À bout de souffle aka Breathless or By a Tether (1960) - writer/director Jean-Luc Godard’s (Masculin féminin: 15 faits précis 1966) first full length film is considered to be the starting point of the French New Wave movement. It earned this honor because of its jump cuts editing style which is really due to Godard’s half-ass attempt to shorten the movie’s run time without cutting any scenes. I appreciate its place in cinematic history, but wasn’t that entertained by the characters’ self-obsessed rants.

Before Night Falls aka Antes que anochezca (2000) – no wonder Javier Bardem (Oscar winner for No Country for Old Men 2007) earned his first Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas. He kicked ass in the role, outshining the performances by costars Sean Penn (2 time Oscar winner for Milk 2008 & Mystic River 2003) and Johnny Depp (3 time Oscar nominee). This film follows the poet’s life from birth to death through a mesmerizing series of memories and dreams that won’t quickly be forgotten. Highly recommended.

Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari. aka The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) – a silent film about traveling carnivals, deadly predictions and murder; or is it? The final scene in this movie makes it one of the first to have you leaving the theater wondering what was real and what was fantasy, more recently done to perfection with The Usual Suspects (1994). Widely considered to be the first true horror film ever made, and to be one of the most influential of the German Expressionist films.

Death Defying Acts aka Death Defying Acts: Houdini’s Secret (2007) – Guy Pearce (Memento 2000) plays the Hungarian-American magician and escapologist Harry Houdini; and Catherine Zeta-Jones (Oscar winner for Chicago 2002) the con woman who eventually wins his heart. Total chick flick, but still entertaining to watch.

Die Ehe der Maria Braun aka The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979) - this was the first in Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s BRD Trilogy followed by Lola (1981) and Die Sehnsucht der Veronika Voss (aka Veronika Voss 1982). All films about West German women and their struggles to survive after World War II. I’ve yet to watch the other two, but they should be quite interesting if Maria Braun is to be any indication. Braun could be seen as a role model for the feminist movement at the time, in her stead fast determination to succeed on her own terms.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) – I watched this because I needed to lighten my mood and because of a brief fascination I had with Russell Brand at the time. The surprising thing is I actually liked it. Jason Segel (“How I Met Your Mother” 88 episodes, 2005-2009) wrote for himself a perfectly sympathetic and loveable character in Peter Bretter. A role where he not only exposes his raw emotions, but also his family jewels. Obviously not for the kiddies, but otherwise recommended.

Una gota de sangre para morir amando aka Clockwork Terror or Murder in a Blue World or To Love, Perhaps to Die (1973) - I barely remember watching this Italian rip-off of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971). That being said I really can’t recommend watching it, rather I’d recommend avoiding it.

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things aka Le livre de Jérémie (2004) – written/directed by and starring Asia Argento (daughter of famed Italian horror director Dario Argento) this movie is based on the book of the same name by JT LeRoy. There is so much that could be said here that I’m a bit at a loss for where to start. The subject matter is often hard to deal with; no doubt there. The story centers on Jeremiah, a young boy who is exposed to every kind of perversion by his drug-addicted mother, her overzealous religious family and her litany of bad-boy boyfriends. Your heart cries out to this boy till you’re left feeling numb. Yet, the cinematography by Eric Alan Edwards (My Own Private Idaho 1991) is so original and often quite beautiful. Plus, the cast filled with Hollywood’s who’s who of young indie stars, all did amazing jobs. Included are Kip Pardue (But I’m a Cheerleader 1999), Jeremy Renner (“The Unusuals” 8 episodes, 2009), John Robinson (Lords of Dogtown 2005), Ben Foster (30 Days of Night 2007), Matt Schulze (The Transporter 2002), Marilyn Manson, Jeremy Sisto (“Law & Order” 41 episodes, 2007-2009) and Michael Pitt (Funny Games U.S. 2007). Then we can’t leave out veteran actors like Peter Fonda (2 time Oscar nominee for Easy Rider 1969 & Ulee’s Gold 1997), Ornella Muti (Codice privato 1988) and Winona Ryder (2 time Oscar nominee for The Age of Innocence 1993 & Little Women 1994).

