I just saw Mambo Italiano and loved it! I agree that it's kind of like the gay version of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The main character even alludes to it in the end. It made me sad that Nino went "straight" and dumped the poor guy but he rebounded with an openly gay man who's not afraid to be out. I thought it was appropriate. I thought it was cool, though, that the cop still had camping "partners."

I saw Underworld over the weekend. It was pretty cool. I don't know why they are billing it as a horror film though. It is definitely an action film. It had a very dark gothic feel to it with lots of matrixesque wire work. As a bonus it also had that cutie I can't think of his name from the TV show Felicity, and Kate Beckinsale who is one of Hollywoods most underated actresses...

I give it two big thumbs up!

Scott Speedman is his name. He used to drive me crazy on Felicity how he used to mumble all the time...and it only got worse as the show went on. During the final season, he talked (if you can call it that) like he had a verbal disorder. My friends and I used to talk about and recreate some of the scenes the next day at work and the person being Felicity would always say, "What? Speak up! I can't hear your gibberish martian language you loser!" Yes, we were mildly obsessed with this show -- but it was entertaining.

[ September 22, 2003, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: bobby78751 ]

I saw "Once Upon a Time In Mexico". It stars Antonio Banderras, Johnnny Depp and Enrique Inglesias. We knew we were going to see a movie that night and the friends we went with live right next door to this great theatre, where the movie was playing. We didn't know anything about the movie but it was convenient. The movie didn't do anything for me. The scenary was beautiful and the music was pretty cool. The storyline was very confusing and rather weak.

On the other hand, I also saw "Whale Rider". That was fabulous! I'd recommend it to anyone. It's filmed in New Zealand and deals with growing up in the Maori culture. It's not one of the flashy special effects movie but the storyline is great and the acting is wonderful. Go see it!

"Lost in Translation." Lovely film. Not for everyone, as nothing much happens. Made me want to re-visit Tokyo.

"Anything Else." Woody Allen talking heads movie. Need I say more?

"The Fighting Temptations." Some good gospel, but felt like I'd seen this movie before.

Postive news: The Canadian gay family comedy "Mambo Italiano" was #3 at the box office in Toronto, #5 in Canada and #17 in the U.S. (on only 178 screens). "Bend It Like Beckham" (love it!) comes out on DVD on Tuesday.

[ September 26, 2003, 07:15 AM: Message edited by: canmark ]

"Open Range" -- an absolutely unoriginal but quite entertaining Western from Costner. I think it's notably better than Dances With Wolves or Unforgiven, but will of course get no awards attention since it failed at the b.o.

Fine stuff I saw at the Toronto fest that will (I hope) open in the next year or so: Guy Maddin's indescribable Winnipeg musical myth The Saddest Music in the World; S21, an unsettling French doc on the Khmer Rouge; Nick Broomfield's riveting chronicle of the last months of serial killer Aileen Wuornos (NOT the upcoming biopic); Peter Greenaway's overloaded, hyper-tricky hi-def video The Tulse Luper Suitcases. And for the "nothing happens" crowd, Tsai-ming Liang's sublime Goodbye Dragon Inn.

Canmark, "talking heads" films can be fine, even Woody Allen's, but Jason Biggs' presence must be a new low.

We need that? Transgression forever...

Open Range is better than Dances with Wolves, perhaps the most undeserving Best Picture winner ever. But it's not where near Unforgiven, IMO.

The new Woody Allen keeps his awful streak alive and well and Jason Biggs' presence is not even close to being the biggest problem. The only good thing is that at least Woody doesn't cast himself to get to bang the young hot chick.

Four words you never thought you'd hear to describe a movie. wink I wonder if this has been/will be showing here.

It's playing at a couple of theaters in New York. If, as Canmark said, it's playing in 178 theaters in the US, I'd imagine it should be playing somewhere in/near Philly. Unfortunately, I've heard it described as "My Big Gay Italian Wedding" which kind of leaves me cold. Maybe I'll wait to rent it.

Actually, I like Woody Allen talking heads movies, and have subjected myself to many of them since Bullets Over Broadway, the first Allen movie I ever saw.

And Mambo Italiano is not a particularly good movie (it is like My Big Fat Gay Italian Wedding, full of tired ethnic jokes). I just point it out because in this anti-gay backlash we're going through, it's nice to see that the general public is plunking down it's $12 to see a "Canadian gay family comedy."

