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For their 52nd episode, eye-liner wearing film critics, non-murdered dads, and nocturnal teachers Will Johnson and Don Shanahan have landed the big one! Folks have been waiting years for The Batman reboot from Matt Reeves starring Robert Pattinson, or Bobby Bats as the cool people call him. We stay spoiler-free for our opening five-minute turns and go FULL SPOILERS after the break for the full discussion. See where Defender Don and Marvel Shill Will fall on this new incarnation dressed in black.
Cinephile Hissy Fits is a 25YL media podcast, brought to you by RuminationsRadioNetwork.com. Please visit, rate, review and subscribe. If you enjoyed this show, we have more where that came from, with interesting hosts, and wonderful guests. All available on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you find your favorite shows. Follow the show on Twitter at @CinephileFit and on Facebook. Also, find both Will Johnson and Don Shanahan on Letterboxd as the accumulate their viewings and build their ranks and lists.
Not to sound like a barista at a coffee shop, but we’ve reached a point after 83 years of character history across innumerable pages and screens that one has to ask, “How do you take your Batman?” Do you need emblematic cream, sugar, ice, extra caffeine, froth, or some similar fancy twist? If you take it black, filmmaker Matt Reeves has a trenta special called The Batman with your name on it.
With zero pomp and an A24-like plainness of silent title cards, The Batman opens on the heavy breathing and binocular view of a serial killer stalking his prey, not a discharge of action. The Riddler (Paul Dano, utterly petrifying every second he’s on-screen), with a penchant for puzzles and duct tape, has targeted the political and social elite of Gotham City. Beginning with the sitting mayor, each of his murders of retribution create both buzz and terror among the public in the middle of an election season.
From there, the initial narration of Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne provides all the insightful introductory shorthand a long-time fan or a newbie would need to enter this reinterpreted world, skipping the traditional, tragic, and overplayed orphan origin story. Set to the somber track of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” as the troubled young man strafes through the streets on his motorcycle on the night of Halloween, the ominous words divulge his status, mindset, doubts, and motivations as he trudges through his sophomore year donning the cap and cowl as an street-level urban myth.
LESSON #1: FEAR IS A TOOL– As Bruce’s words continue into his introduction in costume, he has turned himself into an instrument of fear and the embodiment of vengeance. Entering from the shadows as the shadow itself with the best boot step sound effects since Antonio Bandera’s slow-motion jingling accouterments in Desperado, Batman’s fantastical specter is backed by his brutal physical kicks and fists. The shudder is real and has small-time criminals thinking twice when they see the Bat Signal in the sky.
The Batman immerses its substantial plot with the escalating mystery and panic caused by the unchecked actions of The Riddler. The incisive and intricate tentacles of the villain’s plans expose the prominent victims’ unrevealed and deep-seeded fraud accompanied by the repetitive and smearing slogan of “No More Lies.” Family legacies are challenged, right down to the Wayne name that has been long guarded by the trusted Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis). Meanwhile, The Riddler has taken an interest in his pursuing vigilante, leaving personalized greeting card cryptograms for Batman and his vouching cop, Lieutenant Jim Gordon (a gruff and steady Jeffrey Wright), to deconstruct amid the grisly crime scenes.
Filling its lengthy running time with more dread and deception than explosions and chases, The Batman presents easily the most investigative work this character has been granted in live-action form since the Adam West-led 1960s television show of gadgets and gizmos, and that’s saying something. Roping in the orbiting presences of The Penguin (Colin Farrell), Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz), and crime boss Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), it’s all a very detailed and engrossing quest where characters as black as the hero clash with heavy stakes and long-lasting implications.
Robert Pattinson (or Bobby Bats to the cool people) may not have the beefy physique of Bale or Affleck before him, but his commitment to the underlying obsession aspect of the dual character is excellent. Some folks may cite his stillness and moroseness as boring. They forget that Batman is more of a chiseled gargoyle than a raging animal like Wolverine. When the plot calls for it, Pattinson calls upon the precise fire. One spark for that internal flame is the seductive and oily chemistry from Zoe Kravitz’s very involved and forward take on Catwoman. She steps up from the old hat of stealing gaudy trinkets to stealing scenes and urgency.
LESSON #2: BECOMING A HERO– Deep down, and Alfred knows it, Bruce Wayne is a good man capable of more than stunts and bone-breaking in the right situation. The Batman culminates at a surging turning point where Bruce turns his direction from meting out punishment to helping and protecting those in need. It’s not so much shucking selfish aims of bloodlust, but more of a recognition of potential impact and the strength to emerge into the bigger battle. When that happens, any long-winded monotony The Batman had playing the detective game fades and the movie elevates into the proper territory of heroism. Patience is rewarded.
Taking a cue from Will Arnett’s LEGO incarnation, Reeve’s The Batman “only works in black and sometimes very, very dark gray.” Discerning eyes will try to detect and measure the classic shades of gray possible in content and character for Gotham City and its Caped Crusader. Those that try will squint vainly through pitch black darkness and be wiping away buckets of Seven-level torrential rain.
The Batman only turns the lights on when it wants to reveal a sooty coating that does not wash off easily whatsoever. Much of Dune cinematographer Greig Fraser’s framing and movements fight through blurs and smudges that soften the nearly R-rated content (leave the kids at home and put back the toys from the department store aisles) and emphasize the grime of stud War for the Planet of the Apes production designer James Chinlund's settings and the evil hearts that occupy it. The robust mood set by the gloomy gaze is intensified by a phenomenal musical score from composer Michael Giacchino, working with Matt Reeves for the fifth time. Layered with personalized themes and strong motifs, Giacchino’s sonatas and dirges carry the potency to resonate peak moments with both unnerving and triumphant crescendos.
