Review: Zonad

Zonad is the story of an “alien” man who “mysteriously” lands in the small Irish town of Ballymoran. The town hopes he will stay with them, but trouble soon finds Zonad and the residents of the sleepy town.

Zonad is another great addition to the tradition of Irish comedies. It is wildly ridiculous and unabashedly humorous. It is wonderfully campy. Almost painfully campy but hilarious thanks to the costumes, characters, and music. The jokes are way over the top and they are great. This film is tons of fun. Entertaining to the point of uproarious laughter. Brilliantly unique and original. The humor is sophomoric and unapologetic, which will turn some people away, but I thought it suited the movie really well.

The story is far and above over-the-top. There are some vulgar scenes, which are still funny, but not everyone will think so. Most of the humor is simply ridiculous and sophomoric. The storyline is scarcely believable and it unfolds in a great way. Similar to the way an episode of South Park unfolds events get more ridiculous as the story continues along. The pacing of the movie was perfect. The story does not linger on any one gag for too long, which does the movie a huge favor.

There are many colorful characters that are very well played. Simon Delaney plays the part of Zonad. He is boisterous and very funny. If the film were shot in the ‘70s the part would have been played by John Belushi and Belushi would be funnier, but not a whole lot funnier. The rest of the cast is awesome as well, and they are very well placed. The character of Guy Hendrickson (Rory Keenan) is like Steve McQueen straight out of The Blob. The rest of the side characters are awesome too. Benson the Butler (David Murray), Bonad (David Pearse), Jenny (Janice Byrne), and the Police Sergeant (Don Wycherley). None of these actors are very famous or well known, which helps the movie a lot. Having these minor actors adds to the campiness and keeps it legitimate.

The music is great. Composer Brian Byrne creates a soundtrack that adds a great level to the campiness of the movie. It is eclectic and almost ironically used. The original musical numbers are great also. The songs and lyrics are funny interludes in the storyline.

It may be hard for a lot of American audiences to receive this film. Unless they already appreciate over-the-top Irish and British comedy. It is easy to tell that the cast and crew had lots of fun making the movie, and that fun is terribly contagious. This is a great movie to just sink into and enjoy.

I had the opportunity to meet with one of the directors and some of the actors. I talked for a short time with John Carney, Simon Delaney, and Rory Keenan. They were very courteous and they seemed pretty nervous about how the movie would be received. I hope it does well. I know I will want to watch it again and again.

Rating: 4/5

Review: Thieves by Law

Thieves by Law is a wonderful documentary. It is the inside-story of the Russian mafia and their operations throughout the world. Thieves by Law was the first movie I saw at the Tribeca Film Festival and it kicked off the festival for me right. This was also the world premiere of Thieves by Law.

It has lots of personality, heart, and character. It’s unabashed, blunt, and unforgiving. The film unravels shocking revelations about the Russian mob. It is a great look into a rare but prominent world. This world is inhabited by genuinely unique individuals that are very charming and disarming, yet you never forget the power and influence they wield. There are four main characters that the filmmaker follows. Three are former mob bosses and one is a current foot soldier in the Russian mob. Each has friends, a following, and a story that is unique and colorful.

The filmmaker gets access into the private lives of some very wealthy and ferocious men who have earned their livings. They tell their stories with simplistic eloquence. They relate stories of brutality with stone-cold faces. They are deep and brooding and yet very relatable. Amazing characters and well edited to show their personalities.

The movie is very violent. Most of the violence comes from the words spoken by the mafia men. There are some very brutal and powerful images. Great use of stock footage and old news footage showing the results of their actions. The greatest shock value comes from the subjects and how plainly, even comedically, they tell their stories. The violence is very glorified but that is only from the subjects’ words and charm. They suck you in and keep you interested like and Tarantino protagonist.

The standard, bland documentary style emphasizes the stories in stark contrast. I only have one big knock against the film; it can feel a little repetitive at times. The editing style makes certain sections feel very similar. There is a shocking event in Russia’s history, the mobsters give their accounts and inside stories, and then they have their laughs. Not that that’s a terrible set-up, but it can get to feel familiar.

A brutal and sincere film in every great way. A great glimpse into a world seldom seen by outsiders. The characters are well spoken, self-assured, and self-imposed. They are very impressive individuals. The film displays these men in a great way. It is well executed, but it isn’t great.

After the film there was a short question and answer. The director was as disarming as his subjects. Very funny and charming. After meeting him it’s plain to see where the movie got its voice. He was asked about his subjects and he replied simply “we have our rules, they have theirs.”

3.5/5

Tribeca Film Festival: Day One

Day one at the Tribeca Film Festival was eventful to say the least. Our group got in to our lovely accommodations at the Howard Johnson in New Jersey just fine. The movie selection was a little slim so some of the group decided to just attend one screening. We decided to see Thieves by Law, a documentary about the Russian mafia. I will have a full review of that later. Had an interesting Q & A after the screening.

