Day 7: Favorite animated feature
Second attempt at this today. Earlier I was going on about how hard it is to pick favourites, well not hard to pick favourites plural, but to single things down to one... eesh.
Favorite animated feature
My Neighbour Totoro
Other films came to mind, including Spirited Away, and the Fox and the Hound. Right now though, I'd like a Totoro. Earlier I was thinking about how one film, or one thing, can be the best in one situation, and not be right for another. Today is a Totoro day.
Having a Totoro in the garden right now would be great. I'd cuddle into its furry belly and fall asleep. It would probably wake with a ROOOOOAAAAAWWWWRRRRR and frighten the life out of me, but then there would be giggling. And that would be nice.
It's a more muted tone film than anything by Disney, and seems more dreamlike, and perhaps more realistic because of it.
For anyone not having come across it as a film - its Studio Ghibli - beautiful Anime. Its a film with kids in it - so... arguably a kids film - but viewed as an adult, you get both the adult, and the childlike reaction to the events as they unfold. Your reactions now to a mum in hospital, and what you would have felt as a child. You also get the sadness as it emerges that you can only see the Totoro at a certain age, now long since past.
The crazy beast of the Totoro, its smaller minions, and the CatBus all weave through the human story, making it possible without the adults knowing.
You also get a lesson in the ages of Anime -
1. The small girl. Big head. Big mouth. Short and chubby.
2. The older girl. Head more in proportion. Mouth only big when acting childishly. Longer and leaner.
3. The mother. Proportionate, calm, slender.
4. The crone. Short and round. Big features, eyes and mouth - the return to childhood.
I'll try not to be sad that I can't see the Totoro. It's there. I just cant see it.
Monday, 9 May 2011
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Day 6: Favorite horror
Day 6: Favorite horror
Favourite horror... do I have one I wonder? You would think I would.. but yet again, I am second, and triple guessing my genre definitions...
hmm
Fuckit. This ones a cracker... if only I could remember the name. Had on while I google...
The Haunting!
Yes.. its a bit rubbishy.. but its also a bit epic. First watched this years and years ago on my own, in the dark, in the middle of the night. At the end, got up to go brush my teeth, in the dark ran into my dad, who had also been watching it, but downstairs. I jumped and yelled. He jumped and yelled. My mam who was asleep woke up and yelled. Excellent.
The film itself is creepy. Definate moments to make you jump. Some beautiful ideas, and some excellent special effects. Liam Neeson is always a draw, and in this - as good as ever.
With all haunted house stories, you have to wonder why the hell they dont just leave. At least in this they try to. You are left wanting them to have tried harder... but, thems the breaks.
I would love to have a water filled corridor with piles of books as steppingstones.
Its not the bloodfilled horror - those, in all honesty, I dont really have much time for. Theres only so many pints of cornsyrup you can see before you get bored, and once you have seen hooks pulling at skin that looks like it came off your xmas stocking tangerine, or wasps crawling all over a bathroom mirror, I dont really need to see it again. I dont want a horror to shock and repulse me. I want it to horrify me.. make me scared to go to bed because of what the bed might turn into, not because there is an escaped nightmare demon hiding under it.
Favourite horror... do I have one I wonder? You would think I would.. but yet again, I am second, and triple guessing my genre definitions...
hmm
Fuckit. This ones a cracker... if only I could remember the name. Had on while I google...
The Haunting!
Yes.. its a bit rubbishy.. but its also a bit epic. First watched this years and years ago on my own, in the dark, in the middle of the night. At the end, got up to go brush my teeth, in the dark ran into my dad, who had also been watching it, but downstairs. I jumped and yelled. He jumped and yelled. My mam who was asleep woke up and yelled. Excellent.
The film itself is creepy. Definate moments to make you jump. Some beautiful ideas, and some excellent special effects. Liam Neeson is always a draw, and in this - as good as ever.
