Alone On My Couch.

“Network” (1976)

Directed by Sidney Lumet

Starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden and Peter Finch

Viewed: Netflix Instant Streaming

Well, well, well … here we have a film that has escaped my grasps for many years. I think this has been in my queue for years. 

And it is ironic that I work for a TV network and haven’t seen this. Kind of fucking required right? NO. NO IT’S NOT. 

Anyway…..

Story: In 1975 terrorist violence is the stuff of network nightly news programming and the corporate structure of the UBS television network is changing. Meanwhile, Howard Beale, the aging UBS news anchor, has lost his once strong ratings share and so the network fires him. Beale reacts in an unexpected way. We then see how this affects the fortunes of Beale, his coworkers (Max Schumacher and Diana Christensen), and the network.

“I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!” I believe is the famous line. I had NO idea it came from this film. Yeah, “what the hell, Andy?” is right.

Through and through, this is some of the best acting to come fro mthe 1970’s and possibly ever. Faye Dunaway is OUTSTANDING. Her obession with rating as and gettign the right programming is breathtaking. It’s scary how this shit can work. I have heard about it and seen some heavy arguments, but not to the fucking level in this film.

William Holden as Max Shumacher was spectacular as well. I would probably say he is the best Male lead in this film. He keeps the whole story grounded and provided an even outlook on most situation. Calm and collected, articulate and stern, Holden shows the viewers what it’s like to deal with people coming at you from all directions, aiming to take you down. 

It’s crazy to me that shows could get a FUCKING 47 SHARE!!!! I mean, this was prior to cable, so I get it, but man, what the fuck! That is ridiculous to think about.(Look that shit up if you don’t know what I am talking about)

EDIT: Forgot to talk about the ending. I will say this, I NEVER saw that coming. Geez, seriously? Gives you a pretty good look at how deep the satire goes. Bravo. Very unique and thought out last shot, too!

Check this out if you haven’t seen it. Pretty fucking good throughout. If you want a quick look at the TV industry, this will give you a pretty good look.

My rating: “WHHAAAATTTTTTT?! THAT WAS AWESOME!” (Excellent)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074958/

Check my previous post for the trailer!

“Win Win” (2011)

Directed by Thomas McCarthy

Starring Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan and Jeffrey Tambor

Viewed: DVD

Ok … so here is a very just above average film. I guess that’s the best way to put it. 

Nothing nessicarily stuck out in this film, but it wasn’t bad. I was entertained throughout, but never really got caught up in this world. You know what I mean??

Story: Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty (Giamatti), who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy’s mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.

Paul Giamatti is great in this (the only one that stands out, but what else is new?). He makes his character believable and likable. He is easy to relate because, like a lot of Americans, money worries take over your judgement in life.

Other than Giamatti, no one sticks out as “great” or “excellent.” You will feel entertained and you will almost feel like you really care for Kyle, Leo, Mike, and his family but not quite. 

The way the film was structured pissed me off. You get a pretty good exposition and a HUGE second act but no real third act. I thin it was all summed up in like 4 minutes at the end. Even at that, there were loose ends. I guess that’s how lots of people view suburbia, with a big “who the fuck really cares”.

If you want something that is entertaining to pass the time, look no further.

My rating: “Yeah, alright” (Average)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606392/

Check my previous post for the trailer

“Fire and Ice” (1983)

Directed by Ralph Bakshi

Starring Randy Norton, Cynthia Leake and Steve Sandor

Viewed: Netflix Instant Streaming

Ok, so Fantasy films are hit or miss for me. Yes, I am talking to you, Harry Potter films. Here we have a GREAT fantasy film that entertains on many different levels.

Great characters, fun locations, great action, and cool creature! This film will not disappoint. Well, maybe it will due to the fucking weird animation, but we will address that in a minute.

Story:In this animated tale, a tiny village is destroyed by a surging glacier, which serves as the deadly domain for the evil Ice Lord, Nekron. The only survivor is a young warrior, Larn, who vows to avenge this act of destruction. The evil continues, however, as Nekron’s palace of ice heads straight towards Fire Keep, the great fortress ruled by the good King Jarol. When Jarol’s beautiful daughter, Teegra, is abducted by Nekron’s sub-human ape-like creatures, Larn begins a daring search for her. What results is a tense battle between good and evil, surrounded by the mystical elements of the ancient past.- IMDB

I am a huge fan of Bakshi’s film, Wizards. What a weirdly unique film. It is dark, uncomfortable, and fun. It screams 1970s. Absolutely love it. Check it out! He does bring some of that magic to Fire and Ice, but this one felt a little more “timeless” when it comes to style and what not. Still very good.

