Monthly Archives: August 2009

Inglourious Basterds: Cultural Edition

Posted on August 31, 2009 by The Filmsmith | Leave a comment

So my friends, I have now seen Tarantino’s latest film twice, in the United States, and here in Scotland.

Now, if you have not read it yet, I would like to direct you to Ben Creech’s analysis of the film. His words do a better job than mine:

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=ben+creech&init=quick#/note.php?note_id=125778207609&ref=mf

The quick review is that the film is better than “Kill Bill” but still not able to eclipse the elephant in the room that is his best film, “Pulp Fiction.” So go see it.

But to get to business:

As I stated, I’ve seen the film twice now in two different countries. Each screening, however was a different experience. Continue reading →

Funny People: Quick Review

Posted on August 6, 2009 by The Filmsmith | 3 comments

A lot has been made of this film, as it’s Judd Apatow’s third film, following his successes with 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up, and there’s a lot worth praising. As usual with his work the film walks a fine line between being a comedy or a drama, leaning more for the emotional punches that just happen to be funny. Continue reading →

3 Comments

Posted in Reviews

Tagged Adam Sandler, Cinema, Comedy, Drama, Film, Funny People, Judd Apatow, Movie, Movies, Seth Rogen

Ten You Missed

Posted on August 1, 2009 by The Filmsmith | 5 comments

We are a rather fortunate bunch. Our grandparents only had two chances to see a film: either when it came out in theatres or if it popped up on television, which is what made the annual television screenings of The Wizard of Oz such a big deal. It was not until VHS revolutionized the industry and films could be watched whenever we desired. Combine this with the communication powers of the internet and a film that never got past screenings in New York can suddenly make a ton of cash and notoriety.

With such fortunes, I find it our job as film enthusiasts to promote our favorite smaller films as a counter-weight to the advertising juggernauts that rumble across our cultural plains. Continue reading →

5 Comments

Posted in Filmsmith Faves, Lists

Tagged A Scanner Darkly, Aliens, Brick, Children of Men, Christian Bale, Cinema, Film, Forest Whitaker, Ghost Dog, Hagakure, Half Nelson, Independent, Indie, Kevin Kostner, Leon, List, Movies, Mr Brooks, Ryan Gosling, Terry Gilliam, The Descent, The Fountain, The Machinist, The professional, Tideland, Wizard of Oz