Take 4: Thanksgiving Films (Sort Of...)

Ah...Thanksgiving. A time for feasting...but a time for films? There aren't a bunch of Turkey Day movies out there, so I decided to improvise a little with a four-course meal of movies that span genres, as well as giving a little Thanksgiving flavor...sort of.

--------------------------------------------

Coming to America (1988)

What It's Not About: It's not the story of the pilgrims arrival at Plymouth Rock.

What You Actually Get: Directed by John Landis, it's the story of an African prince who leaves his homeland for New York City in order to find a woman who loves him for who he is on the inside, rather than go through with the marriage that his parents have arranged for him back home.

Familiar Faces: Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall play Prince Akeem and his friend Semmi...as well as several other characters (in typical Eddie Murphy fashion). You also have James Earl Jones playing Murphy's father; John Amos as Murphy's boss at the fast food joint, McDowell's; and ER's Eriq La Salle playing the boyfriend of the girl that Murphy falls in love with (who, incidentally, is played by one Shari Headley). You also have a small role for comedian Louie Anderson, and a fun little bit by Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy, reprising their roles as the Duke Brothers from 1983's Trading Places (another Eddie Murphy film). Finally you have two early appearances by a couple now big-name actors: Samuel L. Jackson, in the role of "Hold-Up Man," and Cuba Gooding Jr, in the role of "Boy Getting Haircut."

Random Trivia: Most of the dance that's performed by the royal dancers before presenting Prince Akeem's queen-to-be is a high-tempo rendition of the dance from Michael Jackson's Thriller (also directed by John Landis).

And I Quote: Semmi:[looking at America on a globe] "The land is so big. The choices so infinite. Where shall we go...L.A. or New York?"

Curt's Take: Not a Priority - I feel sorta bad giving this a relatively low review, because a friend at work was stunned I hadn't seen this (one of his favorite films) and strongly urged me to watch it. So, on Thanksgiving evening, I popped this in...and maybe it was the tryptophan from the turkey, but I don't know...I had a hard time getting into it. Yes, it's got a dated look and feel, so I think it's hard for me to come into this in late 2007, see it for the first time, and enjoy it as much as some others do (I've said the same thing about Stripes and Animal House). Plus, I've never been a huge fan of Eddie Murphy movies. That all having been said, it is kind of a classic film (in the comedic sense) so you may want to see it anyway. Looking back, the writing is actually pretty good...maybe it was just the acting/delivery. Regardless, I can now check it off my list and move on.

--------------------------------------------

The Science of Sleep (2006)

What It's Not About: It's not a riveting documentary about how turkey puts you into a food coma

What You Actually Get: Directed and written by Michel Gondry (who also directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the upcoming Be Kind Rewind, and numerous music videos), it's the story of a young Spanish-speaking artist named Stephane, who moves back from Mexico to Paris to live with his mom in the apartment building that she manages. The young Stephane gets a job at a calendar-production company, starts to fall for the new tenant across the hall (Stephanie)...and slowly starts to lose control of reality as his dreams take on a more and more prevalent part of his life.

Familiar Faces: I'm not that familiar with French or Mexican actors, so I didn't recognize anyone, but the leads are Gael Garcia Bernal (Stephane) and Charlotte Gainsbourgh (Stephanie).

Random Trivia: There are several references in this movie to Michel Gondry's various music videos. The "piano up the stairs" scene is a reference to his video for the artist Lucas's song "Lucas With the Lid Off," which features a very similar sequence. The dolls that Gael García Bernal pulls out of the desk during one of the Stephane TV sequences are from his video for Oui Oui's song "Les Cailloux." The White Stripes song in the soundtrack is a reference to the many videos Gondry has done for them. The giant hands in an early dream sequence are from the Foo Fighters' "Everlong" video. Stéphane's bed and porch are similar to those from Chemical Brothers' "Let Forever Be" video.

And I Quote: Stephane: "The brain is the most complex thing in the universe and it's right behind the nose."

