In Japan, that's what they used to call a woman who wasn't married by 25.
Happy Birthday to me.
Also, I have jumped a census box. I guess I'm a grown-up now.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Movie Review: The Rhino Brothers [2002]
Caught this one on DVD.
Total surprise. Highly Recommended. And it's Canadian.
Finally. Finally someone has made a really good hockey movie. Sure, I love “Slapshot” as much as the next girl, but let’s be honest: it just seems unfair that Canada’s national pastime should be reduce on celluloid to a man in a jockstrap holding a trophy aloft. Compared with the wealth of dramatically complex films about baseball (“Eight Men Out”, “Pride of the Yankees”, “Bull Durham”...) produced by our brothers south of the border, you’d think that someone in the Great White North would have produced a film that honestly and powerfully portrays the sport our country loves so much. Well, newcomer Dwayne Beaver has made that film.
The “Rhino Brothers” begins with the return home of youngest son Stefan Kanachowski (Curtis Bechdholt) from a stint in the minor leagues with his new girlfriend Alison (Deanna Milligan). No one comments on his arrival initially, but everyone fears he has met the same fate as his older brother Sasha (William MacDonald) who also made it as far as the minors only to be cut before ever tasting “the show”. Sasha now spends his days drinking too much and sleeping on mom’s couch, dreaming of how talented his is and how close he came. To bide the time between Molson Canadians he plays on his other brother Victor’s (Alistair Abell) “senior men’s league” (which is a polite way to say “beer league”) hockey team, the Rhinos. Victor wasn’t talented enough to warrant a shot at a hockey career so he got married and had some kids and now owns a hockey shop and dreams the Rhinos can win a district cup.
The dramatic focus of the film comes in the form of Kanachowski matriarch and hockey mom to end all hockey moms Ellen (Gabrielle Ross). Ellen is a focused and determined woman, determined that at least one of her boys will realize his hockey dreams and get the hell out of their tiny industry town. She blames Alison for not supporting Stefan enough and Sasha for setting a bad example, never suspecting that Stefan may have quit, not been cut, in the pursuit of “a normal life”.
What struck me most about this film was the underlying honesty, even if most of the characters are lying, either to each other, or to themselves. The sensitive script by Rudy Thauberger manages to avoid sports clichés and instead focuses on the complicated family drama. Stefan’s love of hockey is tied inextricably to his love for his mother, so his choice between chasing a dream that has probably already passed him by and settling down with his long suffering girlfriend is particularly loaded, making the ended all the more tragic. The other dramatic driving force is the tension and petty jealousies between the brothers, a situation so ultimately volatile it reduces the “big game” (yes, there is a “big game” but you almost wish they don’t get there) to a pissing contest.
Left to less talented actors all of this risked devolving into a melodramatic soap opera on ice, but surprisingly everyone manages to keep up with each other. The obvious standout of course is Gabrielle Ross as Ellen, a character so unlikeable that it would have been easy to turn her into a caricature. Luckily Ross is able portray both Ellen’s strength and her vulnerability in the pursuit of “what’s best” for her boy.
“The Rhino Brothers” also betrays the fact that it is a first feature by looking and sounding absolutely gorgeous. The crisp HD cinematography is a jewel among the usual shoddy shot on DV look of a lot of Canadian independent film, and the soundtrack by Shane Harvey gives a nice homey feel to the proceedings. The DVD is fairly sparse on special features, it does include brief cast and crew bios and trailers for the film (and for a documentary on the 1972 Canada-Russia series). But, I would highly recommend the commentary track by Beaver and some of the cast to aspiring film makers. Beaver goes into a quite a bit of technical detail and it should come as a surprise to no one that he teaches film making in Vancouver.
However, probably the best surprise of the movie was that not only could all of the lead actors skate, they could actually play hockey.
Total surprise. Highly Recommended. And it's Canadian.
