list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around The Happening on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/The_Happening/324503/default.aspx Title: The Happening
Year: 2008
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Plot: The Lady in the Water director M. Night Shyamalan puts "PG-13" suspense on pause to tell this grim apocalyptic tale about a family fleeing a natural disaster that poses a grave threat to the whole of humanity. Mark Wahlberg and Spencer Breslin star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 40
Number of Lists: 17
Number of blog posts: 28
Number of discussion threads: 13
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:14:15 GMTThe Happening2008M. Night ShyamalanThe Lady in the Water director M. Night Shyamalan puts "PG-13" suspense on pause to tell this grim apocalyptic tale about a family fleeing a natural disaster that poses a grave threat to the whole of humanity. <a href="/players/P___198251/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Mark Wahlberg</a> and <a href="/players/P___277135/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Spencer Breslin</a> star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide40Tag Target (>10)1728132http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s324503.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Happening/324503/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_The_Worst_of_2008/104/40646/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: dickbuist
Post To: Worst Movie Ever
Post Date: 2/25/2009 11:14:15 PM
Body: Where do you find the time to waste on so many bad films? I'm not sure which category to assign to these, but they all are contenders for Worst Picture: Bangkok Dangerous Bedtime Stories Yes Man Jumper Australia? Swing Vote The Midnight Meat Train Hancock Journey to the center of the Earth Mamma Mia X-Files: I want to believe You Don't mess with the Zohan The Happening The Love Guru Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control Wanted Speed Racer Fool's Gold What Happens In Vegas Wow, there were a lot of bad movies in 2008. [/quote]
]]>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:14:15 GMTdickbuistWorst Movie Ever2/25/2009 11:14:15 PMWhere do you find the time to waste on so many bad films? I'm not sure which category to assign to these, but they all are contenders for Worst Picture: Bangkok Dangerous Bedtime Stories Yes Man Jumper Australia? Swing Vote The Midnight Meat Train Hancock Journey to the center of the Earth Mamma Mia X-Files: I want to believe You Don't mess with the Zohan The Happening The Love Guru Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control Wanted Speed Racer Fool's Gold What Happens In Vegas Wow, there were a lot of bad movies in 2008. [/quote] http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_The_Worst_of_2008/104/39585/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: ThomasJeffersonGeronimo
Post To: Worst Movie Ever
Post Date: 1/16/2009 5:41:20 AM
Body: So without quoting every post in the thread, let me join the Speed Racer lovers. If you didn't like the looks of the trailers, you weren't going to like the movie. If you just sit back and let it go on it's terms, it's pretty dazzling. You can see where it's huge budget went; I think it might be too densely plotted and visually busy for kids and too off the wall for grownups. I'm also going to defend I Know Who Killed Me. I actually liked the look; sure the plot was kind of hogwash, but I have seen far less entertaining films, even if I wouldn't actually describe it as good. I may go easy on it because Art Bell cameos must be savored, but I think it came out at the height of the LiLo-bashing trend, when it could have been freaking superb and still have been dumped on like it was. Worst of '08? Mark Wahlberg had a pretty rough year; The Happening's hilarity has been well documented, and Max Payne was worse; it was boring. Have I missed Righteous Kill being mentioned? DeNiro and Pacino have both been in such a slump the last few years their collaboration meant little to me; Righteous fit right in with the subpar policiers they've both taken to. While there were probably many "worse" movies to come down the pike, were there many that were more dull or depressing?
]]>Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:41:20 GMTThomasJeffersonGeronimoWorst Movie Ever1/16/2009 5:41:20 AMSo without quoting every post in the thread, let me join the Speed Racer lovers. If you didn't like the looks of the trailers, you weren't going to like the movie. If you just sit back and let it go on it's terms, it's pretty dazzling. You can see where it's huge budget went; I think it might be too densely plotted and visually busy for kids and too off the wall for grownups. I'm also going to defend I Know Who Killed Me. I actually liked the look; sure the plot was kind of hogwash, but I have seen far less entertaining films, even if I wouldn't actually describe it as good. I may go easy on it because Art Bell cameos must be savored, but I think it came out at the height of the LiLo-bashing trend, when it could have been freaking superb and still have been dumped on like it was. Worst of '08? Mark Wahlberg had a pretty rough year; The Happening's hilarity has been well documented, and Max Payne was worse; it was boring. Have I missed Righteous Kill being mentioned? DeNiro and Pacino have both been in such a slump the last few years their collaboration meant little to me; Righteous fit right in with the subpar policiers they've both taken to. While there were probably many "worse" movies to come down the pike, were there many that were more dull or depressing? http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/Re_The_Worst_of_2008/104/39247/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: csprague
Post To: Worst Movie Ever
Post Date: 1/8/2009 11:23:32 AM
Body: I'm not sure which category to assign to these, but they all are contenders for Worst Picture: Bangkok Dangerous Bedtime Stories Yes Man Jumper Australia? Swing Vote The Midnight Meat Train Hancock Journey to the center of the Earth Mamma Mia X-Files: I want to believe You Don't mess with the Zohan The Happening The Love Guru Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control Wanted Speed Racer Fool's Gold What Happens In Vegas Wow, there were a lot of bad movies in 2008.
