Aachi & Ssipak was weird, and action packed and funny and weird.  It involves poop, cyborg, drug laced popsicles, and non-stop action.  Sounds good right?  It was pretty good, but also felt long, even though it wasn't.  I think that might be my mind playing tricks on me though because I am super tired.  Anyone that likes animation will like this.  It is a very cool movie, even though it is way bizarre. 

I am almost tired of Japanese movies.  I think I am just tired in general.  Maiko Haaaan was a weird comedy about a boy obsessed with getting into a Geisha house.  The movie would have been great if it wasn't for the crazy insane over the top main character who drove me nuts, I just couldn't take 2 hours of this guy.  He reached my last nerve.  If he played it a bit normal it would have been a great movie, so I am not sure about this one.  I would give it a 3 out of 5 if I was doing a full review.   

Death Note is something huge in Japan right now.  Manga, movies, TV show, action figures, it's all very crazy, and I think well it should be, becuase Death Note was awesome.  A thriller, detective movie, Death Note takes elements from the spirit world, magic, and just good old fashion cops vs robbers to make an excellent movie.  This one should be available to rent and is highly recommended.  The best feature I have seen at Fantastic Fest.  I still liked the Moebius documentary better, but this was the best fiction feature.  

Death Note: The Last Note, was showing right after part 1.  How nice for us, because we were excited after just seeing Death Note 1.  This one got a little bit muddy in the middle.  There was a lot of stuff going on and I got a little confused.  It was a bigger story, and with that I think they lost track a little, but it was still good and I am still a fan for the second.  Supposedly there is a third coming down the pipe, I hope so, I would like to check it out.  Both of these movies are high on the rent list if you like anything Japan/Anime style, you will love them.  

The crowds were very large and the theater completly full for Son Of Rambow.  I am not sure why I had heard no buzz about it, and it seemed like a kids movie.   After watching it, I am still wondering about the buzz.  It was good, not great.  It was set in the 80's, they seemed to have some fun with that, clothing and music, and those things were funny, but it just didn't hit the mark like everyone else seemed to think it did.  It was a cute kids movie with a nice lesson and was slightly funny, that's it.  Rent it for the kids when it comes out on DVD.  

Throughout the festival since it played, people have been talking about Mirage Men, Mirage Men this, have you seen Mirage Men?  OMG Mirage Men, I am seeing it later in the week.  Kiltro is these guys first movie.   Marko Zaror is the lead for this story of love, and revenge.  This was the first Martial Arts movie to come out of South America and it is great.  Awesome fight scenes, a total badass bad guy, and a cute touching story that gets dark and leads to anger and revenge.  The direction Ernesto Díaz Espinoza and Marko seem to be the stars of this years Fantastic Fest, standing ovations, people talking about their movies, and autographs and photos galore.  If you have a chance to see Kiltro check it out they might have a DVD release next year.  Keep an eye out for my Mirage Men reviewer later in the week. 

So I have learned that if I don't have a VIP pass or a press pass I am not getting into secret screenings, one of them was Southland Tales, which is coming out soon.  The others I am not sure what they were.  I am not sure if I want to get VIP next year because well I have had so much good luck with the less popular movies, they are the ones that have been the best so far.  I have a whole year to decide.  Keep an eye out for more reviews tomorrow.  

The Girl Who Lept Through Time won the academy award for best animated feature in Japan this year.  For me it used an animation style I don't think portrays emotion well, and so was left a little let down.  The movie was still very good, and the story was great, sweet, and charming, but with the style chosen, it just didn't touch me as well as it could have.  It didn't hit me like spirited away did, and I know it is party because of the animation.  I am sure this is going to get a DVD release so anime fans will be happy with this rental, but it just wasn't amazing to me. 

Alone was next.  I don't have an image for it.  Alone is a Thai movie about a woman and the loss of her Siamese twin.  It fit into the J-horror style with dealing with fear and scary imagery and not a lot of death.   It did fine for itself in this genre, but I do not think is going to win the audience award for best picture.  I would say the last 30 minutes did pick up and the story got a lot better, but it was a bit too slow at the beginning.  If you are a fan of J-horror then you won't be disappointed, but I wouldn't say go get it if you are not a fan.  

We are having kitty issues with one of our cats and as of right now are ok for movies, but I could miss any of the movies today because of the kitty, so expect 6 reviews, don't be disappointed if you don't get all 6.  He is hoping kitty is ok.  

Moebius Redux is a documentary on the Comic Book artist Moebius, which I thought was the best movie I have seen so far at the festival.  It was smart and alluring, telling me a story about a man I have never heard of in an industry, that I don't really care about.  The doc was smart, well shot and very interesting.  While I had never heard of this man, the work he has done is some of my favorite and it really showed the person behind those creative processes.  If you have a chance to see this one I think you should, it was just excellent.  It plays again at Fantastic Fest on Tuesday at 4:15PM.  If not, then hope it comes out on DVD, because it was just awesome, even if you don't like comics.  

