list gahnzz's Recent Activity - Spout http://www.spout.com/ gahnzz's Recent Activity - Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg gahnzz's Recent Activity - Spout http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 Spout Group:Spout Customer Care - Get answers to your questions here! http://www.spout.com/groups/Spout_Customer_Care/420/default.aspx Group Name: Spout Customer Care - Get answers to your questions here!
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]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:47:00 GMTSpout Customer CareWed, 01 Aug 2007 09:06:04 GMT790513Group Spout Group:HORROR MOVIES 101 - FOR ALL WHO LOVE HORROR MOVIES http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/222/default.aspx Group Name: HORROR MOVIES 101 - FOR ALL WHO LOVE HORROR MOVIES
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:53:17 GMTHORROR MOVIES 101Sun, 17 Dec 2006 01:20:09 GMT41462333Group Spout Group:foureyedmonsters - Talk to Susan & Arin about the movie and those addictive podcasts. http://www.spout.com/groups/foureyedmonsters/338/endorsed.aspx Group Name: foureyedmonsters - Talk to Susan & Arin about the movie and those addictive podcasts.
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]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:42:31 GMTfoureyedmonstersMon, 04 Jun 2007 15:28:43 GMT322056Group Spout Group:Weekly Theme - "Fighting off boredom with the Iron Fist of Variety" http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/default.aspx Group Name: Weekly Theme - "Fighting off boredom with the Iron Fist of Variety"
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]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:20:23 GMTWeekly ThemeMon, 30 Jun 2008 15:13:45 GMT5212701Group Spout Group:Spout Mavens - Spout's best movie reviewers. Membership is limited. http://www.spout.com/groups/Spout_Mavens/366/default.aspx Group Name: Spout Mavens - Spout's best movie reviewers. Membership is limited.
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A group of Spout's best reviewers.
Read the requirements.


Created: 6/20/2007
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]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:10:52 GMTSpout MavensWed, 20 Jun 2007 10:13:29 GMT369451Group Spout Group:missing a film - we'll help you find a film http://www.spout.com/groups/missing_a_film/263/default.aspx Group Name: missing a film - we'll help you find a film
Created: 3/5/2007
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]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:30:05 GMTmissing a filmMon, 05 Mar 2007 16:37:43 GMT1311234Group Spout Group:Friends of Foreign Flicks - Discussions of all films not American. http://www.spout.com/groups/Friends_of_Foreign_Flicks/591/default.aspx Group Name: Friends of Foreign Flicks - Discussions of all films not American.
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At some point you just want more than what's right in front of you.


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]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:05:26 GMTFriends of Foreign FlicksThu, 24 Apr 2008 11:44:11 GMT30192Group Spout Group:The Documentary - A place to talk about the much overlooked genre of the Documentary. http://www.spout.com/groups/The_Documentary/79/default.aspx Group Name: The Documentary - A place to talk about the much overlooked genre of the Documentary.
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]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:05:39 GMTThe DocumentarySun, 02 Apr 2006 00:58:55 GMT49453Group Spout Group:Sound on Sight - Podcasts, movie reviews, interviews, news and more. http://www.spout.com/groups/Sound_on_Sight/529/default.aspx Group Name: Sound on Sight - Podcasts, movie reviews, interviews, news and more.
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Sound on Sight proudly brings you two podcasts each week. Voted best podcast in 2008, these hard working hosts cover everything from mainstream Hollywood films to noir, horror, science fiction, cult cinema, documentary film making and more. Look out for a new show added every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

http://www.soundonsight.org/

 

 


Created: 1/6/2008
Number of Members: 104
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]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:03:03 GMTSound on SightSun, 06 Jan 2008 21:24:34 GMT1040150Group Spout Group:Worst Movie Ever - The Group is dedicated to uncovering the bombs, so you don't have too. http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/104/default.aspx Group Name: Worst Movie Ever - The Group is dedicated to uncovering the bombs, so you don't have too.
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]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:43:26 GMTWorst Movie EverFri, 05 May 2006 20:20:45 GMT20010412Group Spout Group:Movie Polls - Vote in weekly polls and discuss http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/657/default.aspx Group Name: Movie Polls - Vote in weekly polls and discuss
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Each week I will post a new poll.  Please vote in the poll and reply to the discussion thread to discuss the question.  Please do not vote more than once.


