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      <title>Film:Let the Right One In</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/Let_the_Right_One_In/362195/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
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<strong>Title:</strong> Let the Right One In<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 2008<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> Tomas Alfredson<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> A twelve year old boy befriends a mysterious young girl whose appearance in town suspiciously coincides with a horrifying series of murders in director Tomas Alfredson's adaptation of the book by author John Avjide Lindqvist (who adapted his own novel for the film). Oskar is a young boy who can't seem to shake off the local bullies, but all of that begins to change when a new neighbor moves in next door. After striking up an innocent friendship with his eccentric next door neighbor, Oskar realizes that she is the vampire responsible for the recent rash of deaths around town. Despite the danger, however, Oskar's friendship with the girl ultimately takes precedence over his fear of her. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 75<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 30<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 20<br/>
<strong>Number of discussion threads:</strong> 9<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 4<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:42:53 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>Let the Right One In</spout:Title><spout:Year>2008</spout:Year><spout:Director>Tomas Alfredson</spout:Director><spout:Plot>A twelve year old boy befriends a mysterious young girl whose appearance in town suspiciously coincides with a horrifying series of murders in director Tomas Alfredson's adaptation of the book by author John Avjide Lindqvist (who adapted his own novel for the film). Oskar is a young boy who can't seem to shake off the local bullies, but all of that begins to change when a new neighbor moves in next door. After striking up an innocent friendship with his eccentric next door neighbor, Oskar realizes that she is the vampire responsible for the recent rash of deaths around town. Despite the danger, however, Oskar's friendship with the girl ultimately takes precedence over his fear of her. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>75</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Tag Target (&gt;10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>30</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>20</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads>9</spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads><spout:SpoutRating>4</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/Let_the_Right_One_In/362195/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: LET THE RIGHT ONE IN a film review</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/kevynknox/archive/2009/7/11/43006.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/148323/default.aspx'>KevynKnox</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/kevynknox/default.aspx'>KevynKnox Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/11/2009 2:23:10 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> (this review was first published at www.thecinematheque.com on 12/07/08)
With a chilly Scandinavian breeze blowing across the screen, and a haunting cinematic foreshadowing rap-rap-rapping at our brain, we see a pale young boy watching from his window as two mysterious figures, an older man and a young girl about the boy's own age, exit a cab and enter his apartment building late at night. We find out later, though it comes as no surprise since the film is billed as such, that the young girl is a creature who subsists on human blood (she refuses the moniker vampire) and the older man is her father/caretaker, doomed with the dubious task of procuring "food" for his hungry daughter. This is the start of a surprisingly simple yet overtly complex little film that both charms and thrills, lulls and titillates, snugs and bugs throughout. Layered with the frosty moodiness one might expect from the cinematic northern environs of Sweden - not far from the Danish homeland of Dreyer and his very own melancholy Vampyr - Thomas Alfredson's Let the Right One In, the story of a twelve year old boy who is bullied at school and who is befriended by the mysterious new dark-haired neighbor girl. Almost immediately the boy falls for this strange girl who only comes out in the dark of night, and finds in her what little happiness his dank life appears to know. It is in this girl, who is "more or less" twelve and for that matter possibly not even be a girl at all (in the book the character is said to be neither boy nor girl, genderless, a self-described "nothing" - something only alluded to in the film itself) that he finds, in essence, like the wizard was to the lion, his courage. And suddenly this sullen child finds in this alluring enigma of tween desire, a compatriot, a friend, a lover, albeit chastely so, and, in the end, a champion. Alfredson's film rolls along at the most leisurely pace, yet manages to keep you on the very edge of your seat with his subtly stark photography and quick, thunderous flashes of bloody revelry, vanishing as quickly as they appear. Yet no matter how cool and crisp Alfredson's cinematography and editing are, it is the two young first-time actors (K&aring;re Hedebrant as Oskar, the bullied little boy with a barely hidden violent lust and Lina Leandersson as Eli, the youthful bloodlusting beast in sheep's clothing) that hammer the final nail into the coffin, so to speak, and through their childlike exuberance (Oskar flashes his knife with the most innocently sinister of smirks upon his face and Eli's vicious, almost perversely sexual, attacks on her fellow townspeople is quite the disturbing little treat) make the film both the delight and the terror that it is. Now, to bring up the inevitable comparison, concurrent with the American release of this diminutive, almost completely overlooked and overshadowed Swedish vampire film, there is the ultra generic young adult book series turned ultra generic Hollywood teen blockbuster Twilight and everyone is going all swooney over themselves at the mere mention of it. It poses itself as the new it thing for tweens and teens (and the occasional like-minded adult who has nothing better to do than inexplicably fawn over something meant for someone half their age) and in doing so, it makes one think that something, somewhere, has gone utterly and completely madhouse bonkers. Perhaps, as I suggested last year concerning the rapturously stoic 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and the half-brained mockingbird fallacy Juno, for every person who buys a ticket for Twilight they should be made to sit through its very antithesis, Let the Right One In instead. To finish with a pun of sorts, and perhaps channel Gene Shalit from whatever floor of the Rockefeller Center he is currently canoodling one, perhaps they too, should let the right one in. <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:23:10 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>KevynKnox</spout:postby><spout:postto>KevynKnox Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/11/2009 2:23:10 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>(this review was first published at www.thecinematheque.com on 12/07/08)