Curt's Take: Worth Considering - On the one hand, the dream-like effects and style behind this film are definitely one-of-a-kind. I've seen some unique cinematography out there similar to this, but it's rare that you just stumble across it. On the other hand, I was lost for portions of the film...unsure what exactly was going on. I don't know if it was the mix of languages (some is in English, and some is subtitled in Spanish or French) or a lack of anything compelling going on during certain moments, but my mind was wandering...daydreaming, if you will. That having been said, it's rare to come across something like this, and even if it's a bit of a battle to make it through to the end, it's unique enough that I'd say consider checking it out.

--------------------------------------------

Return to the House on Haunted Hill (2007)

What It's Not About: It's not the story of me heading back home to spend Thanksgiving with family members.

What You Actually Get: It's the sequel to 1999's remake of a 1959 Vincent Price horror film. In the remake, five strangers arrive at a mysterious house/former asylum, with the challenge of seeing who can last through the night. In this follow-up, the sister of one of the people from the '99 version travels to the house with a team of nefarious treasure hunters, seeking a lost idol that is rumored to be somewhere within the spooky asylum.

Familiar Faces: Like The Science of Sleep, I didn't recognize any of these actors. Unlike The Science of Sleep, I think it has more to do with them not having been in much of anything, as opposed to them not having been in much of anything that isn't a foreign film. None of the actors from the orginal are in this...apart from one Jeffrey Combs, who plays the creepy ghost of Dr. Vannacutt.

Random Trivia: Went straight to video...any surprises there?

And I Quote: Main Baddy: "Samuel's going to stay back here with pretty boy. Pretty boy, make sure you don't get any funny ideas, because Samuel will kill you. Right, Samuel?" Samuel: "Huh? Oh...yeah. I'll kill you." Main Baddy: "See?"

Curt's Take: Not a Priority - On the one hand, it was watchable. The acting wasn't terrible (for the most part), the story was coherent (for the most part) and there were some genuinely creepy moments. On the other hand, I thought the original was scarier...and if you want to catch a good horror film, there are plenty of better ones out there (try the American remake of The Grudge, please). Still...it kept my interest, but didn't rock my world. If you've seen the '99 remake and enjoyed it, you should probably just bump this up to rating of Worth Considering, if only because it explains more about the history of the asylum.

--------------------------------------------

13 Tzameti (2005)

What It's Not About: It's not the story of how many pounds I gained over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend

What You Actually Get: This French black and white film is the story of Sebastien, a young repairman who steals a secretive letter during a dead-end roofing job. The letter ends up leading him through a series of mysterious instructions, only to end up placing him in a high-stakes game where he must gamble with his life.

Familiar Faces: Three movies now where I didn't see anyone I recognized. Blame it on this being a French film (which also means "expect subtitles").

Random Trivia: This film won several awards, including the 2006 Grand Jury Prize from the Sundance Film Festival, the 2006 European Discovery of the Year from the European Film Awards, and the Luigi de Laurentis Award from the 2005 Venice Film Festival.

And I Quote: Various People Throughout: "Can I bet on your guy?"

Curt's Take: Worth Considering - On the one hand, this had some of the most tense "edge-of-your-seat" scenes that I've seen in a movie in a long time. From the beginning, when you're wondering what the heck is going on, through the end, where you're wondering what the outcome is going to be, this film draws you in and doesn't let go. On the other hand, some of it did get lost in translation for me, as the subtitles didn't seem to capture everything that was being said each time. Also, this came damn close to being a Must See, but the beginning did drag a little for me. I don't think the subject matter is too polarizing...it isn't bloody or anything...just that the situation Sebastien gets put in is a little disturbing. So check out the trailer, and decide for yourself...

Take 4: Comic Book Review

It's been a while since my last review, but now it's time to get back in the swing of things! This time around Take 4 takes a look at the world of comic books, from movies based on comics to ones that revolve around the world of comics and comic book culture. Read on, true believers!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elektra (2005)

The Basics: Comic book-based action/fantasy/thriller starring Jennifer Garner; Rated PG-13 for action violence; Running time of 97 minutes

The Starting Premise: Elektra, the heroine from the Ben Affleck bomb Daredevil, is brought back from the dead and earns her living as a brooding assassin so stealthy that she is spoken of as existing only in legend. Oh, yeah...spoiler...she died in Daredevil.

