Armchair Commentary

Brad Miska's Must-See Family Horror Films!

Happy Halloween!

Bloody-Disgusting.com Picks from Brad Miska

As much as it appears that Halloween is just for children, many adults refuse to grow up and relish in the opportunity to play “dress up” on that one special day of the year. But what I find interesting is that while children are the mass behind Halloween, horror movies are made mostly for late-teen/adults. And while Halloween can be for every person under the full moon, not every horror movie is made for the majority. My goal this Halloween was to find a handful of horror movies that both parents and their children could watch – together. So go put on your costume, grab your pumpkin filled with candy and pop on one of the following movies. 

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)

The first Tim Burton film on this list wasn’t a huge success when it hit theaters Halloween weekend of 1993. In fact, it wasn’t until years later that the film gained cult status among the horror community. Now, 15 years after its release, the children who grew up watching the movie on VHS, then DVD and now Blu-ray are all grown up and having kids of their own. Filled with colorful characters (Jack Skellington, Zero, Dr. Finkelstein and more), catchy music by the legendary Danny Elfman, beautiful stop-motion animation and a plot that combines two of the year’s best holidays (Halloween and Christmas), this is a guaranteed hit for the entire family to enjoy – from October all the way through the New Year.

MONSTER HOUSE (2006)

The first film in this list from the great Robert Zemeckis is MONSTER HOUSE, a first of its kind, motion-capture extravaganza that combines new animation techniques with revolutionary 3-D technology in HD. In theaters, this film was one of the most visually stunning films ever created. And while we’re still waiting for true 3-D release for Blu-ray, MONSTER HOUSE is still a fantastic family movie that’s fun, scary and bold. While the film makes its aim towards children, the dialogue is daring enough to involve adults as well.

DEATH BECOMES HER (1992)

Another film from Robert Zemeckis that’s often forgotten is the hilariously delightful DETAH BECOMES HER. The film is a quasi-zombie movie that follows two women desperately seeking to become young again. After killing each other, they become beautiful zombies fighting over one man. And how can you go wrong with a cast featuring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis at the pinnacle of their careers? While this might be one of the most edgy of the films, children will still enjoy it because of the colorful scenery and over-the-top antics of Streep and Hawn.

Best DVDs of November 2008: "Kung Fu Panda"

What it is: Kung Fu Panda is the story of an overweight Panda named Po (Jack Black) who dreams of being a Kung Fu master like China’s legendary furious five, but seems destined follow in his father’s footsteps running a noodle shop. However, when a legendary imprisoned Kung Fu master Tai Lung (Ian McShane) escapes and the village looks for a champion, Po finds himself an unlikely and unconventional hero.
Why it's Significant: DreamWorks -- known for pairing top-notch talent with incredible animation, in films like Madagascar and Shrek -- scores another knockout with their latest release, Kung Fu Panda.  Available on DVD and Blu-ray Nov 8th, Kung Fu Panda features some of DreamWorks’s most incredible animation and fun-loving hilarity. The all-star line-up and heartwarming story promises to be fun for both children and adults. Also available on the 8th is the great one-two punch combination of the Kung Fu Panda Two - Pack (Kung Fu Panda + Secrets of the Furious Five), a special edition that gives fans a chance to discover the history of the famous furious five. Destined to be one of the best gifts this holiday season and an instant classic, you will not be disappointed. --Mike

Friday Face Off: Soundtracks - Hughes vs. Crowe

Welcome to what will hopefully become a regular feature here at armchaircommentary - the Friday Face-Off. Shauna and I recently got into a discussion (heated argument) about the use of music in movies. We both have our favorites and decided the best way to settle it would be to hash it out the old fashion way -€“ via email and YouTube. See for yourself and weigh in if you think one of us is clearly the winner (me!) or maybe you think we're both way off base....

From: Furbush, Shauna
To: Canny, Kira
Subject: Soundtrack Face Off!

John Hughes was not just the king of the 80'€™s teen flick. He was also the Sultan of the Soundtrack.  Not only did he have great artist selection, he was masterful at placing the perfect song in the perfect place to make you remember it for the rest of your life.

Example 1: Sixteen Candles: at the very end when Jake Ryan goes to the church to get Sam and€“ she walks out of the church. All of the cars part and as the they slowly drive away, the music slides in with the Thompson Twins, If You Were Here, the drums kick in right as she looks up to see the HOTTEST guy on the planet leaning against his beautiful red Porsche. Judge for yourself(sigh)...