Irréversible (2002) – another superb movie that’s extremely hard to watch. One unspeakable act leads to an unavoidably end; only here we start at the end and watch each scene unfold in reverse a la Memento (2000). What reviewers declared as one of the most disturbing and controversial films of 2002 was written, directed, edited, and photographed by Gaspar Noé; and stars Monica Bellucci (Shoot ‘Em Up 2007) and Vincent Cassel (Eastern Promises 2007) in the performances of their lives. FYI: “The first 30 minutes of the film has a background noise with a frequency of 28Hz (low frequency, almost inaudible), similar to the noise produced by an earthquake. In humans, it causes nausea, sickness and vertigo.” This was added to create a state of disorientation and unease in the audience.

La jetée aka The Pier (1962) – this black and white French short film tells the story of survivors from WWIII who play with time travel in an attempt to rebuild civilization, or even prevent the war in the first place. In the middle of all this a man is haunted with a strange sense of déjà vu. I wasn’t thrilled, but it did serve as the inspiration for a much better movie, Twelve Monkeys (1995).

Kamyu nante shiranai aka The Bored Murderer or Who’s Camus Anyway? (2005) - ok, I’m a Camus fan so I was intrigued, and then slightly disappointed. This movie has nothing to do with him. Once I got over that I started enjoying the film again. Basically it’s another Japanese horror film about a bunch of college students putting on a play when one by one they start disappearing/dyeing. I know, done a million times before, but this is one of the better ones.

Lat sau san taam aka Hard Boiled or God of Guns or Ruthless Super-Cop (1992) - a gun crazy cop who’s willing to break the law in order to maintain it. This classic Chinese action movie comes from writer/director John Woo (Face/Off 1997) and stars Yun-Fat Chow (Wo hu cang long aka Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2000). It was this movie that brought American attention to both these legends, and gratefully so.

My Blueberry Nights (2007) – the first American project by my favorite Chinese writer/director Kar Wai Wong (2046 2004). Again, a series of short stories that meld together much better than his past works. Norah Jones (in her only acting role to date) plays a heart broken girl who hits the road and learns about life from a series of damaged characters she meets along the way. Costarring are Jude Law (2 time Oscar nominee for The Talented Mr. Ripley 1999 & Cold Mountain 2003), David Strathairn (Oscar nominee for Good Night, and Good Luck. 2005), Rachel Weisz (Oscar winner for The Constant Gardener 2005) and Natalie Portman (Oscar nominee for Closer 2004). All outstanding playing against type in almost unrecognizable roles. I loved this movie; highly recommended.

Naked aka Mike Leigh’s Naked (1993) – David Thewlis (Remus Lupin from the Harry Potter series) plays Johnny, who heads to London to visit an old girlfriend. Seems simple enough, but Johnny’s a low-class thug on the run from the family of a girl he’s raped. And Johnny screws the roommate of his old girlfriend while waiting for her to get home. And Johnny… so on and so forth. You get the idea. There really isn’t much to redeem this film. it’s just a bunch a people who do whatever the fuck they feel like without much thought for anyone else.

Oldboy (2003) – kick ass movie with so many twists it’ll make you sick. “15 years of imprisonment, five days of vengeance.” A man is imprisoned in a room for 15 years and then suddenly released, both with no explanation why. I don’t want to say any more except this is Asian film-making at its best.

Polissons et galipettes aka The Good Old Naughty Days (2002) – 12 silent era shorts that were the first pornographic films ever made. Make no mistake; these are full-on graphic porn. But it’s all too funny to elicit anything more than a few good laughs.

Quantum of Solace aka B22 or QoS (2008) - James Bond rules. Need I say more?

Repulsion (1965) – written and directed by Roman Polanski (Oscar winner for The Pianist 2002); Catherine Deneuve (Oscar nominee for Indochine 1992) plays a young beautiful woman who quickly loses her mind when her sister leaves on holiday. Really quite odd.

Skinwalkers (2006) – read my preview write-up and see the trailer here. all I have to add is that it didn’t disappoint.

Things We Lost in the Fire (2007) – this is the American directorial debut of Susanne Bier who previously gave us the incredibly touching film Efter brylluppet aka After the Wedding (2006). She hits the mark again with this story of a women (Halle Berry – Oscar winner for Monster’s Ball 2001) struggling with life after her husband (David Duchovny – golden globe winner for “The X Files” 1993 & “Californication” 2007) dies in a senseless act of violence. It’s a tough lesson in appreciating those around us while we still have them. Highly recommended.