Weirdsville is the most hollywood, polished movie I have seen so far.  A comedy about Drug Users and their journey to get money to pay off their dealer.  IT has little people, drugs, Satan worshipers, hippies, prostitutes, and smart witty comedy that is solid throughout the movie.  The comedy is not 40 year old virgin in your face comedy, but instead intelligent, and subtle.  This one is going to be released in theaters in October, and I think it is another one that most people should add to their radar.  It is worth the rental or 2 hours in the theater for.  It plays one more time at Fantastic Fest on Thursday at 1:15PM.  

Flight Of The Living Dead was the closer of the night, starting at 11:45 it was a USA up all night masterpiece.  Which is to say that it was a zombie movie on an airplane.   Good looking zombies, couldn't save this one from being a stereotypical zombie flick, with no great characters, lacking plot or anything resembling a real story line.  Some hot girls, and guys are on a plane and there are zombies.  That is about it.  It is not bad really, just not the amazing event you expect from something named Flight Of The Living Dead, however after the last plane movie I think we all are not surprised that another one kinda fell flat.  

That's all for Friday, I am leaving in 15 minutes for day 3.  I have only 3 movies today because of some other plans that I had, but that's ok I think 3 movies is enough.  Coming up, evil hair extensions, an anime, and Siamese twins horror, check out reviews tomorrow.  

Rated: R

Running Time: 160 Minutes

Year: 2007

Boobs: Zero

One Sentence: That is a really long title.

Went to a sneak of this last night with the rest of the Fantastic Fest badge holders, and anyone else that was lucky enough to get tickets.  The movie started at 8:30, little did I know I would be in that seat for nearly 3 hours.  I am not upset that the movie was that long, because it worked, I was just not prepared for it and when I work up this morning, my eyes burned a little bit more than usual.  I guess it's a good start off to Fantastic Fest week.  

This film is the retelling with biography precision the events leading up to and after the Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford.   The story unwinds slowly as we come to understand the relationship of the men in the gang, Jesse, and Robert Ford.  The attention to detail is skillful and amazing, with moments in time shown to us in what seem like a window into the past, where we can watch the events unfold as they did then.  While the story is painfully slow, and the movie very long, the masterful direction, acting and storytelling keep those with the willingness to hear the story entertained, and enthralled.   This movie is however an Oscar contender for sure and as such fills those shoes to the disappointment to the normal movie viewer.  If you are not interested in a dialog filled western with little to no action then this movie is not for you. 

The actors take to their parts with a style and skill that I have not seen too much this year if at all.  Brad Pitt as Jesse James fills the boots of the outlaw almost too well.  A power and style followed him across the screen and I felt no one else could have done the part.  Casey Affleck as Robert Ford was a creepy evil little bug that slithered here and there and made you want to not be in the same room with his presence on screen, which I believe was intended.  

Overall the movie was excellent, however those not in it for the long haul, interested in those movies that are actors class, or Oscar contenders might want to skip it.  However I bet others of you this sounds like it is right up your alley. 

Rated: R

Running Time: 117 Minutes

Year: 2007

Boobs: Zero

One Sentence: Catch the train.

I never watched westerns as a kid, I think I have seen 5 total Westerns now in my life.  This one, The Quick and the Dead, Unforgiven, Death Rides A Horse and Back To The Future Part 3.  So I do not have the depth and knowledge of what is meant to be a western and what makes a good western, but I do have to say that if this is what it is about, I like what I see.

3:10 is a fine piece of action/western drama that builds solid characters and story around a simple story.  Get a man to a train, in time.   The circumstances of that man, the train, and what happens, all lead down a road of self discovery and change.  It really is great story telling amongst, solid western action that leaves you on the edge of your seat right to 3:10.  

What I really loved were the great characters in this movie.  Russell Crowe, who I generally dislike, displayed the exact mood and feel he was intending, and that made his character, Ben Wade, complex and real.  Batman did a good job as a rancher, not his best work, but nothing to complain about.  However I thought the best performance was by Ben Foster, who played a gang member in Ben Wades gang.  He played evil, cunning and crazy too well. 

I say yes to 3:10 to Yuma.
 

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 127 Minutes

Year: 2005

Boobs: Zero

One Sentence: Vroom Vroom!

Anthony Hopkins puts forth a amazing performance as Burt Munro in The World's Fastest Indian.  A low key true story, that has heart, power, and a great story to keep it going toward the Land Speed Record.   The movie's main character moves at a snail's pace, while trying to move at a record speed.  It makes for a movie that doesn't feel rushed, forced, or unnatural in any way. Instead we get crisp character development, and wonderful dialog that makes this movie about speed feel like so much more. 

