July revivals: first half

Mike here with a long list of revivals for the first half of July. First, did catch Texas Chainsaw Massacre at AMMI. Not as scary as when I first saw it as a teenager. But definitely creepy as all hell from beginning to end. A respectable print; I thought it was occasionally out of focus, but I'm guessing it was the way it was shot. And great, the last section with the family all gathered together, with Grandpa with the hammer, rotting meat and actual skeleton had to be clearly in focus. The best 83,000 film I've ever seen. A superior version of a Grindhouse picture then the recent Grindhouse movie, even though I did like it. There's more then one of those types of films on the list, scattered with others. The first film listed is the one I'd like to catch most, with a few others not far behind. Here we go:


AIRPLANE! and THE BIG LEBOWSKI- Mon July 2 at 6:30 (Airplane) and 8:30 (Lebowski)- MOMA- 53rd st. and 5th Ave- Part of MOMA's retro on comedies. One admission covers both films. Now The Big Lebowski is a film that has a major cult following. But I'm not a member of this cult. I admire and at times, like this Cohen brothers film. But it's hard for me to hate one of their films, unless it's The Hudsucker Proxy. That's easy. But I'm willing to give this a second chance. Especially we see the first film.

Airplane was not a high priority for Paramount. The early reviews were mixed, some were even horrible. It took almost 10 months of release, but by then, it became the biggest sleeper hit from that year. And eventually, a comedy classic, with too many quotable lines and scenes to bring up here. I've taken flack for putting this in my top ten of 1980, while leaving out Ordinary People and some other films all together. It's fluffiness of subject matter, is compensated by superior execution.


LE DOULOS- Tues July 3- Thurs July 12 at 5:30, 7:40 and 9:50- Film Forum- A new 35mm print of this film. Opened June 29, but this is the earliest I can go. Do I know this film? Nope. Never heard of it before. Why am I putting this on the list? Because it was from Jean-Pierre Melville, director of Army of Shadows. After seeing that film, I'll catch anything he has directed. Especially at the Forum. If you read previous lists and such between late December and late February, you know how much I've talked about it. But for the rest of you, I'm cutting and pasting from the Forum's website to give all an idea of what this film is about:


(1962) “One must choose: die... or lie?” The only sound the rapping of his shoes on the concrete pavement as the camera tracks ahead of him down an endless underpass during the opening titles, trench-coated Serge Reggiani (Casque d’Or, Army of Shadows) is back from the slammer — but what to do now, even as Monique Hennessy puts him up and old pal René Lefevre offers to stake him. First things first: there’s a debt to be paid and a piece-of-cake heist to be pulled for operating capital — but why are those darn flics here already? Could there be a squealer? That’s the meaning of doulos in French underworld argot (one who wears a doul — a hat — or stool pigeon). And A-list gangster Jean-Paul Belmondo (magnetic in the second of three straight Melville roles) is a prime candidate for the title — even by the cops, with toothpick-chomping Inspector Jean Desailly (the adulterer of Truffaut’s Soft Skin) providing an eight-minute grilling done in a single, 360° panning take, shot in a room full of reflecting glass (take six, and one of the two shots Melville was most proud of in his entire oeuvre; the other was the opening of Army of Shadows). But then the head-snapping plot twists start coming, even as the bodies start dropping — plus homage to Psycho’s doom-laden drive in the rain and a stoically-telling cameo by Michel Piccoli — with the ironies and ambiguities mounting until the very last minute of the picture, and the question of Belmondo’s guilt up in the air until. . . (Belmondo supposedly didn’t know if he was or wasn’t until he saw the movie.) Based on a série noire pulp, Melville considered this his first true policier (calling his earlier noir Bob Le Flambeur “a comedy of manners!”), melding the themes of friendship, betrayal, and tragedy with a star-powered, suspenseful thriller, done in a subtly rendered, studiously unrealistic atmosphere: the phone booths, subway, bar, sash windows, and inspector’s office are repros of U.S. originals, all underlined by an echt 60s Paul Misraki jazz score. This new 35mm print captures the shadowy b&w of cinematographer Nicolas Hayer (Cocteau’s Orphée, Clouzot’s Le Corbeau) and features an all-new translation and subtitles by Lenny Borger. “This mix of Warner Brothers and Rossellini has a forceful, adolescent lyricism. The action is scored to cool vibraphone doodles, punctuated by the ceremonial display key totems (trenchcoats, cigarettes, revolvers) and interspersed with sudden spasms of violence. Melville was not just a father figure of the French New Wave, he was ascetic warrior priest.” – J. Hoberman, Village Voice.

If it's really good and draws a sizable audience, like Army of Shadows did, then it might be extended or come back later in the year. But for now, we must assume the film will end after July 12. Would hate to miss it.


AIRPLANE!- Thurs July 5 at 8:30- MOMA- But if Monday night isn't doable, Airplane can be caught on this night as well. In all the time I've done these lists, going back to 2001, this film has NEVER played in a revival house before, until this month. I can't stress how much I'd REALLY like to make an effort to catch this.


DEAD OF NIGHT and HOMECOMING- Sat July 7 at 4:30 (Dead) and 6:30 (Homecoming)- AMMI in Astoria- 35th Ave. and 36th St- Continuing the horror film retrospective. 2 films telling a very silimilar story, over thirty years apart, each with thier own political purposes of their day. The first film, I've been very curious about. The following I didn't write. Copied and pasted from another website, back when I was ready to cut and paste it as part of something else to forward to others. But it gave such an interesting anylisis, that I saved for this. Sorry I don't know who wrote it, but if you tell me, I'll be sure to credit the person.

Directed by Bob Clark

Almost a decade before Clark made a mainstream name for himself with "Porky's" and "A Christmas Story," he turned out this rough but wickedly effective indie horror film equating zombism with Vietnam vet trauma. The Brooks family hasn't heard from soldier son Andy for long enough that his father and sister suspect the worst; it's only his devoted mother who keeps the faith with a fervor that borders on madness. Her conviction that her son is alive seems to actually pull him from the grave — he arrives in the dead of night, having hitchhiked to the house, and, given that we witnessed Andy's death in the jungle before the opening credits, it's clear nothing good is in store. Andy's changed — he's monotone, unresponsive and spends most of his time staring at nothing from a rocking chair on the porch. Oh, and he's picked up an addiction — he needs injections of fresh blood to keep himself from rotting. Dread builds over the course of the film, but so does a sense of tragedy; everyone is unable to understand that Andy has been (literally, in his case) to hell, and can only respond with frustration that he's not the same.

It's double featured with Homecoming, directed by Gremlins's Joe Dante, for Showtime's Masters of Horror series. A representative for the current administration wishes on TV that someone's son, who was killed in a war that resembles the Iraqi conflict, could come back to life to explain why he died. The son does indeed come back from the dead, along with every other soldier killed. They've come back for revenge. And to do it the only way they know how. By voting Republicans out of office. Should make an interesting double feature.


RED BEARD and George A. Romero's MARTIN with (maybe) 28 WEEKS LATER- Sun July 8 at 1 (Red Beard), 4:30 (Martin) and 6:30 (Weeks Later) - AMMI in Astoria- An interesting potential double feature; a triple feature if you're insane.

First is Red Beard. Not a horror film and despite being a Kurosawa/ Mifune film, it's not a Samurai film either. A medical drama, starring Mifune as a taskmaster doctor in 19th century Japan, who slowly teaches his arrogant pupil how to become a better doctor, and a better man. The last of the Kurosawa/ Mifune films. Note that the film is 3 hrs, 5 min long. Especially make note of this if you're interested in one of the other films later in the day.