With a chilly Scandinavian breeze blowing across the screen, and a haunting cinematic foreshadowing rap-rap-rapping at our brain, we see a pale young boy watching from his window as two mysterious figures, an older man and a young girl about the boy's own age, exit a cab and enter his apartment building late at night. We find out later, though it comes as no surprise since the film is billed as such, that the young girl is a creature who subsists on human blood (she refuses the moniker vampire) and the older man is her father/caretaker, doomed with the dubious task of procuring "food" for his hungry daughter. This is the start of a surprisingly simple yet overtly complex little film that both charms and thrills, lulls and titillates, snugs and bugs throughout. Layered with the frosty moodiness one might expect from the cinematic northern environs of Sweden - not far from the Danish homeland of Dreyer and his very own melancholy Vampyr - Thomas Alfredson's Let the Right One In, the story of a twelve year old boy who is bullied at school and who is befriended by the mysterious new dark-haired neighbor girl. Almost immediately the boy falls for this strange girl who only comes out in the dark of night, and finds in her what little happiness his dank life appears to know. It is in this girl, who is "more or less" twelve and for that matter possibly not even be a girl at all (in the book the character is said to be neither boy nor girl, genderless, a self-described "nothing" - something only alluded to in the film itself) that he finds, in essence, like the wizard was to the lion, his courage. And suddenly this sullen child finds in this alluring enigma of tween desire, a compatriot, a friend, a lover, albeit chastely so, and, in the end, a champion. Alfredson's film rolls along at the most leisurely pace, yet manages to keep you on the very edge of your seat with his subtly stark photography and quick, thunderous flashes of bloody revelry, vanishing as quickly as they appear. Yet no matter how cool and crisp Alfredson's cinematography and editing are, it is the two young first-time actors (K&amp;aring;re Hedebrant as Oskar, the bullied little boy with a barely hidden violent lust and Lina Leandersson as Eli, the youthful bloodlusting beast in sheep's clothing) that hammer the final nail into the coffin, so to speak, and through their childlike exuberance (Oskar flashes his knife with the most innocently sinister of smirks upon his face and Eli's vicious, almost perversely sexual, attacks on her fellow townspeople is quite the disturbing little treat) make the film both the delight and the terror that it is. Now, to bring up the inevitable comparison, concurrent with the American release of this diminutive, almost completely overlooked and overshadowed Swedish vampire film, there is the ultra generic young adult book series turned ultra generic Hollywood teen blockbuster Twilight and everyone is going all swooney over themselves at the mere mention of it. It poses itself as the new it thing for tweens and teens (and the occasional like-minded adult who has nothing better to do than inexplicably fawn over something meant for someone half their age) and in doing so, it makes one think that something, somewhere, has gone utterly and completely madhouse bonkers. Perhaps, as I suggested last year concerning the rapturously stoic 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and the half-brained mockingbird fallacy Juno, for every person who buys a ticket for Twilight they should be made to sit through its very antithesis, Let the Right One In instead. To finish with a pun of sorts, and perhaps channel Gene Shalit from whatever floor of the Rockefeller Center he is currently canoodling one, perhaps they too, should let the right one in. </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Half of the year is gone.... A reflection of sorts...</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/leeroy711/archive/2009/6/29/42849.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/121669/default.aspx'>leeroy711</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/leeroy711/default.aspx'>leeroy711 Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 6/29/2009 3:33:51 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong>  I&rsquo;m writing this to take a moment and reflect on my past 6 months in film viewing. At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of watching 200 films I haven&rsquo;t previously seen in 2009. Today, I am relieved to report that with the 6th month of the year ending, I have just finished watching my 100th film. I decided to create a list of the films I&rsquo;ve seen so I could better keep track of them. Also, because this is an attempt to expand my film knowledge as a whole, I like to be able to sort them by release year, my rating, and the country the originated. This way I can more clearly see any gaping holes in my choices of films. So with all of that in mind, let&rsquo;s take a look.   The oldest film I&rsquo;ve seen this year was 1947&rsquo;s Out of the Past. I have to say, I&rsquo;m kind of disappointed in myself. I think I generally gravitate towards older films but to see that this is the oldest I&rsquo;ve seen this year is somewhat shocking. I've only seen 2 films from the 40s this year.   By Decade:1940s - 2 films 1950s - 10 films 1960s - 12 films 1970s - 12 films 1980s - 7 films 1990s - 1 film 2000s - 56 films   So, as you can see, over half of the movies I've watched this year have been released in the within the past 9 years. I would chalk some of that up to availability plus a general attempt to stay current and up to date. I did find it pretty odd that I have only seen one film this year from the 90s. (To Live 1994) I grew up in the 90s, I fell in love with film in the 90s. Maybe that well is simply drying up. So in summary, the rest of my year needs to include more films from the 40s and prior and a few more from the 90s.   By Country: Australia - 1 film Belgium - 1 film China - 3 films Czechoslovakia - 1 film    France - 4 films Germany - 1 film Italy - 4 films Japan - 11 films Mexico - 2 films Romania - 1 film South Korea - 3 films Spain - 3 film Sweden - 1 film United Kingdom - 3 films United States - 61 films.   Okay, so again it seems that the majority of films I've seen are some of the most readily available (domestic). Interestingly also, the 11 Japanese films I've seen this year are from only 3 directors (Miike, Suzuki and Kurosawa) 6 of the 11 are Seijun Suzuki movies. I love his films and I'm not going to stop watching them.   I discovered Argentinian filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowski films this year (Mexico), thanks to Mycomplex. The Holy Mountain was good but I loved El Topo.   Of the 4 Italian films I watched, 3 were from Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita, Amarcord and La Strada) My favorite of the 3 and of all Fellini films is now La Strada.   I watched the other 2 films in Park Chan-Wook's vengeance trilogy and I actually think Lady Vengeance may be the best of the 3. Last year, I devoted much more time to European film without much of an affinity for Asian cinema. This has changed this year. I am much more interested in Korean films lately. I think it just took me a little while to assimilate myself to thier style.   I have also been able to scratch a few films off my "Classics I have no excuse for not having seen" list. I am now very happy to report that I have seen and enjoyed Vertigo, Sunset Boulevard and 12 Angry Men. Wow, that's embarrassing. Especially with the 12 Angry Men, but let me explain.... (excuse alert) I was always pretty convinced I would love this film. But when I am already that familiar with an iconic film that I've never actually seen, it takes a lot to want to actually put it on and sit through it. That being said, upon finally watching it, I immediately felt pretty stupid for letting such an incredible film slip by for that long.   