A Tyler Perry Movie without Madea

As I was watching television this afternoon, this trailer for Tyler Perry's latest film came on. At first, I didn't even recognize the film being Tyler Perry's as most of his work seemed to revolve around Madea, the elderly woman played by Perry himself that reflects the stereotype of the Mammy. This time though, I think Tyler Perry finally has something good in his hands in making a film that doesn't mock the black stereotypes but portrays the struggle of black women. Using a cast consisting of celebrities such as Janet Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Anika Noni Rose, I think Perry devised the same plan that we read in the race article about the overall selling ability of a movie that's predominantly black.

Gentlemen, I wish to speak for the trees

Well, it's that time again.

Time for another movie based on your favorite children's author: Seuss.

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/52488575.html

Oh, hey! What's this?! More 3D animation! Awesome! Not to mention the art styles in these movies can never look similar to Seuss' style in the books without making it 2D! (Which will never happen!) THE ANIMATION NERD INSIDE OF ME IS RAGING.

And I love Danny DeVito a whole bunch but just because he's short and chubby doesn't mean he has to be the Lorax. To me, it doesn't fit. Oh well.

Also! Who needs books anymore? THEY ARE ALL MOVIES.

Coming this Spring...the must-see movie of the year....GRAPE FIGHT

Do the Right Thing Assignments

The following articles shall be used to complement our viewing of Do the Right Thing. Journals, both when collected and when checked for completion, will be graded for both English and history.

The first, reaction will be Journal #11, is about Tyler Perry and his audience. The second, coupled with your general "review" or reaction about the movie (remember: reviews are based on preference, not analysis, trust me, that will come later) to be labeled as Journal #12.

The film will be finished on Tuesday (you have triple media on Monday). Wednesday, journals will be checked. If they're done, we will watch The Messenger. If not (and let's face it...), we will begin a writing workshop (which will occur on the following Monday if you do succeed).

"The Human Voice" from StoryCorps

Where is the human voice?

Hereafter - Official Trailer [HD]

Did we lose the greatest TV parents of all time this week?

This week, the entertainment world lost two of the most beloved TV parents of all time (Tom Bosley 1927 - 2010, Howard Cunningham on "Happy Days" & Barbara Billingsley, June Cleaver on "Leave It to Beaver").

Leads me to wonder (Journal #10), if you could choose a TV mom and dad to replace your own, whom would you choose and why?

Definitive lists of the greatest TV parents have been compiled by TV Guide and something called Mother's Day Central. 

100 Movie Spoilers in 5 Minutes

Philadelphia Film Festival

After reading through the Philadelphia Film Festival (which is taking place Thursday October 14th-Sunday October 24th) booklet, I thought I'd share some of the most highly praised and highly anticipated selections.

The first is 127 Hours, but Cass already took care of that. :)

• Black Swan (Directed by Darren Aronofsky. Official release December 1st, 2010)

"Black Swan is an amazing piece of cinematic film making, but it is not a film for everyone. At its foundation, Black Swan is a psychological horror film, with disturbing imagery and genuine "jump out of your seat" scares. Done with stunning visuals and masterful performances, however, Black Swan combines a rare mix of beauty and grotesquerie for an incredible ballet of cinema." -- Andrew Greenblatt

• Night Catches Us (Directed by Tanya Hamilton, limited release December 3rd, 2010)

"Striving to create the most realistic depiction possible, Hamilton seamlessly incorporates actual historical documents such as archival footage, old leaflets and political cartoons produced by th Black Panther Party. Along with a retro-soul score supplied by Philly-legends The Roots and a script of uncommon intelligence, Hamilton's Night Catches Us vividly captures the seething tensions of a city and its people attempting to reconcile a tumultuous past with a brighter future. In recreating such a world, director Tanya Hamilton firmly announces herself as a fresh, important voice in Independent American cinema." -- Andrew Greenblatt

• Blue Valentine (Directed by Derek Cianfrance, limited release December 31st, 2010)

"Selected not only by Sundance, but also Cannes, filmmaker Derek Cianfrance's poetic portrait is made up of a collection of specific memories, assembled non-chronologically, the way someone might recall, on their deathbed, the true love of their life. Shot in a beautiful yet starkly realistic pallet, and featuring a haunting score by the Brooklyn-based folk rock band Grizzly Bear, Blue Valentine is sentimental but far from sappy." -- Michael Lerman

*note* Grizzly Bear and The Roots? If praised for nothing else, Blue Valentine and Night Catches Us should be recognized for having awesome bands providing their scores.

On a more serious note, I must also point out that on October 22nd, the Festival will be featuring the cinematic genius that is The Room.

"Incredible directing, incomparable writing, and brilliant acting make The Room the most poignant and important movie to date. If I was given the opportunity to meet Tommy Wiseau, I would probably die from the sheer awesomeness of his presence. His hair is really nice too." -- Alix Leszczynski

Don't Give Up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2XLoQ1xYB0
(If you do not know the story of Aaron Ralston/if you like surprises, do not watch this second video.)

Hitchcock, the Kuleshov Effect, and Soviet Montage Theory

Just in case Lockwood hasn't taught it yet, this is the Kuleshov Effect. This comes from the Soviet Theory of montage. I heard you all are working on silent films so keep this is mind. You don't need dialog or much action to control what you want your audience to feel or think. These are the examples how shots and editing can be used reveal underlying plot lines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuleshov_Effect
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_montage_theory

Ex. Kuleshov Effect


Ex. Soviet Montage Theory



The French being French

Dead Dogs

...JK! Just Soviet Propaganda

You thought 3D was cool check out 3D sound!

Only works with head phones on!
Both videos are pretty awesome

Journal #6: We Used to Wait Film (Arcade Fire)

The how-to!

"The thin line between entertainment and war"