It is always a lot harder to see an old movie if you have only been, like me, a movie fanatic for the past ten years. It demands a certain surrendering and adjustment to really appreciate a classic movie, because the pace and standards are so different compared to modern day films. I decided to set aside all knowledge of modern films (say: films released in the past thirty years) and dive into the classics I heard so much about, without actually having seen them. In my quest, I shall concentrate (though some may call this a serious restriction) on classic American cinema. I will try to discuss one work of the rich classic American cinema pallet each month.

The problem with watching classics, such as the ultimate monster film King Kong, is that since it has gained the status of classic you feel an incredible urge to actually like the movie. Another problem is that you constantly start to compare a classic by modern standards, which is an unfair combination. The only way to watch a film such as King Kong, is to clear your mind and try to see it through 1933 eyes. At the time, people ran out of the cinema screaming from fear, believing the giant gorilla was real. Taking this into account, the scene in which Kong is shown to the audience after he was brought to New York as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, was one with a predicting vision.
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The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003) is one of the most highly acclaimed docu-drama’s of the past year. If you are a fan of the National Geographic Channel or like films that feature beautiful long shots of far away landscapes and indigenous peoples, then this is the film for you! Alas, I’m more a Discovery Channel kind of gal myself and crave a bit more action from the movies I prefer to see. But, hey, that’s just me. Despite my subjective preferences I can still appreciate The Story of the Weeping Camel for its merits as a very well made film with a very touching story.
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You know the type of movie you are not really eager to go see, but you give it a shot anyway because of its director or because of some of the cast members? Well, that is exactly why I decided to pay Jersey Girl the questionable honor of a visit, even if this would imply having to sit through a drama starring Ben Affleck. But hey, it is Kevin Smith that drew me over the line. I really love his satirical, black humor approach and, although the film’s plot wasn’t that attractive, his previous work made me become curious anyway. I should have stayed home.
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This is a great fight movie! Huh, did M. Night Shyamalan (henceforth “Night”) make an action-movie? Wow, now that would be a surprise! No, he didn’t, he just went on his usual business and reheated his patented formula of his last three movies: slow building of tension, morose characters and an earth-shattering twist at the end that makes you question the whole movie. Well, Signs was pretty disappointing on the Richter Scale and this movie even more. Yes, I thought it was sheer crap. So why was this such a great fight-movie then? Well, because this movie already knows enthusiastic fans and passionate haters, which makes for great flame-wars. Bring it on!

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In the ongoing onslaught for the consumers’ money, the fast-food chains apply every tactic imaginable. As the public opinion seems to become less favourable these last years, they see themselves forced to respond to trends like low-fat, sugar-free and ‘healthy’ alternatives for their calorie-laden burgers, fries and sandwiches. In turning the increasingly bad rep in their favour, they can boast their vast marketing force and seemingly unlimited advertising budget to ensure the consumers’ loyalty. They will need to go all-out, since a war -similar to the successful campaign against the tobacco industry- is ensuing. Morgan Spurlock is the latest thorn in the junk-food pushers’ side, as he sets off on an epic journey to expose the industry.

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When in America, do as Americans do and watch Johnny English on HBO. I am an ‘old’ Atkinson fan, just like people are ‘old’ Prince or ‘old’ David Bowie fans. I like him in Not the 9 o’ Clock News and Blackadder more than as Mr. Bean and therefore didn’t really have high expectations of Johnny English which was probably a good thing.

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Every time a comic character is turned into a movie, I wonder if they will make it into more than just another platform to strut the latest special effects. Comics not only offer a fantastic and mythical world but also contain interesting story lines with ample background information. Casting Ron Perlman for the red demon spawn was a good choice: he is an experienced all-round actor and his distinct features undoubtedly required less make-up time. Perlman gives good form to the cynical demon that wants to be more human and is struggling with his true identity. But he isn’t helped by the plot; it doesn’t know how to choose between the ramshackle story line and the dramatic elements.

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The work of American author Ira Levin is the source of many thrilling movies including A Kiss Before Dying (with two versions), The Boys from Brazil, Rosemary’s Baby and, more recently, Sliver. Another one of his most famous novels, The Stepford Wives was made into a movie in 1975, directed by Bryan Forbes. Well, since we’re in the remake era due to either lack of money or lack of inspiration, Frank Oz (yes the voice of Star Wars’ Yoda, but he did so much more as a director), decided to remake the whole thing with an absolute star-cast. I tried to dig up a copy of the 1975 version, of which I have only seen parts, but one wasn’t available. So, no comparisons between the two in this review.
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Compare your hourly wage with a celebrity’s and see the dollars add up by the second… the celebrities’ dollars that is. You’ll probably be talking cents. I put myself in a $25 per hour wage and compared myself to Oprah Winfrey. In 10 seconds I earned $0.06 compared to Oprah’s $208.33. Puts it all out of perspective doesn’t it….
http://content.salary.monster.com/timer/

If you ask someone what they think of Kirstie Alley, many people (especially women) will respond with something like, “Isn’t she the one that got really fat?” before remembering her roles in Cheers , Look Who’s Talking or even Star Trek II – Wrath of Khan in 1982.

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