Notable 5: I'm going to conclude this post with a list of 5 films that I probably had the best time with so far this year.   1. La Strada - This is my most recent viewing. I've liked other Fellini films but none of his had such an enjoyable character as Gelsomina. I think she gave this film an entry point that I haven't previously experienced with his films.   2. Synecdoche, New York - I can't really describe how much I loved this film. It hit all the right notes for me and I probably only understood about half of it the first time. Monty (Mycomplex) told me that Charlie Kaufman may be the best American screenwriter alive today and I would have to second that. I would add that as much as I loved his work portrayed by Jonze and Gondry, I think this is his best film. He never over-exaggerated the outrageous things that happen, he just let them play out. Never even asking you if you were on board.   3. Let The Right One In - You know, the teenage vampire movie.... No, not that one, the good one. I don't have a lot to say about this one. It really is as good as you've heard. If you haven't yet, watch it.   4. Detective Bureau 2-3: Go Hell Bastards - By far, the best title of a movie I've seen in a long time. This is one of Seijun Suzuki's lesser known movies and I had one hell of a good time with it. If you liked Branded to Kill or Tokyo Drifter, this is a great watch along those same lines.   5. Lady Vengeance - As I said before, this is probably my favorite of the Vengeance Trilogy. It was just as aesthetically brilliant as Oldboy but I think it's 3rd act gave this film the heart that was missing in the previous 2.   Well, that should just about do it. I now have just about 186 days to watch another 100 films. In case your not to good with the numbers, that works out to an average of 1 film every 1.86 days. I'm not sure how I'm gonna do it but it shall be done.   Recommendations are more than welcome......   Peace &amp; Love Emery.  <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:33:51 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>leeroy711</spout:postby><spout:postto>leeroy711 Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>6/29/2009 3:33:51 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body> I&amp;rsquo;m writing this to take a moment and reflect on my past 6 months in film viewing. At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of watching 200 films I haven&amp;rsquo;t previously seen in 2009. Today, I am relieved to report that with the 6th month of the year ending, I have just finished watching my 100th film. I decided to create a list of the films I&amp;rsquo;ve seen so I could better keep track of them. Also, because this is an attempt to expand my film knowledge as a whole, I like to be able to sort them by release year, my rating, and the country the originated. This way I can more clearly see any gaping holes in my choices of films. So with all of that in mind, let&amp;rsquo;s take a look.   The oldest film I&amp;rsquo;ve seen this year was 1947&amp;rsquo;s Out of the Past. I have to say, I&amp;rsquo;m kind of disappointed in myself. I think I generally gravitate towards older films but to see that this is the oldest I&amp;rsquo;ve seen this year is somewhat shocking. I've only seen 2 films from the 40s this year.   By Decade:1940s - 2 films 1950s - 10 films 1960s - 12 films 1970s - 12 films 1980s - 7 films 1990s - 1 film 2000s - 56 films   So, as you can see, over half of the movies I've watched this year have been released in the within the past 9 years. I would chalk some of that up to availability plus a general attempt to stay current and up to date. I did find it pretty odd that I have only seen one film this year from the 90s. (To Live 1994) I grew up in the 90s, I fell in love with film in the 90s. Maybe that well is simply drying up. So in summary, the rest of my year needs to include more films from the 40s and prior and a few more from the 90s.   By Country: Australia - 1 film Belgium - 1 film China - 3 films Czechoslovakia - 1 film    France - 4 films Germany - 1 film Italy - 4 films Japan - 11 films Mexico - 2 films Romania - 1 film South Korea - 3 films Spain - 3 film Sweden - 1 film United Kingdom - 3 films United States - 61 films.   Okay, so again it seems that the majority of films I've seen are some of the most readily available (domestic). Interestingly also, the 11 Japanese films I've seen this year are from only 3 directors (Miike, Suzuki and Kurosawa) 6 of the 11 are Seijun Suzuki movies. I love his films and I'm not going to stop watching them.   I discovered Argentinian filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowski films this year (Mexico), thanks to Mycomplex. The Holy Mountain was good but I loved El Topo.   Of the 4 Italian films I watched, 3 were from Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita, Amarcord and La Strada) My favorite of the 3 and of all Fellini films is now La Strada.   I watched the other 2 films in Park Chan-Wook's vengeance trilogy and I actually think Lady Vengeance may be the best of the 3. Last year, I devoted much more time to European film without much of an affinity for Asian cinema. This has changed this year. I am much more interested in Korean films lately. I think it just took me a little while to assimilate myself to thier style.   I have also been able to scratch a few films off my "Classics I have no excuse for not having seen" list. I am now very happy to report that I have seen and enjoyed Vertigo, Sunset Boulevard and 12 Angry Men. Wow, that's embarrassing. Especially with the 12 Angry Men, but let me explain.... (excuse alert) I was always pretty convinced I would love this film. But when I am already that familiar with an iconic film that I've never actually seen, it takes a lot to want to actually put it on and sit through it. That being said, upon finally watching it, I immediately felt pretty stupid for letting such an incredible film slip by for that long.   Notable 5: I'm going to conclude this post with a list of 5 films that I probably had the best time with so far this year.   1. La Strada - This is my most recent viewing. I've liked other Fellini films but none of his had such an enjoyable character as Gelsomina. I think she gave this film an entry point that I haven't previously experienced with his films.   2. Synecdoche, New York - I can't really describe how much I loved this film. It hit all the right notes for me and I probably only understood about half of it the first time. Monty (Mycomplex) told me that Charlie Kaufman may be the best American screenwriter alive today and I would have to second that. I would add that as much as I loved his work portrayed by Jonze and Gondry, I think this is his best film. He never over-exaggerated the outrageous things that happen, he just let them play out. Never even asking you if you were on board.   3. Let The Right One In - You know, the teenage vampire movie.... No, not that one, the good one. I don't have a lot to say about this one. It really is as good as you've heard. If you haven't yet, watch it.   4. Detective Bureau 2-3: Go Hell Bastards - By far, the best title of a movie I've seen in a long time. This is one of Seijun Suzuki's lesser known movies and I had one hell of a good time with it. If you liked Branded to Kill or Tokyo Drifter, this is a great watch along those same lines.   5. Lady Vengeance - As I said before, this is probably my favorite of the Vengeance Trilogy. It was just as aesthetically brilliant as Oldboy but I think it's 3rd act gave this film the heart that was missing in the previous 2.   