Ultimo tango a Parigi aka Last Tango in Paris (1972) – Marlon Brando (2 time Oscar winner for On the Waterfront 1954 & The Godfather 1972) almost earned his third Oscar for his portrayal of an American widower who has an anonymous affair with a young Parisian woman. He and writer/director Bernardo Bertolucci (The Dreamers 2003) came under fire for the film’s explicit sexual nature; and the MPAA originally gave it an X rating (later to change to NC-17). Personally, I loved everything about this movie, but the ending.

Vargtimmen aka Hour of the Wolf (1968) – I imagine this film was of great influence to David Lynch (Eraserhead 1977). It was released just as Lynch was starting his career, and if I didn’t know better I’d have attributed it to him. But in reality this was the sole horror film to come from the mind of Ingmar Bergman (9 time Oscar nominee). Max von Sydow (Oscar nominee for Pelle erobreren aka Pelle the Conqueror 1987) plays a delusional artist who is haunted by a group of horrific characters. Liv Ullmann (2 time Oscar nominee for Utvandrarna aka The Emigrants 1971 & Ansikte mot ansikte aka Face to Face 1976) plays his long-suffering wife, who in the end begins to share in his visions. A must see for any Lynch fan.

What the #$*! Do We (K)now!? aka What the Bleep Do We Know!? (2004) – quantum physics and manifest realities. It’s all too complicated to explain, but feels a bit like the start of a new religion (cult). I can’t imagine anyone leaving this film without a load of questions. Recommended for the open-minded.

*Didn’t have any “x” titled movies available at the time*

Youth Without Youth (2007) – first let me state that this film took on a whole new dimension because of watching it right after the previous movie (recommended double feature). Tim Roth (Oscar nominee for Rob Roy 1995) gives us yet another amazing performance, here starting off as a 70 year old man whose life is changed in drastic ways after he’s been hit by lightning. Director Francis Ford Coppola (5 time Oscar winner) came out of seeming retirement to head this film as “a meditation on time and on consciousness”, which he considers a “changing tapestry of illusion.” Those statements will make more sense to those who have seen the movie. anyway, enjoying this will take quite a stretch of your imagination. If you can manage that then it’s highly recommended.

Zhai bian aka The Heirloom (2005) – from first time director Leste Chen comes yet another story about a haunted house. Ok, it’s not as boring as that sounded. An architect inherits his family’s estate after years abroad, only to learn they weren’t the nicest people. Curse, ghosts, insanity and death… typical Asian fare, but a little better than average. Recommended to fans of the genre.

8½ aka Federico Fellini’s 8½ (1963) – a blocked movie director (3 time Oscar nominee Marcello Mastroianni) looks to his past for inspiration. This best foreign film Oscar winner is said to be “An autobiographical film of Fellini, and about the trials and tribulations of film making.” it’s also a favorite for Fellini fans.

That concludes this entry. To follow my movie viewing progress click here.

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The Acid House aka The Granton Star Cause (1998) – based on the book of the same name by Irvine Welsh (a favorite writer of mine), this is as expected not as good as the book itself. It’s comprised of three short stories taking place in the ghettos of Scotland. And though it shares a lot of the same actors, it lacks the heart of Trainspotting (1996), also based on a book by Welsh.

Burn After Reading (2008) – another quirky piece from the minds of the Coen brothers (No Country for Old Men 2007 & Fargo 1996). All I can say is I was surprised by how surprised I was by the violence, considering it’s what the Coens are known for. My preview write-up.

Cane Toads: An Unnatural History (1988) – one of the funniest documentaries I’ve ever seen, I’d heard about this movie from a book I read called “The 100 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen” by Richard Crouse. Tagged “The story of a bizarre biological blunder, warts and all!!” it’s about the over population of Hawaiian Cane toads in Australia. It’s the best example of why species indigenes to one area should not be introduced to another.

The Day the Earth Stood Still aka D.T.E.S.S. (2008) – even with its outstanding cast and amazing special effects; it loses a lot of the message prevalent in the original. Basically that prejudice in any form is wrong. If you’re tempted to rent this one, view the original instead.

Efter brylluppet aka After the Wedding (2006) – one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. Showing a softer side to actor Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale 2006 & Pusher 1996), this Oscar nominee for best foreign film is much more complicated then the premise would have you believe. Beautifully written and directed by Susanne Bier, I look forward to viewing much more by her. My preview write-up.

