Instant Netflix

The Academy Awards nominations were announced this week. None of the nominees are available yet on Netflix streaming except for two of the movies nominated for Best Documentary. The other three nominated documentary  films are Undefeated, Pina and Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory. I hope Netflix adds the others soon, particularly Paradise Lost 3 as it was instrumental in freeing three accused murderers. The two nominees currently available are:

Hell and Back Again (2011) – NR

“In this unvarnished documentary set on the Afghan front line, U.S. Marine Sgt. Nathan Harris is wounded by Taliban machine-gun fire, then returns to his North Carolina home to grapple with the stress of civilian life.”

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front (2011) – NR

“Filmmakers Marshall Curry and Sam Cullman examine the case of Daniel McGowan, a member of the radical environmental group Earth Liberation Front who was arrested for committing arson against two Oregon timber companies. Dissecting ELF’s self-described use of “economic sabotage” to stop deforestation and other damage to the planet, the film also explores the ramifications of the FBI’s decision to classify them as terrorists.”

Actor James Farentino has passed away from a long illness at the age of 73. Farentino was more famous for his TV roles on Dynasty, ER, and Melrose Place than for his movies. Netflix streaming does have three of his movies currently available.

The Final Countdown (1980) – Rated PG

“What if a 1980s American aircraft carrier (with its modern firepower) time-warped back to Pacific waters just outside Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941? World history — and the U.S. entry into World War II — might have played out very differently. Given that scenario, should the crew prevent the disaster, or let history remain? That’s the intriguing premise in this sci-fi adventure that stars Kirk Douglas, Katharine Ross and Martin Sheen.”

The Final Countdown has a great concept but unfortunately rather poor execution. The film is worth watching for the footage of the Nimitz and Kirk Douglas, Charles Durning, Martin Sheen, James Farentino, and Katherine Ross are fun to watch. I think it is nearly impossible to watch this film without being disappointed by the choices made.

Dead and Buried (1981) – Rated R

“For years, the coastal town of Potters Bluff has harbored a dark secret. It seems that a number of strangers who have crossed through Potters Bluff have been brutally murdered, only to turn up in town as locals after being killed. Sure that there must be some explanation, the sheriff and the town mortician try to uncover the mystery and find something more shocking than they could have imagined. James Farentino and Melody Anderson star.”

This would probably be my pick for Farentino watching as he is the star here. This movie is rough around the edges and goes for the gross-out too often over the suspenseful but the story is original and I like the ending. Look for Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger) in a small role.

Bulletproof (1996) – Rated R

“In this buddy crime comedy, hard feelings must be set aside when undercover cop Rock Keats (Damon Wayans) is first shot by small-time crook Archie Moses (Adam Sandler), then forced to team up with the bungling oaf when both men are targeted by crime boss Frank Colton (James Caan). Upon Rock’s release from the hospital, he finds out that Colton’s hit men are after him and Archie. High jinks ensue when the dueling duo run from the baddies.”

I haven’t seen this one but don’t tell my daughter. She’s a big Adam Sandler fan and then I’ll have to watch it.

The brilliant but erratic actor Nicol Williamson has passed away from esophageal cancer. Sadly Netflix streaming does not have my three favorite Nicol Williamson performances – Sherlock Holmes in The Seven Percent Solution, Merlin in Excalibur, or Little John in Robin and Marian. Four of his performances are currently available:

Inadmissable Evidence (1968) – NR

“London solicitor Bill Maitland (Nicol Williamson, who received a BAFTA nod for his compelling performance) treats his clients terribly and is hated by his colleagues. He’s unfaithful to his wife (Eleanor Fazan) and cruel to children. Based on a play by John Osborne, this intriguing character study manages to turn the misanthropic Maitland into an antihero the audience roots for, revealing a glimmer of humanity underneath his unpleasant actions.”

An excellent starring performance by Nicol Williamson – this is not a legal thriller like the name would imply but more of a depressing character study.

The Wilby Conspiracy (1975) – Rated PG

“Inspired by writer Peter Driscoll’s novel about apartheid in South Africa, The Wilby Conspiracy follows the attempts of two men, British engineer Jim Koegh (Michael Caine) and activist Shack Twala (Sidney Poitier), to escape from the police, led by the menacing Major Horn (Nicol Williamson). Their only connection is Jim’s girlfriend (Prunella Gee), a lawyer who defended Shack against charges of racial agitation.”

A good if dated thriller – Nicol Williamson gives quite an evil performance here.

Black Widow (1987) – Rated R

“Director Bob Rafelson’s superbly crafted thriller stars Debra Winger as Alexandra Barnes, an inquiring federal investigator who becomes intrigued — then fixated — when she stumbles across an unusual pattern of deaths by seemingly natural causes. The common bond among the victims? They’re all rich, reclusive and leave behind the same sultry young widow (Theresa Russell). Can Alexandra crack the case without getting tangled in a web of murder?”

