HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER / YOUNG ADULT

HOW I ENDED THIS SUMMER (2010)

Available via Hulu Plus

2011 WIFF selection

Important because this was a movie I missed at the 2011 WIFF in order to get home from Madison early. It's nice several months later to make up the loss.

YOUNG ADULT (2011)

Seen at Landmark Century Chicago

I didn't much on the Descendants, but one key distraction of that otherwise excellent movie was the narration. Moreover, the narration wasn't used consistently, it just set things up at the beginning. Compare the use of voice-over narration to the incredibly well written Young Adult, where actions and performances shape the backstory. I can't help but think that there might of been a better way to use George Clooney's excellent acting chops to make the point of the movie better without some disembodied monologue. Anyway, both excellent movies... Patton Oswalt is incredible.

THE DESCENDANTS / LIFE DURING WARTIME

It's really late and a stressful work week, but in other circumstances I might elaborate a while on the movie-watching high I was on this weekend. That's because I got to watch the latest from two unique directors that have a filmography that I've completely watched since 1995.

First...

THE DESCENDANTS (2011)

Directed by Alexander Payne (#5)

Viewed at Sundance Cinema Madison

Then...

LIFE DURING WARTIME (2009)

Directed by Todd Solondz (#5)

Criterion Blu-Ray - Spine #574

Pre-Turkey Report

URBANIZED (2011)

Gene Siskel Film Center - Chicago

An urban planning documentary that isn't perfect... but it's good to see my profession presented in an attractive inspiring way.

PRECIOUS (2009)

Blu-Ray

Oscar Count - Best Picture 7/10 - Best Actress 1/5 - Best Supporting Actress 1/5 - Best Director 4/5 - Best Adapted Screenplay 3/5

Movie Report

WINTER'S BONE (2010) - BLU-RAY

Is this gonna be our time?

Oscar Count - 2010 Best Picture 8/10 - Best Supporting Actor 3/5 - Best Actress 2/5 - Best Adapted Screenplay 4/5

THE TOWERING INFERNO (1974) - HD ON DEMAND

I don't know. Maybe they just oughta leave it the way it is. Kind of a shrine to all the bullshit in the world.

Oscar Count - 1974 Best Picture 4/5 - Best Supporting Actor 4/5

KICK-ASS (2010) BLU-RAY

Mindy, no more homework, Babydoll. Time for Frank D'Amico to go bye-bye.

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (1986) ON DEMAND

Okay. You people sit tight, hold the fort and keep the home fires burning. And if we're not back by dawn... call the president.

report after two weeks

a couple more movies, including my first experience seeing a movie on Hulu Plus... my hopefully adequate replacement for Netflix instant.

THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928)

Criterion #62

AND EVERYTHING IS GOING FINE (2010)

2011 WIFF selection... available via Sundance on demand

Tuesday

UGETSU (1953)

Criterion #309

INCEPTION (2010)

Oscar Count - Best Picture 7/10 - Best Original Screenplay 4/5

Monthly (?) report

If I don't keep this updated I'm going to forget what movies I saw! I will save a longer most to describe my survival plan in the post-Instant Netflix era. For now...

THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)

Oscar Count - Best Picture 4/5 - Best Actor 2/5 - Best Supporting Actor 2/5 - Best Director 3/5 - Best Adapted Screenplay 2/5

Format - Blu-Ray

BARKING DOGS NEVER BITE (2000)

Format - my FINAL Netflix Instant

I'M NOT SCARED (2003)

Format - DVD