If, like me, you have found yourself at the bottom of the rue St Jacques in Paris, you too may have found yourself a little thirsty and stepped into a small dark bar on the west side of the street, with tan frontage and black lettering displaying the name: Polly Maggoo. Perhaps, of the few booths, you choose the one near the back, with a monochrome painting on the wall showing the face of a sixties model (you can always tell by the eyeshadow) and a large black mass bearing the lettering “Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?” Who indeed. Well now, thanks to those nice people at Criterion, you can find out. One of their recent box sets under the Eclipse imprint is “The Delirious Fictions Of William Klein”, and one of those delirious fictions is Who Are You, Polly Maggoo? (1966).

It should be stated from the off that this is very much a sixties film, with a meandering narrative, zany in parts, and ever aware of itself as a piece of visual media. It takes satirical swipes at the fashion industry, the TV industry and the philosophy of identity, but never takes itself too seriously. It flirts with Absurdity and Surrealism. It’s swinging and modern and crazy and, as one poor poster on IMDB has it, “designed to make normal people feel left out”.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

“It was like a message from God: “Honesty doesn’t pay, sucker.”

If you’re bored this summer and have always wondered how people sustain influence over other people with guns, money, sex, and drugs; (then you might want to read the news or…) check out Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund’s 2002 masterpiece, City of God. It was based on the literary genius of Paulo Lins (who wrote the 1997 novel, City of God). The Academy Award winning film boasts a cast of characters who provide a realistic glimpse into the slums of Rio de Janeiro known as Citade de Deus. Raw talent, non-linear storytelling, and beautiful cinematography all in one film, only a few films like this are made every decade.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Sometimes, instrumental suites transcend their own movie soundtrack and onto the playlists of others. This playlist is suitable for anything, whether it be tanning on the beach, driving in your car, or even resting on your couch and reading a good book. Here is your playlist for the week:

1. From the Motion Picture Batman: Charge of the Batmobile (Composer - Danny Elfman) | Preview and Buy
2. From the Motion Picture Gladiator: Earth (Composer - Hans Zimmer, Artist - Yvonne S. Moriarty) | Preview and Buy
3. From the Motion Picture Chocolat: Fire (Composer - Rachel Portman, Conductor - David Snell) | Preview and Buy
4. From the Motion Picture Pirates of the Caribbean: The Medallion Calls (Composer - Hans Zimmer) | Preview and Buy
5. From the Motion Picture Jurassic Park: Jurassic Park Theme (Composer - John Williams) | Preview and Buy

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

A little slow this week as we call know how Hollywood takes 3 day weekends and stretches them into 8 day weekend. But here it goes:

• In a flurry of last-minute negotiations, NBC Universal made a deal with Landmark to purchase The Weather Channel for just over $3 billion. I wonder if this means we’ll get to see Jack Donaghey analyze the storm tracker. At least once, right? Please?
• Despite lukewarm reviews, Will Smith and Hancock had a huge opening weekend over the holiday bringing in $66 million ove 3 days. I wish I could have got $66 million for being drunk over July 4th…
• The Hollywood Reporter tells me that Senator nabs ‘Public Enemy’ rights. Believe it or not, this headline has nothing to do with Congress, Miranda rights, Chuck D or the next Flavor of Love.
• Sascha Baron Cohen and Will Ferrell are in talks to play Sherlock Holmes and Watson, respectively in a new film from producer Judd Apatow.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

This week in industry news: Scientologists, robots and egotistical actors! Welcome to Hollywood, what’s your dream?

• The Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith (remember when he was married to his high school sweetheart and then dumped her for Jada?) are funding a private school that is scheduled to open in Calabasas in the fall. The school is sparking controversy because, even though the Smiths insist they are not Scientologists, a number of the school’s faculty are and the school will be employing teaching methods first written about by Scientologist founder L. Ron Hubbard. I think we’re missing the point here: these kids are going to have to be in Calabasas! That cannot possibly be a good learning environment.
• Pixar’s WALL-E debuted at number one with $62.5 million and Wanted opened at number 2 with $51.1 million, over $100 million between the two of them. As far as summer activities go, that’s like, 10 trips to Disneyland, so, not bad.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

If you’re in the mood to be charmed by an old school, lighthearted, romantic comedy, René Clair’s Sous les toits de Paris (1930) is the film for you. The plot follows two working class Parisians engaging in a fickle love affair that is highlighted by cute French songs, sweeping shots of Paris streets, and some hilarious childish bickering.

The music of the film is quick and optimistic, an important indication to follow considering the characters rarely speak. Although Sous les toits de Paris isn’t exactly a silent film, don’t expect witty dialogue. For the non-French speakers in the house, this means that you don’t have to worry about reading subtitles the whole time. Rather, the body language and music will tell you all you need to know about love, working class-solidarity, and how to be scam on multiple prospects.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

If you’re wondering whether or not to give “The Incredible Hulk” another chance at greatness after he let you down five years ago, I have one simple word for you. YES!!!

More of a retooling than retelling, this Hulk story finally gives fans and novices a like what they were originally hoping for when they descended upon theaters back in 2003. As you will come to find out, this film is easily ten times better than the first. Along with an improved script and better paced storytelling, it seems as though the CGI creators finally got it right and have undoubtedly improved on their work.

