Author Topic: Movie news and views (Read 14892 times)

wraith808 · « **on:** June 24, 2014, 10:18 AM »

We already have a Movies I've seen... but some of the entertainment industry are quite... entertaining in their own right. And some of the news about upcoming movies are good to share. But I don't want to clog things up with these observations, and also... other people see things that I don't, and might want to share. So... this thread!

Not sure how it will work out... but then that's most things!

I'll start it out...

Rian Johnson is Here to Rescue Star Wars (via Tor.com)

Interesting article about a director I'd never heard of and the movies that he's done... that makes me want to see them. I *have* looper, but haven't watched it yet... maybe that's on my list for today.

And my favorite quote from the article...

"I want to live in the universe where the kid from 3rd Rock From the Sun ends up in Star Wars. That’s a good universe. Things might turn out OK there." - Leah Schnelbach

I can get behind that sentiment.

Gary Oldman Defends Alec Baldwin and Mel Gibson, Slams ‘Political Correctness' (via Vulture.com)

Man, I've always loved Gary Oldman in films... and he's seemed like a cool guy. But some of the quips in this... they take cool and ballsy to a new level!

My favorite soundbite from it:

We all hide and try to be so politically correct. That’s what gets me. It’s just the sheer hypocrisy of everyone, that we all stand on this thing going, “Isn’t that shocking?”

Isn't that the truth... as long as we don't get too famous, or manage to keep our sins in the dark... we're OK. But if the covers slip one bit with the cameras following night and day... you're a goner.

... unless the particular celebrity does a complete mea culpa in public and bow down begging apologies, in which case if the apology is judged to be sincere enough by enough people (and not insincere by any of the wrong people) you might dig your way out to daylight.

And don't let anyone have any sort of integrity and stand by their friends... this stuff is vile and sticky.

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #1 on:** June 24, 2014, 11:47 AM »

Isn't that the truth... as long as we don't get too famous, or manage to keep our sins in the dark... we're OK. But if the covers slip one bit with the cameras following night and day... you're a goner.
-wraith808 (June 24, 2014, 10:18 AM)

That's because They (yes of the infamous them) have created a strictly enforced zero tolerance utopia, where - in the interest of proving that hate is not allowed - everyone is to love everyone equally, at all times and forever...without fail! Hell they'll probably bridge the "gender barrier" next by mandating bisexuality in the interest of promoting understanding and awareness. There won't be anymore short straw guy takes it for the team any more. Oh hell no that's not - everybody gets a trophy style "fair" - Nope, now everybody's got to take one of their own ... Just to prove they're a team player.

Renegade · « **Reply #2 on:** June 24, 2014, 10:32 PM »

That's because They (yes of the infamous them) have created a strictly enforced zero tolerance utopia, where - in the interest of proving that hate is not allowed - everyone is to love everyone equally, at all times and forever...without fail!
-Stoic Joker (June 24, 2014, 11:47 AM)

Not quite. You are fully expected to hate and loathe everyone they hate and loathe. If you don't, you're a sexist, racist, homophobic anti-semite that beats his kids and molests his dog.

i.e. You are entitled to share our opinion or die.

The "tolerance" zealots are anything but tolerant.

The original Gary Oldman interview is here (NSFW - on the playboy.com site). The "controversial" stuff is on pages 4 and 5.

Gary points out that (albeit rather muddled) "what" is said is less important than "who" said it.

There will be more outrage about what Gary said. Before you know it, people will be saying that he's a sexist, racist, homophobic anti-semite that beats his kids and molests his dog. If they're feeling in a good mood. Those articles will be fun to read.

Renegade · « **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2014, 10:48 PM »

Regarding Gary Oldman - https://twitter.com/...687555825664/photo/1

Renegade · « **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2014, 10:53 PM »

Regarding some of the controversy, I read this article a while back. It's interesting:

http://blogs.timesof...o-control-the-media/

Does anyone else (who’s not a bigot) see the irony of this?
-Take-away quote

Which is the exact point Gary Oldman makes in the interview.

