Fantastic Mr.Clooney

George Clooney has proved his foxiness in this world, but now he will have to prove it in the world of animation as he takes on the role of Mr. Fox. I cannot wait to see Fantastic Mr. Fox. The combination of Wes Anderson directing and George Clooney, Bill Muray, and Jason Schwatzman rounding out the cast, could possibly be magical.
For those of you who are not familiar with Wes Anderson, he is the brains behind the Royal Tenenbaums and Life Aquatic . It is rare for Wes Anderson to tinker in the realm of children's stories, as most of his work is quite dark. The film is based on the story of Roald Dahl, more commonly known for his Book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Possibly the most exciting part of this new film is that it is a stop motion film. I am going out on a limb, and saying that I think this film with clean up at the Oscars in the animation department. The attention to detail in this film is exquisite. Every scene is packed with clever detail. In a world where hollywood pumps out straight to video, digitally animated films, I believe filmgoers are forgetting the roots of animation; giving life to something inanimate. As Josh Horowitz of MTV states, Fantastic Mr. Fox is "proof that Pixar doesn't have a monopoly on heartfelt and funny animation." I believe this film will rekindle an appreciation of animation as fine art.
Another delightful element of this movie is its soundtrack, which features two Beach Boys song and a Rolling Stones hit. The soundtrack is composed by Alexandre Desplat.
Can't wait for this film!!!!

This film received 100% on RT.

To view the trailer visit the site below:
http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_searchlight/fantasticmrfox/

What do you think?

Rule, Britannia!

Those Brits, they do love their royalty, and one can't help understanding why after seeing a film like The Young Victoria. I have been anticipating this movie for a little over six months, which was why I was overjoyed to see that it was playing at the VIFF this year. Needless to say I bought tickets.
The opening scene of this film was heavenly, and I say heavenly because it truly captured the grandeur and sanctity of a tradition that is sadly being forgotten. It is overwhelming to see such a young woman taking the crown. Her youth is presented perfectly as the camera pans across Victoria's feet, dangling from the towering throne. In the coronation scene the audience is also treated to a cameo of Princess Beatrice, daughter of Sarah Ferguson, who in the film plays one of Victoria's ladies in waiting. Another standout scene for me, is the parliament scene, where it is interesting to see the seeds of monarchy denial being planted.
The cinematography of this film is truly stunning, and cuts no corners in conveying the splendor of the Victorian era. The camera often moves in and out of focus, prompting the viewer to take in the whole scene. The costumes were spectacular, spectacular! Bring on the corsets! Emily Blunt brings a great elegance to the character of Victoria, and I believe, is successful in conveying the different ages of girl becoming a woman. Is there an Oscar nomination in Emily Blunt's future? I can't help but wish, but truly, I don't think so. I love to hear that Emily actually begged for the part, because the character of Victoria was so fascinating to her. Yeah, Emily! On a side note, I enjoyed hearing Robert Friend speak some of his lines in German. The cast is a collection of actors and actresses that one expects from a British history film. A stand out, was Jim Broadbent, who's part was small, but so amusing.
The film unwrapped itself with subtle beauty, and it's every meticulous ingredient composes a nearly perfect film. I say almost perfect, because there were factual flaws. The filmmakers sadly gave in to the urge to play up the drama of Alberts heroism, when he protected the queen from an assassination attempt. Albeit, it was an extremely brave thing to do, but he was not actually injured, absolutely nothing. I believe this does somewhat soil the movie because the scene is played as if she will lose Albert, and we are pursuaded to lose ourself in the romance of the situation.
In the end I felt that the movie ended too soon; perhaps that it a sign the of movie's success, as I was left wanting more. Although the film at times wanders into quaintness, it is alway promptly brought back to very human situations. It was so pleasant to seeing a woman who was most commonly remember as a stoic, widow, presented as a vivacious girl. I love the Royals.

Quote:
Duchess of Sutherland: Look at that demure little head. And all of us wondering what's inside it.
Lord Melbourne: We'll find out soon enough

This film received 74% on RT

Young Victoria comes to Canadian theaters December 18th.

If you are loved this movie I suggest watching the BBC version, Victoria & Albert. To continue the story, of Victoria life as a widow, the film Mrs. Brown, staring Dame Judy Dench and Billy Conolly is excellent.
To view Victoria's costumes in detail visit http://www.costumersguide.com/cr_victoria.shtml

What do you think?

Suggestively Yellow

If you're anything like me, a movie just isn't a movie without bowl of perfectly popped popcorn, drizzled with warm butter, and then kissed with a thin layer of salt. I am not referring to the crap the movie theatres now sadly pass off as pop corn. Yet, I must admit that I do have moments of weakness. When my popcorn lust hits, I will indulge with those suggestively yellow, cardboard like kernels. I alway feel dirty afterwards.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Celluloid

A common thread runs through culture and time, and that is the world's fascination with storytelling. For me, storytelling resonates most deeply in the form of cinema. So many components are brought together to create a narrative. Often, it is the individual components that carry the success of a film. If John Williams had not written the soundtrack for the Star Wars Trilogy, would Darth Vader seemed quite so ominous? Would we refuse the Godfather's offer if he was not played by Marlon Brando? There are so many elements that make a film enthralling, and so many elements that can make it less than enthralling. Motion pictures have the power to entertain, educate, or indoctrinate. Because it holds such a strong power over us, I believe it is important to discuss cinema in all its forms.
I must admit that my own taste in film can at best be described as eclectic. I cannot often describe why I love a film, yet I know I love or hate it passionately. I relish the fact that filmgoers, are as diverse as the movie world itself. With that being said, this site will hopefully be a place to agree, disagree, or agree to disagree regarding the celluloid world.