I didn’t mind the animation in this one because of having seen Wizards before. It is a very very unique styling and look that isn’t for everyone. Plus this dude LOVES putting scantly clad women in PG rating films. I don’t get it,man. The fucking 70’s and 80’s were fucking different. I was waiting for an alien to come out and … well, you know the rest:

The film is a great fantasy tale that I think people should check out if you are an animation fan or just like to escape a little be. Great film.

My rating: “Hey, you know what? That was good.” (Good)

IMDB:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085542/

Check my previous post for the trailer!

“Heat” (1995)

Directed by Michael Mann

Starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Val Kilmer

Viewed: DVD

So. I am going to catch shit for not having seen this before. Sorry, ya’ll!

BUT WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!!! Oh man, this one was truly spectacular. Never before has there been a crime with this much depth all around. I loved the fact that this was about 3 hours long, giving the chance to the characters to breath.

Story: Hunters and their prey—Neil and his professional criminal crew hunt to score big money targets (banks, vaults, armored cars) and are, in turn, hunted by Lt. Vincent Hanna and his team of cops in the Robbery/Homicide police division. A botched job puts Hanna onto their trail while they regroup and try to put together one last big ‘retirement’ score. Neil and Vincent are similar in many ways, including their troubled personal lives. At a crucial moment in his life, Neil disobeys the dictum taught to him long ago by his criminal mentor—‘Never have anything in your life that you can’t walk out on in thirty seconds flat, if you spot the heat coming around the corner’—as he falls in love. Thus the stage is set for the suspenseful ending…. - IMDB

I am on Team DeNiro. There, I said it.

DeNir and Pacino FINALLY together on screen (Godfather: Part 2 doesn’t count). These guys really nailed their characters in this one. top notch acting. 

I have to give props the Mann for this script. It added so much depth and detail to the overall story and characters that made this a cut above the rest.Normally with crime films, they concentrate on the crime/heist plan, the execution, and the out come. Yeah, you get some character background, but it just seems to be not enough. Then there is Heat. This film is way more about the people than the crime. They do go hand in hand, though. you get inside their lives because of the decisions they make over the crime, good or bad. This goes for both sides of the law. You can see the way each side effects the other outside the central crime plot. Just absolutely brilliant.

The gritty cinematography is gripping and adds a lot to the over all atmosphere this film gives off. Lots of grays and blues to give a somber and dark feel. Loved the fact that there was not one studio sound stage shot in this film. They shot on 69 locations!!! Unbelievable!!

Must see film for everyone.

My rating: “WHHAAAATTTTTTT?! THAT WAS AWESOME!” (Excellent)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113277/

Check out my previous post for the trailer!

“The Big Steal” (1949)

Directed by Don Siegel

Starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer and William Bendix

Viewed: DVR from TCM

The one thing you can count of from Robert Mitchum in a noir is a solid performance.

Story: Jane and Duke (alias Capt. Blake) accidently meet in Vera Cruz while chasing flim-flam man Fiske. Soon the local Inspector General (El Gato) is involved. Fiske races across Mexico, pursued by Jane and Duke, trailed by the real Capt. Blake. The crafty Inspector General is waiting for them in Tihuacan but they all give him the slip, just in time for the climactic finale

Fun little story with good performances all around. Nothing too out of the ordinary here. Mitchum is great as always (i.e. Out of the Past) in a film noir.

The Mexican back drop is a wonderful chance of scenery for noirs of the 1949’s. Very nice job on breaking the mold. 

The car chase scene is awesome and well done considering it was done all on location in the 1940’s. Big ass cameras and equipment. 

This a fun film noir for any noir fan. Pretty short, too.

My rating: “Yeah, alright” (Average)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041178/

Check my previous post for the trailer!

“I live In Fear” (1955)

Directed by Akira Kurosawa

Starring Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura and Minoru Chiaki

Viewed: Hulu Plus

Here is another by the MAN, Akira Kurosawa. Yeah, I would bang him.

Story: Kiichi Nakajima, an elderly foundry owner, is so frightened and obsessed with the idea of nuclear extermination that his family decides to have him ruled incompetent. Nakajima’s fervent wish is for his family to join him in escaping from Japan to the relative safety of South America. Harada, a civil volunteer in the case, sympathizes with Nakajima’s conviction, but the old man’s irrational behaviour prevents the court from taking his fears seriously.

It’s a wonderful story looking at the dynamics of a family effected by one individual’s mental health and the sympathies that they can pull from outsiders.

Kiichi is truly obsessed with the chance of nuclear war. It is actually quite depressing to watch. You want him to get the fuck over it and move on but he mental can’t do it. Ugh, I was stressing out watching him on screen.

You can tell he wants NOTHING but the best for his family. But what he doesn’t realize is that his family has their own plans, their own lives. Yes, a family is one unit, but each individual needs their own life to grow into. Kiichi doesn’t want them to stay and find that in Japan, he wants them all safe in Brazil.