Created: 11/25/2008
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]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:42:29 GMTMovie PollsTue, 25 Nov 2008 16:54:38 GMT660414Group Spout Group:Zombie Obsession - Zombie Lovers, Unite! http://www.spout.com/groups/Zombie_Obsession/329/default.aspx Group Name: Zombie Obsession - Zombie Lovers, Unite!
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Join us to discuss your favorite or most horrifying Zombie Movies or just your most memorable Zombie Moments.  From Funny to Scary to Gory to Bizarre...

 


Created: 5/28/2007
Number of Members: 104
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]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:29:56 GMTZombie ObsessionMon, 28 May 2007 02:04:45 GMT1041594Group Spout Group:A World of MSTies - Thank You, Won't We? http://www.spout.com/groups/A_World_of_MSTies/590/default.aspx Group Name: A World of MSTies - Thank You, Won't We?
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Glorify the best show ever (MST3K) with wit, wisdom and downright wackiness!


Created: 4/23/2008
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]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:25:25 GMTA World of MSTiesWed, 23 Apr 2008 20:21:48 GMT10223Group Spout Group:It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar! - Devoted to everything nominated or snubbed by the Academy of Golden Guys http://www.spout.com/groups/It_s_a_Wonderful_Night_for_Oscar/46/default.aspx Group Name: It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar! - Devoted to everything nominated or snubbed by the Academy of Golden Guys
Group Description: Year after year, movie lovers and non movie lovers alike discuss ad nauseum the fate of films nominated for the utmost honor, the Academy Award. Some people watch it for the fashion. Some people watch for the haute couture. Some people watch for their fill of celebrity sightings. If you are a member of this group, you love everything about the Super Bowl of movies, especially the movies themselves! You love to make predictions, guess at the politics, discuss and dissect who should have been nominated and who should have won...or, you're just an avid movie lover that likes to pay attention. Come join the group!
Created: 3/4/2006
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]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:11:33 GMTIt's a Wonderful Night for Oscar!Sat, 04 Mar 2006 15:24:32 GMT4158226Group Spout Group:Movie Marathons http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Marathons/693/default.aspx Group Name: Movie Marathons
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This is a group for members to start and organize movie marathons. Its primary purpose is to get more people exposed to more film. And to watch these films and discuss them as a group.

Anyone can start a marathon and marathons can be organized in many different ways to showcase the films of a director, actor, genre, theme etc...

Check the Guidlines and Suggestions discussion for ideas.


Created: 7/22/2009
Number of Members: 15
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]]>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:33:02 GMTMovie MarathonsWed, 22 Jul 2009 01:35:58 GMT15022Group Spout Group:Movies we do not want to see - Try to convince us to see these movies! http://www.spout.com/groups/Movies_we_do_not_want_to_see/70/default.aspx Group Name: Movies we do not want to see - Try to convince us to see these movies!
Group Description: Want to be a member? Send me a message with a list of at least 5 movies that you do not want to see. There are many movies that I do not want to see. I'm not sure if its right of me to decide never to see a movie without seeing it. You know...like when a kid says they hate mushrooms even though they admit never trying them. So maybe this is a good spot for people to display movies they don't think they want to see, and see if anyone can convince us to try them out.
