Atami no Sousakan

This is my new favorite series of the summer season. Yes, that is Odagiri Joe and Kuriyama Chiaki (aka Go Go Yubari) playing detectives in what I can only describe as the Japanese version of Twin Peaks. Created and directed by Satoshi Miki, a veteran stage producer who has created unique TV series often with Odagiri Joe in the lead, he is also an accomplished film director of comically poignant films such as Adrift in Tokyo and Instant Numa. Is this latest series as weird as Lynch's creation? No. But it is odd in a characteristically Satoshi Miki way and in so being, resembles Twin Peaks because it is clearly its creator's offspring.

Rango

Leave it to Gore Verbinski to create a CG animated film that, at least to these eyes, finally rivals what the folks at Pixar are doing. As you watch this trailer, the fact that it is CG immediately fades behind the efficacy of its irreverant mood, skillfully dressed in sub-genre trappings that puts the sharp comedic wit front-and-center. This is not selling the CG. And is barely selling Depp's involvement which is even difficult to gauge with the one clear line delivered. It's selling story... Officially looking forward to this one.

Gallants

Wow, the first entry of June and it's almost the end of the month! Apologies for the lack of updates, but time has been a commodity in short supply recently. However, I had to post this very cool opening title sequence for the recent film Gallants which is a throwback to classic Shaw Brothers film, starring some of the studio's most well-known stars, and giving us fans of old school Hong Kong films a knowing nod that could only bring out smiles. Enjoy!



Find out more about Gallants by clicking here

OSS 117 - Rio De Repond Plus...

Secret agent Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath returns in OSS 117 - Lost in Rio, the follow-up to 2006's OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies. One might think you have seen this kind of spy spoof before, notably in the Austin Powers series, but this is where OSS 117 distinguishes itself. It is not a spoof or parody of the genre, but an irreverent homage to the era itself. The production design and execution is intentionally aiming for a look that make these films appear as long lost classics rather than new films, while French comedian Jean Dujardin portrays a "man" of the era with a self-confident manner that sheds a glaring light on every negative stereotype of machismo common in the 1960s. Dujardin's La Bath is actually quite a capable spy, but his oblivious demeanor to changing social attitudes with respect to race, gender, etc. is the source of the humor; the film may be exaggerating (but not by much), but is never tongue-in-cheek. Overall, it is a clever, breezy look back on a bygone era in a manner similar to how one may look at your high school yearbook—there are fond memories, but mixed with the mocking laughter at how ridiculous your former self appears to you now.

Also, make sure to check out the swinging official homepage for some groovy tunes and goodies.

Pineapple Express

In the midst of all the blockbuster insanity, Pineapple Express is a nutty comic desert on the tail end of an incredible summer of movies.

There's not much to say, tho if you enjoy the Apatow brand of humor filtered through Seth Rogan's, um, "Seth Roganness," you'll likely enjoy this flick. There's also action on par with your star-fueled buddy cop movie. So much so that I can't tell if Pineapple Express is a comedy wrapped in an action movie or an action movie wrapped in a comedy. That may not make a lot of sense, but the movie really doesn't either. That's why it's fun, you're just along for the ride. And by the end you'll probably want a joint or a bong hit, that is if you weren't already lit on the way in.

I really have to commend the film's mindbogglingly strong pro-marijuana agenda, it's mildly surprising such a film could be made and offered in such wide release. Add on a strong box office showing and its a wonder how any anti-pot crusaders could still be taken seriously. Obviously Pineapple Express is a caricature, but outside of itself it goes a bit towards highlighting what a ridiculous waste of resources are focused on busting up such a harmless pastime. I doubt it has any political leanings as such, at the end of the day Pineapple Express is a harmless (and very funny) pastime of its own.*

*See also: Weeds, which continues to be one of the best shows on television.