Ryan Colucci's Blog, page 37
November 2, 2010
And Then the Cold Sets In...
Have I mentioned that I do not like the cold? Like is a pretty tame word. Hate. Loathe. Despise.
It's been really nice in NY, but the weather is finally starting to turn. Around November 1 of every year the cold sets in. You might get a sunny and 50 something day here and there, but for the most part it sucks. This lasts until the thaw begins in March.
This cold brings nothing good. Layers of clothing. Dirty slush. A mental buckling down, bracing yourself for what God is about to give you. All of it a grim reminder that summer and sunshine is fleeting...
The one good thing about a change of seasons is that it gives you the mental ability to wipe a slate clean. To change direction and chart a new course in your life, or segment of your life. I've been on a pretty eratic course since I dropped out of school (and later went back and then to grad school) over a decade ago. My course changing paths all the time, constantly evolving as a person. I love this aspect of myself. It shapes who I am. I am predictably unpredictable. To lose this process of self-discovery, or discovery in general must be so utterly... devastating. Since I was young I knew I was not destined for this type of life. To be sedentary, to exist in one place - one time. It it is so infinitely boring. And nothing scares me more, besides going bald, than being bored.
It's been really nice in NY, but the weather is finally starting to turn. Around November 1 of every year the cold sets in. You might get a sunny and 50 something day here and there, but for the most part it sucks. This lasts until the thaw begins in March.
This cold brings nothing good. Layers of clothing. Dirty slush. A mental buckling down, bracing yourself for what God is about to give you. All of it a grim reminder that summer and sunshine is fleeting...
The one good thing about a change of seasons is that it gives you the mental ability to wipe a slate clean. To change direction and chart a new course in your life, or segment of your life. I've been on a pretty eratic course since I dropped out of school (and later went back and then to grad school) over a decade ago. My course changing paths all the time, constantly evolving as a person. I love this aspect of myself. It shapes who I am. I am predictably unpredictable. To lose this process of self-discovery, or discovery in general must be so utterly... devastating. Since I was young I knew I was not destined for this type of life. To be sedentary, to exist in one place - one time. It it is so infinitely boring. And nothing scares me more, besides going bald, than being bored.
October 30, 2010
Film Review: Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom
I'm not going to talk too much about Salo, a 1975 film by
Even now, I'm unnerved by the film. The acts committed and the basic story of the film is so outrageous yet ground in reality, it makes you question humanity in a way that I never have before (even more so than Schindler's List).
I will leave you with the production description on Amazon:
A loose adaptation of the Marquis de Sade's The 120 Days of Sodom, Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salò is perhaps the most disturbing and disgusting films ever made. It is also one of the most important, offering a blistering critique of fascism and idealism that suggests moral redemption may be nothing but a myth. Criterion presents Salò in its uncut, uncensored version.
Even now, I'm unnerved by the film. The acts committed and the basic story of the film is so outrageous yet ground in reality, it makes you question humanity in a way that I never have before (even more so than Schindler's List).
I will leave you with the production description on Amazon:
A loose adaptation of the Marquis de Sade's The 120 Days of Sodom, Pier Paolo Pasolini's Salò is perhaps the most disturbing and disgusting films ever made. It is also one of the most important, offering a blistering critique of fascism and idealism that suggests moral redemption may be nothing but a myth. Criterion presents Salò in its uncut, uncensored version.
October 28, 2010
Pawel's Sketch for Chasing Rabbits Cover
A little taste of something that is going to be awesome. Between Pawel's cover for Chasing Rabbits and Pascal Campion doing the Bulderlyns cover - I'm in geek heaven.
Wanted to share this, as LM won't be talking to me until Sunday, and even then I'm not sure how much longer after that... and wanted her to possibly see it...
Wanted to share this, as LM won't be talking to me until Sunday, and even then I'm not sure how much longer after that... and wanted her to possibly see it...
Inspirational Artist: Pascal Campion
This was very random... I follow someone on twitter named Jason Thibault and he posted a short video from Drawn, a blog that is a 'source of inspiration for illustration, animation, cartooning, and comic art.'