Fa yeung nin wa aka In the Mood for Love (2000) – this is the first of three movies I’ve recently seen by Kar Wai Wong, and I have to admit I’m becoming a huge fan. The overall narrative of his films can be very confusing, but if you just view each segment as its own mini story so much enjoyment and beauty can be derived. A true feast for the senses.

Gangster No. 1 (2000) –Learning that his old boss (David Thewlis – Naked 1993) is due to be released from prison, a bitter gangster recalls the betrayal that launched his career. Starring Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange 1971) and Paul Bettany (The Da Vinci Code 2006) as said bitter gangster past and present. It’s a good example of why we love these actors.

Hannibal Rising aka Hannibal 4 or Young Hannibal (2007) – out of the series this is the only book I haven’t read, but I’m thinking I should. After each book, and each movie, my only request was for more information on the upbringing of Mr. Lecter. What made him the monster that he is? And finally that request was answered and fairly satisfactory too. Don’t underestimate this one just because Hannibal (2001) stunk; I almost made that mistake myself.

I’m Not There. aka I’m Not There: Suppositions on a Film Concerning Dylan (2007) – Bob Dylan as portrayed by Christian Bale (Batman Begins 2005), Heath Ledger (Oscar winner for The Dark Knight 2008), Ben Whishaw (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer 2006), Richard Gere (Golden Globe winner for Chicago 2002), Cate Blanchett (Oscar winner for The Aviator 2004) and wait for it… new comer Marcus Carl Franklin who’s a young black boy. Now I’ll admit that the cast, including Franklin, were all at the top of their game here; and the film, in general, was pretty interesting. But I’m sorry, even though I’m usually the best at suspending my disbelief, I was just way too confused to ever actually enjoy it. My preview write-up.

Joshua (2007) – evil can come in small packages, as parents Sam Rockwell (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 2005) and Vera Farmiga (The Departed 2006) learn much too late that there’s something terribly wrong with their son Joshua. This little sleeper is really quite creepy. My preview write-up.

KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park aka Attack of the Phantoms (1978) – over the top camp that’s bad enough to actually be kinda good. Something for people of my generation to have a good laugh at. And I found myself really enjoying the all KISS soundtrack.

Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon aka Ai no akuma (1998) – before seeing this I’d never heard of painter Francis Bacon, but soon discovered I like his work. This film covers his love affair with George Dyer (Daniel Craig – the new James Bond), who’s subsequent suicide nearly crushed the artist. It’s dark and depressing, but still very interesting.

Myra Breckinridge (1970) – how can any movie have Raquel Welch (One Million Years B.C. 1966) and Farrah Fawcett (“Charlie’s Angels” 29 episodes, 1976-1980) both at the top of their beauty, in lace and in bed together be this bad? Somehow it was managed here. Other than a few moments of ultimate male fantasy, this movie isn’t even worth a $2 Rental. Skip it.

Naked Making Lunch (1992) – documentary on the making of Naked Lunch (1991). Interesting only if you’re a fan.

O Lucky Malcolm! (2006) – another documentary, this time about Malcolm McDowell. Very entertaining, with wonderfully candid interviews, not only with McDowell, but other notables in the industry. Even if you’re not a huge fan, you may still find this worth a watch.

La pianiste aka The Piano Teacher (2001) – a handsome young man falls for his older piano teacher until she reveals her kinky nature to him. So much potential here, but it was a bit slow and the motives of the teacher confusing. Just disappointing.

The Quiet Earth (1985) – being limited on titles that start with “Q” I almost missed what turned out to be a pretty good movie. A New Zealand scientist wakes to find he’s the only man left on earth, and fears it’s entirely his fault. We get to watch his descent into insanity and back out again as he tries to figure out what went wrong.

Rhinoceros Eyes (2003) – I can’t put it any better than this… “Rhinoceros Eyes is a fantastical coming-of-age story revolving around Chep (Michael Pitt – The Dreamers 2003), a young, reclusive prop-house employee who falls in love with a detail-obsessed movie production designer named Fran (Paige Turco). Fran’s need for authentic props sends Chep to great and questionable lengths as he tries to satisfy her requests, and ultimately…win her heart.” Not good, not bad, just odd.

