MOODY MOVIES

MOVIE MATTERS PODCAST - EP14 'TOP 10 FILMS OF 2011'

2012-01-26T22:15:00.004Z

In this bumper length special edition of the Movie Matters podcast, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie cast their eyes back over the previous twelve months, celebrating the best (and worst) of 2011. In addition to their own personal Top 10 lists, the duo also reveal lists submitted by listeners and pick out some anticipated titles for the coming year.

The music sampled in this episode is from HANNA, DRIVE, TRUE GRIT, ARRIETTY, 13 ASSASSINS, ANGELS OF EVIL and BLACK SWAN.

Please note that we have NOT been able to play every single MP3 list we received. The response was far greater than we were expecting and some of the submitted MP3s were a little on the long side, which would have resulted in what was already a four-hour epic being extended to somewhere approaching the five-hour mark. As a result, we have played the first three MP3s we received and are holding the rest back for a standalone mini-episode to be made available in the near future. We hope you understand and are not too disappointed not to have had your clips featured in the episode itself.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie

Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

SUICIDE CLUB ***½

2012-01-24T22:45:00.000Z

Original Title: Jisatsu sâkuru
aka Suicide Circle
Japan: Shion Sono, 2001

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17TH ANNUAL CRITICS' CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS - 2012 (TV) ***

2012-01-24T20:00:00.003Z

USA: Director Unknown, 2012

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SHERLOCK - SERIES 2 (8/10)

2012-01-22T22:14:00.003Z

UK: Paul McGuigan and Toby Haynes, 2012 (Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

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(*) 13 ASSASSINS ****½

2012-01-21T14:56:00.001Z

Original Title: Jûsan-nin no shikaku
Japan/UK: Takashi Miike, 2010

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(*) TROLL HUNTER ****

2012-01-20T23:55:00.000Z

Original Title: Trolljegeren
aka TrollHunter
Norway: André Øvredal, 2010

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(*) BLACK SWAN ****½

2012-01-20T21:30:00.000Z

USA: Darren Aronofsky, 2010

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(*) WOODY ALLEN: A DOCUMENTARY (TV) ****

2012-01-19T23:48:00.001Z

USA: Robert B. Weide, 2011

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69TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS - 2012 (TV) ***½

2012-01-16T22:39:00.000Z

USA: Director Unknown, 2012

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GOLDEN GLOBES 2012: RED CARPET ARRIVALS SPECIAL (TV) **½

2012-01-16T19:43:00.000Z

USA: Director Unknown, 2012

No IMDB reference found

(*) 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS - 2011 (TV) ****

2012-01-15T21:32:00.002Z

USA: Louis J. Horvitz, 2011

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(*) DRIVE ****½

2012-01-14T23:51:00.001Z

USA: Nicholas Winding Refn, 2011

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PERFECT BLUE ****½

2012-01-14T22:00:00.003Z

Japan: Satoshi Kon, 1997

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(Watched in Japanese with English subtitles)

SHAME **½

2012-01-14T15:25:00.004Z

UK: Steve McQueen, 2011

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A film praised by many for its unflinching look at difficult and adult themes. A dominating central performance by Michael Fassbender and assured direction from Steve McQueen. A subtle and effective score. However, despite all this SHAME left me cold and underwhelmed. It felt overlong, under-written, forced in its foregrounding of long takes, ditto male nudity and ultimately devoid of any engaging characterisations. Shame.

The Count's Verdict: Moments to admire on a technical level include long single take scenes and lingering close-ups but if your someone who prefers some investment in characters in said scenes look elsewhere.

FRIDAY THE 13TH - PART V: A NEW BEGINNING **½

2012-01-13T23:20:00.003Z

USA: Danny Steinmann, 1985

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KILL LIST

2012-01-12T23:24:00.002Z

UK: Ben Wheatley, 2011

(Commentary by Director Ben Wheatley and Writer Amy Jump - Listened to on my MP3 Player)

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Commentary Rating: 7/10

MOVIE MATTERS PODCAST - WE WANT YOUR TOP 10 FILMS OF 2011 LISTS!