With all haunted house stories, you have to wonder why the hell they dont just leave. At least in this they try to. You are left wanting them to have tried harder... but, thems the breaks.
I would love to have a water filled corridor with piles of books as steppingstones.
Its not the bloodfilled horror - those, in all honesty, I dont really have much time for. Theres only so many pints of cornsyrup you can see before you get bored, and once you have seen hooks pulling at skin that looks like it came off your xmas stocking tangerine, or wasps crawling all over a bathroom mirror, I dont really need to see it again. I dont want a horror to shock and repulse me. I want it to horrify me.. make me scared to go to bed because of what the bed might turn into, not because there is an escaped nightmare demon hiding under it.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Day 5: Favorite action
Day 5: Favorite action
Gah... another tough one. Hrmmm...
First one that came to mind.. Die Hard... but.. not the first.
Die Hard III, DieHard with a Venegeance.
Got pretty much all you could want from an action film.
Bruce Willis in a vest.
Jeremy Irons in a vest.
And I'm pretty sure.. a glimpse of... Samuel L Jackson in a vest.
Its a vest fest!
Theres cars... trucks.. reverse badge number reading.. gold bars.. trains... massive tunnels.. vats of explosive goo.. I could go on.
Of course.. its not the most cerebral of plots. But it is a compelling one. Yet again John Mclaine has buggered things up with wifey... is in a vest and hung over. This time theres an evil puppet master with a grudge.. or is it yet again all about the money? Nah.. its BOTH! One vicious woman with a knife later and theres plenty of the red stuff around to slip on, courtesy of the one dumb guard with a shotgun who really should have let the money go. Not like he was going to get a gold bar on retirement. Smattering of racism, bit of sammich board walking and off we go.. several destinations to reach, a puzzle or two to solve along the way - one of which - the water container one - ranks up there with the talking doors of the labyrinth in its mindbogglingness. The double, the triple, the quadruple cross amps up the - it's ok I can watch this without feeling guilty coz theres a plot - but its just that. Amping up what is already a very watchable film. Car chases. Truck chases. Boat chases?
Yippy Kai Yay MutherFucker!
Gah... another tough one. Hrmmm...
First one that came to mind.. Die Hard... but.. not the first.
Die Hard III, DieHard with a Venegeance.
Got pretty much all you could want from an action film.
Bruce Willis in a vest.
Jeremy Irons in a vest.
And I'm pretty sure.. a glimpse of... Samuel L Jackson in a vest.
Its a vest fest!
Theres cars... trucks.. reverse badge number reading.. gold bars.. trains... massive tunnels.. vats of explosive goo.. I could go on.
Of course.. its not the most cerebral of plots. But it is a compelling one. Yet again John Mclaine has buggered things up with wifey... is in a vest and hung over. This time theres an evil puppet master with a grudge.. or is it yet again all about the money? Nah.. its BOTH! One vicious woman with a knife later and theres plenty of the red stuff around to slip on, courtesy of the one dumb guard with a shotgun who really should have let the money go. Not like he was going to get a gold bar on retirement. Smattering of racism, bit of sammich board walking and off we go.. several destinations to reach, a puzzle or two to solve along the way - one of which - the water container one - ranks up there with the talking doors of the labyrinth in its mindbogglingness. The double, the triple, the quadruple cross amps up the - it's ok I can watch this without feeling guilty coz theres a plot - but its just that. Amping up what is already a very watchable film. Car chases. Truck chases. Boat chases?
Yippy Kai Yay MutherFucker!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Day 4: Favorite drama
Day 4: Favorite drama
hrmm....
Difficult.
What the hell is drama, compared to anything else.... hrmmm....
Drama.... Drama... Drama.. Drama.
Perfume.
Thats nice and Drama..y. It's got Alan Rickman in too!
Its the adaptation of the book, and its a pretty good adaptation really. Not a lot in it that makes your teeth itch with what they have left out / changed - for that you can watch the latest Harry Potter.