LESSON #3: PAINT IT BLACK– Symbolic outer black varnishes have been applied to the Batman silhouette before, from Michael Keaton to Ben Affleck and every study chin in between. Go ahead and apply color psychology coming from the fashion world in which black conveys “mysterious, serious, prestigious, and powerful” traits and descriptors. That’s always been the desired shell and but not always its true core of different Batman movies.
With Batman and its often outlandish comic book sensibilities, camp always shows up at some point, which is fine to a degree. That’s not happening here with The Batman, not by a damn sight. Matt Reeves and his screenwriter partner Peter Craig (The Town, Blood Father) sought to penetrate the weight of that coating deeper and did so with sturdy cajones and indomitable endurance.
LESSON #4: GO DARKER– And, wouldn’t you know it, even darker was possible than ever before with this aspiring franchise reboot. We are in a time to genuinely question what new interpretation could possibly be done with this iconic character. Decades have filled an entertainment trophy case full of paragons of any color and preference. Yet, here comes The Batman, as dark as squid ink, aiming to tread and ultimately improve upon the greats that have come before it. Every single one of those aforementioned adjectives of black fashion suits this epic and then some.
The only redundancy, and it has to be said, is the external fact that we live in a silly world where three cinematic Batmen exist at the same time. That is the fault of a wayward and impatient Warner Bros. braintrust and not this movie. If The Batman was the new take arriving a comfortable decade after the conclusion of Christopher Nolan’s successful trilogy, all would be right in the world and the springboard of potential from Matt Reeves would be tremendous. He accomplished his mission.
Instead, there’s a good chance a fanboy pissing contest will start between the nostalgia of Keaton’s returning growl, drunk Christopher Nolan filmbros, the pushy Zack Snyder cult trying to erase the disinterest of Affleck, and people who pigeon-hole former sparkly vampires. The nit-pickers and flag-planting loyalists will be missing a damn good movie. The Batman has the teeth to impress any of the opposition and eat their hearts out in the process.
The world’s greatest detective faces his greatest challenge yet in this smart, psychologically complex comic book thriller from visionary director Matt Reeves.
Horns up! It’s the 51st episode of Cinephile Hissy Fit and today is a weird one. Replacing Don Shanahan today is Art House Film Wire film critic, music enthusiast, and single cat dad (c’mon ladies) Jeff Mitchell who joins professor of metal Will Johnson to discuss the horror-rock comedy extravaganza that is Studio 666 (presented by the Foo Fighters). What exactly is going on with this movie? Is it KISS and the Phantom of the Park or this generation’s A Hard Day’s Night but with zombie raccoons? Find out as Jeff and Will dig deep into the film’s bizarre tonal shifts and go on endless tangents about concerts they went to. Enjoy the podcast, then check out Studio 666!
Cinephile Hissy Fits is a 25YL media podcast, brought to you by RuminationsRadioNetwork.com. Please visit, rate, review and subscribe. If you enjoyed this show, we have more where that came from, with interesting hosts, and wonderful guests. All available on iTunes, Spotify, and anywhere you find your favorite shows. Follow the show on Twitter at @CinephileFit and on Facebook. Also, find both Will Johnson and Don Shanahan on Letterboxd as the accumulate their viewings and build their ranks and lists.
Thanks to the broad range of products that ShopRite has on offer and the fact that there are more than 300 stores across New York, New Jersey, and several more states, it’s not hard to see why this grocery store is so popular among many US citizens. ShopRite also offers some excellent discounts on their products, which could help you to save quite a bit on your everyday shopping needs – and much more.
Why is it worth coming down to ShopRite?
There are quite a few reasons why ShopRite has become such a popular retailer in several different parts of the United States – all of which are worth considering if you want to start shopping here.
For the most part, you’ll find that ShopRite has all the necessities you’d expect, from toiletries to groceries, and these are going to be available for an excellent price. You’ll find even better costs when you shop smart, thanks to the host of discounts made available every week. You’ll find that there are great deals on a range of products to be enjoyed, which only helps you to make sure that you’re going to be saving money on your everyday essentials.
There’s also the pharmacy service, housewares, and much more that you can buy when you stop by, making it a great all-in-one place to shop.
Several other things have helped to make ShopRite such a popular retailer in several parts of the US too, like the fact that there are 4 different mobile apps that their customers can use to improve their shopping experience. You’ll be able to conveniently order food from their deli online, get updates on all the latest discounts, and much more.
What products are up for sale at ShopRite?
Typically speaking, you’ll find that there are plenty of deals available every week, so you’ll often have a chance to save quite a bit of cash whenever you decide to come and pay a visit to one of these stores. Any of the deals that are going on this week will all be listed on the ShopRite weekly ad, so make sure you check it out if you want to know what’s on offer before you visit.
There is generally going to be a broad range of different products that ShopRite will make available to their customers with each new flyer; from seafood, to chocolate.
You could also save money using the Price Plus cards. If you’re a cardholder, you’ll have access to a range of bonus discounts that aren’t available to those who haven’t signed up. If you’re a regular here it might be worth looking into getting one of these cards for yourself.
How much could you save at ShopRite?
All in all, with the many deals and discounts that are on offer (alongside the even better special promotions on their Price Plus cards), you’re likely to find that your shopping trips are going to be quite a bit cheaper. With everything that’s available to you, you could potentially save hundreds on products you would already be buying.
If you pay a visit to https://shoprite.com/, you’re likely to get a better idea of some of the different offers, products, and services that this chain of supermarkets has to offer.
