Dumb and Dumber To

The first Dumb and Dumber is a modern comedy classic, aint no mistake! It represents the Farrelly brothers finest work and famously paired Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels (who knew) together as a double-act to rival the classics of yesteryear.
A prequel was made (Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd) with the cast and crew of the original largely absent. In my opinion they missed a golden opportunity to cast Carrey and Daniels as their younger selves - now that could've been fun!

Twenty years later and a belated sequel lands on our shores. As a huge fan of the original, this sequel had been on my radar since it's inception. The Farrelly brothers were directing once more and Carrey and Daniels were back, back, back!
Collectively this spelt success. The announcement of the title itself assured me that the film-makers were in the correct mindset. Surely all they needed to do was to place their idolised pair front and centre and have them drive the story in typically idiotic, yet infantile fashion.
Well, it would appear Harry and Lloyd have grown up! No longer the innocent and naive pair of the first, Harry and Lloyd have hit puberty and become obnoxious teens!

In the original Dumb and Dumber Harry and Lloyd were the put-upon-pair - they were the butt (literally) of 99% of the jokes.This time we're expected to laugh with Harry and Lloyd, almost encouragingly so.
Most of the jokes are at the expense of the co-characters and a good portion of these are in terrible taste; watch as Kathleen Turner is mistaken for a man (for the umpteenth time); discover a second use for a cork, courtesy of a parental dream sequence; laugh with Harry and Lloyd as they purposely disrupt a science conference with an armpit fart or seven - obnoxious teens indeed!

As deflating as this all is to witness, it's still pretty great to see Carrey and Daniels inhabit these roles again. After twenty years, Daniels' second term as Harry Dunne is the more successful of the two, with a performance mirroring that of the original. It would appear Carrey is impersonating Lloyd Christmas however - or else he's taken the evolution of his character more seriously and skewed his performance accordingly. Either way, we all know he's capable of much more.
At the end of the day there are a few genuine laughs to be had and a couple of nice touches which exceed (admittedly lowered) expectation.

If this trajectory of ageing continues, Harry and Lloyd will appear quite decrepit once they mature to adulthood. They could have some fun with that too perhaps (in typical Johnny Knoxville/Bad Grandpa style)?! Until then Dumb and Dumber To is for hardcore fans and obnoxious teens only (it should do pretty well I imagine)!

I for one will be basking in the glory of the original - after twenty years it still has the ability to leave me in stitches!

2/5


Poster image courtesy: www.newfarmcinemas.com.au

Life Itself

What better way to start a new year of film reviews than with Life Itself - a documentary feature on famed film reviewer, Roger Ebert.
Life Itself is directed by Steve James (Hoop Dreams) who presents his subject towards the end of his life, before returning to his formative years and the beginning of his illustrious career.
The film recounts Eberts life in flashback throughout, regularly returning to the present for comparative insight.

For those not steeped in Eberts career, Life Itself covers a lot of ground - from Eberts passion and talent for writing early on, to a professional love affair with film, lasting over 45 years.
More than just a reviewer, Ebert sought out and encouraged new names and faces in independent cinema.
Unabashed by his work, Ebert became friends with many of his subjects, some of whom would come in for heavy criticism during his career.
He frequently attended the Conference on World Affairs - known for being the "conference on everything conceivable". Ebert moderated Cinema Interruptus for many years - a symposium on film lasting the length of the conference.
As a social commentator Ebert spoke alongside numerous other experts in their field on a multitude of subjects.

Ebert certainly had his principles. Early on he stopped the presses of his own University paper, spotting an inappropriate advert across the page from a lead story, concerning John F. Kennedys assassination. Having gained notoriety for his writing, Ebert remained at the paper which hired him (the Chicago Sun-Times), despite lucrative offers to the contrary.

Based on the book of the same name (with many a quote directly referenced on screen), Life Itself undoubtedly lacks the depth of the best-seller. Numerous detailed accounts of Eberts various experiences have been jettisoned in favour of Eberts ill-health, which covers a good portion of the film.

Living with cancer, Ebert underwent various treatments and several failed surgeries (horrendous). He's an inspiration to all who've suffered a similar fate. Not one to shy away from his debilitating health, Ebert continued to write and appears on camera as communicative and joyous.

Despite Eberts upbeat resolve, the lasting impression of the man is of someone battling to pursue his passion, despite the restrictions of his body. The man achieved a great deal in his life and I believe more time and detail could've been spent expanding upon these achievements.
For example, Ebert won the Pulitzer prize for his work as a movie reviewer (the first ever), but we don't discover which specific piece or pieces won him the prize? Moreover his career as a screenwriter is touched upon, having written the screenplay to Russ Meyers, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. But Ebert had a long-standing, working relationship with Meyer, contributing screenplays several times thereafter.

Overall Life Itself is a fascinating account of one of the most admired film reviewers in cultural history. One which could've benefited from being a more celebratory account, rather than a slightly dour one.

3/5


Film Poster courtesy: www.kartemquin.com




Followers of this site will notice we're returning to our regularly scheduled programming of film related posts! All art and illustration-related news can now be found here: www.facebook.com/alexsmithartist

Here's a pic of some new art by yours truly to wet your appetite!