Next is Martin, a George A. Romero film from 1978 (U.S. release). As opposite from Red Beard as you can get. A film most people in general and most horror fans under the age of 32 probably don't even know exists. One part horror, and one part psychological thriller. We meet a lonely, emotionally damaged teenager, who claims to be an 84 year old vampire. So what if he can walk in the sun, remain unaffected by garlic, crosses and holy water, and doesn't even have fangs? Razors work just as well as fangs . . . Over ten years before the Nicolas Cage film Vampire's Kiss, this covers part of the same ground, but supposedly better. Never seen it, except for a few late night clips that got me real interested. Hard to find on video, except on an early 80s tape, and good luck finding the 2000 DVD.

Next is 28 Weeks Later, a sequel to 28 Days Later. Not a revival, but then again, since it's mostly out of New York theaters and with mediocre box office returns, maybe it is time to consider this as a revival now. Not superior to the original, but it has its own effective scares. Plus with a sucker punch attitude to current U.S. foreign policy that rivals anything done by the previously listed Dead of Night and Homecoming. Or anything done by Michael Moore.

Now I can imagine doing two of these films. I've already seen 28 Weeks, so I can only imagine seeing this again with someone chomping at the bit to go. GET IT CHOMPING AT THE BIT?!?! ZOMBIES . . .CHOMPING . . . I suck. Anyway, I could go for 2 films, but all 3? 12:45 to about 8:05? Oh my back . . .


WAIT UNTIL DARK- For free at Bryant Park- Mon July 9 at sunset (Rain date Tues July 10)- 6th ave and 42nd st is but one area enter from- This Audrey Hepburn suspense film is a little dated. But this story of a blind woman being manipulated by three criminals, should play well in Bryant Park. Among the criminals is Alan Arkin, in a performance that verges on, but never crosses over into camp. The final confrontation should be perfect in the park.


A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S SEX COMEDY and SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT- Wed July 11 at 6 (Sex) and 8 (Smiles)- MOMA- 2 comedies with a similar story; of lovers who come together, split apart, and/or form new relationships with other people in the story, all during a summer night or 2 or 3. The first, a Woody Allen comedy that got steamrolled in the summer of E.T. In the cast are Allen, Tony Roberts, Mary Steenburgen, Jose Ferrer and in her first Allen film, Mia Farrow. I believe she and Allen fell in love while making this film. Ignore the fact that she was nominated for a Razzie award for her performance.

This is double featured with the film that Allen remade/ did a variation on: Ingmar Bergman's Smiles of a Summer Night. Later used as the basis of Sondhiem's A Little Night Music. If you can stand the fact that Send In The Clowns will not be sung, I think you will like this.


LOOK BACK IN ANGER- Sat July 14 at 1:30 and Sun July 15 at 8- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- Part of the Leading the Charge: Woodfall Film Productions and the Revolution in '60s British Cinema retrospective. The success of director Tony Richardson and playwright John Osbourne's play Look Back In Anger, enabled them to create Woodfall Film Productions, a place to prove that you didn't need Hollywood to make affordable films that will find an audience. Their adaptation of the play was the first hit, credited as the start of the Angry Young Man films. Either way, the chance to see Richard Burton at the height of his pre-alcoholism powers should be a draw all by itself.


THE ENTERTAINER- Sat July 14 at 6:30 and Sun July 15 at 3:30- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- Part of the Leading the Charge: Woodfall Film Productions and the Revolution in '60s British Cinema retro. One of Laurence Olivier's most famous non-Shakespearean roles, though it does have those aspects. Playing an over the hill, second rate vaudeville actor, making one last grab at stardom in a falling apart music hall. Not what you would call a happy movie, which might explain the respect, but lack of audience in the U.S. A Best Actor nomination for Olivier. Hell of a supporting cast, with Albert Finney, Alan Bates and Joan Plowright (Olivier's future wife). From director Tony Richardson.


THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY and/or ICHI THE KILLER and/or WOLF CREEK- Sun July 15 at 2 (House), 4 (Ichi) and 6:30 (Wolf)- AMMI in Astoria- 3 different horror films. The first, an Italian flick from 1981 (released in the U.S. in 1984), that's kind of an unrated or hard R variation of The Amityville Horror. This is the original release, not the British version with 2 minutes cut, or the U.S. DVD version with 5 minutes cut, or the first U.S. VHS release, where they mixed up the order of the middle reels!

The second, is an interesting but bizarre Japanese, Hong Kong, South Korean flick from 2001, about a battle between a hitman and a crime boss. The blood flows, limbs fly like tissue paper, and disfigurement, sadomasochism, and psychotic behavior flow almost as much as the blood. 2 hours, 9 min long, but rarely dulll.

The last is an Australian flick where attractive teenager-types, meet one seriously bent middle aged killer. Partly docu-drama, partly Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Drew some attention being the only slasher film released on Christmas Day 2005, with praise from Quentin Tarantino. Then again, Tarantino praised Hostel, and I'm ignoring that film in AMMI's retrospective. Side note: are we surprised that Hostel 2 will only make around a third of its predecessor's box office cume? Are you telling me that seeing Weiner Girl as an adult, topless and hanging upside down, while she's cut open like a spigot is NOT a box office draw?!?!? If that sight can't even make ME pay to see this, then forget it.

Anyway, my preference in what to see is listed in the order they appear, though it should be noted that it may not be easy tracking down the first 2 films on DVD, so this might be your only chance, unless you get real lucky with either IFC or Showtime. I'm sure they'll have another episode of the original Spider-Man animated series at 1pm, but check the Moving Image website to find out more when that weekend draws near.


A FOREIGN AFFAIR and NINOTCHKA- Sun July 15 at 6 (Affair) and 8:15 (Ninotchka)- Symphony Space at The Leonard Nimoy Thalia- Part of the Thalia's series of double features. One starring Greta Garbo, the other starring Marlene Dietrich. The first, A Foreign Affair, stars Dietrich and Jean Arthur (Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Shane), directed and co-written by Billy Wilder. To quote the plot outline from imdb, "In occupied Berlin, an army captain is torn between an ex-Nazi cafe singer and the U.S. congresswoman investigating her." Wilder had extreme difficulty working with both actresses, quote "I have one dame who's afraid to look at herself in a mirror and another who won't stop looking!" Take a wild guess which ones he meant.

Oscar nominations for Wilder, Charles Brackett and Richard L. Breen for the screenplay, and for the Cinematography. It's a shame that I'm a little indifferent to catching this. Don't get me wrong, if I had no desire whatsoever, it wouldn't be listed. That said, I have slightly less desire to see this than say, the Asian S and M/horror/action/comedy/I don't know what the fuck that is, or the Australian slasher film. Cinephiles could be highly insulted by that statement I imagine.

I have more interest in the second film, Ninotchka. Classic comedy where Greta Garbo as a stern commie woman who falls for decadent capitalist Melvyn Douglas. With Bela Lugosi. Oscar nominations for Picture, Garbo, Story and Screenplay, co-written by Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett.


Let me know if there's interest. A push for Airplane, the Melville film and some of the stuff at the Forum. But catching any of these would be fine. If you don't like some of the horror films listed, some better ones are coming down the pike. Later all.