There’s nothing more common than a dysfunctional family. Probe or profile any given pack of relatives and one finds a slice of Americana pizza that can have any number of toppings and styles. For Family Squares, its messy and delicious dinner is cut Chicago tavern-style into squares, thanks to the grid view of a Zoom call during our pandemic times. Just like folks who prefer their pizza cut into wedges and could never imagine the oddity of squares, viewers are going to look at these loud, pixelated boxes with squawking people and find some welcome and cathartic weirdness.
TV director Stephanie Laing (Physical) enlisted a very affable and talented ensemble to represent the Worth family scattered across the country and separated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The likes of Eighth Grade’s Ellie Fisher, comediennes Judy Greer and Casey Wilson, and titan character actresses Margo Martindale and Ann Dowd join the male smiles of Game Night’s Billy Magnussen, The Mick’s Scott MacArthur, Veep’s Timothy Simons, and beloved favorite Henry Winkler. Each pop into Family Squares’ opening group call to exchange greetings and fumble with their technical settings, much to the chagrin of the morbid reason they have assembled.
LESSON #1: THERE IS NO DIGNITY IN ZOOM– The Worth’s grande dame Mabel, played by 92-year-old Nebraska Oscar nominee June Squibb, is lying in bed with her bucket lined up to be kicked by the Grim Reaper. Her hospice nurse (Zoe Chao of HBO Max’s Love Life) has invited Mabel’s extended family to the shared virtual place so that they can essentially be as present as possible until her last breath. What should be a solemn moment of gracious departure and loving unity is undone by audio-drowning blubbering, upstaging blurts, and constant “Wait, is she dead yet?” confusion from reception lags and splintered visibility. Jeez, imagine saying goodbye like this with empathy limited to “I wish it was different circumstances.” What an inglorious way to go out!
LESSON #2: TECHNOLOGY AMPLIFIES DYSFUNCTION– Zoom, Google Meet, and FaceTime may keep us connected better than an old-fashioned vision-less phone call. However, they are appallingly chaotic for large gatherings. It’s severe to the point that those little tiles amplify people’s best and worst qualities right alongside the mercy of their internet speed and lighting. Each collected webcam view puts inescapable spotlights on introverts and extroverts alike, complete with their telling facial expressions and body language. We see who wants to dominate conversation and who’s uncomfortable and hanging back. We see the patient, the distracted, the greedy, those that show off, and those that cower. All of it is splashed across one screen and played live.
From the very first Zoom scene and onward, viewers can assign who’s who when it comes to those aforementioned character traits and insecurities. In doing so, Family Squares cinematographer Kevin Atkinson (A Futile and Stupid Gesture) extends past the boundaries of video conferencing and its flubs with camera work on sets revealing little side angles and peeks into the rooms and homes beyond the computer screens. Following that effort, the characters thrust into a digital arena challenging their tolerance levels and cordiality are granted revelatory personal moments when the web windows close. Through all of the juggled delegation and self-serving requests, the kin begin to show their true colors, reveal unspoken secrets, settle old scores, and fumble with the proper bonding which would help everyone heal the sudden grief.
Family Squares plays within that limited space quite nicely. Among this cast, the youngest member fairs the best among the veterans flaunting the gallows humor. With the clarity and honesty of youth on her side, Ellie Fisher’s granddaughter steps forward to be the wisest and most genuine one of the bunch. She is a welcome emotional lift that balances the silly situational hijinks that were constructed by Laing and her co-writer Brad Morris (Cougar Town). Much of Family Squares, especially the components steered by Greer and Martindale, occupy little schemes that try to expand a concept that, for many, wouldn’t last longer than a short film of that first scene on Mabel’s deathbed.
LESSON #3: “HAPPINESS IS HAVING A LARGE, LOVING, CARING, CLOSE-KNIT FAMILY IN ANOTHER CITY”– Family Squares narrator Rob Reiner (a nice get for Laing) drops this classic George Burns quote during a transition and it couldn’t be more true in many regards. Distance is a benefit. All of the squabbling seen here would be far worse if it was more in-person. That said, even long-distance dysfunctional family dynamics prove to be strong. No matter what’s said in the streaming blow-ups of the movie, the Worths are connected by more than, as one character jokes, “God, the internet, and plumbing.”
While Family Squares is respectfully dedicated to all those who have lost someone during this awful pandemic, Laing’s movie allows us some much-needed, profanity-laced laughs. Playing out a dramedy fitting and formed by our current plight, the movie can be seen as a future time capsule for our shared mini-era. Not all the tangents work or are worthwhile, but the salute to collective solidarity is there.
A movie can be a lot of things. It can make you laugh, cry, and feel something in between those two extremes. But sometimes it doesn't need to be all that complicated to produce an emotional reaction from the audience. All it has to do is look good. A film set is full of beautiful scenery that translates into amazing visuals on screen if done right. And this article will provide you with five locations worthy of your next production!
The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a location that has been used in movies for decades because of its natural beauty. The snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers provide the perfect backdrop for any outdoor scene, and the diverse landscape offers something for everyone. There are plenty of small towns located in the Rockies where you can find everything from old mine shafts to opulent mansions to serve as your film set.
It's important to keep in mind that certain locations will be more hazardous than others. If you are going to be filming in locations like a mine shaft where there are natural hazards make sure that the area is safe and has been inspected by the proper authorities. Third-party companies can come in to inspect the area and test equipment to make sure it's safe. For example, the CSA and UL are two of the biggest authorities that test product safety, meaning the CSA (Canada Standards Association) and other third-party companies are important to work with when shooting in hazardous locations.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an increasingly popular filming location for movies because of its diverse landscape and stunning scenery. The country offers something for everyone, with mountains, forests, and beaches all located within close proximity to each other. What's more, the government offers generous tax incentives to filmmakers, making it a more affordable option than many other countries.
