Blog Pick Week #5

  
   There are many classic Hollywood horror films like "Psycho", "The Exorcist", and monster films like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula". All were well made films that can still give us chills down our backs when we watch them again but, you don't need to just see a Hollywood blockbuster to scare the wickets out of you. Even the little guys can deliver a monstrous punch.
   Over thirty years ago, a group of film students came together to make a low budget horror movie. So low budget in fact, that the crew had to double as set designers and work in the art department. All were inexperienced and unknown in the industry.  What they came up with was not only a classic but something of a legend. A movie that is shown on television every Halloween and made and remade, but never as well as the original. The small budget film that went on to gross millions of dollars worldwide,  a little film called "Halloween".
   I am talking about the original, John Carpenters "Halloween". Initially dismissed by audiences and critics alike, until basically one critic named Roger Ebert. His four star review got the ball rolling that has not stopped tumbling since.
   "Halloween," possess one of the most iconic villains in horror movie history with Michael Myers, (not the Austin Powers guy). Also, a very classic and chilling musical score with a legendary main theme song. The music in fact was later put in after audiences didn't care for the film without it. Once it was in, the music elevated the chilling message that the movie was trying to portray.
   The story takes place in fictionalized Haddonfield Illinois, where the villain Michael Myers returns every Halloween, to torture and torment the community. Although the character Michael Myers never talks, his message is heard loud and clear.
   "Halloween" is the type of horror movie that is the complete package. Scaring audiences and movie goers for nearly thirty years. So for this Halloween, be sure to watch John Carpenters "Halloween". Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5unH8gOhydY 
  

Bond....James Bond

   The latest Bond film "Skyfall" set to be released in a couple weeks, stars Daniel Craig as James Bond. He is actually the sixth one to play the secret agent on film. With now a half dozen different actors to play the famous character, it's only natural for everybody to have a favorite.
   For the nostalgic fans it's sure to be the original in Sean Connery or even Roger Moore. The younger generation, may prefer Pierce Brosnan or Daniel Craig. Just like my article last month "Movies are Subjective", there is no right answer on who the best one is.
   The James Bond character has always been the envy of every guy in the world it seems. The spy that gets all these cool gadgets and expensive sports cars; at the same time always getting the pretty girl at the end of the day. Even though, there is one James Bond, each actor brought a different variation to the character. All were good Bonds, and everyone had their particular favorite. Although, the list of people who had George Lazenby as theirs is probably very short. Sean Connery certainly set the bar pretty high in 1962, with the first Bond movie "Dr No." Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton followed, and then ultimately bringing us to the present day with Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
   The new Bond is definitely more of an action star. Most recently in "Casino Royale," Daniel Craig is climbing up construction sites and leaping across buildings. Even seen jumping out of a helicopter with the Queen of England at this years Olympics. Sean Connery may have started it with the swagger and sophistication. The ability to have a girl on your arm while killing the bad guy.
   From Connery to Craig, they make all us guys jealous. Who else gets to play with all those cool toys, drive an Aston Martin and get the model. Who ever your favorite might be, whether you like it shaken or stirred, enjoy each of them for who they are.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com
  

Coming Soon...

   This fall is an exciting time for us at Webmoviepick. We will be at the theater to see "Skyfall", "Lincoln" and "The Hobbit" which is scheduled to be in theaters this December. In addition we hope to get a chance to see "The Sessions".
   History has shown that studios wait until the end of the year to release their Oscar worthy movies. So go out and enjoy a great film, and be on the look out for Webmoviepick at a seat near you, (hopefully it will be at the theater and not your home). Reviews for these films coming soon.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

Blog Pick Week #4

  
   I have to thank the Academy Awards for this weeks pick. In 2008 the Oscar for Best Actress went to an almost unknown, a choice that literally ruined every Oscar pool throughout the country. That surprise pick may be the only reason I would have ever seen this movie. The actress was Marion Cotillard for "La Vie En Rose".
   "La Vie En Rose" is a french language film that tells the life story of  french singer Edith Piaf. Marion Cotillard gives one of the best biopic performances ever, with her portrayal of the legendary singer. So believable and well done you almost forget it's another language. The story begins with Edith as a young girl performing on the streets of Paris. Her discovery by night club owner Louis Leplee (played by Gerard Depardieu), which helped jump start her career. Then ultimately describing her rocky relationships with love interests and people in her inner circle into old age. Marion plays Edith as a child, adult and finally an elderly woman. Throughout the film you a drawn into the performance Marion gives, and how Edith may have had it all but she never had what so many people already posses. Besides her Oscar winning performance, the movie itself was top notch and award worthy.
   Foreign language films can be tough for some. For anybody that doesn't want to read while watching a movie, I understand but believe me this movie is worth it. I hope you enjoy and I am sure you will. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzEJ7NV_g98

