Blog Announcement/April Quick Picks and Pans

Tomorrow, my family and I will be hitting the road for the next couple weeks on a much-needed vacation, and by default, Cinematic Catharsis will be taking a little vacation as well.  I might have a not-so-surprise update in the next day or so, however, regarding my recent guest appearance on the ForgottenFilmcast, if time and technology allows.  My followers on Twitter might also notice a few sporadic updates here and there, so stay tuned.

There’s no rest for the wicked, as I intend to hit the ground running when I get back.  Watch for my entry in The Great Katherine Hepburn Blogathon in May, sponsored by Margaret Perry, followed by the Snoopathon in June, hosted by Fritzi of Movies Silently.  In conjunction with the second blogathon, I will also be running a month-long retrospective of German cinema – Germany Month!

Until then, I hope wherever you are, you find some time to recoup, relax with your loved ones, and stop to smell the flowers.

This month’s quick picks and pans…

Brand Upon the Brain! A Remembrance in 12 Chapters (2006) This oddity from director/co-writer Guy Maddin is presented in the style of an old silent film, with some modern flourishes thrown in.  Isabella Rossellini lends her extraordinary voice as the over-the-top narrator.  The main character is a fictional version of Maddin (Sullivan Brown and Erik Steffen Maahs play younger and older versions, respectively), who revisits his traumatic past.  As he walks through the old lighthouse that served as his childhood home, we’re introduced to his amorous sister, repressive mother and mad scientist father, who collects “nectar” from the brains of orphans (don’t ask).  The film’s dreamlike, disorienting style recalls works of German expressionism such as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Filled with more Freudian imagery than you can wave a cigar at, Brand Upon the Brain toys with themes of lost youth, forbidden love and repressed memories. From a narrative perspective, Maddin’s film doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but what dreams do?  It’s fascinating to look at, and a memorable cinematic experience.

Rating: *** ½.  Available on DVD

Doomsday (2008) Writer/director Neil Marshall’s derivative mix of Mad Max, Escape from New York and various medieval tales shouldn’t work, but somehow does.  The cast includes Rhona Mitra as Eden Sinclair, a one-woman army, Bob Hoskins as her cynical boss, and Malcolm McDowell as a doctor turned despot.  When a viruscontained behind a massive wall begins to creep into England, Sinclair is sent in to the quarantined Scottish countryside to find the cure.  You might want to give your brain a rest with this one.  Doomsday is loud, dumb and whole lot of fun, if you don’t take it too seriously.

Rating: ***.  Available on Blu-ray and DVD

Here Comes the Devil (aka: Ahí Va el Diablo) (2012) This bizarre Mexican horror movie from writer/director Adrián García Bogliano recalls Picnic at Hanging Rock, with its theme of a malevolent, mystical energy residing in a natural setting.  During a family getaway, a brother and sister become lost while exploring a rocky hillside.  They return to their parents the next day, but something about them seems off.  The parents’ quest to determine what happened during those lost hours plunges them into increasingly disturbing territory.  Despite a meandering plot, and an extraneous opening scene, the film manages to evoke some genuine chills, and the climax is likely to make you squirm. 

Rating: ***.  Available on Blu-ray, DVD and Netflix Streaming

Crimewave (1985) With the creative team of Sam Raimi (director/co-writer) and Joel and Ethan Cohen (co-writers), it’s hard to imagine their film noir-esque comedy, cobbled together from ‘40s potboilers and stale Three Stooges routines, would be anything but exceptional, but not so fast.  This stylish but hollow exercise is a big disappointment, proving the sum is sometimes less than its constituent parts.  The plotless film relies on unfunny gags and exaggerated acting in place of character development and the story seems like a collage of mismatched ideas.  To its credit, Crimewave features some nice set pieces, (including a series of multi-colored doorways that collapse like a row of dominos) and co-producer Bruce Campbell breathes some life into the film in a supporting role as a deadbeat lothario, but even he can’t save this mess of a movie.  The whole exercise isn’t nearly as clever or humorous as it wants to be, and needless to say, Raimi and the Cohens went on to do better things on their own.