Spain
Spain is a popular filming location for movies because of its diverse landscape and stunning scenery. The country offers something for everyone, with mountains, forests, and beaches all located within close proximity to each other. What's more, the government offers generous tax incentives to filmmakers, making it a more affordable option than many other countries. It's also worth noting that the architecture in this country ranges from medieval castles to modern buildings - giving you plenty of options when selecting your shooting location!
Italy
Italy has been the setting for many movies, including Fellini's classic La Dolce Vita. It is also a favorite location for TV shows and commercials.
In addition to its beauty and cultural richness, Italy offers filmmakers several advantages: good infrastructure; varied landscapes that can be juxtaposed in one scene (mountains, cities); proximity to other European countries with attractive settings; tax incentives for foreign productions. In recent years it has become quite popular among producers of blockbuster films as well. For example, the James Bond film Spectre was shot partly at Cinecitta Studios near Rome and partly on location throughout Italy.
Canada
Canada is an exciting filming location for a movie because it offers a wide variety of landscapes and settings, from the cosmopolitan cityscape of Toronto to the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. In addition, Canada has a well-developed infrastructure and offers generous tax incentives to foreign productions. Canadian crews are also known for their expertise and professionalism. For these reasons, Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for filmmakers in recent years.
Filming locations can be an important factor in the overall success of your movie. The five locations we've listed here offer a variety of landscapes and settings that will make your film look amazing on screen. In addition, these countries have well-developed infrastructures and offer generous tax incentives to filmmakers, making them more affordable options than many other countries. So if you're looking for an exciting location for your next movie, consider one of these five destinations!
We all love movie nights, a great way to unwind and experience awesome entertainment. Watching movies is more fun together which is why these kinds of nights can be so much fun. If you want your movie night to be just perfect, it’s worth doing a little planning. To help you with the organization, these easy tips will help.
1 . Select the movies carefully
The first step to hosting the perfect movie night is to carefully select the movies. You’ll need to think abou which genres you’re going for? And the kind of films that your guests like. You might choose to stick to one genre, for example a horror movie night? Or switch between different genres, from horror to romcom? It all depends on the vibe you’re looking to create, and your preferences.
2. The biggest screen you got
Everyone knows that horror movies look the best on a big screen. When you’re hosting a movie night you’ll want to find the biggest screen you can. A projector screen is always a great option for a film night, so if you can get your hands on one of these, all the better! It’s best to test out your equipment beforehand, (the last thing you want is for your guests to arrive and to find out it doesn’t work)!
3. Food & movie snacks
One of the most important parts of a movie night is of course choosing the food and snacks. Pizza and nachos are the ultimate go-to movie food, but you might have a few neat ideas of your own. Popcorn is a classic, but maybe you’re in the mood for something different? If you can’t think of any fun ideas, there are plenty of fun movie snack recipes online.
4. Add in a few games
When you’re having a real movie marathon you’ll need to take a break between the movies. And what should you do during these breaks? Games are certainly the answer! You might play movie themed card games, or create your very own movie themed quiz. Don’t forget to chuck in a few prizes, to make things more fun. If you’re feeling a tad adventurous, why not check out some movie themed drinking games? Watching movies is of course the main event, but it’s nice to have some games to play too.
If you’re not sure which kinds of games to play, take a look at these super fun movie inspired games. There are lots of options to get the party started.
5. Plenty of comfy seats
When you’re hosting a movie night, seating matters! You’ll need to ensure that you have enough places to seat for everyone. There should be plenty of comfy seats, and maybe a few blankets too? It’s important that everyone is as comfortable as possible, to ensure you all enjoy the movie.
Movie nights are the perfect vibe for any occasion whether it’s a birthday, or you just want to get your friends together. Doing a bit of planning first can help you turn the occasion into a real event.
6. Stream or download
Once you’ve chosen the movies you’d like to watch you’ll need to find them on your favorite streaming sites. If you’re looking for a niche film, and it’s not on Amazon or Netflix, try checking out a torrent site. These sites allow you to download just about any movie you can think of. You can also find audiobook torrenting sites, if you’re keen to download some audiobooks.
Getting prepared beforehand will make sure that you watch something awesome. There are so many bad movies out there- the last night you want is all your guests falling asleep! Before you make a choice it’s always good to check out a few movie reviews.
7. Gather your friends
Last step, once you’ve got everything organized it’s time to gather your friends. When you’re hosting a movie night make sure that you give people plenty of notice, this way, people will be more likely to make the date. Everyone is so busy these days, so it’s better to schedule everything in advance!
Using these easy tips you’ll plan the perfect movie night for you and your friends. Movie nights are the perfect way to kickback, relax, and watch some truly epic films. Whether you’re planning a romcom night or a thriller movie night, there are lots of options to have a good time. If you’re planning on watching a few tear jerkers, don’t forget to bring the tissues!
Pitch Perfect, the first movie in a 3-part series, was a favorite of high school and college-age students alike when it first hit the screen in 2012. Starring Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, and others in an ensemble cast. This movie ended up being a sleeper hit, making over $115 million worldwide. It is clear that Pitch Perfect was a crowd-pleaser, but it was also far from being a flawless show.
Recent high school graduate Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) doesn't want to go to college. The drama, the cliques, the classes, and the student loans just aren't part of her plans. As part of a deal with her dad, she joins the campus's female a capella group, the Barden Bellas, and "mixes up" their repertoire by incorporating her DJ-ing skills into their music.