Nearing the climax of the movie, you are on the edge of your seat, sweating wondering if he is going to make it becuase you are there with Burt.  Hoping and praying along with all those he has touched on his journey.  It sneaks up on you, you never would expect it, but this movie will get you right in the heart.  It never feels boring, or out of touch.  This is due to the characters that Burt meets along his travels, and with Burt himself.  Anthony Hopkins seems to have been born for this role, which comes off so naturally from him.  Watching a documentary after the movie on the DVD about the real Burt Munro, if you closed your eyes, you would not be able to tell them apart.  

I think that if you like underdog drama's, then you should rent this one for sure.  It does everything right and really touches your heart, and has a little bit of Vroom Vroom to it as well.

Rated: R

Running Time: 93 Minutes

Year: 1989

Boobs: One Pair

One Sentence: Phantom Of The Opera meets Freddy.

It was the late 80's, Freddy Kruger and his master, Robert Englund were in high regard, and high demand.  He got asked to do a lot of other projects, however none I remember more than Phantom Of The Opera, and none I wanted to see more than Phantom as well.  I finally got to watch it after almost 20 years, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.  

More of an adaptation of the book than a horror movie, Phantom didn't fall down the traps of the normal horror genre movies of the 80's.  Quality sets, costuming, and a real script led to a movie, which while I might not call a horror, I would say impressed me in whatever genre it wants to sit in.   I say might not call horror because while there was some killing, and perhaps a bit of blood and gore, it played out more as a romantic tragedy than the other horror movies to come out of the 80's.  At no point in the movie did I feel scared.  I am not sure if this is a positive or a negative, I am taking it as a positive however. 

Robert Englund was classically trained before he landed his spot on "V" and then the glove wielding Kruger, and it shows somewhat here. Robert has never let me down, and while the part isn't as grand as Mr Kruger, it felt like it fit the movie, and the other characters around him.  The other characters filled the screen with as much presence as Englund, or perhaps more, with what I felt was one of the best casts of a horror movie I have ever seen.  It was also very funny to see Molly Shannon and Bill Nighy in this movie.  Bill is of course Davey Jones from Pirates 2 and 3.  

So I am going to say yes to Phantom Of The Opera (1989) which I am as shocked as you probably are.  It is no Nightmare On Elm Street, but it is a nice romantic horror, that has style, quality, and doesn't feel like a cheap knock off.  

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 99 Minutes

Year: 2006

Boobs: Zero

One Sentence: Uncomfortable is not the same as funny.

I like everyone in this movie.  Everyone on that poster, I feel is a fine actor, or a very funny actor.  I especially like Zach, Amy, Amy, Amanda, and Donal.  I almost went and saw this movie in the theater, however I just didn't make it there.  I got the "unrated" DVD version, which in this case means, version that was not rated.  Not version that is too sexy to be rated.  I wasn't expecting sexy, I just wanted to be clear.  So after watching this whole movie, I come to find out that there is a whole different ending and huge portions taken out or changed from the theatrical version of the movie.  This movie was originally called Fast Track, and even had posters made up in the original name.  It was confused from the start.  So I am reviewing the DVD version, which while different I assume didn't make a better movie, I am not sure how it could. 

Even when you have a stellar comedy cast, you have to write them a comedy in order for it to be funny.  You can not have funny people and then make it a uncomfortable movie with some very weak jokes in it.  That isn't funny, it's creepy.  That is what most of this movie is.  Very uncomfortable, with slight pieces of a joke thrown in here and there.  Never are we treated to any solid comedy from anyone expect maybe Donal Logue for his character, which he owned, and Fred Armisen who was slightly funny. 

There are some good ideas here, and the plot is fair.  It is sad to see so much go to waste.  I was let down by the whole movie.  If you are going to get that type of cast together, make the movie funny or make the characters likeable. Someone to cheer for, someone to back up, someone that wasn't an idiot.  That's all there was in The Ex (who actually wasn't an Ex)  So I would not be renting this movie.  It's different that the theater release, and it's still bad.  

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 95 Minutes

Year: 2007

Boobs: Zero

One Sentence: It's like a crappier Fast and the Furious.

I like car movies, I don't know why, I just keep going back to them.  I am an abused viewer who can't say no.  They are so shiny, and they have girls in them with skirts that are shorter than anything I have ever seen in real life.  I am a weak man.  This one had even fancier cars than the others.  It had Ferrari's, and SLR's and other such unobtainum.   At least I didn't go see it in the theater.

As we all can expect, this movie is bad, but just how bad was the great unknown.  Fast and the Furious bad?  Part 2 bad?  Part 3 bad?  No even worse!   It was like a mashup of various scenes that almost didn't even apply to the plot.  Then there was a car race.  That was the whole movie.  I am not sure if there was a plot at all.  I remember something about counterfeit money, but it was so brief that I am not sure if it was important to the "plot" or not.   Look fast cars crashing, YAY!

So yes, to no one's surprise I am sure, Redline is horrible.  Not even the hottie Nadia Bjorlin's eyes, or unbuttoned shirts could save this movie from being the tragedy it was.  I can't recommend this movie to anyone.  Not for the fancy cars, or for the overuse of the cleavage shot.