A fun thriller but not really a showcase for Nicol Williamson.

The Advocate (1993) – Rated R

“How far jurisprudence has come! This medieval court drama is set in the days when humans and animals were believed to harbor the devil. Courtois, an educated lawyer (Colin Firth), leaves the big city to find peace in the countryside but soon discovers acts of murder and mayhem that are holding a small hamlet in fear. To the townsfolk, Courtois’s intelligence is nearly as mysterious as witchcraft.”

This is the only one of the four I’ve never seen though it sounds intriguing.

Well time again for my monthly pitch for Carolina Cinemas. I’ve always wanted to go to the famous Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas but my favorite Asheville movie theater is no slouch when it comes to special screenings.

Every Thursday night at 8 is the Thursday Horror Picture Show in the cinema lounge. Arrive early though as the serial starts at 740 (currently finishing up Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars – not sure what the new one will be). Admission is FREE though it’s certainly appreciated if you pick up some snacks or even a meal at concessions. My wife adores the Blue Cheese Chips – fresh fried potato chips covered in bacon, chives, tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing. They’ve just announced February’s line-up.

1/26 Scanners (1981) – Timed to celebrate Cronenberg’s latest release A Dangerous Method. Ironically I will be missing Scanners which I love in favor of seeing a screening of A Dangerous Method for Asheville Film Society Members.

2/2 Murders in the Zoo (1933) – with Lionel Atwill and Randolph Scott. I’ve never seen this one so I’m looking forward to it.

2/9 Phantom of the Paradise (1974) – This camp classic from Brian De Palma was played last year – I’m not sure why Ken and Justin are bringing it back.

2/16 Mr. Vampire (1985) – I have never even heard of this film by Ricku Lau but judging from the year and that it is from Hong Kong, my guess is that it will be a mix of martial arts, slapstick, and general weirdness.

2/23 The Invisible Man Returns (1940) – Definitely not one of his best films but I’m always down for watching Vincent Price (or in this case listening to him).

The Asheville Film Society is certainly one of the best bargains in the Asheville area. Membership is only $10 for a year and you get $1 off all admissions at Carolina Cinemas Asheville as well as FREE popcorn refills of any size. They also have a number of other perks with several partners – $1 off any pizza at Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, $5 off a subscription plan at Orbit DVD, and 10% off used vinyl, CDs and DVDs at Harvest Records.

A Dangerous Method (2011) – Rated R for sexual content and brief language.

“In this David Cronenberg-helmed biopic, Viggo Mortensen stars as Sigmund Freud, whose relationship with fellow psychology luminary Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) is tested when Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), one of the first female psychoanalysts, enters their lives. This World War I-set drama also stars Vincent Cassel as Otto Gross, a disciple of Freud, and Sarah Gadon, who plays Jung’s psychoanalyst wife.”

The Asheville Film Society is presenting a FREE showing of A Dangerous Method for MEMBERS ONLY Wednesday 1/25 at 7:30. So for just a single quarter more than the price of an evening ticket, you can get a yearly membership and go see A Dangerous Method for free before it opens in Asheville this weekend.

The Asheville Film Society also presents a FREE movie every Tuesday night at 8 in the Carolina Cinema Lounge. The Tuesday movie is FREE for all – you do not need a membership to see it. They just announced their February line-up:

1/24 Tommy (1975, Ken Russell)

1/31 Lisztomania (1975, Ken Russell)

2/7 Excalibur (1981, John Boorman)

2/14 History is Made at Night (1937, Frank Borzage)

2/21 The Seventh Seal (1957, Ingmar Bergman)

2/28 The Docks of New York (1928, Josef von Sternberg)

Last Friday, to celebrate the release of the acclaimed silent movie The Artist, Carolina Cinemas Asheville played a marathon of silent movies in their Cinema Lounge. Normally I love when Carolina Cinemas runs a marathon of movies but the only silent movie I had ever watched in its entirety was Mel Brooks’ Silent Movie (1974). I love older movies but the thought of a movie without dialogue or sound effects sounded boring.

Once I realized it was outside my comfort zone, I decided I would give it a shot. I had the whole day off and was going to Carolina Cinemas anyway that day because I had a FREE ticket to see Underworld Awakening (from a Blu-Ray purchase) and they were doing an ActionFest promotion for the 7:50 showing of Haywire.