Alessandra Ferri at ABT

I know I'm going off on a different tangent from what I normally cover. However, I was there for her last performance at Lincoln Center. I'll go into more another time, but for now, I'm ready to go to sleep. So here are some pix I took from the curtain calls. Not my best angle, but it's where it's where I was allowed.
Some I have tried to fix, since I had no time to compose these shots, but again, there's this whole sleepy thing I'm going through right now. The occasional blur or saturation problem will appear, but I'm just putting them out right now. Later for now.

June revivals: second half

Mike here with a list of what to catch in the second half of June. It veers a little toward horror, mostly because of AMMI's retrospective of classic and forgotten horror films of the 70s and this decade. Speaking of which, we start the list with one of the best in the retrospective:


THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE with a Spider-Man episode at 1pm- Sun June 17 at 2- AMMI in Astoria- 35th Ave. and 36th St- Part of the retrospective of Horror films of the 70s and today (not necessarily in-between). Here's an example of a successful independent film. One of the best horror films ever made. One of the few that can elicit some jumps even on home video. Not nearly as bloody as you think. Shot and edited in such a way that it is implied, but usually not shown. Helped put New Line Cinema on the map. Forget all imitators/remakes. For horror fans and those who came to like well made films of all genres, go.

If we get there by 12:45, we will be able to see an episode from season 1 of the original Spider-Man series. Cool intro and ending credits. A 16mm collector's print will be screened.


THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD- for free- Mon June 25 (Rain date Tues June 26)- Bryant Park- 6th ave and 42nd st is but one area enter from- Park opens at 5- Film starts at sundown- I know this is late in terms of when the free Bryant Park series starts. Annie Hall kicks it off on June 18. But I can't make it, the film is the dialogue heavy, and if you're in the wrong part of the park, or with people who are bored by that on a hot summer night, forget it.

The Thing from 1951, now that I can do. Directed by Christian Nyby and others are credited for the screenplay, but ignore all that. It's a Howard Hawks production all the way. Hawks brought the tough guy types that he used in Red River and The Big Sleep, while having the snappy pater and strong female type that he used in His Girl Friday. Isolated Air Force personnel and and scientists at the Arctic must stop a killer alien (James Arness, years before Gunsmoke), intent on mass self-breeding and world domination. Simple story, well told. The dark shadows and evil music should be effective in the dark city park. Hopefully, there won't be as many pot smokers, but we'll see. Rain date I believe is Tuesday the 26th.


EL DORADO- Wed June 27 at 6 and Sat June 30 at 6:30- MOMA- 53rd st. and 5th Ave.- Part of the John Wayne retrospective. Speaking of Howard Hawks, here's a film he directed, with a screenplay from Leigh Brackett (Hawks' favorite screenwriter because she "wrote like a man"; wrote the first draft of Empire Strikes Back before passing away). Essentially a lighter-hearted remake of their earlier Rio Bravo. Wayne reprises his role of a gunman helping his drunken sheriff friend get sober, and get the bad guy. Instead of Dean Martin, we get a tougher Robert Mitchum, who handles the humor quite well. Instead of Ricky Nelson, we get a major upgrade in James Caan, who can actually act. He handles the young rookie type well, though a scene where he "plays Chinese" will certainly be cringe inducing now. No brain surgery here folks, just a fun Western.


GYPSY- Thurs June 28 for 6.50- Chelsea Clearview Cinema- W. 23rd and 8th- A good movie musical that has become forgotten today. Not songs like Everything's Coming Up Roses, the persona of the domineering stage mom, or actress Natalie Wood in the title role. But the actual 1962 movie itself. Even annoying community theater types will run their VHS copies of the Bette Midler remake into dust with all their playing of it, before they even give this a sniff.

Maybe a little happier then typical biopics. And maybe a little surprising that for a film about the famous Gypsy Rose Lee, that the star is her mother Rose. But since Lee wrote the original book this was based on, let's cut this a little slack. Wood is lovely and good as Louise/Gypsy, and Karl Malden provides strong support. But in the end, it's Rosalind Russell's show as Mama. Oscar nominations for Cinematography, Costume Design and Music treatment.

There is also a 10pm, but there's no way in hell I'm staying out there for that long a movie. This isn't Barry Lyndon after all.


NEAR DARK- Fri June 29 and Sat June 30 at 6- MOMA- An archival print from director Kathyrn Bigelow. From a cult hit from 1987. Not so much at the box office, but from home video and cable. A teenage boy (Adrian Pasdar of Heroes), picks up a cute girl. She likes him. Then she bites him, thus turning him into a vampire. He ends up joining the girl's "family" of vampires, as they terrorize and feed of people in Oklahoma. The "family" includes Lance Henriksen and an especially brutal Bill Paxton, a year after their appearances in Aliens (Jenette Goldstein, Vasquez in Aliens, also appears as a vampire). Forgotten now, but for those who were video renting in the late 80s/early 90s, it was one of the few horror films that were released in that era worth repeated viewings. But most of us have never seen it on the big screen. Now is the time.


THE GREAT DICTATOR- Sat June 30 at 1:30- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- Chaplin's first talking film, and the first (and for a while only) attacks on fascism. Where a dictator who wants to take over the world, is mistaken for a humble jewish barber. I know, a Cliffs Note-type description of the film. Banned in Germany until 1998. Banned in Spain until Franco died in 1975. 5 Oscar nominations, including Picture, Actor and Screenplay for Charles (not Charlie, so that people would'nt think of this as a Little Tramp film.). A Chaplin film that I'm painfully unaware of beyond the basics, but one I'm interested in catching.


IT'S ALIVE with an appearance by director Larry Cohen- Sat June 30 at 2- AMMI- However, if heavy-handed fascism satires don't cut it for you, how about a 70s horror satire. Playing on the fears of child birth, Writer-Director Larry Cohen's surprise 1974 hit (39 mil according to the Village Voice), has the newborn, effected by the pills and the medicines of the day, killing right out of the womb. Note the babycam, as it attacks or runs away. It only attacks when its scared, but it seems to get scared quite a bit . . .

And the authorities don't want to know if other babies, whose mothers are taking the same prescribed drugs, are afflicted or why. It's KILL KILL KILL time! Let's just say, humanity is not portrayed in its finest here. Worth catching if you've never seen it.

Writer-director Cohen appears at the screening, though I don't know if he's introducing the film, or doing a post film Q and A. We'll see.

I make the biggest push for Texas Chainsaw and The Thing. The later should be fun on a hot summer night. Are we ever going to get some those I wonder . . . Anyway, let me know. Later all.

June revivals: first half. Small list.

Mike here with a list of what to catch in the first half of June. Small list. Please note, this is based on what I can definitely or tentatively make as of this writing. For example, Faces and The Conversation are playing at MOMA this weekend, but I can't make it, so forget it. Same with a Midnight screening of Fight Club at Landmark Sunshine, unless there's someone dying to go this Friday and can at least drive me home.

Since there aren't a lot of films listed here, let me talk about the screening of Barry Lyndon at the Walter Reade in Lincoln Center Tuesday night, May 29. Don't know why the 7pm screening had to start so late. Yes I know it was sold out, but if people can't get to their computer-bought tickets in a timely manner, or if it takes forever to get popcorn, that's not a reason to at least start the intros late.

That said, I got to revise my outlook on Barry Lyndon. I'm slightly more mature to appreciate it more. But only slightly. It helped that with this new inter-negative print, this was the best looking print of Lyndon I've ever seen. One of my favorite film logos from that era, from Lyndon that night, is posted above. Superior in sight and sound to the mediocre prints I saw years ago at Cinema Village and the late Screening Room, early this decade.

