveled the world. Early 1900’s, Eduard returns to Vienna as Eisenheim the Illusionist (Edward Norton), an extraordinary conjurer and master magician. During one of his performances, Eisenheim fatefully encounters the Duchess (Jessica Biel), now a beautiful young woman engaged to marry Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell). Eisenheim employs his powers to win back her love, which is not necessary, as she never stopped loving him.

While Sophie is smitten with Eisenheim, Leopold feels threatened by the stage magician’s strange tricks, and attempts to apply cold logic to expose what he sees as Eisenheim’s scams. Leopold, however, has a history of abusing his female companions, and his apparent assault of Sophie during a jealous rage pits him against the illusionist extraordinaire in a duel of authority and stage magic. Caught in the middle of Eisenheim and Leopold’s feud is Chief Inspector Walter Uhl (Paul Giamatti), who deeply admires Eisenheim’s skills, but must serve Leopold if he wishes to advance socially and politically.

In his film, The Illusionist, director Neil Burger uses a mesmerizing performance by two-time Oscar nominee Edward Norton (Primal Fear, American History X) to deliver an enchanting supernatural mystery tale full of forbidden romance, imperial politics, and dazzling magic. Burger and cinematographer Dick Pope use autochrome photography to take the recognizable world and transfer it to the realm of mystery where everything is beautiful, but also has a disturbing undertone. Director and cinematographer saturate the world of The Illusionist in gold and green and then, allow the shadows to play ever so slightly on the edges of the picture’s frame. It’s a unique look that heightens the sense of magic, mystery, dreams, and that feeling of an otherness – the paranormal.

Not only did Burger build an enthralling world with his creative staff, but he also allowed his actors to play, guiding their considerable talents into selling this narrative. Paul Giamatti is excellent as the Chief Inspector Uhl, who admires Eisenheim, but is trapped between a rock and a hard place as Leopold’s strong-arm man. Giamatti wears his emotions on his face quite well – obvious, but with subtlety and grace, so he lets us see the struggle. Uhl admires Eisenheim even as he must control him. Sewell is super intense as Leopold, and he also allows to the audience to see the brilliant mind behind the face of a man with control issues. Jessica Biel is tolerable, but even her best moments seem weak compared to everyone else.

Still, this movie’s star is Edward Norton. Intelligent and intense, Norton always brings an air of elegance to his performances. Truthfully, he’s just too damn talented, and the fire of his abilities can burn through a weekly structured film. Here, there is no such problem. Norton’s Eisenheim is dark and mysterious, and we are drawn to this handsome creature who seems to have dark forces at play behind his placid face and his genial smile. Norton never lets us truly know Eisenheim, but he draws us to the character like moths to the magician’s exquisite flame. In the end, The Illusionist leaves so many questions unanswered, and it is indeed a great film that makes the viewer love the magic, mystery, and the great unknown of that which is supernatural. Neither The Illusionist nor its star character will let us know how a magician does “it,” but that won’t stop the audience from being spellbound and loving both.

8 of 10
A

NOTES:
2007 Academy Awards: 1 nomination: “Best Achievement in Cinematography” (Dick Pope)

Friday, February 16, 2007

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