Beautifully shot, some amazing effects, not something to be expected in a film like this, but the crumple of a particular building is spot on. The exploration of the intricacies of the main character are dulled from the book, but its a hard thing to get across in film I suppose, especially when the narrator is external.
The films kinda special to me for two reasons.
My friend leant me the book. I still have it, but no longer have the friend. Bittersweet. More Bitter than sweet.
I tried to watch the film so many times the summer before last. Back when I was working in the library, I would borrow it each weekend, and invariably, fall asleep, exhausted and dizzy before the end. Poor Ducko has seen the film a lot. When I eventually got to see the end. It was just right. Not altered, not made Hollywood happy, just the right happy for the character it fit.
It should suit you if you like a bit of humanity, wrapped up in beautiful surroundings, with an orgy thrown in to boot.
Love it.
hrmm....
Difficult.
What the hell is drama, compared to anything else.... hrmmm....
Drama.... Drama... Drama.. Drama.
Perfume.
Thats nice and Drama..y. It's got Alan Rickman in too!
Its the adaptation of the book, and its a pretty good adaptation really. Not a lot in it that makes your teeth itch with what they have left out / changed - for that you can watch the latest Harry Potter.
Beautifully shot, some amazing effects, not something to be expected in a film like this, but the crumple of a particular building is spot on. The exploration of the intricacies of the main character are dulled from the book, but its a hard thing to get across in film I suppose, especially when the narrator is external.
The films kinda special to me for two reasons.
My friend leant me the book. I still have it, but no longer have the friend. Bittersweet. More Bitter than sweet.
I tried to watch the film so many times the summer before last. Back when I was working in the library, I would borrow it each weekend, and invariably, fall asleep, exhausted and dizzy before the end. Poor Ducko has seen the film a lot. When I eventually got to see the end. It was just right. Not altered, not made Hollywood happy, just the right happy for the character it fit.
It should suit you if you like a bit of humanity, wrapped up in beautiful surroundings, with an orgy thrown in to boot.
Love it.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Day 3: Favorite comedy
Day 3: Favorite comedy
DOGMA!!!
wow... on Easter.. well, monday now.
Another I am unlikely ever to watch again.. heh... this list is really REALLY opening up just how messed up I am!
Still, the film, is so funny, you may need to pack spare clothes.
Any film with Alan Rickman is worth a watch, in this, he is The Voice... and as such can neither imbibe alcohol, or have genetalia.
It also has the BEST, most realistic scene ever, a glimpse into the true and natural reaction any stoner who likes to think they are wise in the way of the world would have, when confronted with fallen angels having their wings ripped off and Alanis Morisette as GOD shrieking so that everyone arounds head explodes.
Truly excellent. Who wouldnt want to get to know the Buddy Christ, eat at Moobys, or carve a Voodoo figure out of an onion, or watch Salma in her pink bra lolita dance.
Oh, and Silent Bob speaks.
Rockin.
DOGMA!!!
wow... on Easter.. well, monday now.
Another I am unlikely ever to watch again.. heh... this list is really REALLY opening up just how messed up I am!
Still, the film, is so funny, you may need to pack spare clothes.
Any film with Alan Rickman is worth a watch, in this, he is The Voice... and as such can neither imbibe alcohol, or have genetalia.
It also has the BEST, most realistic scene ever, a glimpse into the true and natural reaction any stoner who likes to think they are wise in the way of the world would have, when confronted with fallen angels having their wings ripped off and Alanis Morisette as GOD shrieking so that everyone arounds head explodes.
Truly excellent. Who wouldnt want to get to know the Buddy Christ, eat at Moobys, or carve a Voodoo figure out of an onion, or watch Salma in her pink bra lolita dance.
Oh, and Silent Bob speaks.