Marvel goes 3-D

   It is being reported that "Iron Man 3" and "Thor 2" are going to be released in 3-D. Certainly big news for Marvel fans, which should make those films larger than life.
   The news comes with mixed reactions as some people would prefer 2-D. No word on whether the studio will be releasing them in standard or in IMAX. Both films are slated to be released in 2013.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

The Silent era was louder than you think

   When you watch a movie with your family tonight, could be a new Hollywood release. The new 3-D movie with the mind blowing special effects and starring the big name actor. The sounds of popcorn crunching in your mouths are buried beneath the deep sound of your sub-woofer as the villain and hero clash. As entertaining as the movie is, we should reflect on how this technology got us here.
   Everything has to start somewhere. Before 3-D we had high definition. Before that we had computer special effects or CG. Prior to that, there was the evolution of color. Even before that, we had black and white cinema with sound, and before that we had the silent era.
   Some people can be turned off with a silent movie, but hopefully can still appreciate how valuable they were to movies today. Just think if Thomas Edison didn't put all those pictures together to make a movie. Or the famous flip book of the running man, then it might not have sparked the idea of "movies". The silent era had such classic actors as Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Actors like this had to rely on visual comedy rather than telling a joke. If you see a silent film, you will witness some of the best comedy that was ever captured on film. Take the movie "The General" for example. In this movie, Buster Keaton is operating a train locomotive, and is seen dangling out the sides while it is in motion and riding on top, all while telling a story visually with only a musical background. Throughout the film, I was cracking up louder than I have laughed at a movie in years. The movie "City Lights" starring the iconic Charlie Chaplin. He is seen doing the same slapstick visual humor that has sparked the careers of many comedic actors since. Both of these films are classic in themselves, but what this genre started basically gave birth to American cinema. Besides acting, silent films also had to tell a story visually. For directors and screen writers, they couldn't rely on dialogue to carry the story.
   Not only is the silent film an icon, but it's something that we should all look back and appreciate. Especially when we are watching the latest summer blockbuster in the Imax 3-D. If it wasn't for the running man and those early flipbooks that made images move..we might not have what we see today.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

 

Lindsay Lohan....again?

   According to published reports, earlier this week actress Lindsay Lohan was involved in a physical altercation.....with her mother.
   Eyewitnesses say around 4am Tuesday morning Lindsay Lohan and her mom Dina, were clubbing in New York City, and got into a heated physical blowup. Which resulted in Lindsay calling her father Michael, and saying her mom was on cocaine and "Is acting like the f------ devil!"
   Allegedly, Lindsay has reneged on this story and said it didn't happen that way. Whether any of this is true, the one bright spot is apparently Lindsay and her mom did get a limo ride home from the NYC club.
   Who knows if any of this is accurate but the one bottom line is, when someone like Lindsay with all the problems she seems to get herself mixed up in, why would she even be anywhere near a possible predicament like that???? Especially, being at a club to the wee hours of the morning with your mom. Lindsay is a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Hopefully, she can straighten herself out and get back to focusing on her career. For the sake of her well being, as well as her family and friends, she can overcome these obstacles, but time is ticking. To take a quote from the movie Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it."

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

  

Blog Pick Week #3

   
   Often enough when you watch movies, one comes along that kind of surprises you. A diamond in the rough so to say. For me, it came in the form of one that I had not heard of, until moments before I hit the play button on my remote to begin watching it.
   In the movie "Wall Street," we saw Gordon Gecko wheeling and dealing himself right into prison, while simultaneously exposing the harsh world of the financial market also known as Wall Street. The similarity with this weeks pick ends there. I am talking about the movie "Margin Call."
   It's 2008, just prior to the economic collapse that crippled this countries economy and sent thousands of workers to the unemployment line. The story centers around a large wall street investment firm. Times are getting a bit shaky so the company decides to cut costs and a wave of layoffs commence. Among those let go is a math wiz working in the risk management department. What he uncovers before he is dismissed from his position will bring on events this country has not seen in decades. Full with big named actors like Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci. Throughout the film you are sucked into the fast moving world of finance. I know that can sound dull to some but it could not be further from the truth. It's a movie that can be a bit confusing to follow, especially for someone that is not in tuned to the world that is Wall Street. As long as you just pay attention you should do fine.
   Probably, not since the first "Wall Street" have I been this into a movie about finance. It was entertaining and thrilling with top notch performances by all involved. So pop in "Margin Call" and get the snacks ready. Just don't invite Gordon Gecko. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2DqFRsPrns 