One thing is for certain: Pitch Perfect exhibits a wide range of excellent musical talent. With singers such as Anna Kendrick (who went on to star in The Last Five Years and Into The Woods) and Skylar Astin (who had previously performed in the original Broadway cast of Spring Awakening), it was hard to botch the vocal portion of this film. But the musical talent goes beyond just the talent of the singers. The movie highlights several different "mashups" of two or more different songs. Although the songs featured in the film are ones that the audience already knows and loves, the mashups find a way to put a new twist on some old favorites. Especially in the "Ladies of the 80's" Riff-Off, there is enough nostalgia to remind us what we love about the songs while still keeping them fresh for newer audiences.
There are a few notes that Pitch Perfect, unfortunately, doesn't quite hit. A lot of the comedic attempts made in the script aren't quite "PC." While some audience members may be okay with these quips, there is a good portion who are turned off by them. This loses the respect of some large portions of the audience. While it may seem at first as though "Fat Amy" is a powerful fat character, it becomes clear that most of her scenes involve some kind of joke centered around her weight rather than making her a multifaceted character.
Similar to Fat Amy, the racial minorities in the cast are used almost exclusively for comic relief. Most of the jokes centered around these characters play into stereotypes that are, at best, overused. The token Asian of the Bellas, Lilly, is portrayed as being shy and quirky, while Cynthia-Rose (the group's black singer) is seen as overly-sexualized. These stereotypes mixed into an overwhelmingly "wonderbread" cast creates some uneasy feelings for some audience members.
The storyline is anything but original, although this is not necessarily a bad thing. Sticking to a formula that works is often what makes many movies so successful. There is a lot of predictability in the plot (Reluctant teen bets that she won't enjoy something, gets roped into an activity she would rather not participate in, meets a boy who is a part of a rival team, develops a fondness for the activity she previously opposed as well as the boy she is not supposed to have feelings for, leads her team to victory, and confesses her true emotions), but it is overall an enjoyable movie.
Pitch Perfect is far from perfect, but the film is nonetheless fun to watch. It also has a killer soundtrack that almost makes the audience want to take up acapella singing. If you're looking for an entertaining movie, it provides a lot of laughs and unique sounds. If you're looking for anything deeper than that, you may need to look further.
"Hoot": Everything You Didn't Know You Wanted to Know About This 2006 Film
By Kevin Gardner
Made in 2006, "Hoot" is a family comedy based on Carl Hiaasen's novel. Wil Shriner wrote and directed the movie, and Walden Media and New Line Cinema produced it.
The film stars include Robert Wagner, Luke Wilson, Tim Blake Nelson, Brie Larson, Logan Lerman, and Neil Flynn. Much of the filming occurred in Florida, home to the Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale. While the film was considered a "bomb" at the box office and got mixed reviews from critics, there's no question that kids of this era loved it.
An Overview of "Hoot"
The movie tells the story of a group of children working together to sell the habitat of a burrowing owl. The owl's habitat is located where the new, local pancake house is set to be constructed. The project's developer has plans to move forward with the construction, no matter the damage to the environment.
One of the unique aspects of this film is that it includes live burrowing owls. There is also music by Jimmy Buffet, who is also listed as a co-producer and seen in the movie as the science teacher, Mr. Ryan.
The Plot of "Hoot"
Roy A. Eberhardt, played by Logan Lerman, is a middle school student in the movie. He recently moved to Coconut Cove, Florida, with his parents played by Flynn and Warren from Montana. When he arrives at his new school, he is bullied by Dana Matherson, played by Eric Phillips. During the bullying, Lerman breaks Matterson's nose and is suspended from riding the school bus for three days. Eventually, Roy makes two friends with whom he begins to hang out.
At the same time, an unknown individual is thought to be responsible for sabotaging the construction site of "Mother Paula's Pancake House," which is being managed by the corrupt Chuck Muckle. Officer David Delinko (played by Luke Wilson) parks his police cruiser on the construction site to catch the person responsible. However, during his time there, he falls asleep, and the prankster vandalizes his car. Roy and his parents find out about all the pranks and vandalism the next morning in the paper.
Eventually, Roy finds out that they must kill the burrowing owls who live there to construct the pancake house. His new friend admits to the pranks that were done to help halt construction, and Roy decides to join the efforts to stop the destruction of the endangered owl's habitat.
The trio of friends lets the local officer and the rest of the town know about the presence of the owls. They also manage to wait for the owls to emerge, which leads to the arrest of Muckle. The owner of the new pancake house, Kimberly or Mother Paula, offers to convert the site into a preserve for the owl and fires Muckle publicly.
Roy and his parents remain in Florida, and the officer is promoted to detective. Dana, the bully, is sent to military school, and Muckle gets 90 days of community service. The land where the owl's life is transformed into a sanctuary so the owls can keep their home. Roy and his new friends live "happily ever after" at the end.
Watching "Hoot"
As you can see from the review above, "Hoot" is a movie filled with turmoil and problems the cast must overcome. While it did not get great ratings when it was released, it's still a heartwarming family film that you and your kids can enjoy together. For teachers, it's also a great film to show on a rainy day, as it is entertaining, funny, and informative. Check it out to see what you think of this "oldie but goodie."
DIY Soundproofing Hacks For A Home Recording Studio
by Jo
You can have a fantastic microphone, produce incredible Italian voice over recordings and make great music, but if your studio doesn’t have very good soundproofing, you have a problem, or rather, lots of problems. Background noise, bad acoustics and external sound disturbances being just a few of them.
If you’re finding issues with sound in your home studio frustrating, the great news is that you can fix the problem on a budget. There’s no need to splash out lots of money on professional proofing either. Instead, you can apply these handy DIY soundproofing hacks to your home studio for an instant boost in sound recording quality:
Create An Isolation Box
It is possible to create a mini room within a room so that you can not only get a great sound recording quality, but you can also move your isolation box elsewhere if you need to and repeat the results there.