Finally. Finally someone has made a really good hockey movie. Sure, I love “Slapshot” as much as the next girl, but let’s be honest: it just seems unfair that Canada’s national pastime should be reduce on celluloid to a man in a jockstrap holding a trophy aloft. Compared with the wealth of dramatically complex films about baseball (“Eight Men Out”, “Pride of the Yankees”, “Bull Durham”...) produced by our brothers south of the border, you’d think that someone in the Great White North would have produced a film that honestly and powerfully portrays the sport our country loves so much. Well, newcomer Dwayne Beaver has made that film.
The “Rhino Brothers” begins with the return home of youngest son Stefan Kanachowski (Curtis Bechdholt) from a stint in the minor leagues with his new girlfriend Alison (Deanna Milligan). No one comments on his arrival initially, but everyone fears he has met the same fate as his older brother Sasha (William MacDonald) who also made it as far as the minors only to be cut before ever tasting “the show”. Sasha now spends his days drinking too much and sleeping on mom’s couch, dreaming of how talented his is and how close he came. To bide the time between Molson Canadians he plays on his other brother Victor’s (Alistair Abell) “senior men’s league” (which is a polite way to say “beer league”) hockey team, the Rhinos. Victor wasn’t talented enough to warrant a shot at a hockey career so he got married and had some kids and now owns a hockey shop and dreams the Rhinos can win a district cup.
The dramatic focus of the film comes in the form of Kanachowski matriarch and hockey mom to end all hockey moms Ellen (Gabrielle Ross). Ellen is a focused and determined woman, determined that at least one of her boys will realize his hockey dreams and get the hell out of their tiny industry town. She blames Alison for not supporting Stefan enough and Sasha for setting a bad example, never suspecting that Stefan may have quit, not been cut, in the pursuit of “a normal life”.
What struck me most about this film was the underlying honesty, even if most of the characters are lying, either to each other, or to themselves. The sensitive script by Rudy Thauberger manages to avoid sports clichés and instead focuses on the complicated family drama. Stefan’s love of hockey is tied inextricably to his love for his mother, so his choice between chasing a dream that has probably already passed him by and settling down with his long suffering girlfriend is particularly loaded, making the ended all the more tragic. The other dramatic driving force is the tension and petty jealousies between the brothers, a situation so ultimately volatile it reduces the “big game” (yes, there is a “big game” but you almost wish they don’t get there) to a pissing contest.
Left to less talented actors all of this risked devolving into a melodramatic soap opera on ice, but surprisingly everyone manages to keep up with each other. The obvious standout of course is Gabrielle Ross as Ellen, a character so unlikeable that it would have been easy to turn her into a caricature. Luckily Ross is able portray both Ellen’s strength and her vulnerability in the pursuit of “what’s best” for her boy.
“The Rhino Brothers” also betrays the fact that it is a first feature by looking and sounding absolutely gorgeous. The crisp HD cinematography is a jewel among the usual shoddy shot on DV look of a lot of Canadian independent film, and the soundtrack by Shane Harvey gives a nice homey feel to the proceedings. The DVD is fairly sparse on special features, it does include brief cast and crew bios and trailers for the film (and for a documentary on the 1972 Canada-Russia series). But, I would highly recommend the commentary track by Beaver and some of the cast to aspiring film makers. Beaver goes into a quite a bit of technical detail and it should come as a surprise to no one that he teaches film making in Vancouver.
However, probably the best surprise of the movie was that not only could all of the lead actors skate, they could actually play hockey.
Monday, February 09, 2004
Woooo Hoooo!!
I just found out that Film Threat has agreed to post my article on how to Pick-up Guys at a Film Fest (below) on Valentine's Day!
Eric Campos said, and I quote: "Absolutely love the "How to Meet Guys (Girls)" article. I'll definitely have it go up on Valentine's Day."
I do a giddy dance now....
I hope I get lots of Hate Mail.
Eric Campos said, and I quote: "Absolutely love the "How to Meet Guys (Girls)" article. I'll definitely have it go up on Valentine's Day."
I do a giddy dance now....