2012-01-12T20:04:00.003Z

It's nearly that time of year once again: we're gearing up to record the first Movie Matters episode of 2012, which, in the tradition of 2011's first episode, will be a countdown of our favourite films of the previous year. We'll each by revealing and discussing our personal Top 10 Films of 2011, and as with last year's episode would like to read out as many of our listeners' Top 10 lists as possible.

So, get in touch with us with your favourite films of 2011. Either list the films in order of preference or not, and use whichever criteria you like (e.g. theatrical release dates in your country, home video release dates, etc.), just as long as you let us know what they are. Also, feel free to let us know about your most hated and/or most disappointing film(s) of the year, and anything else that takes your fancy. Either post your comments here, or email them to moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com. Alternatively, feel free to get creative and submit your nominations in MP3 form. We've had a couple of these already and would love to feature more, time permitting.

Deadline is Saturday, January 21.

GHOST IN THE SHELL ****

2012-01-11T22:13:00.004Z

Original Title: Kôkaku kidôtai
Japan: Mamoru Oshii, 1995

(Watched with the English dub from the Manga DVD release)

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LIFE'S TOO SHORT - SERIES 1 (8/10)

2012-01-11T21:18:00.003Z

UK: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, 2011 (Created by Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Warwick Davis)

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CRIMINALLY INSANE 2 *

2012-01-08T18:10:00.001Z

aka Crazy Fat Ethel 2
USA: Nick Millard, 1987

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CRIMINALLY INSANE **½

2012-01-08T11:08:00.001Z

USA: Nick Millard, 1975

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THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE (FIRST SEQUENCE) **½

2012-01-08T00:47:00.003Z

Netherlands: Tom Six, 2009

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(*) KIDNAPPED ****½

2012-01-07T23:12:00.003Z

Original Title: Secuestrados

Spain/France: Miguel Angel Vivas, 2010

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BLACK MIRROR - SERIES 1 (7/10)

2012-01-07T19:14:00.001Z

UK: Various Directors, 2011 (Created by Charlie Brooker)

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(*) KILL LIST ****

2012-01-06T22:00:00.000Z

UK: Ben Wheatley, 2011

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AKIRA ***

2012-01-04T22:41:00.003Z

Japan: Katsuhiro Ohtomo, 1988

(Watched with the 'Original English Dub' from the US Pioneer Special Edition DVD release)

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HOMELAND - SEASON 1 (8/10)

2012-01-04T21:44:00.003Z

USA: Various Directors, 2011 (Created by Gideon Raff and Developed by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa)

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BLACK CHRISTMAS **

2012-01-01T23:09:00.000Z

aka Black X-Mas
USA: Glen Morgan, 2006

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(*) BLACK CHRISTMAS ****

2011-12-31T23:09:00.000Z

Canada: Bob Clark, 1974

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MIDNIGHT IN PARIS ***

2011-12-30T22:56:00.003Z

Spain/USA: Woody Allen, 2011

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YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER **

2011-12-29T23:17:00.001Z

USA/Spain: Woody Allen, 2010

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TUCKER AND DALE VS EVIL ***½

2011-12-29T17:32:00.002Z

USA/Canada: Eli Craig, 2010

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PROJECT NIM ****

2011-12-28T23:09:00.001Z

UK/USA: James Marsh, 2011

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(*) X-MEN: FIRST CLASS ***½

2011-12-28T18:04:00.002Z

USA: Matthew Vaughn, 2011

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AMERICAN HORROR STORY - SEASON 1 (8/10)

2011-12-28T16:36:00.000Z

USA: Various Directors, 2011 (Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk)

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THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO ****½

2011-12-27T15:09:00.013Z

USA/Sweden/UK/Germany: David Fincher, 2011

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David Fincher's THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO provides a fascinating re-adaptation of the original source novel which both retains and changes the plot to make the material its own. Crucially, Fincher's version (like the Niels Arden Oplev Swedish film adaptation before it) stands on its own terms as a gripping and compelling crime thriller that makes over zealous anxiety around which version (novel, Swedish or Anglicised film adaptation) is the definitive one, largely academic.