The video is of Pascal Campion, a truly amazing artist that I had the pleasure of meeting in San Diego at Comic-con. His work touched a real nerve with me in only the way art can... and I probably looked like a crazed stalker, but started talking to him, gave him a copy of Harbor Moon and asked him if he'd be interested in doing the cover to Bulderlyns - and he said yes!
To say I"m excited about this would be an understatement... and then to randomly come across this video was pretty cool. Check it out:
Inspirational Artists: Pascal Campion from Onyx Cinema, Inc. on Vimeo.
The video is of Pascal Campion, a truly amazing artist that I had the pleasure of meeting in San Diego at Comic-con. His work touched a real nerve with me in only the way art can... and I probably looked like a crazed stalker, but started talking to him, gave him a copy of Harbor Moon and asked him if he'd be interested in doing the cover to Bulderlyns - and he said yes!
To say I"m excited about this would be an understatement... and then to randomly come across this video was pretty cool. Check it out:
Inspirational Artists: Pascal Campion from Onyx Cinema, Inc. on Vimeo.
October 22, 2010
A Lot Going On
And not much time to do it, let alone update all of my loyal followers. Don't fret, here I am.
We're in the final stages of designing the 35 Movie Minutes website (blame Rob, he's getting killed at work and it took a sit-down lunch to map out his bio). Looks pretty rad. Here's a screen shot of the contact page:
It is being designed by Mancheva Designs, and coded by Karol Wisniewski. Once that is done, we will be ready to go live. Still haven't done a dry run, but we've been on the mics a bunch doing conversational dry runs.
I'm also at the tail end of what will be the beginning of Filmworks Finishing Partners. I've been putting this together with Ken Locsmandi of Filmworks/FX for over a year now and it is picking up some serious steam as of late. The biggest reason is because we are not trying to raise money in the typical fashion, but are taking the company public. Mark B. Newbauer from Mike the Pike Productions has been the driving force behind this new direction and he now makes up one-third of the company. The PPM should get finished today and we should be out to investors Monday/Tuesday for the Pre-IPO. Pretty exciting stuff... the possibilties of how the company can grow are somewhat limitless. It all falls on our shoulders to choose films wisely and finish them well.
Also started getting layouts in for Bulderlyns. We had been in character design for well over 4 months, so it was starting to get frustrating for myself, Karol and the artist. But we've regrouped and even though they are only layouts, I can see this book shaping up to become something special. It has made me question the script and if it will live up to the artwork. I just worry about how the lead comes into possession of the Bulderlyn egg, and why. It was at one point chance and happenstance. And now it is more a destiny type thing. I would really like to avoid the Eragon, your dragon chooses you type destiny. And also the How to Train Your Dragon type. I may start off one way, then have the knowledgeable person come in at the end and say - that's all a load of crap. It hatched because it was ready to hatch. Or something of that nature. Don't want to give you all too much...
Late last night I got another round of character design in from Chase Osborne on Chasing Rabbits. I was flat out speechless. Speechless in that I had no notes on them. They were amazing. He took all of the descriptions, and the photographs to use as a base and came out with the perfect designs. I didn't have a single note - possibly the first time (Karol just yelled at me because I'm nitpicking the digital editions of Harbor Moon too much, although at times he's way more detailed than I am.). I love all of the books I'm doing, but I have always believed that Chasing Rabbits is my best script. And with the work Chase is doing, and we're only in character design, this book could be a serious smash. I believe that strongly in it to make that statement.
