MCM Anniversary/One of a Kind Celluloid- Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)

Charlie was a poor lad who shared a one room flat.  He lived there with his mom, two grandfathers, and two grandmothers.  He went to school and delivered papers as well.  His heart was rich even though they weren’t.

Willy Wonka announced a contest that five golden tickets were hidden in Wonka products.  The winners would be allowed a private tour of the Wonka factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate.

Charlie would have loved the opportunity to win that.  However, he couldn’t afford such a small luxury.  His birthday came around and presents were given.  He received a warm, red scarf and a Wonka candy.  No golden ticket was in that but he felt like the richest boy in town.

Four golden tickets have been claimed by Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, & Mike Teevee.  Gloop was a robust, young German with an infinite appetite.  Salt was a mouthy, British girl who wanted it all.  Violet was an American girl with a taste for gum.  Mike wanted nothing more than sweets and to be on television.

However, each child was propositioned by Mr. Slugworth.  He would give a child $10,000 for Wonka’s latest top-secret confection, The Everlasting Gobstopper.

A fifth ticket was claimed in Chile.  Charlie’s dreams were brought to a screeching halt.  However, the stop was brief.  It turned out that the Chilean man was a counterfeiter.

One last ticket was still somewhere in the world.  Charlie’s luck would shine when he found a big coin in a drain.  He took the money and bought a Scrumpdiddlyumptious bar.  Yet, he made a sudden decision and purchased a Wonka Bar as well.

HE’S GOT A GOLDEN TICKET!  So, Charlie ran home.  He was stopped by Slugworth and disregarded it.   The family was overjoyed.  He could only take one guest on October 1st at 10 A.M.  He chose his Grandpa Joe.  It was the first time in 20 years that he’d been out of bed.

Would Charlie win the lifetime supply of Wonka Chocolate?  Would Slugworth get his Everlasting Gobstopper?

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (based on Roald Dahl’s novel and adapted by the author) still holds its weight in golden eggs 45 years later.  Gene Wilder was and always will be Willy Wonka.  He brought the right balance of drama, comedy, and childlike wonderment to the role.  Peter Ostrum was terrific as Charlie.  Yet, it would be his only film and what a piece of cinematic joy.  He makes his living as a veterinarian now.

The film wasn’t a box office hit when released.  However, it developed a huge cult following from children and adults alike.  Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley composed the music & lyrics for the film.  The songs featured included “The Candy Man” (yes, the one that Sammy Davis, Jr. popularized), “Pure Imagination”, and “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket”.

On August 28, 2016, film fans lost the genius of Gene Wilder.  He passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.  However, we will always remember the pure imagination, comedic innocence, and sheer talent that he provided.

The Producers, Blazing Saddles, The Little Prince, Willy Wonka, and Young Frankenstein are just a few of his comedic gems to be cherished.  We will always remember Gene Wilder.

Good night, Willy Wonka.

http://www.today.com/series/best-thing-today/44-years-willy-wonka-stars-say-they-still-feel-golden-t55216

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Wilder

 

MCM Anniversary/Role Reversal Celluloid- John Cameron Mitchell in Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

My name is Hedwig Robinson.  I was born in East Berlin, Germany as Hansel Schmidt.  You are asking yourselves, “How did I become a woman?”  Darling, it’s complicated as all things are in life.

I was the son of an East German woman and a U.S. G.I.  However, my father was thrown out by Hedwig (my mother) because of being a pervert.  Maybe, it is the reason that I took her name.  No,  it was because of a another U.S. G.I.; his name was Sgt. Luther Robinson.  However, he couldn’t take me back across Checkpoint Charlie as Hansel.  It would have been frowned upon.  Instead, a simple surgery and I’d be a woman.  Nein, the surgeon was a monster but Dr. Frankenstein would’ve been more considerate.  He took all of Hansel except for one inch.