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2014, 06:37 AM »

That's because They (yes of the infamous them) have created a strictly enforced zero tolerance utopia, where - in the interest of proving that hate is not allowed - everyone is to love everyone equally, at all times and forever...without fail!
-Stoic Joker (June 24, 2014, 11:47 AM)

Not quite. You are fully expected to hate and loathe everyone they hate and loathe. If you don't, you're a sexist, racist, homophobic anti-semite that beats his kids and molests his dog.

i.e. You are entitled to share our opinion or die.

The "tolerance" zealots are anything but tolerant.
-Renegade (June 24, 2014, 10:32 PM)

Well, yes ... But that's a really short list as I understand it...Just Nazis, smokers, and (I think) people that don't recycle ... Right?

Renegade · « **Reply #6 on:** June 25, 2014, 07:18 AM »

Well, yes ... But that's a really short list as I understand it...Just Nazis, smokers, and (I think) people that don't recycle ... Right?
-Stoic Joker (June 25, 2014, 06:37 AM)

You only wish!

You're on the list for at least a half dozen reasons!

wraith808 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2014, 09:17 AM »

Well, yes ... But that's a really short list as I understand it...Just Nazis, smokers, and (I think) people that don't recycle ... Right?
-Stoic Joker (June 25, 2014, 06:37 AM)

You only wish! You're on the list for at least a half dozen reasons!
-Renegade (June 25, 2014, 07:18 AM)

... and items can be added for any reason or no reason. As long as there is perceived 'offense'. And they are removed for... I'm at a loss.

Renegade · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2014, 09:51 AM »

... and items can be added for any reason or no reason. As long as there is perceived 'offense'. And they are removed for... I'm at a loss.
-wraith808 (June 25, 2014, 09:17 AM)

Yup.

But it's predictable. Anything to start a conflict where there was none before, or to open old wounds, or to throw gasoline on a real conflict.

Invent a victim. Dig up a victim. Find a victim.

Order doesn't matter - just whatever works at the time.

Otherwise, what the hell good is it if it can't make headlines?

wraith808 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2014, 10:24 AM »

It's saddening to see it going this way for him. He's got the big guns lining up... (via washington post)

... people missed the point. And I still don't see why actors give interviews about anything other than... acting. A 9 hour interview sliced up with the juiciest parts to get people frothing. You can still see the point if you look hard enough, and realize that it was slanted. But... no one does.

Shia Lebouf is back... and in a... surprisingly good looking movie. Of course, it's got Brad Pitt in it too...

http://www.denofgeek...y-starring-brad-pitt

Of course, that doesn't mean he's out of the woods with his strangeness. (via The Guardian)

...and of course, there's that apology for filming on remembrance day (even though they'd been told before hand it would be happening).

wraith808 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2014, 02:29 PM »

Ok... it's just for strange stories like this that I love the entertainment industry. Watching their real life antics is more popcorn worthy than some of their works!

So, there's this Seth Rogen and James Franco movie coming out called The Interview. I like Seth Rogen. I like James Franco. But if I'm real- they've been sort of hit and miss with their movies. This one seemed pretty much a miss, and when released, would have probably sunk like a heavy stone.

...but then you add in Kim Jong-un...

North Korea says Seth Rogen's new movie is an 'act of war' (via The Verge)

North Korea denounces James Franco and Seth Rogen's Kim Jong Un movie (via The LA Times)

I think he's just given them a lift from the publicity. Sometimes, people just don't know when to shut up.

Stoic Joker · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2014, 05:06 PM »

I think he's just given them a lift from the publicity. Sometimes, people just don't know when to shut up.
-wraith808 (June 25, 2014, 02:29 PM)

Apparently he's never met Barbra Streisand..

