What's playing?

[aliantha]

Saw "Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince" in 3D IMAX yesterday. I'd seen the movie previously, the regular way.

Only the first part of the film (up to the start of the train ride to Hogwarts) is in 3D. So while the bit with the Death Eaters flying around London was pretty cool in 3D, I was kind of disappointed.

[Worm of Despite]

For me, nothing's got me more excited than the re-release of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 on the big screen. Not only will it be playing in my town but with 3D, and I've never seen either of the films in theaters (my first experience being VHS).

I'm also hoping to see Ponyo, Miyazaki's latest film, somewhere in Atlanta (being the closest venue for the movie). Never seen a Miyazaki film in theaters, as well, even if this one isn't his best (but being a "best" Miyazaki film is saying a lot).

But more than either of those, I'm hoping to be blown away by Avatar, which will be the first truly mindblowing use of 3D, from everything I've heard, and I hope its story and characters are as strong as the technology fueling it. I will definitely see that one in an IMAX (which will also be my first IMAX experience). All in all, this might be my best year when it comes to movies!

[aliantha]

I was thinking about seeing Ponyo. We saw Spirited Away in the theater. I'd still love to know the significance in Japanese culture of the black-and-white Kabuki ghost...

[CovenantJr]

There was a kabuki ghost?

In any case, Japanese culture can be pretty confusing.

[CovenantJr]

The best parts are always the ones where you see how much his mind's unravelling under the stress. Season 2 has a lot of those.

I don't remember the details, but I do remember him getting more and more unhinged. I'm looking forward to revisiting that.

Also, I've been noticing that Farscape is riddled with references to other science fiction. I've picked up nods to Red Dwarf, Aliens and Star Wars, plus some others I've since forgotten.

[aliantha]

There was a kabuki ghost?

Er, maybe I'm thinking of the wrong movie. Wasn't Spirited Away the one where the little girl gets separated from her parents at a fair, and some guy holds her prisoner in a factory-like place (shoes are somehow involved), and then a water dragon takes her to see a witch? Maybe I'm mixing up two movies. Anyway, there was a Kabuki ghost in one of them....

Hmm, looking over what I just wrote -- the whole thing sounds kinda trippy, doesn't it?

[CovenantJr]

Yes, that's Spirited Away. I just don't remember a kabuki ghost. Ah well. It's been a while since I watched it.

[Worm of Despite]

I think she means this fellow:

[Orlion]

Well, I just got back from seeing Moon, and let me tell you, with this movie critically acclaimed and making a little more than its budget and District 9 delivering, I'm wondering if this year will mark the return of good, thoughtfulish, science fiction.

And we still have The Road coming

[Worm of Despite]

The Road's either going to disappoint me or surprise me... Viggo Mortensen was definitely a great choice, though, I know that. The whole book is basically "I'll carry you, Mr. Frodo" up Mount Doom, except a father and son through a ruined U.S. instead of Mordor.

[aliantha]

I think she means this fellow:

Yup, that's him!

[jacob Raver, sinTempter]

Viggo is perfect. But...I just don't know if the story can translate...I haven't read it, but I have glanced through it...pretty short for a novel...material doesn't seem quite right for cinema.

[Cagliostro]

I think she means this fellow:

Yup, that's him!

I went to a film school students party at an Odd Fellows hall in Boulder a few years ago dressed up as No Face. I bought some candy coins and would hold out my hand with them in it and make little "ehhhhh ehhhhh" noises like him. Almost nobody knew who I was, so it freaked them out. There were a couple that did know it, and loved it. One of which was a guy dressed as Johnny Depp in Dead Man, which he said I was the first to identify him. His was fantastic, and you'd think with a bunch of film students, at least someone would have known this Jim Jarmusch film.
I learned an important lesson that year though. If you are going to make your own mask, don't make it out of styrofoam or if you do, put in a nose guard of some variety. That styrofoam wore my nose bloody.

[Warmark]

Alpha Dog - Amazing.

[Warmark]

John Q tonight, best film i've seen for quite a while.

[Rigel]

John Q tonight, best film i've seen for quite a while.

THANK YOU, a film that's morally ambiguous!

Very well done, without getting preachy

[Warmark]

Outlander - mindless fun.

[CovenantJr]

John Q tonight, best film i've seen for quite a while.

THANK YOU, a film that's morally ambiguous!

Very well done, without getting preachy

Never heard of it, but 'morally ambiguous' intrigues me.

[Rigel]

John Q tonight, best film i've seen for quite a while.

THANK YOU, a film that's morally ambiguous!

Very well done, without getting preachy

Never heard of it, but 'morally ambiguous' intrigues me.

One of Denzel Washington's best performances, in fact. You should definitely see it

Anyway, tonight I'm going to this great local theatre (the kind that serves pizza & beer) for a showing of The Exorcist with a friend. Next week they're showing Pumpkinhead, but for that one I'm going to need more friends (and more beer) to make it worthwhile.

[jacob Raver, sinTempter]

John Q is really good.