]]>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:23:32 GMTcspragueWorst Movie Ever1/8/2009 11:23:32 AMI'm not sure which category to assign to these, but they all are contenders for Worst Picture: Bangkok Dangerous Bedtime Stories Yes Man Jumper Australia? Swing Vote The Midnight Meat Train Hancock Journey to the center of the Earth Mamma Mia X-Files: I want to believe You Don't mess with the Zohan The Happening The Love Guru Get Smart's Bruce and Lloyd Out of Control Wanted Speed Racer Fool's Gold What Happens In Vegas Wow, there were a lot of bad movies in 2008. http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/archive/2008/12/27/38883.aspx Post By: usesoap
Post To: usesoap Blog
Post Date: 12/27/2008 8:34:11 PM
Body: Make no mistake, 2008 was the year of the woman. From politics to multiplex, they were the most newsworthy. At the box office, week after week brought about stories about how, mother of all shockers, women enjoy going to the movies too. From summer “event movies” (usually an exclusive boys tree house where "No Gurlz Allowd"), to record-breaking such as best opening for a female director, women were the new black at the box office. In 2008: Twilight was the highest-grossing film opening by a female director (at $70 million); It received the second-largest advanced ticket sales, trailing only The Dark Knight; Sex and the City was the best opening ever for an R-rated comedy; The SATC gals also debuted as the fifth best R-rated film of all time; The film also bested Mission Impossible as the best debut of a film based on a TV show. Now, perhaps next year we can do the same with good movies. Sex in the City was the female equivalent of Iron Man, replacing magical gadgetry with matching accessories and pyrotechnics for Prada. The other glass ceiling-shattering film, Twilight, featured a lead who thankfully did not have to resort to sex for empowerment, but she really didn't do much else, either. Twilight's accolades are deserved for what it accomplished behind the camera, not what was captured on it. Though there were film aplenty that could populate both lists, I tried to limit this list to films that would have played in most major cities outside the metropolitan areas. BESTThe Dark Knight: Let me join the chorus of hosannas for this little underrated indie gem, for I know it could use the help financially.WALL·E: A family film with a virtually dialogue-free first half, a protagonist made of metal, an Earth barren of life and squelched by pollution, a cuddly cockroach sidekick, and a human cast that's a Dorito away from permanent bedrest. A film of staggering beauty from a company for which that is a trademark feature.The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Director David Fincher's most accessible, polished film to date. While Zodiac and Fight Club may resonate longer, Button is the kind of marriage between theatrics, epic scope, and pure emotion that lands him in the top tier of working directors. Winning, tender performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett only further cement the film's top 10 placement.Burn After Reading: After bumming us out of us with last year's stark, desolate (but excellent) No Country for Old Men, the Brothers Coen demonstrate their sharp comic chops with this irreverent, all-star dissection of middle-age madness and frustration of lives lived that come nowhere close to youthful aspirations. Milk: Sean Penn offers further proof of his necessity in cinema today with his ingratiating portrayal of slain politician Harvey Milk. Director Gus Van Sant lifts his vision from his navel (where it was focused during films such as Gerry and Last Days) to create a sensitive, intimate biopic that is saved from maudlin tendencies by Penn's presence. Tropic Thunder: Bold, unexpected comedy that does not wear out its welcome by the third act, like so many other mainstream comedies. Ben Stiller directs Robert Downey Jr. to his second standout performance this summer.Quantum of Solace: Some have decried the fact that Daniel Craig's Bond is just too mean. But Solace, which feels like a perfect extension of Casino Royale, feels as though it is taking its sweet time in creating the psyche of someone who has reason to be known as the greatest super-spy the world has ever known. Let the Right One In: This is a bit of a cheat, since this may have only appeared on area screens as part of a film festival, but its effect is one that reverberates far outside its limited runs nationwide. In a year when Twilight has been garnering all the attention, The Right One has become the one true vampire (and adolescence) film whose bite leaves a mark and should be sought out on DVD before the inevitable US remake. U2-3D: Demonstrating just why they are the world's biggest rock band, U2 raised the roof with this truly cinematic 3D spectacle that not only captured the feel of one of their concerts, but invited the audience on stage to jam with Bono and the boys. Slumdog Millionaire: Danny Boyle never disappoints, even with his misfires (A Life Less Ordinary, Sunshine). But he nails it again with Slumdog, a rather pedestrian tale told with wit, undeniable humanity and delivered with uncompromising conviction. WORST The Happening: When wind is your chief villain, it's time to rethink the script. The Love Guru: Mike Myers steps in Deepak doo-doo.Sex and the City: Inside this film's Sax Fifth Avenue window dressing lies the the cold, calculated heart of an empty Wal-Mart.88Minutes/Righteous Kill: Al Pacino should have known better after working with director Jon Avnet in 88, but instead enlisted fellow legend Robert DeNiro to further Kill both their careers.X-Files: I Want to Believe: But now I no longer do.Seven Pounds: Will Smith packed his bags for a guilt trip, and we're forced to ride along in the back seat. An American Carol: Looks like Republicans were just as good at making films as they were winning elections in 2008.Meet the Spartans/Disaster Movie: Cinematic parody: Born 1923, Died 2008.
