Deadly Serious Fun - Five Scenes From "The Kids Are Alright" You Will See In No Other Rock Documentary, Ever - by Ricki C.

For ten years, from 2000 to 2010, I served first as a roadie and then as road manager for Hamell On Trial: a solo acoustic force-of-nature whom I described – and at times introduced onstage – as “A four-man punk band rolled into one bald, sweaty guy.”  The very first rock & roll conversation Ed Hamell and I ever had when I opened for him at Little Bothers in 1998 was about how we saw The Who three weeks apart back in 1969 as high school boys – me a senior in Columbus, Ohio; him a  sophomore in Syracuse, New York.  We both agreed unequivocally that it was the greatest rock & roll show we had ever seen.  We both agreed unequivocally that The Who in 1969 was rock & roll’s most perfect organism EVER, and that all of our musical standards of professionalism were based on that band, and those four men: Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle & Keith Moon.

I stand by that assertion to this day.  The Who – from sometime in 1968 when Pete Townshend started to write Tommy, to sometime in 1973 before Quadrophenia came out – were, quite simply, the greatest rock & roll band of all time.  I say this with apologies to my dear friend Jim Johnson – The Rolling Stones have been a great band for a good many decades – and my good friend Chris Clinton – Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band have been the world’s greatest rock & roll band from 1978 until sometime last week – but neither of them of are as good as The Who were at their 1972 peak, when they wrote & recorded Who’s Next.

And this movie – The Kids Are Alright – is a true testament to that band.

Five scenes from The Kids Are Alright that you will see in no other rock documentary EVER:

1)    A little perspective: The opening segment in The Kids Are Alright, The Who’s appearance on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour on September 15th, 1967, came three months after the June 1st release of The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” ruined the concept of FUN in rock & roll and made everything DEADLY SERIOUS.  The Smothers Brothers really had their hearts in the right place – attempting to bring a little bit of the counter-culture to white-bread Sunday night television – and this night, bringing The Who in all their anarchic, gear-smashing glory to National Commercial television when there were still only three channels, they succeeded.  Deadly serious fun.  Keith overloads his blast-powder in the bass drum and in the ensuing explosion Pete’s hair gets singed, he loses some of his hearing, you can hear the audience GASP, Bette Davis faints backstage, and Keith gets knocked cold.  I was literally stunned, staring open-mouthed at the TV as this performance transpired.  I had always kinda liked The Who, now it was Luv, L-U-V.
 
2)    The short segment of Keith throwing his “Pictures Of Lily” drum kit into the audience (and, by the way, the audience THROWING THEM BACK) took place not at the “My Generation” smashing-the-gear-at-the-end-of-the-show finale of the August 6th, 1968, appearance at the Boston Music Hall, it took place THREE SONGS INTO THE SET, when an obviously, let’s say “over-exuberant” Keith Moon lost track of where The Who were in the show and started to forcefully dismantle his kit.  The show had to be stopped, the roadies had to regain all of the gear and reassemble the drum kit so the show could resume.  Deadly serious fun.

3)    The grainy black & white footage from some British teen program in 1966 when Pete Townshend opines – apropos of the musical quality of The Beatles – “When you hear the backing tracks of The Beatles without their voices, they’re flippin’ lousy.”  Again, a little historical perspective for the rock & roll youngsters: If you were a rock musician in 1966, you didn’t go on English television and badmouth The Beatles.  Deadly serious fun.        

4)    The compendium of gear-smashing sequences that flows from the Monterey Pop Festival appearance by the boys in 1967.  This is not play-acting.  This is not Kiss smashing a plywood guitar at the end of “The Act” after they were raking in millions from The Rubes In The Cheap Seats in the 70’s.  This is at least three seriously pissed-off young men taking out their aggressions on their instruments, and doing a damn fine job of entertaining the audience while they’re at it.  This is the only time Art ever successfully mixed with Rock & Roll.  This was Deadly Serious Fun.

5)    My favorite scene in the entire movie and, sadly, the one that I think tells the entire Story Of The Who in one glorious 30-second segment: right after “A Quick One Whiles He’s Away” Pete Townshend is pontificating – as he so often has, indeed to this day in 2014 – about how “The Who can’t just remain a circus act, doing what the audience knows we can do, until we become a cabaret act.”  It’s pretentious as hell, as Townshend so often was/is, and in the midst of it Keith Moon – feigning agreement in the Lofty Pronouncements being Uttered – proceeds to do a circus-act headstand on his conference-room chair, forcing Pete out of his Painfully Serious Overly Intelligent Rock Star Stance into trying to balance a brandy on Keith’s boot-heel and totally derailing Pete’s pomposity.  

Keith Moon died September 7th, 1978, just over four months after the May 25th performance that yielded takes of “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” for this film.  The Kids Are Alright was released in May, 1979, and I think I knew even then that The Who without Keith Moon was never going to be the same again, that without Keith’s genius comic tempering of Pete’s pretentiousness, that everything was going to devolve to the Deadly Serious, and The Who would never be Fun again.  I was right.

In some ways this entire movie serves as a tribute to Keith Moon, and as a tribute to a simpler time in rock & roll: when guitars & drums, extreme volume, cool clothes, great songs and a cute blonde lead singer were enough for anybody.  In many ways, I have no problem with that.

If you think you’ve ever loved rock & roll music for even a single moment, you’ve gotta see this movie.  – Ricki C. / May 17th, 2014.

(So, Ricki C. has been on quite the Who bender this week, but if any rock & roll gluttons for punishment out there among you have a stomach for 2500 more words on the subject, check out Ricki's 2012 blog Shows I Saw In The 60's, part two - including his full account of the November 1st, 1969 Who appearance at Veteran's Memorial.  But first, a video.......) 

Buggy Eyes and a Big Butt, part sixteen, Movies 288-314

Pencilstorm contributor Rob Braithwaite is watching 366 movies this year, so you don't have to: Here is part thirteen of his continuing 2016 rundown......

Q&A Intro, 1-17, 18-36, 37-51, 52-66, 67-74, 75-87, 88-103, 104-120, 121-131, 132-152, 153-173, 174-187, 188-221, 222-255, 256-287, 288-314, 315-341, 342-366, Index

Ratings key:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ = I can’t see giving anything that I’ve seen once five stars
★ ★ ★ ★ = get to the theater / move it up in your queue
★ ★ ★ = “three stars is a recommendation” - The Empire [magazine] Podcast
★ ★ = if the remote is too far away, you could do worse
★ = if the remote is too far away, get someone to move it closer then throw it at the TV

288
Hateship Loveship (2013) ★ ★ ★
stars: Kristen Wiig, Guy Pearce, Haliee Steinfeld
director: Liza Johnson

Sabitha plays the part of evil Cyrano de Bergerac between her addict father and new housekeeper.