Created: 3/22/2006
Number of Members: 20
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Number of discussion posts: 190
]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:31:56 GMTMovies we do not want to seeWed, 22 Mar 2006 14:27:50 GMT203190Group Spout Post: M.A.D. #005 - Wall Street http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/8/12/17893.aspx Post By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 8/12/2007 12:00:28 PM
Body: When I first saw Wall Street about 20 years ago, I loved Michael Douglas’ performance. For me, it represented a complete fusing of actor and role. Add to that, director Oliver Stone’s willingness to do long, uninterrupted takes (particularly during monologues) and what came through was some truly fine writing, compelling acting and it was all wonderfully shot. The triumvirate of Douglas, Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen really drive this movie. And throwing in John C. MGinley in a supporting role, filling out the second tier with James Karen and Hal Holbrook you have some fantasically solid performances. Granted, once you hit up the female side of the equation, things kinda drop a bit. Through no fault of her own, Daryl Hannah is a bit mis-cast. Her demeanor and her delivery just don’t wash as a high-end interior designer and Sean Young is completely miscast as Douglas’ wife. She just comes off as an after-thought. Luckily, neither of these roles are truly important to the story being told - so their sub-par casting and performances don’t hamstring the movie very much. What amounts to basically a morality tale, Wall Street simply shines. Watching it again after two decades, I had a brief moment of the film being horribly dated - it being one of the hallmarks of 80’s cinema. However, the designers (costumer, set, etc.) nailed it, going with classical design options and staying away from overtly contemporary design choices. These add to an ultimately timeless and classical look. Wall Street survives as a clear time capsule of that time in America. A time that would eventually implode with the Stock Market Bubble of the mid-90’s, but it was still a time that epitomized the “Me” generation and did so shamelessly. Powered by ScribeFire. Originally posted on:john's blog
]]>Sun, 12 Aug 2007 16:00:28 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)8/12/2007 12:00:28 PMWhen I first saw Wall Street about 20 years ago, I loved Michael Douglas’ performance. For me, it represented a complete fusing of actor and role. Add to that, director Oliver Stone’s willingness to do long, uninterrupted takes (particularly during monologues) and what came through was some truly fine writing, compelling acting and it was all wonderfully shot. The triumvirate of Douglas, Charlie Sheen and Martin Sheen really drive this movie. And throwing in John C. MGinley in a supporting role, filling out the second tier with James Karen and Hal Holbrook you have some fantasically solid performances. Granted, once you hit up the female side of the equation, things kinda drop a bit. Through no fault of her own, Daryl Hannah is a bit mis-cast. Her demeanor and her delivery just don’t wash as a high-end interior designer and Sean Young is completely miscast as Douglas’ wife. She just comes off as an after-thought. Luckily, neither of these roles are truly important to the story being told - so their sub-par casting and performances don’t hamstring the movie very much. What amounts to basically a morality tale, Wall Street simply shines. Watching it again after two decades, I had a brief moment of the film being horribly dated - it being one of the hallmarks of 80’s cinema. However, the designers (costumer, set, etc.) nailed it, going with classical design options and staying away from overtly contemporary design choices. These add to an ultimately timeless and classical look. Wall Street survives as a clear time capsule of that time in America. A time that would eventually implode with the Stock Market Bubble of the mid-90’s, but it was still a time that epitomized the “Me” generation and did so shamelessly. Powered by ScribeFire. Originally posted on:john's blog Spout Post: Posts a little out of order… http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/8/9/20621.aspxPost By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 8/9/2007 10:14:40 PM
Body: I’ve moved my posting from Spout.com over to here and I’ll just import them over there directly.  So the order is a little wonky right now, but it’ll be straight from here on out. Also, I know I owe a couple more reviews, but I’ve been busy with my show.  Should get a good 2-3 up [...] Originally posted on:john's blog
]]>Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:14:40 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)8/9/2007 10:14:40 PMI’ve moved my posting from Spout.com over to here and I’ll just import them over there directly.  So the order is a little wonky right now, but it’ll be straight from here on out. Also, I know I owe a couple more reviews, but I’ve been busy with my show.  Should get a good 2-3 up [...] Originally posted on:john's blog Spout Post: M.A.D. #004 - Wonder Boys http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/7/31/16928.aspx Post By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 7/31/2007 10:18:00 AM