Sixteen Candles - Final Scene - Movie Ending - The best video clips are here

 
From: Canny, Kira
To: Furbush, Shauna
Subject: RE: Soundtrack Face Off!

Sure, that's an amazing moment and€“ I swooned along with every other pre-teen girl the first time I saw that (who am I kidding, I swoon every time I see that)“ and the Molly Ringwald coy look behind and mouthing of "me?" -  Kills me!  The man knew what he was doing when it came to the soundtrack.  But I stand firm in my opinion that Cameron Crowe does it better.  It seems like he finds that one song in every movie to provide the absolute heart of the story. Let's think for a moment about Say Anything, shall we?  That image of John Cusack with the boombox and the determined look -€“ holy hell!  - it gives me chills just thinking about it.  I'm not sure I know anyone who isn'€™t totally affected by that scene.   It solidified John Cusack as the prototype sensitive-punk-dork heartthrob that every girl worth her Lisa Loeb glasses and One Star Chuck Taylors will worship until the end of time (including this one).

 
From: Furbush, Shauna
To: Canny, Kira
Subject: RE: Soundtrack Face Off!

LOVE that scene.  I think the world fell in love with John Cusack at that moment, giving every slightly dorky guy hope. But let me say this: don't you think it could have been any touching/emotionally driving song on that boom box? It was Cusack that sold that moment with his €˜determined look€™, as you said, and the song just came along for the ride.  AND - In Your Eyes was already a hit song from Gabriel's 1986 album "So".  What makes John Hughes soundtracks superior is his ability to match the character action with the song itself and to pick unique and not necessarily popular songs that are perfect for the moment.  Case in point: The scene in Some Kind of Wonderful when Eric Stoltz & Mary Stuart Masterson kiss in the garage - 

 

Best DVDs of November 2008: "The Dark Knight"

What it is: Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) is Gotham City's new district attorney, charged with cleaning up the crime rings that have paralyzed the city. He enters an uneasy alliance with the young police lieutenant, Jim Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Batman (Christian Bale), the caped vigilante who seems to trust only Gordon--and whom only Gordon seems to trust. They make progress until a psychotic and deadly new player enters the game: the Joker (Heath Ledger), who offers the crime bosses a solution--kill the Batman.

Why it's Significant: Forget the massive box office (over $500 million in the U.S. alone) and the tragedy of Ledger--The Dark Knight is simply a great movie.  In addition to pitch-perfect casting, outstanding writing, and a compelling vision, it bypasses the normal fantasy element of the superhero genre and makes it all terrifyingly real.In his last completed role before his tragic death, Ledger is fantastic as the Joker, a volcanic, truly frightening force of evil. And he sets the tone of the movie: the world is a dark, dangerous place where there are no easy choices. Director-cowriter Christopher Nolan (Memento) follows his critically acclaimed Batman Begins with an even better sequel that sets itself apart from notable superhero movies like Spider-Man 2 and Iron Man because of its sheer emotional impact and striking sense of realism.  --David

Available formats:

• Two-disc Blu-ray
• Two-disc limited-edition Blu-ray with Batpod
• Two-disc DVD
• Single-disc widescreen DVD
• Single-disc full-screen DVD
• Amazon Video On Demand

 

Should Joaquin Phoenix Quit Hollywood?

Were you not entertained?

Joaquin Phoenix has announced that he is quitting acting, at the age of 34.

"I want to take this opportunity ... also to give you the exclusive and just talk a little bit about the fact that this will be my last performance as an actor," Phoenix told a stunned Extra reporter. "I’m not doing films anymore. ... I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that," he said on camera.

Is it really the end? The two-time Oscar nominee, formerly known as Leaf Phoenix, is working on a record. His most recent film, Two Lovers, with Gwyneth Paltrow, will release on Feb. 13 and has favorable buzz from the film festival circuit.

This reminds me of other actors who have either threatened to retire and haven't, or did "retire":

John Corbett, circa 2004

What he said then: "I’m getting out of acting. I’m bored. I’ve been doing  this for so long and I can’t do this anymore. I’ve got one more to promote  after this one and then it’s, ‘Thank you, Jesus, I don’t have to  do this anymore.’"

What he did then: Embarked on a country music career. Quotes around "career"?