Rating: **.  Available on Blu-ray and DVD

Tank Girl

(1995) Directed by Rachel Talalay; Written by Tedi Sarafian; Based on the comic by: Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett; Starring: Lori Petty, Ice-T, Naomi Watts and Malcolm McDowell; Available on DVD

Rating: ***

“It's 2033. The world is screwed now. You see, a while ago this humongous comet came crashing into the earth. Bam, total devastation. End of the world as we know it. No celebrities, no cable TV, no water. It hasn't rained in 11 years. Now 20 people gotta squeeze inside the same bathtub – so it ain't all bad.” – Tank Girl (Lori Petty) (From IMDB)

Reviews for this amalgamation of post-apocalyptic science fiction tropes and comic book sensibilities weren’t exactly kind when it was released, but there was something that compelled me to watch Tank Girl anyway.  While my memories of the film became hazy over the years, I recall that I kind of liked it.  Almost 20 years later, I still kind of do.  I’m baffled this ever got the green light, but I’m glad someone saw fit to bankroll the film.

I could be at a disadvantage that I never read the comic Tank Girl was based upon, but depending on whom you ask, the film version probably wasn’t a very faithful adaptation.  Concessions were likely made to appeal to a broader audience, unfamiliar with Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett’s comic.  Rather than debate how strictly the film adhered to the source material, I’d rather focus on the film at hand

The post-apocalyptic landscape depicted in Tank Girl shouldn’t be unfamiliar territory to those familiar with Mad Max or its numerous imitators.  Water is a precious commodity, controlled by the evil Department of Water and Power.  As our eponymous heroine points out, they possess most of the water, and they have the power.  Lori Petty plays the title role like an impudent teenager.  Her character looks and acts like a live action cartoon.  As written, she has about as much depth as a kiddie pool.  We never really get to learn much about her, or her history, but maybe that’s not the point.  She exists as an enigmatic archetype for the rebel without a clue.  If there’s an establishment, she’s against it.   

Naomi Watts appears in an early role (almost unrecognizable with dark hair and glasses) as Tank Girl’s timid sidekick Jet Girl.  Her character arc experiences a significant shift, as she transitions from a tool of the Department of Water and Power to become Tank Girl’s accomplice.  She’s the reserved yin to Jet Girl’s obnoxious yang.

The always watchable Malcolm McDowell plays Kesslee, malevolent head of the Department of Water – the sort of sneering villain role that’s become his specialty over the years.  Although he could likely perform this type of character in his sleep, he seems to be having a good time, which he corroborated in a recent interview.  In one memorable scene, he conducts a toast to his villainy by drinking water extracted from one of his dead minions.  He demands absolute loyalty, and tolerates zero mistakes.  His contentious relationship with Tank Girl could be likened to that of an authoritarian parent and a rebellious teen.  While everyone else buckles under, she continually thwarts his attempts to subjugate her to his will.

Director Rachel Talalay keeps things lively, endowing the film with an anarchic style.  The live action scenes are strung together with flashes of comic book stills and snippets of Heavy Metal-style animation.  The soundtrack is a pastiche of songs thrown together in haphazard fashion, a veritable who’s who of artists from the mid-90s, including Bjork, Hole and L7.  One of the more effective byproducts of the film’s chaotic style is an impromptu song and dance number at the midpoint.  When she infiltrates a brothel where a young girl is being held captive, Tank Girl forces the madam, played by an uncredited Ann Magnuson, to sing the 1928 Cole Porter tune, "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love."   A full-blown rendition ensues, replete with a Busby Berkeley-esque display.  This clever nod to musicals of yesteryear is the film’s high point, setting the bar a little too high for the scenes that follow.  We’re introduced to a group of mutant kangaroo men (from a Stan Winston design), known as Rippers.  Their leader, T-Saint, is played by Ice-T (who else?), who doesn’t do much but sneer.  They become Tank Girl’s allies, which leads to a pedestrian conclusion, featuring a standard shoot-‘em-up and showdown with the bad guy.

Although Tank Girl failed to win over audiences during its theatrical run, the film deserved better than it got.  By the same token, I couldn’t be too surprised by its weak reception.  It’s the definitive cult film, enjoyed by a minority, while the rest of the world scratches their collective heads.  Some scenes go nowhere, and the climax is all-too predictable, but the film is full of a bizarre exuberance that’s oddly irresistible. The mixed bag we end up with reminds us we need more oddball films like Tank Girl, and far fewer Transformers flicks.

Liebster Mark III

I owe a belated debt of gratitude to Vern, proprietor of TheVern’s VideoVortex and the defunct-but-not-forgotten Video Vanguard for my latest award nomination.  While this is my third Liebster, it never gets old.  I’m always amazed and humbled that someone out there actually reads the stuff I write (Perhaps he deserves an award for that alone).  Besides the warm and fuzzy sensation I get with this recognition, it affords me the opportunity to give a little back to the blogging community by recognizing some other worthy writers.  Although we may be separated by state borders, nationalities, or oceans, we share a common love of movies, bringing each of us a little closer with mutual recognition by our peers.

