Filmfeline

by Chinny Bini

 The Girl With a Dragon Tatoo (original title - Man Who Hated Women), is absolutely worth watching! The Dans put up the cash for this fabulous literary piece and done it  justice. If you haven’t read the books by Stieg Larsson, see the films, at the very least. Part two, titled The Girl Who Played With Fire came out this August; and it should be available on video.

Noomi Rapace is one kick ass performer. An interview with her is available bellow; you won’t believe it’s the same girl.  This amazing trilogy is both hard and soft, light and dark. Lisbet embodies all elements of life. There is a softness to her as well as toughness. You can’t help but emerse yourself 100%  curious of her dark side, yet able to sense how much she wants to touch the light of life.

Lisbet Salander is a computer hacker, posing as an office assistant. Recently released from a mental hospital into the care of a guardian, her sponsor is an absolute low life evil son of a biotch, to say the least. However, as gross as this character may be, kudos to Peter Andersson, for playing Bjurman so very convincingly. I totally hated his guts.

Lisbet has a dark past. The same goes for Martin Vanger, a former Nazi youth, who is one colorful character.  The stable protagonist is journalist Mikael Blomkvist. Blomkvist lost his job when he followed a hunch and published a story, only to find out it was a set up. Since he can’t back up his story, he will have to do time. In the role of Bloomkvist is Michael Nyqvist. Mikael and Lisbet are brought together when Lisbet follows her instincts to help prove Mikael innocent, but uncovers a lead in the case of the mysterious missing girl with horrifyingly dark family secrets, both Mikael and Lisbet’s lives are in jeopardy. Without giving much away, the film has a touch of Seven, La Femme Nikita and Silence of the Lambs. Martin Vanger is fabulously portrayed by Peter Haber. The film is exceptionally cast, and personally, I don’t feel there is a need for a remake, but the plot is so captivating that perhaps that may be what prompted David Fincher to direct an American version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. Who should play Martin? I say none other, but James Gandolfini. You can love him and you can hate him, but the man delivers.

There is now a television series called Millenium, based on the book series, starring Noomi Rapace. I absolutely love this film. Four paws my friends. I will not spoil it for you; I simply urge you not to miss it or it’s sequel.

by Chinny Bini

Ooooh, the Runaways! Are you a Kristen Stewart fan? How about Dakota Fanning? Both girls absolutely shine in this film.

I can’t recall if Dakota ever played alongside Meryl Streep, but she’s definitely her type of  actress. You know she will deliver. You know she will add something wonderful to her character and you know, she will come out classy. Cherie Currie was no little angel. Written and directed by Floria Sigismondi, the Runaways script is based on a book by Cherie Currie. This is for teens, but let’s be honest, the truth was probably more raw. At least a tad, no? You’ve got girls making out with girls, all high as a kite, on the road with roadies and sleazy musicians … come on. This is the fairy version of the Runaways, but okay, the film was good. I liked it a lot.

The story begins with Cherie’s bloody thighs on the way to a gas station bathroom with her sister, because Cherie just got her period. What keeps Cherie Curie grounded no matter her experiences with Joan, is Marie.  The twins care for one another, help each other, they are each other’s family.  Tatum O’Neal plays their theatrical mother and Brett Cullen weighs in as the alcoholic, ailing Mr. Curie.  The bond between the sisters is strong. Marie Curie is  very well  executed by Riely Keough, the beautiful granddaughter of  the great Elvis Presley. Keoughis a gorgeous creature, yet her beauty was not accentuated in any way here. She is stunning and her performance was strong. One could understand her character’s plight; feeling for her, even when she’s not on screen. For the most part, she is wearing grubby clothes and no make up, with exception to the opening scene.  (Funny seeing Empire Record’s Brendan Sexton III in this;)

Joan Jett is played by the cool, effervescent, talented Kristen Stewart. She’s seeking rock stardom. She wants an all girl band. Jett  crosses paths with legendary record producer, filmmaker Kim Fowley outside a nightclub. She is not afraid to say what she wants, which is a plus to Jett’s character and when the band is set, only one thing seems to be missing among the tomboys - the cherry pie. Fowley is played by Michael Shannon. He’s one of those characters you just love to hate. The guy played them like a record, but he made them stars. 

Kristen Stewart was perfectly cast. What is most appealing about her is her cool, go with the flow attitude she applies to every role she plays. No doubt, it is most likely her character in real life, but it definitely works on screen. She is beautiful, but not in a Barbie way, more like Barbie’s tomboy bff.  Her cool demeanor worked in the Panic Room, it works for Bella in Twilight, it worked here. Some action stars need those big blockbuster one liners to be cool. Stewart just is. I see her having a very similar career to Jodie Foster. Come on, admit it, Stewart could easily play Clarice Sterling if she were a few years older, right?

There is not much to analyze about this film. If you don’t know who Joan Jett is you’ve been living under a rock. The film is about making a band, young chicks with attitude and some interesting chops for music. Shannon is a riot, and both Stewart and Fanning deliver an impressive performance. See it, it’s a fun movie!

by Chinny Bini

I’m not going to wait until Breaking Dawn to review the Twilight Saga. I waited long enough! 

Any Twi fans out there? Ha! I am, of course, joking! $30mil opening night for Eclipse pretty much says you folks are die hard fans. Count me in. I am one of you!