The first film was The Mark of Zorro (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks. I got to see all of this. It was quaint and mildly enjoyable for the first two acts but the third act had all kinds of derring-do and stunts from Douglas Fairbanks and was a lot more fun. I watched the beginning of Beyond the Rocks (1922) with Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino. I was struck not only by how attractive Rudolph Valentino was but also by how I didn’t find Gloria Swanson attractive at all. I guess standards do change over the years – certainly I hate the frizzy hair look of the late 70s/early 80s. After Underworld Awakening, I caught Bardelys the Magnificent (1926) starring John Gilbert. Like Zorro, this was a swashbuckler but it was somewhat light on the action and was interesting but nothing I’d watch again.

This was followed by It (1927) starring Clara Bow. It is currently available on instant Netflix.

“This 1927 silent film features Clara Bow as Betty Lou, a sweet and sassy clerk at a department store who decides she has found Mr. Right when she meets the store’s owner (Antonio Moreno). One thing: She must convince him that she’s Ms. Right, too. As Betty Lou strives to catch his attention, she also tries to help her roommate, who has recently become a mother.This classic silver-screen tale is inspired by a short story written by Elinor Glyn.”

This was easily the most frustrating of the movies I saw. I say frustrating because someone came up and sat in the back row and proceeded to clack something repeatedly (balls?). This annoyance was superceded by the gentleman who came in later and sat near me with his wife and mother (a guess). He proceeded to make up his own dialogue for the film (in a loud voice naturally) and asked if I wanted to as well. After telling him that I was there to watch the film, the two women accompanying him whispered to him and they left (yay!).

The film was absolutely fascinating in its depiction of the era. Not only was the depiction of a department store fascinating but so was the apartment living – Betty Lou shares a tiny apartment with a single mom who almost loses her child because of her unemployment. Clara Bow did indeed have “It” and commanded her scenes.

I had only one more silent movie to sit through. So far I had found all of them to be mildly entertaining (rude patrons aside) historical curiosities. Safety Last (1923) starring Harold Lloyd was my final film and it blew me away. I was chuckling through most of the film and laughed out loud at several of the gags. This movie is incredibly visually inventive and features a climax where Harold Lloyd has to scale a 16-story building. I will definitely be looking to see more of Harold Lloyd’s films when I have time.

While none of Harold Lloyd’s films are on instant Netflix, It with Clara Bow is available as are several of Douglas Fairbanks’ films: The Thief of Baghdad (1924), The Iron Mask (1929), and The Black Pirate (1926).

Creep (2004) – Rated R

“After accidentally dozing off, Kate (Franka Potente) awakens to discover that she’s missed the last train from London — and that she may be trapped in the subterranean station for the night. But little does she know that she’s got company. Set in the bowels of London’s Underground and sewer system, this creepy tale of public transportation will make you think twice about snoozing on your next commute to work.”

“I don’t think any knight in shining armor is going to come and rescue you Kate”

With the subway being such a ubiquitous part of big city life, it is no wonder that there are a brace of films set there. Perhaps the deserted subway chase scene in An American Werewolf in London inspired Christopher Smith to set his first feature film as a director and writer here. While not as polished as his later efforts, Black Death and Triangle, Creep shows a lot of Smith’s potential.

Smith does make a daring choice of having his protagonist be a rather unlikeable young lady. Kate doesn’t care about anyone but herself and treats other people very shabbily. Franka Potente plays the lead here after her engaging star turn in Run, Lola, Run and she is quite good but apparently didn’t fit in with Hollywood. She went back to Germany after the two Bourne films she did.

Sean Harris (Micheletto in The Borgias) plays the pivotal role of Craig and is not seen clearly until the halfway point of the film. He is heavily covered in makeup but does a good creep-y job just the same. Next up for Harris is the role of Fifeld in Ridley Scott’s Prometheus.

In spite of numerous cliches, Smith is able to make this seem fresh. Of course no subway film would be the same without the ohmigosh-the-train-almost-hit-me scene or the don’t-step-on-that-rail-or-you’ll-be-electrocuted scene so those are thrown in here (and just as quickly thrown out). The final scene is thankfully not the usual for horror films and is quite funny in a low-key way.

People Watch: Look for Vas Blackwood (Rory in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) as a maintenance worker named George.

Normally the first of the year brings a slew of new movies on Netflix and, unfortunately, just as many expirations. This year seems to have fewer than in previous years but it looks like a bunch of Bollywood films showed up.

I’m not a fan of Bollywood but that’s probably only because I haven’t been exposed to much of it. One of my daughters swears by them. Dhoom, Dhoom 2, Doosra Aadmi, Mashaal, Chandni, and dozens of others just became available. Hopefully I’ll get to that genre someday.

There is an excellent French thriller, Point Blank, that I caught at an Asheville Film Society screening last year. I hope to watch it again and write it up this week but I can go ahead and wholeheartedly recommend it.

