Given Hollywood's current predilection for remaking pretty much anything, Code of the Virgin might not be outside the realms of possibility. In terms of likelihood I have it somewhere between a big-screen version of The Price is Right (with Hugh Grant in the Leslie Crowther role) and a frame-by-frame retread of The Godfather directed by Bryan Singer.
I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang (1932)
Excellent social problem film in the Warner house style. Paul Muni gives an amazing performance, and that final shot is bone chilling. ***½
Kestrel's Eye (1998)
Nature doc from the perspective of a family of kestrel's living in a Swedish church. Morgan Freeman was obviously unavailable, as there is no voiceover narration. Nor is there any music. An interesting experiment and surprisingly compelling. Now, if only a working class Yorkshire lad could get his hands on one of those birds... ***
The Americanization of Emily (1964)
Excellent WWII satire that argues that cowardice is more important than valor in times of war. Arthur Hiller's direction isn't quite as assured as Paddy Chayefsky's typically brilliant and biting script. James Coburn is terrific; but James Garner is a little flat. They should have switched roles. ***½
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Eastern Promises (2007)
Although slowly paced, this film has fascinating characters and an ominous mood that is sustained for the duration of the film. Viggo Mortensen is captivating for every moment he is onscreen. Naomi Watts also delivers a strong performance. Cronenberg once again provides characters with wonderfully mysterious backgrounds, tackles sexuality in a mature and interesting way, and displays violence that is truly disturbing and not glamorous. ***1/2
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
This is what happens when you meet at a theater and discover that Moviefone had the showtimes wrong, and there is only one movie left screening that night. This movie is bad. But in fairness, it is the good kind of bad that is enjoyable to make fun of with a friend. I do have a special hatred of movies like this that lamely create scares by cranking the volume from silent to full, just to physically startle you. *1/2
Into the Wild (2007)
This film is engrossing, inspiring, and disconcerting. Sean Penn's direction is in concert with the bold decisions made by the protagonist and the emotional and physical extremes that are experienced. Emile Hirsch is spectacular, and will be an Oscar nominee. ****
The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
The silliest of premises (a competition for the high score on the Donkey Kong video game) produces an epic duel between a lovable underdog and a bastard of a villain. There are a parade of hilarious side characters in the world of elite classic video game players, their sycophants, and the governing body who records high scores. I was completely invested in the outcome. ****
Badlands (1973)
Why did it take me so long to find this movie? Great story, the acting is exceptional, and the directing is riveting. Clearly Tarantino thinks so too, with the story and characters reappearing in “Natural Born Killers” and the score in “True Romance”. ****
2 comments:
Given Hollywood's current predilection for remaking pretty much anything, Code of the Virgin might not be outside the realms of possibility. In terms of likelihood I have it somewhere between a big-screen version of The Price is Right (with Hugh Grant in the Leslie Crowther role) and a frame-by-frame retread of The Godfather directed by Bryan Singer.
So, probably pretty likely then... ;-)
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