Oh, Well!  Goodbye, East Berlin!  Hello, Junction City, Kansas?  I thought America would be bright lights and big cities.  Instead, I get a dim, single wide trailer. Damn, where is Luther going?  He’s left me alone and afraid with just a “Wig in a Box”.

Now, I’m a woman of my own and have to fend for myself.  Fortunately, an officer required a babysitter for his two sons: a baby and a teenager.  The teen’s name was Tommy Speck and I was smitten.  He was a rebel against Christianity but I knew music.  Wow, he was hooked on the rhythm and wouldn’t be the same.

Flash forward, Tommy Speck is now Tommy Gnosis.  Hey that sounds familiar because I wrote “The Origin of Love”.

Will I get my music back?  Will I find the rest of what I’ve lost?

Hedwig and the Angry Inch was written, directed, and starred John Cameron Mitchell.  The film was based on his book and the music/lyrics of Stephen Trask.  It was an off-Broadway phenomenon in 1998.

Mitchell was and still is one of a kind as Hedwig.  He brought the kind of androgyny that would’ve made David Bowie coy.   His performance transcended that of Tim Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  He made Hedwig not another Dr. Frank N Furter.

Instead, she (Hedwig) was a real Wo-man who had urges and needs.  Yet, she saw the big picture and found herself.

The moral of the film is pursue dreams and life despite adversity.  The adversity will make us all stronger despite the pain.  We will all continue to face challenges no matter what.

John Cameron Mitchell,  Thank you for writing such a love letter to the human spirit and condition.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cameron_Mitchell

MCM Hot Mess/WTF Were Thinking Celluloid- Seth Rogen in Sausage Party (2016)

Hello, my name is Frank. I’m a Fancy Dog that resides in Shopwells Grocery Store.

I’m awaiting selection to go to The Great Beyond. We have waited our entire lives for that.

Also, I’ve got a soft girlfriend named Brenda. She’s a bun and I’m a weiner. We’ll be a perfect fit. We’ve touched tips but it shouldn’t upset the Gods.

Honey Mustard got returned but he’s popped his seal. He talking about groceries being murdered and eaten. He’s not tough to cut the mustard or himself.

Brenda and I have been selected. Great Beyond is going to be great. Uh oh, mustard got pulled again and he’s hot. He’s not going back again. Let’s just say that his world’s been shattered.

Brenda and I tried to stop him. Now, it’s too late and we’ve missed selection.

Will we spread Honey Mustard’s message or just let it expire? Will Brenda and I fulfill our destiny?

Sausage Party is one of 2016’s Best Films. Seth Rogen has produced, co-written, and voiced a brilliant satire.  It is the type of film that will make Mel Brooks giddy with joy.

He doesn’t shy away from questioning religious and social beliefs. The food is a stand-in for immigration, racism, sexual/social mores, and geopolitical conflict.

The groups represented include Muslims, Jews, Native Americans, Latinos, Gays, and douche bags.  Well, one of the characters is literally a raging douche.  However, the others listed are of higher merit than that D-Bag.

Viewers will be laughing and thinking the whole film.  It’s refreshing to see this in an animated feature.

Sausage Party is the most original and bizarre film of 2016. Don’t be surprised if this feature gets 2017 Oscar nominations. It is a great choice for Best Original Screenplay, Song, & Animated Film.

Viewers make a note to place the film on top of the shopping list.

Oh, This Is A Film for Grown Folks.  Leave Your Children at Home!

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seth_Rogen

MCM Road Trip Celluloid- Viggo Mortensen in Captain Fantastic (2016)

Ben Cash is a father of six children in rural Washington. He has raised them to be self-sufficient.

Leslie, his wife, has been in a hospital for nearly four months. She has cancer.

Then, he received the call that no one wants. She has passed away. He plans to attend her funeral service in New Mexico.

However, Jack, Ben’s father in-law, forbids him to attend the funeral. His distaste for Ben is unspeakable.

Will Ben honor Jack’s wishes? Will he travel his own path?