Sometimes you can find there’s an instant improvement in the sound recordings you create just by switching rooms. The best areas have minimal external and internal sound sources, high ceilings, hard flooring, hard walls and either no windows, or windows that can be covered easily.
Consider Mass-Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl is created for soundproofing and is known to cut out a lot of background noise and external noise. What is great about it, is that it can be hung and laid without having to be ‘installed’ which is ideal if you need to be able to remove it with ease. If you can, though, install it properly to get the best results.
Use Two Rooms
If you can use two rooms for recording you can make the most of any soundproofing that you have done. In one room you would place all of the recording equipment, so the noise from it and the noise made by you using it is separate from the room where the sounds are being recorded. It’s a really great way to minimize any background noise.
Egg Cartons?
It has long been believed that egg cartons are an effective option for soundproofing a home studio. This is because the cartons have the same shape as some types of soundproofing foam, and so, it was once thought that perhaps the shape could mimic that material and produce the same soundproofing effects.
In reality, they aren’t much of a soundproofing material at all because they are so thin and made of paper and cardboard, which isn’t the best at absorbing sound.
Would cartons be a better soundproofing material than nothing at all?
Probably. However, overall it’s better to save up a little and at least opt for some soundproofing foam, or look at some of the options we mentioned above to get the most in return for your time and effort.
You Can Boost The Sound Quality In Your Home Studio For Minimal Cost
Luckily, there are many different ways to boost the sound quality in your home studio for minimal cost. The best thing to do if you’re on a budget is watch plenty of YouTube videos, speak to others with their own setup, and make the best possible decision for your budget and skills level. You really can have a great, soundproof home studio if you’re smart about your fit out choices.
For all those folks who think popular and genre films don't get real awards love, I am happy to report that, for the second year, the Critics Choice Association presents their Super Awards for those very beloved spectacles of entertainment and their adoring audiences. I am even happier to report that I am on the voting committee that helped create these nominations. How did we do?
PRESS RELEASE
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the nominees for the 2nd Annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies, including Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, and Action. Winners will be revealed on Thursday, March 17.
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” lead this year’s film nominations, with five nods apiece including Best Superhero Movie. Both Tony Leung and Simu Liu garnered Best Actor in a Superhero Movie nods for their performances in “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” while Michelle Yeoh is up for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie, and Tony Leung could also take home the award for Best Villain in a Movie. The cast of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” also earned top acting nods, with both Tom Holland and Andrew Garfield recognized with Best Actor in a Superhero Movie nominations. Additionally, Zendaya is up for Best Actress in a Superhero Movie, and Willem Dafoe could take home the trophy for Best Villain in a Movie.
Follow the Critics Choice Super Awards on Twitter and Instagram @CriticsChoice and on Facebook.
This week, I was invited for a very different selection show with the Feelin’ Film Podcast compared to our legendary movie drafts. Fellow awards-voting critic member Aaron White floated me the idea to experiment with legacy and memory to re-vote on previous Oscars, starting with the films of 2016 from five years ago. To be a tiebreaker, we are joined by Tomatometer-approved critic Kevin Brackett of the Reel Spoilers Podcast to fight for the likes of Moonlight, La La Land, Fences, Arrival, Hell or High Water, Jackie, A Monster Calls, Your Name. and more. Find more from FF in their Feelin’ Film Facebook Group and Twitter-verse.
In a cute bit of news, Every Movie Has a Lesson was awarded as one of the “safest websites to be recommended to users for 2022” by the content site Sur.ly. The agencies and their content managers rated sites for malware, phishing, scams, spam, security, and data protection. My site came out with a 96 score out of 100. It’s a nice background distinction to celebrate. Thank you, Squarespace!
Are you ready to stop smoking – for good? Are you tired of the gimmicks and products that just don’t work? If so, you probably need some proven tips that will help you achieve the desired results – to help you become a non-smoker, for good.
It’s a good idea to start by speaking to your doctor. You can also research different products and tools to help you with your goal, such as the Thrive patch. After doing that, remember some of the tips below to help you achieve your goal.
Find the Reason You Want to Quit
If you want to stay motivated, you need a personal and powerful reason to put the cigarettes down. One reason may be to protect your family and friends from the dangers of secondhand smoke. You may also want to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, lung cancer, or other health issues. Your reason for stopping is unique to you; however, knowing what it is can help you as you work to become a non-smoker.
Have a Plan When Going “Cold Turkey”
It’s important to remember that there is more to stopping smoking than just getting rid of your cigarettes. Smoking and tobacco cause an addiction. Your brain will be hooked on nicotine. When you stop smoking (especially if you go cold turkey), then you will go through withdrawal. Be sure to have support in place before getting started. You may also want to talk to your doctor about the methods that will assist you in stopping smoking. You should also choose the day you will quit.
Think About Nicotine Replacement Therapy
If you decide to stop smoking, the withdrawal from nicotine may cause headaches, reduce your energy levels, and impact your mood. The craving for just one cigarette will be hard to ignore. To help eliminate these urges, consider nicotine replacement therapy. Using nicotine patches, lozenges, and the gum will help improve your likelihood of success.
Ask About Prescription Pills
There are now medicines you can take to help reduce your cravings. They can also help make smoking less satisfying if you happen to pick up a cigarette. Some other drugs will help to ease the withdrawal symptoms you feel, such as issues with concentration and depression.
