Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Fif Podcast
We hit a new milestone, as we used a sound effect! You'll have to listen to enjoy it. We also welcomed back guests Neil and PJ to discuss "Looper." Apologies, as their interview was a bit quiet (technical issues to be fixed). Enjoy, and please provide feedback and spread the word!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Our Fourth Podcast
PhilB finally sees "Avengers," we talk "Lord of the Rings," and our good friend PeterH breaks down what went so dreadfully wrong for the pirates, and being a fan in D.C.
Monday, October 1, 2012
"Looper"
Where to even start? First: See the movie. Second: See it again. Be assured, this review will remain spoiler-free. Anything mentioned below has already been shown in previews.
Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) starts the movie as an ace assassin looper for the organized crime syndicate in Kansas during the year 2044. His job is to kill any person beamed back from the year 2072 via illegal time travel. It is nearly impossible to kill and dispose of someone in the future. Only the mafia has access, well, because they are the mafia.
Joe sums it up as, "When my organization from the future wants someone to die, they zap them back to me and I eliminate the target from the future. The only rule is: never let your target escape... even if your target is you."
Therein lies the overriding plot: each person must end their own loop. This means that after their lucrative 30-year contract ends, they must eliminate themselves. This entails shooting a hooded version of themselves transported back. Confused? It all makes sense within the movie - but it is impossible to go into further detail without ruining the story.
Things go awry when Joe is confronted with his older self who manages to escape. As both of their destinies become intertwined, the plot turns in many unexpected directions. I was surprised to draw parallels between "Back to the Future," "Terminator 2," "Grapes of Wrath," and "The Shining." Notice how difficult it is to pinpoint this movie to just one genre?
After the first ten minutes, you do not even question the difference between young and old Joe as far as appearances go. Both are seamless in their makeup and mannerisms. Apparently JGL spent weeks simply learning how to act and look like Bruce Willis. It paid off.
Bruce Willis almost feels like the bad guy in this story as he tries to re-gain the life that has been taken from him at any cost. Willis thrives in his role and hasn't seemed quite this motivated in a long time. It is easily my favorite performance of his since, "The Sixth Sense," or "Pulp Fiction."
Since the future is set only in 2044, it does not go overboard with spaceships and aliens. You only pick up slivers of future technology, as it is not overly important to the plot. There are still flying motorcyles and time travel that add depth, but it is a character-driven movie.
Both Willis and Levitt turn in predictably awesome performances. My favorite moments involved mob boss Abe (Jeff Daniels), fellow looper Jesse (Garret Dillahunt), and a mysterious child named Cid (Pierce Gagnon).
"Looper," is the type of movie that has garnered praise from everyone, deservedly so. The last science fiction movie that has honestly compared, was 2009's "District 9." Both movies depicted not-so-distant futuristic dystopias that were created on modest budgets. If you are tired of endless prequels, this movie should re instill your faith in fresh and new film making.
Rejoice, because this is turning into one hell of a movie season!
Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) starts the movie as an ace assassin looper for the organized crime syndicate in Kansas during the year 2044. His job is to kill any person beamed back from the year 2072 via illegal time travel. It is nearly impossible to kill and dispose of someone in the future. Only the mafia has access, well, because they are the mafia.
Joe sums it up as, "When my organization from the future wants someone to die, they zap them back to me and I eliminate the target from the future. The only rule is: never let your target escape... even if your target is you."
Therein lies the overriding plot: each person must end their own loop. This means that after their lucrative 30-year contract ends, they must eliminate themselves. This entails shooting a hooded version of themselves transported back. Confused? It all makes sense within the movie - but it is impossible to go into further detail without ruining the story.
Things go awry when Joe is confronted with his older self who manages to escape. As both of their destinies become intertwined, the plot turns in many unexpected directions. I was surprised to draw parallels between "Back to the Future," "Terminator 2," "Grapes of Wrath," and "The Shining." Notice how difficult it is to pinpoint this movie to just one genre?
After the first ten minutes, you do not even question the difference between young and old Joe as far as appearances go. Both are seamless in their makeup and mannerisms. Apparently JGL spent weeks simply learning how to act and look like Bruce Willis. It paid off.
Bruce Willis almost feels like the bad guy in this story as he tries to re-gain the life that has been taken from him at any cost. Willis thrives in his role and hasn't seemed quite this motivated in a long time. It is easily my favorite performance of his since, "The Sixth Sense," or "Pulp Fiction."
Since the future is set only in 2044, it does not go overboard with spaceships and aliens. You only pick up slivers of future technology, as it is not overly important to the plot. There are still flying motorcyles and time travel that add depth, but it is a character-driven movie.