Captain Fantastic is written and directed by Matt Ross (Silicon Valley). Ross allows viewers into a new world.

It is one of isolation and beauty. He captures the stark contrast of nature and civilization. The natural order of mourning is more organic than the artificial, civilized grief.

Viggo Mortensen is awesome as Ben. He captures the true essence of being off the grid and centered in heart.

Frank Langella is vile and unforgiving as Jack. He’s everything that Ben despises about the outside world and even more.

Ross doesn’t shy away from nontraditional ways of living and grieving. It is a breath of fresh air in a summer of big budget sequels & remakes.  The acoustic version of “Sweet Child of Mine” by the cast is unexpected and powerful.

Captain Fantastic is one of 2016’s Best Films. It is also one of the most honest portrayals of family in recent years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viggo_Mortensen

http://theplaylist.net/exclusive-acoustic-cover-guns-n-roses-sweet-child-o-mine-cast-captain-fantastic-20160714/

MCM True Rebel Celluloid- Matthew McConaughey in Free State of Jones (2016)

Free State of Jones is a true story.  Newton Knight (Matthew McCounaughey) fought for the Mississippi 7th Battalion and was a nurse.  However, his loyalty changed once Daniel, his son was drafted. Also, Newton’s 10% of property (including Daniel) was seized by the Confederate forces. His son’s death would change his loyalty.  However, it was just the beginning of his personal revolution.  Yet, he wasn’t the one Rebel that was against slavery.  He would become an unlikely hero.

Also, the film fast forwards to the 20th Century to the trial of Davis Knight.  Davis was the great-grandson of Newton Knight.  His race and heritage were being called into question.

What happened next wasn’t taught in any American History course?

Free State of Jones is directed and co-written by Gary Ross (The Hunger Games). Matthew McConaughey is terrific as Newton.  Ross doesn’t shy away from the true cost of freedom and war.  The film is graphic but true to life.  At the screening I attended, one female viewer walked out after the opening battle and didn’t return.

This is a timely film considering how often race and other attributes are being drudged up in an election year.

Free State proves that this has been ongoing before The Civil War and long afterwards.  America has come a long way, but we still have a ways to go.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton_Knight

https://renegadesouth.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/the-life-and-death-of-davis-knight-after-state-vs-knight/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_McConaughey

 

MCM True Ensemble Celluloid- The Big Short (2015)

Four men saw an opportunity in the U.S. real estate market and decided to gamble.  The risk would be just a footnote.

The Big Short is the Wall Street of the 21st Century. It details the faulty, realty investments that lead to the 2008 financial collapse.

Short features a great ensemble including Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, & Christian Bale. It is based on Michael Lewis’ book and slickly directed/co-written by Adam McKay. The film was nominated for five 2016 Oscars including Best Picture & Best Director.  

However, the Academy snubbed Barry Ackroyd for his sharp, documentary style of cinematography. The film is a must see. It beautifully captures the infinitely cyclical trend of greed.

Adam McKay & Charles Randolph earned a Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar at the 2016 Oscars.

(This review was originally written on February 5, 2016)

 

MCM One of a Kind Celluloid- Prince in Purple Rain (1984)

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate this thing called life…”

Purple Rain revolved around “The Kid” (Prince), lead singer/songwriter of The Revolution.  He was headstrong and did not want to take any suggestions from his band.  However, the storm was brewing.  Billy, the owner of 1st Avenue Nightclub, was looking to cut an act from the show.  The Kid’s antics weren’t helping the case.  His biggest competition was The Time and lead singer Morris Day (Himself).  Day had carte blanche with Billy.  Also, he had his pick of any female in the club.  Thus, Kid wasn’t gonna have this mess.

However, Kid and Morris would face a challenge.  They vied for the attention of Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero).   She was a fresh face and voice with an equal body…of talent.  What were y’all thinking?  Yes, She Fine!  Okay, we’re back to the dueling singers.  Kid felt smitten with her but Morris saw her as a side dish.

