gdp's Comments

/Film : What If Critics Weren't Allowed to See the End of a Film?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:00:10 +0000

I agree with a holistic review being impossible without the entire film being screened. However, the process is clearly to avoid spoilers, which end up being leaked and read by viewers -- often unintentionally, which I can personally vouch for. In that sense, I think that speaks to the care that reviewers and film writers, especially in the online world, should take when writing about films before their release. Finally, I'm so glad you posted this, Russ. In my opinion, 20th Century Boys is one of the best manga ever created, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ALL OF YOU. The films, so far, have been nowhere--not even the slightest iota--close to the sublime genius, narrative power, and emotional thrill of the manga. The themes of nostalgia, friendship, and lost dreams are wonderfully explored in this series. It's both poignant and, at heart, an adventure story. I can't wax enough about it. Just do yourself a favor, and PLEASE read it now.

/Film : What If Critics Weren't Allowed to See the End of a Film?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:55:06 +0000

I agree with a holistic review being impossible without the entire film being screened. However, the process is clearly to avoid spoilers, which end up being leaked and read by viewers -- often intentionally, which I can personally vouch for. In that sense, I think that speaks to the care that reviewers and film writers, especially in the online world, should take when writing about films before their release. Finally, I'm so glad you posted this, Russ. In my opinion, 20th Century Boys is one of the best manga ever created, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ALL OF YOU. The films, so far, have been nowhere--not even the slightest iota--close to the sublime genius, narrative power, and emotional thrill of the manga. The themes of nostalgia, friendship, and lost dreams are wonderfully explored in this series. It's both poignant and, at heart, an adventure story. I can't wax enough about it. Just do yourself a favor, and PLEASE read it now: http://www.onemanga.com/20th_Century_Boys/1/

/Film : Johnnie To\'s Vengeance Movie Trailer

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 19:48:09 +0000

For the most part, they don't. The film may be censored when released for mainland audiences, but that doesn't really affect the film's content in Hong Kong or elsewhere. The one real exception is if the movie is made in conjunction with mainland studios or money, which does tend to happen more often now (see Ip Man). In that case, I'd guess there is possibility for gov't intervention.

Film School Rejects : Look! Brand New 'Watchmen' Photos! And One's Hilarious!

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 05:45:51 +0000

"Oh, and it exposes her secret garden stubble to the world too." ...god, that was unnecessary.

/Film : Super Bowl Sneak Preview: Year One

Sun, 1 Feb 2009 05:23:58 +0000

I thought it was hilarious when Black pulled out a whole stack of arrows when he was just trying to just get one arrow. The rest of it wasn't all too funny, but I agree with Benu -- the premise sounds really promising, so I'm going to hold out.

/Film : Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool Played Major Part In Wolverine Reshoots?

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:45:40 +0000

Well, hopefully that sort of annoying comic talkativeness that Reynolds shows in Van Wilder can be channeled successfully into Deadpool's wisecracking character.

Film School Rejects : Haunting Details About Polanski's 'Ghost' Emerge

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:49:02 +0000

Yes.

Film School Rejects : Boiling Point: Cut an Honest Trailer

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:31:29 +0000

Right on -- how accurately does the trailer represent the movie? Some trailers, I'm sure I'd have seen nearly every awesome scene in the film after watching the preview, or even be able to guess the entire narrative arc of the film. The real problem editing the trailer is: how much do I put in, and how much do I leave out? And damn it, either way it should be honest.

Film School Rejects : Sundance Review: '500 Days of Summer' Steals the Show

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:26:30 +0000

The trailer is infectious, sans 70's voiceover (though I liked the line "This is not a love story, this is a story about love.") Both Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel have this charisma about them that I really like. The clips I've seen so far (Anal Girl, Sid & Nancy) are hilariousss. When can we expect to see this out?!

Film School Rejects : Sundance Review: I Love You Phillip Morris

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:16:00 +0000

Movies that manage to balance touching, comedic, and intelligent moments are always the best. Felt this way with Fargo or Lost in Translation. The story sounds really intriguing, and ever since Eternal Sunshine, I've been a fan of Jim Carrey. He just needs the right vehicle to showcase his acting chops. Looks like he found it -- definitely looking forward to this one.