]]>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:34:11 GMTusesoapusesoap Blog12/27/2008 8:34:11 PMMake no mistake, 2008 was the year of the woman. From politics to multiplex, they were the most newsworthy. At the box office, week after week brought about stories about how, mother of all shockers, women enjoy going to the movies too. From summer &ldquo;event movies&rdquo; (usually an exclusive boys tree house where "No Gurlz Allowd"), to record-breaking such as best opening for a female director, women were the new black at the box office. In 2008: Twilight was the highest-grossing film opening by a female director (at $70 million); It received the second-largest advanced ticket sales, trailing only The Dark Knight; Sex and the City was the best opening ever for an R-rated comedy; The SATC gals also debuted as the fifth best R-rated film of all time; The film also bested Mission Impossible as the best debut of a film based on a TV show. Now, perhaps next year we can do the same with good movies. Sex in the City was the female equivalent of Iron Man, replacing magical gadgetry with matching accessories and pyrotechnics for Prada. The other glass ceiling-shattering film, Twilight, featured a lead who thankfully did not have to resort to sex for empowerment, but she really didn't do much else, either. Twilight's accolades are deserved for what it accomplished behind the camera, not what was captured on it. Though there were film aplenty that could populate both lists, I tried to limit this list to films that would have played in most major cities outside the metropolitan areas. BESTThe Dark Knight: Let me join the chorus of hosannas for this little underrated indie gem, for I know it could use the help financially.WALL&middot;E: A family film with a virtually dialogue-free first half, a protagonist made of metal, an Earth barren of life and squelched by pollution, a cuddly cockroach sidekick, and a human cast that's a Dorito away from permanent bedrest. A film of staggering beauty from a company for which that is a trademark feature.The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Director David Fincher's most accessible, polished film to date. While Zodiac and Fight Club may resonate longer, Button is the kind of marriage between theatrics, epic scope, and pure emotion that lands him in the top tier of working directors. Winning, tender performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett only further cement the film's top 10 placement.Burn After Reading: After bumming us out of us with last year's stark, desolate (but excellent) No Country for Old Men, the Brothers Coen demonstrate their sharp comic chops with this irreverent, all-star dissection of middle-age madness and frustration of lives lived that come nowhere close to youthful aspirations. Milk: Sean Penn offers further proof of his necessity in cinema today with his ingratiating portrayal of slain politician Harvey Milk. Director Gus Van Sant lifts his vision from his navel (where it was focused during films such as Gerry and Last Days) to create a sensitive, intimate biopic that is saved from maudlin tendencies by Penn's presence. Tropic Thunder: Bold, unexpected comedy that does not wear out its welcome by the third act, like so many other mainstream comedies. Ben Stiller directs Robert Downey Jr. to his second standout performance this summer.Quantum of Solace: Some have decried the fact that Daniel Craig's Bond is just too mean. But Solace, which feels like a perfect extension of Casino Royale, feels as though it is taking its sweet time in creating the psyche of someone who has reason to be known as the greatest super-spy the world has ever known. Let the Right One In: This is a bit of a cheat, since this may have only appeared on area screens as part of a film festival, but its effect is one that reverberates far outside its limited runs nationwide. In a year when Twilight has