Meanwhile at home, Kid was dealing with Father (Clarence Williams III).  He was his abusive and vengeful.  The Kid and his mother were the regular targets.  All that glitters wasn’t gold.  Few knew of his home life and he preferred it that way.

Yet, he had an opportunity to break free.  It was presented by Wendy & Lisa, members of The Revolution.  They had the demo of a song like no other.  However, Kid refused it.

Would Apollonia choose Morris over him? Could “The Kid” turn into Lawrence?Would “The Kid” listen to the demo and use it?  Doves have pride to see the laughter in the purple rain.

Purple Rain was co-written and directed by Albert Magnoli.  Magnoli captured the sheer talents of Prince like no one else dared before or since.  He crafted a loosely semi-autobiographical film about Prince.

Prince transferred his unique presence from the radio to the silver screen flawlessly. He had a knack for comedy, drama, and sheer showmanship.  However, Morris Day gave him a run for his money but had to stop the A.T.M.  The pimp clothes aren’t cheap but he played a mean game.  Yet, Prince upstaged him and made him know who ran this.  He was the man by making doves cry and the rain purple.  It is called artistry, Morris.  Just playing, The Time got their boogie on with “Jungle Love” and “The Bird”.

Apollonia Kotero showed true grace and heart with a voice to match.  Who wouldn’t want to fight for her affection and talent?

Clarence Williams III delivered the film’s most dramatic performance as Father.  He was the kind of man that would’ve made Ike Turner’s blood run cold.

Prince was awarded a 1985 Oscar for Best Original Song Score.  It was well earned and we’ve been listening ever since.  The signature songs included “When Doves Cry”, “Take Me with You”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, and “Purple Rain”.

On April 21, 2016, fans were shocked to learn of the passing of Prince.  He was only 57.  I didn’t get to see him live in concert.  However, Purple Rain will always give us a window into his unique genius and showmanship.  Thanks for the memories, Prince.

http://lv8.tv/prince-purple-rain-clip-12uqo7fjf4w2.html

MCM Body Snatching Celluloid- Ryan Reynolds in Self/Less (2015)

Self/Less is the story of a cancer, ridden billionaire named Damien. He is looking for a life extension. Martin, his business partner, suggests shedding. Shedding involves transferring one’s mind into a genetically engineered vessel. What’s the cost? If one has to ask, he/she shouldn’t bother. Yes, he can afford it and sheds into a youthful man. However, he’s not allowed to contact anyone from his prior life and must maintain a specific regiment.

This is great. I’m young again and back in the swing of it. Beautiful women, fast cars, exotic locations, What could go wrong? Wait, memories and thoughts are meddled,merged, and known with the unknown. The capsule will help according to the doctor. The medicine will allow old memories to remain intact. If I stop, Damien will cease to exist. But whose memories are blending with mine? Young Damien decides to follow the cerebral pieces to complete the previous puzzle. It will lead to unimaginable consequences and questioning one’s own heart.

Self/Less is directed by Tarsem Singh (The Cell). Singh questions mortality and the extremes we’ll go to extend life. Also, he beautifully balances quiet drama with heart pounding action. Ryan Reynolds gives a great performance as Young Damien and throws himself into extensive action sequences. Ben Kingsley fades brilliantly into Reynolds similar to Brad Pitt as Benjamin Button.

It is a brilliant, underrated sci-fi masterwork on par with The Twilight Zone. Also, viewers will find themselves questioning youthful comments from an unsuspecting elder. Don’t rush to reverse life but do rush to find the true self.

(Originally published on August 1, 2015)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Reynolds

 

MCM Space Opera/Super Hero Celluloid- Chris Pratt in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Remember that time when you were eight and at the hospital.  The family was there and mom was on her deathbed.  She had cancer and asked for just one last thing…”Take my hand.”  You couldn’t because you were unsure and not because of fear.  The life disappeared from her body.  You fled in fright to the outside.  And then…a bright light and?