Well, that should just about do it. I now have just about 186 days to watch another 100 films. In case your not to good with the numbers, that works out to an average of 1 film every 1.86 days. I'm not sure how I'm gonna do it but it shall be done.   Recommendations are more than welcome......   Peace &amp;amp; Love Emery.  </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Yes, There Will Be Blood ...</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/apulrang/archive/2009/5/2/41996.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/54520/default.aspx'>apulrang</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/apulrang/default.aspx'>apulrang Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/2/2009 4:31:26 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> I waited for over a week after I received Let The Right One In through Netflix before actually watching it. I liked what I'd heard about the premise ... a boy on the cusp of adolescence befriends a new neighbor girl on the verge of maturity ... who turns out to be a vampire. Oh, and it takes place in Sweden. That last bit really intrigued me, but then intimidated me. Well, I needn't have worried, because the dialog is almost unnecessary, and spare enough to make the subtitles easy to follow. And by all means, don't watch the dubbed version; it sounds silly. All you really need to know is the setup. Still, you might want to be prepared for some grisly violence. Probably more disturbing is the fact that the story is really about bullying and revenge.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2009 20:31:26 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>apulrang</spout:postby><spout:postto>apulrang Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/2/2009 4:31:26 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>I waited for over a week after I received Let The Right One In through Netflix before actually watching it. I liked what I'd heard about the premise ... a boy on the cusp of adolescence befriends a new neighbor girl on the verge of maturity ... who turns out to be a vampire. Oh, and it takes place in Sweden. That last bit really intrigued me, but then intimidated me. Well, I needn't have worried, because the dialog is almost unnecessary, and spare enough to make the subtitles easy to follow. And by all means, don't watch the dubbed version; it sounds silly. All you really need to know is the setup. Still, you might want to be prepared for some grisly violence. Probably more disturbing is the fact that the story is really about bullying and revenge.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:3/13 - New movies - Oscar nominees hit DVD, plus the Rock is a remake of Kurt Russell</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/Re_3_13_New_movies_Oscar_nominees_hit_DVD_plu/216/40918/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5815/default.aspx'>tadiv</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/216/discussions.aspx'>Coming Soon</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 3/9/2009 7:01:00 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="spout"] Lil' nuggets   10. Let the Right One In -- Watch trailer. Best vampire movie ever? Looks like it to me.   [/quote]   I am so looking forward to my copy of this arriving later this week.  I really enjoyed it at the theater. Tom<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:01:00 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>tadiv</spout:postby><spout:postto>Coming Soon</spout:postto><spout:postdate>3/9/2009 7:01:00 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="spout"] Lil' nuggets   10. Let the Right One In -- Watch trailer. Best vampire movie ever? Looks like it to me.   [/quote]   I am so looking forward to my copy of this arriving later this week.  I really enjoyed it at the theater. Tom</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 3/13 - New movies - Oscar nominees hit DVD, plus the Rock is a remake of Kurt Russell</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/3_13_New_movies_Oscar_nominees_hit_DVD_plus_t/216/40910/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/2126/default.aspx'>spout</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/216/discussions.aspx'>Coming Soon</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 3/9/2009 3:04:31 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> HITTING THEATERS 3/13 Disney's latest leading man: Dwayne Johnson in Race to Witch Mountain    Race to Witch Mountain -- Watch trailer. This has Brendan Fraser's name written all over it, but it's starring Fraser's remake, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Of course, Brendan Fraser is a remake of Kurt Russell, and I bet that if the original Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) had starred a young, sexy hero (not the older Eddie Albert), it would've been Disney favorite Kurt Rusell (remember The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and The Strongest Man in the World?). PS - I'm mostly joking; I like Dwayne Johnson.   Standing on the shoulders of Swedes: The Last House on the Left  The Last House on the Left -- Watch trailer. Produced by Wes Craven, this is a remake of the Craven-directed The Last House on the Left (1972), which was kind of like Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs (1971), which is loosely based on a novel (The Siege of Trencher's Farm) but reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman's The Virgin Spring (1959), which was inspired by the Swedish ballad "Torres dotter i Wange," which is purportedly based on true events...    The Whitest Boys U'Know: Miss March  Miss March -- Watch trailer. A young guy wakes from a 4-year coma to find that his high school sweetheart gave up waiting for him to become a pin-up for Playboy. Needless to say, the guy sets out for the Playboy mansion to reclaim his old girlfriend; also needless to say, he's joined by a sex-crazed friend.   LIMITED RELEASE Dirty movie: Sunshine Cleaning  Sunshine Cleaning -- Watch trailer. Amy Adams plays a short-on-cash mother who's determined to send her son to a quality private school. Adams reluctantly enlists the help of her sister (Emily Blunt) to start a cleaning service that specializes in crime scene clean-up and bio-hazard removal. Is it just me, or do you pick up on an indie cash-cow vibe? I mean, could it really only be a coincidence that it's called "Sunshine" Cleaning when it's being billed as the next movie from the producers of Little Miss "Sunshine"?  But ultimately, any pandering to the audience may not matter if Sunshine Cleaning is actually good. And with actors like Blunt and Adams, Alan Arkin and Steve Zahn, I've got high hopes.   They ain't heavy, they's my brothers: Brothers at War  Brothers at War -- Watch trailer. Documentary filmmaker Jake Rademacher's two brothers are soldiers. Jake spent three and a half years on this film, staying with four army units over two trips to Iraq, exploring his brothers' service and motivation. This very personal film appears to reveal a lot that's universal, as Rademacher seeks to understand what the soldiers in Iraq continue to experience.   Dennis Quaid takes the bait: The Horsemen  The Horsemen -- Watch trailer. Dennis Quaid, widowed detective, finds chilling connections between himself and the victims of a serial killer who's obsessed with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. To me, this still sounds like Se7en, Part Two. I guess whether that's a good or bad thing depends on your point of view. ________________________________________ NEW TO DVD 3/10 -- Oscar films hit the shelves Oscar alumni 1. Milk -- Watch trailer. The one Best Picture nominee that probably could've taken the laurel leaves from Slumdog Millionaire. I haven't seen it yet--I was too busy watching The Wrestler three times. 