Directed by the talented Catherine Hardwicke, inventive Chris Weitz and the latest, Eclipse, by David Slade, brilliant  in action and dark mood on screen. Melissa Rosenberg’s three scripts, based on Stephenie Meyer’s work, steal our hearts with a timeless love story of Edward and his Bella. Yes, Stephanie Meyer can write and she not only conjured up a truly beautiful story, she also found an untapped market, but I don’t think the books are a literary masterpiece (from a technical point of view). The work is popular. It made a lot of money, because the ‘right’ kind of demographic took to it, therefore, anything Twilight is admired.  It’s not great literary work, but it’s a fabulous story. Even I, an absolute Shakespeare freak, am a fan. Fantasy has never been hotter. It’s ‘in‘ to be undead. Sugary, glistening in the sun, ice cold skin is hip. Werewolves are cool. Undying love that transcends all rules the world. Then again, it always has.

Twilight is for all ages. Twilight is R & J of the new millennium. New star crossed lovers have arrived. As beautiful as Romeo and Juliet may be, Twilight is easier to understand. Many can learn to recite Shakespeare’s work, but few truly understand the meaning of the beautiful prose that lies beyond the words. Perhaps words aren’t everything. Twilight is emotion, passion, love that transcends, a bond that is unbreakable. Words are not necessary. These films are very well cast, the cgi is amazing, I applaud the art department and the action, especially in Eclipse, is very nice. Even tough there may be a love triangle, the love story carries Twilight Saga to victory. Twilight is beautiful. My reviews are straightforward and honest; I must say I honestly love this story.

Bella Swan is uncoordinated and clumsy. She is not the most beautiful girl in school and she’s not even the smartest, but Kristen Stewart is idolized by young girls all over the world. It is her love for her character that shines through on screen. Stewart is an great performer, even with that - come on and beat it out of me – way of speaking. Working with fabulous actors like Meg Ryan and Jodie Foster in her childhood years, Stewart learned from the best in the biz.

Bella is in love with two magical creatures, a vampire and a werewolf. Robert Pattinson is what Dracula should look like; captivating and alluring. The first ten seconds of his screentime prove it. The great thing about him is that this kid can truly act. First, he proved himself as Salvatore Dali, then in How to Be, playing an awkward teenager begging for attention. Most of all, in his latest film, Remember Me, Pattinson truly captures the inner struggle of his character exposing his emotions for everyone to see. Bella loves Edward, the bloodsucking seventeen year old vampire who’s been seventeen ‘for a while’. Their love is unconditional. Not even Jacob, her dear friend, can brake that bond. Team Edward or team Jacob? I myself have a very hard time thinking of Taylor Lautner as a sex object, since I’ve seen him at martial arts tournaments, when he was just a little boy kicking butt for team Paul Mitchell. I study traditional, non competitive martial arts, but I attend some tournaments to cheer on my faves. The wolf pack’s little BooBoo Stewart is another martial artist. Their skills must have come to good use on Twilight Eclipse. I wish screen time allowed for more than the forty scenes of a 120page film script. I would have loved to have seen more of Rosalie’s story, Alice, Esme…Edward’s life before he was turned.

The Volturi are truly captivating and Dakota Fanning plays Jane well. I strongly urge you to see the Runaways, where both Dakota and Kristen deliver top caliber performances. In New Moon, Edward leaves his love, to give her a chance at a normal life. They both realize that it’s an impossible task. Jacob never stops fighting for Bella, but in Eclipse, it is clear to him that Bella can’t be more than a friend, a friend who cares for him very deeply, but not deeply enough to leave Edward.

The Jacob and Bella scenes were very emotional. Everyone on team Edward must admit, it’s difficult not to care for Jake (for me, especially when he is in wolf form). The Twilight Saga art department is brilliant! Amazing cgi people! The wolves are sensational. Wolves are beautiful magical creatures that should be respected, protected and loved. I despise Palin for what she’s doing to wolves!! Twilight Eclipse wolves are cgi, but they are graceful and stunning. I was completely captivated by them. (The wolves pictured here are real. Wolves are suffering. Please do a little research online to find out how you can help them.)  

Well, Edward and Bella are engaged. We await Breaking Dawn.

by Chinny Bini

Alice in Wonderland in 3D? Imagine being RIGHT THERE, wow! If anyone can make you cringe with a fairy tale it’s Tim Burton. Based on a Lewis Carroll novel, this fantasmigoric Disney masterpiece written by Linda Woolverton brings us an old story with a Burtenesque touch. Follow the white  rabbit and rock your world! Starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway in the role of the White Queen and a new gal, Mia Wasikowska in the role of Alice. I myself am a fan of the Rabbit, played by Michael Sheen and of course, the Cheshire Cat played by Stephen Fry.  I love that Crispin Glover is in this, it’s been too long since I’ve seen him in a seriously fabulous role, here as the Knave of Hearts. The cast has other awesome actors like  Alan Rickman, Matt Lucasand more. Don’t hate me for writing such a long review, but Tim Burton knows how to hit the nail on the head. Thaaas all I’m sayin’. I love his work! Something about this film just makes me want to have cake and tea on my antique porcelains. I loved it!
Tim Burton is a wizard! I loved the cherry blossom ode to Kurosawa’s Dreams (I think). Kudos to the casting department and the costume department and the fantabulous art department! Watching Alice in Wonderland was like opening a story book and falling in.

I’m sure there are a lot of metaphors and one need to truly study Carroll to fully understand the hidden messages, if there are any. Perhaps, the literary world is already in unison over some, but one can always wonder and discover new ways of understanding this story, n’est ce pas? I’d like to think the rabbit hole is the Einstein-Rosen bridge to another dimension, for the simple fact that the vortex changes several times as she falls deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole and the background changes. Alice slid into a world where her mind answers all the questions. Clearly, no one in her life seems to ‘get’ what she is talking about. No one knows what she needs or wants to hear what she thinks. Alice is working out the problems in her head. All aspects of her personality come to PLAY inside this ‘dream’.