Seconds (1966) – I usually avoid anything before 1968 unless it’s by Hitchcock; I’m starting to learn that’s a huge mistake. There are so many little gems out there, like this one, which I can’t believe took me so long to discover. Rock Hudson (Oscar nominee for Giant 1956) is given the chance to start over, but at what price. The consequences will give you chills. This gets the title of masterpiece.

La terza madre aka Mother of Tears: The Third Mother (2007) – director Dario Argento’s finally for his “Three Mothers Trilogy” (with Suspiria 1977 & Tenebre 1982). This stars his daughter (Asia Argento – xXx 2002) as an art student trapped in a mad nightmare of death; bring on the gore. It’s a decent horror movie, but Argento fans will recognize this isn’t his greatest work. The first two were much better.

Union City (1980) – this was the movie that was going to launch the acting career of Deborah Harry; it didn’t. With hints of Dostoevsky’s Crime & Punishment, this drab film follows the paranoid fears of a man who thinks he’s committed murder.

Vinyl (1965) – Andy Warhol’s take on Anthony Burges‘s A Clockwork Orange. I’ll give props to Warhol for making this film before Kubrick got to the story, but otherwise this was the biggest waste of my time.

What Happened to Kerouac? (1986) – documentary on the later years of Jack Kerouac, when booze was destroying the man. Very very interesting, especially for fans of the “Beat generation” like me.

XIII (2008) – this was actually a television mini-series based on a comic book series that was also the basis for the Borne films. Did you follow that? Anyway, a man with no memory is caught in the middle of a government conspiracy; sound familiar? The cast includes Stephen Dorff (Blade 1998) and Val Kilmer (The Doors 1991). All in all it’s actually pretty good.

Yu pu tuan zhi: Tou qing bao jian aka Sex and Zen (1991) – I’ve no idea how to describe this film, expect maybe to call it a pornographic comedy. I laughed my ass off. Worth a watch.

Zwartboek aka Black Book (2006) – don’t let the fact that this came from writer/director Paul Verhoeven (who gave us such classics as Basic Instinct 1992, Showgirls 1995 and Starship Troopers 1997) color your opinion of this film. It’s actually good, no really really good. Carice van Houten (Valkyrie 2008) plays a Jewish singer caught up in the fight during the Nazi-occupation of the Netherlands. The plot gets very complicated when you start discovering that the good guys aren’t all good, and the bad guys aren’t all that bad. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie.  My preview write-up.

2046 (2004) – the second in my Kar Wai Wong discoveries, and said to be the sequel to In the Mood for Love (2000). This time the stories jump from the past to the future, as we follow a man in the 1960’s who’s own life mirrors that of the characters in the sci-fi story he is writing. As before, the full narrative is confusing, just follow the segments as mini-films. Another visual feast for the senses.  My poster art write-up.

Again, you can follow my movie viewing progress here.

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Anyway, I’ve just started my 3^rd run through the alphabet so I thought I better get a few quick reviews done. Here’s my first ABC movies review…

Anatomie de l’enfer aka Anatomy of Hell (2004) – anyone familiar with director Catherine Breillat will agree this is basically French porn with a slightly confusing, yet really interesting, story. As a plus, the male lead looks just like Hugh Laurie (“House M.D.” 105 episodes, 2004-2009). Personally, I liked it, but the starchy standard American audience most likely won’t.

Banlieue 13 aka 13th District, District B13 or Barrio 13 (2004) – action flick set in a bleak French future. What sets this movie apart from the rest is that it was the first to use “a discipline known as Parkour, which consists of moving quickly and efficiently in any environment, using only the abilities of the human body.” It’s amazing watching these guys, and I’m excited to learn a sequel is due out this year.

The Center of the World (2001) – a surprisingly dark movie from director Wayne Wang (Maid in Manhattan 2002), about a tech wiz who pays a stripper to spend a few fun filled days with him in Vegas and then falls in love with her. It’s gritty and extremely sexual, with outstanding performances by Peter Sarsgaard (The Skeleton Key 2005) and Molly Parker (“Deadwood” 36 episodes, 2004-2006).

The Dreamers aka Innocents or Paris ’68 (2003) – I was never really a fan of Michael Pitt (Hedwig and the Angry Inch 2001) until I saw him in this role. He plays an American student whose love of cinema leads him into an unusual friendship with a French brother and sister. Sadly, this was the last film to come from Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci (Stealing Beauty 1996).