2. Der Baader Meinhof Complex -- Watch trailer. This Oscar-nominated foreign film looks really good, even considering I don't know what's happening in that intense trailer! Check it out!  3. Happy-Go-Lucky -- Watch trailer. It's considered one of the biggest snubs of the Oscars that charming star Sally Hawkins wasn't nominated for Best Actress. 4. Rachel Getting Married -- Watch trailer. FilmCouch's Kevin Buist says Anne Hathaway is great in an otherwise grating, tiring, "annoying" movie about...you guessed it: family conflicts. Huh, I guess content equals form after all.   Blockbusters (and wannabes) 5. Role Models -- Watch trailer. Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott are funny together, but the film coasts way too long during the scenes of LARPing (live action role playing). 6. Transporter 3 -- Watch trailer. I haven't seen any of these yet, would you guys recommend them? I do always like Jason Statham, even when he's in bad movies. 7. Max Payne -- Watch trailer. Mark Wahlberg. Video game movie. Much stylized violence.  8. Repo! The Genetic Opera -- Watch trailer. Interesting-sounding shocker set in a future where a mysterious epidemic of organ failures turns healthy organs into a precious commodity. When organ buyers fail to make good on their payment plans, their organs must be re-possessed... 9. Saw V and Saw Goreology: Movies 1 - 5 -- Watch trailer to Saw V. It's a Saw movie, you know the drill. Hey, was that a pun?   Lil' nuggets   10. Let the Right One In -- Watch trailer. Best vampire movie ever? Looks like it to me. 11. Synechdoche, New York -- Watch trailer. The Charlie Kaufman-penned film stars Philip Seymour Hoffman. I've heard the film is intellectually demanding, but I've never felt like I've wasted my time watching something written by Kaufman. 12. Battle in Seattle -- Watch trailer. This feature recounts the events of the 1999 World Trade Organization and the ensuing riots. 13. Rocker -- Watch trailer. The Office's Rainn Wilson stars as a one-time promising rocker who now, 20 years later, gets a second chance. 14. Cadillac Records -- Watch trailer. The word: good actors, good music, so-so film.  <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:04:31 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>spout</spout:postby><spout:postto>Coming Soon</spout:postto><spout:postdate>3/9/2009 3:04:31 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>HITTING THEATERS 3/13 Disney's latest leading man: Dwayne Johnson in Race to Witch Mountain    Race to Witch Mountain -- Watch trailer. This has Brendan Fraser's name written all over it, but it's starring Fraser's remake, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Of course, Brendan Fraser is a remake of Kurt Russell, and I bet that if the original Escape to Witch Mountain (1975) had starred a young, sexy hero (not the older Eddie Albert), it would've been Disney favorite Kurt Rusell (remember The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and The Strongest Man in the World?). PS - I'm mostly joking; I like Dwayne Johnson.   Standing on the shoulders of Swedes: The Last House on the Left  The Last House on the Left -- Watch trailer. Produced by Wes Craven, this is a remake of the Craven-directed The Last House on the Left (1972), which was kind of like Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs (1971), which is loosely based on a novel (The Siege of Trencher's Farm) but reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman's The Virgin Spring (1959), which was inspired by the Swedish ballad "Torres dotter i Wange," which is purportedly based on true events...    The Whitest Boys U'Know: Miss March  Miss March -- Watch trailer. A young guy wakes from a 4-year coma to find that his high school sweetheart gave up waiting for him to become a pin-up for Playboy. Needless to say, the guy sets out for the Playboy mansion to reclaim his old girlfriend; also needless to say, he's joined by a sex-crazed friend.   LIMITED RELEASE Dirty movie: Sunshine Cleaning  Sunshine Cleaning -- Watch trailer. Amy Adams plays a short-on-cash mother who's determined to send her son to a quality private school. Adams reluctantly enlists the help of her sister (Emily Blunt) to start a cleaning service that specializes in crime scene clean-up and bio-hazard removal. Is it just me, or do you pick up on an indie cash-cow vibe? I mean, could it really only be a coincidence that it's called "Sunshine" Cleaning when it's being billed as the next movie from the producers of Little Miss "Sunshine"?  But ultimately, any pandering to the audience may not matter if Sunshine Cleaning is actually good. And with actors like Blunt and Adams, Alan Arkin and Steve Zahn, I've got high hopes.   They ain't heavy, they's my brothers: Brothers at War  Brothers at War -- Watch trailer. Documentary filmmaker Jake Rademacher's two brothers are soldiers. Jake spent three and a half years on this film, staying with four army units over two trips to Iraq, exploring his brothers' service and motivation. This very personal film appears to reveal a lot that's universal, as Rademacher seeks to understand what the soldiers in Iraq continue to experience.   Dennis Quaid takes the bait: The Horsemen  The Horsemen -- Watch trailer. Dennis Quaid, widowed detective, finds chilling connections between himself and the victims of a serial killer who's obsessed with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. To me, this still sounds like Se7en, Part Two. I guess whether that's a good or bad thing depends on your point of view. ________________________________________ NEW TO DVD 3/10 -- Oscar films hit the shelves Oscar alumni 1. Milk -- Watch trailer. The one Best Picture nominee that probably could've taken the laurel leaves from Slumdog Millionaire. I haven't seen it yet--I was too busy watching The Wrestler three times. 2. Der Baader Meinhof Complex -- Watch trailer. This Oscar-nominated foreign film looks really good, even considering I don't know what's happening in that intense trailer! Check it out!  3. Happy-Go-Lucky -- Watch trailer. It's considered one of the biggest snubs of the Oscars that charming star Sally Hawkins wasn't nominated for Best Actress. 4. Rachel Getting Married -- Watch trailer. FilmCouch's Kevin Buist says Anne Hathaway is great in an otherwise grating, tiring, "annoying" movie about...you guessed it: family conflicts. Huh, I guess content equals form after all.   Blockbusters (and wannabes) 5. Role Models -- Watch trailer. Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott are funny together, but the film coasts way too long during the scenes of LARPing (live action role playing). 6. Transporter 3 -- Watch trailer. I haven't seen any of these yet, would you guys recommend them? I do always like Jason Statham, even when he's in bad movies. 7. Max Payne -- Watch trailer. Mark Wahlberg. Video game movie. Much stylized violence.  8. Repo! The Genetic Opera -- Watch trailer. Interesting-sounding shocker set in a future where a mysterious epidemic of organ failures turns healthy organs into a precious commodity. When organ buyers fail to make good on their payment plans, their organs must be re-possessed... 9. Saw V and Saw Goreology: Movies 1 - 5 -- Watch trailer to Saw V. It's a Saw movie, you know the drill. Hey, was that a pun?   