been garnering all the attention, The Right One has become the one true vampire (and adolescence) film whose bite leaves a mark and should be sought out on DVD before the inevitable US remake. U2-3D: Demonstrating just why they are the world's biggest rock band, U2 raised the roof with this truly cinematic 3D spectacle that not only captured the feel of one of their concerts, but invited the audience on stage to jam with Bono and the boys. Slumdog Millionaire: Danny Boyle never disappoints, even with his misfires (A Life Less Ordinary, Sunshine). But he nails it again with Slumdog, a rather pedestrian tale told with wit, undeniable humanity and delivered with uncompromising conviction. WORST The Happening: When wind is your chief villain, it's time to rethink the script. The Love Guru: Mike Myers steps in Deepak doo-doo.Sex and the City: Inside this film's Sax Fifth Avenue window dressing lies the the cold, calculated heart of an empty Wal-Mart.88Minutes/Righteous Kill: Al Pacino should have known better after working with director Jon Avnet in 88, but instead enlisted fellow legend Robert DeNiro to further Kill both their careers.X-Files: I Want to Believe: But now I no longer do.Seven Pounds: Will Smith packed his bags for a guilt trip, and we're forced to ride along in the back seat. An American Carol: Looks like Republicans were just as good at making films as they were winning elections in 2008.Meet the Spartans/Disaster Movie: Cinematic parody: Born 1923, Died 2008. http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/Re_M_Night_Shyamalan_Relevant_Talent_or_Played_O/222/37874/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: GradysGhost
Post To: HORROR MOVIES 101
Post Date: 12/2/2008 11:16:22 PM
Body: [quote user="indieabby88"] I don't think there's much to think about here, in my opinion. Shyamalan (or as my mother likes to call him, "shyamalama-ding-dong") had already outstayed his welcome when "Lady in the Water" came out (anyone else see the lame accompanying picture book?), and "The Happening" was just a joke. It seems this guy thinks he's the next great director--I guess all that buzz about Hitchcock that came out around "The Sixth Sense" went to his head about as fast as a hit of heroin--and, actually, I think this may be the case. However, I wouldn't compare him to Hitchcock. Not in the least. If anything, this guy is a George Lucas. He's got concepts, yes, as well as a good visual sense. But can he write? No. Can he accept the fact that he can't write? No. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. [/quote] Abby, I couldn't agree more. I would add that his "style" is self-replicating. He doesn't bother exploring, only allows himself to keep doing the same damn thing he did last time. But he's running out of ideas. Regarding his plot twists, the fact that it has become a trademark, the fact that we as the audience expect them to happen, give an overtone of condescension. It's like he's holding it over our heads that he knows something we don't, and it's gotten to the point where even watching a trailer for a Shyamalan movie makes you feel like you're stupid for not getting the twist. By extension, if you don't like the movie, then you just don't "get" it. This makes his movies (which are pretty difficult to like to begin with) even harder to enjoy. That and the gaping plot holes. [obligatory]Yes, we're aliens who are allergic to water, and it's quite likely that we're only here on Earth to consume its resources because we've already consumed all of our own, so we chose to come to this planet whose most abundant resource is water, so that we could die naturally just standing around in humidity.[/obligatory] In brief, Shyamalan's a hack, always has been, always will be. None of his movies have blown me away just yet (though his first two popular ones were bearable), and I would be flat-out stunned if any future movie of his ever did.