(Joe: there's a part in the movie where the father says, "There's a homosexual village on Ste. Catherine between Beaudry and Papineau." You got that? It's not in the other direction. wink )

Thank you. Believe me, I'll remember that!

Oh, God. We saw Mambo Italiano the other night - AWFUL. It's a must avoid. Completely insulting and completely unfunny. It makes My Big Fat Greek Wedding look like pure comic genius.

Okay, I gotta know: has anyone seen the Return of the King trailer preceding the movie Secondhand Lions? I've been looking for a site to download the trailer but haven't had luck yet. If anyone has seen it, please tell!!!!

theonering.net nicked the trailer off an Asian TV station. You can download it off the site, it'll just take a while.

Wow.

To JR, THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!!!!

I saw "Demonlover" tonight. I liked it, but it also was more froth and style than substance. But if you want to see a strange, thrilling, sex-filled, almost pretentious but not confection, with a some weird and wild Japanese manga and bit more violence than French films are good for, I say check it out. (Chloe Sevigny is great in her role, Gina Gershon sort of overacts but it's fun, Connie Nielsen plays the ice queen to a T. I think they could have found a hotter French (or American or European) actor for the part Charles Berling played, though).

One of the best moments was when these gay men in the audience screamed "she's not dead yet" after one of the super-b*tches in the movie actually survived yet another possible murder/death plot complication--and almost the entire audience burst out laughing.

I actually chose to see it instead of "Lost in Translation" (next week!) and "Party Animal" (or is "Party Monster" whatever the one with Wilmer Valderrama, Wilson Cruz and the Culkin manboy is called). Has anyone seen that one?

I'm glad to say I finally saw the ROTK trailer and it was AWESOME!!!!! Absolutely loved it! With the 49ers floundering and the Raiders off to a mediocre start, this movie is the only thing I'm looking forward to. I'm calling in sick for work that day, screw the airlines!!!! Okay, maybe I'll try to get someone to trade with me. Either way, I'm gonna be there on opening day! And to DallasUnc, thanks a million!!!

I keep watching Gosford Park. Love that movie. Great cast, directing, (Altman). Recently rented The Core, it was so-so, and Solaris with George Clooney, BORING. Although one of my top ten is Oceans Eleven, love that film too.

I just saw 'Amelie'. A wonderful, original, creative movie.

Not as good as I hoped, but still School of Rock has its heart in the right place. Good, fun family movie.

Overall, I was disappointed by School of Rock ....after reading all the glowing reviews about it I was expecting the most riotous, laugh-a-minute comedy of the year....I saw it Friday night in a packed theatre (the best way to see a comedy, if it is truly great) and outside of a few belly laughs most of the jokes seemed to fall flat on just about the entire audience (which covered a wide range in age from pre-teens to middle-aged couples).

However, the movie redeemed itself somewhat during the last hour and, as Canmark said, does have its heart in the right place....and the performances by several of the kids truly steal the show....I'm not sure that I would describe it as a "family movie" and while I definitely would NOT give it four stars as a lot of critics seem to be doing School of Rock had its moments and ultimately leaves you feeling good for the impact that Jack Black has upon the group of kids that he is "teaching". wink

[ October 04, 2003, 09:37 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]

We saw Underworld last night. It was okay at best. I've seen worse and I've seen better.

It was a pretty good way to kill a couple of hours on a Friday night.

We're watching LOTR--TT tonight. Orly!!!!!!

There's so much I've forgotten about this movie since we saw in the theatre. Damn good movie.

I'm waiting on the popcorn right now.

School of Rock was pretty funny, even though you could see everything coming a mile away. It's like Dead Poets Society updated to the present with younger kids, and a rock theme instead of poetry.

Pretty amazing they made a film about rock-and-roll without any words stronger than "ass". I love Joan Cusack, no matter what she's in, and the writer had a major role too as a totally pussywhipped roommate. He's the guy who wrote/starred in "Chuck & Buck" and I'm pretty sure is openly gay.

Sure it's harmless fun--but I think it's a bit more than that. They had quite the diverse group of kids [unlike DPS] without it seeming they had "one of each." The theme of finding something each person can be best at that will contribute is a lesson we all need to keep relearning as we deal with disparate groups.

Keeping the hot coals of passion fired up in our lives is an important priority. And it's oft-times a messy business of Rage Against The Machine to try and wake up the stolid status quo.

It made me appreciate rock-n-roll a whole lot more...and I like it!