What also helped was no intermission. The "intermission" title card was shown, and the intermission music was played, then the film continued. I didn't get a break, then had to re-engage 10-15 minutes later. It forced me to concentrate more, and kept me interested. Granted, I gave up on any help for my back, and I'm sure other people's bladders went into knots. Nice job not announcing this.

But not only was the print worth catching, so was the post-film Q & A with co-star and now producer(Little Children) Leon Vitali. One of the most interesting Q & A's I've been to in the past 4 years. An engaging man who enjoys talking about whatever was brought up, whether it was Kubrick, the film, or the process of preserving the film, among the many topics brought up. It ended after 25 min, but it felt like if it was possible, Mr. Vitali and a lot of us would stayed even longer. Though my empty stomach appreciated it enough that I ate at the nearest diner. God, a turkey burger and the world's greasiest chicken fingers never tasted so good.

Because of the lateness of the time, half the people had to leave. And due to an apparent lack of preparedness, early hand raisers were ignored. Except for the one clean-shaven, 20something film school-type schmuck with brown hair, some kind of British dialect, who showed up with other male friends, who raised his hand constantly, repeatedly and emotionally, to the point where it seemed he would die on the spot if he was ignored. Even while Vitali was busy answering a previous question as long as he needed to take. I'm thinking "Yes, please pick this idiot and put him out of his misery. And ours." And then the kid couldn't spit out the question coherently, IDIOT!!! This is for the moron and the rest of you as a helpful suggestion. If you can't ask your question in 10-15 seconds, don't pollute the air with your babble.

Now I've vented, so on with the list. Here we go:


SHOCK CORRIDOR and THE BIG RED ONE- Sun June 3 at 4(Shock) and 6:30(Big Red)- AMMI- A double feature of 2 Samuel Fuller films. First, Shock Corridor. A 35mm archival print from UCLA will be screened. A film considered important enough to be included in the Criterion Collection, along with the 7 Samurai, Salo, Life of Brian, Fat Girl, and Armageddon. So yeah, take that as you will. Never seen it, but very curious. A reporter tracks a killer to an insane asylum. So he decides to commit himself to get closer to the killer. And guess what? An insane asylum is NOT A NICE PLACE TO BE!!! SCHMUCK!!! Anyway, wouldn't mind seeing this.

Double featured with The Big Red One. A restored 35mm print. A semi autobiographical Fuller film that is episodic in nature, covering the exploits of the famous WW2 Army unit. Among their exploits, were being part of the first to land in North Africa, being stuck on the beach on D-Day, and being the first Allied unit to see a concentration camp. Starring Lee Marvin as the tough, cigar-chomping Sgt., Mark Hamill in his only non-Star Wars performance worth noting (Joker voice overs don't count), and Robert Carradine as the pseudo-stand-in for Fuller.

Came out and flopped in the summer of 1980. It was either the original backers, Lorimar, or the film's distributor, United Artists(bracing for a period where they would have every summer flick bomb, plus the coming of Heaven's Gate), that took the picture away from Fuller, and tore almost an hour away. 45 min have been restored, and it gives the viewer an impressive odyssey. Maybe not better then Private Ryan, but a more personal, emotional and embracing war picture, then say, Eastwood's decent Flags of our Fathers.

Now I've seen this version already. I'd like to see it again with someone who's never seen this. I'd really like to see this with Shock Corridor, but you'll tell me.


MY BEST FIEND- Thurs June 7 at 7:30- Film Forum- One of the more explosive actor director collaborations, was between director Werner Herzog, and actor Klaus Kinski. To call this a love/hate relationship, might be an insult to the terms love and hate. We see behind the scenes footage from all 5 films, and none of it quiet. To give you an idea, the natives of Aguirre, The Wrath of God, offered to kill Kinski for Herzog! You see the offer. Should be very interesting to watch. Double-featured, with Herzog's Grizzly Man, a runner-up for me for my Top 10 of 2005. Stirring and worth catching, if you think you can take it.


LET'S GET LOST- Fri June 8 at 7, plus 9:30 on all weekdays from Fri June 8- Fri June 15, and 3:30 and 4:30 on Wed June 13- Film Forum- An Oscar nominee for Best Documentary, now in a restored 35mm print. NOT available on home video, except for out of print VHS from the early 90s. Photographer Bruce Weber covers the life of jazz great Chet Baker. A star in the 50s, we see him in the last 2 years of his life; ravaged by alcohol and heroin addiction. You see clips and photos of him from the 50s. You see interviews with him, his kids, his colleagues, his 3rd wife, and his former girlfriend, singer Ruth Brown. Not everyone loves the guy, as you might imagine. And of course, you hear the music. Would REALLY like to catch this. According to the Forum website:

This performance Director Bruce Weber will introduce the 7:00 show of Let's Get Lost on Friday, June 8. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Bruce Weber and LGL's director of photography Jeff Preiss.

It's questionable if I can catch that screening, but there are others during this engagement. I list the above paragraph for those who are interested.


BACK TO SCHOOL- Fri June 8 at Midnight- Landmark Sunshine Cinema- For 80s film fans, here the surprise comedy hit of the summer of 1986. Rodney Dangerfield plays a rich businessman, who sees the only way to keep his son interested, is to enroll himself. Fun, amusing, and surprisingly warm at times. Interesting cast: future director Keith Gordon as the son, Burt Young as the chauffeur, Robert Downey Jr. as the son's punkish best friend, DS9's Terry Farrell as the son's dream girl, Sally Kellerman and Sam kinison as professors, Ned Beatty as the dean, and Danny Elfman (who did the score) with his band Oingo Boingo, performing.

Let me know if there's interest. Later all.

May revivals: second half

Mike here with revivals to catch for the second half of May. But first, I should comment that the Film Forum has done a nice job with the Bond films. All the prints, except for For Your Eyes Only, have been in very good condition. And even Eyes Only, with its slight red tint in the black and dark areas, plus a slight overall fading, was still pretty decent. As much as the Moore haters may not like The Spy Who Loved Me, this is better then a lot of the summer blockbusters that have come out over the past couple of years.

The showing of classic trailers was a a fun touch, though I don't need to feel old by being told by the Forum that Octopussy is considered vintage. I agree with Ed, the Diamonds Are Forever trailer looks like it sat in someone's closet for over 35 years.

The karaoke sing-a-long of Goldfinger and From Russia With Love were such nice touches, I missed them for Spy and Live and Let Die. I never realized what horrible lyrics Goldfinger had. The Chinese karaoke version of Russia was funny. The video storyline was bizarre, and I'll make a stab at describing it. A man sits on a chair, in the world's brightest yellow sweater, looking at pictures of the girl he used to love. At one point, he turns into a seagull and . . . HUH?!?! HE TURNS INTO A SEAGULL? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THE CHINESE?!?!?!?

Anyway, enough digressing. On with the list:

THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN- Wed May 16 at 4:30 and 7- Film Forum- This is still doable, Moore versus Christopher Lee. I already wrote about this in the previous list. If you have nothing better to do then to twiddle your thumbs, go for it.


NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN- Thurs May 17 at 4:30 (tentative), 7 and 9:40(but for the love of God let's avoid it)- Film Forum- The end of the spy film series at Film Forum. A reminder to catch Connery's last Bond. I wrote about it in the previous blog, so I won't do so now. As of this writing, 7 is preferable. I would like to avoid 9:40 if humanely possible. Another screening might be easier, but that would require getting a hold of me.