The biggest problem Fincher's film has is the inherent one of being an English language film set adrift in the Swedish backdrop of Stieg Larsson's bestselling book. This is particularly noticeable in Daniel Craig's performance as Mikael Blomkvist. Fine actor he may be but hearing Craig deliver his lines in an unaffected English accent atop of a smorgasbord of faux Scandinavian dialects is unquestionably jarring and a flaw that I'm not convinced the film ever fully recovers from. Although it should be noted cast members such as Christopher Plummer (Henrik Vanger), Robin Wright (Erica Berger) and most emphatically Rooney Mara (Lisbeth Salander) are note perfect no matter the language.

However, despite being a huge fan of Larsson's novel and the original Swedish film adaptation I went into this film with an open mind and fortunately there is plenty to be impressed by. The opening credit sequence - despite being a separate entity from the aesthetic of the film - is an awesome display of Fincher's audio/visual sensibilities and acts as a mission statement that distinguishes this version of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO from any other. Yes this film has a noticeably bigger budget, it has a more distinct style, more technical depth than its Swedish counter-part but the greatest success of Fincher's film is its combination of a confident script by Steven Zaillian anchored around Rooney Mara's fresh portrayal of Lisbeth Salander.

The titular 'girl with the dragon tattoo' is undeniably the most interesting and well realised aspect of Larsson's fiction but that makes for no guarantee of an equally mesmerising vision on screen. Just as Noomi Rapace's inimitable 'Lisbeth' performance elevated the Swedish film and its two sequels, if Mara had faltered it would have sunk Fincher's film. Thankfully, unequivocally, she delivered with a different but no less iconic representation of Lisbeth Salander faithful in spirit to the character on the page. Moreover, Fincher's tender, nay more romantic handling of the Blomkvist and Salander relationship on screen is far closer to how I imagined it as written in the novel. The disappearance of Harriet Vanger and this unlikely duo's investigation into the circumstances surrounding it were always the framing plot device of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO (in all its variations). The true core of this story plays out in the slow, conflictory and ultimately doomed friendship that Lisbeth forms with Mikael. That Fincher recognises this and allows it to gradually but surely come to the fore is this film's enduring strength.

The Count's Verdict: Have no fear - this 'Hollywood' retelling of a now familiar literary phenomenon can co-exist with both book and Swedish film without prejudice. Indeed, it adds to the entertaining and enthralling story that is THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO.

(*) SOURCE CODE ***½

2011-12-26T21:07:00.000Z

USA/France: Duncan Jones, 2011

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CHRISTMAS 2011 SWAG!

2011-12-25T16:00:00.000Z

Much to my surprise and joy Daddy got spoilt just as much as baby H this Xmas. So far my haul has included Stephen Thrower's mighty tome 'Nightmare USA', Jamie Russell's 'The Book of the Dead, 'Frost/Nixon' and the biography of 'Scream Queen' Jamie Lee Curtis. I've also been fortunate enough to receive a stack of BDs: TOY STORY, TOY STORY 2, MONSTERS INC., TANGLED, RIO, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, SUPER 8, X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, BRIDESMAIDS, KILL LIST and the glorious BBC Natural History documentary FROZEN PLANET.

I'll try and post a photo later...

HUMONGOUS **½

2011-12-24T21:45:00.004Z

Canada: Paul Lynch, 1982

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Even watching this on a fuzzy VHS copy the opening scene was pretty damn grim. Luckily the dumb teens soon arrive featuring a cast/plot which smacks of a fun 'Scooby-Doo' vibe & the film has some suitably cheesy 80s paraphernalia & fashions. However, ultimately it's all a bit meh. The incredibly dark & rough VHS image transfer can't of helped matters. The audio in particular is very poor on the version I watched. Even so despite the shortcomings of the audio/visual presentation there's no denying the fun to be had with the wooden acting!

