movies

50DMC – 2 – First Movie I Remember Seeing

50DMC firstmovie tmntmovie

The 50 Day Movie Challenge asks one question every day, to be answered by a few paragraphs and a clip, if possible. Click here to see all 50 questions in a nice and organized list. It’s such a pretty list.

TODAY: What is the first movie you remember seeing in theaters?

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen other films before Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie in the theater, but I don’t remember them. I was quite the fan of the Turtles from the start, so when the film came out I absolutely HAD to go! I remember being drawn in by how well the puppetry was done in this film, as well as how dark the film was in comparison to the Saturday morning cartoon. And while the film has gotten a bit silly with age, I distinctly remember it being “the best thing ever.”

The scene I embedded below is perhaps my favorite scene in the entire film, and the one that got all of us kids who had gone to see it roaring with laughter. “Damn” was a bit of a naughty word at that age, and to hear it in the movies was a bit of a thrill. What would our parents do when they heard THE MOVIE SWEARING?!?!

It’s probably best that Dad took me to this one. Mom might not have been too thrilled.

The 50 Day Movie Challenge

50DMC main

I REALLY like memes. Don’t believe me? There’s a post of 100 Things I Love About My Favorite Movies on my blog that will delight fellow movie lovers and sadden them at the same time as the myriad of youtube clips overload and crash their browsers.

This particular meme caught my eye as it was making the rounds on both Facebook and various other blogs. The idea is to post one each day for fifty days and to provide clips where possible. I plan to post these throughout the weekday, skipping Saturday and Sunday to get a bit of a queue built up.

Here’s the full list of questions. I will add the links to the latest posts as they get uploaded.

1) Your favorite movie
2) The first movie you remember seeing in theaters
3) The movie you’ve seen the most (repeatedly) in your life
4) Your favorite animated film
5) Your favorite documentary
6) Your least favorite movie by your favorite director
7) Your favorite movie soundtrack
8) Your favorite opening sequence
9) Your favorite movie ending
10) The movie that least deserved to win Best Picture at the Oscars
11) A movie you walked out on in theaters
12) Your favorite male performance
13) Your favorite female performance
14) A movie that made you cry
15) Biggest movie character crush
16) The scariest movie you’ve ever seen
17) The funniest movie you’ve ever seen
18) A movie that disturbed you
19) A movie you’re surprised you enjoyed
20) A movie you thought you would love but were disappointed
21) A movie that most fans and critics loved (but you hated)
22) A movie that most fans and critics hated (but you loved)
23) A movie you think is critically or commercially overrated
24) The most beautiful movie you’ve ever seen
25) The best-scripted movie you’ve ever seen
26) The most embarrassing movie in your personal collection
27) An iconic movie that you still haven’t seen
28) A movie you REFUSE to see
29) The one movie you think everyone should see
30) The last movie you saw in theatres
31) The worst movie you’ve ever seen
32) Favorite sequel
33) Favorite remake
34) favorite series
35) Favorite book-to-screen adaptation
36) Most Uncomfortable Date Movie –
37) A film you could never watch with your parents
38) Movie World that you would most want to live in
39) Favourite Musical
40) Favourite Movie Death
41) A film that you quote most
42) A movie that you would love to tour the locations for
43) Your favourite music scene from a non-musical
44) Your favourite comfort film
45) A movie that turned you on
46) A film you would like to remake
47) Currently unfilmed book or idea that should be a film
48) Movie Scene That Most Makes You Wince
49) A Movie that will always make you think of a special moment
50) Favourite Black and white film

100 Things I Love About My Favorite Movies

100 Films

Travis McClain, Nathan Chase and my girlfriend Jandy Stone did this neat thing where they posted their 100 favorite things about the movies

The rules–set down by the original prompt by Beau Kaelin–are quite simple and are as follows:

Rather than posting your 100 favorite films (which has been done and overdone), you simply post your favorite things about movies. I dig the concept, because instead of obsessing over whether the films you put on a list are “objectively good enough” to put on said list, you simply jot down 100 moments/lines/visuals that have made a lasting impression on you or sneak their way into running gags between you and your friends.