Body: For me, the most iconic Michael Douglas role was easily Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. He distilled the 80’s down to an instantly unlikable but extremely charming mogul that cemented him the minds of many. He had performed numerous roles before of course, but his performance as Gordon Gekko really crystallized for tons of viewers. I’ve always liked Michael Douglas’ performances, but while he’s widely considered a marquee name, he doesn’t have the draw and I suspect that it’s because of the film roles he chooses. From the philandering husband in Basic Instinct to his performance as Gekko, he normally chooses unlikable roles - a very brave practice for an actor. So when I saw Wonder Boys I was fully expecting to not like Michael Douglas’ character, but I was wrong. True, he (again) plays a philanderer, he drinks heavily, he is a chain-pot smoker, he’s fairly self-indulgent - but I can’t help myself. I loved that character, and for me - his performance as Grady Tripp almost outweighs his work as Gekko. The film centers on Tripp and his relationship with one of his pupils, played by Tobey Maguire. Over the course of a single evening, Tripp’s life (while caring for his student and keeping him out of trouble) gets turned upside down, and he makes some life altering realizations. I also wasn’t expecting a film with quite so much rumination from Curtis Hanson, the director. Again, someone whose work I have enjoyed, but not on this level. Downey Jr. and McDormand round out the cast with their stellar turns. All of the actors play to their strengths, but fill their roles with such quality work that it’s remarkable. And while she doesn’t exactly shine, Katie Holmes doesn’t really mis-step. She’s just out of her depth with these performances, and she kinda gets drowned out. There is a performer in there somewhere, she just needs a director who’ll make her WORK and get rid of her habits and patterns that plague all of her performances. On a strict realistic level, the film is fairly remarkable. One of those “how many bad things can happen to a single person in a single 24-hour period” but - meh. You can’t really blame the film for that… that is a problem that has plagued drama from eons. It’s a very enjoyable film filled with some wonderful performances, strong writing, and focused yet loose direction. Powered by ScribeFire. Originally posted on:john's blog
]]>Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:18:00 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)7/31/2007 10:18:00 AMFor me, the most iconic Michael Douglas role was easily Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. He distilled the 80’s down to an instantly unlikable but extremely charming mogul that cemented him the minds of many. He had performed numerous roles before of course, but his performance as Gordon Gekko really crystallized for tons of viewers. I’ve always liked Michael Douglas’ performances, but while he’s widely considered a marquee name, he doesn’t have the draw and I suspect that it’s because of the film roles he chooses. From the philandering husband in Basic Instinct to his performance as Gekko, he normally chooses unlikable roles - a very brave practice for an actor. So when I saw Wonder Boys I was fully expecting to not like Michael Douglas’ character, but I was wrong. True, he (again) plays a philanderer, he drinks heavily, he is a chain-pot smoker, he’s fairly self-indulgent - but I can’t help myself. I loved that character, and for me - his performance as Grady Tripp almost outweighs his work as Gekko. The film centers on Tripp and his relationship with one of his pupils, played by Tobey Maguire. Over the course of a single evening, Tripp’s life (while caring for his student and keeping him out of trouble) gets turned upside down, and he makes some life altering realizations. I also wasn’t expecting a film with quite so much rumination from Curtis Hanson, the director. Again, someone whose work I have enjoyed, but not on this level. Downey Jr. and McDormand round out the cast with their stellar turns. All of the actors play to their strengths, but fill their roles with such quality work that it’s remarkable. And while she doesn’t exactly shine, Katie Holmes doesn’t really mis-step. She’s just out of her depth with these performances, and she kinda gets drowned out. There is a performer in there somewhere, she just needs a director who’ll make her WORK and get rid of her habits and patterns that plague all of her performances. On a strict realistic level, the film is fairly remarkable. One of those “how many bad things can happen to a single person in a single 24-hour period” but - meh. You can’t really blame the film for that… that is a problem that has plagued drama from eons. It’s a very enjoyable film filled with some wonderful performances, strong writing, and focused yet loose direction. Powered by ScribeFire. Originally posted on:john's blog Spout Post: M.A.D. #004 - Wonder Boys http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/7/31/16928.aspx Post By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 7/31/2007 10:18:00 AM
Body: For me, the most iconic Michael Douglas role was easily Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. He distilled the 80’s down to an instantly unlikable but extremely charming mogul that cemented him the minds of many. He had performed numerous roles before of course, but his performance as Gordon Gekko really crystallized for tons of viewers. I’ve always liked Michael Douglas’ performances, but while he’s widely considered a marquee name, he doesn’t have the draw and I suspect that it’s because of the film roles he chooses. From the philandering husband in Basic Instinct to his performance as Gekko, he normally chooses unlikable roles - a very brave practice for an actor. So when I saw Wonder Boys I was fully expecting to not like Michael Douglas’ character, but I was wrong. True, he (again) plays a philanderer, he drinks heavily, he is a chain-pot smoker, he’s fairly self-indulgent - but I can’t help myself. I loved that character, and for me - his performance as Grady Tripp almost outweighs his work as Gekko. The film centers on Tripp and his relationship with one of his pupils, played by Tobey Maguire. Over the course of a single evening, Tripp’s life (while caring for his student and keeping him out of trouble) gets turned upside down, and he makes some life altering realizations. I also wasn’t expecting a film with quite so much rumination from Curtis Hanson, the director. Again, someone whose work I have enjoyed, but not on this level. Downey Jr. and McDormand round out the cast with their stellar turns. All of the actors play to their strengths, but fill their roles with such quality work that it’s remarkable. And while she doesn’t exactly shine, Katie Holmes doesn’t really mis-step. She’s just out of her depth with these performances, and she kinda gets drowned out. There is a performer in there somewhere, she just needs a director who’ll make her WORK and get rid of her habits and patterns that plague all of her performances. On a strict realistic level, the film is fairly remarkable. One of those “how many bad things can happen to a single person in a single 24-hour period” but - meh. You can’t really blame the film for that… that is a problem that has plagued drama from eons. It’s a very enjoyable film filled with some wonderful performances, strong writing, and focused yet loose direction. Powered by ScribeFire. Originally posted on:john's blog
]]>Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:18:00 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)7/31/2007 10:18:00 AMFor me, the most iconic Michael Douglas role was easily Oliver Stone’s Wall Street. He distilled the 80’s down to an instantly unlikable but extremely charming mogul that cemented him the minds of many. He had performed numerous roles before of course, but his performance as Gordon Gekko really crystallized for tons of viewers. I’ve always liked Michael Douglas’ performances, but while he’s widely considered a marquee name, he doesn’t have the draw and I suspect that it’s because of the film roles he chooses. From the philandering husband in Basic Instinct to his performance as Gekko, he normally chooses unlikable roles - a very brave practice for an actor. So when I saw Wonder Boys I was fully expecting to not like Michael Douglas’ character, but I was wrong. True, he (again) plays a philanderer, he drinks heavily, he is a chain-pot smoker, he’s fairly self-indulgent - but I can’t help myself. I loved that character, and for me - his performance as Grady Tripp almost outweighs his work as Gekko. The film centers on Tripp and his relationship with one of his pupils, played by Tobey Maguire. Over the course of a single evening, Tripp’s life (while caring for his student and keeping him out of trouble) gets turned upside down, and he makes some life altering realizations. I also wasn’t expecting a film with quite so much rumination from Curtis Hanson, the director. Again, someone whose work I have enjoyed, but not on this level. Downey Jr. and McDormand round out the cast with their stellar turns. All of the actors play to their strengths, but fill their roles with such quality work that it’s remarkable. And while she doesn’t exactly shine, Katie Holmes doesn’t really mis-step. She’s just out of her depth with these performances, and she kinda gets drowned out. There is a performer in there somewhere, she just needs a director who’ll make her WORK and get rid of her habits and patterns that plague all of her performances. On a strict realistic level, the film is fairly remarkable. One of those “how many bad things can happen to a single person in a single 24-hour period” but - meh. You can’t really blame the film for that… that is a problem that has plagued drama from eons. It’s a very enjoyable film filled with some wonderful performances, strong writing, and focused yet loose direction. Powered by ScribeFire. Originally posted on:john's blog Spout Post: M.A.D. #003 - The Phantom of the Opera (2004) http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/7/29/16806.aspx Post By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 7/29/2007 3:10:00 PM
Body: I still remember hearing about the stage version as it opened in London to rave reviews - especially for it's star, Michael Crawford and how any eventual movie version would fail without his inclusion. Fast forward 20 years, and Gerard Butler proves them wrong.Don't get me wrong, Schumaker's take on The Phantom of the Opera is not perfect. Though it's fault cannot be found in any of its performers. From Butler and Emily Rossum, through Patrick Wilson, and even to Minnie Driver - all the actors do quality work. Wilson is unfortunately staged with the under-written and annoying Raoul - though that is more the fault of the writers than any shortcoming on his part.The movie follows the stage version pretty closely, even mirroring some of the most iconic scenes almost identically. And therein lies one of the problems with this version. Schumaker had the freedom of film, yet the camera often times seems bolted down in order to preserve a concept from the theatrical telling. It's a shame, but those faults are mostly in the first 1/3 of the film.The largest problem - again, partly Schumaker and partly his screenwriters, was to remove some of the singing and replace it with verbatim speech, speaking the lines of a song instead of singing. Directorially I can understand the reasoning, but the dialogue rings false and ultimately sounds flat. It either needs to be genuine dialogue and it needs to be sung. Probably a discussion about having too much "opera" in the movie caused the decision to be made - but it's called Phantom of the OPERA... any audience members bothered by excessive singing would never have sat down in the first place.All in all - a capable telling of the stage version. A little short-handed given the possibilities of a true film version... but capable nonetheless. Schumaker didn't lay an egg on this one... but he also didn't climb very high.
