Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday February 13, 2009! This week is full of possible themes including Family Day for us Ontarians and Valentine's for the love birds. If your are tired of romcom Valentine's suggestions, check out my Untraditional Valentine's Day suggestions. It's doubly fitting as we don't even have a romance out this week!
In limited release this week we are in documentary fans dreamland with 3 docs coming out. First up is the Oscar nominated Trouble with Water about the Katrina aftermath. We also have 2 of the sea inspired films, Saving Luna about a whale who bridges the animal / human connection and Under the Sea 3D an IMAX adventure that shares the underwater world. Our last limited release is Billu Barber, a limited release Bollywood film which was hard to find info on but stars heavy hitters Shahrukh Khan and Irfam Khan.
In wide release this week we the timely release of Friday the 13th (2009), don't let the name fool you though it isn't a remake of the 29 year old original Friday the 13th but in a film in a long line of sequels. It does look very scary and I'm very tempted to check it out. Also out this week is The International, a thriller with Clive Owen and Naomi Watts but I'm more interested in seeing it solely for Ulrich Thomsen an astonishing Danish actor whose performance in Fear Me Not / Den du frygter at TIFF'08 blew me away. Keeping up with the idea of money themed films, our last wide release of the week is Confessions of a Shopaholic, based on the novels by Sophie Kinsella.
Also in film news with week is the nominations for Genie Awards have been announced.
Have a great Valentine's Day and "Family Day" long weekend.
Shannon
Festival Watch
Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival
February 13 - 27, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
OzFlix
Australian Film Weekend
February 13 - 16, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2nd Annual Toronto-Romanian Film Festival
February 13 - 15 2009, at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Special Screening
The Dark Night of the Scarecrow
Screening of the 1981 made-for-tv horror classic.
Saving Luna screenings at Yonge & Dundas Square on Friday February 13th, 2009 will have the filmmakers in attendance for Q&A's.
Friday February 13, 2009 Releases
Billu Barber
Dir: Priyadarshan (Kanchivaram, Bhool Bhulaiyaa)
Cast: Shahrukh Khan, Irfam Khan
India
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailers, IMDb Page
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Dir: P.J. Hogan (My Best Friend's Wedding, Muriel's Wedding)
Cast: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, Kristen Scott Thomas
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Trailer is spoiler free
Friday the 13th (2009)
Dir: Marcus Nispel (Pathfinder)
Cast: Jared Padalecki, Amanda Righetti, Danielle Panabaker, Derek Mears, Aaron Yoo, Travis Van Winkle
USA
Official Film Site (autoplays trailer), IMDb Page, Trailer
Trailer sight unseen, watch at own risk for spoilage!
The International
Dir: Tom Tykwer (Perfume: Story of a Murderer,
Cast: Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, Ulrich Thomsen, Armin Mueller-Stahl
USA/Germany/UK
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Trailer is spoiler free until 1/2 way point
Saving Luna
Dir: Suzanne Chisholm & Michael Parfit - directorial debuts
Trailer is spoiler free
Trouble the Water
Dir: Tia Lessin (Behind the Labels) & Carl Deal - directorial debut
Trailer is spoiler free
Under the Sea 3D
Dir: Howard Hall (Deep Sea 3D)
Documentary on the underwater world, narrated by Jim Carrey
USA/Canada
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of February 13, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday February 13, 2009!
Oh the Horror!
It's almost cliché to point out when a US horror film is a remake. It sure feels like there are a lot of remakes out there but that makes me wonder if that is just the impression we get or is it the truth.
The only way to find out is to look! So I'm going to look, track and share - what's a remake and what isn't. Horror also has a long standing history of sequels and continutations so I'm going to look at that as well. Lets see if instincts hold true.
It's no surprize to any film fan to hear of an American remake of a foreign horror film, how many have there been since 2002 with Ringu remade as The Ring? There afterwards we had Ju-On: The Grudge and The Grudge. While Japanese films are often the source for remakes, we have also seen the brilliant Spanish horror film [REC] remade as Quarantine, the South Korean Janghwa, Hongryeon / A Tale of Two Sisters turned into The Uninvited. Even Canadian horror isn't safe with both Prom Night and My Bloody Valentine being remade in recent history. If this trend looking to the Great White North for inspiration wasn't enough, the beautiful Swedish vampire film Let the Right One In / Låt den rätte komma in is scheduled to be remade with a 2010 release date. Memory and research can unveil a lot but let's bring this back to the present. Let's keep an eye on our friends to the South and see what they get up to this year. For all of 2009 I'm going to keep track of all the American horror films released, and specifically to their inspiration. As horror also has a long standing history of sequels and continutations so I'm going to look at that as well. Lets see if instincts hold true.
Tally of American Horror films for 2009*: 47% Original / 53% Unoriginal
10 Original (47%)
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant - based on book series by Darren Shan
Collector, The
Drag Me to Hell
Fourth Kind, The
Jennifer's Body
Orphan
Pandorum
Paranormal Activity
Unborn, The - an original!
