The How About Project Finale

This project was a failure. I think only two other people took part in it. But I stuck it out because I'm the kind of person who finishes everything he starts, or at least I try to. This final top 6 (2 x top 3) is nothing but a list of great pre-80s films that I haven't yet recommended but would like to.

I'll leave it all posted for a while, to trick myself into believing that someone might appreciate stumbling upon something here and give this past year of blogs a sliver of purpose. If you did read this blog, thanks.

I'm considering moving the whole thing over to a Facebook page since that seems to be where everybody is these days. I just can't help thinking I'll be wasting my time though. I'm considering it.

Apart from the following list, this is my final sentence on this blog. So how about you check out these babies:

12 Angry Men
Harold and Maude
The Poseidon Adventure
Army of Shadows
El Topo
Walkabout

Ciao.

TRAILER: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit? Never heard of it. Just thought it looked interesting and didn't want it to be ignored or anything.

TRAILER: Prometheus

I may actually geek out too hard next summer and hurt myself. Ridley Scott returns. Check this out:

TRAILER: This Must Be the Place

A non-blockbuster to look forward to in 2012? Something very unexpected in a what-the-heck, awesome kind of way? How about this:

TRAILER: The Dark Knight Rises

This is my third most highly anticipated film of 2012 and I'm dying to know how they've planned to surpass the previous film and Ledger's performance. Something tells me there are only hints here:

Poster Reveal: Prometheus

My second most highly anticipated film of 2012:

The How About Project Part 24 (of 26)

Twist my arm.

To prove I'm no Scrooge, here a few lesser known pre-80s Christmas films that may be worth checking out:

3: The Cheaters (1945)
2: Holiday Affair (1949)
1: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

You'll need a top-up after A Christmas Story and Rare Exports anyway, both of which should be on your annual holiday-movies-that-need-to-be-seen list.

Scorsese's Adventure

I am really looking forward to seeing Hugo. Partly because a children's film -- not to mention 3D -- is something that Scorsese has never done til now. Partly because it looks incredible. Word of mouth thus far is excellent.

And this, is how you sell 3D to those of us who couldn't care less about it:

Trailer: Brave

I can't help but think there must be more to this film than what this trailer lets on. It looks great -- Pixar-perfect -- but it seems to be lacking something.



I remain hopeful. I have faith. This is Pixar after all.

Evolution

These are my ten favourite television shows at the moment. Some of them are between seasons while others are currently airing episodes that are actually better than a lot of contemporary cinema. Only 10% of this list is of the "reality" variety:

Boardwalk Empire
Game of Thrones
True Blood
Homeland
Boss
The Walking Dead
Mad Men
Fringe
Have I Got News For You
&
Life's Too Short

4 of them are courtesy of Home Box Office, bringing some serious production value to the output. Most of these star actors more recognised for their film work. And more than a few of them are produced by big name Hollywood directors, incl. Frank Darabont, Martin Scorsese, J J Abrams, and Gus Van Sant.

I guess my point is, TV is finally improving. The standards have been raised thanks to cinema it seems. And its about time.

Any other TV shows you think we should watch?

The How About Project Part 23 (of 26)

Can you name any films starring Pre-Lecter Anthony Hopkins? How about pre-80s?

I've seen a few but thought it would be interesting to delve deeper into his early film career. Some rolls were indeed creepy, some expectedly high-brow. He even has a 70s disaster film under his belt. Here are a few you may want to check out:

3: Juggernaut (1974)
2: The Looking Glass War (1969)
1: Magic (1978)

A Few Awesome Behind-the-Scenes Photos (+ Bonus)

And to contrast the above, a gratuitous shot of Marion Cottilard whom I adore:

Sequel News Updated

And, even better...

Ridley Scott has confirmed that his next project as a director will be a follow-up to Blade Runner. The film is "liable to be a sequel", he says, and will not include any of the characters or actors from the original. Not a problem, says I.

What with his revisiting of the Alien universe with the upcoming Prometheus, this subsequent awesomeness will no doubt solidify Scott's god status with the genre fans.

Eye. 4. 1. Cannes. Nought. Weight.

Sequel News

Thus the new Bond film is named. To be directed by Sam Mendes. And starring a stellar cast including Craig, Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomi Harris, and Albert Finney. With a concentration on the characters and their backgrounds. Sounds intriguing, what with the hint of paranoia and pre-apocalypse the title suggests.

And Andy Serkis has signed on to play Ceasar once more in the Rise of the Planet of the Apes sequel. Thankfully, 'cause the end credits of that film promised us something very, very scary that would be great to see re-realised.

Trailer: Chronicle

Just when you think superhero films should take a bit of a rest, filmmakers start to up the ante. We get Nolan's continuing take on Batman and his soon-to-be-seen Superman, The Avengers is actually happening, and then we get something like this. Which has really got me stoked. I really dig the realistic take on the genre here; not just the use of found-footage, but how the young men use their powers the way horny, responsibility-forsaking young men probably would. 2012 is gonna be awesome.

The How About Project Part 22 (of 26)

Catherine Deneuve. Was, is and always will be the rightful inhabitant of the space atop the French actress pedestal. The proof:

3: The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
2: Repulsion (1965)
1: Belle de Jour (1967)

Film News

River Phoenix looks to be returning to the big screen. Dark Blood, the seemingly paranoid, pre-apocalyptic film he was shooting when he died, is apparently being given the big edit and some added voice work to complete the movie's narration. Should be interesting.

And Batman fans should take note that IMAX screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol this holiday season, will include a 6-minute Dark Knight Rises "prologue". It remains unclear whether it will constitute separate footage from the upcoming sequel or if it is some kind of exclusive, extended trailer. And hopefully it won't be restricted to IMAX cinemas in the States.

The How About Project Part 21 (of 26)

Films based on comic books weren't rare before the 80s, especially in Europe, but those based on superheroes were another story. Christopher Reeve didn't appear as Superman until 1978.

Dig deep enough and you'll discover some real gems based on Golden Age and Silver Age heroes, and even villains.

Here are a few that I didn't know existed but would love to see, especially the Captain Marvel serial which was the first ever American comic book superhero to appear on the big screen:

3: Adventures of Captain Marvel (1941 serial)
2: The Wild World of Batwoman (aka She Was a Hippy Vampire) (1966)
1: Danger: Diabolik (1968)

Film News

Patty Jenkins will he directing the Thor sequel, scheduled for release in November 2013. She's best known for, or perhaps only known for directing Monster which helped get Charlize Theron her Oscar. Seems like a major step down, but maybe they've got something up their sleeves. Marvel's made some pretty sound decisions about things so far. It's great that they're concentrating on the characters but one also really wants to see the action ramped up a bit. Guess we'll have to trust them on this.

And looks like the Coen Brothers' next film will involve the 60s folk music scene. Remember what they did for bluegrass in O Brother Where Art Thou? Here's hopin' for another great original soundtrack on top of another great film.

Die Hard 5

It's happening. And the official title is A Good Day to Die Hard. (Sadly enough. Sounds like a rejected James Bond installment.)

The story will apparently involve John McClane heading over to Russia to spring his wayward son from jail only to get tangled up in another terrorism-based plot. Hijinks ensue.

This doesn't mean cosmonauts and lasers, does it? And will John be onto the vodka?