We walked around the city a bit. Went to the Strand bookstore, visited a Thrift shop, and got very lost. All in all not a bad day. A very good start. I look forward to the rest of the festival. Tomorrow we will be attending the Beach Lane pilot taping. Possibly seeing a movie before then, maybe Lola. There is also a talk being given about the future of film distribution that seems interesting.

Review: Clash of the Titans

I did not see Clash of the Titans in 3D. This might have made the movie a little less entertaining. If you don’t see it in 3D you are not going to miss a lot, the movie was not originally made for 3D, just converted.

This movie is a remake of the 1981 movie of the same name. The story is that of Perseus, a demi-god and son of Zeus. Perseus, played by Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation, Avatar) is found as an infant by fisherman Spyros played by Pete Postlethwaite (The Usual Suspects). As Perseus grows, his life becomes more difficult and Spyros is questioning of the mercy of the gods. While fruitless fishing trip Spyros and his family are capsized, but Perseus survives. He travels to Argos where the king and queen have angered the gods. Zeus, played by Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List), allows Hades, played by Ralph Fiennes (the Harry Potter series), to punish Argos. When Hades visits the royal chamber to foretell of the release of the Kraken he sees Perseus and identifies him as the son of Zeus. This sets off a chain of events that sends Perseus on an epic journey.

The story stays pretty close to the original movie, but it is not the same as the original mythology. There are lots of great mythological elements in the story. The gods, the monsters, and the characters are interesting and mostly authentic. There are some discrepancies with the mythology, but it’s excusable, rarely are the movie versions 100% authentic.

The most notable part of this movie is the Art Direction. The sets and environments are beautiful. The monsters are intricate and well designed. The Kraken is a departure from the original film, but it is very impressive. The other creatures in the story, notably the Djinn and Stygian Witches, are well designed also. The Witches especially have a Pan’s Labyrinth appearance and tone. The costumes are interesting and colorful; they help to build the mythical environment.

Most of the acting is good. Most of the minor characters seem like they belong in a Greek epic. Liam Neeson is a great Zeus. Ralph Fiennes adds another great performance to his already impressive villain resume as Hades. Sam Worthington is distracting. He is a good lead for action movies, just not period-action movies. He fit in Avatar very well, even though he didn’t give a stellar performance. I liked him in Terminator Salvation. But he just doesn’t suit this role.

This movie is wildly inconsistent. The story has great roots but it falls well short in the end. There are plot holes and awkward dialogue exchanges. Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes are on a whole separate level from the rest of the cast. The effects and costumes are interesting, but not entirely unique. It is fun to watch, especially for fans of mythology. Though it is easily forgotten and will not be missed.

Rating: 2/5

Conan to TBS

This is a bit of TV news, but it is big TV news. Conan will be gracing late night television once again.

Conan O'Brien will be returning to television in November. He will not be returning to Fox, as many predicted, but he will be headed to TBS. The Fox was just not the right fit due to time and financial constraints. He will take the 11:00 PM time slot, bumping "Lopez Tonight" hosted by George Lopez to midnight. The show will air four times a week, Monday - Thursday. Lopez is excited for the move, stating "I can't think of anything better than doing my show with Conan as my lead-in." The cable channel may just be what Conan needs.

Cable allows for a lot of comedic personalities to stretch a bit more. The most notably being Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central. Conan was at his best when he was allowed to just play. TBS could be a great place to allow him to do what he wants, the kind of comedy he wants to manufacture. It seems like a lot of effort and financial backing is put into "Lopez Tonight", this same kind of support would be doubled for Conan. Or I would hope so.

I'm sure this business deal will work out very well for both parties. Having Conan can do nothing but good for TBS. It will ultimately boost ratings for "Lopez Tonight" and it could draw more people to TBS. I used to watch TBS fairly regularly for movies and re-runs, but now I will have to watch. Conan brings credibility and experience to the network. TBS gives Conan a great venue where he make a show his way.

I miss watching Conan O'Brien. He is funny. He can keep up with any celebrity, even Robin Williams which is nearly impossible. He makes anyone seem interesting. He stands in the middle of the ridiculous chaos that ensues around him and simply smiles. He is the late night host for my generation and it will be good to have him back.

Movie Picks by Year - 1970s

I posed a challenge to myself. If I were only able to pick one movie from each year since 1930, which ones would I choose? I went through each and every year and I managed to select one per year, although there are some honorable mentions from each decade.

This is all about personal preference; in the end there is some variation but it’s all about what movie from each year do I enjoy the most.

If you’re a movie fan I highly recommend this fun little exercise. It’s a good way to pass the time. Plus, in your research, you might find some interesting movies you’d want to check out. I did.

I started with the year 1930 and went all the way into this year. Here are my picks 1970 – 1979:

1970. Woodstock - My favorite documentary about some of my favorite musicians. One of the biggest music events in history Woodstock brought together some of the biggest bands of the day for a 3 day concert. The concert drew 400,000 people and closed the New York State Thruway due to traffic. It is a truly unique event caught on film in a way fitting the festival. The interviews and shots are informal and yet effective. The musicians are the biggest draw with this movie, among them; Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Santana, Joe Cocker, Sly & the Family Stone, Richie Havens, and Arlo Guthrie. But there are some very interesting scenes and interviews with other individuals, such as a maintenance man. A great look into the past, long but well worth the watch.