]]>Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:10:00 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)7/29/2007 3:10:00 PMI still remember hearing about the stage version as it opened in London to rave reviews - especially for it's star, Michael Crawford and how any eventual movie version would fail without his inclusion. Fast forward 20 years, and Gerard Butler proves them wrong.Don't get me wrong, Schumaker's take on The Phantom of the Opera is not perfect. Though it's fault cannot be found in any of its performers. From Butler and Emily Rossum, through Patrick Wilson, and even to Minnie Driver - all the actors do quality work. Wilson is unfortunately staged with the under-written and annoying Raoul - though that is more the fault of the writers than any shortcoming on his part.The movie follows the stage version pretty closely, even mirroring some of the most iconic scenes almost identically. And therein lies one of the problems with this version. Schumaker had the freedom of film, yet the camera often times seems bolted down in order to preserve a concept from the theatrical telling. It's a shame, but those faults are mostly in the first 1/3 of the film.The largest problem - again, partly Schumaker and partly his screenwriters, was to remove some of the singing and replace it with verbatim speech, speaking the lines of a song instead of singing. Directorially I can understand the reasoning, but the dialogue rings false and ultimately sounds flat. It either needs to be genuine dialogue and it needs to be sung. Probably a discussion about having too much "opera" in the movie caused the decision to be made - but it's called Phantom of the OPERA... any audience members bothered by excessive singing would never have sat down in the first place.All in all - a capable telling of the stage version. A little short-handed given the possibilities of a true film version... but capable nonetheless. Schumaker didn't lay an egg on this one... but he also didn't climb very high. Spout Post: M.A.D. #002 - Perfume: The Story of a Murderer http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/7/28/16769.aspx Post By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 7/28/2007 11:10:00 PM
Body: Something I would not have thought possible was achieved in this film. Tykwer (the director) somehow managed to relay the genuine sense of smell visually.Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is one of the most imaginative films ever made in the serial killer genre. It follows the life of Jean-Baptiste, an orphan who has developed a near-perfect sense of smell, and is affected and motivated by smells on an almost sexual level. I won't go too far into the plot as the sense of discovery is one of this film's strongest suits.The second major benefit of the film is Tykwer's direction. The visual flair that he established in Run, Lola, Run is present here, and has matured and become more focused. Acting throughout is fine indeed, with Hoffman and Rickman playing their roles to the hilt, with John Hurt's narration spot on. Of particular note is Ben Whishaw as Jean-Baptiste. He posses two of the most expressive eyes in years, and he uses them perfectly. You don't hate him at the end of the film (at least I didn't) and feel almost a sense of pity and understanding. That is an achievement for any actor portraying a serial murderer. If you are expecting a gore fest - don't look here. While the body count is fairly high (13? 14?) there is virtually no blood. The murders are practically antiseptic for the most part - which makes them all the more disturbing.