This has to be the most awkward love story I’ve ever seen. It’s sweet in its way. A fairy tale for misfits.

Wear your patient pants. The movie is in no hurry.

double feature pairing: You Can Count on Me

289
The Blob (1988) ★ ★ ★
stars: Shawnee Smith, Kevin Dillon, Donovan Leitch Jr
director: Chuck Russell

A blob of stuff eats its way through a small town.

*sigh* hooray. the government is here. we are saved.

Some impressive special effects mix with ones that remind you of the original.

double feature pairing: The Absent Minded Professor

290
Slums of Beverly Hills (1998) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Natasha Lyonne, Alan Arkin, Marisa Tomei
writer/director: Tamara Jenkins

Vivian is in desperate need of a mother figure. Thanks to her scheming father, her older cousin comes to live with them and her two brothers.

I liked it a lot.

double feature pairing: Little Miss Sunshine

291
Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015) ★ ★ ★
stars: Lin Shaye, Stefanie Scott, Dermot Mulroney
director: Leigh Whannell

It’s the story we all wanted! How did that amazing ghost busting team from Insidious 1 come together?

[LOUD NOISE]

This is a pretty typical demon possession tale. [LOUD NOISE] Insidious has learned a lesson from The Conjuring. The victim isn’t the series thread; it’s the medium. The next movie can be about anyone anywhere. As long as you get Lin Shaye and the other two, Insidious can go forever.

Anyway, the movie is fine. Much better then the second one. But it relies too much on jump scares instead of creating actual horror or suspense.

double feature pairing: Rear Window

[LOUD NOISE]

292
Night Owls (2015) ★ ★.5
stars: Rosa Salazar, Adam Pally, Rob Huebel
director: Charles Hood

A one-night stand becomes an all-night nightmare for Kevin when he learns that the girl is his boss’s jilted mistress.

The power dynamic shifts in interesting ways. The leads are really good. …uh, I rated this when I saw it. Now that I’m writing about it weeks later I can’t remember why I edged it just under a recommendation.

[LOUD NOISE]

Maybe it was for one too many contrivances. Maybe because I thought it was fine but not good enough. Well, I’m sure it was for a reason.

watch The Apartment instead

293
Submarine (2010) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Craig Roberts, Yasmin Paige, Paddy Considine
director: Richard Ayoade

Oliver navigates his first romantic relationship as his parents’ marriage is threatened.

Humorous and highly enjoyable. The original songs were written by Alex Turner, lead singer of Arctic Monkeys.

double feature paring: Magnolia

294
Wild Bill (1995) ★ ★ ★
stars: Jeff Bridges, Ellen Barkin, David Arquette
director: Walter Hill

After a life of legend, Wild Bill Hickok settles in Deadwood.

The movie is bookended by one of my most hated narrative devices: folks ‘memberin’ things by a grave. To make it even worse, it sets up an unsure color pattern. The current scenes are in black and white. When folks get to spinnin’ a yarn, you’d think color’s a’comin’. Nope. Still black and white. It’s only when it flash forwards from the flashback, but not so far as to return to the grave site, does it become color. Take out the unnecessary bookends and there isn’t a problem.

One of the source materials was Thomas Babe’s play Fathers and Sons. The last third feels like a play. It’s unique for the genre.

double feature paring: Drugstore Cowboy

295
The Take (2016) ★ ★.5
stars: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte Le Bon
director: James Watkins

A CIA agent teams up with a pickpocket to thwart a terrorist attack in France.

A very familiar action thriller that doesn’t ask much from itself or the viewer.

watch Die Hard with a Vengeance instead

296
The Meddler (2015) ★ ★ ★
stars: Susan Sarandon, Rose Byrne, J.K. Simmons
director: Lorene Scafaria

Marnie moves to L.A. after her husband dies to be closer to her daughter. A little too close for her daughter’s taste.

Grieving takes many forms. Some busy themselves with others. Some need time to breathe on their own.

There is a conversation that hilariously takes a shot at my biggest pet peeve in the movie world: Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the needless title change to make all the Indiana Jones movies, I don’t know, start with “Indiana Jones”? True, the title remains the same within the movie — only the video cases were changed from Raiders of the Lost Ark to a title that incorrectly separates Indy from the other raiders — but it still burns my bacon when I see it. (and I’ve gotten over the Star Wars prequels.)

double feature pairing: Mother

297
Trumbo (2015) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren
director: Jay Roach

Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo is arrested for being a Communist then blacklisted from working for 10 years.

I originally stayed away from this because of the trailer. A movie about the movies in time for Oscar consideration with Bryan Cranston affecting a distracting accent? Pass. I was wrong. It’s well done despite too many speeches belaboring the point in the end. And that accent? Well, every other person is talking funny so it isn’t that distracting.

double feature pairing: Matinee

298
Rio Bravo (1959) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson
director: Howard Hawks

Bad guys aim to break their fellow bad guy out of jail. The sheriff is set against it. Luckily a drunk, an old man and a teen idol have his back.

Angie Dickinson, once again, plays “the girl” with very little consequence to the story. It’s a classic western in that respect and many others.

double feature paring: Assault on Precinct 13

299
Drillbit Taylor (2008) ★ ★ ★
stars: Owen Wilson, Nate Hartly, Troy Gentile
director: Steven Brill

Three high school freshmen post an add for a bodyguard to protect them from bullies.

It’s a comfortable formulaic comedy, perfect for those days when you need something light and undemanding.  There’s a nice My Bodyguard reference, and I wonder how many people got it.

double feature pairing: The Professional

300
The American Friend (1977) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Bruno Ganz, Dennis Hopper, Lisa Kreuzer
director: Wim Wenders

An American dealer of forged art ropes a German frame maker into the world of contract killing.

This isn’t the non-stop pulse pounder the American remake would have been. It’s much more delicate but not without tension.

I never noticed how alike Dennis Hopper and Owen Wilson could be. Maybe because I watched Drillbit Taylor before this. Hopper’s cowboy hat and his existentially somber mood reminded me of Wilson in The Royal Tennenbaums.

double feature paring: The Matador

301
Clifford (1994) ★ ★
stars: Martin Short, Charles Grodin, Mary Steenburgen
director: Paul Flaherty

A 10 year-old problem child is dumped on his uncle to handle.

Martin Short makes me laugh. So does Charles Grodin. Short’s kid schtick is wasted on a bad script. And Grodin is phoning in a terrible Charles Grodin impression. All the yelling…

watch Cabin Boy instead

302
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell
director: David Yates

Magic, magic everywhere! oh, and the wonder!