It was a truly wonderful performance by Toshirô Mifune.

Having an outsider’s perspective on the family’s dynamic brought extra drama and stress to the whole situation, which was a nice addition to the film. Sort of a contradiction that is proved wrong.

Another great film by a great director!

My rating: “WHHAAAATTTTTTT?! THAT WAS AWESOME!” (Excellent)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048198/

Check my previous post for a clip from the film!

“Throne of Blood” (1957)

Directed by Akira Kurosawa

Starring Toshirô Mifune, Minoru Chiaki and Isuzu Yamada

Viewed: Hulu Plus

Yet again, Kurosawa blows it out of the water! Bravo!!

Based on Bill Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Kurosawa adds his own artistic spin and signature to a spectacular story.

Story: A transposition of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ to medieval Japan. After a great military victory, Lords Washizu and Miki are lost in the dense Cobweb Forest, where they meet a mysterious old woman who predicts great things for Washizu and even greater things for Miki’s descendants. Once out of the forest, Washizu and Miki are immediately promoted by the Emperor. Washizu, encouraged by his ambitious wife, plots to make even more of the prophecy come true, even if it means killing the Emperor…

The atmosphere of this film is what got me. Kurosawa created a haunting and disorderly atmosphere with the dark story this was based on. Lies and Betrayal are the at the heart of this, and it adds to the overall disturbing feel you get as your eyes are glued to the screen. 

Toshirô Mifune as Taketoki Washizu was utterly fantastic. His character flaws lead him to a great tragedy in the long run. His decision to question  his prophecy and those who believe in him, made for a great performance. 

I love Washizu’s wife in this. TOTAL instigator. She is more or less the reason fo everything. She does get what’s coming to her in the end, though. Truly “loved to heat her” I just wanted her to shut the fuck up!

The film does attack the thoughts of what if you DON’T follow your destiny? And where do you start question your fate? Always loved these thoughts and love discussing these with others. 

Great cinematography (felt like Kurosawa was a little bolder in this film with his shots) that added to the haunting atmosphere (i.e. the spider’s web forest! Creepy!)

Again, this is a must see!! 

My rating: “WHHAAAATTTTTTT?! THAT WAS AWESOME!” (Excellent)

IMDB: - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050613/

Check my previous post for the trailer!

“Sanjuro” (1962)

Directed by Akira Kurosawa

Starring Toshirô Mifune, Tatsuya Nakadai and Keiju Kobayashi

Viewed: Hulu Plus

I. Love. Akira. Kurosawa. 

There is just something enchanting and mesmerizing about his films. They put you in and never let you go until the very last frame. If there is one master of Japanese cinema, it is Akira Kurosawa. 

Here we have the companion piece to one his other brilliant films, Yojimbo.

Story: In Japan circa Eighteenth Century, nine young men decide to present an accusation of corruption in their clan to the local superintendent. However, the group is betrayed, but the ronin Sanjûrô Tsubaki (Toshirô Mifune) saves them from the superintendent’s men. The uncle of the leader of the rebel clansmen, the Chamberlain Mutsuta (Yûnosuke Itô), is kidnapped, and his wife and daughter are detained and made prisoner of the superintendent, and he tries to force Mutsuta to write a fake confession letter declaring being corrupt. Sanjûrô helps the group to rescue the Chamberlain and his family.

The story is a little difficult to pick up on while watching the film because of the subtitles, but it slowly comes to you.

Kurosawa has a away with characters that make for great stories. Here, we have the ronin, Sanjuro. What a guy!

There is something off about Sanjuro. At one moment he looks like he wants to help, then the next, he looks like he doesn’t care. I like to think he just has an ego issue that has under lying care for those around him. It seems that he really does care for the well being of those who deserve to be helped. You can tell he doesn’t like trusting other and that he might not want help, but he does get the job done when needed. He is clearly the driving force in this film.

Kurosawa makes you detest Sanjuro by the way he treats the 10 men, but it’s only for a few moments. 

Sanjuro provides almost all emotions to the viewers at some point in this film. The range and drive that Toshirô Mifune has for this character is unmatched by anyone else in this film.

I loves the set design and simple locations Kurosawa used in this. Simple, yet compelling. The Japanese temples and gardens are a beautiful site and add so much to the feeling you get while watching. There is something cofoting about the old black and white film and the grain on screen; it’s just a wonderful feeling.

The ending, it’s like right where Yojimbo began! and the blood spurt!! Did NOT expect that!!!

Short and sweet, Sanjuro is a brilliant film by a brilliant director. Must see for everyone. 

My rating: “WHHAAAATTTTTTT?! THAT WAS AWESOME!” (Excellent)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056443/

Check my previous post for the trailer!