1971. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory - It is not exactly the same as the story, but it left quite a mark. Charlie is an unfortunate young boy who wins a contest with four other children to tour the mysterious chocolate factory of Willy Wonka, the greatest candy-man in the world. Then the journey gets strange. A great 70s flick, it was remade by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp in the lead, but that cannot touch the magic of this movie. The songs are catchy, the sets are magical, and Gene Wilder is perfect as the unusual Wonka. He brings the character alive, but retains a startling darkness that is very subtle. Wonderful kids movie that is still enjoyable today.

1972. The Godfather - The greatest of all gangster films, Francis Ford Coppola's epic based on the Mario Puzo series is one of the best films ever. With an all star cast featuring the iconic Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone with the likes of Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton. This film is deep, violent, and elegant. It would feel confusing and long at times if it weren't so masterfully crafted. Second on the American Film Institute's 100 Greatest Films of all Time. It is an essential film.

1973. The Sting - In contrast to deep and dark mob epic of The Godfather, The Sting is a bright, colorful, and fun. The vibrant environment is a wonderful backdrop for the story of two con men who attempt to take a mob boss. The two con men are wonderfully portrayed by the classic film duo Paul Newman and Robert Redford. Featuring notable performances by Robert Shaw and Charles Durning. The story is well done, with good directing by George Roy Hill, and a jaunty soundtrack from Marvin Hamlisch featuring the best of Scott Joplin's ragtime songs. A very fun and enormously entertaining film.

1974. Blazing Saddles - Probably my favorite comedy of all time, number 6 on the AFI's 100 Funniest American Films of all Time, Blazing Saddles is hilarious. One of Mel Brooks' finest parody films. This time Brooks takes on the classic American Western and he leaves no cliche unturned. The cast is great from top to bottom; Gene Wilder, Cleavon Little, Harvey Korman, Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn, Dome Deluise, and Brooks himself. The gags and jokes are plentiful but never overbearing. Funny in the finest of ways, Blazing Saddles is a classic.

1975. Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Monty Python's first real feature film is a spoof on the classic story of King Arthur and his knights in the search for The Holy Grail. The film is very bit based, the jokes come from specific scenes or characters, very characteristic of Monty Python. Jokes about swallows, coconuts, a Trojan rabbit, a killer rabbit, shrubbery and more are at this point legendary. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin make up the Pythons who deliver a hilarious tale of hapless knights on a journey and at no point does the film stop being funny.

1976. Taxi Driver - One of Martin Scorsese's first feature length films. Taxi Driver follows the iconic and insane Travis Bickle in his downward journey into madness. Robert De Niro masterfully portrays the troubled Bickle. With a supporting cast the envy of any director; Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Kitel, Peter Boyle, and Albert Brooks. Undoubtedly one of Scorsese and De Niro's best. Dark, depressing, but strangely entrancing. It tells a story that is hard to swallow but it is so well executed that it is endlessly watchable.

1977. Star Wars - The best science fiction franchise around. Star Trek has nothing on this. This is where it all began. The story of a young man on the search for something greater than his ordinary life. The characters are well known. The story is timeless. The movie is great. Simply put, it is Star Wars.

1978. Animal House - Not the first or the last college comedy, but probably the best. Animal House is the story of a wayward fraternity and its haphazard attempt to remain together. John Belushi heads the misfit cast and he is in peak form. Brilliantly physical, unabashed, and manic, Belushi gives the film its energy and drive. Funny and a great watch for any age.

1979. Monty Python's Life of Brian - My favorite of all the Monty Python movies. It is a story set in Biblical times. It tells of Brian, a man who was born in the manger next to Jesus'. The story is very well written and unlike The Holy Grail the comedy is very organic and comes from the story line, it does not seem like bits sewn together. It brilliantly parodies religion, society, and humanity. It is funny and very sophisticated for a Monty Python project.

Honorable Mention:

1972. Harold & Maude - Not too much to say about this one. It is a must for any awkward outsider or teenage outcast. It is disturbing and quirky, macabre and melancholy, bittersweet and loving. From director Hal Ashby and starring Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort, Harold & Maude is a funny and charming movie and well worth watching.

Quick News: Stephen Daldry directing Jonathan Safran Foer

Just some quick news. Stephen Daldry, director of The Reader, will be directing the film adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer's novel Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Being produced by Scott Rudin, Paramount, and Warner Bros. The adaptation was written by Eric Roth. Roth is a great screenwriter; his credits include Forrest Gump, Ali, Munich, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. This is an impressive group of creative minds and it appears that Foer's unique story is in a good hand.

His other novel, Everything is Illuminated, was turned into a great film adaptation. It was colorful and very entertaining. Hopefully, this adaptation will hold up as well. The novel is definitely worth reading. It is very well written, it is about a young man who goes on a journey of discovery after losing his father on 9/11.