Enduring Love (2004) – a twist on the old theme of unrequited love starring Daniel Craig (Casino Royale 2006). I found the story to be unbelievable and I couldn’t relate to the characters, but somehow I still enjoyed the film.

Factotum aka Factotum: A Man Who Performs Many Jobs (2005) – another semi-autobiographical tale based on the life of poet Charles Bukowski (Barfly 1987). Intended depressing performances by Matt Dillon (You, Me and Dupree 2006), Lili Taylor (“Six Feet Under” 25 episodes, 2002-2005) and Marisa Tomei (Oscar winner for My Cousin Vinny 1992). You gotta be a fan to really enjoy it.

Gabal aka the wig (2005) – South Korean movie about a creepy haunted wig that posses it’s wearer. I really wanted to like this movie, because I so loved the artwork in its posters. But in all honesty it just really sucked; really.

Hatsujô kateikyôshi: sensei no aijiru aka The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai (2003) – first off here’s a link to the preview I wrote about this film. Sadly it didn’t even come close to living up to the potential campiness I had envisioned for it.

In Bruges (2008) – talk about depressing, wow. Emphasis on the “dark” in dark comedy. Ever sexy Colin Farrell (Alexander 2004) plays a hitman that just shot a kid and must face the consequences. I can’t say I didn’t like it, but I was fucking dismal on the world by the end.

Jumper (2008) – what would you do if you had the power to teleport? This film gives us some creative ideas, but never really grabs your full attention. Simply, it could have been better.

The Killing floor (2007) – a literary agent gets pulled into a crime mystery where he’s the main suspect. Three words… lame lame lame. Don’t even bother with it.

Lou Reed: Rock and Roll Heart (1998) – wonderful documentary on the legend.

Maléfique (2002) – four French prisoners in a cell use black magic to escape. The gore resembles something that could have come from the mind of Clive Barker. Not awful, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a true fan on the genre.

Natural City (2003) – ok, I have absolutely no memory of this movie? That’s really rare, and considering I only watched it in the last few months I have to give it a bad review.

Otesánek aka Little Otik or Greedy Guts (2000) – could this be a Czech twist on the tale of Pinocchio? A dark fairytale about a childless couple who treat a tree stump as a baby until it comes alive and starts eating the neighbors. It repeatedly had me asking “wtf”?

The Piano Tuner of Earthquakes aka Accordeur de tremblements de terre, L’ (2005) – this is the first full-length movie by the Quay brothers, who are known for their unusual visual style with stop-motion animation. I could take it or leave it, but I believe I’d enjoyed it better if I were stoned.

The Quiet aka Dot (2005) – an orphaned deaf/mute teenager is sent to live with her godparents and learns that seemingly perfect families are usually the farthest from it. Great performances by the whole cast, including Martin Donovan (“Weeds” 14 episodes, 2005-2006) and Edie Falco (“The Sopranos” 86 episodes, 1999-2007) as the prize winning dysfunctional parents. This complicated plot has a few twists you won’t see coming.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) – I expect to hear a few groans coming from my readers, but I loved this movie. It’s a horror movie, no it’s an opera, no it’s both! In the future a genetics corp. repossesses organs from patients who can’t afford to pay their medical bills. I laughed my ass off.

Smother (2008) – you got it, the over powering love of a mother can drive us all crazy from time to time. This film starring Diane Keaton (Oscar winner for Annie Hall 1977) shows us the often comic side to the story. All I can say is its cute.

Teeth (2007) – vagina dentata, is it really just a myth? Another film that had me laughing my ass off. It gives a plausible explanation as to how a girl could make it to 17 without knowing she was different “down there”; and is a cautionary tale in favor of sex education.

Untraceable aka Streaming Evil (2008) – typical horror story about a psycho killer on the internet. The only standout is the always talented Diane Lane (Oscar nominee for Unfaithful 2002).

Vicky Cristina Barcelona aka Midnight in Barcelona (2008) – Woody Allen’s latest brainchild has 2 American students spending a summer in Spain. I fell in total “lust” with Javier Bardem (Oscar winner for No Country for Old Men 2007) while watching this. The one, and only, drawback here was the lack of subtitles during the Spanish scenes. Not enough to ruin the movie, but I sometimes wondered what I might be missing.