We're in the final stages of designing the 35 Movie Minutes website (blame Rob, he's getting killed at work and it took a sit-down lunch to map out his bio). Looks pretty rad. Here's a screen shot of the contact page:
It is being designed by Mancheva Designs, and coded by Karol Wisniewski. Once that is done, we will be ready to go live. Still haven't done a dry run, but we've been on the mics a bunch doing conversational dry runs. I'm also at the tail end of what will be the beginning of Filmworks Finishing Partners. I've been putting this together with Ken Locsmandi of Filmworks/FX for over a year now and it is picking up some serious steam as of late. The biggest reason is because we are not trying to raise money in the typical fashion, but are taking the company public. Mark B. Newbauer from Mike the Pike Productions has been the driving force behind this new direction and he now makes up one-third of the company. The PPM should get finished today and we should be out to investors Monday/Tuesday for the Pre-IPO. Pretty exciting stuff... the possibilties of how the company can grow are somewhat limitless. It all falls on our shoulders to choose films wisely and finish them well.
Also started getting layouts in for Bulderlyns. We had been in character design for well over 4 months, so it was starting to get frustrating for myself, Karol and the artist. But we've regrouped and even though they are only layouts, I can see this book shaping up to become something special. It has made me question the script and if it will live up to the artwork. I just worry about how the lead comes into possession of the Bulderlyn egg, and why. It was at one point chance and happenstance. And now it is more a destiny type thing. I would really like to avoid the Eragon, your dragon chooses you type destiny. And also the How to Train Your Dragon type. I may start off one way, then have the knowledgeable person come in at the end and say - that's all a load of crap. It hatched because it was ready to hatch. Or something of that nature. Don't want to give you all too much...
Late last night I got another round of character design in from Chase Osborne on Chasing Rabbits. I was flat out speechless. Speechless in that I had no notes on them. They were amazing. He took all of the descriptions, and the photographs to use as a base and came out with the perfect designs. I didn't have a single note - possibly the first time (Karol just yelled at me because I'm nitpicking the digital editions of Harbor Moon too much, although at times he's way more detailed than I am.). I love all of the books I'm doing, but I have always believed that Chasing Rabbits is my best script. And with the work Chase is doing, and we're only in character design, this book could be a serious smash. I believe that strongly in it to make that statement.
October 14, 2010
Film Review: Never Let Me Go
This is a film I must say that I didn't know much about until recently. I knew who the cast was, and wasn't that thrilled. I knew who the director was, and thought it could be cool. Then I read it was about an elite boarding school and thought it could be completely pretentious. And then I heard that it was actually a science fiction film and thought maybe I missed something. And then I realized it was based on a novel by Kazuo Ishiguro and went out and saw it.
It wasn't until I heard the first part of a podcast from Screenwriter Magazine (if you are into film and don't listen yet, go subscribe on iTunes) that I stopped the podcast and decided it was only worth listening to more if I saw the movie.
And I was definitely missing something. This movie is about a boarding school, but it is absolutely not the type of film or story I was expecting. To say it is about a boarding school is to say Titanic is about a boat. This boarding school is very special, and therein lies the reason this film is so special. Why it isn't a Merchant Ivory film, although its pacing and cinematic elements might remind a viewer of such.
It has taken me a few days to write this review because it is still sitting with me. I'm not sure I've even fully reflected on the film to be honest. And once I got home I listened to not only that podcast, but an interview with Mark Romanek on NPR and reviews of the film from FilmSpotting and /Filmcast.
Never Let Me Go moves at such a languid pace, it almost comes to a crawl. Yet, each and every scene is brimming with tension, suspense and a general excitement (on my part) as to what is going to happen next. And after listening to Romanek, this is what he was going for. Although the film takes place in England (an alternate history England), it has Japanese sensibilities and this was a very conscious decision from an exacting filmmaker. For me, it works. I got sucked in and by the end almost didn't want to leave.
At its heart the film is a love story. A love that goes unrequited and is conveyed with one of the most powerful performances I've seen in a long time. I've been hearing about how great Carey Mulligan is for a while now (since last year's An Education
), but she always struck me as a boring looking actress who would lean towards pretentious films. Sorry Carey... you really shine here. Andrew Garfield does a fine job, and Keira Knightley is serviceable - but they are blown away by Mulligan. And with Romanek doing so much with so little, in terms of camera moves, dialogue, score, etc... she is the perfect actress for this part.