I liked it more than any of the Harry Potter movies*.

*not a big fan of the Harry Potter movies.

double feature paring: The Manchurian Candidate

303
Monster (2003) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Charlize Theron, Christina Ricci, Bruce Dern
writer/director: Patty Jenkins

The dramatization of Aileen Wuornos’ murder spree is handled with compassion and understanding without excusing her murderous actions.

double feature pairing: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

304
The Counterfeiters (2007) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Karl Markovics, August Diehl, Devid Striesow
director: Stefan Ruzowitzky

Imprisoned in a German concentration camp, a Jewish forger is enlisted for Operation: Bernhard, which became the largest money counterfeiting operation in history.

An incredible story that explores the line between resistance and survival.

double feature pairing: To Live and Die in L.A.

305
War Dogs (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Bradley Cooper
director: Todd Phillips

A couple of bros become gun brokers for the U.S. government.

The trailer leans heavy on the humor element. The overall tone is much more dramatic. The narration and editing is under the influence of Goodfellas.

double feature pairing: The Wolf of Wall Street

306
Ratcatcher (1999) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: William Eadie, Mandy Matthews, Tommy Flanagan
writer/director: Lynne Ramsay

A slice-of-life tale during Glasgow’s garbage strike in 1973. James tries to make the best of his diseased environment and dreams of something better.

Absolutely heartbreaking.

double feature pairing: Mousehunt

307
Sour Grapes (2016) ★ ★.5
stars: wine snobs, con men, federal agents
directors: Reuben Atlas, Jerry Rothwell

A bunch of snooty ascots are swindled by a con man selling fake wine.

Wine snobs are the most insufferable people. Maybe I mock what I don’t care about. But, good god, they are the worst.

The movie does a good job of showing how con man Rudy Kurniawan charmed people and the system into accepting his forgeries. However, it doesn’t seem to have a strong grasp on how his operation worked. Connections are made, but the presentation isn’t confident.

watch My Kid Could Paint That instead

308
The Frontier (2015) ★ ★.5
stars: Jocelin Donahue, Jim Beaver, Kelly Lynch
director: Oren Shai

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: two crime noir stories walk into a diner…

Both are played effectively suspenseful in the beginning. Then there are questionable events. Then the contrivances become too much to overlook. Still, it was almost great.

watch Blood Simple instead

309
Evolution (2015) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Max Brebant, Roxane Duran, Julie-Marie Parmentier
director: Lucile Hadzihalilovic

There is an island of women and preteen boys.

I have no other way of describing the plot that wouldn’t ruin your discovery of a story that could be categorized as science fiction, maybe even biological horror. It’s largely absent of dialogue, an incredible display of visual storytelling. If there was a loop of the first several minutes, I don’t think I’d have another anxious day in my life.

double feature pairing: Under the Skin

310
Central Intelligence (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Amy Ryan
director: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Old schoolmates reunite for some secret agent shenanigans.

Funny is as The Rock and Kevin Hart does.

double feature pairing: The Nude Bomb

311
After the Wedding (2006) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Mads Mikkelsen, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Rolf Lassgård
director: Susanne Bier

Jacob manages a struggling orphanage in India. He travels to Denmark to meet a potential investor. He couldn’t imagine how his life is about to change.

Wonderfully acted. Emotionally complex.

double feature pairing: The Deer Hunter

312
The Fan (1981) ★ ★.5
stars: Lauren Bacall, Michael Biehn, James Garner
director: Ed Bianchi

There’s a guy who likes a Broadway actress a little too much. Muderously too much.

Good for its day. But what captured my attention was the deranged fan’s letter writing campaign. He’d write letters. Her secretary would respond in kind, until she ignores them. The more agitated he became, the more his understanding of how the post office works would slip away. One letter said that if he didn’t receive a response by tomorrow… Tomorrow? So he mails it that day. And let’s say the letter is received the next day, aka: tomorrow. The best scenario is that the secretary isn’t swamped and could immediately respond. If she gets that letter posted in time, and the New York City postal service can get a regular letter delivered next day… we’re talking the day after tomorrow, at best! Sometimes when you go crazy, reason goes with you.

watch Play Misty for Me instead

313
Allied (2016) ★ ★
stars: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Jared Harris
director: Robert Zemeckis

Two spies fall in love during World War Two. One spy might be a spy.

If you’ve seen the trailer, or read those two lines, there is nothing in this movie to see but the resolution. And even that isn’t interesting.

watch Mr. & Mrs. Smith instead

314
The Edge of Seventeen (2016) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Haliee Steinfeld, Haley Lu Richardson, Blake Jenner
writer/director: Kelly Fremon Craig

A socially awkward teen spins a little more out of control when her only friend starts dating her bother.

It’s great.

double feature pairing: Wonder Boys

Counters:
314/366 movies (21 movies off pace)
46/52 movies directed by women

TOP THREE

[LOUD NOISE]

Q&A Intro, 1-17, 18-36, 37-51, 52-66, 67-74, 75-87, 88-103, 104-120, 121-131, 132-152, 153-173, 174-187, 188-221, 222-255, 256-287, 288-314, 315-341, 342-366, Index

Buggy Eyes and a Big Butt, part fifteen: Movies 256-287

Pencilstorm contributor Rob Braithwaite is watching 366 movies this year, so you don't have to: Here is part fifteen of his continuing 2016 rundown......

Q&A Intro, 1-17, 18-36, 37-51, 52-66, 67-74, 75-87, 88-103, 104-120, 121-131, 132-152, 153-173, 174-187, 188-221, 222-255, 256-287, 288-314, 315-341, 342-366, Index

Ratings key:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ = I can’t see giving anything that I’ve seen once five stars
★ ★ ★ ★ = get to the theater / move it up in your queue
★ ★ ★ = “three stars is a recommendation” - The Empire [magazine] Podcast
★ ★ = if the remote is too far away, you could do worse
★ = if the remote is too far away, get someone to move it closer then throw it at the TV

256
The Wailing (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Do Won Kwak, Jung-min Hwang, Jun Kunimura
writer/director: Hong-jin Na

A police officer investigates an outbreak of a suspicious disease that coincides with sightings of a mysterious man living in the woods.

Eerie with an incredibly nerve-wracking ceremony. If you are looking for horror with gore, guts and a quick pace, looks elsewhere.

double feature pairing: The Exorcist

257
Child’s Play (1988) ★ ★ ★
stars: Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent
director: Tom Holland

A criminal — and apparent sorcerer — projects his spirit into a doll just before the cops gun him down. Pity the mother who gives the doll to her son. Save the son because he is in some serious shit.