In the words of David Auburn, in the stage play Proof, crazy people don’t often wonder if they’re crazy. Alice not out of her wits, since she wonders first, with her father as a little girl, then again, with her mother as a teen – Are my dreams normal? Am I a bit mad? (I don’t know how smart it is to drink a potion just because it says ‘drink me’ or to eat of a cake just because it says ‘eat me’, but then again, Alice is convinced she’s dreaming. I was surprised how much I liked Mia in the role of Alice, but not at all surprised to see such fantastic imagery. This fairy tale is a vision! 

When it comes to grim no one can deliver a tale better than Burton!                                                                                                                              - filmfeline
I loved the costumes, the colors, the casting, everything, except the proposal to what clearly looks like a fifteen year old girl. However, bless her Buddhist should for not killing any animals! “DRINK ME’ and she shrinks, ‘EAT ME’ and she becomes larger, Alice hates corsets and the dress is not Alice, hence, she is finally free of all she hates. Her hair is loose and flowing, no longer pinned up like a babydoll. Speaking of baby dolls, Mia is stunning! I hope to see her in more films, although if you’re already a Mia fan, see Defiance! I love the mouse, the dog, the rabbit, the cat, the flowers.  The mad hatter is so cool, but when is Johnny Depp not in top form?

The contrast of the two extremist queens, one head chopping diva, the other looks like little birdies dress her in the morning, is great! Alice lies somewhere between the two. What is the significance of the jabbawockee? Alice’s worst fears realized? Is this tale about overcoming fear? When she faces the a jabbawockee, Alice thinks of the 6 impossible things. This happens after she is convinced she is no longer dreaming. She’s also counting. Is she counting dimensions, time or levels of her own psyche as she slowly comes to? I have no answers. All I can say is that I like this Alice. Burton’s Alice is a feminist, an adventurer and like me, she loves all living creatures! Absalom turns into a beautiful blue butterfly, however, the irony in this is that blue butterflies are now extinct. The only place you can see one now is in your dreams.  

by Chinny Bini

Indeed, the new series is being filmed as we speak and it looks promising. The 4400 creator Scott Peters produced with Jason Hall, Steve Pearlman and Jeffrey Bell, the series based on the SCI – FI miniseries created by Kenneth Johnson. It’s great that V is back, however, I will miss the original cast. Let’s be honest, Diana was a perfect classic bitch, Marc Singer did a great job and Julie and Taylor…everyone! I have a feeling that the video rentals of the original series will be up, but the network is smart and equally nice to place the eppys online for you.  There are also a few listed on Internet Movie Datatbase. I too had to get my hands on V the Original miniseries and “V: The Final Battle” series as soon as I saw the trailer for the new V

No remake can ever measure up to it’s original, that is just a fact. I also must give kudos to the filmakers of the original series. They did a fabulous job and a very believable job, lacking today’s computer technology.

The premise of the new series? Basically, aliens are planning to take over the world as we know it. Nothing new, but I’ve been sensing little Obamination hints here and there, especially with the chip implant that almost sounds like RFID chip implant. I think the V writers are regular members of ATF   Also, the owls, pound of flesh, etc… – illuminati refrences? Hm….  Anyway, I enjoy the new series, I like the cast and Morena is filling those very tailored shoes very well.

The new series features a number of lookers: Morena Baccarin, Morris Chestnut, Logan Huffman, Elizabeth Mitchell and Party of Five’s Scott Wolf returns to TV in the role of Chad Decker, a young liaison to the visitors. Joel Gretsch was the best thing about Steven Spielberg’s miniseries Taken. He also married Captain Kirk’s daughter so if you’re a die hard Sci Fi nerd like me, this man hot sugar! I was sure if Joel is in this, it will be worth watching. I’m very happy so far. If you missed any of this, click on the Vposter above to watch! Leave a comment here as well, okis? XO

by Chinny Bini 

There are many reasons why Up in the Air is a perfect title for this film.  It is a story about relating, relations, cutting ties and binding them together. What is love anyway? We all have our heads in the clouds until reality drags us back to Earth.