Without saying a lot Never Let Me Go
managed to hit me pretty hard. I'm still grappling with the ideas it presents about mortality, the soul and what it means to be human. I have always believed that any film that keeps you thinking, making you question things, etc... after you've left the theater is worth its weight in gold. This will be at the top of my year end lists and I highly recommend it. Just don't go in expecting action, or even romance.
It wasn't until I heard the first part of a podcast from Screenwriter Magazine (if you are into film and don't listen yet, go subscribe on iTunes) that I stopped the podcast and decided it was only worth listening to more if I saw the movie.
And I was definitely missing something. This movie is about a boarding school, but it is absolutely not the type of film or story I was expecting. To say it is about a boarding school is to say Titanic is about a boat. This boarding school is very special, and therein lies the reason this film is so special. Why it isn't a Merchant Ivory film, although its pacing and cinematic elements might remind a viewer of such.
It has taken me a few days to write this review because it is still sitting with me. I'm not sure I've even fully reflected on the film to be honest. And once I got home I listened to not only that podcast, but an interview with Mark Romanek on NPR and reviews of the film from FilmSpotting and /Filmcast.
Never Let Me Go moves at such a languid pace, it almost comes to a crawl. Yet, each and every scene is brimming with tension, suspense and a general excitement (on my part) as to what is going to happen next. And after listening to Romanek, this is what he was going for. Although the film takes place in England (an alternate history England), it has Japanese sensibilities and this was a very conscious decision from an exacting filmmaker. For me, it works. I got sucked in and by the end almost didn't want to leave.
At its heart the film is a love story. A love that goes unrequited and is conveyed with one of the most powerful performances I've seen in a long time. I've been hearing about how great Carey Mulligan is for a while now (since last year's An Education
), but she always struck me as a boring looking actress who would lean towards pretentious films. Sorry Carey... you really shine here. Andrew Garfield does a fine job, and Keira Knightley is serviceable - but they are blown away by Mulligan. And with Romanek doing so much with so little, in terms of camera moves, dialogue, score, etc... she is the perfect actress for this part.Without saying a lot Never Let Me Go
managed to hit me pretty hard. I'm still grappling with the ideas it presents about mortality, the soul and what it means to be human. I have always believed that any film that keeps you thinking, making you question things, etc... after you've left the theater is worth its weight in gold. This will be at the top of my year end lists and I highly recommend it. Just don't go in expecting action, or even romance.
October 13, 2010
Change of Season Brings Tough Times
I don't know if it is just me, but I get depressed when summer fades into fall. I'm not one of those people who loves every change of season. Summer into fall and fall into winter are two of the most depressing times of the year for me. No matter what is happening.
But for some reason, it seems this year it is having some sort of cosmic effect. I am going through a tough time emotionally, as I have been sidelined for over 3 weeks with severe tendonitis in my left elbow (I'm a lefty). I've had it since February and it got better than worse over the last few months. I had an MRI last week and I have no tears or bone chips in there, so hopefully this second cortisone shot does the trick. I am almost positive he didn't hit the right spot last time as the pain enveloped my whole arm and I couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from. The shot barely even stung, but this time was a whole new ballgame. It was a lot of pressure, and it was painful - and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. So I'm hoping it works... Because training is my salvation. I used to have lacrosse to keep my mind right, now I fight. I know myself, and although I'm on meds for bi-polar - it doesn't cure what I go through.
My girlfriend is also going through some rough times. She's at the tail end of a long divorce and custody battle... and some other legal nonsense that has just drained her. And will continue to do so until it is totally resolved (if one can ever say something like that is ever fully resolved). She has a daughter to not only support, but take care of and mold into a little human being. And since she is perhaps my favorite person on earth, I'd say that her mom was doing a pretty awesome job. On top of work and all that, she is going to graduate school at night. I can see how drained she is... and wish I were well-off so I could ease the burden. She will probably read this - so just know that I'll beat anyone you want up. And other than some hugs, I'm not worth much.