Wanted (2008) – Angelina Jolie (Oscar winner for Girl, Interrupted 1999) kicks ass, we already know that. A movie about assassins with “superhuman killing abilities” should be really interesting, this wasn’t. It’s not bad, but it’s not special either.

XXY (2007) – extremely touching Argentinean story about a 15-year-old hermaphrodite who’s asked to chose between being a girl or a boy. The subject matter is superbly handled by writer/director Lucía Puenzo. A truly beautiful film.

Les Yeux sans visage aka Eyes Without a Face (1960) – a disturbed plastic surgeon tries in vain to give his disfigured daughter a new face; needless to say the bodies start piling up. This is one of those classics that were way ahead of its time.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008) – two platonic friends decide to make a porno to earn some money, but as so often is true, sex changes everything. I didn’t expect much here, and was pleasantly surprised.

2009: lost memories (2002) – a failed assassination attempt in 1909 china changes the course of history. Now Japanese agents must decide if they should attempt to change it back. A confusing plot line, and too many unanswered questions make this story too implausible to really enjoy.

So that’s my first run through the alphabet. I’ll post my reviews of my second run soon. If you want to follow my 365 progress you can check the list here.

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- Jack Kerouac

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- Stanley Marsh 3

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- Javier Bardem
(happy 40th!)

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- Luke 5:26

(apparently this is what the bible has to say about the day i was born)

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Funniest speech goes to living legend Meryl Streep (Doubt) who was so surprised by her win that she “didn’t even bother to buy a dress for the evening.” But still looked lovely in her black blouse and slacks.

Heath Ledger again won best supporting actor for The Dark Knight. Something I think we can expect to see repeated on Oscar night. It’s well deserved recognition, but I would have rather seen it given while he was still alive.

Sean Penn received an “actor” for his performance in Milk. My only questions here are… did anyone understand his speech? Or was I the only one listening who was totally confused?

Best dressed this evening was Evan Rachel Wood. And worst jewelry goes to Christina Applegate and her ultra ugly earrings. Such a disappointment after her stunning necklace choice at the golden globes recently.

Overall the event was never boring. Which is high praise for an awards show.

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- Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Most touching speech goes to Kate Winslet for her second win of the night. It was, how should I put this, rather surreal seeing such a mega-star broken down to tears of joy before her pears.

Also surreal was Mickey Rourke’s win for The Wrestler. Not just for the win itself, but also because during his speech (which included thanking all of his dogs) someone from his table gave him the finger on live television. It seemed to be done out of love, so I guess that makes it alright.

Special honorary of the evening was Steven Spielberg. And on a side note, best jewelry goes to Christina Applegate. Because I so want that necklace.

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- Will Rogers

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- charles bukowski

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Anyways, I haven’t been posting shit here resulting in a plummet in my readership totals (meaning… no one’s paying attention anymore). And I need to express my thoughts safely in writing more and more lately. So I’m adding a personal category to this blog that will be filled with my barely coherent ramblings on any subject to cross my mind. Read them if you will. Try to follow along if you can. They will occasionally be entertaining at the least.

Currently sitting beside me is the new replacement 500gig hard drive I’ve been waiting for. Now I can proceed with replacing the 400+ movies I lost, while destroying my ratios all over the net at the same time. This loss will cost me plenty, but I console myself with the thought of how much worse it could have been.

The other night, after leaving a friend’s house, I got pulled over. Oh so incredible bad timing, I thought for sure I was going to jail. By grace alone I was let off with a verbal warning.

I find myself splat in the middle of old games and sorely out of practice. I so would have said this… done that… if I was young again. If I was still beautiful. Meanwhile I’m tongue tied and silent. A guarantee I won’t get what I’m after. And I can’t shake the suspicion I’m the only one in the room not in on the joke.

How many years now? I still think of you daily. Getting over you is a fight I can’t seem to win.

Bopping around on the net last night led to a person whom I would hope dead. When someone has left you broken it’s hard to learn they’re not. I’ve walked the high road, but what do I have to show for it?

Time is flowing, and I want to sleep before I sober. Let tomorrow be a better day.

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Post-note: in 2009 Newmarket Capital Group is releasing a sequel titled S. Darko that picks up 7 years later with Donnie’s little sister. Fans are less than happy about this.

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