I will bet good money writer/ director Jason Reitman  had George Clooney in mind for the lead  when he co wrote this film with Sheldon Turner.  Why Clooney? Ay, there’s the rub! It’s simple. George makes a perfect Ryan. Well, the guy refuses to settle down, right? Committed only to his job. Is George Clooney  really as he appears to be? One may think he is against marriage, I like to refer to it as ‘comiphobic’, clearly that is the perception George Clooney lets on and perhaps it makes for a really great tabloid story, but is it really so? Is he really the eternal bachelor? Good looking, a nice Italian villa and lots of money to his name, hangs with his funny buddies, likes to ride a motorcycle and always with a young gorgeous girl on the back seat, yet, he refuses to settle down. In fact, he makes it very clear to every gal that marriage is out of the question. What if the truth is the exact opposite? What if he is a one woman man, who simply got burned very badly the first time around? What if he’s just protecting his feelings? Aren’t we all just a little mean when we’re afraid? Clooney’s first marriage was to Talia Balsam, a daughter of an Oscar winner and an actress with one heck of a long resume. This was no stupid lady. I bet she was no Betty Crocker either, sitting at home waiting for her man, baking him cookies. The 1920’s flare most women had back then is lacking in the modern woman. A one woman type guy who likes to wear the pants in the home is just going to have to deal. Clooney is an old fashioned fella, I think anyway. With that he may have dug himself a hole. A man like him can’t date stupid women, so what’s left? Ugly smart women or pretty dumb chicks? A smart woman his age isn’t going to be an eye candy, can be, but let’s get real, he’s famous, he can’t exactly date just anyone. So when the search is off,  the much younger than he gals, George just happens to cross paths with have the privilege of getting to know him a little better. I wonder if making this film gave him a moment to ponder about the big picture (no pun intended)? Perhaps the conversation he has with Natalie on the deck? George Ryan is a man cheating himself out of love, by being afraid of commitment.  He loves his job, because his job carries a lot of perks. It doesn’t even matter that day after day he has to fire people, watch them cry or even jump off bridges. Apparently, Ryan has miles to go and miles to earn. Yet, to deny the need for love is to deny happiness around him. Ryan is forced to examine his life when his young protege, Natalie, joins on an excursion, questioning his ways. At his sister’s wedding, Ryan realizes he wants it all. He wants what his sister has, all that Natalie talks about and certain that his ‘trophy’ is only a flight, one ride and hop away, he ventures forth. But is it really all there for him? Vera Farminga plays Alex, who is just like Ryan, except, with a vagina (she says). What is it with Farminga and nudity in every film she works on? Must she? Indeed, there are very funny moments in Up in the Air when these two get together, comparing plastics and what not. They have great chemistry,  however, it is Anna Kendrick that kicks ass in this picture. As much as I love Clooney, the film would be a bore without Natalie. Anna Kendrick is great. Yeah, yeah, I know, I have to say that because I’m a die hard Twi fan, but come on! If you see Up in the Air and you like it, you will agree with me that the one thing you’re sure to remember is the spunky little hard candy Natalie Keener. I didn’t expect Anna to have such a big role in the film, but she rocked it. She held her own. Way to go Kendrick! Good job. Now, please go collect your things, you’ve been ‘let go’!  (just kidding)

PS: I have a feeling Clooney would have married once more if Michelle Pfeiffer was single when they shot One Fine Day. Those two were barely on screen at the same time, but they had such chemistry! Look, you can’t win ‘em all George, but if it’s any consolation, I know a girl who is exactly like Ms. Pfeiffer in character and looks! I’ll hook you up!

by Chinny Bini 

Oh boy! I have been waiting for this one for quite a while! I was pleasantly  surprised. The cgi is absolutely fabulous and it seems that writer/director Roland Emmerich recycled some footage left over from making Day After Tomorrow. It’s always frugal to be green, I say anyway. John Cusack has been hitting all the right notes lately. I adored Martian Child, Must Love Dogs and now this. Great! If you’ve been moping around the house for a while, looking for some action, thinking about the future, well…this picture is for you! Oh and the future looks bleak (unless you have a billion dollars for a ticket to Timbaktoo). Quite frankly, I believe that all films based on RL spring from some type of ‘priviledged’ knowledge and I wouldn’t be surprised if such ‘arks’ exist. Anywhat  -John Cusack plays Jackson Curtis, an unappreciated writer/limo driver divorced father to two wonderful little kids Lily and Noah (played by Morgan Lily and Liam James)  When the earth begins to shake, mama Curtis (Amanda Peet) demands her children come home, however, moments after the children come home to their mother and step father Gordon (Thomas McCarthy), all hell breaks loose. To review this film and tell you the plot is insensitive. This is too good for me to blah, blah, blah the synopses away. It’s the end of the world and everyone fights to survive. SEE IT! Visually, it is the BEST film I’ve seen all year!

Aussi, the Ruski, Yuri Karpov (Zlatko Buric) is a total hottie in this movie and it’s too sad that he …well, you’ll see and I feel very badly for Gordon, the man deserves a break, but that was just too much, really. Woody Harrelson is absolutely hilarious. He plays the conspiracy nut Charlie Frost to perfection! I must, once again, give praise to the art department. The cgi nerds behind this film and the director did a fabulous job. Somebody better be nominated for something! 2010 is a film I’ll own.

by Chinny Bini

Have you considered your answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel?

Oh Em Gee, here’s a film for me! I really am a nerd at heart! I had a feeling, all the indications were there, but I wasn’t certain. Now I’m sure. Let me just say, that if you are a geek, a nerd, an ‘imagineer’ this film is a must see! First of all, the nerds laugh at themselves, second, the film is so clever and well thought out it makes sense, third, for a low budget flick this film totally kicks butt! Yes, Pete there are some girls, who love SF guys and I’m one of them (naturally, the SF guy will look like Robert Pattinson or Brad Pitt, but yes, I’m one of those girls)  Mr. Jamie Mathieson  you made me so happy by writing this little thang. The very first few minutes sucked me in, enough to want to go out and purchase the film. I loved it. A warning to all non Sci Fi lovers, if you’re not a nerd, you will be bored. BUT if you’re intelligent, this Gareth Carrivick  film just might be the one to get you interested in the subject. Read up on Einstein’s work, Michio Kaku   and watch some more time traveling films, like an oldie from the 80’s called Millenium. The nerdy dino/vamp/space time continuum chatting nerds are very true to life ( if you know a geek, you’ll agree) There’s just the right touch of nerd humor. Aside from that ‘little’ bug, there are no giants or aliens or insanely elaborate computer gimmicks that will blow you away, but you will not feel ripped off by this picture. The film rocks. It is well written, well directed, and  Chris O’Dowd (Ray), Marc Wootton (Toby) and Dean Lennox Kelly (Pete) will keep you entertained. Anna Faris,  (this generation’s Goldie Hawn), makes a great bimbo. I’m actually starting to really like Faris, which is shocking to me, being an admirer of actors like Jessica Lange and Juliette Binoche. It’s the clever little touches I love…like the gummy bears in the nerd boss’s office, the lovable nerd talk about women the nerds only dream about, the bathroom ’science experiement’ that floored me etc. This little picture is just so ‘shagging funny till the middle of next week‘, yer know? It’s the perfect nerd movie if you’re a nerd. Ray reminds Cassie that her being interested in meeting him may have just caused the end of civilization as they know it. A quick bathroom run that takes place a few minutes later than it should (had Ray never met Cassie) creates a time leak. In fact, it is Ray’s friend, who does a pee pee, but if Cassie had half a brain, it would occur to her as she and Ray talked about the consequences of their action. I’m surprised, understanding the risks, Ray didn’t get up and take care of things right then and there! Nope, he’s a man. Even though he was smart and the end of the world was at stake, he was thinking with his ‘little buddy’, Ray remained at the table, drinking his Guiness, chatting  it up with the pretty lady. C’est la vie! I bet when the world finally ends, it’ll happen over some horny guy who finally has a chance to get ‘shagged‘. Gosh, see, I derailed. Now I’ve just created a time leak!

