1998 Month Rewind: THE SPANISH PRISONER

 by JB

Twelve years ago, I wrote about this lesser-known David Mamet gem.

Summer '92 Redux - June 12, 1992: HOUSESITTER

by Adam Riske and Patrick Bromley

Between Patriot Games and Housesitter, we’re in the gorgeous homes portion of the ‘92 Summer Movie Season.

Celluloid Ramblings: Random Thoughts After F This Movie Fest

by JB

The circus has pulled up stakes and rolled out of town.

Glutton for Punishment: SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND

by JB

“Bang Bang” is not the sound of Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. It’s the sound of audience members shooting themselves.

Where the F is Doug? #20

by Doug Schultz

No clue this week.

The Overlook: Pennies from Heaven (1981)

by JB

Hollywood was once willing to gamble on truly unique films—like a musical about the Depression featuring a wildly popular standup comic lip-syncing to old standards. It’s sad that Hollywood might not be capable of making risky films like this any more.

Review: Home

by Patrick Bromley

Please enjoy four quadrant animated children family movie film! Or don't.

What Happens to Comedy Stars?

by Patrick Bromley

"What kind of clown are you?"
"The crying on the inside kind, I guess." - Bill Murray, Quick Change

Unsung!: The Spanish Prisoner

Not as well known as David Mamet’s House of Games, The Spanish Prisoner is a terrific, twisty, con-artist film. The Spanish Prisoner can also be seen as an extended metaphor for how Mamet views the entire enterprise of filmmaking.

Unsung!: Bowfinger

“I think… I think it was a beautiful lie.”

--Christine Baranski

Watchin' Trailerz with Doug (September 9)

Eddie Murphy is considered by many (including Howard Stern) to be one of the funniest men [still!] on the planet. Apparently, this is solely based on his choices in the 1980s, including his stint on SNL, his million-dollar laff and his hit single, "Party All the Time." But really, has anyone tried to sit through Eddie Murphy Raw lately? I cannot imagine that it holds up, and New York Magazine's wonderful Vulture confirms my suspicions. Aside from his "successful" role as (the voice of) Donkey in the Shrek movies, he hasn't made one single successful or respectable movie in exactly 64 years. This fall, Murphy costars in Tower Heist (I featured the "totally awesome!" trailer for it a few weeks ago), which is directed by Brett "Where My Bitches At?" Ratner, who also, coincidentally, is producing the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 26, 2012. Ergo, Mr. Murphy will be hosting next year's Oscars. While I aim to make PLENTY of Pluto Nash jokes on the day of the event (follow our Twitter account as we live-tweet the telecast!), I'm actually (dare-I-say) ... excited about this choice? Not that it EVER matters who actually hosts this fucking incestuous lovefest, and a goddamn Heinz Automato would be better than the desperate need of Anne Hathaway and the stoned/severed limb of James Franco. But still! A once-funny standup who's NOT Billy Crystal! That might be good! Or it might be awkward! Who knows?! Of course, Bruce Vilanch will have to clean/punch up his rant on homosexuals (you have to play to your audience, obvi), but the show could contain some genuinely funny moments. Then again, we may all be dead before it airs. #2012