Also, I just found out today one of the artists I'm working with is going through a serious problem involving their young family. I can only say that I am deeply saddened and hope and pray that he and his wife find peace and the power to move on. It sounds trite, but God has a plan for each of us and he challenges us in our own special way. Some more so than others.
I guess in all that sadness and struggle there are reasons to celebrate. The last two weeks saw my cousin Joseph get married, the 35th wedding anniversary of my parents, the wedding anniversary of Karol Wisniewski - my left hand man and without whom I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing today and who I promise almost weekly that I'll pay back in a big way - and the freeing of the miners down in Chile.
Someone much cooler than I once said that a day that goes by without a laugh is a day wasted. I have been thinking a lot about this recently and have been reading a blog called 'Overhead Everywhere' (I actually started out reading 'Overheard in NY', but this one pulls the best from all places). I can honestly say that it is rare that one of the daily posts on there doesn't make me laugh. Even if that isn't for you, find your 'Overheard Everywhere' and make it a habit.
But for some reason, it seems this year it is having some sort of cosmic effect. I am going through a tough time emotionally, as I have been sidelined for over 3 weeks with severe tendonitis in my left elbow (I'm a lefty). I've had it since February and it got better than worse over the last few months. I had an MRI last week and I have no tears or bone chips in there, so hopefully this second cortisone shot does the trick. I am almost positive he didn't hit the right spot last time as the pain enveloped my whole arm and I couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from. The shot barely even stung, but this time was a whole new ballgame. It was a lot of pressure, and it was painful - and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. So I'm hoping it works... Because training is my salvation. I used to have lacrosse to keep my mind right, now I fight. I know myself, and although I'm on meds for bi-polar - it doesn't cure what I go through.
My girlfriend is also going through some rough times. She's at the tail end of a long divorce and custody battle... and some other legal nonsense that has just drained her. And will continue to do so until it is totally resolved (if one can ever say something like that is ever fully resolved). She has a daughter to not only support, but take care of and mold into a little human being. And since she is perhaps my favorite person on earth, I'd say that her mom was doing a pretty awesome job. On top of work and all that, she is going to graduate school at night. I can see how drained she is... and wish I were well-off so I could ease the burden. She will probably read this - so just know that I'll beat anyone you want up. And other than some hugs, I'm not worth much.
Also, I just found out today one of the artists I'm working with is going through a serious problem involving their young family. I can only say that I am deeply saddened and hope and pray that he and his wife find peace and the power to move on. It sounds trite, but God has a plan for each of us and he challenges us in our own special way. Some more so than others.
I guess in all that sadness and struggle there are reasons to celebrate. The last two weeks saw my cousin Joseph get married, the 35th wedding anniversary of my parents, the wedding anniversary of Karol Wisniewski - my left hand man and without whom I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing today and who I promise almost weekly that I'll pay back in a big way - and the freeing of the miners down in Chile.
Someone much cooler than I once said that a day that goes by without a laugh is a day wasted. I have been thinking a lot about this recently and have been reading a blog called 'Overhead Everywhere' (I actually started out reading 'Overheard in NY', but this one pulls the best from all places). I can honestly say that it is rare that one of the daily posts on there doesn't make me laugh. Even if that isn't for you, find your 'Overheard Everywhere' and make it a habit.
September 29, 2010
Film Review: Catfish
I think Guy Rule #1 is 'No Tramp Stamps'. Right up there with 'No Emoticons to other guys' (I'm giving sending them to the other sex a pass although it is also frowned upon).
Although the lead character in this 'documentary' has a tramp stamp - which makes me question his orientation and thus throwing the entire film into even more doubt - this is definitely an interesting entry for first timers Rael and Henry Joost. I think it will be hurt in the marketplace because this has been the year of the 'fake documentary' - with 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' and 'I'm Still Here'. And that's a shame, because it is worth seeing. Tramp stamp and all.
I know a lot has been made of the 'is this real or is it made up'... and I don't think it necessarily matters. For me, I don't believe a single scene of it was reality. Some viewers even think it is a mix of reality and fiction - that one side of it is reality (the family in Michigan) and the other realized early on in the correspondence that they had something and started to fashion a film around it. If so - god bless em' - they did an awesome job. No matter what is true - Catfish is a very entertaining, engrossing and haunting movie.