Below are such 100 such moments/lines/visuals that have made quite the impression on me over the years. They’re not in any particular order, nor are they really all that definitive. I’ve more than likely left some stuff out, which I’ll of course realize after this goes to post.

Be warned: there are a shit-ton of youtube embeds in this post, so if you have a slow connection you might want to go run some errands as everything loads. Where I couldn’t embed clips I put images linking to the youtube clips. If I had my way I’d have every moment on here be youtube embeds, but alas!

Anyway, here’s 100 Things I Love About My Favorite Movies

[EDIT 12/4/11: Added pagination to split up the post some. You should see the links to go to the other pages underneath the share links and the “similar posts” widget-thingy.]

The Opening Credits to Run Lola Run

What better way to start off this list than with the opening credits to my first foreign film. If it were legal to embed every minute of this gem, I would.

Doug from Ghost World

Really, the whole film is fantastic, but I kind of love every moment that this character is onscreen.

Ghost World

The 5.6.7.8’s Long Take From Kill Bill: Vol. 1

I like long takes, and this one from does a great job of setting up the scene before shit hits the fan. My absolute favorite part from this sequence is the glimpse of the kitchen you get as the camera swoops up. SO FUCKING GREEN.

Kim Pine & Stephen Stills in Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

I suppose I identify most with Scott Pilgrim, but my favorite characters in the film are most definitely Kim and Stephen. Case in point: the cutaways to Kim’s scowling face and Stephen’s freak-out during the Crash and the Boys show.

Kim Pine and Stephen Stills

The Opening to Once Upon A Time In The West

The opening to Once Upon A Time in the West is amazing. There’s no dialog or music for roughly ten minutes and yet it’s perhaps the most thrilling scene I’ve ever encountered in a western. Sergio Leone is, as Knives Chau might say, “Amaaaaaaaaaaaaaziiinnggggg!”

The Balcony Scene in Annie Hall

It’s a great scene from my second favorite Woody Allen film. Or is it actually my favorite? I dunno. This and Manhattan kind of switch places every now and then.

Annie Hall Balcony Scene

The Lovers Meet in William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is perhaps my least favorite Shakespeare story out of the bunch; or at least it was my least favorite until I watched Baz Luhrmann’s exciting adaptation. Claire Daines and Leonardo DiCaprio pretty much own their respective characters and the scene where they meet for the first time is romantic. Like REALLY romantic.

William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet

Klaus Daimler in The Life Aquatic

Every moment that this character is on screen is a brilliant moment. Willem Dafoe pretty much steals the show here.

Ben Stiller in Mystery Men

Not a huge Ben Stiller fan, but he’s absolutely delightful in this film as Mr. Furious. His usual shtick plays out best amongst the obscenely wacky cast. Best deconstruction of a super hero film? MOST DEFINITELY.

The Opening Credits of Casino Royale

The opening credits for Casino Royale are perhaps my favorite for the series. If that’s blasphemy to the other Bond openers, then so be it.

Whammy Burger Scene in Falling Down

“I think we have a critic! I don’t think she likes the special sauce, Rick!” While Falling Down kind of falls apart in the third act, it still remains one of my favorite films of a white-collar worker finally losing it on perhaps the hottest day of the summer. And this scene is perhaps my favorite out of the entire film.

Your Song in Moulin Rouge

I seriously had trouble picking out my favorite moment from this film, since there are so many. What eventually made me pick this one was the sheer charisma of Ewan McGreggor in this cover of the Elton John song.

The Bride Reunited in Kill Bill: Vol. 2

Ennio Morricone is a musical genius, and his opener to The Good, The Bad and The Ugly fits perfectly in this scene. Kudos to Quentin for being able to evoke such a strong emotion from an already strong musical piece. Both this scene and the original play in my head when I hear this.

The Naked Chainsaw Scene in American Psycho

My first experience with Christian Bale is this film, and what sold me on him was this very scene. Now go from this to The Machinist and you’ll understand why he’s a favorite actor of mine.