MOVIE MATTERS PODCAST - EP13 'CHRISTMAS 2011 SPECIAL - TELL NO ONE & IN BRUGES'

2011-12-24T19:26:00.004Z

The Movie Matters podcast returns for its final episode of 2011. In this special Christmas instalment, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie exchange gifts, casting an eye on French actor turned filmmaker Guillaume Canet's adaptation of American crime author Harlan Coben's TELL NO ONE (NE LE DIS À PERSONNE) and Martin McDonagh's celebrated black comedy IN BRUGES, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. Upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases of note are also covered, and another Blu-ray Disc enters the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

The music sampled in this episode is from IL DULCI JUBILO, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION, TELL NO-ONE, SCROOGED, HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK and THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Created by Lee Howard & Michael Mackenzie

Edited by Michael Mackenzie

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

DRIVE ****½

2011-12-22T22:36:00.001Z

USA: Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011

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(*) TELL NO ONE ****

2011-12-21T22:14:00.000Z

Original Title: Ne le dis a personne
France: Guillaume Canet, 2006

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(*) IN BRUGES ****½

2011-12-21T15:11:00.001Z

UK/USA: Martin McDonagh, 2008

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HUGO 3D ***½

2011-12-20T15:04:00.001Z

USA: Martin Scorsese, 2011

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I was slightly underwhelmed by HUGO. Not enough film history to satisfy an adult enthusiast nor exciting enough to entertain a child. The much lauded 3D aided the visual spectacle of the film but was by no means essential. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty to enjoy, especially technically, in HUGO but I felt it lagged in pacing and the narrative felt uneven with rather forced vignettes of humour. So, much to my surprise, a Scorsese pic won't make my Top 10 of 2011. In fact, as divisive a film as last year's SHUTTER ISLAND was I undoubtedly prefer it to HUGO.

DEXTER - SEASON 6 (8/10)

2011-12-19T21:03:00.003Z

USA: Various Directors, 2011 (Developed by James Manos Jr. and created by Jeff Lindsay)

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As watchable as ever, hence the generous 8/10 rating, but in actuality this has proved to be the weakest season of DEXTER so far. This season's theme of religion used to underpin the murder plot was ultimately empty and long out stayed its welcome. Plus the later 'romantic' developments with Deb were nothing short of insulting. The season 6 Finale proved a mixed bag too with the dark potential of the final confrontation between Dexter and Travis being very anticlimatic. However, the season ended with a much needed final reveal which promises much for season 7.

Thankfully, Michael C. Hall's portrayal of the titular character is as strong as ever and the resonate subplot exploring a father and son relationship (Harry & Dexter/ Dexter & Harrison) continues to emerge as the show's true heart.

WHATEVER WORKS ***

2011-12-19T11:22:00.001Z

USA/France: Woody Allen, 2009

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WOODY ALLEN: A DOCUMENTARY (TV) ****½

2011-12-18T23:18:00.002Z

USA: Robert B. Weide, 2011

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THE IDES OF MARCH ***½

2011-12-15T21:17:00.000Z

USA: George Clooney, 2011

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SENNA ****

2011-12-14T21:31:00.001Z

UK: Asif Kapadia, 2010

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Watched this documentary alongside my F1 fan wife and must say we found it equally captivating. The masterful use of archival footage on display, woven together through superb editing, pieces together an intimate portrait of a man and a narrative full of triumphs, intrigues, rivalries and inevitably tragedy.

The Count's Verdict: A must for fans of the sport but an equally compelling story for any fan of film.

NIGHT SCHOOL ***

2011-12-13T21:53:00.001Z

aka Terror Eyes
USA: Ken Hughes, 1981

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Rather slow and relatively tame slasher film which bafflingly was identified as a 'video nasty' by the DPP during the 80s in Britain. The plot does boast a playfully bizarre 'head hunter' killer, dressed in bikers' black leather and helmet, brandishing a machete who decapitates victims to stage grisly tableaux featuring water akin to an ancient African ritual. NIGHT SCHOOL also has some memorable kills with the stalk and slash sequence set in an aquarium a particular stand out. Finally, the film is notable for the debut appearance of actress Rachel Ward who gives an unintentionally hilarious wooden performance as the lead.