Lil' nuggets   10. Let the Right One In -- Watch trailer. Best vampire movie ever? Looks like it to me. 11. Synechdoche, New York -- Watch trailer. The Charlie Kaufman-penned film stars Philip Seymour Hoffman. I've heard the film is intellectually demanding, but I've never felt like I've wasted my time watching something written by Kaufman. 12. Battle in Seattle -- Watch trailer. This feature recounts the events of the 1999 World Trade Organization and the ensuing riots. 13. Rocker -- Watch trailer. The Office's Rainn Wilson stars as a one-time promising rocker who now, 20 years later, gets a second chance. 14. Cadillac Records -- Watch trailer. The word: good actors, good music, so-so film.  </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: FC #102: Listeners Top 5 Analysis!</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/FilmCouch/FC_102_Listeners_Top_5_Analysis/302/39107/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/140759/default.aspx'>mciocco</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/FilmCouch/302/discussions.aspx'>FilmCouch</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 1/5/2009 2:34:25 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> At the end of FC #102, you requested that listeners send you their top 5 and then you'd attempt to figure out their biography from said list.  That sounds like fun!  So here's my tentative list (still want to see a few before finalizing my top 10, but I think I have the top 4 at least ironed out) in roughly descending order (starting with the best): 1.The Dark Knight   2.The Counterfeiters 3. Timecrimes 4. Let the Right One In 5.The Bank Job (after #4, things sort of even out for me, so #5 could probably be interchanged with my next several films - I chose The Bank Job for this list because I'm probably the only one in the world that would put it in a top 10 list, so I figured it would be more interesting to include it here, even though I suspect that it will eventually be a bit lower on the top 10 when I get around to compiling it.  Also, I tried to go by when the movie was released in the US, so a movie like The Counterfeiters still counts as 2008, even though it won the 2007 oscar). The biggest movie I still want to see before finalizing my list would be The Wrestler, which I plan on seeing this weekend. So there.  I'm not sure what kind of biographical info you can glean from that, but I'm interested to see what you come up with:) FYI, if you want to cheat a bit and see what other movies I liked from last year, I did create this list on spout        <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:34:25 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mciocco</spout:postby><spout:postto>FilmCouch</spout:postto><spout:postdate>1/5/2009 2:34:25 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>At the end of FC #102, you requested that listeners send you their top 5 and then you'd attempt to figure out their biography from said list.  That sounds like fun!  So here's my tentative list (still want to see a few before finalizing my top 10, but I think I have the top 4 at least ironed out) in roughly descending order (starting with the best): 1.The Dark Knight   2.The Counterfeiters 3. Timecrimes 4. Let the Right One In 5.The Bank Job (after #4, things sort of even out for me, so #5 could probably be interchanged with my next several films - I chose The Bank Job for this list because I'm probably the only one in the world that would put it in a top 10 list, so I figured it would be more interesting to include it here, even though I suspect that it will eventually be a bit lower on the top 10 when I get around to compiling it.  Also, I tried to go by when the movie was released in the US, so a movie like The Counterfeiters still counts as 2008, even though it won the 2007 oscar). The biggest movie I still want to see before finalizing my list would be The Wrestler, which I plan on seeing this weekend. So there.  I'm not sure what kind of biographical info you can glean from that, but I'm interested to see what you come up with:) FYI, if you want to cheat a bit and see what other movies I liked from last year, I did create this list on spout        </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: FilmCouch #102: Best of 2008, Wholphin 7</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2009/1/2/39035.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 1/2/2009 9:00:46 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 
2008 was not the banner year that ‘07 turned out to be, but there were still plenty of movies worth watching. Sometimes end-of-year lists look like straight Oscar predictions, with little deviance from critic to critic, not so this year. Some of our favorite stuff was not playing in a theatre near you, some of it was. For the record, our complete lists are after the jump.
But first! Wholphin 7 is out now! The geniuses over at McSweeny’s have once again curated a delightful collection of rare and unseen short films. We share our thoughts about a few favorites. One film we both loved, Glory at Sea, is available for free here.
 
(Subscribe to FilmCouch–Spout’s weekly movie podcast–in the iTunes store or to our RSS feed and an episode will download each Friday)
0:00 - Intro, listener e-mail
2:59 - Wholphin 7
16:18 - Kevin’s list, Paul’s “soup”
filmcouch-102
Paul’s unranked list:
Tulpan
Be Kind Rewind
I Love Sarah Jane (entire film viewable)
August Evening
Shotgun Stories
Revanche
The Dark Knight
Glory at Sea
Kevin’s ranked list:
1. The Dark Knight
2. Let the Right One In
3. The Good, The Bad, and The Weird
4. Wall-E
5. Wellness
6. Happy-Go-Lucky
7. Glory at Sea
8. Waltz With Bashir
9. Medicine for Melancholy
10. Encounters at the End of the World Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 14:00:46 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>1/2/2009 9:00:46 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>
2008 was not the banner year that ‘07 turned out to be, but there were still plenty of movies worth watching. Sometimes end-of-year lists look like straight Oscar predictions, with little deviance from critic to critic, not so this year. Some of our favorite stuff was not playing in a theatre near you, some of it was. For the record, our complete lists are after the jump.
But first! Wholphin 7 is out now! The geniuses over at McSweeny’s have once again curated a delightful collection of rare and unseen short films. We share our thoughts about a few favorites. One film we both loved, Glory at Sea, is available for free here.
 
(Subscribe to FilmCouch–Spout’s weekly movie podcast–in the iTunes store or to our RSS feed and an episode will download each Friday)
0:00 - Intro, listener e-mail
2:59 - Wholphin 7
16:18 - Kevin’s list, Paul’s “soup”
filmcouch-102
Paul’s unranked list:
Tulpan
Be Kind Rewind
I Love Sarah Jane (entire film viewable)
August Evening
Shotgun Stories
Revanche
The Dark Knight
Glory at Sea
Kevin’s ranked list:
1. The Dark Knight
2. Let the Right One In
3. The Good, The Bad, and The Weird
4. Wall-E
5. Wellness
6. Happy-Go-Lucky
7. Glory at Sea
8. Waltz With Bashir
9. Medicine for Melancholy
