The How About Project Part 3 (of 26)

This is very one-sided. But I'll keep at it.

This time around, it's my top 3 alien invasion films that were later remade.

3: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978, the first remake)
2: The Thing From Another World (1951, remade as The Thing in 1982)
1: War of the Worlds (1953)

Get crackin'. And would you recommend others?

Short Film : Sasquatch Birth Journal 2

I'm going to have to find out if this is a sequel or not. In the meantime, please enjoy this short film by the recently unheard of Zellner Bros., recently shown at the Sundance Film Festival. It was evidently done on the cheap, but I love the angle, the frame, and the gist of the thing. It's original.

Trailer : Hanna

Here's another non-comic-book actioner that I'm really looking forward to seeing this year. Partly because it's got Cate Blanchett in it. The bestest actress alive. But also because it looks kind of awesome in a Jason Bourne meets Let the Right One In kind of way. With original music from The Chemical Brothers? Sold.

January's Big Recommend

If you love cinema and literature then you must search out and watch the utterly unique pseudo-documentary, Double Take, directed by Johan Grimonprez.

Based on a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, the film presents a speculative narrative where 1960s Alfred Hitchcock, in the midst of directing The Birds, encounters his double, a man similar to him in every respect apart from looking older and hailing from the 1980s.

The film uses lookalikes, voice impersonators, as well as rare and popular reels of Hitchcock footage that is edited, remagnified, and interwoven to tell the story. All the while, the film is reexamining the history of America's Cold War with Russia, from the late 50s up until the death of Hitchcock. Using old news and documentary footage, the director establishes an indelible allegory which illustrates how the two superpowers were essentially mirror images of themselves, wielding fear across oceans. While we are entertained by Hitchcock's brief, very personal and fearful encounter with his doppelganger (he, coincidentally, being a master of the fearful) we are made to rewitness the very public confrontations of the other set of massive doubles. And there are other "doubles" hinted at throughout the film; an infinite regression of doubles if you will, which would no doubt make Borges smile.

Some of the newer camera work doesn't gel as well as one would like with all the borrowed stuff. And even some of the Hitchcock footage seems poorly edited. But you have to give Grimonprez some credit for trying something new and fascinating.

It took a while to figure out where he was going with this project of his, but Grimonprez does go somewhere interesting filmically. Lots of homage, quirk, and eye-opening moments make this a must-see for those looking for a challenge or at least something different. A definite rarity.

X-Men: First Class : Debut Screen Shots

Anyone who knows me well, knows I've been an X-Geek since primary school. I was okay with the first film, loved the second, am increasingly bothered by the third during subsequent viewings, and think Wolverine was a bit of a waste.

I had hope for this prequel until I started seeing pics of the cast in costume. I'm disappointed to say the least. Except for this pic:

I had forgotten that Kevin Bacon would be portraying Sebastian Shaw. How cool is that? And I had no idea January Jones would be so very yummy in the role of Emma Frost. The Hellfire Club. On the big screen. Wicked.

I wonder if this will be yet another comic-book film where the villains steal the show.

The Dark Knight Rises : Press Release

I really don't know what to think of this:

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”

In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.” Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven. “The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Since The Dark Knight was so good, I'll just have to go on faith. What do you think?

The How About Project Part 2 (of 26)

No one posted anything about my Keaton picks. Hmm.

Attempt number two then.

In honour of my recent discovery that she did in fact star (debut?) in a Hitchcock film, the very awkward The Trouble With Harry, I present my 3 favourite Shirley MacLaine films made before the 80s (and because I've adored her for years):

3: Woman Times Seven
2: Being There
1: The Apartment

These are incredible films that should be seen for a number of other reasons as well. Seek them out. And let me know what you think.

Trailer: Battle: Los Angeles

I'm looking forward to this one. I hope it puts all these other alien invasion films/tv shows we've been disappointed with lately to significant shame. Enjoy:

Joy

Read this:

http://www.mckellen.com/cinema/hobbit-movie/index.htm

Simply joy.

Another (Needless?) Remake

It's official. They're remaking Total Recall. Unbelievable.

Arnie is being replaced by Colin Farrell. It's being directed by Len Wiseman of Underworld and Live Free Or Die Hard fame. And it's shooting in Toronto this spring.

But why? It's hard to believe there are no fresh writers handing in cool new ideas to these remake-happy, franchise-milking studios.

Are remakes really sure things? Discuss.

More on the story at collider.com