What he says now: "I think the last time I said that, I was kind of joking.  I don’t think I am going to quit acting, I was kind of just having fun with  myself saying those things out loud … because I don’t know what else  (besides acting) I would do to express myself."

Sean Penn, 1991, 2001, 2007 and anytime in between

What he said then: "Filmmaking is more interesting to me than acting. With acting, I've gone from a love-hate relationship to a dark, bitter hatred. You might be fascinated with the material, you get three weeks into it and you're like, 'I'm trapped here'. That drives me out of my mind.

What he did then: Received four Oscar nominations for acting, winning for Mystic River in 2004.

What he says now: "Financially, movies bleed you. That's why I keep acting; it's largely a financial matter, trying to keep afloat during the downtime when I'm trying to make my own movies." Basically, he acts to pay the bills so he can direct. Isn't it grand? Someone who looks at acting as a job also manages to be consistently brilliant? (Somewhere, the cast of 90210 are kicking themselves.)

Freddie Prinze Jr., 2003

What he said then:  ''I'm going to stop acting in the next few years because it's just too weird. You have to constantly be willing to live in a scary, emotional place, which is why actors are in therapy all the time.''

What he did then: Penned an episode of Mutant X, then stuck to voice over work and small indie films. He then starred in his own series, Freddie, which lasted one season, and had a recurring role on Boston Legal as the son of William Shatner.

What Vince McMahon says now: The Prinze has joined the WWE as an official member of the creative team behind the scenes. McMahon says "Freddie Prinze Jr.'s passion, energy and creativity make him an excellent fit for WWE." does this mean he'll be composing some of those hilarious soap-opera storylines?

Ricky Gervais, 2008

What he said then: "I'm not going to make a career of it (acting), certainly not. Being one of the leads is very nice and flattering. But I'm not pursuing it. I've never wanted to be an actor. I've never thought of myself as one. Let's face it, I'm not a great actor, but I have fun doing it. I'm still going to write, direct."

What he did then: Stole the show at the Emmys by demanding Steve Carell to hand over the trophy Gervais won last year, igniting buzz that he should be the next Oscar host.

Nicolas Cage, 2008

What he said then: “Some movie stars look like they are having a ball, but I’m tired of it. It has made me reclusive. That is an increasingly gnawing feeling in my body. When I first started I loved it. One of my frustrations is I have no control. I haven’t worked in a while, and it will be eight months before I start my next picture. I know for the first time which direction I’m going in and what changes I want to make.”

What he did then: Has no less than 14 films in the can or in pre-production. Sounds like someone isn't ready to say goodbye.

Do you think threatening to quit is a ploy for attention, or do they really mean it? Any longtime actors you wish would follow suit and go into early retirement? --Ellen

Fall TV: Two Shows That Aren't Terminated -- And One That Should Be

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles just keeps getting better and better, with episodes that have finally shown us why people would be willing to die for sullen teen John Connor ("Goodbye To All That"), the real girl inside his cyborg "sister," Cameron ("Allison From Palmdale"), and what it would be like to have a terminator for a mom (hint: terrifying!). It's great stuff, and I've been afraid that it will end too soon, what with Monday Night Football (among other things) cutting into its ratings. Thankfully, though, FOX has ordered an additional nine episodes. The next new episode is due Monday. You can get caught up here.

Also getting good news: Privileged, the show about spoiled teens that's not 90210 or Gossip Girl (it's also the one with the fun dialogue and Gilmore-ian stare). Privileged got a script order, which isn't as strong as an episode order, but bodes well.

OK, and I'll just say it. It's time to put Heroes out of its misery (and mine). This season's challenges have been well-documented, and I couldn't agree more. Give the formerly fabulous show an end date. You don't have to yank it right this second, but put the finish line in place. Doing that helped Lost find its way: I think it can do the same for Heroes, which is losing even some True Believers. I know what it's like to hold on to a show, to want great things for it, to even see in your mind how they might happen (Bionic Woman, I'm talking to you!). Which is why something must be done. Now. -- Stephanie Reid-Simons, TV Demander

Best DVDs of November 2008: "Chungking Express (Criterion)"