Renegade · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2014, 07:44 PM »

It's saddening to see it going this way for him. He's got the big guns lining up... (via washington post)

... people missed the point. And I still don't see why actors give interviews about anything other than... acting. A 9 hour interview sliced up with the juiciest parts to get people frothing. You can still see the point if you look hard enough, and realize that it was slanted. But... no one does.
-wraith808 (June 25, 2014, 10:24 AM)

The will find victims where there are none. They specialise in it.

http://www.telegraph...iew-best-quotes.html

...but then you add in Kim Jong-un...

North Korea says Seth Rogen's new movie is an 'act of war' (via The Verge)

North Korea denounces James Franco and Seth Rogen's Kim Jong Un movie (via The LA Times)

I think he's just given them a lift from the publicity. Sometimes, people just don't know when to shut up.
-wraith808 (June 25, 2014, 02:29 PM)

I'm not sure how that movie will be.

But the topic of assassinating heads of state is an interesting one. I'd love to see one come out about assassinating the POTUS. The media circus would be just hilarious! Forget the movie - the real drama would be Fox vs. MSNBC and all that nonsense.

All the self-righteous "principled" people would come out after and condemn the entire idea of a movie about assassinating any head of state (in a lame attempt to be "bipartisan"). Pointing out Seth & James' new flick would then be a wonderfully hilarious way to point out the hypocrisy.

But, I'm just dreaming... It would be entertaining to see though!

wraith808 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2014, 09:11 PM »

But, I'm just dreaming... It would be entertaining to see though!
-Renegade (June 25, 2014, 07:44 PM)

It's a comedy, however. And it looks like a bad comedy. Like I said, it's just better to ignore it.

As far as movies about assassinating the POTUS...

http://en.wikipedia....President_(2006_film)

Renegade · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2014, 09:28 PM »

As far as movies about assassinating the POTUS...

http://en.wikipedia....President_(2006_film)
-wraith808 (June 25, 2014, 09:11 PM)

Ah... Never heard of that before. I'll have to check it out.

40hz · « **Reply #15 on:** June 26, 2014, 05:53 PM »

In production: Sandra Munt's Adventure.

Spain, 1933. Sandra Munt and her friend Elsa travel the world in search of a mysterious and mystical book. But the two friends will face the Nazis, a secret society and a Mysterious Stranger, emerging from his past.

Looks like Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones meets Cthulhu!

I want it!

Here's a better look at a Cthulhu monolith from the film (courtesy of Propnomicon)

sandra munt cthulhu monolith.jpg

Iä! Iä! Cthulhu fhtagn!

superboyac · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2014, 06:02 PM »

40, you're cracking me up here.

wraith808 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 26, 2014, 06:23 PM »

"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn"

Renegade · « **Reply #18 on:** June 26, 2014, 08:23 PM »

40, you're cracking me up here.
-superboyac (June 26, 2014, 06:02 PM)

It's all just as well... we are nothing but food for the Great Old Ones, and if you choose to be an egg...

IainB · « **Reply #19 on:** June 26, 2014, 08:48 PM »

"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn"
-wraith808 (June 26, 2014, 06:23 PM)

Blimey @wraith808! I hadn't realised you spoke Welsh as well!
Diolch yn fawr.

40hz · « **Reply #20 on:** June 26, 2014, 09:36 PM »

"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn"
-wraith808 (June 26, 2014, 06:23 PM)
Blimey @wraith808! I hadn't realised you spoke Welsh as well!
Diolch yn fawr.

-IainB (June 26, 2014, 08:48 PM)

None of those words have enough letters to be Welsh words. And there's vowels in them... Can't be having vowels in proper Welsh words either!

wraith808 · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2014, 09:41 PM »

^ That. Though seeing Welsh translations, I'm not sure that some unknown Elder God wasn't behind it...

40hz · « **Reply #22 on:** June 26, 2014, 09:54 PM »

40, you're cracking me up here.
-superboyac (June 26, 2014, 06:02 PM)

It's all just as well... we are nothing but food for the Great Old Ones, and if you choose to be an egg...
-Renegade (June 26, 2014, 08:23 PM)

Interesting that you said that. Here's an interesting modern riff on a Lovecraftian theme...