If you know a thing or two about ‘time leaks’, you’ll find this brilliant writer wrote the whole damn film as one giant time leak . Okay, but can you really say that since you spilled your drink, the whole thing never happened, Ray? Nor can you ever escape the endless circle of living your ‘unfortunate’ life of events had, events that are and events that are yet to come, over and over… You can quote me on this There is never only one time line. There are many time lines – lined up next to one another, spread out at space time continuum like jam or butter (sort of like when you take a photo of someone running fast) these time lines are gazillion parallel universes, each with a past, present and a future you are living. You are living them ALL at the SAME time. The fun begins, the instant you change one thing in your own universe – line 1, I guess. Boy! You will have just created a parallel universe where you are a bit different. This branches off your time line, creating a different future, for the same past and present. The cool thing is that as they branch off and create this new parallel universe, they crate another past, present and consequently – a future all sprouting from the point of change. Since you are RELIVING your past and present, while future happens all at the same time, you no longer can make a circle returning to the SAME past. By creating a coil effect of some kind, the key to the door that leads to the ER bridge may be attained. Sounds nuts? DUH. There are rules as Ray pointed out in the film. “You don’t kill anything, don’t fuck anything.”

by Chinny Bini

I know what you’re thinking…how can an educated feline like myself, a movie connoisseur, find herself watching a film like this? Well, let me say it in a southern accent: “Guilty!” I like all four. Yes, I am aware this film is nothing like the Unbearable Lightness of Being or the Godfather, but sometimes you just want to see a teen slasher. I’m not the sicko, the person who writes this shyte must be demented, point your finger at Eric Bress  (screenplay – I’m looking forward to the Alchemist, Secrets of Nicholas Flamel) and Jeffrey Reddick (characters). Seriously, who in their right mind sits around thinking up ways for teenagers to die? Although many of the deaths are quite predictable in these films, I was suprised by quite a few. The characters are well written and well cast (not that I need another lookalike miss Haley Webb; MJ will suffice just fine.) “What if we didn’t change anything, what if us, sitting here is exactly what was supposed to happen.”I am paraphrasing Bobby Campo ’s character Nick, because I didn’t exactly memorize the line, but the truth is, as the Czechs like to say: “Co je psano, to je dano!” – ‘All follows as it is written.’  In other words, you can’t escape destiny.

The first Final Destination  film with Ali Larter  is my fave, but the rest worked for what their intent – a teen horror. Director David R. Ellis takes this team of kids to the race track, where Nick has a vision of horrible things to come, yet he acts in time, saving a group of people from sudden death. The sickled friend in turns seeks out the lucky few, one by one’ as none can escape his list. Let me just add that this picture is not some incredible epic film which needs to plug in certain words for cinematic effect and there are other ways to paint a character racist, than have him talk the way Justin Welborn was forced to talk. However brief, it was unnecessary. If you’re looking for a teen slasher/horror it’s a good choice for a teen audience. I actually found it funny, especially the guy who tried to off himself before his number was up. The older folks may get bored with this one. If you’ve seen the first you’ve seen them all. Cast includes: The Hills’s cutie Kristin Cavallari’s ex-beau Nick Zano, tongue twister name hottie Shantel VanSanten (her parents obviously have a good sense of humor), Mykielti Williamson, Krista Allen, and Andrew Fiscella.

by Chinny Bini

I feel like Yee-Haw! should be added to the title. Deutsch, Francais, Italiano and English; my German is not that great, but linguistically, the film is a treat for me, a cinematographic work of art with great costumes and cool sound; as for the performances?  - es ist einfach windervoll, meine Freunde,  just fabulous!