So, here are the rules, should you wish to accept.  There’s no obligation to participate, and a money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied by this nomination.*

1. The bloggers who have been nominated must link back to the person who nominated them.

2. Nominees must answer the eleven questions given to them by the person who nominated them.

3. Those nominated must choose eleven of their favorite bloggers who have less than 200 followers to answer their own set of questions.

4. When you are nominated, you cannot nominate the person who nominated you.

* No money changed hands during the making of this post.

11 Blogs that I’m passing this on to (Should they wish to accept):

Movies at Dog Farm http://www.moviesatdogfarm.com/

The Girl with the White Parasol http://thegirlwiththewhiteparasol.blogspot.com/

Wide Weird World of Cult Films http://wideweirdworldofcult.blogspot.com/

Frisco Kid at the Movies http://friscokidtx.com/

Raindrops on Corpses & Whiskers on Zombies... These are a few of my favorite things. http://sgleehorror.blogspot.com/

Margaret Perry http://margaretperry.org/

The Cult Movie Review http://blog.thecultmoviereview.co.uk/

That Halloween Blog http://thathalloweenblog.blogspot.com/

Mondo Heather http://www.mondoheather.blogspot.com/

Dr. Carnage’s World of Horror http://doctorcarnage.blogspot.com/

Cinematic Shocks http://cinematicshocks.blogspot.com/

11 Questions and answers (Feel free to recycle these questions or write your own):

1.  What angers you the most when watching a movie in theaters?   

Inconsiderate film-goers.  Judging by their oafish behavior (talking, kicking the seatbacks, etc…), you would think watching the movie was the last thing on their mind.  It reminds me of a particularly bad experience my wife and I had when we still lived in Los Angeles.  What should have been a movie lover’s dream, watching The Fellowship of the Ring at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, soon devolved into a nightmare, thanks to some individual sitting behind us who saw fit to provide his companion a 3-hour-plus running commentary.  Not to sound like a commercial, but this is what I love about the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin.  It’s created by movie fanatics, for movie fanatics, and they don’t put up with that crap (okay, Alamo, where are my free passes?).

2.  What do you love about watching movies in theaters?  With the price of tickets (not to mention concessions) these days, my family and I don’t get out to the movies nearly as often as we’d like.  But when I do, I adore the “big screen” experience, being totally immersed in the movie.  Even with a relatively large TV, it’s impossible to duplicate the same experience at home.  There’s nothing quite like being in a theater where everyone’s hyped to see the picture – especially an old favorite that’s being shown again.  There’s a palpable feeling in the air, a sort of unspoken kinship between movie fans that can’t be denied.

3.  Name a movie you never want to watch. Ever.

Cannibal Holocaust.  I love horror films, but I have a very low tolerance for films depicting sadism or animal cruelty for shock effect. 

4.  Name a movie you’re ashamed you haven’t seen yet.  

I can’t think of a specific title, because there are so many worthwhile films out there.  If I had to pick a genre that I’ve neglected, it would have to be film noir.  Although I’m a huge admirer of the genre, I feel that I’ve barely scratched the surface.  Hmmm… I think I sense a future theme month.

5.   Favorite weekend hangout?

My job on a university campus brings me into contact with multitudes of college students during the day.  By the week’s end, I tend to feel a little overwhelmed, so my ideal weekend hangout is right at home, where I don’t have to see the light of day for at least a little while, and can write, watch movies, and be a hermit (my family is very understanding).

6.  Favorite band or music artist for the past week.  I’m in a Ramones mood at the moment.  And why not? They’re a true American classic.  Hey, ho, let’s go!

7.  3D.  Yay or Nay?

Wow, that’s a loaded question.  In my recent review of Creature from the Black Lagoon, I lamented the fact that I didn’t have a 3D TV to watch my Blu-ray.  On the other hand, as I stated a few years back, I’m still not convinced it’s more than a flashy gimmick, unnecessary for everyday movie watching.

8. Name a movie you wish you could have been on the set while it was filming. 

I’d love to have been a fly on the wall to observe the filming of 2001: A Space Odyssey, although I think Mr. Kubrick would have had something to say about it.