And Then?: Elektra takes on "one last case" (how many times have we heard THAT line before?), only to find herself in the middle of a crisis of conscience. Enter a gang of super-assassins with super-powers, and Elektra finds herself using her skills to protect those she was originally supposed to eliminate.

And I Quote: Stick: "Her name was Elektra. She was a warrior. She was also dead. Well, nobody's perfect. Only a warrior can come back from death and even then the second life is never quite like the first."

Random Trivia: Due to the low level response from the previous film, Daredevil, promotion for this movie claimed ties to the movie X-Men instead, which had a much higher popularity response. The first promotional mention of ties to the Daredevil movie only took place one week before the Elektra movie was to be released.

Curt's Take - Worth Considering: On the one hand, this is much better than Daredevil...although that isn't saying much. Also, you don't have to have seen Daredevil to get much out of Elektra (it was nice of the filmmakers to not put folks through that). On the other hand, the acting isn't great...but it doesn't necessarily have to be for an action/adventure flick. The art direction and fight choreography make up for that, though, and the acting kind of fades into the background. In the end, it's an enjoyable comic book adaptation (a comic I've never heard of, mind you) with a heroine that's pleasant enough to look at, and five super-villains that are pretty bad-ass...except for their names. I mean, a woman named "Typhoid" who spreads sickness and disease? "Blight" or "Clap" are so much more pleasant on the ears. Anyway, you might want to check this out...it isn't that bad (by comparison, at least).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hellboy (2004)

The Basics: Comic book-based action/sci-fi flick, starring Ron Perlman, John Hurt, Rupert Evans and Selma Blair; Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and frightening images; Running time of 122 minutes

The Starting Premise: Back in 1944, near the end of World War II, Hitler's Nazi forces turn to dark magic and the occult as a means to win the war. A contingent of American troops come across the Nazis (and the Russian "mad monk," Rasputin) attempting to open up a portal to another dimension to bring through big dark, evil baddies from beyond space and time to help them take over the world...or destroy it, as would likely have happened had the American forces not foiled the attempt. Turns out something DID make it through the portal, though...a scared, horned red child-like being that the forces adopt as their own and name Hellboy.

And Then?: Fast forward some sixty years or so, and we watch as Hellboy grows up under the care of a young professor who had been accompanying the military forces. He's now part of a government group known as the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (BPRD), and along with a telepathic fish-man, they investigate and handle matters of national security that the government doesn't want to see in the headlines. Enter a recent FBI graduate, recruited to act as "best friend/babysitter" for Hellboy, a former BPRD member who is having trouble controlling her powerful pyrokinesis, and the possible return of Rasputin, and the world finds itself in need of a hero like Hellboy more than ever.

And I Quote: Professor Broom: "In the absence of light, darkness prevails. There are things that go bump in the night, Agent Myers. Make no mistake about that. And we are the ones who bump back."

Random Trivia: Director Guillermo del Toro for years considered this film a dream project and had always wanted to cast Ron Perlman in the lead, but could never secure a budget or studio approval. After the massive success of Blade II, del Toro was offered Blade: Trinity or Hellboy, and though he briefly considered trying to schedule both in, he chose Hellboy.

Curt's Take - Worth Considering: On the one hand, the special effects are great, and the movie maintains a real "comic book feel" to it. And while it doesn't take itself too seriously, the thought-out storyline (based on several Hellboy comics) was pretty interesting and Perlman did a great acting job as Hellboy. On the other hand, Perlman is one of the few decent actors in the movie (I'm looking at you, Selma Blair). Luckily, most people won't be going into this to see the great acting chops. I think a lot of folks are going to have a hard time getting past the seemingly ridiculous title, but if you're looking for a decent action flick with a decent story, I suggest you stop judging books by their covers and check this out.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comic Book Villains (2002)

The Basics: Dark comedy starring Donal Logue, Cary Elwes, Michael Rapaport, Natasha Lyonne, DJ Qualls, Eileen Brennan, and Danny Masterson; Rated R for language, violence, some sexuality and drug content; Running time of 92 minutes

The Starting Premise: The owners of two rival comic book shops discover that a local recluse has passed away and hear a rumor that he left behind a treasure trove of mint-condition comic books that he had been collecting over the past fifty years. Raymond, a slacker/comic book connoisseur, sees the collection as his chance to join the upper ranks of the comic book elite and make a name for himself, while Norman and Judy link see the collection as a huge financial windfall that will change their lives forever.