DeVito/Perlman split

   After thirty years of marriage and three children, longtime couple Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are calling it quits. The two met nearly ten years prior to tying the knot, so all in all they have been together for almost forty years.
   They aren't saying, and nobody close to the couple know for sure just why they have decided to end their longtime marriage, especially long for Hollywood standards. Still that doesn't lessen the blow of the news. Both have long fruitful careers and share a working relationship. A partnership owning a production company called Jersey Films, that produced the classic film "Pulp Fiction". With Danny DeVito playing Louie De Palma in the show "Taxi" and Rhea Perlman playing the tough minded Carla Tortelli in the show "Cheers". In addition a lengthy film career both acting, producing, and directing for DeVito.
   Hopefully, the two can find some kind of happiness going forward. It can't be easy to replace a void that is left after forty years of existence, but I wish nothing but the best for the entire family.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com

Why Stanley Kubrick was a genius

   Whether you liked his movies or not, you have to accept the fact that he was a genius. He was credited for directing sixteen films, three of them shorts. In those few films he managed to change the way movies are made from start to finish. Most mainstream directors today, have been influenced in some way by how he directed. Here are some examples:

   Photography - Stanley Kubrick started as a photographer for "Look Magazine," when he was just a high school student. Photographing captivating images that got the attention of executives, from the magazine to see that Stanley had a knack of capturing an entire scene in only a few images. This early success some critics believe, led him to master the camera in his movies. If you watch his films, his use of the steadicam and tracking shots, where the camera seems to be floating around even through walls and objects, (see "The Killing" for an example). This was also evident in his use of tracking shots in his war films. In the movie "Paths of Glory," when Kirk Douglas was walking in the trench, and the camera is walking with him as he heads down the line. This same shot has been used in many war films since. Most recently in the Steven Spielberg film "Warhorse."

   Inventor - A film camera typically needs a lot of light in a scene to even capture a usable image. So obviously shooting a movie in candlelight would be next to impossible. Since Kubrick was a perfectionist that wanted authenticity in all his films, he basically altered a lens and camera to be able to shoot in low light such as candlelight. How can you forget his revolutionary work on the film "2001 A Space Odyssey." Here was a movie that was made before computer graphics, before we even landed on the moon. He was able to pull off a movie like that with basically nothing more than a camera and the ability to manipulate an image and create an entire universe in a studio. If you never saw it, check it out.

   Music - Stanley Kubrick, was one of the first filmmakers to take music from more of a background bedding to set the scene and bring it to the forefront and make it the main focus. A great example of this is in "2001 A Space Odyssey." When the ship is flying to the moon set to the song "Blue Danube". Here you can see how everything in the scene is almost floating and dancing with the music. He used this same technique in all his films. Music can certainly set the stage for the mood of a scene, but to bring it from the background to the foreground essentially made the music the star of the scene.

   Versatility - When you see that he directed a little over a dozen movies, but then you realize how many genres he covered in that small group of films. He has made a comedy, science fiction, thriller, horror, period piece, war epic and others. Some directors are known as directing one certain genre, to have made such few films as Kubrick made it really makes you realize how amazing that is.

   Stanley Kubrick always had a vision of what he wanted in all his films. According to people that worked with him it was basically his way or the highway. A mentality like that demonstrates just how creative he was and didn't want others clouding his vision. Of course, it also led to feuds that sparked negative feelings by others towards the legendary director. Feelings that I find to be very unfortunate, because if something like that gets in the way of people enjoying this man's brilliant work, is a shame to say the least. His movies can be an acquired taste, but it's a taste that everyone should acquire. After all he was a genius.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com




  

