Disqus - Latest Comments for Philemon

Re: TFT 99 – ‘A Christmas Carol’ Investigated and Armond White Interviewed

Philemon — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:13:48 -0000

I have to agree with your comments re: 3D technology.

In my experience, I have only found 3D movies to a distraction. And funny you mentioned "House of Wax" - I remember it being re-released to a theater when I was very young. I was dying to see it, because it was in 3D...and the highlight of the film for me was the "paddle ball" scene. That's it. That's all I remembered from the movie.

So I agree, it's a neat novelty, but for me more of a distraction from the story being told, which is what I'm more interested in anyway.

Re: Sundance at the Belcourt, The Film Talk on Facebook and Schwarzenegger in Star Wars

Philemon — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:42:18 -0000

Stanley - you could be sure if Tom Cruise were actually in this movie, Pepe would love tacos. Tom would totally sell that. Maybe even jump around on a couch with a few.

And with Sundance coming January 28, well, now the Film Talk has to hold out until then to cover it! Of course, we hope and expect that the show garners enough support, as it deserves, to be a moot point by year's end.

Re: The Tuesday Top Five: Anthropomorphic Animals

Philemon — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:33:14 -0000

I won't replace your #1 choice, as I whole-heartedly agree.

I would like to replace #2 - I did not like that movie - I'm going to offer up "Clyde" from Clint Eastwood's "Every Which Way But Loose" franchise. (I was going to say Yoda, but I didn't think he'd count).

On second thought - let's go bigger....King Kong. Now, I'm not smart enough to say what he represents - I'm sure something along racial lines, or America's views on the world in general, but maybe one of you will chime in.

Re: The Teeth of Gilgamesh

Philemon — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:44:30 -0000

Question 1 would take some thinking for me - to suggest a film has a deeper subtext than the film's reputation suggests requires a director who has the capability to accomplish this. Spielberg is one of few who can and has crossed the genre of "summer blockbuster" to a movie with a more serious message.

#2 is tough as well. The only thing I can think of right now is "No Country For Old Men". While having Anton Sigr walk off by giving $100 to a boy for his shirt and an agreement to say he was "already gone" isn't exactly a "negotiated settlement" - it's the only movie I can think of right now where the villain didn't get blown away and the movie had an anti-climactic end.

As for #3, go to any UNC Tarheel football or basketball game. I'm sure you'll see a jacket very similar.

Re: ‘The Room’ – Screening at Midnight this Friday and Saturday in Nashville – Is it Right to Laugh at Others Dreams?

Philemon — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:51:06 -0000

I can't help but feel like lead role for "The Room" was originally written for Phil Hartman's "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer".

Re: Mental Illness and the Movies

Philemon — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:02:57 -0000

Not sure if this is the type of mental illness you had in mind, but I have heard "Away From Her" is a touching story dealing with Alzheimer's (one which I have found myself unable to watch due to personal experience w/ the disease).

If you are referring more to "psychosis" in movies, how about "The Fisher King"? Some people cringe just at the mere mention of Robin Williams, but I thought the movie handled the story compassionately.

I'll throw one controversial one out there: "Psycho". While it could be argued that Norman Bates is the same murderous monster that Close argues against, but Hitchcock does not end his movie with the "villain" meeting his horrific come-uppance so the audience can applaud at his demise, but last seen in a hospital, presumably to get help/treatment (though sequels blow that up by exploiting the Bates' franchise created by the movie's popularity - not Hitchcock's fault, however).

Re: Cinema is Collapsing? So What Are You Gonna Do About It?

Philemon — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:26:12 -0000

Wow, I never thought of it like that - cinema as "sports". But he's right. And while he's at it, someone should tell George Lucas to stop trying to make Star Wars over and over again.

I've discussed on here that I think the movie theater (and perhaps more specifically, the "Multi-Plex" theaters) are going to be extinct at some point in the near future. Many of them were barely able to sustain themselves before the economic collapse, and with the advancement of technology and on-demand/Netflix, etc., people will be less compelled to shell out $50 to see a movie.

So, once that shift towards home entertainment takes place, I think perhaps we'll see more low-budget movies. Cost less, but won't have the overhead of having to be shown in a theater somewhere selling tickets at $10-$12 a piece. I think it will produce better cinema.

Re: TFT 96 – Where the Wild Things Are / 5 Ways to Make Your Film Better / Let’s Get Lost

Philemon — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:41:40 -0000

Juan seems to understand that threats of violence are really what the show needs to gain more support - Gareth is way too passive, and Jett seems to have been hiding his nun-chuck skills for some reason.

I am glad I am already a supporter, but I will be removing myself from the phonebook, just in case.

I had heard rumors of a re-shoot with regards to Where The Wild Things Are, so I've been hesitant to go see it, though I am generally a fan of Spike Jonze.

Re: ‘Big Fan’ – Starting this Friday at The Belcourt

Philemon — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:18:34 -0000

I can't wait to see this movie.

I was a fan of "The Wrestler" - I loved that it accurately captured the world of professional wrestling that, if you grew up in the South, could watch almost nightly on the local channels.

But the fact that "Big Fan" is written by the same guy is not the reason I'm looking forward to this movie (in fact, I had no idea it was the same guy who wrote Wrestler). Also being a big sports fan in general, I look forward to the portrayal of a character I know all too well - attending games and listening to talk radio - and am curious to see how Patton Oswald handles a more serious role. I like him as a comedian and think he's done well in smaller roles.

Re: Who’s the Best Impersonator of Orson Welles?

Philemon — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:18:19 -0000

Not only that, but a TV show with Robin Williams as an alien named "Mork" spun off from 50's/60's sitcom "Happy Days".

"Mork calling Orson..."