Zombieland
6 Remakes (29%)
The Haunting in Connecticut - Based on a 2002 TV Documentary
The Last House on the Left - Remake of Wes Cravens 1972 The Last House on the Left
My Bloody Valentine 3D - Remake of the 1981 Canadian My Bloody Valentine
Sorority Row - Remake of the 1983 House on Sorority Row
Stepfather, The - Remake of the 1987 film of the same name
Uninvited, The - Remake of South Korean Janghwa, Hongryeon / A Tale of Two Sisters
5 Sequels/Continuations (24%)
Final Destination 3-D, The - 4th installment and 1st 3D film of this horror film chain.
Friday the 13th (2009) - One of a long line of sequels to the original Friday the 13th (1980)
Halloween II - Sequel to Rob Zombie's 2007 remake of the 1978 John Carpenter classic horror film, however not a remake of Halloween 2
Saw VI - 6th and final film in the Saw series
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - 3rd release of Underworld Series (prequel)
_____________
Alphabetical List of 2009 US Horror Releases
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
Collector, The
Drag Me to Hell
Final Destination 3-D, The
Fourth Kind, The
Friday the 13th (2009)
Haunting in Connecticut, The
Halloween II
Jennifer's Body
Last House on the Left, The
My Bloody Valentine 3D
Orphan
Pandorum
Paranormal Activity
Saw VI
Sorority Row
Stepfather, The
Thirst / Bakjwi
Unborn, The
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
Uninvited, The
Zombieland
*includes all US horror from films released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2009
Friday the 13th (1980)
Dir: Sean S. Cunningham (A Stranger is Watching, DeepStar Six)
Cast: Adrienne King, Jeannie Taylor, Robbi Morgan, Kevin Bacon, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Mark Nelson, Peter Brouwer, Betsy Palmer
USA, 1980
Seen: Sometime in the 80's, recently revisited January 3, 2009
Reason to see: In anticipation of the upcoming Friday the 13th to be released in February 2009
It was wild to go back and revisit this film, after not seeing it for over 20 years. Spawning a plethora of sequels, remakes and tie ins with other horror films we start with a very classic horror story. A bunch of camp councillors are prepping a camp, with a mysterious history for a re-opening. So, you have a setting of the great outdoors and a set of late teens with the opportunity of getting into mischief and things go awry. A simple enough premise, no? Simple and effective, which is why it's been used over and over again not only in the sequels, but in countless other horror films. It is a gem of a horror film and even breaks some new ground and included very effective use of 1st person camera work. The effects, for the most part, have held up extremely well over times and it certainly has a fair share of scares but also goofiness. Overall, I impressed. And.. it had Kevin Bacon in it!
Shannon's Overall View:
I was entertained
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as a fun horror flick
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Friday the 13th, Part 2
Dir: Steve Miner (Friday the 13th Part III, House, Halloween H20, Lake Placid)
Cast: Amy Steel, John Furey, AdrienneKing, Kirsten Baker, Stuart Charno, Russell Todd
USA, 1981
Seen: revisited Jan 8, 2009
Reason to see: It was on the same DVD as Friday the 13th (1980)
A world of lame. As Friday the 13th was a classic horror film that got ripped off a lot, Part II trend sets the standard for bad horror sequels. It uses a fair amount of footage from the first film, basic premise, then ditches the tension but ramps up the display of skin and bad acting.
Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it
I'd not likely watch it again
I'd recommend it as for fans of campy horror
Return to Film Reviews
© Shannon Ridler, 2009
9 in 2009 - Get a New TV!
I just brought a new TV. It's been a long time coming and believe me I have loved my dear lil old 13" TV for many years. But the time has come and I went a little crazy going wit a 40" flatscreen. I don't understand all the features and need to figure out how to tone down those reds but it's nice to read subtitles in wide screen again! I went with a Toshiba 40" 1080p LCD HDTV (40RV525U). And, as a bonus this completes one of my New Year's Resolutions on my 9 in 2009.
The box for the new one took up almost all my floor space in my kitchen:
Assembly was easy but lifting that sucker to place on a shoulder high surface was not!
Check out the comparison pics!
Old TV at it's old spot:
New TV:
Me & Old TV:
Me & New TV, arms aren't long enough to get whole image in there!
Romantic Takes the Top: Canadian, North American & UK Box Office February 6, 2009 weekend
February starts with romance as He's Just Not That Into You takes the top spot this past weekend at the Canadian and North American Box Office and comes in 2nd in the UK. It's exciting to see Polytechnique hit the charts at 13 in Canada as the first Canadian film on the 2009 Box Office Top Listings. Across the pond, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opens at number one and family friendly fantasy The Secret of Moonacre debuts at number seven.
Looking for a different kind of romance? Check out my untraditional picks for Valentine's Day films.
