I love Steve Coogan and I love Michael Winterbottom, but I was still not getting my hopes too high for Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story, their second collaboration due to my disappointment in 24 Hour Party People.

Fortunately, there are no disappointments here, just a witty, layered, thoroughly enjoyable meta-cinema film within a film. The entire cast is wonderful including Dylan Moran of Black Books, the extremely funny Rob Brydon, and of course, Coogan, as they play both actors in the modern day trying to adapt the unfilmable 18th century novel Tristram Shandy and the characters in that movie.

One of the most clever and entertaining movies of the last year.

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Posted on August 14, 2006

The Philadelphia Story is a terribly witty and charming classic romantic comedy directed by George Cukor has a mass of memorable and clever lines, excellent costume design and saved Katherine Hepburn's career.

She, James Stewart, and Cary Grant, along with everyone else in this film are flawless. This is the kind of movie that they are talking about when they say “they just don't make them like they used to”. I can scarcly imagine a romantic comedy today with dialogue this sparkling … just look at what Ebert had to say of one of our most recent romantic comedies Failure to Launch:

“Oh, what stupid people these are. Stupid to do what they do, say what they say, think what they think, and get bitten by a chipmunk, a dolphin, a lizard and a mockingbird.”

Instead of wating your time in the new release section, pick up this timeless gem. It will not dissapoint.

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Posted on July 31, 2006

Part One of this Penelope Spheeris series deals with the punk scene in LA in the early 80's. It features amazing performances by Black Flag and Darby Crash with the Germs and is great, but The Metal Years is simply brilliant.

Ozzy spills his breakfast, Paul Stanley is interviewed from above a bed of satin sheets and nearly naked women, WASP guitarist Chris Holmes drinks himself nearly to death in a pool as his mother looks on, and the fans with their enthusiasm and scene make for one of the most entertaining movies that you will be lucky to see.

Lucky, because unfortunately, unless your video store has it, finding a copy is difficult at best. My dream is that Criterion would put out a set one day, but it is only a dream. If you have a chance to see this movie, don't hesitate.

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Posted on July 17, 2006

Altman, who holds first place in my heart as my most favorite American director, helms what is my favorite movie of all time (tied with Martin and The Shining).

Intelligently satirical, sharply funny, wildly complex, vivid and alive, Nashville weaves together the stories of numerous characters struggling through life in Nashville, Tennessee. This epic portrait of politics, fame, love and loss leaves you enthralled and amazed.

Everything about this movie is perfect, the acting (Ronee Blakely will mesmerize you), the cinematography (beautiful and inspiring), the writing (flawless), and of course the directing (did I mention it's Altman at his absolute best?).

Perfect Fourth of July viewing for the more cynical set. Also boasts an excellent soundtrack (see album pick).

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Posted on July 3, 2006

Ahhh, it's like remembering what an adorable baby some punk nosed shit kid used to be. Nicholas Cage used to be awesome. We all know it, we all saw Raising Arizona, but have you seen this overlooked crazy thing? Cage is at his over the top best in a truly unclassifiable movie.

Technically about a man who may have been turned into a vampire by an even-hotter-than- Flashdance Jennifer Beals. One thing is for sure, he's growing more and more insane and his poor secretary “ALVAA!!” is bearing the brunt of it. The screenplay was written by Joseph Minion who wrote After Hours, so if you've seen that (and you should), you kind of understand what you're in for; in a word — dark, in two words — dark comedy. Plus, much like River's Edge for Crispin Glover or Heavyweights for Ben Stiller – this is Nicholas Cage's finest hour of scene-chewing excellence.

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Posted on June 19, 2006