Re: Who’s the Best Impersonator of Orson Welles?

Philemon — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:15:00 -0000

And of course in television, there was Ralph James who was the voice of "Orson" in "Mork & Mindy".

And you're right about Christian McKay. I thought that was John Lithgow.

Re: Harry Dean Stanton and Art Garfunkel Sing to Jack Nicholson

Philemon — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:07:23 -0000

I mean, everyone from Danny DeVito to Bette Midler to Kareem Abdul Jabbar is there.

Truly, if a bomb fell on that room, Hollywood as we knew it would have been completely wiped out. No more movies, music, or sky hooks.

I'd like to think (inspired by your thoughts in this post) that if there ever were some sort of nuclear holocaust, that there is a bunker somewhere deep beneath Los Angeles where every celebrity would go and be preserved and protected, and there would be nights just like this every night down in that bunker until it was deemed safe to return to the surface and begin making magic again...

Re: TFT 95 – The Invention of Lying / Zombieland Reconsidered / Wolf

Philemon — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:36:54 -0000

Well of course now I will have to Google Fionna Flanagan...I have seen neither movie - based on previews I had low hopes for 'Invention of Lying' and high hopes for 'Zombieland' - will probably still see both, but will keep your input in mind.

And hopefully the person behind the concessions counter will try and upgrade me to the "bucket" of piss for just $1 extra (free refills!).

Re: Ben Foster – Still the Greatest Actor of the Movies?

Philemon — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:01:33 -0000

I actually could not place him anywhere, until I saw his bio says he was in "3:10 To Yuma" - I assume he was the sidekick to Russell Crowe? If that's the same guy, he was very, very good -

Am now curious to see more.

Re: The Movie of the Year 2009: Climaxes

Philemon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:40:26 -0000

Whatever happened to the Black Hole? I remember enjoying it as a youngster as well, and then it just disappeared.

In fact, I had almost completely forgotten about it until you mentioned it.

Re: The Movie of the Year 2009

Philemon — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:24:23 -0000

My top 5 "Best Premise" nominations (in no particular order):

1. Crank 2
2. Hurt Locker
3. District 9
4. Moon
5. Up

I would nominate "Watchmen", but I'm not sure it counts due to the notoriety of the book.

(Also note, "best premise" doesn't always = "good film" in my list)

I would not rankInglorious Basterds as having one of the Top Premises, but I would rank it near the top for best executed.

Re: The Film Talk Needs Your Support

Philemon — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:46:35 -0000

I'll leave it to the folks in charge, but I personally don't care for the "pay to play" idea. I think all commenting should be free (without Stanley, we'd miss out on the debates!).

I'm kind of like you, Stanley, so what I opted to do was figure I could not eat Big Macs for a few weeks in exchange for TFT goodness, and I did a 'one time payment', because think about what you might spend in a week, or a month, eating out for lunch, Starbucks, etc. Healthier for me, and when Jett and Gareth get into it, my rising blood pressure won't be as deadly without my horrible diet piled on top of it! (though God forbid my checking acct ever got down to $2.99...not that it hasn't happened. I'm the guy who forced Domino's pizza to make you write your driver's license number on your checks).

Either way, I'm glad to hear others are stepping up in support of these guys.

Re: TFT 90 – The Informant! / Lawrence of Arabia / Andrei Rublev / The Big Blue / Easy Rider

Philemon — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:54:04 -0000

In the genre of "romantic comedy" (if that's what 'The Apartment' is), The Apt. is pretty good, I think. Especially compared to today's garbage.

I've always had a soft spot for that movie.

Re: TFT 90 – The Informant! / Lawrence of Arabia / Andrei Rublev / The Big Blue / Easy Rider

Philemon — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:05:43 -0000

OK, People - I've done my part. I have made a donation to support the fine folks here at TFT.

Two things I can tell you: maintaining a website isn't cheap, financially, and keeping up with it as the Maestro and the Good Professor Dr. have is hard work (harder still when you don't get paid to do it).

Times are certainly tough - believe me, I know. My particular industry has been in the crapper for almost 2 yrs now, and my financial well being is directly tied to the economy, so I know giving is tough right now.

I believe that the fellows would agree that any amount would help, but let's make an effort to keep them going.

So sayeth Phil.

Re: TFT 90 – The Informant! / Lawrence of Arabia / Andrei Rublev / The Big Blue / Easy Rider

Philemon — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:16:52 -0000

So what exactly changed your mind regarding Billy Wilder*?

*note the Maestro's reversal in the introduction

Re: The Exodus of Henry Gibson

Philemon — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:57:23 -0000

A terrific character actor and comedic actor.

His scenes in Magnolia are my favorites of the movie.

Re: Less is More: Or How to Make Your Films More Interesting with the Help of the Easy Surreal

Philemon — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:29:06 -0000

I really didn't care for the "Redux" version of Apocalypse Now, probably due to the reasons you've discussed. Though I suppose originally Copolla wanted the Redux version, he really did make a better film, in my opinion, without the added footage.

Re: Charles Darwin Can’t Get No Respect (With a Jay Leno Minority Report)

Philemon — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:54:34 -0000

Welcome to the bible belt, my friend.

Re: The Film Talk – Part 88 – Ray McKinnon on Randy and the Mob, Southern Films and the Life of an Independent Filmmaker

Philemon — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:19:30 -0000

Some good choices - maybe a little "Sharky's Machine"!

Re: The Film Talk – Part 88 – Ray McKinnon on Randy and the Mob, Southern Films and the Life of an Independent Filmmaker

Philemon — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:53:39 -0000

Preach on, Ray!

I am glad to hear Ray paying proper respect to a great (and often taken for granted) actor in Burt Reynolds..(and Jett, too).