Guardians of the Galaxy follows the adventures of that boy grown up.  He was taken to the stars by Yondu (Michael Rooker).  His name is Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) aka Star Lord.  We find him 28 years later and he’s a bounty hunter.  Think of Han Solo but goofier.  He’s on a deserted planet and is in search of an orb.  However, he’s not the only one in search of.  Yondu, Ronan (Lee Pace), and Thanos are also searching for it.  Thanos is the one to be concerned with; he was over the portal in The Avengers, remember.

So, Peter gets the orb and dodges Ronan’s goons.  He heads to Xandar, the home of Nova Corps, and tries to sell it.  However, the broker doesn’t want it because of its power and reputation.  What is in the orb?  Meanwhile, three aliens (two of whom are together) find Quill and decide to cash on a bounty.  Turns out he’s a wanted man and worth 40,000 units.

Hmm?  Rocket Raccoon (Bradley Cooper) and Groot (Vin Diesel) are the team and Gamora (Zoe Saldana) is the adopted daughter of Thanos.  They spot Quill at the same time and all hell breaks loose.  Then, the Nova Corps arraigned the three of them and they get shipped to the Kyln (An Intergalactic, Supermax Prison).

No worries, Rocket has escaped 22 times and this’ll make 23.  However, one more addition will join them and his name is Drax (Dave Bautista).  He hates Gamora because Thanos murdered his family.  Yet, he is yearning for revenge against Thanos.  However, he will mildly tolerate Gamora until then.  Wait, we still have the orb and it contains something powerful.

What is in the orb?  Will Star Lord ever find his father or his way home?  Will Groot ever say more than “I AM GROOT!”?  Will Gamora and Drax learn to be friends?

Guardians of the Galaxy is the most atypical film to date in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  It takes us to a diverse galaxy that makes Star Wars seem tame.  We get to bare witness to a misfit band of alien superheroes (mutants, aliens, and those TBD).

James Gunn co-wrote and directed this lush, comic book masterpiece.  The film wouldn’t be as funny and heartfelt without him at the helm.  However, we are thankful for his choice of Chris Pratt as Star Lord.  Pratt is joined by Zoe Saldana (Avatar/Star Trek), Dave Bautista (Riddick/WWE), Bradley Cooper (American Hustle), and Vin Diesel (Riddick).

Saldana provides Gamora with some major grudges that make Princess Leia seem like a spoiled Kardashian.  Bautista is a literal, ass kicking mercenary as Drax. Cooper is an impish, mutant experiment that would make Dr. Curt Connors consider a different career.  Diesel’s one phrase provides more insight into Rocket than fans would expect.

Viewers will also enjoy supporting roles from Oscar nominees John C. Reilly (yes, Cal Dalton, Jr.), Djimon Hounsou (the lovable, upstairs neighbor from In America) and Glenn Close (don’t mess with her she’ll still boil your rabbit).  No,  there is nothing wrong with flat screen;  Benicio Del Toro is The Collector (also, he was teased at the end of Thor:  The Dark World).

I was hooked when “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone started playing.  I knew that I was going to love this film.  So, gather your band of misfits and a makeshift orange & blue milano.  Laugh, cry (a little), and feel what true teamwork should be. This is Guardians of the Galaxy.

Coming soon in May 2017:  Guardians of the Galaxy:  Vol. 2

Chris Pratt had an unlikely rise to fame.  He went from being a homeless in Hawaii to being cast in Rae Dawn Chong’s (yes, Tommy’s daughter) short film Cursed Part 3.  He came into America’s T.V. set in the early to mid 2000’s Everwood.  However, one of his first, notable roles was in the Angelina Jolie film, Wanted (2008).

This would lead to notable auditions for Capt. Kirk in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and Jake Sully in James Cameron’s Avatar.  He didn’t get either part.

However, Pratt said the following of the Sully audition:

“They said they want somebody that has ‘that thing’, that ‘it factor’.  I walked in that room knowing that I didn’t have that thing, and I walked out thinking that I would never have that thing, probably.”