THE LONG GOODBYE- Fri May 18, Sat May 19 and Tues May 22 at 5:30, 7:40 and 9:50- Film Forum- Due to popular demand, the Forum is bringing back the Robert Altman adaptation of the Raymond Chandler novel, starring Elliot Gould as Phillip Marlowe. The same new 35mm scope print that was being screened earlier. Those of you who haven't seen it, this is a great chance to. I've written about this before, so the only thing I'll add this quote I received from the Forum's email system. This is from Terrence Rafferty of the New York Times: “Watching The Long Goodbye in 1973, you could feel Philip Marlowe dancing on his own grave. Watching it now, you can see Robert Altman dancing with him.”


JULES AND JIM- IFC Film Center- Sat May 19 at Noon- IFC Film Center- I brought up the Truffaut classic back in December. It plays again this month. Don't think I have to go much further. Though I would like to bring up, if you're ambitious, we could do Jules and Jim at noon, followed by Long Goodbye at 5:30, with a long lunch in-between. For those who can do it and haven't seen either film. Just a suggestion.


THE DIRTY DOZEN- Wed May 23 at 1:30- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- Part of the Lee Marvin retrospective. A new 35mm print of one of the best action/war films ever made. Was probably the biggest commercial hit of that year, though I have no stats to bear this out. Was a definite crossover hit in its time, among males of different ages. The older men saw it, and tended to enjoy it, remembering how the military, or war was. The younger audiences liked the idea of these anti-heroes sticking it to the man, yet still killing Nazis in the end.

A bunch of solider/convicts with death or life sentences agree to what is essentially a suicide mission to wipe out a castle full of high ranking Nazi officers. The members of this tough platoon include Charles Bronsan, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, Oscar nominated John Cassavetes, and Jim Brown, running the most famous yards he never ran on a football field. And Marvin is the world's toughest Major; taking no crap and taking no prisoners as he leads his group to hell. Sorry if it sounds cheesy, but wow, do I enjoy this thoroughly macho movie.


DAY OF THE LOCUST- Sat May 26 at 6- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- Part of the John Schlesinger retrospective. The only one I know I can make as of this writing, since Midnight Cowboy at 3:45, as much as I would want to catch it, is too tentative to confirm right now. But this one I'm pretty sure I can catch. From 1975, a more acidic look at Hollywood then Sunset Blvd. and The Player combined. A man tries to start a movie career, but is soon surrounded by shallow empty people more interested in sex, drugs and trying to kill boredom. Gee, guess Paris and her ilk would have felt right at home in the 30s according to this film. The film co-stars Donald Sutherland, Karen Black and Burgess Meredith, with a small role from Jackie Earle Haley. Oscar nominations for Meredith and cinematographer Conrad Hall (American Beauty, In Cold Blood). The end is considered a stunner.


BARRY LYNDON- Mon May 28 and Tues May 29 at 7- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- I've taken grief from other Kubrick fans I know, by not saying this is my favorite of his films. It's not even in my top 5. Compared to some others, I've barely given this film a thumbs up. But people forget I did give it a thumbs up. What I can't say I was thrilled with, was the print I saw at Cinema Village back in 2000 or 01 (I forget which). Not top quality I'm afraid. Supposedly, this is a restored, unscreened, 35mm print. The work was supervised by Kubrick's former assistant, Leon Vitali, who plays Lord Bullingdon. Hopefully, this is as good as the Walter Reade at Lincoln Center is trying to make it out to be.

Supposedly, Vitali will introduce at least 1 screening, which happen twice a day from May 27-May 29. But they haven't mentioned which screenings on the website. Supposedly Marisa Berenson, who plays Lady Lyndon, will introduce one screening, though the website doesn't confirm this either. As for me, I haven't said I will definitely do this. After all, I caught this twice earlier this decade. And the film is 3 hrs, 4 min long, plus an intermission and not counting any intros. I just mention when I could do it. The rest is up to you.


GATES OF HEAVEN- Tues May 29 at 7:50- Film Forum- The documentary that put Errol Morris on the film map. Siskel and Ebert were his biggest supporters when this quirky documentary came out. It covers a California pet cemetery, the people who who bury their pets there and the people who run it. Might be tough to take for pet owners. That's why it was a hard for me to watch it on TV. I didn't finish it there, but I'm willing to take a chance now.


THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT- Thurs May 31 at 7 for 6.50- Chelsea Clearview Cinema- W. 23rd and 8th- A cheap screening of the sleeper hit of 1994. Years before Hugo Weaving appeared in blockbusters like The Matrix and Lord of the Rings, as well as voice overs in V For Vendetta, Happy Feet and as Megatron in the upcoming Transformers film, he starred as a drag queen in this Australian dramatic comedy. He must pay off a favor by traveling to an out of the way resort, to perform a cabaret. He brings 2 other friends/performers, another drag queen (Guy Pearce, years before L.A. Confidential and Memento) and a transsexual (Terence Stamp, in one of his 2 comeback performances in the 90s.), and travel in their lavender bus, Priscilla. Glorious costumes that won the Oscar that year, even if one of the dresses were done for as little as 7 dollars. Yes, you can spend only 50 cents less to see this, then for what one of the dresses cost.

Works as a road picture. Works as a buddy film. Works as a drama. Works as a comedy. After the mid 90s, this film has been gathering some dust on the video shelves. So some of you might not know or remember Priscilla. Time to rectify this.


Different list, let me know. And for those of you doing Magical Musical Moments 6: Mostly Broadway! at Trinity Lutheran Church for the next 3 weekends starting with this one coming up, break a leg. Later all.

Film reviews: cleaning house part 1

I'm so backed up with potential reviews of films I've seen, it's not even funny. The only way I can spit anything out at this point is to write in a manner similar to my revival lists. So let's try that. Here we go:


300- Here's a film that satisfies one half of me. The emotional side that's getting a nice amount of blood-letting, and over the top fun. They don't make sword and sandal flicks anymore, not without an air of pretension like in Gladiator anyway. Don't hold your breath for historical accuracy either. Especially with the 8 foot, androgynous, drag queen, also known as Xerxes. Just expect a different looking world. More enjoyable then the previous Frank Miller adaptation, Sin City. Loved the look of that film, and it was decent, but I didn't become one of the fanatics who overpraised it. This is campy fun, helped by the best CGI environment seen in a long time, and some good to very good bloody battle sequences. It's hard not to leave this film without quoting a few lines. On opening night, it was hard not to transpose the lines. WE SHALL DRINK . . . IN HELL. WE SHALL PLAY THE JUKEBOX, IN HELL! THIS . . . IS . . . SPAR_TAAAAHHHH!

We get a new A-list type action film lead in Gerard Butler. You believe in him, his ability to disembowel 12 men in a minute, and you buy Butler's ability to make the worst-written line credible. Much like Errol Flynn in Captain Blood, Butler succeeds in making chicken salad out of chicken shit with his dialogue. In weaker years, Lena Headey's performance would get deserved dark horse consideration for an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. We'll see.