I hope I get lots of Hate Mail.
Saturday, February 07, 2004
How to Meet Guys (or Girls) At a Film Festival
An Easy Guide in Ten Steps:
Just in Time for Valentine's Day ; )
Step 1 (Optional): Get dumped. Although not necessary, a devastating blow to your ego and soul can be just the motivation to put these steps into proper motion. Also, a film festival is a perfect divertissement with a plethora of entertainment options (a number of films to chose from, parties, and possibly even forums and seminars) and gets you “out of the house” as all of your friends keep whining at you to do.
Step 2: Choose your festival. If you’re following step one, then you might just pick the festival nearest your dumpage you can handle. Then again, if your first choice is the “All Holocaust Documentary Film Festival” you might want to wait for something whose content is a little less harrowing. [Then again, if that’s what you’re into you might as well go with it.] If you are lucky enough to live somewhere with a number of options geared towards specific interests and lifestyles then you can fine tune your approach. Otherwise, the following steps will help you attract exactly the kind of people you want to meet regardless of your viewing options.
Step 3: Get a pass. This is to ensure that you see the most films possible and maximize your chances for meeting Miss or Mr. Right. The less money you have to spend to accomplish this step the better. Many festivals require volunteers to help with everything from administration to serving the popcorn and will often compensate said volunteers with full passes or tickets to screenings. Volunteering is also a good option if you can spare the time as it gives you another chance to meet new people with similar interests (those being movies, film and cinema). Another option is to offer to write reviews for a local paper or a website you like. Depending on the festival, acquiring press accreditation can be quite easy, or a bit of a pain, but in general most festivals welcome increased exposure and will welcome you with open arms. Your other option of course is to make a film and submit it to the festival. Do what you have to.
Step 4: Wait. Regardless of how smoothly any festival is run, this step is likely inevitable. You will wait in line to buy tickets or passes. You will wait in line to get into a movie. You will wait in line for food at the theater. You will wait inside the theater for the film to start or for the director to end his long winded not very informative introductions that only really applies to the five people in the first row who worked on the film with him. Take advantage of this time and don’t be afraid to start conversations with your fellow “waiters”. [But seriously, don’t talk while the filmmaker is talking, regardless of how long winded he is. That’s just rude.]
Step 5: Take advantage of built in opening lines. There will be tons of them and you yourself will hear them often. These lines do not necessarily mean that you are hitting on someone/they are hitting on you, but serve as perfect ice breakers. Examples: “Have you heard much about [film you are about to see]?” “Been to many films so far/Seen anything good/interesting/funny/sad/scary etc. so far?” “Do you know much about [blank] director/actor/genre/country films?” You get the idea. Regardless of whether or not the person you are speaking with can actually answer the question in the affirmative, you have just started a conversation. For better or for worse, just roll with it (in case of “worse”, see step 7).
Step 6: Dress to impress. This is to help with steps 4 and 5. Try to wear your interests and personality on your sleeve: literally. This makes you approachable and gives people who want to approach you an opening. T-shirts and hoodies with catchy slogans or moments/ideas from your favourite movies are good options, just make sure they don’t have holes/giant ketchup stains on them. [Washing them before you wear them also helps.] Other options: a dapper hat, a good jacket, a nifty bag, patches, buttons and pins. References to films/other interests will also help differentiate between those who “get it” and "those who don’t". [Case in point: the girl at the Krispy Kreme who looked at my “Night of the Living Dead” patch and exclaimed “Hey, it’s Avril Lavine”.] Avoid conversation with these people like the plague as it will only lead to throbbing head pain.
Step 7: Bring props. An extension of step 6, this is also handy for avoiding “those who don’t”. A book or magazine can serve as an opening, or as a way to ignore people you’d rather not talk to. Other good ideas: snacks to share (this is especially good if you made them yourself as it gives you a chance to showcase your domestic skills, marginally more impressive if you are male), a deck of cards, or pen and paper for tick-tack-toe.