Produced by the Weinsteins, Inglorious Basterds oozes professional delivery. Christoph Waltz  is one fabulously messed up Landa. Most likely to snatch an Oscar for this work, Waltz is beyond exceptional. Fluent in English, German and French, Waltz is multilingual, like myself and like myself, a fellow Strasberg student; I expect no less than top quality work from this actor. I only wish I could find a way to entice the American audience (partial to English speaking films) to see more foreign cinema. This is not the first time Christoph Waltz  stands out. Brad Pitt, in the role of Lt. Aldo Raine, embraced his former character Floyd (True Romance (1993), one of my all time favorite films), only, Raine is somewhat more aware of his surroundings, still, like Floyd, enjoying the occasional blow. Let’s be honest here, Brad Pitt  is ridiculous – ridiculously gifted that is. Pitt needs not prove himself to anyone. Now it’s just about the love of his art and the suave delivery that comes so easy to him. I like Lt. Raine’s western attitude; my fave moment is his pretense of Eye-thalian. Angel face froline Diane Kruger  is  phenomenal as double agent Bridget von Hammersmark, allowing us to hear Kruger in her native German tongue (I’m guessing, – Saxony?) Mélanie Laurent, plays the central character Shoshanna Dreyfus, who as a child is witness to the execution of her Jewish family by the unforgiving Col. Hanz Landa. I’m not familiar with her previous work, but have immediate plans to correct this mistake, especially since I love French films. One of my favorite actors, Daniel Brühl takes on the role of Fredrick Zoller. I loved his work in Ladies in Lavender (2004) and I look forward to his role in Kaminski and I, based on a Daniel Kehlmann novel. Nazi or not, Bruhl is a likable fellow, even in this film. I am not going to list every single cast member listed on IMDB, like Boston boy B.J. Novak, the entire cast deserves a praise. Tarrantino has kung fu of plugging the right actors into the characters he writes. I almost have a feeling the roles are cast before Tarrantino ever touches finger to laptop (… pen on paper is an ancient idiom by now). Inglorious Basterds is a testosterone drivenfilm,  focused more on the Nazis and the Basterds than the actual war. The questions of who had the bigger penis is resolved, although, I doubt the film will fly in Germany. News-f-lash Quentin, not all Germans are bad. You could have given a soul to at least one German character in your script. Second, even Charlie Chaplin tried to show the funny side of Hitler, but there isn’t any. The exaggerated shouting and over pronunciation of German words while spitting are never funny, no matter how despised the character may be. Obviously, this film will be met with it’s own share of controversy. I chose to focus on the technical aspect of the film and the fantastic performances. I’ve never been a fan of the Quention Tarrantino’s  technique I call ‘QT’slice’, where the script is sliced up by use of flashbacks, but the QTslice is limited here. The film had a nice flow. Kitty cats may not love the film, but tomcats and tomoboys will enjoy the film. 

by Chinny Bini

Russian Flick Tip: Stilyagi (Hipsters)

Do you like film festivals? The one you shouldn’t miss is the annual Karlovy Vary (Charlesbad)  film festival in Czech Republic. I’m not saying this just because I’m Czechoslovak born, I’m saying it for the quality of films that spring from this venue, like Kolja.      Now this one is a little whacko, but really interesting. Writer/director Valery Todorovsky screened his fabulous film Stilyagi starring the stunning Oksana Akinshina from our Filmfeline Hot menu. I’ve already mentioned how talented Oksana Akinshina  is. She ‘rocks’ in this Russian romantic musical too, in the role of Polza. Everything is about Polza. Mells, played by Anton Shagin  will do anything for this Americanized Jazz loving gal, even abandon his believes. Why not? The film has a Metropolis and Swing Kids taste, throw in a crazy Bjork movie.

by Chinny Bini

Producer Peter Jackson teams up with writer/director Neill Blomkamp & screenwriter Terri Tatchell in District 9. 

Department of Alien Affairs – hahaha! What do real life Moulder and Scully do? Sit around playing video games all day long? Substitute 9 for 51 and you know what area we’re talking about, right? Well, this one takes place in South Africa. An alien space craft hovers over Johannesburg. The past twenty years, Slum city District 9 is an alien refugee. They are not hostile, they are just trying to survive, however, they have multiplied and are spreading outside their territory. They are here to stay. We have to find a way to deal. Their weaponry is nothing like our own; the plan now is to gain control of the highly evolved alien weapons, which are part of their alien make up and can only be manipulated by aliens. The human race doesn’t have a clue to the use of alien technology. Some of the aliens are being moved (’told it is for their safety and benefit’, when in fact, they are being used for target practice at a private facility, MNU). During this transfer, agent Wikus van der Merwe is exposed to an alien substance, that alters his DNA, growing him an alien arm, allowing him to control alien weapons now. Duh-rama! To escape torture and disection by the very people he works for, der Merwe retreats to slum city, District 9. Koobus Venter played by David James  has been ordered to find him and he will stop at nothing. Der Merwe offers to purchase alien weapons from an underground Nigerian leader Obesandjo 7  (Eugene Khumbanyiwa), but Obesandjo 7  shows interest in der Merwe for his own cult practices, devouring alien body parts his cult believes offer mythical powers. Wikus van der Merwe finally finds safety in the home of Christopher Johnson (Jason Cope) and his young son. Also on the roll call are Mandla Gaduka as Fundiswa Mhlanga, an officer aiding Wikus during the alien transfer and Kenneth Nkosi in the role of the South African bureaucrat, Thomas. Ten minutes into the picture, I was still waiting for the film to grab me. The aliens didn’t look right. I could blame the art department, but the setting is all too well done for me to be that harsh. The alien language is very cool, but their look was off. I’m talking giant lobsters or the Orkin roach, you know? It seems they were just dancers in a rubber suits. Mind you, I am a Sci Fi kitty, I really do want to believe! The aliens moved and behaved like retarded orangutans. Look at this! Here is the most impressive alien simulation I’ve ever seen.  I feel sick to my stomach every time I watchthis youtube upload. I once had a dream about an alien, who looked just like this one and I also felt just as sick. I can’t view this video for more than 20 seconds without feeling nauseated. The Orkin roaches in District 9 just don’t cut the mustard. (that’s an idiom, my dear foreign readers, there is no actual mustard in the film – can you say condescending ) In M. Night Shymalan’s ‘Signs‘ the alien also looks like a dancer in a rubber suit,  however, it had the right kind of posture and movement. In War of the Worlds  there are also interesting aliens, once they crawl out of the ship. Another believable alien, although clearly dressed in a rubber suit is Jerry in ‘Enemy Mine’  (an oldie but a goodie). Honestly, even Neeble from the Men in Black  looked more convincing to me than the District 9 extraterrestrials. District 9 is like a cross between Cloverfield and Signs.