For concert enthusiasts, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Usher: Live from London, Seth MacFarlane: Swingin’ in Concert and comedians Russell Peters: Red, White and Brown and Louis CK: Hilarious.

For those that enjoy TV, the biggest one that became available is probably the very popular Downton Abbey. Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, Shameless, and Frasier are available and the U.S. version of Being Human joins the U.K. version. I have yet to watch the U.S. version but the U.K. one was pretty entertaining. Supernatural is supposed to be available soon.

Ugh – first post of the new year and it’s already the 8th. I really have to get back to regular writing.

This is the face of the new Roku. Not content with making a media box the size of my hand, they have now reduced it to a stick that can be plugged into a TV’s HDMI port. It only works on “MHL” HDMI TV’s of which there are only a few currently but the concept is pretty neat. I am always in favor of decluttering, especially since my Xbox and Roku won’t play Blu-Rays and my Blu-Ray player won’t play Hulu or Amazon (yes I know spoiled first world problems).

Poor Warner Bros. They are having such financial problems. I’m not sure what their thought process is but instead of that four week window that Netflix and Redbox had to wait to rent out new titles from some of the major studios, Warner is now going for a 56 day blackout for not only Netflix and Redbox but Blockbuster as well. Warner is hoping this will boost DVD sales of new releases since apparently people were willing to wait the four week period and not buy.

Warner apparently doesn’t understand that it’s not the period of time that makes the difference but the paradigm shift in how movies are delivered. Fewer and fewer DVDs are purchased, particularly at the vastly inflated initial release prices. For most films, you can wait just a few months and get if for half-price (or far less if you are willing to buy used from Blockbuster). Add to that that I simply do not have the time to watch even most of the movies that are available on instant Netflix (and that I get unlimited streaming for a per month charge that is less than half of a single new release). Hrrrm tough choice – I can buy six new releases or I can watch UNLIMITED films on Netflix for a YEAR.

Warner and the other studios absolutely refuse to learn any lessons at all from what the music industry went through. Well okay they have learned a few lessons – movies are now available on home media in a mere few months instead of the previous standard of six (and before that 12). They also do some good tie-ins by putting movies on sale in the same week that their sequels are released theatrically. I especially love the free movie ticket promotions like the one currently on the Underworld Blu-Rays.

Pardon this reposting but ever since I saw Tucker & Dale vs. Evil at the first ActionFest, I’ve been waiting patiently for it to show up anywhere. Finally it is available on instant Netflix and you should watch it now.

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil (2010) – Rated R

Expecting to enjoy a relaxing vacation at their rundown mountain cabin, backwoods boys Tucker and Dale see their peaceful trip turn into a nightmare when college kids camping nearby accuse the duo of being psychotic killers.

Wow. I do not want to give away too many details about this movie but it is an absolutely hilarious reversal of standard slasher tropes.

Eli Craig and Morgan Jurgenson have written a masterpiece here. This is the first writing credit for Morgan and only the second for Eli (he also wrote the short The Tao of Pong). Most blurbs I have seen compare this movie to Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead. In tone it is quite like Shaun, Tucker & Dale is a very good-hearted comedy.

In form though it comes across more like Scream. Tucker & Dale takes the standard hillbillies killing off wayward teens in the woods story and turns it on its ear.

The direction is also by Eli Craig and for a first-time feature film director, he does an excellent job. The stunts and (practical) special effects are quite good. He keeps the action hopping at a brisk pace – there are plenty of gory deaths and lots of laughs.

Part of the magic in the film is definitely the casting.

Tyler Labine, an underrated actor most known for playing “Sock” in the TV series Reaper, plays Dale one of the leads. He plays Dale to lovable perfection as a self-esteem challenged hillbilly.

Alan Tudyk is the other lead and is a wonderful actor. He is best known for playing “Wash” on the TV series Firefly and the movie Serenity. Both are currently available on instant Netflix so why have you not watched them? Here he plays the hapless Tucker who just wants to fix up his vacation home.

Katrina Bowden is our resident damsel in distress. She is also from a TV background, playing Cerie on 30 Rock. Besides being gorgeous (sorry I am still a boy lolz), she has a very nice touch with comedy.

There are so many scenes that I would love to discuss but I prefer to leave them as surprises for you.

Tucker & Dale vs Evil is currently playing the festival circuit looking for a distributor. I find it difficult to understand why no one has snatched up this wonderful comedy but you can put it in your Netflix queue right now and you should.

I highly recommend this film. I was laughing most of the way through the movie as were most of the audience members.

People Watch: Sasha Craig who briefly plays a reporter here is married to Eli Craig. Prior to getting married she was Sasha Williams and played Kelsey Winslow aka Yellow Lightspeed Ranger on the Power Rangers series.