Step 8: Get business cards. It doesn't really matter if you actually do anything or not, just make sure they have your name on them and some contact information (phone, email, whatever you’re comfortable with). You can even make them yourself on the computer and customize them with cute little graphics etc. This not only eliminates the awkward “hey, let me find and pen to scribble on this wrinkled piece of lint I just found in my pocket” moment, it also make you look professional. Hey, it’s the early stages, they don’t need to know the truth yet.
Step 9: Take advantage of the other festival related functions. Most festivals will have various parties, seminar, panels and other functions scattered throughout the proceedings. Do what you can to weasel your way in, and schmooze, schmooze, schmooze. Again, refer to step 5 when you’re stuck.
Step 10: Follow up. Okay, so the festival’s over, you’ve barely slept and your eyes feel like they’re going to fall out from all the amazing (or not so amazing) films they’ve absorbed. Take a brief moment to massage the kinks out of your poor abused posterior, then sift through that pile of business cards you’ve no doubt accumulated and start making contacts. Regardless of whether these steps actually garner you a date you’ve no doubt had fun, met some new people and had some good conversations. Also, hanging out with new friends expands your social circle which in turn expands the date finding field. If you do manage to get a date, best to keep things casual, maybe suggest coffee or a drink. Or, you could go see a movie.
Step 1 (Optional): Get dumped. Although not necessary, a devastating blow to your ego and soul can be just the motivation to put these steps into proper motion. Also, a film festival is a perfect divertissement with a plethora of entertainment options (a number of films to chose from, parties, and possibly even forums and seminars) and gets you “out of the house” as all of your friends keep whining at you to do.
Step 2: Choose your festival. If you’re following step one, then you might just pick the festival nearest your dumpage you can handle. Then again, if your first choice is the “All Holocaust Documentary Film Festival” you might want to wait for something whose content is a little less harrowing. [Then again, if that’s what you’re into you might as well go with it.] If you are lucky enough to live somewhere with a number of options geared towards specific interests and lifestyles then you can fine tune your approach. Otherwise, the following steps will help you attract exactly the kind of people you want to meet regardless of your viewing options.
Step 3: Get a pass. This is to ensure that you see the most films possible and maximize your chances for meeting Miss or Mr. Right. The less money you have to spend to accomplish this step the better. Many festivals require volunteers to help with everything from administration to serving the popcorn and will often compensate said volunteers with full passes or tickets to screenings. Volunteering is also a good option if you can spare the time as it gives you another chance to meet new people with similar interests (those being movies, film and cinema). Another option is to offer to write reviews for a local paper or a website you like. Depending on the festival, acquiring press accreditation can be quite easy, or a bit of a pain, but in general most festivals welcome increased exposure and will welcome you with open arms. Your other option of course is to make a film and submit it to the festival. Do what you have to.
Step 4: Wait. Regardless of how smoothly any festival is run, this step is likely inevitable. You will wait in line to buy tickets or passes. You will wait in line to get into a movie. You will wait in line for food at the theater. You will wait inside the theater for the film to start or for the director to end his long winded not very informative introductions that only really applies to the five people in the first row who worked on the film with him. Take advantage of this time and don’t be afraid to start conversations with your fellow “waiters”. [But seriously, don’t talk while the filmmaker is talking, regardless of how long winded he is. That’s just rude.]
Step 5: Take advantage of built in opening lines. There will be tons of them and you yourself will hear them often. These lines do not necessarily mean that you are hitting on someone/they are hitting on you, but serve as perfect ice breakers. Examples: “Have you heard much about [film you are about to see]?” “Been to many films so far/Seen anything good/interesting/funny/sad/scary etc. so far?” “Do you know much about [blank] director/actor/genre/country films?” You get the idea. Regardless of whether or not the person you are speaking with can actually answer the question in the affirmative, you have just started a conversation. For better or for worse, just roll with it (in case of “worse”, see step 7).
