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.