AmericanPsycho

Private Pyle’s Demise in Full Metal Jacket

If all you’ve experienced of Vincent D’Onofrio is his stint on Law and Order: Criminal Intent you need to go watch this film ASAP. More specifically, you need to watch this scene that ends the first (and best) half of the film. It’s quite an unforgettable moment.

Private Pyle's Big Scene

The Impregnation Scene In Slither

What a delightfully disgusting film. The scene in which Michael Rooker impregnates the woman he was having an affair with is perhaps my favorite thing about this film. Doesn’t hurt that it’s juxtaposed with Nathan Fillion putting the moves on Elizabeth Banks while some lame-ass country song is playing. The effect is a bit unnerving.

SlitherScene

AFI FEST: Day 5 (Tuesday)

Once again I found myself in the Rush Line and once again I was super early. Thankfully, there were a few other people in line with me so I didn’t feel all too weird. The guy next to me turned to me and started conversing and at first I thought, “oh crap, not another weirdo.” He quickly revealed that he was a sane and level-headed person and was into film, things which tend to put me at ease and make me more willing to converse. I told him about all the films I saw and he whistled in a way that said, “you are a badass, sir.” He also said that aloud.

Myth of the American Sleepover
Directed By: David Robert Mitchell
Starring: Nikita Ramsey, Jade Ramsey and Brett Jacobsen
Rating: ★★★★☆

[Hipster Bullshit] It’s jarring to hear music that you like in a film about an age group you have a difficult time relating with. Don’t these kids still listen to Miley Cyrus or spend their days thinking about the hot young bands to emanate from Disney/Nickelodeon like a vile stench? They seem way too young to have meaningful experiences set to Beirut or Magnetic Fields! Ugh, it seems like anyone can just say HEY I LISTEN TO THIS BAND THEREFORE I’M COOL BLAH BLAH. Well, I liked those bands WAY before they were in diapers! [/Hipster Bullshit]

Whoa.

What just happened? I think I was overcome by some weirdness. Anyway, I much enjoyed Myth of the American Sleepover. Coming-of-age films tend toward hit or miss for me, but this one offered the right amount of nostalgia without getting too ridiculous or sentimental. I found myself “d’aww”ing more than once during this film and thinking back to simpler times when I was much more innocent. Perhaps the strongest story in this bunch, and the one I could relate to the most, was the arc for the older brother (seen in the pic above). I am quite familiar with his regretful nostalgia and it was played subtly, which worked well for me.

Man, I wish my time in high school had been like this. :)

Some Days Are Better Than Others
Directed By: Matt McCormick
Starring: Carrie Brownstein, James Mercer and Renee Roman Nose
Rating: ★★★☆☆

I much preferred Myth to this film, but I appreciate that this film exists. James Mercer and Carrie Brownstein do well here, and the look into these characters’ lives was interesting to watch. I wonder if perhaps this film could have gone without tying everyone’s stories together in the end and let the theme do all the heavy-lifting. That could be why I felt a little underwhelmed with the ending and didn’t quite get the theme of “discarded things” from what I saw.

I want a Shins version of Total Eclipse of the Heart, by the way. Mercer, if you could get on that, you’d make a super-fan super-happy!

(OMG THERE’S ONE MORE DAY LEFT!!! NO COMMENT! 3D CAVES!! HERTZOG!! GODARD!!!)

AFI FEST: Day 4 (Monday)

I arrived at the theater early, even though I had tickets for Littlerock. Not sure what I hoped to accomplish by waiting around for two hours, especially since I’d have to wait in the Rush Line anyway for Outrage later. I asked the friendly Box Office Lady if she had any extra tickets for the Yakuza film and she said no in a way that suggested I should know better, given how many days I’ve attended so far. I ended up wandering around the area for the remainder of my time, eventually grabbing a black tea at Starbucks. Not entirely certain that black teas are for me anymore.

I took a lot of pictures of my shoes for some unknown reason. You may have noticed. Oh! Looks like someone got in line!