Hilariously dated but still a lot of fun.

double feature pairing: Dead Silence

258
Man vs Snake: The Long and Twisted Tale of Nibbler (2015) ★ ★ ★
stars: Tim McVey, Dwayne Richard, Enrico Zanetti
directors: Tim Kinzy, Andrew Seklir

Nibbler is an arcade game that has a top score of one billion points. It takes about 40 hours of gameplay to reach that number. It’s weird to call these men athletes, yet there is a physical and mental toll that impresses as well as causes wonder about how smelly that room is.

There is some interesting drama about two-thirds in. The documentary is so focused on glorifying Tim McVey that it ignores someone who did even better. Maybe that guy didn’t want to be interviewed. Can’t imagine why not.

double feature pairing: The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

259
The Other (1972) ★ ★.5
stars: Uta Hagen, Chris Udvarnoky, Martin Udvarnoky
director: Robert Mulligan

Twin farm boys possess a power and a secret.

This story of a supernatural Goofus and Gallant doesn’t fare well after 44 years. The slow pace might have worked in its favor then. Now, it telegraphs a reveal we are all too familiar with. The ending is worthwhile, even though it takes a little too long to get there.

watch The Good Son instead

260
Terror Train (1980) ★.5
stars: Ben Johnson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Hart Bochner
director: Roger Spottiswoode

Choo! Choo! All aboard the terror train! Don’t let the name fool you. It’s really a murder train.

I’ve got a feeling this movie was old hat in 1980. It was somewhat enjoyable in is awfulness, the bizarre acting of David Copperfield, and for the few minutes it made me think about The War of the Roses.

When an fire extinguisher is used in any movie I’m reminded of the part in The War of the Roses when the family Christmas tree is on fire and Michael Douglas is frantically reading the fire extinguisher instructions. Funny stuff. I’m smiling about it now.

watch The War of the Roses instead

261
Fort Tilden (2014) ★ ★ ★
stars: Bridey Elliott, Clare McNulty
director: Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers

Harper and Allie are going to the beach to meet a couple guys. Distractions within and beyond their control make it a trip more difficult than it should be.

Early segments reminded me of situations that could pop up in Broad City. The movie suffered for a bit because of those connected dots. Fort Tilden came into its own and resolved quite nicely.

tv pairing: Broad City

262
Pontypool (2008) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Stephen McHattie, Lisa Houle, Georgina Reilly
director: Bruce McDonald

There’s a… well, I’ll call it a zombie outbreak for the ease of illustration, even though the outbreak doesn’t technically fall into that arena. Like how people are wrong in calling 28 Days Later a zombie movie. It isn’t, but it’s lumped into that category anyway…

The people of Pontypool are consumed by an infection that is spread in an unknown way. An early morning radio team tries to make sense of it all.

The movie take place almost entirely in the radio station. It’s a unique and intense way of bringing some life into a familiar genre.

double feature pairing: Talk Radio

263
The Whole Truth (2016) ★ ★
stars: Keanu Reeves, Renée Zellweger, Gugu Mbatha-Raw
director: Courtney Hunt

A son is on trial for killing his dad. It’s not a question of did he do it, but what is he hiding?

To those who have never seen a cinematic murder trial, you will be blown away! To everyone else, you can figure what he’s hiding almost immediately. Even though your first guess is probably wrong, because the movie wants you to think you’ve figured it out, your second suspicion isn’t.

watch …and justice for all. instead

264
Re-Animator (1985) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton
director: Stuart Gordon

A scientist brings back the dead in hilariously gory and just plain funny ways.

double feature pairing: Evil Dead 2

265
The Girl on the Train (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson
director: Tate Taylor

The trailer wants you to think this is a crime thriller about a missing woman. It’s that on some level. It’s also something more. The who-done-it is predictable. The performances, particularly Emily Blunt’s, are reasons enough to watch.

double feature pairing: Source Code

266
Onionhead (1958) ★.5
stars: Andy Griffith, Felicia Farr, Walter Mathau
director: Norman Taurog

Some asshole decides to join the Coast Guard after his crush rejects him. He eventually learns one lesson but never gets comeuppance for his actions and gets the girl at the end anyway because the ‘50s.

watch A Face in the Crowd instead

267
The Adventure of Shelock Holmes’ Smarter Brother (1975) ★ ★
stars: Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman
writer/director: Gene Wilder

Sigerson Holmes works a case and sing songs.

I got a couple big laughs from this. I was mostly keeping an eye on the time. Fans of Mel Brooks’ movies should check this out.

watch Zero Effect instead

268
Norman Lear: Just Another You (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Norman Lear
directors: Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady

Norman Lear evolved network television (back then it was simply called television) into a place where important social and civil issues could be discussed.

I think the documentary could have eased up on the extensive set pieces which featured a child actor standing in for Lear (He’s a kid at heart!). Listening to Lear as he recorded his audiobook isn’t as interesting as hearing stories in an interview. And I don’t need to watch people watching clips of his shows. Still, he’s an important person in television history. If this is the only documentary we get, it’s good enough.

double feature pairing: The TV Set

269
Carnage Park (2016) ★ ★.5
stars: Ashley Bell, Pat Healy, James Landry Hébert
writer/director: Mickey Keating

A couple bank robbers and their hostage find themselves trapped in the desert playground of killer.

The first half has the pace and feel of a Tarantino knock-off. The second half grinds to the crawl of a home invasion movie. Each part was fine.

watch Breakdown instead

270
Doomed: The Untold Story of Roger Corman’s The Fantastic Four (2015) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Mark Sikes, Oley Sassone, Alex Hyde-White
director: Mark Langford

The Fantastic Four is the only movie Roger Corman made that was never released. Pretty amazing considering all the low budget hash he has slung.

It’s an interesting story. The documentary’s structure and presentation of the ultimate reason why the movie will never get a legitimate release is muddy.

double feature pairing: Lost in La Mancha

271
The Intervention (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Melaine Lynskey, Cobie Smulders, Jason Ritter
writer/director: Clea DuVall

A group of friends come together for a weekend to suggest that two of them should get a divorce.

Excellent performances and a bow-less resolution keep a few contrivances from mattering.

double feature pairing: The Big Chill

272
Finding Dory (2016) ★ ★
stars: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill
directors: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane

Everyone’s favorite forgetful fish has remembered she has parents.

I understand Finding Dory is an obvious title to a Finding Nemo sequel, but I’m calling the bad title police. No one is looking for Dory.

Anyway, one good thing about a main character who suffers from short term memory loss is that you don’t have to pay close attention to the movie. They will repeat any important plot points.

watch Blackfish instead

273
A Bigger Splash (2015) ★ ★.5
stars: Tilda Swinton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ralph Fiennes
director: Luca Guadagnino

A famous rock star rests her voice in Italy with her boyfriend when her former producer and lover crash their solitary.