]]>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:16:22 GMTGradysGhostHORROR MOVIES 10112/2/2008 11:16:22 PM[quote user="indieabby88"] I don't think there's much to think about here, in my opinion. Shyamalan (or as my mother likes to call him, "shyamalama-ding-dong") had already outstayed his welcome when "Lady in the Water" came out (anyone else see the lame accompanying picture book?), and "The Happening" was just a joke. It seems this guy thinks he's the next great director--I guess all that buzz about Hitchcock that came out around "The Sixth Sense" went to his head about as fast as a hit of heroin--and, actually, I think this may be the case. However, I wouldn't compare him to Hitchcock. Not in the least. If anything, this guy is a George Lucas. He's got concepts, yes, as well as a good visual sense. But can he write? No. Can he accept the fact that he can't write? No. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. [/quote] Abby, I couldn't agree more. I would add that his "style" is self-replicating. He doesn't bother exploring, only allows himself to keep doing the same damn thing he did last time. But he's running out of ideas. Regarding his plot twists, the fact that it has become a trademark, the fact that we as the audience expect them to happen, give an overtone of condescension. It's like he's holding it over our heads that he knows something we don't, and it's gotten to the point where even watching a trailer for a Shyamalan movie makes you feel like you're stupid for not getting the twist. By extension, if you don't like the movie, then you just don't "get" it. This makes his movies (which are pretty difficult to like to begin with) even harder to enjoy. That and the gaping plot holes. [obligatory]Yes, we're aliens who are allergic to water, and it's quite likely that we're only here on Earth to consume its resources because we've already consumed all of our own, so we chose to come to this planet whose most abundant resource is water, so that we could die naturally just standing around in humidity.[/obligatory] In brief, Shyamalan's a hack, always has been, always will be. None of his movies have blown me away just yet (though his first two popular ones were bearable), and I would be flat-out stunned if any future movie of his ever did. http://www.spout.com/blogs/atacta/archive/2008/11/28/37713.aspx Post By: atacta
Post To: atacta Blog
Post Date: 11/28/2008 3:13:56 PM
Body: 1. Worst direction in the performance of extras – many instances of smiling children at the time of worst peril.2. Worst moment in film history– Wahlberg singing the Doobie Brothers’ Black Water.3. Worst diffusing comic banter of any disaster film ever made.4. Second Worst moment film history– Wahlberg’s conversation with the plant.5. Best looking leads (Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel) who maintain fine apparel and pristine makeup throughout the calamity.6. Most disinteresting and superficial insertion of marital problems in a complete failed attempt at story narrative.7. The worst case of “I cannot believe what I am watching here” ever.8. Worst case of counting down the minutes to the end of the film.9. Worst line ever written – “there is something 'exorcisty' about her.”10. Poor Betty Buckley – she seems to be an underused actress and is pretty jolting in her brief appearance.11. 1:16 – worst marital reconciliation in the face of certain death12. The end – the best ending ever because it ended this disaster.0 Stars
]]>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:13:56 GMTatactaatacta Blog11/28/2008 3:13:56 PM1. Worst direction in the performance of extras &ndash; many instances of smiling children at the time of worst peril.2. Worst moment in film history&ndash; Wahlberg singing the Doobie Brothers&rsquo; Black Water.3. Worst diffusing comic banter of any disaster film ever made.4. Second Worst moment film history&ndash; Wahlberg&rsquo;s conversation with the plant.5. Best looking leads (Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel) who maintain fine apparel and pristine makeup throughout the calamity.6. Most disinteresting and superficial insertion of marital problems in a complete failed attempt at story narrative.7. The worst case of &ldquo;I cannot believe what I am watching here&rdquo; ever.8. Worst case of counting down the minutes to the end of the film.9. Worst line ever written &ndash; &ldquo;there is something 'exorcisty' about her.&rdquo;10. Poor Betty Buckley &ndash; she seems to be an underused actress and is pretty jolting in her brief appearance.11. 1:16 &ndash; worst marital reconciliation in the face of certain death12. The end &ndash; the best ending ever because it ended this disaster.0 Stars http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_November_10_Whatchamacallit/625/37187/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: MonoMan
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 11/11/2008 9:57:42 AM
Body: Well, I just have to mention one of the many really bad movies that's used a deus ex machina. I refer to the horrible M. Night Shyamalan movie "The Happening"... Yes I do, and it's not very kind-hearted to kick the one who's already floored (theres a typical Swedish expression for you all), but, in this context, I just have to. Da plants! Da plants! They are-a killing us! But why? Oh why? Dead! Now they're dead! Da plants are all dead! And why? The Deus Ex Machina factor of this movie is so obvious that I don't have to point it out really. It's driven by nonlogical unexplained events, and the only way for the director to end this nonsense is by... What? Da plants! Da plants are all dead! And why? They didn't want to attack us humans anymore? Or is it because plants don't have any logical thinking whatsoever, them being plants and all? No, it must be because The Force Of Nature, which started all this, just decided to also end it all. Ok, let's end this movie. (But let's open up the possibility of "The Happening 2 - Revenge Of The Algae!).