Both Willis and Levitt turn in predictably awesome performances. My favorite moments involved mob boss Abe (Jeff Daniels), fellow looper Jesse (Garret Dillahunt), and a mysterious child named Cid (Pierce Gagnon).
"Looper," is the type of movie that has garnered praise from everyone, deservedly so. The last science fiction movie that has honestly compared, was 2009's "District 9." Both movies depicted not-so-distant futuristic dystopias that were created on modest budgets. If you are tired of endless prequels, this movie should re instill your faith in fresh and new film making.
Rejoice, because this is turning into one hell of a movie season!
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Podcast 3
In the newest edition of the Bend and Philb show, we welcomed guests PJ and Neil to join us. Hilarity ensued and we all shared a few laughs and opinions. As always, we appreciate everyone listening and spreading the word. Please continue to let us know what you think and provide suggestions.
As always, a YouTube embed for anyone who prefers it.
And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Itunes here. Give us a good review and star rating if you enjoyed it!
As always, a YouTube embed for anyone who prefers it.
And don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on Itunes here. Give us a good review and star rating if you enjoyed it!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Perks of Being The Master
"The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
A friend gave me this book when I was a sophomore in High School and told me I had to read it. I devoured it in less than two days. I loved that the modern-day Catcher in the Rye had been made based in Pittsburgh of all places. I never thought a movie would be created with any accuracy that suited the book, simply because it was a young-adult novel with adult themes and undertones.
Apparently we have Emma Watson to thank for initially getting this movie green lit. Thanks Hermione! But really, I gained a lot of respect for her after reading this interview with book write/movie director Stephen Chbosky. The follow excerpt is what struck me:
The loose plot? Charlie (Logan Lerman) starts High School after a tumultuous past, and has trouble finding friends who will accept him. Enter Patrick and stepsister Sam (Ezra Miller & Watson) as upperclassmen who seamlessly invite Charlie into their circle of friends. They each have their own issues that go beyond popularity and teachers, which typically force me to skip movies like these.
I was already aware of Ezra Miller's acting ability, as he gave me nightmares playing a student who massacres his high-school without remorse. He performs a total 180 in this movie, and steals the show as an extremely flamboyant and likable friend.
My best suggestion, would be to forget any of the movies the actors and actresses have previously been in and forget the typical teenage movie format. Those of us who actually grew up in 90's will wax nostalgic, as the art of mix tape perfection is prevalent throughout the film.Charlie also reads for pleasure, what a long lost hobby. Current teenagers might roll their eyes at these parts, but anyone else who grew up in that era will fondly remember.
Bottom line? It is a film for anyone, and I cannot recommend it enough. It is showing in select theaters now, and will be out nation-wide Friday.
"The Master"
Very seldom is there a movie that makes you think continuously after the credits roll. I'm not talking about movies like "The Sixth Sense," or "Inception." I mean films that honestly keep you in front of your computer googling and pondering various themes and quotes. This is that film, so be forewarned. It also beautifully shot, and the accompanying soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood (of Radiohead) is haunting. If you want a mindless movie where everyone grows a little and comes out for the better, go see "The Trouble With the Curve."
It most readily apparent that director Paul Thomas Anderson did not set out to make a Scientology movie. He has stated in various interviews that he began with an interest in post-WWII veterans who struggled adjusting to regular life. PTSD had not been very widely accepted or diagnosed in this era, which is where Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) starts the movie. Serving on a ship for the Navy, he has become a depressive alcoholic. When he is finally released back into society, his hazardous alcoholism prevents him from full-time work after he provokes and assaults a customer at his photography job.
It isn't until Freddie hits rock bottom, that he literally stumbles into Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his believers. Dodd has amassed a large following, and encourages Freddie to travel with them to their various gatherings across the U.S. Dodd, addressed as The Master, likens himself as a writer, doctor, nuclear physicist, and theoretical philosopher. He hooks Freddie by agreeing that above all else, he is just a man like him.
Both Phoenix and Hoffman give performances of a lifetime. Both should start clearing space for their respective oscars. Phoenix is so intense at times, you can barely watch. It is a wonder he wasn't seriously injured or affected mentally while filming. On the flip side, Hoffman is subtle and perfect for the part. You can understand his cult-ish following from beginning to end.
I don't want to spoil the movie any further, so just watch the trailer if you want a taste. It should be showing in most theaters, and I could encourage keeping an open mind and reading up on various cults and religions.