Rockin.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Day 2: Least favorite film
Day 2: Least favorite film
Hrmm... well this is tough. Because, well if you have a least favourite film.. why on earth would you watch it? For this reason, I will have to go with one that was inflicted on me last Christmas I think it was.
Mamma Mia.
Dont get me wrong, I love Abba. yeah I said it. But the film.. oh the film... is enough to make you wish your nails were made of something stronger so you could actually peel your skin off to distract you. Not to besmirch what to many must be a great fun enjoyable film. Its just not for me. For songs that have meaning to be made trite by a flimsy love story, played out by people you just cant believe in is a shame.
I'm adding on another 2001 a Space whatever. Awful. Dull Dull Dull, with such a violently awful ambient soundtrack it made my head hurt till I cried. Yuck.
Hrmm... well this is tough. Because, well if you have a least favourite film.. why on earth would you watch it? For this reason, I will have to go with one that was inflicted on me last Christmas I think it was.
Mamma Mia.
Dont get me wrong, I love Abba. yeah I said it. But the film.. oh the film... is enough to make you wish your nails were made of something stronger so you could actually peel your skin off to distract you. Not to besmirch what to many must be a great fun enjoyable film. Its just not for me. For songs that have meaning to be made trite by a flimsy love story, played out by people you just cant believe in is a shame.
I'm adding on another 2001 a Space whatever. Awful. Dull Dull Dull, with such a violently awful ambient soundtrack it made my head hurt till I cried. Yuck.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Day 1: Favorite film
Obviously this isnt going to be the 30 day movie challenge in 30 days.. we all know Im far from that organised and disciplined.
But anyway.. here goes.
Day 1: Favorite film
My favourite film, is The Crow.
I watched this with friends on what still stands as my best birthday ever. many Many.. oh crikey... disturbingly many birthdays ago.. shit... 10? really? yikes. Well, there was a reuniting with a friend.. one who again is unable to be in my life.. for too long a time now for me to bear to think about.. but this post is about the film. The film is amazing.. I love it, and it may always be my favourite film. It will stay that way because I can't watch it. Memories that make me want to not be here well up like toxic burning tar layered with petrol in my chest the milisecond I let myself think about why I can't watch it. So I will try very hard to get away from that again now.. Back to the times I can stand to remember. The film is beautiful, a totaly fantasy for the twisted darkness. The soundtrack is amazing.. Brandon Lee... so beautiful, and the film was his last. Taking his life. Top Dollar. My ideal villan. The voice of silk on gravel. Blood on shattered glass.
The film is a delight. Its sequels... despite one having Iggy Pop.. dont cut it. The more numbers, or words added to the title, the less it means. Don't watch them. Pour yourself a glass of red wine, keep the bottle handy.. Keep your Gun on the coffee table... turn off the lights.. and watch this.
But anyway.. here goes.
Day 1: Favorite film
My favourite film, is The Crow.
I watched this with friends on what still stands as my best birthday ever. many Many.. oh crikey... disturbingly many birthdays ago.. shit... 10? really? yikes. Well, there was a reuniting with a friend.. one who again is unable to be in my life.. for too long a time now for me to bear to think about.. but this post is about the film. The film is amazing.. I love it, and it may always be my favourite film. It will stay that way because I can't watch it. Memories that make me want to not be here well up like toxic burning tar layered with petrol in my chest the milisecond I let myself think about why I can't watch it. So I will try very hard to get away from that again now.. Back to the times I can stand to remember. The film is beautiful, a totaly fantasy for the twisted darkness. The soundtrack is amazing.. Brandon Lee... so beautiful, and the film was his last. Taking his life. Top Dollar. My ideal villan. The voice of silk on gravel. Blood on shattered glass.
The film is a delight. Its sequels... despite one having Iggy Pop.. dont cut it. The more numbers, or words added to the title, the less it means. Don't watch them. Pour yourself a glass of red wine, keep the bottle handy.. Keep your Gun on the coffee table... turn off the lights.. and watch this.
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