Littlerock
Directed By: Mike Ott
Starring: Atsuko Okatsuka, Cory Zacharia and Rintaro Sawamoto
Rating: ★★★★☆

I’m not sure I could ever spend a day in a foreign country without some kind of person around to help translate. Sure, I could probably draw “where is the bathroom” or “can I have another beer,” but I would feel way too out of place and kind of go into panic mode. For Atsuko, it didn’t really matter. This is where Littlerock really drew me in. I have an affinity for fish out of water tales and this one came with an extra helping of heart, as cheesy as that sounds. We got a glimpse into these people’s lives in this rather strange town and were able to identify with the main characters. I kind of want to see this again as soon as I can.

Outrage
Directed By: Takeshi Kitano
Starring: Beat Takeshi, Ryo Kase and Eihi Shiina
Rating: ★★★★☆

Like 13 Assassins, Outrage is the type of film that I’d like even if it weren’t good. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Outrage was a little hard to follow, but each character got a chance to develop a little before he was offed in some gruesome manner. Like with 13 Assassins, this film is about the resolution of an era. The old Yakuza get wiped out and replaced with a much younger set with “new” values. It’s quite a fascinating watch and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Well, except for the various parts involving finger-chopping. Beat Takeshi was marvelous in this film and a delight to watch. I hadn’t really seen him in much since Battle Royale, so it was nice to be graced by his presence once more. Seriously, that guy could make Dr. Seuss sound threatening.

See this.

(Stay tuned for Day 5 in which I prove how much of a hipster I can be – I’m not, really…)

AFI FEST: Day 3 (Sunday)

Confession time! I had never had crepes until today (Sunday). Yep, it’s true. To those of you who just gasped, I know. How could someone such as myself not have had crepes before? Well, I did and they were marvelous. Probably ate too much in the way of crepes, but that’s to be expected with something so wonderful. It’s with this sustenance that I was able to endure the harsh conditions of waiting in the evil Rush Line.

See, I’m not huge on awkward small talk. If I don’t really have anything to say, I’m not going to say it. I’m also probably not going to initiate small talk either. When I get into a line by myself, I zone out and go into my own little world. It’s a safe place where the outside world becomes a blur and I can reflect. Sometimes, I’ll pull out my phone and just get back to that wonderful internet. Well, this doesn’t seem to mesh well with a lot of the more friendly people in line who I had the fortunes of conversing with. Almost every situation involved the person standing or sitting next to me and making random observations in the hopes that I would acknowledge them and respond. Since none of them had the decency to talk above a mumble, I could only nod casually and go back to my phone.

I’m kind of a prick like that. I should clarify that if I’m with friends in line I’m quite chatty. That make things better? No. Okay. Jerks.

Did have one experience while in line for Heartbeats that was particularly interesting and didn’t involve me talking to anyone. It involved someone trying to give away his tickets to some screening I wasn’t going to. He waved them around and played the scalper game, laughing and saying he’d give these away for a measly fifteen dollars. This was the type of guy who wore faded baseball caps and button-up shirts a little too large for his frame. His jeans had painter’s splotches on them and were faded to light blue. Being a fan of darker colored jeans, I was quietly disgusted.

Someone in the line in front of mine got quite irate with this “fake scalper” and attempted to tell him off before leaving in a huff. In response, this guy went on a twenty minute rant against the person in line, claiming the guy was a real asshole and that he didn’t understand that it was all a joke. The rant bounced between accusatory and defensive in a potpourri of sentences that amused and irritated me. At one point I may or may not have used the twitters to express that the “joking” wasn’t all that funny to begin with and that perhaps the “joke” was infuriatingly unfunny to the person in line.

The guy next to me mumbled something about killing his mother, which I didn’t realize until later was him stating the title of Xavier Dolan’s previous film. Someone else in line awkwardly walked away.

Onto the day’s films!

Shorts Program 1

Successful Alcoholics
Directed By: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Starring: Nick Thune and Lizzy Caplan
Rating: ★★★★☆

A very strong short film starring Lizzy Caplan. I thought it was rather funny and had a solid turn at the end. It was distracting hearing music from Little Miss Sunshine, however, during some of the more cutesy moments. Still, I liked it. You can see the trailer HERE or by clicking on the title.