A friend gave me this book when I was a sophomore in High School and told me I had to read it. I devoured it in less than two days. I loved that the modern-day Catcher in the Rye had been made based in Pittsburgh of all places. I never thought a movie would be created with any accuracy that suited the book, simply because it was a young-adult novel with adult themes and undertones.
Apparently we have Emma Watson to thank for initially getting this movie green lit. Thanks Hermione! But really, I gained a lot of respect for her after reading this interview with book write/movie director Stephen Chbosky. The follow excerpt is what struck me:
"She flew into L.A. and she had tons of meetings and she’s being offered everything. She’s turning down everything. And she would go to the heads of studio and say, “Make THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, and no one would.” She finally had dinner with Erik Feig of Summit, and he was finally like “Okay, you want me to make PERKS. What is it about this movie?” She says, “I think this would prevent someone from killing themselves, and that’s why I want to do it.” That girl, at that dinner, she came to town and she got it done. She was 21 meeting with heads of studios going, “Make THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER.”I can't honestly say that I disagree with Watson. I legitimately think this book has inspired and saved lives. The movie will do the same. That isn't to say it is a feel-good movie. Far from it. Drugs, alcohol, suicide, and depression all factor into it.
The loose plot? Charlie (Logan Lerman) starts High School after a tumultuous past, and has trouble finding friends who will accept him. Enter Patrick and stepsister Sam (Ezra Miller & Watson) as upperclassmen who seamlessly invite Charlie into their circle of friends. They each have their own issues that go beyond popularity and teachers, which typically force me to skip movies like these.
I was already aware of Ezra Miller's acting ability, as he gave me nightmares playing a student who massacres his high-school without remorse. He performs a total 180 in this movie, and steals the show as an extremely flamboyant and likable friend.
My best suggestion, would be to forget any of the movies the actors and actresses have previously been in and forget the typical teenage movie format. Those of us who actually grew up in 90's will wax nostalgic, as the art of mix tape perfection is prevalent throughout the film.Charlie also reads for pleasure, what a long lost hobby. Current teenagers might roll their eyes at these parts, but anyone else who grew up in that era will fondly remember.
Bottom line? It is a film for anyone, and I cannot recommend it enough. It is showing in select theaters now, and will be out nation-wide Friday.
"The Master"
Very seldom is there a movie that makes you think continuously after the credits roll. I'm not talking about movies like "The Sixth Sense," or "Inception." I mean films that honestly keep you in front of your computer googling and pondering various themes and quotes. This is that film, so be forewarned. It also beautifully shot, and the accompanying soundtrack by Jonny Greenwood (of Radiohead) is haunting. If you want a mindless movie where everyone grows a little and comes out for the better, go see "The Trouble With the Curve."
It most readily apparent that director Paul Thomas Anderson did not set out to make a Scientology movie. He has stated in various interviews that he began with an interest in post-WWII veterans who struggled adjusting to regular life. PTSD had not been very widely accepted or diagnosed in this era, which is where Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) starts the movie. Serving on a ship for the Navy, he has become a depressive alcoholic. When he is finally released back into society, his hazardous alcoholism prevents him from full-time work after he provokes and assaults a customer at his photography job.
It isn't until Freddie hits rock bottom, that he literally stumbles into Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his believers. Dodd has amassed a large following, and encourages Freddie to travel with them to their various gatherings across the U.S. Dodd, addressed as The Master, likens himself as a writer, doctor, nuclear physicist, and theoretical philosopher. He hooks Freddie by agreeing that above all else, he is just a man like him.
Both Phoenix and Hoffman give performances of a lifetime. Both should start clearing space for their respective oscars. Phoenix is so intense at times, you can barely watch. It is a wonder he wasn't seriously injured or affected mentally while filming. On the flip side, Hoffman is subtle and perfect for the part. You can understand his cult-ish following from beginning to end.
I don't want to spoil the movie any further, so just watch the trailer if you want a taste. It should be showing in most theaters, and I could encourage keeping an open mind and reading up on various cults and religions.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Podcast 2!
Hopefully this second edition of our podcast garners as much attention as the first. Please enjoy and give us feedback!
Annnd a youtube embed for anyone on a mobile device or that prefers youtube. Stay tuned for info on Itunes subscription info.
Annnd a youtube embed for anyone on a mobile device or that prefers youtube. Stay tuned for info on Itunes subscription info.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The Podcast Lives!
Thanks to my co-host PhilB we have created something roughly resembling a podcast! Give it a listen and let us know what you think. More to come.
For those on mobile devices, or who prefer youtube, please use the below embedded link:
For those on mobile devices, or who prefer youtube, please use the below embedded link:
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