I wouldn’t review the film if I hated it. It is interesting to watch. Wikus van der Merwe is overly nerdy, I couldn’t help, but love him. Hahahaha! “Hello little one..” the agent says, looking for the alien child, about to remove the little creature from his father. I am puzzled why this film isn’t promoted as a comedy. Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’ve been reading way too many alien conspiracy theories, that it takes more than a normal dose of scary to make me believe aliens are real. The fact that I speak a few languages didn’t help me here either, because the Haitian accent threw me into a laughing trance; this was supposed to be South Africa! Hello? Anyway, all the funny happens in the first 20 minutes of the film. District 9 becomes interesting when an an Multi-National United (MNU), field operative, Wikus van der Merwe (Sharlto Copley), begins to mutate. Wikus van der Merwe is a very likable character. He repeatedly calls his wife (Vanessa Haywood) leading the agency right to his whereabouts, he is so desperate not to mutate into one of them, he tries to cut off his alien arm, yet develops compassion for the creatures as Wikus can’t help, but sympathize with the suppressed species after seeing what goes on at MNU. It is also fabulous when agent der Merwe turns into a Transformer (hey, the costume was just sitting there in the back of some Hollywood lot, so why not use it, right?). If I think more like a tomboy, and less than a Sci Fi loving kitty cat, I must admit the boys will love the film. The action is good, the CGI is great and the idea is fabulous. See this film, you will enjoy it.

by Chinny Bini

A happy couple, Cliff and Cydney Anderson get hitched.  Now comes the honeymoon. Their Perfect Getaway invites them to Hawaii, but some psychopaths are killing everybody on the island. It is soon clear to Cliff and Cydney they are in for one hell of a ride. 

A longtime Milla fan, right off, I had great expectations. This former model, actually, an actress first, grew up on the silver screen. Milla’s modeling carreer took off, when photographer Richard Avedon spoke out on her behalf. However, like most models, she has a tendency to pose; she’s conscious of the camera, leaving less room for performance.  Perhaps, this is the main reason, why models don’t make very good actresses, but like the talented few, Milla Jovovich managed to cross over. She improves with every film and she can carry a film, hence, more work for her and more for us to see! The Fifth Element (1998) is a science fiction gem, mainly due to Leeloo. Milla’s performance in The House on Turk Street (2002) was flawless and  .45 (2006) clearly proved the girl can act. In Perfect Getaway Milla plays a goofy dork, or so it may seem, but when Jovovich gets physical – watch out, baby! A martial artist myself, I can appreciate an action gal. Unfortunately, the film is pretty much a bore at first. Come on, if I had time to take some notes, my eyes obviously weren’t glued to the screen. Luckily, this didn’t last too long. When the action steps in the drowsy audience awakes. The second half of the film is really good. I’m not sure how much $$ came in opening night, but the film will do very well on video. I’m sure the word of mouth is good. Steve Zahn sets aside his usually nerdy funny man slipping into a less typical character than we’re used to see him play. This one fit him very well. I would give him much more praise, but I don’t want to spoil the film for you. Timothy Olyphant  is always good. It’s too bad he’s typecast as a movie line quoting psycho all the time, but he says ‘yes’ to these roles, so he must not mind. In Perfect Getaway, the catnip goes to Kiele Sanchez. I never heard of Sanchez before. I like her work a lot. She’s gives good camera, but she’s so much more than that. Her work is convincing, with a fresh approach to the character she plays. Sanchez is truly genuine. Her damsel in distress works just as well for me. Chris Hemsworth and Marley Shelton make perfect decoys. I’m looking forward to seeing more from Sanchez and more original work from writer/director David Twohy! It’s great when directors can write a decent script. I like the unexpected little twist, but without discussing the film in more detail, trying not to screw it up for you, trust me when I say that A Perfect Getaway is fun! Go see it. For a really fun interactive page visit David Twothy’s site. I gave this film two paws, but I was leaning toward three.

PS: I love Hawaii. Meow!

by Chinny Bini

I love Lindsay Dee Lohan. I really do. She did such a great job in The Parent Trap (1998),  Freaky Friday (2003) and Mean Girls (2004) that I still enjoy watching her films over and over. I also really liked Just My Luck (2006) co-starring Captain Kirk, but  Labor Pains(2009) did not work for me too well. Because of Linds I saw it, but I was a little sad.   