I Love Luci
Directed By: Colin Kennedy
Starring: Camilla Rutherford, Colin Harris, Wilson the Dog
Rating: ★★★☆☆

A voyeurish look into the lives of two recovering drug addicts and a case of missing teeth. Cute until the end. :)

On Leave
Directed By: Asaf Saban
Starring: Daniel Bruk, Dalik Volinitz, Irit Gidron, Dana Keila
Rating: ★★★☆☆

A rather dark piece about a soldier on leave. It didn’t really fit with anything else in this set, but it was still a solid film. Just not my cup of tea.

Time Freak
Directed By: Andrew Bowler
Starring: Michael Nathanson, John Conor Brooke
Rating: ★★★★☆

A fun little short about time travel with two likable leads and a funny concept.

Photograph of Jesus
Directed By: Laurie Hill
Starring: Voiceover by Matthew Butson, Neil Armstrong voice by: David L. Hayles
Rating: ★★★★★

The only animated short film in this section. I thought it was the best short film of the bunch. You can find the short film HERE or by clicking on the title of the film.

The Savage Canvas
Directed By: Tim Hope
Starring: Julian Barratt, Bethmi Tikiribandra, Monsterrat Lombard, David Ashton
Rating: ★★★★☆

A very cute short film that pits a young writer versus a stubborn director. I thought it was rather cute and that the characters were really well-developed.

Heartbeats (Les Amours Imaginaires)
Directed By: Xavier Dolan
Starring: Monia Chokri, Niels Schneider and Xavier Dolan
Rating: ★★★★☆

Style and substance. The two met and you get this film. I don’t like to gush too much, but this film definitely deserves it. The story is simple, and gets fleshed out by excellent music taste and great camera work. Now I just need to go and see this fellow’s previous work so I can get a better look into his stylings and sensibilities. (Postscript: I would say this is the winner for the day and among my favorite for the entire festival) Did I mention that the music was really good? Yeah, that.

13 Assassins
Directed By: Takashi Miike
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada and Yûsuke Iseya
Rating: ★★★★☆

I left the previous screening, well aware that I didn’t have a whole lot of time to reach the Rush Line for 13 Assassins. Sure enough, when I got there, the line extended rather far back and people were grumbling that “they might not make it.” Considering I had gotten in to the other things I rushed, I wasn’t 100% worried, but I was still kind of nervous. Thankfully, I got in and was able to sit where I wanted. The film started and what ensued was pretty much what I expected, except for the flaming bulls perhaps.

13 Assassins is a rather typical Samurai film, which takes it’s time getting us involved with the characters as they prepare to seek vengeance on a Shogun leader. Without this buildup, the ending could have been gratuitous and boring (not one to enjoy violence for violence’s sake). If you go to see this, there’s a specific scene that wowed me. You’ll know when you see it because it features a bunch of swords and one really swell swordplay.

Norwegian Ninja
Directed By: Thomas Cappelen Malling
Starring: Mads Ousdal, Jon Øigarden and Trond-Viggo Torgersen
Rating: ★★★☆☆

I’ve grown to be more open-minded about films, something my younger self would be very surprised by. That said, this film is strange. The premise is simple, sort of. Imagine if Ninjas from Norway filmed a propaganda film about their way of life. Since Ninjas from Norway tend to do ninja’y things primarily, their filmmaking draws heavily from films they watch. So, what we end up with is a incoherent piece of fun that will no doubt share shelf space with Black Dynamite.

That’s about the best I can do as far as a review goes.

(Stay tuned for Day 4 where I have trouble understanding the words that are coming out of this young girl’s mouth and where I experience OUTRAGE over a Yakuza film)

Diagnosis: Film–Weekend of Nov. 5

Moved the post to Friday so you could go straight from reading this to the theater. Isn’t that convenient? You can thank me later. Personally, I’m interested in seeing 127 Hours, Guy and Madeline and Making the Boys. I’ll probably try to see these after I finish up with AFI Fest. How about you? What are you planning to see this weekend?