Top 20 Movies in Canada for the February 6, 2009 weekend
1. He's Just Not That Into You *
2. Taken
3. The Pink Panther 2 *
4. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
5. Coraline *
6. Slumdog Millionaire
7. Push *
8. Hotel For Dogs
9. Gran Torino
10. The Uninvited
11. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
12. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
13. Polytechnique *
14. The Reader
15. Bride Wars
16. Revolutionary Road
17. New in Town
18. Inkheart
19. The Wrestler
20. My Bloody Valentine 3D
Top 20 Movies in North America for the February 6, 2009 weekend
1. He's Just Not That Into You *
2. Taken
3. Coraline *
4. The Pink Panther 2 *
5. Paul Blart: Mall Cop
6. Push *
7. Gran Torino
8. Slumdog Millionaire
9. The Uninvited
10. Hotel For Dogs
11. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
12. New in Town
13. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
14. The Reader
15. The Wrestler
16. My Bloody Valentine 3D
17. Revolutionary Road
18. Bride Wars
19. Defiance
20. Inkheart
Top 10 Movies in the UK for the February 6, 2009 weekend
1. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button *
2. He's Just Not That Into You *
3. Slumdog Millionaire
4. Valkyrie
5. Revolutionary Road
6. My Bloody Valentine (2009)
7. The Secret of Moonacre *
8. Role Models
9. Seven Pounds
10. Doubt *
* indicates opening weekend in noted location
Source: Canada & North America info, UK info
Un-Traditional Valentine's Day Film Suggestions
So, I've never been much of a romantic with regards to films or otherwise. Last February I took a crack at challenging myself to watch a bunch of acclaimed romances from The Notebook to Pride and Prejudice to Atonement and let me tell you it was not fun times. Are they good films? Yes. But did I enjoy them? Not so much. Then yesterday I got a timely reminder of my untraditional views after receiving my February DIY Entertainment Club*. Being torn between wanting to write a themed list of films for Valentine's Day but not having the heart to fudge about recommendations of films that I don't enjoy, I decided to share some untraditional choices for celebrating this holiday.
Creatures From Near and Far
The Hunger (1983) Any film that opens with the song "Bela Lugosi's Dead" works for me, add that it is a vampire film and the cast includes Catherine Deneuve, Susan Sarandon and David Bowie and you are in for a smokin' good time.
Blood & Donuts (1995) Canadian vampire film, much of which takes place at a donut shop and has David Cronenberg as a crime boss. Donuts. Vampires. Cronenberg.
Ladyhawke (1985) Michelle Pfeiffer and Rugter Hauer star as cursed lovers. Ok, this one is kinda romantic. But.. cheesy 80's soundtrack quells any real romance, no? Also stars Matthew Broderick and the lovable thief.
Cat People (1982) Nastassja Kinski and Malcolm McDowell star as siblings, or cats or well what are they exactly? Let's just say this one is pretty unique. Awesome soundtrack to boot.
Underworld (2003) More action-y than creature-y but how can you go wrong with vampires vs werewolves, lots of action and everyone looking awesome? You can't go wrong with that.
Horror
My Bloody Valentine (1981) Check out the original for some heart stopping horror. Pretty freaking gory at time but fits the holiday theme perfectly.
Ginger Snaps (2000) Culty femme werewolf Canadian genre genius. Doubles as a creature film but hey, I couldn't have just one pick for horror!
Futuristic/Sci Fi
Blade Runner (1982) I think Blade Runner is good for any holiday! It definitely has themes of love and partnership in there so it fits.
Logan's Run (1976) What is more romantic than a living for the moment in a short lived life? Plus, feathered hair & flowy outfits. I still find Carousel scary as all get out though.
Serenity (2005) Again, this film can fit any occasion! It also does have some great relationship moments.
Barbarella (1968) Guilty pleasure, fab outfits, Pygar, big hair, and one hell of a fun time.
Arthurian
Nothing says romance like films that bring up issues of monogamy! Also, you can spark the everlasting debate on whether Lancelot is a blonde or a brunette. But seriously, hunky guys riding on horses, saving people or fighting people but also have the unrelenting drive and loyalty to their King? All sounds good to me. Take your pick:
Excalibur (1981) The classic. Nicol Williamson feels like the one true Merlin. Seems like every viewing unveils a familiar face in the stellar cast from Patrick Stewart to Gabriel Byrne to Liam Neeson. Is it too geeky tomention remembering the words to the spell Helen Mirren casts?
King Arthur (2004) I continue to be surprized that people underrate this film. It's a total repeat watcher, compelling story, great characters, action and freaking awesome cast including Clive Owen, Ioan Gruffudd, Mads Mikkelsen, Ray Winstone, Ray Stevenson, Hugh Dancy and Joel Edgerton. Oh, and Keira Knightley.
Tristan + Isolde (2006) This one is the most romantic of this set although focuses on characters slightly off the beaten path. Stars James Franco and Sophia Myles.
Treading Close to the Line of Tradition
Here are some fall back choices for films that are romance-centre, but show it in a unique light.
In the Mood for Love (2000) Wong Kar Wai directs Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung as neighbours in Hong Kong in one of the most beautiful films in the world.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Martial arts + romance = perfect date movie.
3-Iron (2004) I finally caught up this film by Kim Ki-Duk just a few weeks ago and continue to be amazed at his tender, touching approach to human sorrow and healing. Beautiful.
* Inspiration brought to you from DIY Entertainment Club selections of the month: John Carpenter's The Thing, Ginger Snaps, Tristan and Isolde and the Soundtrack to Twilight.