Have Support
Tell your friends, family members, and others about your goal of becoming a non-smoker. These are the people who can help encourage you to keep going. This can be especially helpful when you are tempted to light up. It may also be beneficial to join a support group or to speak to a counselor. Going to behavioral therapy can help you find effective strategies to help you stop smoking.
Try to Find New Ways to Unwind
One of the most common reasons people start smoking is because the nicotine will help them relax. After you quit, you need to find new and better ways to start unwinding. There are several options for you to consider. You can start exercising, listen to your favorite music, go out with friends, schedule a massage, or even find a new hobby. The goal is to avoid stress as much as you can, especially in the first few weeks after you have stopped smoking.
Avoid Triggers Like Alcohol
When you drink, you will find it is harder to stick to your goal of not smoking. Because of this, you should try to limit your alcohol consumption when you first stop smoking. If you usually smoke when drinking coffee, it is a good idea to eliminate this for a few weeks. You have to find ways to replace smoking with other activities.
Stop Smoking for Good
If you are ready to stop smoking for good, be sure to keep the tips and advice found above in mind. These will help you achieve your goal of being a non-smoker and ensure that you stay that way for the foreseeable future. You can also get your doctor involved, as they will be able to provide advice about what you can do to kick the habit for good.
As so often has happened for me, critics meet other critics in virtual places creating a little network of acquaintances and cheerleaders for fellow creative people. I met William Eguizabal of FilmSnobReviews though the social media spaces of the Feelin’ Film Podcast and we hit it off with or similar clashing styles of expertise mixed with saltiness when necessary. William recently invited me as a guest for his “Snob Chat” podcast with his talented co-host Chai Simone. The challenge was to present and defend two sub-40% Rotten Tomatoes movies that we would rank higher and hold as favorites. Just in time for Valentine’s Day (and showing my 40+ age), I submitted two very different romances, Booty Call and Simply Irresistible down in the ugly teen percentages. Enjoy this energetic show and give William and his team a like, subscribe, or follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. It’ll be my turn next to get him on the Cinephile Hissy Fit podcast!
Directed: Sophie Hyde Cast: Emma Thompson, Darryl McCormack Released: TBC Emma Thompson gives a masterclass in vulnerability as a woman who hires a sex worker in Good Luck to you, Leo Grande. Written by Katy Brand and directed by Sophie Hyde, this bold yet equally delicate dramedy reveals Thompson at her raw best. When retired […]
Directed: Fred Baillif Cast: Anaïs Uldry, Charlie Areddy, Kassia Da Costa, Amandine Golay, Claudia Grob, Joyce Esther Ndayisenga Released: February 25, 2022 (UK Cinemas) At first glance, La Mif might look like your standard drama, one that will play it safe for much of its runtime whilst hitting the obligatory notes to tug on your […]
We are excited to learn that Random Media is releasing Hollow Metropolis Films’ drama feature ‘The Issue with Elvis’ starring veteran actor Jeff Wincott, Wolfgang Wincott, Heather Bowling, Erek Richarde, and Bill Meisenzahl and will be available across digital platforms March 15th, 2022. Neuroscientist and first-time feature film filmmaker Charlotte Wincott’s ‘The Issue with Elvis’ […]
Why National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a Sentimental Favorite
When you ask people what Christmas movie is their favorite, the answers are usually split into two categories. There is the group that gushes about the classic films that focus on Christmas spirit and family values and the group that raves about edgier, irreverent movies that often embrace a darker vibe. There's not a lot of crossover between these two groups and each one often adopts a bit of a judgmental attitude towards the choices of the others' Christmas fare.
The truth is, what both groups of Christmas movie fans are pursuing in their viewing choices isn't really that different. Both groups are scratching the same itch, they're just reaching it differently. Perhaps the best alternative Christmas movie to illustrate this is a film that has become a classic in its own right, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation".
The Hero vs The Bumbler
The lead character in old-fashioned Christmas movies tends to be a classic hero. He or she may make poor choices but at heart, these characters are selfless and essentially good. Audiences cheer for this long-suffering hero because he or she deserves to have a good life. These types of lead characters make viewers aspire to be like them; to be as strong as they are, as kind as they are and as hopeful as they are. They make people wish they were better human beings.
In contrast, nontraditional Christmas movies like "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" embrace a less-than-perfect main character like Clark Griswold. Clark isn't the smartest guy in any room, in fact, he's a bit of a buffoon, but that's why fans of the movie love him. He's always trying his best even though he often fails. The scene in which Clark tries to decorate his house with Christmas lights is both hilarious and heartbreaking. As he struggles with a faulty extension ladder, an uncooperative electrical grid and his lack of handyman skills, viewers never stop cheering for him. He's just trying so darn hard. He just needs to catch a break. Fans feel like Clark could be their neighbor or their uncle. Clark could even be them.
Drama vs Comedy
Traditional Christmas classics tend to be dramas. There might be a couple of comic scenes or a couple of lovably goofy side characters, but at their core, these movies are dramas, and often tear-jerkers to boot. If you can get through the "Juju's petals" scene in "It's a Wonderful Life" without going through a couple of tissues, you're doing better than most.
Most of the darker Christmas films are flat-out comedies and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is no exception. This isn't an intellectual comedy or in any way a subtle comedy. The movie is filled with humor that is physical, broad, in your face and sometimes a bit crude. This is the kind of comedy that makes you laugh out loud. You get outrageous scenes like Clark flying down a hill on a sled greased with kitchen lubricant, Christmas trees going up in flames and aggressive squirrels. But fans will tell you that all that obvious humor makes the heartfelt moments in the film all the more impactful. When you see Clark weeping while watching old Christmas home movies or reading Christmas stories to his family or offering to buy gifts for his homeless brother's kids, you wouldn't be blamed for shedding a tear or two.