Due Date

Directed By: Todd Phillips
Written By: Alan R. Cohen
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (3,200+ screens)
Synopsis: High-strung father-to-be Peter Highman is forced to hitch a ride with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay on a road trip in order to make it to his child’s birth on time.

Thoughts: ANOTHER Z.G. FILM! ZOMG HE SO FUNNY!

Diagnosis: Netflix Instant

For Colored Girls

Director: Tyler Perry
Written By: Tyler Perry
Starring: Janet Jackson, Anika Noni Rose and Whoopie Goldberg
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (2,127 screens)
Synopsis: Each of the women portray one of the characters represented in the collection of twenty poems, revealing different issues that impact women in general and women of color in particular.

Thoughts: Sounds like a serious outing from Tyler Perry. Don’t really follow him, but it looks like this will be a solid film.

Diagnosis: Curious.

Megamind

Director: Tom McGrath
Written By: Alan J. Schoolcraft & Brent Simons
Starring: Will Ferrell, Jonah Hill and Brad Pitt
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (3,500 screens)
Synopsis: The supervillain Megamind finally conquers his nemesis, the hero Metro Man… but finds his life pointless without a hero to fight.

Thoughts: It’s like every other Dreamworks CG animated property in existence. I’d rather go back and watch The Incredibles.

Diagnosis: Pass.

127 Hours

Director: Danny Boyle
Written By: Danny Boyle
Starring: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn and Kate Mara
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (4 screens)
Synopsis: A mountain climber becomes trapped under a boulder while canyoneering alone near Moab, Utah and resorts to desperate measures in order to survive.

Thoughts: Whoa. Danny Boyle is doing this? Yikes. Sounds like a must see to me. Also, James Franco.

Diagnosis: Must see.

Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer

Director: Alex Gibney
Written By: Alex Gibney
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (2 screen)
Synopsis: An in-depth look at the rise and fall of New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, including interviews with the scandalized, former politician.

Thoughts: I’m always on the quest to find documentaries about subjects I am not interested in. That way I can not watch them.

Diagnosis: No, really. Will not see.

Fair Game

Director: Doug Liman
Written By: Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth
Starring: Naomi Watts, Sean Penn and Ty Burell
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (35 screens)
Synopsis: Plame’s status as a CIA agent was revealed by White House officials allegedly out to discredit her husband after he wrote a 2003 New York Times op-ed piece saying that the Bush administration had manipulated intelligence about weapons of mass destruction to justify the invasion of Iraq.

Thoughts: Seems like a by-the-numbers sort of film.

Diagnosis: Meh.

Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench

Director: Damien Chazelle
Written By: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Jason Palmer, Desiree Garcia and Sandha Khin
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010 (1 Screen)
Synopsis: For his feature debut, writer-director Damien Chazelle has fashioned a contemporary musical, shot in 16 mm black-and-white on the streets of Boston and New York. During the film’s opening credits, we learn that Guy (professional musician Jason Palmer), a trumpet player, and Madeline (Desiree Garcia), a grad student looking for work, have broken up. (MORE)

Thoughts: A musical shot on 16mm. I don’t hear of that sort of thing often. Looks interesting.

Diagnosis: Curious.

Making the Boys

Director: Crayton Robey
Starring: Edward Albee, Mart Crowley and Michael Cunningham
Release Date: Nov. 5, 2010
Synopsis: On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement, the film explores the drama, struggle and enduring legacy of the first-ever gay play and subsequent Hollywood movie to successfully reach a mainstream audience.

Thoughts: Seems like an interesting and educational documentary.

Diagnosis: Curious.

Diagnosis: Film–Weekend of Oct. 22

There’s not a whole lot to see this week, which is good because that means I can catch up on the plethora of films I have been meaning to see. The standout trailer this week was for The Taqwacores, and the least interesting trailer was that of Paranormal Activity 2. The rest didn’t grab me a whole lot. Think you might see any of these films this week? If so, I’m curious to hear what you think.

Boxing Gym

Directed By: Frederick Wiseman
Written By: Frederick Wiseman
Starring:
Genre: Documentary
Release Date: Oct 22, 2010 (NY)
Synopsis: Explores the world of a boxing gym in Austin, Texas, dwelling on the discipline of training as people from all walks of life aspire to reach their personal best.