]]>Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:10:00 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)7/28/2007 11:10:00 PMSomething I would not have thought possible was achieved in this film. Tykwer (the director) somehow managed to relay the genuine sense of smell visually.Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is one of the most imaginative films ever made in the serial killer genre. It follows the life of Jean-Baptiste, an orphan who has developed a near-perfect sense of smell, and is affected and motivated by smells on an almost sexual level. I won't go too far into the plot as the sense of discovery is one of this film's strongest suits.The second major benefit of the film is Tykwer's direction. The visual flair that he established in Run, Lola, Run is present here, and has matured and become more focused. Acting throughout is fine indeed, with Hoffman and Rickman playing their roles to the hilt, with John Hurt's narration spot on. Of particular note is Ben Whishaw as Jean-Baptiste. He posses two of the most expressive eyes in years, and he uses them perfectly. You don't hate him at the end of the film (at least I didn't) and feel almost a sense of pity and understanding. That is an achievement for any actor portraying a serial murderer. If you are expecting a gore fest - don't look here. While the body count is fairly high (13? 14?) there is virtually no blood. The murders are practically antiseptic for the most part - which makes them all the more disturbing. Spout Post: M.A.D. #001 - Shattered Glass http://www.spout.com/blogs/gahnzz/archive/2007/7/27/16696.aspx Post By: gahnzz
Post To: M.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)
Post Date: 7/27/2007 9:44:00 PM
Body: I was turned onto this film after hearing about it on a Podcast... ( I think it was Cinebanter but not completely sure.) The main critique that intrigued me was that it was apparently good casting for Hayden Christensen. Well, that turned out to be very true. Which, while good for the movie, is not necessarily a good thing for Christensen.Shattered Glass is the story of of Stephen Glass, a writer for the New Republic magazine in the late 1990's. He enjoyed a meteoric rise at the magazine and had quite a healthy dose of respect from his colleagues until it all came crashing down after it was revealed that one of his stories had facts that were "suspect" after some cursory examination.Turns out that Glass had fabricated almost all of the facts of his stories during his entire career at the New Republic, which had long reaching impact on both himself and the magazine. The movie, which stars Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, and Chloe Sevigny, covers that last few months of his career at the Republic, just as things started unravelling. Wisely, the writers and the directors made the decision to start the film at this time, since the majority of the public (especially those who would see the film) were already very familiar with the events from the news.They chose instead to focus on the relationship that Glass had with his editor Chuck Lane (played by Sarsgaard). Initially a little contentious, then friendly, then ultimately poisoned by the events of the plot, both actors do quite a good job at portraying the various levels.And, the movie really shines with Christensen's performance. Where his whiny, petulant style seemed drastically out of place in the Star Wars prequels, it actually works here. Instead of anger or resentment, as an audience member, you almost feel a perverse pity for this attractive, intelligent, talented man (boy, actually) who made some phenomenally bad choices. It works in the context of the piece, and I wouldn't be surprised if the role wasn't written with him in mind.Where it falls down, unfortunately, is in the Extras on the DVD. The real Glass is interviewed by 20/20 a few years later and that feature is included here. The actual person comes off as far more genuine, far more earnest, and potentially far more duplicitous - not at all the person that Christensen portrayed.As a fictional character, he does a bang up job. As a portrayal of the actual Stephen Glass? Meh - not so hot. Still worth a look... particularly for fans of Sarsgaard, Sevigny, or Steve Zahn (who plays the Wired reporter who starts the ball rolling that ultimately crushes Glass).
]]>Sat, 28 Jul 2007 01:44:00 GMTgahnzzM.A.D. by Gahnzz - (Movie A Day)7/27/2007 9:44:00 PMI was turned onto this film after hearing about it on a Podcast... ( I think it was Cinebanter but not completely sure.) The main critique that intrigued me was that it was apparently good casting for Hayden Christensen. Well, that turned out to be very true. Which, while good for the movie, is not necessarily a good thing for Christensen.Shattered Glass is the story of of Stephen Glass, a writer for the New Republic magazine in the late 1990's. He enjoyed a meteoric rise at the magazine and had quite a healthy dose of respect from his colleagues until it all came crashing down after it was revealed that one of his stories had facts that were "suspect" after some cursory examination.Turns out that Glass had fabricated almost all of the facts of his stories during his entire career at the New Republic, which had long reaching impact on both himself and the magazine. The movie, which stars Christensen, Peter Sarsgaard, and Chloe Sevigny, covers that last few months of his career at the Republic, just as things started unravelling. Wisely, the writers and the directors made the decision to start the film at this time, since the majority of the public (especially those who would see the film) were already very familiar with the events from the news.They chose instead to focus on the relationship that Glass had with his editor Chuck Lane (played by Sarsgaard). Initially a little contentious, then friendly, then ultimately poisoned by the events of the plot, both actors do quite a good job at portraying the