Good performances and character stories. I lost interest after a while.

watch Sexy Beast instead

274
Doctor Strange (2016) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton
director: Scott Derrickson

A neurosurgeon survives a car crash that irrevocably damages his hands. Looking for a miracle, he finds salvation in magic.

The Marvel movie universe has gone cosmic, and it works. I am burned out on origin stories, but in this case, it’s necessary and comes off rather well. It even takes a fresh approach on the third-act spectacle of dudes fighting as a city crumbles.

double feature pairing: Edge of Tomorrow

275
Gimme Danger (2016) ★ ★.5
stars: Iggy Pop, Ron Asheton, Scott Asheton
director: Jim Jarmusch

The story of The Stooges. It is so much the story of The Stooges that it’s barely acknowledged that Iggy Pop has a solo career.

It’s a must see for fans of The Stooges.

watch Filmage: The Story of Descendents/ALL instead

276
Morris from America (2016) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Markees Christmas, Craig Robinson, Lina Keller
writer/director: Chad Hartigan

Morris and his dad are Americans living in Germany. He has a hard time fitting in with kids his age. When he meets Katrin, he tries a little harder.

One of the better coming-of-age stories. The father and son scenes are great. I prefer Craig Robinson as a dramatic actor.

double feature pairing: In Bruges

277
Ordinary World (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Billie Joe Armstrong, Selma Blair, Judy Greer
writer/director: Lee Kirk

Perry gave up his band to have a family. He’s wondering if he chose wisely as he turns 40.

All the comforts and forced situations of a formulaic romantic comedy. I actually enjoyed it. Billie Joe “Green Day” Armstrong turned in a decent performance.

double feature pairing: The Family Man

278
Wild Oats (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Shirley MacLaine, Jessica Lange, Howard Hesseman
director: Andy Tennant

Eva doesn’t know what to do when a $50,000 life insurance check arrives in the amount of $5,000,000. Her friend Maddie says, “Fuck it. Let’s travel.” Eva agrees.

A fun romp with funny people. It’s ends like you might expect, but the way there isn’t as expected. Also, you don’t see too many movie championing the career of a teacher.

double feature pairing: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

279
A Band Called Death (2012) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Bobby Hackney, David Hackney, Dannis Hackney
directors: Mark Christopher Covino, Jeff Howlett

Two years before the Ramones, there was Death. Now called the first punk band, Death was formed by three brothers from Detroit. David’s unwavering defiance to keep that name kept them from an audience. 35 years later, the audience found the music.

It’s amazing the power music can have.

double feature pairing: The Punk Singer

280
Our Kind of Traitor (2016) ★ ★.5
stars: Ewan McGregor, Naomie Harris, Stellan Skarsgård
director: Susanna White

Some regular folks on a vacation decide to assist a Russian bookkeeper in defecting to England.

A very traditional spy thriller. If you’ve never seen one, you’re gonna love it!

watch Moscow on the Hudson instead

281
Dog Eat Dog (2016) ★ ★.5
stars: Nicolas Cage, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Matthew Cook
director: Paul Schrader

The trio of criminals decide to up their game by kidnapping the baby of a debtor.

This movie is 20 years too late to be anything interesting. It’s always good to see Willem Dafoe in the mix.

watch Three Men and a Baby instead

282
Army of One (2016) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Nicolas Cage, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Russell Brand
director: Larry Charles

Based on the true story of the guy who went to Afghanistan to find Osama bin Laden by himself.

You know what I miss? Nicholas Cage, the comedian. And to some extent the “out there” Nicholas Cage. This one displays them both wonderfully. If you do not feel the same way about Nicolas Cage, there is nothing here for you. It is as absurd as the story it’s based on. So much fun.

double feature pairing: Zero Dark Thirty

283
Nerve (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Emily Meade
directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Vee decides to break out of her comfort zone by signing up for a dare-based game funded and run by those watching online.

oh, these goddamn millennials and their internet games. Don’t bring your logic, just the edge of your seat*.

*an exaggeration. It’s a better movie than I thought it would be.

double feature pairing: The Game

284
Moonlight (2016) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Travante Rhodes
director: Barry Jenkins

The three actors listed above play the same character at different points in his life. The casting director should get a major award for finding three individuals who could make their respective performances imprint and/or reflect on each other, building a character to a point where you can see the hurting child in the eyes of the grown man.

double feature pairing: Half Nelson

285
Hacksaw Ridge (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Andrew Garfield
director: Mel Gibson

There was a man so steadfast in his faith and country that he served in WWII as medic and refused to kill or carry a weapon.

There aren’t many people with that much conviction. Tough to believe, but there it is. The movie is a little corny and incredibly brutal. Vince Vaughn makes an excellent drill instructor.

double feature pairing: Letters from Iwo Jima

286
The Handmaiden (2016) ★ ★.5

stars: Min-hee Kim, Kim Tea-ri, Jung-woo Ha
director: Chan-wook Park

Two Korean con artists conspire against a Japanese heiress. Not everything is as it seems.

It’s beautifully shot. But if you are going to make me watch the first half of the movie again from a different perspective show me that it was necessary and not just to wake me up.

watch Groundhog Day instead

287
Arrival (2016) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker
director: Denis Villeneuve

The government enlists the aid of a linguist to decipher the noises coming from one of the twelve alien crafts that have appeared on Earth.

Really good, potentially great. I’m so used to movies taking cheap shortcuts that when the dismissed aspects of this story turned out to have weight to them, I realized that maybe the full appreciation of this movie wouldn’t come until a second viewing.

book pairing: Trees

Counters:
287/366 movies (31 movies off pace)
38/52 movies directed by women

TOP THREE

Q&A Intro, 1-17, 18-36, 37-51, 52-66, 67-74, 75-87, 88-103, 104-120, 121-131, 132-152, 153-173, 174-187, 188-221, 222-255, 256-287, 288-314, 315-341, 342-366, Index

Five Sentences About The Stooges Documentary Debuting at Gateway Film Center This Week - by Ricki C.

HEY, PENCILSTORM READERS, a new documentary about The Stooges (NOT Iggy & the Stooges, I WILL NEVER refer to them as "Iggy & the Stooges" they were just THE STOOGES) by Jim Jarmusch is playing at the Gateway Film Center this week.  I didn't get to go on Friday on accounta I was playin' roadie for The Whiles CD release party at Ace Of Cups (Columbus' finest venue for local rock & roll, and maybe just finest venue, period) and I've got a busy weekend comin' up, but you'd best believe I'm gonna be there THE MINUTE I get a minute.

