In this week’s Movies Column there is something for everybody. If you don’t like big budget action flicks, you can have a romantic comedy. If you want something foreign, I got it for you in spades. Bad movies? You betcha. Good movies? I got those too. If you hate people talking in the theater, you can stay in and watch a film in the comfort of your own living room. If you don’t like too many choices, just do what I tell you to do.
New releases this weekend
Unstoppable, directed by Tony Scott (Pelham 1,2,3), starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pine, and Rosario Dawson. The premise – a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals (of course) needs to be brought under control before derailing and destroying a small town. Good luck! Where were Denzel and Chris Pine seconds before the Deepwater Horizon exploded? It’s guys like these we really need to have on hand during a crisis, not those silly regulations and EPA compliance folks.
Morning Glory, directed by Roger Mitchell (Notting Hill), starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton, is a film sure to appeal to Mary Tyler Moore fans and Devil Wears Prada fans alike. Let’s all root for the ambitious young television producer when she finds herself in over her head when wrangling the shows feuding high-profile anchors. Lessons about love and life will be learned. There might even be a chuckle or two along the way. I’m really loving the 60s inspired poster and graphic design. If the producers are trying to achieve a kind of Marlo Thomas That Girl look, then I am all for it.
New on DVD and Blu-Ray
The Criterion Collection edition of Night of the Hunter (1955) directed by Charles Laughton, starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish. Imagine if Hansel and Gretl were a modern day brother and sister, and instead a witch, they were fleeing their murdering step-father, who happens be one of cinema’s creepiest villains – a travelling preacher with tattooed knuckles. More than just terrifying Night of the Hunter is a masterpiece of expressionistic horror and film noir, with haunting and beautiful cinematography. This YouTube clip compiles some of the film’s most amazing scenes. Definitely check out Pearl’s Dream, the song at the beginning of the clip.
Cinema events in Seattle this week
New Italian Cinema Festival at SIFF Cinema
The New Italian Cinema Festival celebrates the rich cinematic tradition of Italy and brings the country’s newest directors and films to Seattle. The Festival presents 11 unique films and a number of directors and screenwriters are expected to attend. More information and details on purchasing tickets can be found at www.siff.net. Tuesday, November 16 – Saturday, November 20.
Presented by Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association, New Italian Cinema Events and Seattle International Film Festival at SIFF Cinema, 321 Mercer Street at 3rd Avenue, McCaw Hall, in the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall at Seattle Center
Jason Miller’s Bad Movie Art presents Samurai Cop (1989) at Central Cinema. I don’t want to deceive anyone, the guy in the poster looks like a real cop, but in the movie he just looks like some dude. Unfortunately for the actor playing Samurai Cop, he has to wear a wig for a couple crucial scenes, because of a continuity error or something. Yup, it’s really that bad. Monday, November 15, 7pm at Central Cinema.
Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita (1960) all weekend at Central Cinema. What’s a better way to see this film than with a glass of Italian wine? Why not order a bottle or two and erupt in bacchanalian revelry along side Anita Ekberg and the rest of her satyrs? Once the buzz has worn off, but before the hang-over sets in, you might realize you’re either A.) a world-weary poseur, B.) a spiritually bankrupt nihilist, or C.) catching the briefest glimpse of sublime transcendence. Friday through Sunday at 6pm.
Robo Geisha (2009) directed by Noboru Iguchi. Just watch the trailer, and tell me that it didn’t knock your socks off and send them right to the spin cycle. Can I get an amen for “FRIED SHRIMP” please? Central Cinema, Friday – Wednesday at 9:45pm.
Brutal Beauty: Tales of the Rose City Rollers, directed by Chip Mabry. Follow the exploits of the fierce and ferocious Rose City Rollers from Portland, OR. Gotta give a hand to those girls. Grand Illusion – see website for showtimes. http://www.grandillusioncinema.org/
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). My childhood was irreparably scarred by the banquet scene from IJATTOD, and I can’t think of any film scene that I’ve enjoyed more. Plus Kate Capshaw’s high-maintenance Willie was my favorite, but only a gay child would ever think that. Egyptian Friday & Saturday at midnight.
Ryan Hicks is sponsorship manager for Three Dollar Bill Cinema, a film fan and a contributor to Seattle Gay Scene.