If one wishes to look into subtext with this, knock yourself out. If you want to say, view this as Gay decadent society, trying to impose their will against a bunch of macho, gay bashers who are trying to hold the principles of gods and self-discipline by any means necessary, go ahead. If you want to place a certain current president into the role of Xerxes, as he leads his vast superior numbers, in a losing war against a small army having home field advantage, go ahead. If you want to have said president represent Leonidas, as he sticks to his principles and deals with an Arab force intent on wiping out his people's way of life, go for it. You see this film, you realize all of that it is a little much. Just have bloody fun. I'd go to see it again on the IMAX screen, even though as of this writing there might be only one or two more days to catch this before Spider Man 3 comes in. As it was, seeing it from the third row, having the picture almost permanently imprinted on my left eyeball seems as good as it will get.


BREACH- This film satisfied the intellectual side more. Not only is it not the bloody spectacle that is 300, watching this film was almost like watching Leonard Nimoy play Spock through all 3 seasons of the original Star Trek. Emotions stifled to the point that if you prefer Star Wars action all the time, you will be bored. But when some emotion comes out, you really take notice.

It says that it's based on a true story, but consider this as a Cliff Notes version of the capturing of Robert Hanssen, a veteran FBI agent convicted of selling secrets to Russia, both when it was the Soviet Union and after. Perhaps a little too much story is placed on the young undercover agent ordered to gain Hanssen's trust, but it's not a fatal flaw by any means. It moves fairly quickly and is never boring. But it feels familiar and while I would recommend paying to see it, I guess I can see why it's not a big hit. It feels like other non-Bond, Non-Clancy spy films and you can look at it and say, "do I really need to go pay 10 dollars for this? NAH! Wait for the DVD."

It's interesting to see Ryan Phillippe continue to stay under the radar and give good performances. Crash, Flags of our Fathers, and now this. He's in the young pup learning/ rookie who must take down the master role, and under these 2 dimensional confines, he handles himself well. Especially when compared Laura Linney, who's adequate but can't rise above the limits of playing Phillippe's handler, or Dennis Haysbert, who can only come in and out, doing the authority voice thing that could be a trap later on.

But Chris Cooper is working on a different level, playing Hanssen. Bitter about his level in life, a god fearing man who records and distribute sex tapes of him and his wife. A talented man whose arrogance and paranoia have bent him all out of whack. A man who, in getting his revenge and in an unspoken manner, seems to equate stealing office supplies, objects in other people's offices, and state secrets as one in the same. He could take the time to explain his motives directly, but what's the point, I did it, deal with it. Cooper makes each conflicting move believable, and except for the last scene (you'll know what I mean when you see it), raises the level of the film above the typical.

Note: Hopefully when this comes on DVD, they'll have digitally removed the boom mikes that crop up on screen from time to time. They can't change the fact that The FBI is using Windows XP Office here, even though the film takes place in Jan-Feb 2001, and this particular form of Windows would not exist for several more years, but anyway . . .


RENO 911:MIAMI- The Comedy Central show is good in spurts, and this film is much the same. Imagine a platoon-like group of officers of varying sizes, genders, and ethnicities with one thing in common, they all learned police work from Inspector Clouseau. Not a bad performance from any of the main actors, and Paul Rudd is hilarious as a Jewish Tony Montana. Seems to follow a partial script, with Cops-like camera work done to the point that you might think they're doing a Borat-type film from beginning to end (I think that's where most of the deleted scenes on the DVD will be).This would be a fun rental, but worth the price of a 10 dollar admission? I don't think so. Apparently, most of America agreed, but this looks like a mega-hit and a comedy classic when compared to . . .


I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE- A romantic comedy that's not funny. Not one laugh out of me. Not. One. Laugh. A few smiles here and there, but that's it. One reason I went was because I liked the trailer, though all the moments I laughed at then, I couldn't repeat now. The other reason I went, was because the friend I was with REALLY wanted to see a movie after work, and it was either this or The Reaping. A few weeks later, he asked if I wanted to see the Hillary Swank film, and I said hell no. You had your chance back then, but now, no way.

Once again Chris Rock remakes a superior film into a comedy of his own creation that barely resembles the original. Unlike the Heaven Can Wait/Here Comes Mr. Jordan remake Here on Earth, which has some scattered laughs throughout, this remake of Chole In The Afternoon tries and fails badly. Minus the nudity in order to get a PG-13 rating(that attempt failed), and with adult sensibilities that don't work on Chris Rock. The only laughs from the sparse crowd at Fresh Meadows came from those under 25, and they were all dick jokes. Minus Kerry Washington, there is little reason to stay interested. No sympathy for Rock, who is tempted to cheat, nor for the shrill wife with no sex drive, nor the other woman with a bod for sin, and the emotional depth of a 15 year old on a good day. If Sean Penn had the capacity to laugh, he would laugh at this schmuck and not the film. And when I say laugh at the schmuck, I mean Chris Rock the amatuer actor and director, not his character. We could laugh at Rock's film career going bye-bye, no matter what Madagascar 2 does. Avoid this film if you know what's good for you. Don't make my mistake. I didn't pay to see this and I'm still annoyed at the thought of it.

May revivals: first half

Mike here with a very long list of revivals to catch for the first half of May. Very Bond heavy, but not just that. Some conflict and one is even repeated, but if there's interest. You'll tell me. But first, a couple of reminders for this month. Here we go:


GOLDFINGER- Sat Apr 28 at 7:30 and 9:40- Film Forum- 209 W. Houston St., bet. 6th and Varrick- A reminder of one of the best Bonds ever playing.


DR. NO- Sun Apr 29 at 5:20 and 7:30- Film Forum- A reminder to try to catch the first Sean Connery Bond film. One update, Bruce Eder, who handled the commentary for the Criterion Disc version of Dr. No, will introduce the 5:20 screening.


LIVE AND LET DIE- Tues May 1 at 4:20, 7 and 9:40- Film Forum- The first of the Roger Moore Bond films. Has more then a little dead weight (everything involving the red neck sheriff), and the joke of James Bond in Harlem seems dated now. But there are some good sequences, a kick ass theme song from Paul McCartney (Oscar nominated), and a beautiful Bond girl in Jane Seymour. I could on and on about how much I love her at any age and any time, but I could be arrested in some states with those comments, so I'll move on. But also, 6 Bond trailers will be screened as well. Whether they are Connery, Moore or Lazenby, I have no idea.


DIRTY DANCING- Tues May 1 at 7:30 for 10 dollars- Regal E-Walk at W. 42nd St., Union Square Stadium 14 at 850 Broadway, and Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14 at 3530 38th St.- This is one of two different ways the 20th anniversary of the sleeper hit of 1987. For a brief moment in time, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey with her original nose, were stars, and you can see why here. Won an Oscar for the song Time of my Life, and made The Contours' Do You Love Me memorable for whole new generations. Directed by Queens College alumni, the late Emile Ardolino.

This is the more expensive way, though you might be able to sneak in, with a coupon for another film with regards to Union Square and Kaufman Astoria. Not grammatically correct, but I think you get the idea. I think this is will be digitally projected, but the Regal Cinemas website is unclear. Apparently deleted scenes and new interviews are also included in this.