10. Encounters at the End of the World Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Top 25 Horror Films of the Modern Era?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/Re_Top_25_Horror_Films_of_the_Modern_Era/222/39023/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/129163/default.aspx'>Macabre_FilmNut</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/222/discussions.aspx'>HORROR MOVIES 101</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 1/1/2009 7:09:43 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> [quote user="rjsprague"] Yeah I've never been a huge fan of horror, so I figured I'd get some of you lovers of horror to contribute your thoughts on this list. I'd love to see a you guys make your own and post a link here or something. =) [/quote] I myself read alot of blogs. Heavy into horror, especially overseas stuff. But I watch everything. Lately surrealism and experimental, not sure why?  I saw that list and for the most part its great , it tried to cover everytjing. But there is really no J-horor, such as SHIBUYA KAIDAN 1 &amp; 2 a.k.a The Locker. Happy to see &Agrave; l'int&eacute;rieur (2007) and Let the Right One In (2008). But no mention of Ils a.k.a Them..  I am not sure why they are mentioning remakes, even though it maybe good. Such as the Ring in the states and the original Ringu.(1998). Like someone said above Eyes wide shut wasn't a horror. I rather see some more Takashi Miike or even Fabrice Du Welz,Calvaire (2004). If it was me I wouldnt of put Cemetery Man (1994). I understand it has a cult following, so doesnt &Aacute;lex de la Iglesia films.Michele Soavi was the protege of Dario Argento. I rather much seen his first film Deliria a.k.a Stage Fright (1987) or even La, Chiesa a.k.a The church, which actually I think it was Asia Argento first film. Well now I am curious to see what everyone else has to say. .<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:09:43 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>Macabre_FilmNut</spout:postby><spout:postto>HORROR MOVIES 101</spout:postto><spout:postdate>1/1/2009 7:09:43 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>[quote user="rjsprague"] Yeah I've never been a huge fan of horror, so I figured I'd get some of you lovers of horror to contribute your thoughts on this list. I'd love to see a you guys make your own and post a link here or something. =) [/quote] I myself read alot of blogs. Heavy into horror, especially overseas stuff. But I watch everything. Lately surrealism and experimental, not sure why?  I saw that list and for the most part its great , it tried to cover everytjing. But there is really no J-horor, such as SHIBUYA KAIDAN 1 &amp;amp; 2 a.k.a The Locker. Happy to see &amp;Agrave; l'int&amp;eacute;rieur (2007) and Let the Right One In (2008). But no mention of Ils a.k.a Them..  I am not sure why they are mentioning remakes, even though it maybe good. Such as the Ring in the states and the original Ringu.(1998). Like someone said above Eyes wide shut wasn't a horror. I rather see some more Takashi Miike or even Fabrice Du Welz,Calvaire (2004). If it was me I wouldnt of put Cemetery Man (1994). I understand it has a cult following, so doesnt &amp;Aacute;lex de la Iglesia films.Michele Soavi was the protege of Dario Argento. I rather much seen his first film Deliria a.k.a Stage Fright (1987) or even La, Chiesa a.k.a The church, which actually I think it was Asia Argento first film. Well now I am curious to see what everyone else has to say. .</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: The best and the rest in 2008 mainstream movies</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/archive/2008/12/27/38883.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/113227/default.aspx'>usesoap</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/default.aspx'>usesoap Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/27/2008 8:34:11 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> 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 &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.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:34:11 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>usesoap</spout:postby><spout:postto>usesoap Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/27/2008 8:34:11 PM</spout:postdate><spout: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 &amp;ldquo;event movies&amp;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&amp;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.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:DVD Box Set Giveaway</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/Re_DVD_Box_Set_Giveaway/563/38744/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s362195.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/140759/default.aspx'>mciocco</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Filmgaming/563/discussions.aspx'>Filmgaming</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 12/22/2008 9:37:32 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Well I still haven't finalized my list, but here's 5 films I loved and what my mom would say:   1.  The Dark Knight - "I didn't understand it." 2. Timecrimes - "I didn't understand it." 3.  Let the Right One In - "I didn't understand it." 4.  The Bank Job- "I didn't understand it." 5. Teeth - "I didn't know we could do that!"   She's not much of a movie person.<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:37:32 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>mciocco</spout:postby><spout:postto>Filmgaming</spout:postto><spout:postdate>12/22/2008 9:37:32 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Well I still haven't finalized my list, but here's 5 films I loved and what my mom would say:   1.  The Dark Knight - "I didn't understand it." 2. Timecrimes - "I didn't understand it." 3.  Let the Right One In - "I didn't understand it." 4.  The Bank Job- "I didn't understand it." 5. Teeth - "I didn't know we could do that!"   She's not much of a movie person.</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:love</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/love/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/love/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>love</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 12478</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 336</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1477</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:08:37 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>12478</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>336</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1477</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:family</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/family/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/family/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>family</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 6288</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 226</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1138</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:09:21 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>6288</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>226</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1138</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:murder</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/murder/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/murder/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>murder</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 8748</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 157</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 830</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 02:57:25 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>8748</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>157</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>830</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:friendship</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/friendship/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/friendship/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>friendship</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 