Mick Garris audio interview!

So I've been sitting on this interview for about two years now - well, about a year and a half!

The opportunity to interview Mick Garris was offered to me not long after I started writing for Monster Pictures. I didn't expect to be interviewing so soon. I was brimming with confidence and eager to take another big step towards my dream. It was short-lived - come the big day, I was racked with nerves! I only knew of Garris by his work on The Stand, so I studied hard and fast in an effort to deliver the goods!

As much as I would've liked to have shared this upon completion (back in 2013), today is just as fitting. It is the eve of the release of Unbroken (here in Melbourne) - Angelina Jolie's new film as director. Those of you with a keen eye may have spotted Garris' name on the poster - taking an executive producer credit. As you'll discover later in this interview, Garris' involvement in the film is of significant interest!

As a first-timer I was extremely lucky to interview Mick Garris. He was incredibly forthcoming with his answers. It was as close to a conversation as I was gonna get first time out - something an interviewer must master I imagine. My introduction was purely speculative at the time but Garris transcended every character trait I had formerly pieced together!

Before we begin, I would like to thank Leslie Morris for organising and producing this little milestone in my life.
Along with Shawn Hunt and Paul McVay, you can find Leslie regularly musing on creature features from yesteryear at: http://creaturefeaturepodcast.com/. Well worth a listen!

Anyway, the link below will transport you to the aforementioned interview - just hit play!

https://archive.org/details/MickGarrisFinal

More art and Monster musings!

Here you go folks - some new art by yours truly! This piece was inspired by the Falmouth-based surfboard manufacturers of the same name. 

Copyright Alex Smith 2013

The typography/logo had already been established. I manipulated it slightly in an effort to give the overall piece some perspective. When compared to the original logo, this one should look as if it's sitting on top of the water slightly, moving towards the wave.

Run by young entrepreneur and chief shaper Mark Roberts, Glass Tiger are a small but dedicated company from Cornwall, England. Designed with an eye for both form and functionality, Glass Tiger surfboards look magnificent - almost too nice to put in the ocean! Check out the site here: http://www.glass-tiger.com/index.php

In other news, Monster Fest is kicking into high gear now, after its opening on thursday. Running until the 1st December, Monster Fest will be screening everything and anything genre related. Andrew Trauckis new film, The Jungle premières tonight! I caught up with Andrew to discuss his new film and filmography thus far - check out what he had to say here: http://monsterpictures.com.au/features/monster-pictures-grylls-andrew-traucki/

Until next time!

Less of that and more of the other!

Apologies for the lack of posts my friends. Lots has happened since I waxed rhapsodic about Before Midnight back in July! Along with Life of Pi, it remains one of my favourite films of 2013. The only other film to bowl me over this year has been The Conjuring - James Wans superior, demonic-possession story. Be sure to check it out!

Speaking of horror, I'm now writing for the good people at Monster Pictures. Monster Pictures is the go-to site for any film fanatic or horror fan. As a chief distributor of horror movies, Monster Pictures offers some of the best contemporary tales currently available. The site has up-to-the-minute news and daily articles on every facet of the genre. My own weekly musings can be found here.

This blog will continue to play host to my illustration work. Again, lots has been happening - predominately comic-book related work. As 2013 comes to a close and the new year begins, more of these projects should be appearing, hot off the presses. Upon completion, I hope to post about each and every one.

Outside of comic-book work, I've been playing with design and colour. Below is one such example.

Copyright Alex Smith 2013

There be two designs here; the original black and white design and one with colour and (secondary) lettering. Originally I wanted the body parts to spell out the words, but the scratchy lettering was a commercial/necessary addition.
This design was inspired by the punk band of the same name. A terrific three-piece who play regularly around Melbourne, these raucous rockers are not to be missed! Check 'em out here!

Keep a look-out for more art-related posts soon. I'll be giving you my full round-up of the films which caught my attention this year also.

Cheers for now!

Before Midnight

Before Midnight is the third entry in a series of romantic tales, involving transatlantic couple, Jesse and Celine. Each movie in this trilogy has been made approximately nine years apart - and that real time has taken effect on-screen too. This new film and the first in the series took place over a full day and night, while the second was presented in real time - to emphasis the fleeting moments we all share, and the importance of grasping them.

For anyone who is not familiar with the Before series, Jesse and Celines' relationship has evolved thusly;

During a chance encounter on a train in Europe, the two meet. Jesse persuades Celine to leave the train to accompany the american on his last full day and night in Vienna. They fall in love and arrange to meet six months later.

Nine years later Jesse is touring his book, which recounts his and Celines' brief encounter. Celine meets him in Paris (her home town) during his tour - mush to Jesses' surprise! Jesse has two hours before he must depart Paris - giving the two a chance to catch up and reignite their romance. The second film ends on a cliffhanger of sorts, with the suggestion that Jesse is going to miss the departure of his plane by some margin!