Movie news and views

After you've read The Shadow Over Innsmouth if you haven't already, check out The Litany of Earth by Ruthanna Emrys.

For those of you who haven't read any Lovecraft here's the opening paragraphs for The Shadow Over Innsmouth. First published in 1936, they read almost like a news article from today with their hints of a government cover-up, secret prisons, and "rendition."

Innsmouth excerpt

During the winter of 1927–28 officials of the Federal government made a strange and secret investigation of certain conditions in the ancient Massachusetts seaport of Innsmouth. The public first learned of it in February, when a vast series of raids and arrests occurred, followed by the deliberate burning and dynamiting—under suitable precautions—of an enormous number of crumbling, worm-eaten, and supposedly empty houses along the abandoned waterfront. Uninquiring souls let this occurrence pass as one of the major clashes in a spasmodic war on liquor.

   Keener news-followers, however, wondered at the prodigious number of arrests, the abnormally large force of men used in making them, and the secrecy surrounding the disposal of the prisoners. No trials, or even definite charges, were reported; nor were any of the captives seen thereafter in the regular gaols of the nation. There were vague statements about disease and concentration camps, and later about dispersal in various naval and military prisons, but nothing positive ever developed. Innsmouth itself was left almost depopulated, and is even now only beginning to shew signs of a sluggishly revived existence.

   Complaints from many liberal organisations were met with long confidential discussions, and representatives were taken on trips to certain camps and prisons. As a result, these societies became surprisingly passive and reticent. Newspaper men were harder to manage, but seemed largely to coöperate with the government in the end. Only one paper—a tabloid always discounted because of its wild policy—mentioned the deep-diving submarine that discharged torpedoes downward in the marine abyss just beyond Devil Reef. That item, gathered by chance in a haunt of sailors, seemed indeed rather far-fetched; since the low, black reef lies a full mile and a half out from Innsmouth Harbour.

   People around the country and in the nearby towns muttered a great deal among themselves, but said very little to the outer world. They had talked about dying and half-deserted Innsmouth for nearly a century, and nothing new could be wilder or more hideous than what they had whispered and hinted years before. Many things had taught them secretiveness, and there was now no need to exert pressure on them. Besides, they really knew very little; for wide salt marshes, desolate and unpeopled, keep neighbours off from Innsmouth on the landward side.

Good stuff! And the makings of a good film if anybody ever decided to do one.

Renegade · « **Reply #23 on:** June 26, 2014, 11:36 PM »

We are all but grains of rice or mustard seeds to them.

wraith808 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 27, 2014, 02:46 PM »

... and items can be added for any reason or no reason. As long as there is perceived 'offense'. And they are removed for... I'm at a loss.
-wraith808 (June 25, 2014, 09:17 AM)

Yup.

But it's predictable. Anything to start a conflict where there was none before, or to open old wounds, or to throw gasoline on a real conflict.

Invent a victim. Dig up a victim. Find a victim.

Order doesn't matter - just whatever works at the time.

Otherwise, what the hell good is it if it can't make headlines?

-Renegade (June 25, 2014, 09:51 AM)

*sigh*

The best thing would be if after all of this blew over, he turned around and said...

"See! Exactly what I said in the article... happened. Grow up people! Realize what's going on!"

But more strangeness...

Shia LaBeouf removed from Broadway theater, arrested (via USA Today)

Does anyone not see... he needs help? Or do they need a male Lindsey Lohan?

The craziest details and jokes from Shia LaBeouf's Broadway arrest (via USA Today)

He had to be ... muzzled. And we make fun of this?

And something to lighten the mood...

Amy Adams Gives Up First Class Seat to US Soldier in Coach (via ABC)

... and it was reported by a tweet from someone else, not from any PR spectacle.