]]>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:57:42 GMTMonoManWeekly Theme11/11/2008 9:57:42 AMWell, I just have to mention one of the many really bad movies that's used a deus ex machina. I refer to the horrible M. Night Shyamalan movie "The Happening"... Yes I do, and it's not very kind-hearted to kick the one who's already floored (theres a typical Swedish expression for you all), but, in this context, I just have to. Da plants! Da plants! They are-a killing us! But why? Oh why? Dead! Now they're dead! Da plants are all dead! And why? The Deus Ex Machina factor of this movie is so obvious that I don't have to point it out really. It's driven by nonlogical unexplained events, and the only way for the director to end this nonsense is by... What? Da plants! Da plants are all dead! And why? They didn't want to attack us humans anymore? Or is it because plants don't have any logical thinking whatsoever, them being plants and all? No, it must be because The Force Of Nature, which started all this, just decided to also end it all. Ok, let's end this movie. (But let's open up the possibility of "The Happening 2 - Revenge Of The Algae!). http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/Re_M_Night_Shyamalan_Relevant_Talent_or_Played_O/222/37090/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: indieabby88
Post To: HORROR MOVIES 101
Post Date: 11/7/2008 8:08:27 PM
Body: I don't think there's much to think about here, in my opinion. Shyamalan (or as my mother likes to call him, "shyamalama-ding-dong") had already outstayed his welcome when "Lady in the Water" came out (anyone else see the lame accompanying picture book?), and "The Happening" was just a joke. It seems this guy thinks he's the next great director--I guess all that buzz about Hitchcock that came out around "The Sixth Sense" went to his head about as fast as a hit of heroin--and, actually, I think this may be the case. However, I wouldn't compare him to Hitchcock. Not in the least. If anything, this guy is a George Lucas. He's got concepts, yes, as well as a good visual sense. But can he write? No. Can he accept the fact that he can't write? No. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
]]>Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:08:27 GMTindieabby88HORROR MOVIES 10111/7/2008 8:08:27 PMI don't think there's much to think about here, in my opinion. Shyamalan (or as my mother likes to call him, "shyamalama-ding-dong") had already outstayed his welcome when "Lady in the Water" came out (anyone else see the lame accompanying picture book?), and "The Happening" was just a joke. It seems this guy thinks he's the next great director--I guess all that buzz about Hitchcock that came out around "The Sixth Sense" went to his head about as fast as a hit of heroin--and, actually, I think this may be the case. However, I wouldn't compare him to Hitchcock. Not in the least. If anything, this guy is a George Lucas. He's got concepts, yes, as well as a good visual sense. But can he write? No. Can he accept the fact that he can't write? No. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/11/6/37036.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 11/6/2008 5:01:07 PM
Body: While watching Zack and Miri Make a Porno, it is possible to occasionally forget that you are watching a Kevin Smith movie. Mainly because he doesn’t show up in the film, a rare and appreciated move for the guy who has played “Silent Bob” in 6 out of the 8 theatrical releases he’s directed. Then there’s the cast that is involved, which makes Z&M seem like the offspring of Judd Apatow and John Waters. But there are a number of things that do make it clearly a Smith joint, such as the obligatory employment of Jason Mewes — in the role he was born to play, even moreso than “Jay” — and the potentially pitying use of Jeff Anderson, who may have been the only actor to agree to receiving that accidental Hot Carl. And then there’s the most recognizable element: Smith’s inability let the poop jokes go in order to concentrate on his characters, and the relationships between them. It’s the filmmaker’s Achilles heel, and it’s one of five we at SpoutBlog have noticed are holding back the esteem of five would-be better directors. Director: Kevin Smith Achilles Heel: Interest in sex and shit over character and story Contrast often creates comedy, and in Z&M Smith acquires some of his best, most shock-inspired laughs when two significantly saccharine moments are interrupted by some incredibly foul scenarios. But despite the comedic benefit of pushing the contrived rom-com plot points to the back burner in favor of scat and scrotum, Smith proves that he doesn’t really care about what is going on with his characters, and so neither may his audience. The irony is that one of the major themes in Z&M is the triumph of love over meaningless sex, yet Smith doesn’t love his characters; he simply uses them as tools for his tasteless jokes and gags. And he’s been doing this since the beginning, though he has made two distinct attempts at giving more attention to characters than crudeness (Chasing Amy; Jersey Girl), which resulted in differing effectiveness. After eight features, it seems to actually be best for him to continue concentrating on the sex and shit and leave all his need to be sweet behind. Unfortunately, he’s too nice a guy to go completely balls out (like his friend Mewes), and anyway if he left all care for his characters behind, he’ll just seem like a second-rate John Waters. Director: Michael Moore Achilles Heel: Self-satisfying need to be comedic and important When Michael Moore began making documentaries, his brand of first-person, subjective non-fiction narrative was fresh and satisfying as far as the subject matter of Roger & Me is concerned. And his comedic touch was much