6791</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 154</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 979</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:08:37 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>6791</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>154</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>979</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:revenge</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/revenge/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/revenge/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>revenge</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 5189</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 145</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 489</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:13:41 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>5189</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>145</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>489</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:death</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/death/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/death/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>death</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 4306</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 140</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 526</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:27:13 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>4306</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>140</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>526</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:horror</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/horror/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/horror/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>horror</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 260</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 110</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 344</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:48:03 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>260</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>110</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>344</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:suicide</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/suicide/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/suicide/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>suicide</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1828</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 80</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 185</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:40:50 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1828</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>80</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>185</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:blood</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/blood/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/blood/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>blood</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 382</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 64</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 155</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:50:21 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>382</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>64</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>155</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:vampire</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/vampire/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/vampire/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>vampire</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 610</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 62</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 135</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:13:39 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>610</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>62</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>135</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:school</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/school/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/school/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>school</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1231</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 56</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 130</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:49:18 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1231</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>56</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>130</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:fight</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/fight/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/fight/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>fight</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 490</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 47</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 86</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:40:14 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>490</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>47</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>86</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:kids</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/kids/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/kids/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>kids</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 96</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 46</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 112</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:49:19 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>96</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>46</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>112</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:abuse</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/abuse/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/abuse/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>abuse</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 760</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 38</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 74</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:57:35 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>760</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>38</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>74</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:childhood</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/childhood/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/childhood/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>childhood</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 499</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 38</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 93</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:42:53 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>499</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>38</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>93</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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