various levels.And, the movie really shines with Christensen's performance. Where his whiny, petulant style seemed drastically out of place in the Star Wars prequels, it actually works here. Instead of anger or resentment, as an audience member, you almost feel a perverse pity for this attractive, intelligent, talented man (boy, actually) who made some phenomenally bad choices. It works in the context of the piece, and I wouldn't be surprised if the role wasn't written with him in mind.Where it falls down, unfortunately, is in the Extras on the DVD. The real Glass is interviewed by 20/20 a few years later and that feature is included here. The actual person comes off as far more genuine, far more earnest, and potentially far more duplicitous - not at all the person that Christensen portrayed.As a fictional character, he does a bang up job. As a portrayal of the actual Stephen Glass? Meh - not so hot. Still worth a look... particularly for fans of Sarsgaard, Sevigny, or Steve Zahn (who plays the Wired reporter who starts the ball rolling that ultimately crushes Glass). Spout Member:The_MOW - Mickey Micklon http://www.spout.com/members/148616/default.aspx Identity: The_MOW
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTmr_lol0Beginner (<10)Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:25:57 GMTMember Spout Member:fire1311 http://www.spout.com/members/91742/default.aspx Identity: fire1311
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTfire13110Beginner (<10)Sat, 01 Sep 2007 21:48:24 GMTMember Spout Member:Argueta http://www.spout.com/members/91469/default.aspx Identity: Argueta
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTArgueta0Beginner (<10)Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:52:15 GMTMember Film:Funny Games http://www.spout.com/films/Funny_Games/288707/default.aspx Title: Funny Games
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]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:47:00 GMTFunny Games2007Michael Haneke27Tag Target (>10)241483http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s288707.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Funny_Games/288707/default.aspxFilm Film:The Dark Knight http://www.spout.com/films/The_Dark_Knight/288704/default.aspx Title: The Dark Knight
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:45:58 GMTH22009Rob Zombie111http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s397884.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/H2/397884/default.aspxFilm Film:Eleanor: First Lady of the World http://www.spout.com/films/Eleanor_First_Lady_of_the_World/10331/default.aspx Title: Eleanor: First Lady of the World
Year: 1982
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:47:51 GMTEleanor: First Lady of the World1982John Erman1http://www.spout.com/images/no_image.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Eleanor_First_Lady_of_the_World/10331/default.aspxFilm Film:Black Test Car http://www.spout.com/films/Black_Test_Car/328181/default.aspx Title: Black Test Car
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]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:21:45 GMTSpeed Racer2008Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski90Tag Target (>10)1641163http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s297765.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer/297765/default.aspxFilm Film:Speed Racer [Anime Series] http://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer_Anime_Series/32330/default.aspx Title: Speed Racer [Anime Series]
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]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:20:43 GMTSpeed Racer [Anime Series]19671113http://www.spout.com/images/no_image.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer_Anime_Series/32330/default.aspxFilm Film:The Raven http://www.spout.com/films/The_Raven/317289/default.aspx Title: The Raven
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]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:13:53 GMTThe Raven2007Ulli Lommel21http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u08974fjkcg.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Raven/317289/default.aspxFilm Film:The Ballad of the Sad Cafe http://www.spout.com/films/The_Ballad_of_the_Sad_Cafe/2239/default.aspx Title: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe
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]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:25:24 GMTThe Ballad of the Sad Cafe1991Simon Callow22http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t54643em1b1.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Ballad_of_the_Sad_Cafe/2239/default.aspxFilm Film:New York, New York http://www.spout.com/films/New_York_New_York/24524/default.aspx Title: New York, New York
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]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:22:40 GMTNew York, New York1977Martin Scorsese23Tag Target (>10)125722http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u47828gvtpe.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/New_York_New_York/24524/default.aspxFilm Film:St. Nick http://www.spout.com/films/St_Nick/402616/default.aspx Title: St. Nick
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]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:08:29 GMTThe Sadist1963James Landis43http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t27402rl1sl.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Sadist/29811/default.aspxFilm Film:The Alligator People http://www.spout.com/films/The_Alligator_People/50507/default.aspx Title: The Alligator People
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]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:04:19 GMTThe Alligator People1959Roy Del Ruth212http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t46806zj8ua.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Alligator_People/50507/default.aspxFilm