Before Midnight sees the two in Greece, coming towards the end of a six-week vacation. They have twin girls and Jesse has a son (by his former wife). His son is returning home to America after enjoying the holidays with his dad and extended family. Jesse and Celine never married themselves, but are committed to one another and their children.

Before Midnight offers up a handful of secondary characters in the first half - a welcome addition to the formula. This could also be interpreted as growth - for both the couple and the series. As our own families grow and our relationships strengthen, shouldn't we be thinking outwardly and about others rather than ourselves?!

The first two films focused on the romanticism of the pair and their passion for one another, despite their brief encounter. This new entry discusses the maintenance of a love affair.

It's clear that Jesse made the move to Paris for Celine - at the expense of leaving his son behind. The movie begins with Celine considering a new job (in Paris still), while Jesse is emotionally unsettled at the prospect of saying goodbye to his son once again.

The pair have much to consider and their conversations are heated at times. No subject can jeopardize their relationship, but their inability to communicate could. Sexual politics is in the air, as the pair struggle to understand each others gender!

As anyone in a long-term relationship can attest, this is a frequent occurrence. This isn't to suggest that any such conversation needs to be malicious of course (they often are)!

Before Midnight is confronting as a result. Jesse and Celines' relationship has intentionally been presented as honest throughout this series - and this new entry is no exception.

Richard Linklater and his stars, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy have crafted one of the greatest trilogies of all time here. The Before series is an intimate and candid portrait of two people from different backgrounds meeting, falling in love and choosing to make a life together. We've seen a lot of Europe with this series also - an appropriate backdrop to a mixture of cultures and attitudes!

It's hard to imagine any independent film, romantic or otherwise, spawning two sequels. This series proves that character and script are king. Rather than anticipate another entry, it's been rewarding and somewhat comforting to catch up with these characters intermittently - just like any good friend!
It's been a joy to watch these three at work. To follow this couple over twenty-plus years and to be party to their thought-provoking conversations on love and life. I wonder what the next nine years will bring?!

5/5

Poster image courtesy: www.ropeofsilicon.com

Pacific Rim

Pacific Rim is one of three movies on my must-see list for 2013 - along with Elysium and Gravity. These three properties are all original tales within the sci-fi/ fantasy genre (being released against a host of adaptations and sequels). They also have the distinction of being made by some of the finest film-makers working today.

Pacific Rim is first out the gate and boasts a fine pedigree in Guillermo del Toro. A native of Mexico, del Toro has moved back and forth from directing independent spanish language features to studio-backed english speaking fare. His movies include; The Devils Backbone, Blade 2 (arguably the best in the series), Pans Labyrinth and the Hellboy movies. Having firmly established himself in Hollywood, del Toro continues to pursue a career in directing - while championing a host of up-and-coming film-makers, as a producer.

When a dimensional portal opens on the pacific ocean floor, giant monsters (Kaijus) enter our world. Laying waste to whatever crosses their path, the monsters are more than just a menace - potentially threatening our very existence.

The world is unable to offer a deterrent until a plan is formulated to create giant mechanical monsters of our own (Jaegers) to combat the threat.

Each continent has a Jaeger and collectively they prove effective at keeping these inter-dimensional behemoths at bay!

As each new interloper comes through the portal however, the stronger they appear to be. Our scientists predict their numbers will increase exponentially - with each Kaiju gaining in strength and ferocity.

The audience are thrust in to the action after this comprehensive back-story. Several Jaegers have been destroyed in battle and the powers that be are now funnelling money in to a giant wall, which is being erected around the pacific coast.

The threat proves to powerful of course. What's left of the Yeager force pool their efforts (despite being cut off financially) and decide to put an end to the Kaijus once and for all.

Despite the originality of this particular venture, those familiar with japanese anime and pop culture will no doubt be familiar with human-piloted mechanoids and giant reptilian monsters - be they ocean dwelling or otherwise!

Each Yeager is piloted by a team of two. Both pilots need to be of a compatible nature, as piloting a Yeager requires the two to meld minds ("drift").

This is where the human drama comes in to play. As testosterone bounces off the walls of the Shatterdome (Jaeger HQ), there is much camaraderie and competition to be mined. The dialogue and interplay between characters is somewhat uneven and cheesy however - a comparison to Top Gun would not be unjustified! As laughable as that film was, it also delivered thrills-a-plenty!
I'm happy to report Pacific Rim does just the same - and then some! It's certainly a film to be seen (and heard) at the cinema. Even some of the bigger LCD screens will struggle to do the film justice when it's released on DVD.

The action is plentiful and is absolutely stunning to look at! Not only has it been shot wonderfully, it's incredibly well lit (despite many a night-time scene). More importantly, one can see what's going on! The immense detail (throughout the film) is not lost through ADD editing or man-on-the-ground-cam! Long-time collaborator Guillermo Navarro is to be commended for his cinematography here - as is del Toro and his team of artisans!

Despite the slightly dubious human element, this movie really delivers - and comes highly recommended! In a funny kind of way it goes some way to emphasising what I already feared - giant robots will likely be better off without us!

4/5

Poster image courtesy: www.collider.com