I’m not going to give you the whole synopsis and comic book backstory of the character or film, but here’s the essentials. Edward Norton plays our larger than life friend, who seems to have stayed out of trouble just long enough to figure out that there is no cure for his incredibly green ailment. Love interest and fellow scientist Betty, Liv Tyler has tried to move on with her life since the last time she saw him. William Hurt is cast as General Ross, Betty’s father and a Military commander who will stop at nothing to harness the Hulk’s power. Followed lastly by Tim Roth, who is undoubtedly the best actor at playing bad guys and well suited for his role as The Abomination. Who as you shall see, may be a bit more than the Hulk can handle. What ensues next is mass destruction, awesome special effects, things that go boom, and the most importantly, Hulk Smash!

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Cult films are so in, bra, and the 1991 stage adaptation of the Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze surfing action flick, “Point Break,” is no exception. “ Point Break Live!,” which opened at a new venue in Hollywood called The Dragonfly, this past Friday, is not just any film to stage adaptation, but rather an interactive show where — get this — a different audience member plays Keanu Reeves each evening for “ultimate realism.”

Flippin’ sweet, dude.

Like the hipper grandson to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show“, “Point Break Live!” has its own loyal following of fans who spout off the lines like high school pep rally cheers responding to the actors in the tight, dimly-lit Dragonfly venue. Moved from a theater in Downtown LA, “Point Break Live!” features the same cast of enthusiastic, energetic actors who seem to relish the opportunity to fight, surf, mug, and, perhaps most importantly, over-act.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

 I’m going to start out with a bold statement. There will be no in between for viewers of the new film, The Foot Fist Way. You will either love it and start quoting it, or hate it and want your money back.Danny Mcbride plays Fred Simmons, an unapologetic and hilariously self absorbed Tae Kwon Do instructor. His days mainly consist of berating his younger students, putting on low quality Martial arts demos, and driving around in his Magnum PI Ferrari. But when his busty blond wife played by Mary Jane Bostic cheats on him not once but twice, his seemingly inpenatrable macho man world is thrown into a downward spiral. His only chance at redemption is to regain the respect of his students by challenging his favorite Hollywood B movie Action star (Chuck The Truck Williams) Ben Best ,to a final Tae Kwon Do showdown.Technically this isn’t a new film. Originally released in 2006 at Sundance, it was deemed a hit with audiences but no big studios decided to back it for wide release. Enter Will Ferrell and Adam McKay with their own company Gary Sanchez Productions. In association with Paramount Vintage, they’re hoping that a wider audience will pick up on what they consider “one of the funniest movies ever.”  [ Read The Full Story -> ]

I can no longer say “Indy, I love you!” with the same vigor as I used to. The first half of the film was exactly what I thought it would be, entertaining, meaningless fun. Some of the stunts were, simple, feasible, and enjoyable. It had elements of the first films that I loved, an ordinary guy in extraordinary circumstances. Indiana Jones isn’t a superhero, he’s just as awesome dude. Then as the second half of the film rolled around, the special effects kicked in, any idea of reality, plot, or meaning disappeared and the film turned into a middle of the road chase film. Indiana Jones shouldn’t have have Star Wars type effects, yet for some reason (COUGH Lucas) there was. What’s great about Indiana, is that he gets punched, is constantly an inch away from death, and yet in the end he still wins. He’s the everyman’s hero. With all the added in CGI, the characters began acting like cartoons with no real sense of consequence and as a result you stop caring about them as humans and you lose what makes Indiana Jones so great. The humanity.

I think what I’ve decided is that I prefer Spielberg when he doesn’t have ridiculous special effects or CGI. I think the shark in Jaws looked more real and believable than anything in The Crystal Skull. There are moments that are textbook Spielberg and whether you like that or not, he does it well. Then it’s just mulled over with pointless, unrealistic shots that have just become tiresome.

***Spoilers AHEAD***

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Last September in Los Angeles, the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival took place at the Sunset 5 Theater in Hollywood. The festival was sponsored by Independent Film Quarterly, Independent Movie Channel - both owned by festival founder Stuart Alson - and Moli.com. The festival boasts showcasing the next generation of voices in independent film and video, wrong! I went there was to watch the one good film in the festival; “The Manson Movie” was the opening night headliner in the documentary category. “The Manson Movie” is fascinating, just for the access he was granted with the notorious Manson Family.

Hendrickson is the only person alive that can boast being Manson the family filmmaker.During the two-year period around Manson’s trial Hendrickson lived, played, traveled, and got high with the Manson family while rolling 35mm film the whole time. The documentary takes us from Viet Nam, and all the footage was shot by Hendrickson himself; the L.A riots, trail and life with the Manson family, as he lived with them at the Spahn Movie Ranch. Hendrickson films infamous family members Paul Watkins, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, Steve “Clem” Grogan, and more in the late 60’s, and early 70’s. In “The Manson movie,” the kids are doing anything from acting, playing, and singing at the Spahn ranch, to protesting, hiding out, and monologing for the camera in this eighty-five minute long film.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]

Hello old friends… or new friends… or just plain ol’ acquaintances that I run into at the market after not talking to them for 5 years. Let’s pretend this is the awkward conversation we both don’t want to have. Super uncomfortable. Shall we?

I have some bits of news and rumors from all over, so stick with it.

• Let’s start with some James Bond news. Well, it’s not news. The Aston Martin that someone drove into a lake was news. These are just some photos from the new Bond flick. Potential spoilers, but not really. Check them out here.
• Since we’re on the topic of Bond, I might as well talk to you about this: Leonardo DiCapri may be taking up the role in Fleming, a movie based on Bond creator Ian Fleming. It is rumored DiCaprio may be taking the lead role. Check out the L.A. Times article here.

[ Read The Full Story -> ]