I actually thought it was going to turn to a much darker place towards the end - maybe I just misjudged the trailer - but was still riveted to the proceedings and how they would play out. If it is real - wow, some really creepy stuff... and my heart also goes out to anyone that is that damaged or lonely. If it is fake - wow, some great acting by those involved. 'Angela' is certainly a powerhouse and when you first meet her you are definitely on the edge of your seat.
Do you need to run out to the theaters to see this? Probably not - the visuals and sounds aren't enhanced by a theater. But it is definitely worth seeing at some point.
Although the lead character in this 'documentary' has a tramp stamp - which makes me question his orientation and thus throwing the entire film into even more doubt - this is definitely an interesting entry for first timers Rael and Henry Joost. I think it will be hurt in the marketplace because this has been the year of the 'fake documentary' - with 'Exit Through the Gift Shop' and 'I'm Still Here'. And that's a shame, because it is worth seeing. Tramp stamp and all.
I know a lot has been made of the 'is this real or is it made up'... and I don't think it necessarily matters. For me, I don't believe a single scene of it was reality. Some viewers even think it is a mix of reality and fiction - that one side of it is reality (the family in Michigan) and the other realized early on in the correspondence that they had something and started to fashion a film around it. If so - god bless em' - they did an awesome job. No matter what is true - Catfish is a very entertaining, engrossing and haunting movie.
I actually thought it was going to turn to a much darker place towards the end - maybe I just misjudged the trailer - but was still riveted to the proceedings and how they would play out. If it is real - wow, some really creepy stuff... and my heart also goes out to anyone that is that damaged or lonely. If it is fake - wow, some great acting by those involved. 'Angela' is certainly a powerhouse and when you first meet her you are definitely on the edge of your seat.
Do you need to run out to the theaters to see this? Probably not - the visuals and sounds aren't enhanced by a theater. But it is definitely worth seeing at some point.
Film Review: The Town
Some highs and a bunch of lows mark Ben Affleck's second directorial effort.
The highs - Ben Affleck's performance. Blake Lively's chest. Jeremy Renner's performance. The setting.
The lows - non-sensical plot. Jon Hamm's performance. Blake Lively's acting ability. The last 30 minutes.
What starts off as a strong thriller with a really authentic Boston feel quickly devolves into a very neat and tidy, completely predictable package. I will say that the movie is worth the performances by Affleck, Renner and Rebecca Hall alone. However, I hear a lot about Hall's performance here - but it is Affleck who really shines. He makes due with very little, as does Renner. His character has a bit too much shit heaped on him. Father a career criminal. No mother. Star hockey player drafted by the NHL, blown opportunity. Drug abuse. It would have been fine if he were a local star who could have gone to college to play... but they make it seem like he was the next Gretzky. In reality, I realize the hockey draft is akin to the MLB draft where players rarely make the roster, but I doubt most viewers do as well.
Let me state here that I think Jon Hamm does a great job on Mad Men. However, I'm quickly realizing that he is pretty much only suited to play that role. He is a TV actor, not a film star. And every role he has been in on the big screen has been less than impressive. And this is no exception. In fact, it is glaring - against Affleck, Renner and Hall. His scenes almost became laughable. In fact, by the end, I was laughing - as were a few people in my theater. He doesn't even do anything - he just shouts orders and other people do things. It's really lazy screenwriting and he inhabits his character with all the authority of an elementary school principal.
Affleck does a great job placing the camera, and he really draws us into Charlestown - the tiny Irish 'ghetto' of Boston. He could have really used a screenwriter to revamp this script though. I don't want to give anything away - but the last 30/40 minutes will have you groaning audibly. There's no cat and mouse between Affleck's crew and the feds - because of another lazy bit of writing that ties one of his members to the crime. Then the fed's are tipped off to the 'last score' by an even bigger headscratcher - because its just so stupid. All compounded by Fergus the Florist - the elderly crime boss of Charlestown - who commands Affleck to pull this job or else.
