DJG / One Gold Film - One Groan Film

Doubt * * * * *
Directed by: John Patrick Shanley / 2008

“The dragon is hungry.”

In grade school I learned to differentiate the words “principal” and “principle” by the “pal”. As in, “The Principal of the school is my pal.” Still, the principal at my school, though she was very nice, intimidated me. Though, my personal history shows that most anyone in position of authority intimidates me slightly. Now, I never went to Catholic school but nuns in general have always carried an air of intimidation. Though, nothing in comparison to what Meryl Streep creates in the monster as head principal nun trying her best to get to the principles at hand with the head pastor (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman), even if she must dig holes for everyone to lay (or lie) within, in last year’s fantastic “Doubt.”

I had my errrr…doubts?…upon heading up to the theater to see “Doubt”. The trailer showed me all I needed to see and my early perceptions were heavy-handed with top-rung-top-lung acting from Streep, Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis. Plus, I wasn’t really in the mood for another tale of religious scandal and race, of-the-moment topics that seem to be either over-killed or skimmed-over at the theater. It turns out that I needed to let the awards season simmer and enter the film six months later with nothing more than a Sunday afternoon of no expectations. I was thoroughly surprised and thoroughly engaged by “Doubt”, even as it continues to chew on my insides 24 hours later. This movie is certified GOLD.

I doubt I need to explain much about “Doubt” and quite honestly I’d rather allow new viewers to enter without expectations. However, I will say that “Doubt” is one of the finer written, directed, photographed and played films of last year. And more than any, it will give you everything without giving anything completely away. Rather, you will leave looking close at the pieces from all matters and sides of principle. –djg


Eagle vs. Shark * *
Directed by: Taika Waititi / 2007

Just say NO to New Zealand’s “Napoleon Dynamite”...

2004’s “Napoleon Dynamite” was quite the gut-buster for me. I’m not bitter by how far the film stretched into the vernacular (even though I’m still sick of the quotes five years later!) and I’m very happy for its success, but for the most part I need a huge break from seeing it again. Perhaps I can dig farther back and say that without Wes Anderson’s great and original “Rushmore”, though definitely on the higher movie tier, there might not be the “Napoleon Dynamite” we came to know. Add to the mix many-many-many-mimicry-quirky-indie-arty comedies (“Garden State”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Juno”, every new Wes Anderson film, even the forthcoming “Away We Go”) of the past 5+ years that share tricked-out similarities and I’m starting to “get” them as the hand-scrawled predictable promotional materials drip off the press and the trailers blah me to their eccentrically* populated cores. Though, I liked the aforementioned samey-so-so films… especially anything Wes Anderson cranks out even though he is wearing himself a little too thin…simply put, “Eagle vs. Shark” is a total GROAN. And I think I need an even longer break before I watch “Napoleon Dynamite” again. Despite my bickers, and however sickly so, I am inspired to revisit Todd Solondz’s insanely original and at times repulsive work. However, that is another movie ballpark. -djg

*Coincidentally enough, Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ECCENTRICALLY as “a: deviating from an established or usual pattern or style b: deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct especially in odd or whimsical ways ”.

Herzog's "Bad Lieutenant"!

The trailer for Werner Herzog's Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans starring Nicholas Cage! Yes! I haven't seen the original "Bad Lieutenant", and apparently Herzog hasn't either and I like that fact. It looks out of place for Herzog, which isn't a bad thing at all in his hands! I love that Herzog isn't afraid to try something new. I think it's gonna be a great ride and a unique follow-up to last year's Oscar nominated "Encounters at the End of the World." -djg

PS: Recently Werner Herzog was chosen as one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People"!!! Roger Ebert honors the film legend with a great writing.

DJG's Extended Weekend Watcher

Role Models * * * 1/2
Directed by: David Wain / 2008

...Energy drink sealed with a KISS!!!


You Don't Mess With the Zohan * * * * 1/2
Directed by: Dennis Dugan / 2008

...Terrorism, Hairstyling & Disco!



The Beach * * * *
Directed by: Danny Boyle / 2000

...Almost paradise.