I saw "Lost in Translation" today...it was nice film... Bill Murra

I saw Scarface over the weekend where it's playing at a theater on Times Square to help promote the DVD release and cash in on the huge cult following the movie has. I'd never seen it before. I thought the movie was a very trashy, very violent, overacted melodrama. In other words, I liked it a lot and I can understand why it has such a huge following because of the richness and ripeness of its rise and fall narrative arch and despite (or maybe because of) the gaudy trappings of the movie it has something very immediate and direct to say about materialism and a life based purely on overconsumption.

I went to see "friends and family" last night -- has anybody else seen it?

I was generally disappointed, though there were a few chuckles here and there. Pretty much fit the standard of queer films leaving something to desire. The only one to have done it for me was "Far From Heaven"; not strictly a queer film, but a great one nonetheless.
***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT**
dO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE FILM RUINED!!! yOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

the greatest disappointment for me was that the two leads NEVER kissed. I didn't want a full-on "we going to have sex now scene" but a nice kiss would have be good. Any one else?
The most stunning omission in Friends and Family?

Loved Far From Heaven.

[ October 06, 2003, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: Okshyboi ]

"Lost in Translation" was magical. Murray was outstanding. I keep replaying scenes from the movie in my head, it just haunts me... Certainly not an action thriller, but one of the most beautiful movies I've seen in, well, since I can remember (apart from the Lord of the Rings movies, which are in an exalted class by themselves). I especially like the scene when he was on air with the Japanese equivalent of Johnny Carson, just hysterical.

have to chime in on "Lost in Translation". I can't stop thinking about how good this film is. I recommend it to anyone who will listen.

I saw Mystic River today. What a terrific film-the best I've seen this year! Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins are all great, especially Penn. I'm thinking he may finally get the Oscar that has eluded him so far. He'll undoubtedly get a nomination. It's a serious, somber affair, but never boring. Clint Eastwood's direction is also outstanding.

My friend was recently named to the nominating committee for the SAG Awards, so we're going to get to see a bunch of movies this fall and all for free!!!

[ October 08, 2003, 12:51 PM: Message edited by: George_vikingfan ]

Now that's why I never had any luck. And here I was on Blvd Rene Levesque and Papineau.

Ha! There's been a bunch of articles in the Los Angeles Times about how the Academy is not sending out screening DVD's anymore because of piracy issues. So that means that *gasp* people are going to have to actually go to a theatre to see the movies. Well, I never!

Mystic River got a rave in the Los Angeles Times today for what it's worth. It looks like it's beautifully filmed, if nothing else.

On topic: I'm continuing my viewing of the stack of DVD's I borrowed from my friend. First up was a Japanese film, Double Suicide that was quite stunning. B&W, set in samuri times, wonderfully directed. It's not a happy ending, no siree. The lead woman, when she'd get hysterical--which was often--her voice was like fingernails on the chalkboard.

Another one is an extremely bizarre Spanish movie called Intacto. Beautfilly made and acted, the male lead, Leonardo Sbaraglia, is sexy as all hell. It's a very convuluted plot, but well worth the effort.

Dark City came highly recommended by my pal and it didn't disappoint. Well, until the last 5 minutes that is, but still. It's a futuristic sci-fi thriller that a lot of people will say "Matrix ripoff!" but this actually came out first. Good performances, a weird but good plot and a nice twist or three make up an entertaining movie.

What? Huh? There's movies currently playing in the theatre? Who knew?

[ October 08, 2003, 01:29 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]

Rented The Core on the weekend. It was okay. Bought LOTR-TT and watched it. Enjoyed it, even though I was seeing it for the third time. THe best thing. being able to put it on pause for a pee break!!


Actually went into the American Retail Juggernaut (aka destroyer of Zellers) last night and bought Lion King on DVD, (as well as Hunchback of Notre Dame, Atlantis, and Treasure Planet. Yup an animated movie junkie). Put LK on the surround sound and cranked it.

This morning my neighbour mentioned how much he liked hearing the song.

And he's in the next house.

eek! eek!

Actually, Lksimcoe, there's a police station on that corner. But I can certainly understand why you'd be trying your luck there. wink

Now, to handcuff that thought back to another thread, what was that terrible 80's movie with John Hurt as a gay man and Ryan O'Neill playing a cop who had to masquerade as a leatherman in order to investigate a crime in "the gay underworld?" And if I'm not mistaken, the gay guy falls for the straight cop in that movie, too. No?