The Count's Verdict: Worth a watch for 80s slasher enthusiasts otherwise it may prove a little too languid in pace for a more mainstream audience.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE - SEASON 2 (8/10)

2011-12-13T20:00:00.000Z

USA: Various Directors, 2011 (Created by Terence Winter)

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(*) CHRISTMAS VACATION ***½

2011-12-11T21:07:00.000Z

aka National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
USA: Jeremiah S. Chechik, 1989

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THE HANGOVER: PART II ***

2011-12-10T22:20:00.004Z

USA: Todd Phillips, 2011

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I caught up with 2009's THE HANGOVER back in early 2010 after it had grown to become an impressive Box Office sleeper hit. A rarity for a Hollywood comedy these days and despite it being nothing more than a crass mindless 'lads' film, I did chuckle more than once during its (slightly overlong) running time.

Thus I thought I'd give the inevitable sequel (a third film is also due for release in 2013) a spin. My expectations going in were simply 'I'll be satisfied with more of the same crass mindless humour.' THE HANGOVER 2 does deliver in that regard with most of the laughs coming in the first half of the movie. After that the characters and the non-existent plot seem to out stay their welcome with the chortles soon running out. I'm not a big fan of Bradley Cooper but I'm more than willing to suspend disbelief in order to shout "you're a complete twat" at the TV whenever his smug over-exposed face ever appears on screen. Actually, seeing an actor I find irritating being very irritating its strangely cathartic and I count my irrational dislike of 'The Coop' one of the guilty pleasures afforded by these films. Not sure I'll be returning for Part 3 though.

The Count's Verdict: If you liked the first there is enough of the same here to entertain you. If you didn't like THE HANGOVER then avoid this sequel and move on.

(*) HANNA *****

2011-12-09T21:17:00.001Z

USA/UK/Germany: Joe Wright, 2010

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(*) TRUE GRIT ****

2011-12-08T21:15:00.000Z

USA: Ethan and Joel Coen, 2010

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THE TREE OF LIFE ***½

2011-12-06T23:55:00.000Z

USA: Terence Malick, 2011

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If I were creating a list of the most ambitious, 'important' or profound films of 2011, Terence Malick's THE TREE OF LIFE (winner of the coveted Palme d'Or, and ranked the year's best film by Sight & Sound magazine) would undoubtedly be at the top of the pile. The artistic and thematic endeavor Malick brings to recreating and charting the inception of life on our planet (from the Big Bang, the reign of the Dinosaurs to the intimate drama of a man recalling his childhood) is nothing short of immense. In its best moments THE TREE OF LIFE recalls the aesthetic and religious transcendence of Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. However, I found these moments to be all too fleeting and rather aptly ethereal.

Despite Malick's trademark style for lush 'snapshots of nature' visuals accompanied by poetic voice-over dialogue the film often meanders in pace, pushing its contrived fragmented narrative structure to the fore which actually blights the fragile human drama (effectively portrayed by the cast of Jessica Chastain, Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and the young Hunter McCracken) within. Ultimately, THE TREE OF LIFE is a film like no other I've seen in 2011 but I can't deny my own personal reaction to the film is both positive and negative. Thus, it'll only make an honourable mention for me.

The Count's Verdict: Essential for Malick fans. For all others it is destined to enthral and euthanise in equal measure.

THE THING **½

2011-12-05T21:57:00.009Z

USA/Canada: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., 2011

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Fairly pointless retread of John Carpenter's own remake of the Howard Hawks original. Carpenter's film brought cutting edge special effects, Cundey's glorious cinematography and an atmosphere of acute paranoia. This latest instalment can't decide whether is a prequel or a straight remake and only manages to mildly entertain before predictably relying on CGI effects to tell its derivative story.