So, I haven't actually SEEN the doc, but I think it's gotta be great, given Jarmusch's involvement and the fact that it's about The Stooges, for Chrissakes.  I read on the Gateway website that Tuesdays are Super Tuesdays, with $5 admission and FREE POPCORN, so my best advice to you, dear readers, is to QUIT YOUR JOBS (or just tell your boss you're headin' out to vote) and go see Gimme Danger on Tuesday.  

This is my fifth sentence: here's a trailer, GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!

(editor's note: Some of the footage in this trailer - the scene of Iggy throwing peanut butter into the audience and standing/pointing on the hands of the crowd - was shot at the Cincinnati Pop Festival, which Ricki C. attended on June 13th, 1970, exactly one week after he graduated from high school.  He's never been the same.  For a more complete account of that show, check out The First Time I Saw The Stooges on Ricki's previous blog, Growing Old With Rock & Roll.

Buggy Eyes and a Big Butt, part fourteen: Movies 222-255

Pencilstorm contributor Rob Braithwaite is watching 366 movies this year, so you don't have to: Here is part fourteen of his continuing 2016 rundown......

Q&A Intro, 1-17, 18-36, 37-51, 52-66, 67-74, 75-87, 88-103, 104-120, 121-131, 132-152, 153-173, 174-187, 188-221, 222-255, 256-287, 288-314, 315-341, 342-366, Index

Ratings key:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ = I can’t see giving anything that I’ve seen once five stars
★ ★ ★ ★ = get to the theater / move it up in your queue
★ ★ ★ = “three stars is a recommendation” - The Empire [magazine] Podcast
★ ★ = if the remote is too far away, you could do worse
★ = if the remote is too far away, get someone to move it closer then throw it at the TV

222
Meek’s Cutoff (2010) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood, Will Patton
director: Kelly Reichardt

Go west, good people. Don’t take any wooden nickels, and be mindful of braggart guides who suggest a shortcut.

Kelly Reichardt is a master of the slow pace and low plot point count. At the very least, you will feel what it was like to have traveled cross-country in 1845. At most, you will be rewarded with a meditation on trust.

…and there’s a chance you’ll scream, “That’s it?! Bullshit!” when the end credits roll.

double feature pairing: No Country for Old Men

223
Just Desserts: The Making of Creepshow (2007) ★.5
stars: George A. Romero, Tom Savini
director: Michael Feisher

Instead of a new “loaded with hours of special features” bluray release of Creepshow, the behind-the-scenes segments have been compiled and strung together as a supposed documentary. That’s what this feels like, anyway.

There are a few interesting stories, most of which are related to Tom Savini and his special effects team. Steven King, co-creator with George Romero, is conspicuously absent. And I’d like to ask the director why he felt it necessary to include a crew member’s tale of sexual congress when talking about Hal Holbrook. See, this girl’s mother allowed her to go away with him for the wrap party, because he promised to bring back Hal’s autograph. Obviously, he didn’t get it, so he signed Hal’s name himself. A great story, right?

watch Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau instead

224
Bad Moms (2016) ★
stars: Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Kristen Bell
writers/directors: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore

Moms are over-worked and under-appreciated. These moms aren’t going to take it anymore!

One of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. I suppose it’s a fantasy for a people I don’t know, but I’m also sure it’s a working mom’s fantasy through the eyes of two dudes who really don’t know the limits of a PTA leader’s power or desires beyond lessons learned from Mallrats: Girls like the Cheesecake Factory and just want to go shopping in the stores they want to shop in.

watch Bachelorette instead

225
De Palma (2015) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Brian De Palma
directors: Noah Baumbach, Jake Paltrow

Brian De Palma is a director who impresses and baffles me in equal parts. His camera work can be as elegant as it can be contrived.

This documentary is nothing but De Palma telling stories. They are all fascinating, even enlightening. I could have listened to two more hours.

double feature pairing: Listen to Me Marlon

226
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey
director: Travis Knight

There is magic aplenty in this tale of a boy on a quest to locate his father’s armor as a shadow from the past looms.

A great animated story from someplace other than Pixar.

double feature pairing: Coraline

227
The Finest Hours (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Casey Affleck
director: Craig Gillespie

Based on the true Coast Guard rescue of an oil tanker destroyed by a blizzard near Cape Cod in 1952.

I was wrong to dismiss this when it came out earlier this year. It’s a much better story than the trailer presented. If we aren’t careful Chris Pine is going to be one of the best character actors of our day.

double feature pairing: All Is Lost

228
The Last Picture Show (1971) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd
director: Peter Bogdanovich

The story of a dying town and the people trying to break from its grasp.

Goddam. That’s a great movie.

double feature pairing: Doc Hollywood

229
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: The Beatles
director: Ron Howard

You’ve heard the stories. You’ve seen the footage. The Beatles were a big deal when they came to the States. It’s only now, seeing this, that I truly understand how the world was not ready to facilitate such fandom.

double feature pairing: That Thing You Do!

230
Bicycle Thieves (1948) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola, Lainella Carell
director: Vittorio De Sica

Struggling in post-WWII Italy, a man gets a job on account of his bicycle ownership. The bike is stolen. Let the hunt begin!

Sometimes the lowest stakes are the greatest.

double feature pairing: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure

231
The Conjuring 2 (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson,
director: James Wan

Everyone’s favorite ghost hunters are going to London!

I’m guessing it’s only a matter of time before this franchise makes its easy transformation to television. The room of articles from previous adventures are a perfectly hacky way to wrap up each episode.

Speaking of which, The Exorcist has been turned into a TV show. It’s great. Each episode so far has had some well-crafted horror beats and finds a way to surprise.

double feature pairing: The Amityville Horror

232
Sisters (1972) ★ ★ ★
stars: Margot Kidder, Jennifer Salt, Charles Durning
director: Brian De Palma

Either way this plot is summarized will ruin something about it. Why should I take from your confusion as to why you are watching a dating show at the beginning or alleviate your wonder as to where it is going?

If you know Brian De Palma’s movies, you probably have a guess. But the movie shifts again, finishing with a final shot that I couldn’t help but chuckle at, then wonder about for a couple days after.

Like is said, De Palma impresses and baffles me.

double feature pairing: Dead Ringers

233
The Program (2015) ★ ★
stars: Ben Foster, Chris O’Dowd, Jesse Plemons
director: Stephen Frears

Lance Armstrong says he didn’t take performance enhancing drugs, but he did, and now we know.

There is nothing in the script or direction that is a surprise.

watch Vision Quest instead

234
My Blind Brother (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Nick Kroll, Jenny Slate, Adam Scott
director: Sophie Goodhart

A brothers’ relationship is tested as the blind one trains for a charity swim while dating the seeing one’s one night stand.