appreciated, because he seemed more humorist than activist. But as he kept expanding his scope to more objective issues that are more important or significant to his audience, and as he seemed to become more interested in changing the world, he should have put the jokes up on the shelf, to some extent anyway. Compared to something like The Daily Show, Moore’s films are more intent on presenting an argument than comedy, and they’re sold as more documentary than The Daily Show is sold as actual news. Therefore, Moore should make up his mind. He’s good at humor, and he’s also good at serious documentary — look at a lot of the stuff in Bowling for Columbine in which Moore’s need for self-importance is pulled back. He can keep on mixing the two together, but he’s not going to win any arguments when he’s twisting facts for the benefit of a gag. Director: M. Night Shyamalan Achilles Heel: Last-minute reveals There’s nothing wrong with twist endings, or twists in general. But the way Shyamalan works them, they come off as punch lines to really long jokes. And most of the time, such as with Signs, The Village and The Happening, the whole movie ends up a joke (in the bad sense) in retrospect after knowing. Even The Sixth Sense, which does still have its supporters (and its Oscar nomination clout), is difficult to rewatch once you’re conscious of how it ends. Shyamalan’s best film, Unbreakable, disappointed many for having a relatively anticlimactic ending, but that’s because the twist wasn’t as much of a reveal as it was a logical direction for the story. Shyamalan should go back to that sort of reveal while also learning that a story (and movie) should be more about the road than the destination. Director: Cameron Crowe Achilles Heel: Writing manic, pixie dream girls as female leads Watching a film by Cameron Crowe, it’s possible to wonder just how he sees his own leading lady, rocker Nancy Wilson. Is she a dumb, obnoxiously flaky girl, like most of the female leads in his movies? Does she say cute but idiotic things like “We peaked on the phone,” “You had me at hello,” and “I’ll tell you in another life, when we are both cats”? I doubt she’s anything like those female characters from Elizabethtown, Jerry Maguire and Vanilla Sky, because otherwise Crowe wouldn’t have been married to her for 22 years. He would have realized after a week that she’s only exciting from a distance, or for as long as an interesting story arc that will later be nestled into one’s past, because she’s too insane, too desperate, too irritating, and not dependable enough to stick with. It might be interesting to see a sequel to any one of Crowe’s films, because it’s hard to believe any of the couples he’s written have lasted long past the credits. Director: Uwe Boll Achilles Heel: Doesn’t care what anybody thinks of his movies It’s understandable that true artists don’t need to please anyone but themselves. But even Boll would likely agree that he’s no artist. So, then is he an entertainer? Nope, he’s not that either, because he clearly isn’t interested in pleasing his audience with entertaining movies. It’s doubtful that Boll could be a good let alone great filmmaker if he started listening to his critics and improved on his flaws. However, by learning from his mistakes he could at least make action movies that could pass with the standard of Hollywood fare these days. Maybe that’s not what he wants. It would surely keep him out of the public consciousness to no longer be “the worst living filmmaker in the world.” But one day the money is going to run out for his brand of film production, and if he truly wants to be a movie director, he’ll have to eventually display some kind of talent for the work. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:01:07 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com11/6/2008 5:01:07 PMWhile watching Zack and Miri Make a Porno, it is possible to occasionally forget that you are watching a Kevin Smith movie. Mainly because he doesn’t show up in the film, a rare and appreciated move for the guy who has played “Silent Bob” in 6 out of the 8 theatrical releases he’s directed. Then there’s the cast that is involved, which makes Z&M seem like the offspring of Judd Apatow and John Waters. But there are a number of things that do make it clearly a Smith joint, such as the obligatory employment of Jason Mewes — in the role he was born to play, even moreso than “Jay” — and the potentially pitying use of Jeff Anderson, who may have been the only actor to agree to receiving that accidental Hot Carl. And then there’s the most recognizable element: Smith’s inability let the poop jokes go in order to concentrate on his characters, and the relationships between them. It’s the filmmaker’s Achilles heel, and it’s one of five we at SpoutBlog have noticed are holding back the esteem of five would-be better directors. Director: Kevin Smith Achilles Heel: Interest in sex and shit over character and story Contrast often creates comedy, and in Z&M Smith acquires some of his best, most shock-inspired laughs when two significantly saccharine moments are interrupted by some incredibly foul scenarios. But despite the comedic benefit of pushing the contrived rom-com plot points to the back burner in favor of scat and scrotum, Smith proves that he doesn’t really care about what is going on with his characters, and so neither may his audience. The irony is that one of the major themes in Z&M is the triumph of love over meaningless sex, yet Smith doesn’t love his characters; he simply uses them as tools for his tasteless jokes and gags. And he’s been doing this since the beginning, though he has made two distinct attempts at giving more attention to characters than crudeness (Chasing Amy; Jersey Girl), which resulted in differing effectiveness. After eight