KILLER OF SHEEP- Wed May 2- Sun May 7 at 6 and 7:50- IFC Film Center- W. 4th and 6th Ave.- A highly praised film from director Charles Burnett, in a restored 35mm print. Never released in theaters until recently, and never available on home video, and yet still added to the Library of Congress. A black and white film from 1977 covering a family's efforts to survive in the Watts ghetto in L.A. It seems to be in the Army of Shadows category: an unknown film that once it's caught by critics, they deem it a must see. Not much time to catch it. Here's the link to the trailer on you tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTcdk36J5H8&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eifccenter%2Ecom%2Ffilm%3Ffilmid%3D271


THE SPY WHO LOVED ME- Wed May 2 at 7 and 9:30- Film Forum- Arguably, the best of the Roger Moore Bond films. Definitely the best of the 70s Bond films, though it admittedly doesn't have a lot of competition. One of the better stories, Moore's best Bond performance, great Egypt and Canada/Switzerland locations shots, a standout opening stunt, and one of the better Bond villains in Jaws (you know, the one with the metal teeth). Would have been the big hit of 1977, if that art house film Star Wars hadn't come out.

Oscar nominations for Marvin Hamlisch's score, song (Nobody Does It Better) and the opulent Art Direction/ Set Decoration. But if you're a Connery/Craig purist, you hate this film with a passion, so I'll move on.


FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE- Fri May 4 and Sat May 5 at 4:30, 7 and 9:30- Film Forum- In my opinion, the Best Connery Bond. Yes, even over Goldfinger, but it's so close, this opinion could change the next time you ask me. Has the best fight scene, between Connery and Robert Shaw. If you know Bond, you know how good this is. Nuff said. Oh yeah, after the film at each screening, there will be a From Russia With Love sing-a-long. I kid you not.


VANISHING POINT- Fri May 4 and Sat May 5 at Midnight- Landmark Sunshine Cinema- 143 E. Houston St. bet. 1st and 2nd Ave.- One of the films that inspired Tarantino to direct his part of Grindhouse (a similar model Dodge Charger is used for the major car chase), gets a rare screening. A cult hit from 1971, Barry Newman agrees to deliver the charger from Colorado to Frisco in less then 15 hours on a bet. Cops and highway patrolmen plot to catch him. Throw in gay hitchhikers, a few naked chicks and a boatload of car chases, and you'll see why Tarantino wanted in part to do Grindhouse.


NOTE: Because of schedule conflicts, I need a yes on From Russia With Love and/or Vanishing Point absolutely no latter then Tues evening on May 1, 3 or 4 days before the screening. Otherwise, I may have to plan differently.


THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD and OUR MAN IN HAVANA- Mon May 7 at 5:35 (Havana), 7:40(Spy) and 9:45(Havana)- Film Forum- A change of pace from the Bond films in the Forum's retrospective. The first film, is a successful adaptation of a John le Carre film; possibly the bleakest atmospheres in a Cold War film. Richard Burton was Oscar nominated, as a British spy who might be defecting, who might be faking it, but definitely can't take the job anymore, and wants to feel human again.

Double feature with Our Man In Havana from 1959 (1960 in the U.S.). A comedy/drama from director Carol Reed (The Third Man), and starring Alec Guinness (yes kids and others, Sir Alec did more then just Star Wars and David Lean epics). He plays a vacuum salesman in Havana, hired by super spy Noel Coward to spy for them. Guinness has trouble uncovering secrets, so the best way to keep his job is to make secrets up! The cast includes Maureen O'Hara, Ernie Kovacs, Burl Ives, and Ralph Richardson as C. No, not M, C. Shot on location in part in Havana.


HARRY AND TONTO- Tues May 8 at 8:30- Walter Reade at Lincoln Center- W.67th st. or there about- Part of the Paul Mazursky retrospective. The year Pacino was nominated for Godfather 2, along with Nicholson for Chinatown, Hoffman for Lenny, and Albert Finney for Murder on the Orient Express, the surprise winner was Art Carney for this film. A character study about a retired New York teacher, travels cross country with his cat to see his adult children, visit America and say good bye to old friends. Mazursky was also nominated for Original Screenplay. Ellen Burstyn co-stars.


FOR YOUR EYES ONLY- Wed May 9 at 9:30- Film Forum- In my opinion, the best of the Moore Bond films. The last of the United Artists Bond films, no thanks in part to Heaven's Gate. Less high tech compared to the other Moore films. With a nice homage to previous Bond films in London, and a terrific middle sequence involving skiing in Veneto, Italy. Arguably with the most and least capable Bond girls (Carole Bouquet and Lynn-Holly Johnson respectively). Also a well done credits sequence with Sheena Easton and Oscar-nominated title song.


THE IPCRESS FILES and BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN- Thurs May 10 at 7:40(Ipcress) and 9:45(Brain)- Film Forum- A double feature of one of the more popular cash-ins on 007, Michael Caine's Harry Palmer. A glasses-wearing, non-physical spy who uses his smarts to overcome villains and superiors who underestimate him. First is The Ipcress Files, as red tape and upper class snobs prove just as difficult to fight, as the villains who use Manchurian Candidate-style methods. The second is Billion Dollar Brain, as close as you'll get to a mainstream film from director Ken Russell. Haven't seen all of the later, but I've liked what I've seen, and I wouldn't mind catching both.


DIRTY DANCING- Fri May 11- Wed May 17 at 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:30, and 10 for 7.50- The Ziegfeld Theater- W. 53rd and 6th- This is the other way to catch this film this month. A remastered film print on the Ziegfeld's large screen. Cheaper as well. Doubt I'm available for every day and showtime I wrote, but it's easier to list them this way. Before the 7:30 screening on Friday May 11, there will be a Q and A with actress Kelly Bishop (she played Jennifer Grey's mom) and Screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein.


YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE- Fri May 11 at 7:40 and 9:50- Film Forum- The last of the Connery Bond films from the 60s. Not the best Connery Bond, but still pretty good. Perhaps the best sets from the 60s set of films with SPECTRE's underground lair, a well-done helicopter battle sequence, and Donald Pleasence as Blofeld.


POINT BLANK- Fri May 11 at 6:15- Walter Reade theater at Lincoln Center- Part of the Lee Marvin retrospective. An adaptation of the Donald E. Westlake novel that launched John Boorman's directorial career big time. A cool action-crime drama, where a gunman with a code (Marvin) is set up and cheated out of his money. Left for dead, he comes back demanding payment and revenge. Most of you don't know this one, and it's time to know this better then the mediocre Mel Gibson remake, Payback. Angie Dickinson, Keenan Wynn, Carroll O'Connor, and John Vernon (Dirty Harry) are also in the cast.


CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON in 3-D- Fri May 11 and Sat May 12 at Midnight- Landmark Sunshine Cinema- Not every film has to taken seriously. Cheesy 1950s fun with a memorable humanoid fish creature terrorizing poor Americans. The cheesy 3-D effects will supposedly happen again for these screenings. And no, this was not Clint Eastwood's film debut, he appeared in the sequel.


THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE- Sat May 12 at 4 and Mon May 14 at 3:30- Walter Reade theater at Lincoln Center- Part of the Lee Marvin retrospective. John Ford/John Wayne with James Stewart in the Western classic. Giving more of an idea of how the West was tamed. It required people like Stewart's character to have the ideas, but it also required people like Wayne's character to do the dirty work, and kill the bad guys. The latter will be feared, but then forgotten and ignored. Marvin plays the title character, as despicable a bad guy as you can imagine. Made the saying "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend." part of the lexicon.


ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE- Sat May 12 at 9:40- Film Forum- For me, the best Bond film. Not necessarily the best Bond in George Lazenby, though I thought he was the best Bond, physically and fight-wise. I've done this one before, so if someone really wants to do it, they'll have to let me know ASAP.