And Then?: When the rivals go to check out the collection, they find that it is being held onto by the deceased's mother, in remembrance of her son. They each try to ingratiate themselves with her and insinuate themselves into her life...but when push comes to shove, the comic book store owners begin to escalate matters until they quickly spiral out of control.

And I Quote: Conan: "My mom's hot. She's trying to date the UPS guy."

Random Trivia: When Raymond asks Norman if he's ever been to San Diego, he's referring to Comic-Con, the world's largest comic book conventions (and the setting for the last DVD that I review, below). While it was original designed to showcase comic books, sci-fi/fantasy, and film/television (and related popular arts), it has since expanded to include a larger range of pop culture elements, including horror, anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games and video games. This past summer, it drew over 127,000 attendees.

Curt's Take - Not a Priority: On the one hand, I was drawn into this because it was quite a different feel from the previous two "comic book" movies I reviewd. Plus, it had a surprising number of people in it that I recognized (see The Basics above). The writing and acting was pretty decent, too. Nothing to write home about, but still watchable. On the other hand, you can quickly predict the direction that the plot is going to take, and there aren't a hell of a lot of surprises in it. Plus, it begins to drag a bit towards the end...a fact amazing in itself because 1) that's when the most action takes place and 2) the movie is only an hour and a half long. In the end, while I was glad I got to see it, I can't saw I'd necessarily recommend it to anyone. Don't steer clear, necessarily...but also don't go out of your way.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comic Book: The Movie (2004)

The Basics: Mockumentary, starring Mark Hamill and Donna D'Errico, with cameos by such convention icons as Stan Lee, Matt Groening, Bruce Campbell and Kevin Smith; Rated PG-13 for language, sexual content and some drug references

The Starting Premise: Donald Swan is a huge fan of comic books, and one of the foremost authorities on legendary World War II-era comic book character, Commander Courage. Now it's the 21st century, and Commander Courage has been re-imagined as a hero named "Codename: Courage," a terrorist-fighting vigilante. A Hollywood studio is set to turn the comic into a movie, and brings Donald out to California to act as an expert consultant on the film (to lend it credibility), and to visit Comic-Con in San Diego with a camera crew where the film is being announced.

And Then?: It turns out Donald isn't a fan of the redesign of his favorite hero, and tries to persuade the studio marketing folks that new isn't always better, blindsiding them with one stunt after another during their visit to the world's biggest comic book convention.

And I Quote: Paul Dini: "They did put him in Vietnam and they tried to put a more whimsical skew on his adversaries. There was a character called Ho-Ho-Ho Chi Minh who was sort of a combination...like, a gagster version of a Vietnamese madman."

Random Trivia: At one point, Donald (Mark Hamill) and the crew ask to sit at a table with three men, but they are scared away. The three men at the table are Hamill's co-stars from the original Star Wars trilogy: Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), David Prowse (Darth Vader), and Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett).

Curt's Take - Don't Bother: On the one hand, this gives an interesting insider's look at what it's like at the world's largest comic book convention. On the other hand, the acting and camerawork are pretty damn bad, and the improvisational aspects are painful to watch. Truth be told...I wasn't able to sit through it all. It seems like they had what they thought was an interesting concept for a mockumentary, and it just failed on the follow through. It really just tries to hard to mix this fictional story of Donald and his passion for "Commander Courage," with a film that captures the essence of comic book culture. So skip this...unless you're a huge comic book fan and haven't been able to make it to Comic-Con, and just want to get a flavor of what it's like. But be warned...this is DAMN close to getting a "Run in Fear" rating. It's pretty bad.