Step 6: Dress to impress. This is to help with steps 4 and 5. Try to wear your interests and personality on your sleeve: literally. This makes you approachable and gives people who want to approach you an opening. T-shirts and hoodies with catchy slogans or moments/ideas from your favourite movies are good options, just make sure they don’t have holes/giant ketchup stains on them. [Washing them before you wear them also helps.] Other options: a dapper hat, a good jacket, a nifty bag, patches, buttons and pins. References to films/other interests will also help differentiate between those who “get it” and "those who don’t". [Case in point: the girl at the Krispy Kreme who looked at my “Night of the Living Dead” patch and exclaimed “Hey, it’s Avril Lavine”.] Avoid conversation with these people like the plague as it will only lead to throbbing head pain.
Step 7: Bring props. An extension of step 6, this is also handy for avoiding “those who don’t”. A book or magazine can serve as an opening, or as a way to ignore people you’d rather not talk to. Other good ideas: snacks to share (this is especially good if you made them yourself as it gives you a chance to showcase your domestic skills, marginally more impressive if you are male), a deck of cards, or pen and paper for tick-tack-toe.
Step 8: Get business cards. It doesn't really matter if you actually do anything or not, just make sure they have your name on them and some contact information (phone, email, whatever you’re comfortable with). You can even make them yourself on the computer and customize them with cute little graphics etc. This not only eliminates the awkward “hey, let me find and pen to scribble on this wrinkled piece of lint I just found in my pocket” moment, it also make you look professional. Hey, it’s the early stages, they don’t need to know the truth yet.
Step 9: Take advantage of the other festival related functions. Most festivals will have various parties, seminar, panels and other functions scattered throughout the proceedings. Do what you can to weasel your way in, and schmooze, schmooze, schmooze. Again, refer to step 5 when you’re stuck.
Step 10: Follow up. Okay, so the festival’s over, you’ve barely slept and your eyes feel like they’re going to fall out from all the amazing (or not so amazing) films they’ve absorbed. Take a brief moment to massage the kinks out of your poor abused posterior, then sift through that pile of business cards you’ve no doubt accumulated and start making contacts. Regardless of whether these steps actually garner you a date you’ve no doubt had fun, met some new people and had some good conversations. Also, hanging out with new friends expands your social circle which in turn expands the date finding field. If you do manage to get a date, best to keep things casual, maybe suggest coffee or a drink. Or, you could go see a movie.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Look What I Made!!!!!
tee hee.
I know it's not very impressive to most of you, but I just taught myself how to do this.
You'd never guess I work on the Internet.
I know it's not very impressive to most of you, but I just taught myself how to do this.
You'd never guess I work on the Internet.
February D.o.S. Schedule
(Republished from Last_Time. A lot of people have complemented me recently on my write-ups so I decided to include them with my other movie ramblings.)
Tuesday Feb 3:
SATAN!! (Special guest in attendance)
7pm -- The Devil Rides Out [1968]: Watch Christopher Lee (Sarumon from LoTR) take a break from the capes and the stalking to play a good guy (!) and kick some Satanic ass!! Watch him run, watch him punch... watch a guy with a goat's head on his noggin' do... something. A Hammer Films production.
9pm: Flavia the Heretic [1974]: More good ol' nun-ploitation, this time based on a true story and executed in true sleazy Eurotrash fashion. Those who caught "Alucarda" at last year's Cinemuerte should not miss this.
Tuesday Feb 10:
'60's Literary Girl's Trash
7pm: The Stepford Wives [1975]: Just in time for the big budget Nicole Kidman remake. If you don't know what it's about then you should probably read more.
9pm: The Valley of the Dolls [1967]: Not to be confused with the Russ Meyer/Roger Ebert collaboration "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" (sorry Beej) this is trashy soap opera drama at it's best. And if you did get confused, then you should probably read more.
Tuesday Feb 17:
Just Because You're Paranoid...