Christmas movies, both traditional and not-so-traditional, have a lot of joy to offer during the holiday season. If you're a traditionalist whose holiday wouldn't be complete without another viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life", watch it again by all means. But make a little room in your viewing schedule for "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" too. You might be surprised to find that along with the pratfalls and cynicism, this movie has a lot to say about family, love and the Christmas spirit. And you'll get in a lot of belly laughs too.
We’ve met the kind of mother Naomi Watts portrays in The Desperate Hour from veteran director Philip Noyce. Naomi’s Amy Carr has a million things on her plate while she’s trying to get a morning trail run in a personal day from work out in the forest preserves surrounding her North Bay, Ontario home. A zillion little things ping and ding on her iPhone to interrupt her search for exercise and serenity.
Amy’s youngest daughter Emily (Sierra Maltby) forgot something she needed for school, and her high school son Noah (Colton Gobbo) won’t get out of bed to go himself. Her job is reaching out for a quick needy favor. Her mother is calling in a meddlesome reminder. Casual friends are checking in to keep in touch. All of those interactions are hued with an “are you sure you’re OK” coat of pity because Amy lost her husband a year ago.
Because of that detriment and sorrow, Amy’s plate is made of rock, and she’s doing her level best to be present and reliable for everyone and in everything. She’s the personification of her own stock answer of “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll take care of it.” Despite Naomi’s age and blond locks, those traits do not make her a full-on “Karen” or a “pearl clutcher.” They simply make her strong and fittingly forthright without a helicopter or tiger stripes.
LESSON #1: PUT YOURSELF IN THIS POSITION– There are things that a mom can’t erase and The Desperate Hour explodes with one of those scenarios. A code red emergency alert screams to her phone that her children’s schools have been placed on lockdown due to an active shooter siege. She is miles out of town and without a car, virtually disconnected from help. All she has is her cell phone and its battery life as a conduit to the events transpiring and her jogging shoes to double-back to town. News like that, in our fragile times, is every parent’s worst nightmare and a hook that ignites instantaneously powerful emotional responses. Good luck staying calm.
True to its title, The Desperate Hour unravels this harrowing situation in real-time for the hour and change that follows. We, like Amy, have virtually no direct view of the school, the perpetrators, or her children other than fleeting peeks through background noise and streaming feeds. Amy clings to any help she can get over the phone from 9-1-1 dispatchers to helpful strangers who are closer witnesses. When the audience is left to their imagination, much like Amy’s perspective, the imagined hell is always worse and this movie prods that mightily.
The Desperate Hour is a bottle movie where the main character is forced outside of the all-important vessel container of the plot. The film’s camera, steered by TV cinematographer John Brawley (The Great) entirely stays on Amy Carr, constricting tighter on her and shaking more violently with movement as the tension mounts and the unseen clock ticks. The musical score from fellow TV specialist Fil Eisler (Empire) follows suit with its growing dread..
LESSON #2: NOW PUT YOURSELF IN “THAT” POSITION INSTEAD– The impatient powerlessness is as real as the massive uncertainty. The revelation Noah did in fact go to school and not sleep in at home makes it worse for Amy. However, Greenland and Buried writer Chris Sparling twists the screws even further when a police investigator contacts Amy with probing questions that present her troubled son as a possible suspect and not merely a hostage. Damn. Now put yourself in THAT situation. Things slow down and blur more. Reflective stock is taken. The worry level changes, and the chase is different. No “mommy eraser” works here.
LESSON #3: YOUR BREATH IS ALL YOU NEED– Naomi Watts is no stranger to emotional and physical wringers, as evident from many of the high marks on her filmography. Matching the inner energy of the meditation mantras that open the movie with Amy, Naomi throws herself into this setting to scratch and claw through The Desperate Hour with little more than her exasperated words. For the entirety of the movie, she is acting against a handheld device and testing her cardiovascular endurance with every take. A lesser actress would wail over-the-top emotional outbursts or endlessly chat in order to dump exposition. Watts impressively seizes these extended moments with shrewd reactions and dialogue.
LESSON #4: GOING TOO FAR– Unfortunately, The Desperate Hour reaches a pivot point of plot development that goes too far with a precarious premise that is already uncomfortable and unfitting of manufactured drama. Sparling makes the decision to amp up the third act to where Amy Carr hits a Superwoman gear of incredulity. Pushed into an invisible corner, the lead character improbably becomes the movie’s lead detective, negotiator, FaceTime witness, terrorist bait, and social commentary sermonizer. In a way, she busts her way into the bottle movie when the more believable and appropriate route was supposed to keep her outside of the true fray.
By the time Philip Noyce (The Quiet American, Patriot Games) and The Desperate Hour leap that proverbial barricade, the optics of the movie weaken. Granted, the Amy Carr character is in an unfathomable position where she’s allowed to make some irrational choices in a live moment. Alas, the movie cannot afford to do the same playing with an all-too-real agony that preys on tragic headlines. Sure, this setup is an effective knockout punch and crime doesn’t have an address where school shootings can happen anywhere, but that fear can be wrongly exploited.
Instead of empathy leading to absorb the full breadth of such a possible tragedy, the conjured thrills selfishly serve only one side of the story and plead a hollow case by the end. By staying on Amy and her radical involvement in the climax, the movie forgets to consider the unseen characters in the story that do not fare as well. The movie is laser-focused on this one mom and her one kid with very little respect extended to the fullness of the event or larger issue. Even with the objective of making a claustrophobic and voyeuristic movie, that larger picture cannot responsibly be dismissed for selfish or singular gain.