The Count's Verdict: Take it or leave it.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ***

2011-12-03T15:27:00.000Z

USA: Robert Zemeckis, 2009

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RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES ****

2011-12-02T21:46:00.001Z

USA: Rupert Wyatt, 2011

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THE GUARD ****

2011-11-30T19:57:00.001Z

Ireland: John Michael McDonagh, 2011

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THE LAST SLUMBER PARTY *

2011-11-30T14:34:00.000Z

USA: Stephen Tyler, 1988

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CARS 2 ***

2011-11-26T22:35:00.003Z

USA: John Lasseter and Brad Lewis, 2011

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(*) CARS ****

2011-11-26T14:33:00.005Z

USA: John Lasseter and Joe Ranft, 2007

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LIMITLESS ***

2011-11-24T22:14:00.000Z

USA: Neil Burger, 2011

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MOVIE MATTERS PODCAST - REQUEST FOR COMMENTS

2011-11-24T22:09:00.002Z

This is perhaps slightly premature notice coming just a day after the release of the last Movie Matters episode, but for our upcoming thirteen episode we'll be looking at Pixar's two most maligned features, CARS and its sequel CARS 2. Unlike the last three instalments, all of which were specials covering three films apiece, this will be a "normal" episode covering only two films and therefore marking the return of our regular features: (a) the "upcoming releases" sections and (b) the "listeners' questions" section.

With that in mind, here's the topic for discussion:

What's your favourite and least favourite Pixar film and why?

You can either add your answers as replies to this post, tweet them to us at @MovieMattersTM, or drop us an email at moviematterspodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

We look forward to hearing from you!

MOVIE MATTERS PODCAST - EP12 'BRIAN DE PALMA SPECIAL - SISTERS, BLOW OUT & BODY DOUBLE'

2011-11-23T22:49:00.006Z

In this episode of the Movie Matters podcast, regular co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie are joined by special guest Daniel Sardella to discuss the films of Brian De Palma. The three hosts cast an eye over three of the equally celebrated and derided filmmaker's most infamous thrillers - SISTERS, BLOW OUT and BODY DOUBLE - and induct another Blu-ray transfer into the Movie Matters Hall of Fame.

The music sampled in this episode is all from THE UNTOUCHABLES by Ennio Morricone, FEMME FATALE by Ryuichi Sakamoto, SISTERS and OBSESSION by Bernard Herrmann, and RAISING CAIN, BLOW OUT and BODY DOUBLE by Pino Donaggio.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER ***½

2011-11-23T21:35:00.001Z

USA: Joe Johnson, 2011

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(*) RAISING CAIN ****

2011-11-19T23:55:00.000Z

USA: Brian De Palma, 1992

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(*) BODY DOUBLE ****

2011-11-19T20:07:00.001Z

USA: Brian De Palma, 1984

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(*) BLOW OUT ****½

2011-11-19T17:03:00.002Z

USA: Brian De Palma, 1981

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(*) SISTERS ****

2011-11-19T14:37:00.001Z

aka Blood Sisters
USA: Brian De Palma, 1973

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LOVE AND OTHER IMPOSSIBLE PURSUITS *½

2011-11-18T22:03:00.001Z

USA: Don Roos, 2009

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(*) DRESSED TO KILL: UNRATED ****½

2011-11-17T22:00:00.000Z

USA: Brian De Palma, 1980

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FEMME FATALE ***½

2011-11-16T22:00:00.000Z

France: Brian De Palma, 2002

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BATTLE: LOS ANGELES **

2011-11-12T22:00:00.000Z

USA: Jonathan Liebesman, 2011

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ISLAND OF BLOOD *½

2011-11-11T23:44:00.002Z

aka Whodunit?/ Scared Alive
USA: William T. Naud, 1982

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BURIED ***

2011-11-11T21:24:00.002Z

Spain/USA/France: Rodrigo Cortes, 2010

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MOVIE MATTERS PODCAST - EP11 'HALLOWEEN 2011 SPECIAL - SCREAM 4, THE DESCENT & POLTERGEIST'

2011-11-10T21:14:00.000Z

The Movie Matters podcast returns after an impromptu extended hiatus with a Halloween special and promises of a more frequent recording schedule going forward. In this spine-tingling episode, co-hosts Lee Howard and Michael Mackenzie cast their eyes over horror movies old and new, discussing Wes Craven's SCREAM 4, Neil Marshall's THE DESCENT and Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg's POLTERGEIST.