However,  things were looking up.  He got cast in a new comedy series in 2009 called  Parks & Recreation.  His role was of goofball, Andy Dwyer and it was a guest star billing.  The first season was only six episodes and it was renewed.  Pratt was asked to be a series regular.  The show ran from 2009 until 2015 for 125 episodes.

While on Parks, he appeared in two films with his future wife, Anna Faris:  Take Me Home Tonight and What’s Your Number? (with Capt. America’s Chris Evans).

During the same time, he began a three year stint in Best Picture Oscar nominees from 2012-2014.  The films were Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty, and Her.

However, 2014 would be his breakout year.  Pratt began the year as Emmett (the Master Builder) in The Lego Movie and mid year found him as Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy.

The success of Guardians gave him the opportunity to be in Jurassic World (2015). It would be 2015’s number one film.  He has a lot to look forward to in 2016:  The Magnificent Seven (with Denzel Washington) and Passengers (with Jennifer Lawrence).

I almost forgot the coolest thing about Chris Pratt.  No, it’s not the Clooney ability to look sexy either heavy, lean, or muscular.  It is charitable side.  He started visiting children’s hospitals because of Jack, his son, has medical limitations.  He started a cool, charitable trend of visiting hospitals and screening the films for young patients.

The best aspect of his trend was the 2015 Super Bowl Sidebet with Chris Evans (Capt. America).  If the Seahawks won, Evans would visit a Seattle children’s hospital.  However, Pratt would visit a Boston children’s hospital if the Patriots won.  Well, the Patriots won the game but Evans & Pratt won the hearts of children and fans alike.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/chris-evans-chris-pratt-bet-779962

http://scifi.stackexchange.com/questions/67932/in-what-order-do-the-awesome-mix-vol-1-songs-appear-in-guardians-of-the-galaxy

 

MCM Love Celluloid- Sylvester Stallone in Creed (2015)

Creed begins with a young juvenile delinquent named Adonis Johnson.  He has been in the system and is unsure about parents.  However, a woman named Mary Ann (Phylicia Rashad) shows up one day and is there to take him home.  She tells him that his late father was a famous boxer; his name was Creed.

Fifteen years later, Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) is fighting on weekends in Tijuana and day trades during the week.  However, he gets cocky and decides to challenge a rival; the winner gets Adonis’ boxing gym.  He loses his gym and also left a well paying office job.  What would possess a successful, young man to this action?  Adonis wants to follow in Apollo’s footsteps.  Mary disapproves of this action and he sets off to Philadelphia.

Once in Philadelphia, Adonis works to seek Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) as his trainer and mentor.  Little does he know, what Philly has in store for him.  He finds an atypical musician named Bianca (Tessa Thompson).  She is his noisy neighbor but her backstory is just as colorful as Adonis’.  However, he will have other unforeseen opportunities that could lead to his dream coming to life.

Will Rocky take on Adonis as a mentor?  Will Bianca be more than just a neighbor? Will Adonis suffer the same fate as his late father?

Creed flies high on the wings of director/co-writer Ryan Coogler.  He taps into what made Stallone’s Rocky such a phenomena.  However, he takes it one step further and makes it a sport style, docudrama film.  Maryse Alberti’s visceral camera work captures boxing like never before.  Ludwig Goransson’s score provides a visceral, adrenaline rush to this crowd pleaser.

However, a director is nothing without great performers.  Sylvester Stallone is funny and heartfelt as Rocky.  He is bound for Oscar gold as “His Best Imaginary Friend”.  Phylicia Rashad is terrific as Mary Ann Creed.  Michael B. Jordan gives a bold performance as Adonis.  Tessa Thompson’s turn as Bianca is reminiscent of Talia Shire’s Adrian.

Certain film goers will find themselves enthralled with the closing moments of this film.  Any visitors to Philadelphia (this blogger included) have felt the same way and it will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Get a ringside seat for this must see film.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvester_Stallone