Rent It!
Based on a comic character first published in 1929, The Adventures of Tintin is the first release in a planned trilogy by Steven Spielberg. While incredibly popular with European audiences Tintin has yet to impact American audiences used to more action and less subtle dialogue. Tintin confuses many who want to think of it as a cartoon for children but then say after seeing it that it's not for kids at all. Perhaps parents are responding to the lovable but constantly drinking sea captain character. Well, after all, Europeans have a different perspective on alcohol consumption than the American public who have had mixed feelings since prohibition. Is it for kids? Is it for adults? Rent it for the amazing animation and decide for yourself whether Tintin will grow on you.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
Rent It!
If you would like to see just how little things have changed in American government since 1939 then rent this film, put up a big bowl of popcorn on a rainy afternoon and watch Jimmy Stewart at his absolute best. Mr. Smith goes to Washington tells the story of how one man can affect change in Congress by taking a stand against corruption and the "good 'ol boys". It's an American fairy tale that has been made and remade. When it was first released in 1939 it was controversial but produced great box office. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won for best story. 1992's The Distinguished Gentleman, starring Eddie Murphy was a loosely adapted remake. Frank Capra directed the 1939 film and intended a sequel that was to be titled "Mr. Smith Starts A Riot" but that film never entered production.
If you would like to see just how little things have changed in American government since 1939 then rent this film, put up a big bowl of popcorn on a rainy afternoon and watch Jimmy Stewart at his absolute best. Mr. Smith goes to Washington tells the story of how one man can affect change in Congress by taking a stand against corruption and the "good 'ol boys". It's an American fairy tale that has been made and remade. When it was first released in 1939 it was controversial but produced great box office. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won for best story. 1992's The Distinguished Gentleman, starring Eddie Murphy was a loosely adapted remake. Frank Capra directed the 1939 film and intended a sequel that was to be titled "Mr. Smith Starts A Riot" but that film never entered production.
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Rent It!
Released in 1941 this film was based on the play "Birthday" and was the subject of remakes for decades. Most people would recognize it as "Heaven Can Wait" which was remade under that same title several times along with the original sequel "Down To Earth". "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" is the film that started it all telling the compelling and very entertaining story of Boxer Joe Pendelton who crashes his plane. Assuming Pendelton could not have possibly survived the crash an angel takes his soul to heaven only to find he was wrong. Pendelton was supposed to live another 50 years. In the confusion Pendelton's earthly body is cremated so it's up to the angels to find him another body to live out his years. If that plot line sounds familiar you may be thinking about the Eddie Murphy remake or perhaps the Warren Beatty remake. The first remake was released in 1947 with Don Ameche and Gene Tierney. The original film is charming and funny starring Robert Montgomery and Claude Rains.
Released in 1941 this film was based on the play "Birthday" and was the subject of remakes for decades. Most people would recognize it as "Heaven Can Wait" which was remade under that same title several times along with the original sequel "Down To Earth". "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" is the film that started it all telling the compelling and very entertaining story of Boxer Joe Pendelton who crashes his plane. Assuming Pendelton could not have possibly survived the crash an angel takes his soul to heaven only to find he was wrong. Pendelton was supposed to live another 50 years. In the confusion Pendelton's earthly body is cremated so it's up to the angels to find him another body to live out his years. If that plot line sounds familiar you may be thinking about the Eddie Murphy remake or perhaps the Warren Beatty remake. The first remake was released in 1947 with Don Ameche and Gene Tierney. The original film is charming and funny starring Robert Montgomery and Claude Rains.
The Artist
OWN IT!
This is a film for actors and those who appreciate how much care went into using the "language" of 30's style film making. If you were to watch a film produced in those days and held the opening title and credits up side-by-side you can see how total immersion played a big role in The Artist. There's something else interesting about this film. Since there is no dialogue until that very end the story is told by expression alone with the addition of few old style dialogue cards that are more necessary to the style than the plot. This is a film to own because it's something you can watch many times and it's worth owning just because of the unique nature of it's production. It's not the first retro-silent film. Mel Brooks produced "Silent Movie" which was released in 1976. Brooks concept was to have some fun with the ridiculous idea of looking for actors and financial backing to make the first silent film in 40 years. "The Artist" presents a serious look at the dilemma faced by silent film actors when the disruptive technology of sound came to film. Overnight people who had been big stars in the silent era were suddenly out of work. Few made the transition because often silent film stars did not have voices that fit the personas they displayed on screen. Rent this one certainly. Collectors should own it.
This is a film for actors and those who appreciate how much care went into using the "language" of 30's style film making. If you were to watch a film produced in those days and held the opening title and credits up side-by-side you can see how total immersion played a big role in The Artist. There's something else interesting about this film. Since there is no dialogue until that very end the story is told by expression alone with the addition of few old style dialogue cards that are more necessary to the style than the plot. This is a film to own because it's something you can watch many times and it's worth owning just because of the unique nature of it's production. It's not the first retro-silent film. Mel Brooks produced "Silent Movie" which was released in 1976. Brooks concept was to have some fun with the ridiculous idea of looking for actors and financial backing to make the first silent film in 40 years. "The Artist" presents a serious look at the dilemma faced by silent film actors when the disruptive technology of sound came to film. Overnight people who had been big stars in the silent era were suddenly out of work. Few made the transition because often silent film stars did not have voices that fit the personas they displayed on screen. Rent this one certainly. Collectors should own it.
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