Blog Pick Week #2

  
   In the classic television sitcom "The Odd Couple", there was a phrase spoken "Never ASSUME because it makes an ASS out of U and ME." That comedic expression deals with this weeks pick.
   Stephen King is often known for such classic horror novels as, "Carrie", "It", "Misery" and "The Shining" among others. He has also written other genre's and short stories. Stories that have become classics and made into great films. One of which in my opinion; is probably one of the best movies to not win a Best Picture Oscar. I am talking about the film, "The Shawshank Redemption." Here is a movie that is far from a horror film but rather, as stated in the title a redemption story that defines the term, "good things happen to those who wait." Based on the original short story by Stephen King and turned into a classic film directed by Frank Darabont. This movie was so well done, that probably the only reason it did not win the Oscar for Best Picture, is because it went against "Forrest Gump" and the amazing momentum that movie carried throughout the awards. Any other year this would have arguably won all seven Oscars it was nominated for.
   With an Oscar worthy performance by lead actor Morgan Freeman, (who lost the Oscar to Tom Hanks that year) and his co-star Tim Robbins give an amazing performance. The story takes place in Maine, where Andy Dufresne (played by Tim Robbins) is accused of killing his wife and her lover, and is then sent to Shawshank prison to serve his back to back life sentences. There he meets "Red" (played by Morgan Freeman), who is also serving life in prison. The movie does show the harsh life of a prison inmate but the prison is not the central focus, even though most of the movie takes place behind those cement walls. Instead, it's a story about friendship and holding onto hope.
   "Shawshank Redemption" is a film that I am hard pressed to find a person that did not like it. I am not trying to over hype this movie, but if you have seen it I am sure you would echo the same statement I made, and if you haven't well watch it and let me know what you think. I ASSUME you will like it so let's not make an ASS out of U and ME. Until next time happy viewing.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hB3S9bIaco 

To Rent or Buy?

   Nothing beats seeing a movie in a movie theater. With popcorn and soda in hand, friends or family in tow. Then the lights dim, the previews begin and finally the main feature.
   Let's back track a little. How did we get here? After the cost of movie tickets at $10 a piece for a matinee, then another $10 for that popcorn and soda, now we are up to $20. Once the movie begins, some of your fellow theater goers have decided to boorishly open their candy wrapper's while simultaneously a small child decides this is a good time to cry at the top of his lungs. The guy behind you needs to stretch his legs to the point his foot accidentally collides with the back of your seat. You realize a woman in front of you has forgotten to shut her cellphone off, which becomes apparent when she begins rummaging around in her pocketbook trying to find it. While all this is going on, the gum you stepped on has cemented your foot to the puddle of spilled soda on the floor. Who knows whats going on in the movie now???
   All these events occurring at once are certainly stretching it. I must sound like those commercials that over dramatize the situation by showing simple things but the person is struggling with it, and stressing over it. Anyway, the point is they can and do happen. Obviously, this can ruin a usually fun and entertaining experience of enjoying a good movie on the big screen.
   With all these factors, especially the cost of a ticket to pay for a movie that you were disappointed in anyway, one may find solace elsewhere.
   I was always a theater goer. Growing up making at least a once a week trip to the movies with family or friends. I still head to the theater...but not as much. 
   In this day and age, with the technology of home theaters which have crystal clear Blu-ray players and surround sound stereo systems, you get all the advantages of going to the movies minus the many distractions and a fraction of the price. More and more home movie rental options are popping up. Back in the day it was your mom and pop video stores, then came Blockbuster. Now with services like Netflix, Cinema Now and Amazon Prime to name a few, make renting a movie easier. All of these services have a growing library with thousands of movies and television shows to choose from.
    Let's take Netflix for instance. The cost of an unlimited subscription with one DVD at a time comes to $7.99/month. So if you watch two movies a week, that comes to roughly eight movies a month. Adversely, if you went to the movies that much it would run you about $80 a month, and that's just for one ticket and no popcorn or soda. Interestingly enough, some mainstream movies are bypassing theaters and being released straight to DVD and Blu-ray. Could this be the beginning of the end for movie theaters? 
   Now, I love the movies and nothing beats watching a movie on the big screen, but with a tough financial climate and no end in sight, we need to look for alternatives. A nice home theater system or just a simple television with a DVD player can do wonders.
    So, this weekend grab some microwave popcorn and pop in a disc in your home theater system. Chances are your feet wont be cemented to the floor. Besides if they are, you will have a little more money in your pocket to pay for some floor cleaner.

by
Joe Talmage
webmoviepick@gmail.com