The music sampled in this episode is all from HALLOWEEN by John Carpenter, THE DESCENT by David Julyan, and THE EXORCIST by Mike Oldfield.

As mentioned in the podcast, here are some comparisons between the two different colour grades of THE DESCENT: http://www.landofwhimsy.com/archives/2011/11/movie-matters-11---halloween-special-ii/

Please note that some minor audio interference may be audible in the earliest parts of the episode. This was due to failing equipment that has since been replaced and should not be a problem in future episodes.

http://moviematterspodcast.blogspot.com

(*) POLTERGEIST ****

2011-10-31T23:43:00.000Z

USA: Tobe Hooper, 1982

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(*) THE DESCENT ****½

2011-10-31T21:30:00.000Z

UK: Neil Marshall, 2005

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(*) BODYCOUNT ***

2011-10-30T21:06:00.001Z

Original Title: Camping del terrore
Italy/USA: Ruggero Deodato, 1987

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BODYCOUNT - UNCUT **½

2011-10-29T22:02:00.000+01:00

Original Title: Camping del terrore
Italy/USA: Ruggero Deodato, 1987

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EYEBALL ***

2011-10-29T18:59:00.000+01:00

Original Title: Gatti rossi in un labirinto di vetro
Italy/spain: Umberto Lenzi, 1975

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SPLATTER UNIVERSITY **

2011-10-27T23:22:00.000+01:00

USA: Richard W. Haines, 1984

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SCREAM 4 **½

2011-10-27T21:14:00.001+01:00

Original Title: Scre4m
USA: Wes Craven, 2011

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GREEN LANTERN **½

2011-10-26T20:24:00.001+01:00

USA: Martin Campbell, 2011

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INCUBUS ***½

2011-10-25T23:43:00.000+01:00

Canada: John Hough, 1982

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(*) SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN: A HISTORY OF THE SLASHER FILM (TV) ****

2011-10-25T20:00:00.002+01:00

UK: Andrew Abbott and Russell Leven, 2000

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CHOPPING MALL ***

2011-10-25T18:00:00.000+01:00

aka Killbots
USA: Jim Wynorski, 1986

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SCREAM 3 **

2011-10-24T21:06:00.001+01:00

USA: Wes Craven, 2000

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FATAL GAMES **

2011-10-22T23:58:00.001+01:00

aka The Killing Touch
USA: Michael Elliot, 1984

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(*) SCREAM 2 ***

2011-10-22T22:06:00.002+01:00

USA: Wes Craven, 1997

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(*) SCREAM ****

2011-10-21T21:00:00.002+01:00

USA: Wes Craven, 1996

IMDB reference

KILLER PARTY ***½

2011-10-19T22:28:00.000+01:00

USA: William Fruet, 1986

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(*) STAGE FRIGHT ****½

2011-10-18T22:31:00.000+01:00

Original Title: Deliria
aka StageFright: Aquarius
Italy: Michele Soavi, 1987

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DUE DATE **½

2011-10-17T21:29:00.000+01:00

USA: Todd Phillips, 2010

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MY BLOODY VALENTINE **

2011-10-16T21:27:00.000+01:00

USA: Patrick Lussier, 2009

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(*) SERENITY ****½

2011-10-15T21:24:00.000+01:00

USA: Joss Whedon, 2005

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HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE ***½

2011-10-15T15:18:00.000+01:00

Original Title: Hauru no ugoku shiro
Japan: Hayao Miyazaki, 2004

IMDB reference

(*) FIREFLY - SEASON 1 (10/10)

2011-10-13T21:13:00.000+01:00

USA: Various Directors, 2002-2003 (Created by Joss Whedon)

IMDB reference