If I hated this film I wouldn’t have reviewed it, so it’s not a complete disaster, it just didn’t leave me happy. Did I speak too soon when I said best romantic comedies are written by women? These Labor Pains were born in the hands of  Stacey Kramer (writer) & Lara Shapiro (writer, director), starring Lindsay Lohan as Thea, a young woman about to be booted out of her good for nothing job. She pretends to be pregnant in order to stay employed. Thea can barely make rent, supporting herself and her teen sister on an assistant’s salary, but when her boss, played by  Chris Parnell, steps out of the picture, leaving the company in the hands of his younger brother, Nick (Luke Kirby), Thea gets an offer to step into the editorial chair, a well paid position that comes with her own assistant, Greg, played by AI’s Kevin Covais, who actually did a very good job acting as a nerdy annoying little buttkisser. 21 (2008)’s Aaron Yoo plays her boyfriend Miles, ditched by Thea as she matures and turns her interest toward Nick. The opening scene is like a shot out of a classic Molly Ringwald era John Hughes film with a song Chosen by a band called Asker, that reminds me of the Pet Shop Boys. I was ancy, thinking awww, this is going to be like one of those 80’s flicks, but no. Although I am not sad or disappointed that I saw it, I didn’t love it. This romantic comedy is not as funny as it could have been. Lindsey has this immense sadness that comes through her eyes on screen at all times. Unlike that beautiful charming spark she had as a youngin’, there is something missing now. It is also extremely sad when the supporting cast practically leads the film or the leading cast is upstaged by a dog. The line: ” I’m officially a pathetic looser” covers the first ten minutes of the film, but I think there comes a time when we should come to love the protagonist. I’m dissapointed with the baseball scene as well, it was really unecessary. I will never understand why some people find humor in hurting animals. It was NOT funny. Instead, you should have placed more effort into the dialogue. The birthing class scene is ridiculous. Again, not funny, just ackward. You can place Nick and Thea in that class, after they are a bit more comfortable around each other. When the fact that they like each other is a bit more clearly established, it would be funny to see them in an ackward situation. This way, it was just wrong. I am bummbed, because with someone like Drew Barrymore and say Owen Wilson this could have been a really funny film, considering some of the scenes were shown in different order.

The relationship between Thea and her sister Emma (Bridgit Mendler) could also have been a bit more established.  Thea should have had a little more fun with the pretend pregnancy as well. There are moments where she is really ‘acting’ pg, picking out baby clothes and eating better, but it’s not overacted and it could have been fun slapstick. She seems more unstable rather than cutely crazy. The cast also includes Tracee Ellis Ross and Janeane Garofalo. None the less, I don’t hate the film, it’s just bugs me. The film could have been much better if a few changes had been made, before the script was finalized.

by Chinny Bini

I love the stillness of this film, like water. Perhaps it was the sound, perhaps the writing, perhaps the complex subject matter, perhaps it was the haunting Gretchen Mol.  Adam Stafford (Cameron Bright - see Filmfeline Cool) is a young boy interested in his mysterious seductive new next door neighbor, Catherine, who is an artist. Catherine Casswell, played by the beautiful Gretchen Mol (whom I adore from one of my top fave SciFi flicks 13th Floor). There is something very special about Mol. She is beautiful, yet unconventionally mysterious as is her work on screen. Kudos to the casting department, producers and director for pairing Mol with Bright. They carry the film well. One night, Adam photographs Catherine through his window just as JFK enters Catherine’s home. He is sucked in, wanting to learn more about her, to get closer to her. She offers him work in her yard and Adam gains access to her diary. A diary some may consider worth killing for. Could this woman stop the assassination? JFK refuses to deal with Cuba and cuts off his contact with Casswell, who may have warned him something bad is about to happen. (Okay, yes, the woman could have left a message, but – she didn’t. It makes for a better film.) Cameron Bright’s work is exceptional as always. I couldn’t help but really feel for Casswell’s husband Graham (Mark Pellegrino).  As far as conspiracies go… is there some reason why James Rebhorn (Lucian) is in every single alien – government conspiracy- prick father character role? What did this man do to deserve such sucky characters to play? Rebhorn plays them well, but I just had to ask.  Noah Wyle and Perrey Reeves also star in this film as Adam’s parents. Director William Olsson takes us back in time not long before President Kennedy’s assassination. The cool thing about this film is that it doesn’t directly insinuate anything about who donne it. The film is about the characters of Adam and Catherine and the complexities of life. It’s a coming of age story from Adam’s point of view and a been there done that got a T-shirt then I wrote about it point of view from Catherine. One thing I did not like so much is that Gretchen Moll closely resembles Marylin Monroe in the film and she need not channel anyone.  I think the point was that JFK liked a ‘certain’ kind of look in a woman…okay, but if this is the look, explain Jackie. There are some eloquent lines in this Alex Metcalf written picture. “Some people think he’s a patriot, others think he’s a criminal. I guess that depends on your point of view. ” I don’t know why, but this line got me into a very philosophical mood. As I watched the film, I began writing something else :O  (somewhere else)

by Chinny Bini

We’re talking 1922 avaunt – garde Madrid and Robert Pattinson! Yep, it’s boys kissing boys. Dali was as bizzare of a man as they come. A philosopher and artist all in one, Dali was the James Dean of his time. Rob, if you think the Twilight Pattingals are nuts about you now, just wait till the gay boys begin fainting at your feet! The current Twilight/New Moon craze blows my mind, but what do I know, I am just a cat. Little Ashes offers good acting, good filmaking and an interesting story. I love a little time travel now and then. It is a quality film that deserves a decent, intelligent audience. I always wondered about Dali; it’s nice to get a little peak inside the man’s life. What makes someone a great artist? For one, it’s passion. Second, let’s face it, all great artists are a little bit mad. Little Ashes is written by Philippa Goslett. The film is about young Salvador Dali becoming an artist. Dali is played by Twilight’s ‘hot vamp’ Robert Pattinson; co starring are Javier Beltrán  as Federico Garcia Lorca and Matthew McNulty  as Luis Bunel (Dali’s elite school buddies). Federico and Salvador steam up the camera. Director Paul Morrison had to keep a handkerchief on hand throughout the filming!  Pattingals, be prepared, meeeeeow!