It’s surprising how natural the love triangle pretzel comes together. Not so surprising is how tedious the open water metaphor is in the third act. However, the high likability of the cast makes it all worth it.

double feature pairing: Stuck on You

235
Kicks (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Jahking Guillory, Christopher Jordan Wallace, Christopher Meyer
director: Justin Tipping

A teen fulfills his dream of owning a pair of Air Jordans. When they are taken from him, he starts down a dangerous path to retrieve them.

It’s a well-crafted tale of the positive and destructive lessons of status and respect that are handed down through parenting and pop culture. The need for a heightened visual flourish (the astronaut) gets in the way at times.

double feature pairing: In Her Shoes

236
Night Train to Munich (1940) ★ ★ ★
stars: Margaret Lockwood, Rex Harrison, Paul Henreid
director: Carol Reed

Just before WWII breaks, the Germans hunt a scientist who developed a new kind of armor by using his daughter as bait. Eventually, they all take a train.

It’s good.

double feature pairing: Narrow Margin

237
Metropolis (1927) ★ ★ ★ ★
stars: Alfred Abel, Brigitte Helm, Gustav Fröhlich
director: Fritz Lang

The working class is ground into the gears of the works of a futuristic city as the elite blindly go about their pampered lives. Revolution is coming.

The Wexner Center for the Arts hosted a screening with a live performance of the score by Alloy Orchestra. It was amazing. I’m sure watching it at home without a live band will be great, too. [snicker]

Nearly 90 yeas later, the visuals are still incredible, and the last third is thrilling.

double feature pairing: Dredd

238
The Magnificent Seven (2016) ★ ★
stars: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke
director: Antoine Fuqua

Poor townsfolk hire gunfighters to rid their lives of a bad man.

“You say cliché, I say classic” — Eddie Spaghetti

I say…cliché. Flat writing. Flat action. I flat-out don’t understand how this was screwed up.

watch Silverado instead

239
Snowden (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo
director: Oliver Stone

Joseph Gordon-Levitt concludes his trilogy of distracting accents in this dramatization of Edward Snowden’s exposure of NSA practices.

Pretty good. Nicholas Cage was a nice surprise.

double feature pairing: Enemy of the State

240
Cronos (1993) ★ ★ ★
stars: Federico Luppi, Ron Perlman, Claudio Brook
director: Guillermo del Toro

An antique dealer discovers a device that provides eternal life.

One of the more unique “vampire” stories.

double feature pairing: Ravenous

241
Under the Shadow (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi
writer/director: Babak Anvari

A mother and daughter are menaced by a ghost in 1980s Tehran.

Another in a recent line of horror movies that is a little more metaphor than practical story. Still very good.

a note:  I had to turn on the close captions because the on-demand version I rented did not have subtitles. About two-thirds through the captions were out of sync. They were about five seconds early. This made some conversations difficult to follow with the visuals. And a few potential scares were ruined by a premature “[loud bang]”. So maybe wait for the video release, which will have proper subtitles.

double feature pairing: The Babadook

242
Mascots (2016) ★ ★
stars: Parker Posey, Chris O’Dowd, Tom Bennett
director: Christopher Guest

A look behind the scenes of a mascot competition.

So much unfunny. Improvisation makes a sound now. It’s a low din of affirmation that gets louder as it’s performed more poorly.

watch Being John Malkovich instead

243
The Birth of a Nation (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: Nate Barker, Armie Hammer, Aja Naomi King
writer/director: Nate Barker

The ballad of Nate Parker, leader of a slave uprising in 1831.

It’s tough to separate a movie about slavery from the baked-in award talk that usually surrounds it. Has there been one that wasn’t nominated for something? This movie is more “enough is enough” than the usual “slavery = bad.” It even co-opted footage of Black Lives Matter demonstrations into its TV ads.

There is some impressive imagery. The pacing isn’t as strong. Folks agree slavery was wrong. Now, more need to see how that wrong is still effecting policies, procedures and actions today.

double feature pairing: Glory

244
Shin Godzilla (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara
directors: Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi

What happens when an unstoppable force (Godzilla) meets an immovable object (bureaucracy)?

Lots and lots of meetings (but in a good way), a few laughs and some badass Godzilla action.

double feature pairing: Alligator

245
Session 9 (2001) ★ ★
stars; Peter Mullan, David Caruso, Josh Lucas
director: Brad Anderson

A HAZMAT team clears out an abandoned mental hospital.

Bad acting and ham-fisted situations tie together for an ending that wasn’t worth the trouble.

watch Shutter Island instead

246
The Accountant (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons
director: Gavin O’Connor

Savant or autistic? Either way, this guy is really, really good at accounting. And killing.

An enjoyable thriller that takes its “I wouldn’t say autism because I don’t believe in labels, but, yeah, autism” flag waving one step too far into ridiculousness.

double feature pairing: Michael Clayton

247
USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016) ★.5
stars: Nicolas Cage, Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane
director: Mario Van Peebles

The USS Indianapolis is sunk on its way back to the US. Stranded for five days in the ocean, most of the crew were killed by shark attacks.

It’s a sad realization that a speech in Jaws about surviving this attack is more dramatic than anything in this movie. Maybe more focus on the scapegoat trail that occurred afterwards would have been a better way to go.

watch Jaws instead

248
Masterminds (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson
director: Jared Hess

A comedy based on one of the biggest heists in American history.

The degree to which you will like this movie depends on your feeling of the cast and how silly you like your comedy.

Kate McKinnon, Jason Sudeikis and Leslie Jones are also in it. That’s a strong six, plus Ken Marino in a role that I suspect mostly lives on the editing room floor.

Bonus: it ends with a blooper reel!

double feature pairing: Bottle Rocket

249
Money Monster (2016) ★ ★ ★
stars: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell
director: Jodie Foster

Dude lost a lot of money in the stock market. Dude takes the show host responsible for the advice hostage on live TV.

Never mind the last third as it falls into the world of fairy tales. There’s some high grade performance and direction in the moments of the stand-off.

double feature pairing: Cadillac Man

250
Certain Women (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, Lily Gladstone, Kristen Stewart
director: Kelly Reichardt

Three, loosely tied stories of women living Montana.

I can’t see how to make it sound any flashier than that. Still, Kelly Reichardt has a way of making the slightest story interesting. She is able to find great actors. Lily Gladstone is terrific. There are two moments that show the passage of time in two most exquisite ways.

fun fact: Wexner Center for the Arts gave Kelly Reichardt a grant, which allowed her to perfect the sound mix and shoot the movie on film, something she didn’t have money for otherwise.

double feature pairing: Real Men

251
The Hill (1965) ★ ★ ★
stars: Sean Connery, Harry Andrews, Ossie Davis
director: Sidney Lumet

The guards of a WWII military prison in North Africa take discipline to an extreme.