THE ICEMAN COMETH- Mon May 14 at 6:30- Walter Reade theater at Lincoln Center- Part of the Lee Marvin retrospective. Marvin and director John Frankenheimer come together for this ambitious adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's classic, daunting play. Marvin plays a man in 1912 who comes to an old haunt, a dead-end bar full of drunks, with intentions that may not be honorable. Almost 3 hours, but if you're willing to take the risk. The cast includes Jeff Bridges, as well as Fredric March's last performance, and one of Robert Ryan's last performances.


CASINO ROYALE (1967)- Mon May 14 at 7- Film Forum- If you're into fun bad movies, here's one for you. 5 different directors, including John Huston, and at least 7 different screenwriters, including Ben Hecht, Billy Wilder, Joseph Heller and co-stars Huston, Orson Welles and Peter Sellers. Many Indians and very few chiefs helped blow up the budget and extend shooting far longer then scheduled. Also not helping was Sellers being an asshole on set. He and Welles didn't get along, and it got so bad on set, the producers fired him before filming ended, and re-wrote his part.

There are parts of the film that work. Some involve Sellers, as well as David Niven as Sir James Bond, and a lot of hot chicks, including Ursula Andress, Joanna Pettet and Jacqueline Bisset. But a lot of the big laughs come from Woody Allen as Jimmy Bond. Possibly his funniest screen performance.


THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN- Wed May 16 at 4:30(tentative) and 9:30- Film Forum- Not the best Bond to be sure. Not crap like A View To A Kill (which I won't list), but this certainly has its problems. Too much of the wisecracking sheriff from Live and Let Die, now vacationing in Japan (are we KIDDING?!?!?!?), Britt Ekland is beautiful in her bikini, but she grates quickly and often, and everyone has their own pain threshold for Herve Villechaize. Mine just happens to be very high. Plus, Christopher Lee makes a very good Bond villain, and his showdown with Moore as Bond works well, including the slight homage to Welles' Lady From Shanghai.

Could do the 4:30, in theory, but I might have to bolt afterwards. The 9:30 would probably be easier.


NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN- Thurs May 17 at 7 and 9:40- Film Forum- The last of the Bond films in the Forum's retrospective of spy films. Basically, it's the 1983 remake of Thunderball (too many lulls, plus falling on Mother's Day is why I'm not listing it.), directed by The Empire Strikes Back's Irvin Kirschner. A lot more fun, even if the visual effects look cheap now, with a more interesting cast. Klaus Maria Brandauer makes a good villian, as does Max von Sydow as Blofeld. Rowan Atkinson makes a fun extended cameo in his film debut. Barbara Carrera makes a good, hot villianess. There's a terrific middle involving a motorcycle. And Kim Basinger (years before she gave birth, and along with Alec, tries to ruin their daughter's life) is arguably the hottest Bond girl from the 80s. When she gets out of the pool in that tiger swimsuit, OH . . . . . MY . . . . . GOOOOOOOOOOOD. That's why there's a photo of her in the suit right here. Not the best one around, but the one I could find that wouldn't get me in trouble.

And oh yeah, Sean Connery returns to the Bond role after a 12 year absence, already making it better then most of the Roger Moore/Timothy Dalton Bond flicks.

Like I said, long list. Let me know ASAP, especially with regards to May 4th and 5th. Later all.

April revivals: second half

Mike here with a list of revivals for the second half of April. I'm not fooling myself though. The only ones I'm guessing I will get anyone interested in are the Bond films, and anything else will be a bonus. 2 of these films I've done before, and another film is x rated. But nevertheless, I put it out there. Here we go:

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SING-A-LONG- Fri Apr 20 and Sat Apr 21 at Midnight at IFC Film Center W. 4th and 6th Ave.- and Tues Apr 24 at 7:30 at Cinema Arts Centre- 423 Park Avenue in
Huntington- Once again I bring up the Buffy sing a long. Those who saw the clip i forwarded from MTV News which briefly featured me and others who were there (http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?id=1552711), have an idea of how much fun it was. For those who hate the midnight time slot, or hate having to go into Manhattan, it will play at the more reasonable time of 7:30 on Tuesday April 24, at the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington. Go to http://www.cinemaartscentre.org/april07/buffy.html for more details and directions.


DISCO DOLLS IN HOT SKIN in 3-D- Sat Apr 21 at Midnight- Landmark Sunshine Cinema- 143 East Houston St. bet 1st and 2nd Ave.- For those who prefer some other kind of entertainment for your midnight pleasure, here's something a little different. A campy X rated film from 1977, featuring gorgeous Uschi Digard and an uncredited John Holmes. Supposedly in 3-D. I think it might be a little different then the 3-D effects in Meet The Robinsons. Call it a hunch.


ROBERT ALTMAN'S THE LONG GOODBYE- Sat Apr 21, Wed Apr 25 and Thurs April 26- Film Forum- 209 W Houston Street, between 6th Avenue & Varick- 7:40 and 9:50- Some of you have done this Robert Altman film with me before, so I won't push too hard. This is a new 35mm scope print. I don't know what that means, so if someone does, let me know.

Anyway, if you haven't seen it, catch it. Imagine Phillip Marlowe, now in the swinging, more violent, early-1970s, while he still seems to carry the values and ideals of a much earlier era. Now, instead of having Bogart as your private eye, you have Elliott Gould. Altman felt Gould was perfect for it. He said (I got this from the Forum website):

“Everyone said Elliott’s not Philip Marlowe and I wasn’t being true to Chandler, but what they were really saying was that Elliott Gould wasn’t Humphrey Bogart. I believe we were closer to Chandler’s character than any of the other renditions.”

That apparently was the feeling back in 73, beacuse the film was a box office flop. Their loss, your gain if you go see it.


DARLING- for free- AMMI- Fri April 27 at 5- 35th Ave. and 36th St.- In 1965, Julie Christie essentially became a star in 1965 and won the Oscar for Best Actress. However, she became a star from her 1965 film, Doctor Zhivago, and won the Oscar for this. From director John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy), Christie plays an anti-hero; a model in swinging London of the 60s who tries to sleep her way to money and success, people be dammed.


GOLDFINGER- Fri Apr 27 and Sat Apr 28- Film Forum at 7:30 (tentative for me on Friday) and 9:40- 209 W Houston St, bet. 6th and Varrick- This is the start of a series of films that are from the 60s with a view on spies, either serious or light, or it's a James Bond flick (everything officially and unofficially Bond from Dr. No through A View To A Kill, except Moonraker, will be shown). Arguably one of the best Bonds, as Sean Connery battles the title character, Odd Job, a castrating laser, and in his own way, Pussy Galore. Following the 2 listed evening performances on each day, there will be a Goldfinger sing-a-long. No I don't know why or what exactly, they're just doing it.


THE EVIL DEAD- Sat April 28 at 7- Two Boots Pioneer- East 3rd Street bet. Avenues A and B- If you're more in the mood for a horror film, then Sam Raimi's 1981 (though it didn't receive an official release until 1983) classic fits the bill.


DR. NO- Sun April 29- Film Forum at 5:20, 7:30 and 9:40- The first of the Bond films (No I'm not counting the Barry Nelson version done for TV, Bart. Shut up about it already!) with Sean Connery. Featuring the Theme, and Ursula Andress rise from the sea like a goddess. Luckilly, there will be no sing-a-long after each screening. I'd hate to imagine how stupid that would be like.

Let me know if there's interest, especially if it's about AMMI, Huntington or Bond. Later all.