Jules and Jim * * * *
Directed by: Francois Truffaut / 1962

...Poetic French New Wave 3-Way

DJG's 2009 Memorial Military Movies

The Steel Helmet * * * * *
Directed by: Samuel Fuller / 1951


Paths of Glory * * * * 1/2
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick / 1957



Full Metal Jacket * * * * *
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick / 1987

DJG / Fanboys

Fanboys * * * ½
Directed by: Kyle Newman / 2009

What “Fanboys” lacks in originality and plot, it makes up for in heart. We’ve all seen a road movie that follows the road movie formula before. You know the like: bad directions and detours, car trouble, wacky characters, ridiculous scenarios, crude humor, getting chased or beat-up, self-discovery, best friends bickering and breaking apart and then reuniting for the better (among others). Very few road movies really “work” for me and I’ve rolled my eyes at several in recent months, but “Fanboys” is a treat as it hits my “Star Wars” sweet spot and tosses some coins in the coming of age fountain. It trades in Harold and Kumar’s White Castle munchies search for that of George Lucas’s “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace”. Set way back in the good ol’ days of 1998 (has it REALLY been eleven years?!), a group of way-more-devoted-than-thou fanatics in their 20s decide to engage their 5th grade pact of making a cross-country trek (ha, trek…see it and you’ll get my joke) from Ohio to Skywalker Ranch in California. Their mission: to steal an early print of “The Phanton Menace”, the long-awaited first prequel to the original “Star Wars” franchise that molded their childhood. More important, one of them is dying from terminal cancer and his friends wish to give him one heck of a send-off and a chance to see the film months in advance. "Fanboys" is filled with the aforementioned road trip menu, though it's highly entertaining and was a fine tribute to "Star Wars", most importantly it's fans and made me wish I could still stay up all night to marathon the original trilogy. The film features delightful cameos and even George Lucas’s approval and blessing to use original "Star Wars" sound effects! When the fanboys (and girl) finally get to see what they’ve waited years for, the movie ends in a question: “What if the movie sucks?” Well, those of us who waited patiently for our midnight screening of “The Phantom Menace” know the answer, and just like with “Fanboys” the movie might not be the best, but is still very sweet from the journey. –djg

*Side Note:
I am reminded of another recent “Star Wars” fan related movie originally titled “5-25-77” but, now simplified to “’77”. Patrick Read Johnson’s film based on his own life and love of “Star Wars” was completed in 2007, but has yet to find proper distribution or something legal or financial is hanging it up. It’s not even a straight to DVD release. I really want to see it and have been curious about it for several years now. It’s stars John Francis Daley (Sam Weir from the beloved “Freaks & Geeks”!) whose life is changed forever on the day “Star Wars” came out on May 25, 1977.

DJG's Movie Morning Monday

The Man Who Fell to Earth * * * ½
Directed by: Nicolas Roeg / 1976

Out of Control for Major Tom…
At times a bit too indulgent and arty “The Man Who Fell to Earth” is a movie I’m sure has challenged many viewers, even those celebrating in a too-quick-to-call-it cult masterpiece kind of way. Without a doubt interesting, epic and obtuse in its sci-fi realm, I do find it being quite dull even though there is rarely a dull moment. I think it boils down to appreciation more than actually liking it. Personally, I do think this one would have been something to group watch five-to-eight years ago, for its eccentricity, surreal visuals and of course Mr. David Bowie in a very game-on acting debut. In fact, I don’t see this movie working without The (very) Thin White Duke as alien Thomas Jerome Newton on a water retrieval mission to Earth. Maybe the original American cut would suit me better as it shortens his visit by twenty minutes and perhaps both Bowie and Rip Torn (even the ladies) keep their trousers on longer and the film's departure would get to me sooner. Of course a remake of “The Man Who Fell to Earth” is slated for release in 2009, but more than likely I’ll just stick with the original even if I don’t really plan on revisiting it. -djg

DJG's CINEMADHESIVE

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot * * * * *
Directed by: Michael Cimino / 1974

The name might throw some people off into the "Cowboys and Indians" department. So might trying to label it into a specific genre. It’s an action movie…no wait, it’s a buddy movie…no wait, it’s a road movie…no wait, it’s a muscle car movie…no wait, it’s an outrageous comedy…no wait, it’s a gangster movie… no wait, there is a giant military gun…no wait, it’s a heist movie …no wait, it’s a fantastic movie and it’s a shame that filmmaker Michael Cimino has all but been banished from Hollywood since “Heaven’s Gate”! Cimino is under appreciated (well, except for “The Deer Hunter”, which is my least favorite of his three I’ve seen) and so is his “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” as it’s another mini-masterpiece film gem of the 1970s. In all honestly, the movie shouldn’t have worked and I should have been groaning, but I had a grin on my face from start to finish. I was thoroughly engrossed in this wild ride starring a very-very cool Clint Eastwood and a very-very young and pre“ Dude” Jeff Bridges, who was nominated for an Oscar in a supporting role. In many ways I can see it as a touchstone for the Coen Brothers’ obtuse comedies as “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” is really hard to pin, other than it’s a fantastic movie from a director who should be a major-major player now if Hollywood would come to their senses with “Heaven’s Gate”. -djg