It’s too bad Sean Connery didn’t get meatier roles. He’s pretty good in this and has one excellent scene. He excelled in other movie directed by Sidney Lumet called…

double feature pairing: The Offence

252
In a Valley of Violence (2016) ★ ★ ★.5
stars: Ethan Hawke, John Travolta, Taissa Farmiga
writer/director: Ti West

A drifter doesn’t mean to find trouble, but there it is.

I say…classic. This has everything I wanted from The Magnificent Seven: humor, interesting action, that great western feel. And it had even more! A great main theme/opening titles and animal tricks!

double feature pairing: The Road Warrior

253
The Laughing Policeman (1973) ★ ★
stars: Walter Matthau, Bruce Dern, Louis Gossett Jr.
director: Stuart Rossenberg

A police detective is gunned down in a massacre on a city bus. Why? The answer might bore you.

The Laughing Policemen was clearly chasing the tail of The French Connection. From the indulgent crime scene investigation to the “gritty” coroner scene, it wants you to know how authentic it’s being. Even the movie poster got in on the action. The tag line reads: This movie is so real it makes every other movie in the town look like a movie.

Walter Matthau’s stretch of playing something of a tough guy is a curiosity for me. It’s always great to see the piss and vinegar of Bruce Dern. Too bad the movie wasn’t interesting, or bothered to mention who the laughing policeman was.

watch The Singing Detective instead

254
The House of the Devil (2009) ★.5
stars: Jocelyn Donahue, Tom Noonan, Greta Gerwig
writer/director: Ti West

Desperate for money, a college student takes a babysitting job in a spooky house for a spooky couple.

A slow burn is all about building tension. It also relies on the ending to be worth the wait. The cast is really good. There is some effective chill. The ending needed to be more.

watch Coherence instead

255
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) ★
stars: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Danika Yarosh
director: Edward Zwick

The makers put little effort into making a good sequel to a really good movie. In turn, the marketing team didn’t give a shit either. So why should I bother?

watch The Presidio instead

Counters:
255/366 movies (50 movies off pace)
33/52 movies directed by women

TOP THREE

Q&A Intro, 1-17, 18-36, 37-51, 52-66, 67-74, 75-87, 88-103, 104-120, 121-131, 132-152, 153-173, 174-187, 188-221, 222-255, 256-287, 288-314, 315-341, 342-366, Index

Gene Wilder - by Johnny DiLoretto

OK, first of all, I hope to write something that will be distinguishable from every other Gene Wilder remembrance you’ll read online or hear in the news. And, secondly, I hope to figure out why I should write something that I know probably won’t be distinguishable and therefore won’t do the man the justice he deserves. In any event, I’ll try to keep it short and refrain from as much hyperbole and proselytizing as I possibly can ... Good luck to me.

As so often happens in a media-saturated culture, a decade or two passes, and, before you know it, the finest work of our greatest performers fades from our collective memories; so distracted are we with the antics of the Kardashians and other reality television morons, some of whom eventually wind up running for president. So, I just hope that you’ll read this and you’ll want to pay Gene Wilder a visit or two.

Singular. He was singular. Gene Wilder did not look like many movie stars. There was no one like him before or since – in looks or behavior on screen. I keep hearing this phrase “great comic actor” when people talk about him. That's true, but what made him a great comic actor was that, above all, he was simply a great actor. Certainly, he starred mostly in comedies because that’s where he excelled, but why he excelled was because his performances were all so rich, so deft and full of nuance and real feeling. Few comedic actors so deeply commit to their neuroses like Gene Wilder did. He doesn't act funny - it's simply that his behavior is funny. 

We think of the movie comedy greats and we think Groucho Marx, Abbott & Costello, Bob Hope, Jim Carrey, and even Will Ferrell. But these people were comedians first and if you ever got something lasting out of them, something that hit you as really humane, it was likely an accident or the result of really great directing. Now, I’m a big Jim Carrey fan, so just to head dissenters off at the pass: yes, he is a fine actor, but if you’re being honest you have to admit - especially in dramas - there’s always something a little labored about a Jim Carrey performance.

Gene Wilder never labored - even though he sometimes gave big, manic, over-the-top turns. But even his most outsized work was always rooted in human behavior.  He made humanity funny. Sometimes he made it hysterical. But he always made it human and, in making it human, he made it hilarious. Watch this scene from Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sex but Were Afraid to Ask in which he denies being in love with a sheep. Oh, he's definitely in love with it and has been having sex with it, but watch these two reactions. The first is when his wife casually comments that he smells of lamb chops and the second is when he is actually busted in a hotel room with the animal. Skip ahead to the 2:29 mark and then stick through to 3:30 for the payoff.

Wilder started his film career in the '60s with a dramatic part in Bonnie and Clyde and then rocketed to comedic stardom in Mel Brooks' The Producers. You all know those movies he made with Brooks – The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. So many great films. And don't forget that great run of fun collaborations with Richard Pryor after those. But, let’s do this thing ... His performance as Willy Wonka In Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is one of the greatest gifts any artist gave to the world in the 20th century.  There, I said it. So much for refraining from hyperbole.

I loved that film as a kid, and I watched it a million times more with my oldest son when he was younger. I was worried that we would watch it too much, that we would watch the life out of it and I would risk ruining it for us, mostly myself really. But that's not what happened. In fact, every time we watched it, Gene Wilder bewildered me again and again. He lifted me. He charmed and challenged me. Mystified and delighted me. He gave me something new. Every damn time. And it was a lot of times, believe me. 

There are a few actors who, when you see them on screen, you instantly like them. Gene Wilder was that kind of actor, but he was something more than that. When we see Gene Wilder on the screen, not only are we instantly drawn to him, but we want him to like us. I don’t know if there’s anybody else in cinema like that. All I know is it’s a singular achievement. He was a singular achievement.

Now to be honest, I didn’t do a whole lot of research for this. But I did tool around the Internet a little bit and what I came across were some interviews with him. Of course, you should go back and see some of these films and you should certainly revisit Willy Wonka if only to hear him deliver the line, “So shines a good deed in a weary world.”; or to watch his entire segment in Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sex. But, if you want to see what I mean about him being so absolutely, stark raving unique is to simply watch him in a few interviews talking to other human beings. I promise, you won't be able to take your eyes off him and all the while you'll be wishing you had known him. And that he had liked you.

Johnny DiLoretto writes and stars in the Not-So-Late Show at Shadowbox. The next performance is Thursday September 29th. Click here for ticket info and details.