Really?
I would really like to spend more time with these characters... just not in this movie.
The highs - Ben Affleck's performance. Blake Lively's chest. Jeremy Renner's performance. The setting.
The lows - non-sensical plot. Jon Hamm's performance. Blake Lively's acting ability. The last 30 minutes.
What starts off as a strong thriller with a really authentic Boston feel quickly devolves into a very neat and tidy, completely predictable package. I will say that the movie is worth the performances by Affleck, Renner and Rebecca Hall alone. However, I hear a lot about Hall's performance here - but it is Affleck who really shines. He makes due with very little, as does Renner. His character has a bit too much shit heaped on him. Father a career criminal. No mother. Star hockey player drafted by the NHL, blown opportunity. Drug abuse. It would have been fine if he were a local star who could have gone to college to play... but they make it seem like he was the next Gretzky. In reality, I realize the hockey draft is akin to the MLB draft where players rarely make the roster, but I doubt most viewers do as well.
Let me state here that I think Jon Hamm does a great job on Mad Men. However, I'm quickly realizing that he is pretty much only suited to play that role. He is a TV actor, not a film star. And every role he has been in on the big screen has been less than impressive. And this is no exception. In fact, it is glaring - against Affleck, Renner and Hall. His scenes almost became laughable. In fact, by the end, I was laughing - as were a few people in my theater. He doesn't even do anything - he just shouts orders and other people do things. It's really lazy screenwriting and he inhabits his character with all the authority of an elementary school principal.
Affleck does a great job placing the camera, and he really draws us into Charlestown - the tiny Irish 'ghetto' of Boston. He could have really used a screenwriter to revamp this script though. I don't want to give anything away - but the last 30/40 minutes will have you groaning audibly. There's no cat and mouse between Affleck's crew and the feds - because of another lazy bit of writing that ties one of his members to the crime. Then the fed's are tipped off to the 'last score' by an even bigger headscratcher - because its just so stupid. All compounded by Fergus the Florist - the elderly crime boss of Charlestown - who commands Affleck to pull this job or else.
Really?
I would really like to spend more time with these characters... just not in this movie.
Film Review: The Runaways
Besides Dakota Fanning becoming a woman right before our eyes, this movie doesn't have much going for it.
It's actually hurting my brain to try and write about it, which is why I've put it off for a week. Analyzing it seems like a fruitless endeavor. Michael Shannon gives an okay performance and so does Kristen Stewart, but they pale in comparison to Fanning. I went into this thinking it was more about Joan Jett, but this is much more a character study of Fanning's Cherie Curry. I don't blame any of them... I don't even blame the lackluster direction - it all starts with the script. A script with zero insight into the first all-girl rock group. A script with one dimensional characters (who we know are much more vivid than that in real life). A script with no ambition. A script with even less driving it.
Girls are practicing, they don't sound great. Kim Fowley (Shannon) has local kids throw bottles at them. Very next scene - they are playing a party and get stuff thrown at them. They are expertly dodging and blocking it all with their instruments. Still sound like shit.
It's bad. And it's a shame.
It's actually hurting my brain to try and write about it, which is why I've put it off for a week. Analyzing it seems like a fruitless endeavor. Michael Shannon gives an okay performance and so does Kristen Stewart, but they pale in comparison to Fanning. I went into this thinking it was more about Joan Jett, but this is much more a character study of Fanning's Cherie Curry. I don't blame any of them... I don't even blame the lackluster direction - it all starts with the script. A script with zero insight into the first all-girl rock group. A script with one dimensional characters (who we know are much more vivid than that in real life). A script with no ambition. A script with even less driving it.
Girls are practicing, they don't sound great. Kim Fowley (Shannon) has local kids throw bottles at them. Very next scene - they are playing a party and get stuff thrown at them. They are expertly dodging and blocking it all with their instruments. Still sound like shit.
It's bad. And it's a shame.