What it is: Chungking Express is a 1994 film about two heartsick cops (Takeshi Kaneshiro and Tony Leung), both jilted by ex-lovers, whose separate stories cross paths at a snack bar. Leung's character meets the bar's waitress (Faye Wong), who cheers him up by breaking into his apartment in secret to redecorate. The film won Best Picture, Director, Actor (Leung) and Editing at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Why it's Significant: Here's a gem that hasn't been back out on DVD since 2002, finally with the grand Criterion treatment it deserves. Chungking Express has earned a place as one of best contemporary Asian films, and Wong one of its most prolific directors. Quentin Tarantino reportedly cried when he saw it on video, professing: "I'm just so happy to love a movie this much." Roger Ebert says, "I didn't love it nearly as much as he did, but I know what he meant: This is the kind of movie you'll relate to if you love film itself, rather than its surface aspects such as story and stars. It's not a movie for casual audiences, and it may not reveal all its secrets the first time through, but it announces Wong Kar-Wai, its Hong Kong-based director, as a filmmaker in the tradition of Jean-Luc Godard."

Check out Chungking Express on DVD and Blu-ray, and watch the first 10 minutes below. -- Ellen

Best DVDs of November: Band of Brothers [Blu-ray]

What is it: Band of Brother [Blu-ray] is the epic miniseries based on the bestseller by Stephen E. Ambrose and for the first time in Blu-ray quality. There are 10 parts to this series, 10 hours over 6 discs and with full HD Video and DTS Master Audio. 

Why it's Significant: Band of Brothers tells the story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army. The story is pulled from interviews with survivors of Easy Company, as well as the letters and journals of soldiers, Band of Brothers chronicles the experiences of these men who knew extraordinary bravery and extraordinary fear. They were an elite rifle company parachuting into France early on D-Day morning, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and capturing Hitler's Eagle's Nest at Berchtesgaden. They were also a unit that suffered 150 percent casualties, and whose lives became a legend.  What sets Band of Brothers apart is their attention to detail and their depiction to the wide range of emotions brought on by the trauma of war.  The direction, writing and acting are superb and in HD this miniseries is truly engrossing. 

Blu Monday: A 3-D "Journey"

(Blu Monday is our roundup of what's new in Blu-ray...)

In an interesting combination of technologies, Journey to the Center of the Earth is available on Blu-ray in a limited-edition disc that has both the 3-D and 2-D versions along with four pairs of red-and-green glasses.  Is the red-and-green thing the same 3-D technology that was used in theaters?  No, it's a home-compatible version.  Does it look cool?  Yeah, the 3-D effects do jump off the screen.  But the downside of this system is that the colors are pretty washed out--other than blues and yellows, there's not much color left on the screen, and that diminishes one of the major advantages of Blu-ray (the sharpness is still there, though).  However,  you can also watch the movie in 2-D (and the Blu-ray disc lets you switch back and forth on the fly), and the colors don't look that great there either.  The movie just seems to have been shot in a lot of muted colors, and I can't help speculating that it was necessary for the 3-D technology.  Also on the disc: a casual commentary track by Brendan Fraser and director Eric Brevig and 19 minutes of high-definition featurettes: "A World Within Our World," recapping hollow-earth theories from Edmond Halley to Jules Verne; a look at Josh Hutcherson's life on the set; and "How to Make Dino Drool," examining just how they came up with the gross goo. The second disc has a digital copy of the film. --David

New Blu-ray pre-orders that have recently hit the catalog:

• Pineapple Express
• The Women
• The Dark Knight (Limited Edition with Batpod)
• The House Bunny

Best DVDs of November 2008: "Man on Wire"

What it is: Man on Wire is a thorough documentary about Philippe Petit, a French Prankster who, with a small group of friends, illegally high-wire walked between the Twin Towers of New York City in 1974.

Why It's Significant: It's a fine line to walk with any movie that involves New York's Twin Towers.  Especially a movie that documents the heist like qualities of a group of street performers who organized the task of walking between the Twin Towers.  Now, watching this movie where a man high-wire walks between the towers, is surreal and beautiful.  Based on the detailed memoir, To Reach the Clouds, the movie investigates the planning, the passion and fear that went into this daring final act.  The movie delves into the obsessive passion that Phillippe Petit had.  He is quoted as saying, "When I see three oranges, I juggle; when I see two towers, I walk."  Watching a group of circus performers risk their lives and their friendship for such a pure act will touch a chord with any person who has ever been distracted by a dream or a passion.

--Craig

Man on Wire is only the sixth film ever in the history of Sundance to pick up both top awards (Jury Prize and Audience Award in the World Cinema).
Special Jury Award and Audience Award at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
The International Audience Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
The Standard Life Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.