Archive for the ‘movie review’ Category
THE HUMAN CONDITION
“I read somewhere how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong.” - Christopher Johnson McCandless
Over the last day or two, whenever I’ve made mention of the fact that I wanted to see Into the Wild, a handful of people have asked “have you read the book?” My answer? Nope. In fact, I never even knew that the movie was based on a book. When I first saw the trailer a few days ago, I was drawn by the fact that it seemed to be a story about one person who got away from everything to find themself. It seemed to be a story about one person in search of what truly matters in life. See for yourself…
Before I sink my teeth into the meat of this movie, let me give you the quick run-down. Emile Hirsch was fantastic in the lead role. Sean Penn’s direction was very stylistic and somewhat different than other movies I’ve seen him grab the reigns on. I will say that the film got off to somewhat of a slow start, but about 45 minutes in once the characters really started to develop was where things got fantastic. The core of the story is rooted in 22-year-old Christopher McCandless who, after graduating college and donating his life savings to charity, sets out on the road as Alexander Supertramp. In an effort to break free from his oppressive family life, he covers his tracks and follows his instincts. The people he meets along his way are shaped by Alex and contribute to shaping his world. I really won’t say much else than that about the film itself because I think it’s really something you should see for yourself. (Let me also say that all original songs for this film were written and performed by Eddie Vedder and that was simply fantastic!)
What struck me most about the film is the very thing that drew me to it. It was an examination of the human condition in its many forms but centrally around one person. Being that I’ve been through a personal journey thus far on my own this year, it was a story I could easily relate to on several levels. I want people to see this film because I want people - every person - to carefully examine in their lives what is of value. It’s what I’ve been doing and it’s such a freeing feeling. I’m sitting here at 11:24 p.m. and still trying to absorb what the meaning behind this film evoked in me. It’s too late for me to form any thoughts more coherent than this so check Tribute’s website for showtimes and see this film for yourself.
Videoclip courtesy of Paramount Vantage on YouTube
DRUMMING FINGERTIPS
I’m sitting here at my desk, drumming my unmanicured fingertips (yikes!) on my desktop and coming up completely dry with something to blog about. I’d like to think that the rain would somehow inspire me since I love the rain so much, but brace yourselves…you may very well get to the end of this post and be filled with such anger at me for completely wasting five minutes of your life.
Last night I got my hair cut. I decided to buck out all the layers and go blunt in an effort to grow my hair to mermaid proportions. The bangs need to catch up though.
Why the webcam photos lately, you ask? I’ve lost my camera. Maybe it was stolen - I have no idea. I had it last time I was home on the Island and now it’s magically disappeared. I’m not really so terribly upset because it was a total piece. Also, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Santa will put a new Canon under the tree for me this year. If not, I’ll dry my tears and buy one anyways.
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Lately I’ve really been discovering my roots…er, rather Roots, that is. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a strong dislike for the blandness that’s been produced by that store. It was far too Canadiana after they sponsored the Canadian Olympic team, but over the last few weeks, I’ve been exposed to how fantastic it’s become. True outdoorsy clothes, super cute and uber soft sweaters, leg warmers (!!), girlie toques, cuddly scarves, sweet waffle weaves, furry collars and everything else that is actually just so very me in terms of style.
Another reason to love the beaver? Live Green. Not only are they offering fabrics made out of eco-friendly bamboo, but Roots is spreading the anti-global warming message through a series of t-shirts to support Environmental Defence Canada. If that’s not enough, a new initiative in greener shipping options is putting forth an effort to tackle climate change. To learn more about how Roots is working with ZeroFootprint, click here.
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The plan for tonight was to visit Fright Nights at the PNE. With the rain and cold, kicking frightening bad dudes in the shin was the last thing I felt like doing. I contemplated joining Becky, John and Duane at Fogg ‘N’ Sudds to watch the game, but not only am I not drinking for a long time after last weekend, tomorrow I’m doing the Gulu Walk with Chelsea. So what instead?
A trip to the Ridge Theatre at 16th and Arbutus with my friend Amy to see the Sean Penn-helmed Into the Wild. I really know nothing about it except that it looks like a fantastic, outdoorsy story with a moving message underneath. I’d rather re-cap it tomorrow instead of trying to tell you about it right now, so visit the website if you’re thirsty for more.
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And last, but certainly not least, let’s have an updated look at Mt. Washington’s 24/7 live webcam in an attempt to tease you all. Having a mom and aunt living 10 minutes from the chain-up area is oh-so-sweet…
Hot damn that excites me!
Here it is, kids…
It’s 7:18 a.m., and a little under five hours ago I finally went to bed. Since that time I’ve showered, packed and “slept enough to efficiently get me through the day.” I highly doubt that’s the case though - I can already feel a crash coming on.
Why the late night? Rob Zombie’s new vision for “Halloween” is being released in theatres today, but knowing how long I’d been anticipating the flick, Becky managed to score passes for a midnight showing at the Rio. As we entered the theatre, “Halloween’s” trademark score was pumping through the speakers as throngs of tattooed, dreadlocked and pierced people filed in. Wiping the grin off my face was a near impossibility. I got in line to grab us ladies some popcorn, and the man at the stand asked me if I’d been looking forward to this.
“Are you kidding me? For months!” was my reply. He told me he’d already seen it and that it was “very scary.”
Want to know what I think? It wasn’t scary. It wasn’t even the bloodbath I’d expected it to be.
The premise, in a nutshell, tells the story of Michael Myers, a 10-year-old boy with sinister inclinations who butchers members of his family on Halloween night. He’s then institutionalized and 
placed under the care of Dr. Samuel Loomis, only to escape 17 years later. What’s unique about the 2007 remake of the 1978 original is that this film largely focuses on Michael Myers’ childhood and time spent in the institution. It was, perhaps, the murderous scenes of Myers as a child that were more disturbing than the hell that fell when he escaped.
Truth be told, my expectations for this movie were very, very high. I feel almost ashamed to say that I actually have a critique about it. Rob Zombie is, in my opinion, a highly visionary director. I can’t pretend to know all the work that goes into directing, and though he captured some interesting shots, this movie lacked the usual stylization found in his freshman and sophomore efforts (being “House of 1000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects”). I also felt that “Halloween” lacked any decent script writing, the majority of lines cheesy in their delivery.
However, at the end of the day, I considered that perhaps Zombie was trying to recapture that tacky feel of the original slasher flicks of the 70s. This was, after all, a John Carpenter original. Malcolm McDowell, as always, was a delight to watch. What was perhaps most charming (if you can use such a word when discussing “Halloween”) for me was to see nearly every single cast member of “The Devil’s Rejects” show up in this film in one way or another. Most interesting was that the tables had been turned and those that were once debaucherous murderers are now helpless victims.
Photo courtesy of Alliance Atlantis (2007)
“Halloween” is playing at the Rio Theatre through to September 6th. The theatre is located at 1660 East Broadway (at Commercial) and shows flicks for a decent $8.00.