features, it seems to actually be best for him to continue concentrating on the sex and shit and leave all his need to be sweet behind. Unfortunately, he’s too nice a guy to go completely balls out (like his friend Mewes), and anyway if he left all care for his characters behind, he’ll just seem like a second-rate John Waters. Director: Michael Moore Achilles Heel: Self-satisfying need to be comedic and important When Michael Moore began making documentaries, his brand of first-person, subjective non-fiction narrative was fresh and satisfying as far as the subject matter of Roger & Me is concerned. And his comedic touch was much appreciated, because he seemed more humorist than activist. But as he kept expanding his scope to more objective issues that are more important or significant to his audience, and as he seemed to become more interested in changing the world, he should have put the jokes up on the shelf, to some extent anyway. Compared to something like The Daily Show, Moore’s films are more intent on presenting an argument than comedy, and they’re sold as more documentary than The Daily Show is sold as actual news. Therefore, Moore should make up his mind. He’s good at humor, and he’s also good at serious documentary — look at a lot of the stuff in Bowling for Columbine in which Moore’s need for self-importance is pulled back. He can keep on mixing the two together, but he’s not going to win any arguments when he’s twisting facts for the benefit of a gag. Director: M. Night Shyamalan Achilles Heel: Last-minute reveals There’s nothing wrong with twist endings, or twists in general. But the way Shyamalan works them, they come off as punch lines to really long jokes. And most of the time, such as with Signs, The Village and The Happening, the whole movie ends up a joke (in the bad sense) in retrospect after knowing. Even The Sixth Sense, which does still have its supporters (and its Oscar nomination clout), is difficult to rewatch once you’re conscious of how it ends. Shyamalan’s best film, Unbreakable, disappointed many for having a relatively anticlimactic ending, but that’s because the twist wasn’t as much of a reveal as it was a logical direction for the story. Shyamalan should go back to that sort of reveal while also learning that a story (and movie) should be more about the road than the destination. Director: Cameron Crowe Achilles Heel: Writing manic, pixie dream girls as female leads Watching a film by Cameron Crowe, it’s possible to wonder just how he sees his own leading lady, rocker Nancy Wilson. Is she a dumb, obnoxiously flaky girl, like most of the female leads in his movies? Does she say cute but idiotic things like “We peaked on the phone,” “You had me at hello,” and “I’ll tell you in another life, when we are both cats”? I doubt she’s anything like those female characters from Elizabethtown, Jerry Maguire and Vanilla Sky, because otherwise Crowe wouldn’t have been married to her for 22 years. He would have realized after a week that she’s only exciting from a distance, or for as long as an interesting story arc that will later be nestled into one’s past, because she’s too insane, too desperate, too irritating, and not dependable enough to stick with. It might be interesting to see a sequel to any one of Crowe’s films, because it’s hard to believe any of the couples he’s written have lasted long past the credits. Director: Uwe Boll Achilles Heel: Doesn’t care what anybody thinks of his movies It’s understandable that true artists don’t need to please anyone but themselves. But even Boll would likely agree that he’s no artist. So, then is he an entertainer? Nope, he’s not that either, because he clearly isn’t interested in pleasing his audience with entertaining movies. It’s doubtful that Boll could be a good let alone great filmmaker if he started listening to his critics and improved on his flaws. However, by learning from his mistakes he could at least make action movies that could pass with the standard of Hollywood fare these days. Maybe that’s not what he wants. It would surely keep him out of the public consciousness to no longer be “the worst living filmmaker in the world.” But one day the money is going to run out for his brand of film production, and if he truly wants to be a movie director, he’ll have to eventually display some kind of talent for the work. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/M_Night_Shyamalan_Relevant_Talent_or_Played_Out/222/37021/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Phantasma-gore-ia
Post To: HORROR MOVIES 101
Post Date: 11/6/2008 12:37:36 PM
Body: After The Sixth Sense, it seems to me that M. Night Shyamalan's popularity star has been progressively and steadily dimming. Unbreakable and Signs and were greeted well but, reception to The Village was notably acrid and vicious, Lady in the Water was largely balked at and now The Happening has been in many viewer's crosshairs. Is M. Night Shayamalan a voice still worth listening to with valuable contemporary insight or is he a antiquated relic who needs to be put out to pasture?
]]>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:37:36 GMTPhantasma-gore-iaHORROR MOVIES 10111/6/2008 12:37:36 PMAfter The Sixth Sense, it seems to me that M. Night Shyamalan's popularity star has been progressively and steadily dimming. Unbreakable and Signs and were greeted well but, reception to The Village was notably acrid and vicious, Lady in the Water was largely balked at and now The Happening has been in many viewer's crosshairs. Is M. Night Shayamalan a voice still worth listening to with valuable contemporary insight or is he a antiquated relic who needs to be put out to pasture? http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/family/MemberTagFilms.aspxfamily
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