Source Code...Hitchcockian-style thriller! Jake Gyllenhaal excels!

 





This weekend, film buffs - and fans of actor Jake Gyllenhaal - will be scooting off to the local cinema to catch the sexy hunk's latest flick "Source Code".

If fans are anxious to feast on the stud's muscled bod once again - after getting an eyeful of his pumped flesh in one of  his last features with Anne Hathaway - they'll be SOL.

Uh-huh!

The star who broke into the International spotlight portraying a gay cowboy in Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain" - opposite Heath Ledger - may disappoint in that regard.

But, if movie-goers are intrigued by the idea of a thought-provoking cerebral thriller (prone to play havoc with the preconceived notions about fate, reality, and illusion), then this Hitchcockian-style mystery (mind-bender!) is worth the price of admission.

The plot moves along at a fast clip (without much fat), the cinematography is superb, and the special effects entertaining.

Jake, and his talented cast of supporting players, are at the top of their game here.

For the most part, the stylish well-crafted studio project has been garnering pretty positive reviews.

With one exception, however.

Critics tend to whine that the plot is a little convoluted, difficult to fathom - and, that the ending - is ambiguous.

Did those popcorn-loving movie reviewers stroll into the wrong theatre by accident?

In my mind's eye, the screenwriter struck the right balance, and delivered up a tight taut celluloid gem.

And, achieved the unthinkable, in the process.

Indeed, the studio turned out a feature that explored not only new territory, but managed to do so without losing any commercial appeal for a wide demographic around the country sure to snap up tickets over the next few weeks.

My only criticism?

It was not necessary to "tack" on the last two scenes - and thus - spoon feed the audience to "ensure" all the loose strings were tied up in a neat and tidy package.

With an intelligent offering like this, it was not necessary to treat the ticket-holders like they were stupid, in my estimation.

We got it! 

To go into details would only spoil it for 'ya.

'Til next time at the Movies!

http://www.thetattler.biz



May the Source Code bewitch you!

Anne Hathaway...cast as Catwoman! Meow!

 

Just goes to show 'ya - when you rustle up a high-profile in the biz almost overnight (in addition to turning in a couple of stellar screen characterizations in big box-office features along the way) - that the world is your oyster.

This especially appears to be true for the flavor of the month - talented actress and red-carpet head-turner - Anne Hathaway!

Shortly after starring opposite sexy Jake Gyllenhaal in "Love & Other Drugs", Ms. Hathaway has been handed the plum pussy role of "Catwoman" on a silver platter with a nod from celebrated director Christopher Nolan.

According to handlers, Hathaway is slated to lens the much-anticipated franchise sequel - "The Dark Knight Rises" - in the very near future.

Meow!

Now, Ms. Hathaway follows in a long line of distinguished oft-remembered screen Goddesses - who slipped into the feline costume with ease- in a myriad of TV & Film projects of yesteryear.

Of course, I am referring to luminaries such as Julie Newmar, Michelle Pfeiffer, Lee Meriweather and - who could forget? - oh-so-organic Eartha Kitt!

I expect that Hathaway will scratch up a storm - or at a minimum pull off a delicious tease - given the chance.

Later!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Brokeback Mountain...5th Anniversary Screening @ Gene Autry Center!

On Saturday, December 11th, the Autry National Center will present a special 5th Anniversary special Screening of the award-winning film Brokeback Mountain (Focus Films).

After the screening, there will be a staged reading of messages, essays, poetry, and music inspired by the film.

The ground-breaking film explored the clandestine relationship between two young cowboys - portrayed by Jake Gylenhaal and Heath Ledger - coming to grips with their homosexuality in the ruggest western terrain.

The event is part of the acclaimed program - "Out West" at the Autry - which is a series of public events focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) history and culture in the West with gallery talks, film screenings, lectures, performances and other cultural events.

"Brokeback Mountain helped to bring wide attention to important conversations about LGBT issues in modern Western communities,” noted Autry President and CEO Dan Finley.

“This powerful film resonates deeply with the Autry’s own strong connection to the history of Western films as well as our mission to share and explore the inspiring stories of all the peoples of the American West.”

Brokeback Mountain was produced and released by Focus Features in December 2005.

Directed by respected director Ang Lee who won an Oscar for his efforts.

See 'ya there!

Info:

www.theautry.org

http://www.thetattler.biz

AFI Fest...whimpers to a close! Rinky-dink film par-tay a joke!

At the end of last week, the AFI's circuit offering, limped to a sorry close in Los Angeles!

What was the general consensus of film-goers - who attended the much-anticipated red carpet previews - in the end scenario?

The annual oft-ballyhooed event lacked - oomphf! - in the final analysis.

And, it was in large part due to the hit-and-miss attitude of the organizers, who failed to recognize that the medium of film  is capable of - not only entertaining - but, uplifting the human spirit, as well.

In a nutshell, the AFI Fest staff didn't know "snuff" about the Hollywood film industry, its in's-and-out's, who the players were, or how to put on a quality show under the big top!

In fact, their idea of the Hollywood "Dream" factory was a nightmare, from the get-go!

For example - one piece of celluloid trash the AFI staff screened (which was conjured up by a demented first-time-out Danish filmmaker) - couldn't help but stir up a nasty controversy.

Post:  11/11/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/11/afi-festscreens-sick-debauched-danish.html

"Smut masquerading as Art," was the way I put it - and, believe me - most who attended the preview of the sick flick wholeheartedly agreed!

Bob Gazzale - "doesn't know his a** from a hole in the ground" - some loudly lamented about the current disreputable President & CEO (as I rubbed my hands with glee on the sidelines).

The assessment was bang on, if 'ya ask me!

And, the Fest suffered miserably as a result, in the final analysis.

Of course, the program was plagued with bad omens, from the very start.

At one panel discussion (focusing on young up-and-coming rising superstars in the film industry today) - mics persistently sputtered beneath washed out film clips - in the midst of incompetent staffers who attempted to steer the derailed program back-on-track with little success.

Post:  11/06/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/11/la-times-actors-panelcarrie-mulligan.html

Actually, the fest's problems first festered up, when film buffs attempted to book tickets on the AFI web site which was ill-equipped to handle ticket reservations for the ten-day event to be held at a handful of prestigious venues such as Manns Chinese, the Egyptian, and-so-forth-and-so-on.

I was personally taken aback when tickets I reserved for - "The Black Swan", "Love & Other Drugs", and "The King's Speech" - were not forthcoming.

In fact, the ticket reservations vanished into thin air.

What a fiasco!

In the end scenario, I ended up with four tickets to Circus Kids, in spite of the fact I just ordered one lone ticket for the early morning screening at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

And, there were other snafus to contend with, as well.

For instance, I was issued double the tickets I requested for Mon Oncle, Hour of the Wolf, Amigo, an Industry Panel Discussion featuring up-and-coming stars (aforementioned), a Sony Seminar on 3D filmmaking, etc. etc.

Whew!

Talk about a rinky-dink outfit, eh?

Film buffs who turned up later at the box office in person to sort out the snafus - like moi! - wondered aloud where the celebrated guest Artistic Director - David Lynch - was in their hour of need.

Certainly not at the helm, that's for sure!

Judging by the AFI promos that sputtered to life at a handful of screenings - then, off again - he was obviously off on a drunk somewhere!

Post: 11/06/10

http://forgusbeylan.blogspot.com/2010/11/david-lynchaudiences-laugh-washed-up.html


Next year I'll pass, thank you very much, Mr. Gazale!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Mann's Chinese Theatre an AFI venue in 2010