7pm: The Manchurian Candidate [1962]: Again programmed to usurp the big budget remake coming this summer (much to Meeko's horror as this is one of her all time faves). Brilliant black and white photography highlights the creepy tale of Korean War vets brainwashed into become sleeper agent assassins. With startling parallels to the Bobby Kennedy assassination and the fact that it was pulled from circulation by Frank Sinatra (who stars as well as produced) in 1963 following the JFK assassination) the film's ability to chill still resonates all these years later. And if that doesn't freak you out, then Angela Lansbury (one scene, you'll know it when you see it) certainly will. Also, this movie justifies John Frankenheimer's status as one of the Great American Directors. "Reindeer Games" and "Ronin" never happened.... just keep repeating....
9pm: The Parallax View [1974]: Treading on similar paranoid territory this time helmed by Alan J. Pacula ("All the President's Men") and staring Warren Beatty and Hume Cronyn.
Tuesday Feb 24:
Over the Top Asian Trash (in honour of Owen's Birth)
7pm: Twins Effect [2003]: When American pop stars cross over into movies we get trite bullshit like "Crossroads" and "A Walk to Remember". When Asian pop stars make movies they star as kung-fu fighting, wire-flying, ass kicking vampire slayers. Featuring the Canto-Pop sensation The Twins and Jackie Chan in a humourous cameo.
9pm: Happiness of the Katakuris [2001]: If the words "Miike", "musical" and "dancing zombies" don't mean anything to you, you obviously have no soul.
Tuesday Feb 3:
SATAN!! (Special guest in attendance)
7pm -- The Devil Rides Out [1968]: Watch Christopher Lee (Sarumon from LoTR) take a break from the capes and the stalking to play a good guy (!) and kick some Satanic ass!! Watch him run, watch him punch... watch a guy with a goat's head on his noggin' do... something. A Hammer Films production.
9pm: Flavia the Heretic [1974]: More good ol' nun-ploitation, this time based on a true story and executed in true sleazy Eurotrash fashion. Those who caught "Alucarda" at last year's Cinemuerte should not miss this.
Tuesday Feb 10:
'60's Literary Girl's Trash
7pm: The Stepford Wives [1975]: Just in time for the big budget Nicole Kidman remake. If you don't know what it's about then you should probably read more.
9pm: The Valley of the Dolls [1967]: Not to be confused with the Russ Meyer/Roger Ebert collaboration "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" (sorry Beej) this is trashy soap opera drama at it's best. And if you did get confused, then you should probably read more.
Tuesday Feb 17:
Just Because You're Paranoid...
7pm: The Manchurian Candidate [1962]: Again programmed to usurp the big budget remake coming this summer (much to Meeko's horror as this is one of her all time faves). Brilliant black and white photography highlights the creepy tale of Korean War vets brainwashed into become sleeper agent assassins. With startling parallels to the Bobby Kennedy assassination and the fact that it was pulled from circulation by Frank Sinatra (who stars as well as produced) in 1963 following the JFK assassination) the film's ability to chill still resonates all these years later. And if that doesn't freak you out, then Angela Lansbury (one scene, you'll know it when you see it) certainly will. Also, this movie justifies John Frankenheimer's status as one of the Great American Directors. "Reindeer Games" and "Ronin" never happened.... just keep repeating....
9pm: The Parallax View [1974]: Treading on similar paranoid territory this time helmed by Alan J. Pacula ("All the President's Men") and staring Warren Beatty and Hume Cronyn.
Tuesday Feb 24:
Over the Top Asian Trash (in honour of Owen's Birth)
7pm: Twins Effect [2003]: When American pop stars cross over into movies we get trite bullshit like "Crossroads" and "A Walk to Remember". When Asian pop stars make movies they star as kung-fu fighting, wire-flying, ass kicking vampire slayers. Featuring the Canto-Pop sensation The Twins and Jackie Chan in a humourous cameo.
9pm: Happiness of the Katakuris [2001]: If the words "Miike", "musical" and "dancing zombies" don't mean anything to you, you obviously have no soul.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)