9. How do you stream movies (Computer, Blu-ray Player, Game Consoles like PS4 and Wii)? 

If I’m watching something for the first time, I prefer to watch it through my Blu-ray player, but in a pinch I’ll use anything else that’s available (desktop, laptop, etc…).

10. What are your top five favorite movie podcasts to listen to?  My week’s pretty hectic, so I’m ashamed to admit I don’t really get much of a chance to listen to podcasts.  On the other hand, I may have some news regarding a possible podcast in the very near future.  Or not (I tend to be a bit shy and reclusive – see answer #5).

11.  Who is your movie celebrity crush?  You have to answer for both guys and girls. 

No contest for my guy crush – Humphrey Bogart.  Bogart excelled at depicting folks who were not afraid to get their hands dirty, or take it on the chin to fight for a just cause.

For the girls – Julianne Moore.  I’m always impressed with her remarkable range, whether it’s her underrated comic performance as avant-garde artist Maude in The Big Lebowski, or the pathetic porn star Amber Waves in Boogie Nights.

Battlefield Baseball (aka: Jigoku Kôshien)

(2003) Directed by: Yudai Yamaguchi; Written by: Yudai Yamaguchi and Isao Kiriyama; Based on the manga by: Gatarô Man; Starring: Tak Sakaguchi, Atsushi Itô and Hideo Sakaki; Available on DVD

Rating: ** ½

“In baseball you can never win on your own.  The Most important thing is the teamwork, the friendship!  Friendship gave me power!” – Jubei (Tak Sakaguchi)

Many thanks to fellow fan of the obscure, Todd of ForgottenFilms for inviting me to participate in the Big League Blogathon, which celebrates the myriad cinematic interpretations of baseball.  When the gauntlet was thrown, I gladly accepted, but was left with the task of finding a title that would reflect that certain je ne sais quoi spirit of my blog.  My choice, Battlefield Baseball, probably wouldn’t be the first (or 25^th) movie that would spring to mind, but that’s okay.  This is why I’m here, and we’re going to get through this together.

 

Since the sport’s introduction in the late 19^th century, Japan has enjoyed an enduring love affair with baseball.  It’s become a national obsession, perhaps second only to sumo wrestling in popularity.  The film begins with the caption: “This movie is dedicated to all those who love baseball.”  It’s too bad that what follows bears little resemblance to the beloved sport, leading me to wonder if the statement was meant to be ironic.  With Battlefield Baseball’s apocalyptic, anarchic tone, first-time director and co-writer Yudai Yamaguchi isn’t doing the sport any favors.

Like many sports films, Battlefield Baseball features a protagonist with phenomenal talent and a tortured past.  Jubei (Tak Sakaguchi) has a killer pitch – literally, and has vowed never to play again.  We learn about his tragic history, told in song, in which young Jubei accidentally kills his father with a fastball.  Of course, this wouldn’t be much of a story if he held to his vow, and it’s not long before he decides to join the Seido High School team, and help fight their dreaded archrivals.  The Gedo High School* team consists of gray-skinned (zombie?) thugs with no respect for the rules.  Only Jubei and his super tornado pitch stand in the way of Gedo dominating the upcoming Kashien Stadium Tournament.   

* The “high school” players in this movie appear to have been out of high school for at least a decade.

Although some of the film’s transgressions can be attributed to a miniscule budget, this doesn’t excuse the fact that most of it’s a mess, favoring a random bunch of scattered gags over coherence.  Except for a short practice scene towards the beginning of the film, anyone with the most rudimentary knowledge of baseball will probably be left scratching his or her head about why we never see anyone playing anything resembling baseball. We never see evidence of any other teams, or spectators for the games (and I’m using “games” very loosely).  Instead, we’re treated to a series of cartoonish scenes of carnage that evoke comparisons to the superior Battle Royale.  I suppose the two teams are supposed to represent good versus evil, but taking into account the film’s twisted logic, the Seido team just seem obtuse.  If they know they’re in a life-or-death tournament where their opponents are out for blood, why are they prepared to play a conventional game?  None of this is ever explained – we’re just expected to accept it at face value. 

Battlefield Baseball wins points for originality, but due to sloppy execution (to borrow a baseball metaphor) never quite hits it out of the park. In this case, the baseball theme is merely incidental.  The sport could likely have been changed to wrestling, hockey, or any other sport, with few changes.  With the right take on the concept, the film might have worked.   It works in spots, but at the end of the day I wanted more baseball in my baseball movie.