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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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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.
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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...
posted by Curt at 11:53 PM
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