[ October 08, 2003, 01:46 PM: Message edited by: Seph ]

This description had me intrigued so I looked it up. Described as The Odd Couple meets Cruising, the movie in question is called Partners. I wonder if they carry that at Blockbuster?

It's a horrible movie...Just about anything with Ryan O'Neal in it is bad! You're better off renting "Parting Glances" which is actually a good little movie for it's time!

Saw "Kill Bill" last night. If you like Tarrantino's stuff, you should like this. Wildly violent, but also lots of fun.

Hey, who doesn't love What's Up Doc?

"I am a Eunice Burns, I am the Eunice Burns!"

Haven't made it to Intacto yet on my Netflix list, but God knows he was hot in Plata Quemada.

For those who saw "Underworld" with Scott Speedman, I read in another discussion board that there's a scene near the end where Speedman is tied up and being interrogated. The big whoopdeedoo, however, is everyone kept saying how Scott's crotch was bulging, and even moving, according to some movie viewers.

Is this true? Or is this some vicious rumor started by some gay producer of the film hoping to get more people to go see it in the theatres?

On another note, did anyone see previews for the upcoming Angelina Jolie movie about her going no a mission to help poor impovershed children and wind up being in some CIA-conspiracy triangle? Forgot what it's called, but all I did was keep staring at CLIVE OWENS, the British actor who was in Gosford Park and Mrs. Greenfingers or something like that. I LOVE HIM! He has this dark, smoldering good looks, I just love watching him in films, even if the films he's been in hasn't been that exciting. I just love his looks and personality. If anyone has seen him in a good film, especially one where he takes any shed of clothes off, please post! wink

[ October 10, 2003, 02:36 PM: Message edited by: batboy ]

make sure you check out the BMW films too as well as "Croupier". He was amazing in that. He also had a small role in "The Bourne Identity" with Matt Damon.

He is really good in the BMWFilms.

Opps, sorry I'm posting about the handsome Clive Owens.

Thanks Tonka. What's the BMW Films? Is that a name of a series or a production company? Or is the movie called BMW? Or are you talking about ads for BMW that Clive was in?

Yeah, I have to check out "Croupier" although I heard that was really depressing. I may sit through the depression just to see my hunk Clive!

FYI: Clive Owen

The BMW short films were only shown at their website, if I remember. Each one was filmed by someone of note, and if I recall he was the driver in each one.

The only one I saw was directed by Guy Ritchie and starred his wife. wink It was pretty funny, actually.

I saw Kill Bill yesterday. Whoa ... that was the most bloody, violent thing since I was in junior high watching "Our Bodies, Our Selves" in health class. Right from the beginning, the action started. I really like it though ... Kill Bill, I mean.

Yeah, I'll see Volume 2 when it comes out.

Kill Bill kicked ass. It was a bloody mess, but it was Tarantino making an homage to a genre that he truly loves.

I can't wait for Volume 2.

I finally got to see American Splendor yesterday. And it was just as great as I expected it to be. Best film I've seen so far this year.

I was also finally gonna go see Finding Nemo this afternoon, but they replaced the two afternoon matinees with showings of Kill Bill instead. Dammit!

I found individual scenes and aspects of Kill Bill and Intolerable Cruelty to be quite good, but overall I found both movies to be just good.

Tarantino's film was not as unexpected and unpredictable and shocking as I hoped, although there are some scenes that are quite fun, like the opening fight scene between Uma Thurman and Vivica A. Fox (with Fox's character's daughter interrupting the action). Having recently seen Beat Takeshi's Zatoichi at the Toronto Film Festival, I'm finding that the samurai/Hong Kong-action "homage" gets tiresome after a while... and I would have expected Tarantino to do something new. For example, the fight between the two women in Crouching Tiger had a certain artistry and poetry to it... whereas I felt like the climactic action scene in Kill Bill was something I'd seen before.

Felt like there was something missing in John Sayles' Casa de los Babys. This film was shorter than his usual, and I felt he didn't interweave the plots as artfully as he usually does. Nor did he wrap up many of the storylines, leaving you wondering what happens next. Although, possibly, this was the intention as the story involved American women adopting babies from a South American country... and what happens to the babies--and the children who don't get adopted--is not necessarily happily ever after.

[ October 15, 2003, 04:16 PM: Message edited by: canmark ]

One of the newer ones was shown as a short in one of the theatres here in town right before some art film. Strange choice, but still a good movie. Try BMWFilms.com!!