Diagnosis: Not much of a gym person so this aspect of how people live is interesting to me. Curious to see.

Inhale

Director: Baltasar Kormakur
Written By: Walter Doty, John Claflin
Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Diane Kruger, Sam Shepard, Vincent Perez, Rosanna Arquette, Jordi Molla
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: Oct 22, 2010 (NY, LA)
Synopsis: A couple goes to dangerous lengths to find a lung donor for their daughter.

Diagnosis: Great. Another family willing to go to dark places to save their child. Pass.

Kalamity

Director: James M. Hausler
Written By: James M. Hausler
Starring: Nick Stahl, Jonathan Jackson, Christopher M. Clark, Beau Garrett, Robert Forster, Alona Tal
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: October 22, 2010 (NY)
Synopsis: After a recent breakup, Billy returns to his hometown to find something is not quite right with his best friend.

Diagnosis: I’m not entirely grabbed by the trailer. Pass.

Knucklehead

Director: Michael W. Watkins
Written By: Bear Aderhold, Tom Sullivan
Starring: Mark Feuerstein, Wendie Malick, Will Patton, Saul Rubinek
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: October 22, 2010 (limited)
Synopsis: After con artist Eddie Sullivan (Feuerstein) incurs a large debt with a local criminal ringleader, he creates a get-rich-quick scheme and enlists a sweet gentle giant named Walter as his unwitting accomplice.

Diagnosis: I was into the idea until the poo joke at the end of the trailer. Pass.

Paranormal Activity 2

Director: Tod Williams
Written By: Michael R. Perry
Starring: Katie Featherston, Gabriel Johnson
Genre: Supernatural Thriller
Release Date: October 22, 2010
Synopsis: After experiencing what they think are a series of “break-ins”, a family sets up security cameras around their home, only to realize that the events unfolding before them are more sinister than they seem.

Diagnosis: The first one was nothing special. This trailer is the same. Pass.

Punching the Clown

Director: Kip Williams
Written By: Henry Phillips, Gregori Viens
Starring: Henry Phillips, Ellen Ratner, Matthew Walker, Wade Kelley, Audrey Siegel, Evan Arnold, Mik Scriba, Mark Cohen, Guilford Adams
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: October 22, 2010 (NY)
Synopsis: Winner of the Audience Award at the 2009 Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen.

Diagnosis: I WAS into the shit joke in this trailer. Curious to see.

Rising Stars

Director: Daniel Millican
Written By: Daniel Millican
Starring: Fisher Stevens, Barry Corbin, Catherine Mary Stewart, Graham Patrick Martin, Kyle Riabk, Leon Thomas III, Jessie Payo
Genre: Drama
Release Date: October 22, 2010 (limited)
Synopsis: Challenged with creating songs and music videos, three musical acts find more than their futures on the line when the competition gets fierce and their lives are caught on tape broadcast to the nation. Egos clash and worlds collide as these teens find how far they will go to win the coveted prize and achieve stardom.

Diagnosis: I switched tabs after about 30 seconds into the trailer. Just doesn’t grab me. Pass.

The Taqwacores

Director: Eyad Zahar
Written By: Eyad Zahar, Michael Muhammad Knight
Starring: Bobby Naderi, Noureen DeWulf
Genre: Drama
Release Date: October 22, 2010 (limited)
Synopsis: Yusef is a first-generation Pakistani-American engineering student who moves off-campus with a group of Muslim punks in Buffalo, New York. His new “un-orthodox” housemates soon introduce him to Taqwacore – a hardcore, Muslim punk rock scene. As the seasons change, Taqwacore influences the house more and more. The living room becomes a mosque during the day, while it continues to host punk shows at night. Ultimately, Yusef begins to challenge his own faith and ideologies. A powerful and original story of punk Islam in the USA and the discovery of oneself within the confines of religion.

Diagnosis: The premise seems interesting and I am always curious to watch portrayals of punk culture in film. Curious to see.