Be a Patriot: Don't see 2012!

Back in 1996 Roland Emmerich made the film "Independence Day", with such memorable scenes such as the one of Bill Pullman saying "This is our Independence Day!" One might think that this is a pro- American film. As a child at the time and not knowing any better, I, like many others thought so. I also thought it was a good movie and had no qualms about Emmerich's directing. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Not only is Roland Emmerich a hack, he might be the most anti-american filmmaker since Michael Moore and Leni Riefenstahl. Look at the evidence: He's German. In 1995 he blew up the White House. In 2004 he froze over the Statue of Liberty. Now in his next movie, 2012, he has the Capitol building substituting as a bowling ball and has Air Force One chopping the Washington monument in half! The man's favorite activity is destroying American icons. Sure he made Independence Day but that film was really about the earth's independence from evil aliens. Sure he made "The Patriot" but I am sure he just needed a paycheck by then. But we need to send a message to Hollywood. We don't like seeing bad movies, especially when they show the destruction of our country. So whatever you do, don't see 2012. Be a Patriot! If it is a big enough of a bust for the investors we just may get rid of Emmerich!

P.S.- I bet that Sprint cellphone ad where that pompous director is trying to blow up Mt. Rushmore is a parody on Emmerich! Robots from space blowing a historical site? Sounds like Emmerich to me!

Link to the trailer: HERE
Link to a better version of the trailer: HERE

Miyazaki Update: Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

One of Miyazaki's more child friendly pieces, with no real villainy at hand, but that doesn't make it any less magical. Again the level of artistry and imagination is top notch showing Miyazaki's only failure is the failure to disappoint. Surprisingly Frankie Jonas and Noah Cyrus did not bug the hell out of me until their insipid credits song came on, obviously that was the Disney marketing machine at hand and not Miyazaki's idea so I just ignored that little bit. I highly recommended this film to anyone who still has an inner child at heart.
4/5 Stars

Review from the Vault: Cashback

Every now and then I would like to review a film that's not brand new. One doesn't need to run out to the theater every weekend, especially in this economy. Have you seen Cashback? If not, go to your Netflix account or what have you and put it in your queue now. GO! Do it now I can wait.

Is it done? Good.

A film from 2006, it is a feature length version of a short by Sean Ellis done in 2004. The actual short is contained in the feature film. Ths short is a brilliantly creative piece with great writing but the full film becomes so much more when Ellis added the complete love story. Simply stunning and beautifulkly shot. This is not surprising as Ellis by trade is a fashion photographer.

When Ben Willis breaks up with his girlfriend he finds he can no longer sleep at night. He decided to make use of his extra 8 hours a day by working the night shift at the local supermarket. There he learns he can freeze time and decideds to draw the customers in the buff as he dreams of one day being an artist.

The nudity is handled in a very delicate way and does not comes off as exploitation at all. The film admires the everyday women and it is not demeaning in any way. Along with the the technical excellence of the staging of all these events in remarkable. Do yourself a favor and check out Cashback.