A parody or spoof film is a comedy that satirizes other film genres or classic films. Movie parodies are one of my favorite genres of comedy films. I will be the first to admit that there are more bad parody films than great ones. Below are my top ten favorite spoofs of all time, have I left any out? Read my list and enjoy!
1.) Top Secret
Why is this film #1 and not one of the dozens of other films I can choose from? Two words…Val Kilmer. This spy thriller spoof has it all; boob gags, singing, dancing, fake poop and beastiality jokes! This is the comedy I watch the most when I am looking for the easy laugh and the most quotable lines.
2.) Airplane!
Most critics call this spoof “the best of all time” and for good reason. This Zucker classic paved the way for sight gags in films to come. This take on disaster films is right on point in the flashback dance scenes. Many of these jokes aren’t politically correct even by today’s standards. And surely you can’t forget Mrs. Cleaver talking “jive”…oh yeah, “don’t call me Shirley”.
3.) Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Smell of Fear
This classic comedy stars Leslie Nielsen in a spoof series that pumped life blood back into the genre. This sequel was hands down the best in the side splitting gag filled series. Even OJ Simpson does a great job. This film contains the best spoof film love scene ever made with Frank Drebin and Jane mocking the film “Ghost”.
4.) Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Yes, this is a spoof and most likely “Austin Powers” is the most lucrative series of them all. Mike Meyers first “Powers” film was a modest hit when it was released in theaters but boomed on DVD. When the sequels came out they broke box office records. Meyers is at his peak in this multi-role all time comedy classic.
5.) The Princess Bride
This take on fantasy films is not only the most romantic but it also the smartest in the bunch. Rob Reiner’s classic is told like a bedtime story but plays like a sweet adult comedy. The hilarious over the top characters and great acting by Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin and Billy Crystal make this film a subtle spoof masterpiece.
6.) Spaceballs
Mel Brooks is the king of parodies. He created the genre with great films like “Young Frankenstein” and “History of the World, Part. 1″. His spoof on space epics still holds up today. The inspired comedic work by John Candy as “Barf” and Rick Moranis as “Dark Helmet” is funny as hell. As of 2007, an animated sequel TV series is in preparation.
7.) Scary Movie 2
This series of parody films makes jokes at the expense of countless crappy horror remakes and with great laughs and gross out humor. Tori Spelling has some of the most hilarious moments in this raunchy Wayan’s Brothers farce. Chris Elliott steals every scene he is in as the creepy butler.
8.) Don’t Be a Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
Gangster films were long over due to be made fun of and leave it to The Wayans Brothers to do it right. All the right racial jokes and weed gags will keep you in stitches. Trying to point out which coming of age ghetto film each scene takes place in is just half the fun of this silly ride.
9.) Not Another Teen Movie
Teen romances and high school films are the easy targets made fun of in this witty comedy spoof. All of your teenage favorites are ridiculed in this small little comedic gem. This film has great 80’s star cameos and enough John Hughes films spoof moments for any teeny bop movie fan.
10.) Hot Shots!
Poking fun at “Top Gun” and the slew of military action romance pictures of the early nineties and late eighties “Hot Shots” has some great visual gags and over the top moments. Charlie Sheen stars in this terrific play on macho movies that is another Zucker classic.
RUNNERS UP: “Walking Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Mars Attacks”, “Police Academy”, “Robin Hood Men in Tights”, “History of the World, Part 1″, “Hot Fuzz”, “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon”, “High School High”, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”, “Galaxy Quest”, “Shaun of the Dead”
THE WORST: “Mafia!”, “Epic Movie”, “Superhero Movie”, “The Comebacks”, “Scary Movie 3 & 4″, “Date Movie”, “Undercover Brother”, “Spy Hard”, “Dracula: Dead & Loving It”, “Meet the Spartans”
“Amelie” is a 2001 French film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring the fabulous Audrey Tautou. “Amelie” is a whimsical and creative depiction of contemporary Parisian life, set in Montmartre. It tells the story of a shy waitress who decides to change the lives of those around her for the better.
The blending of fantasy elements and special effects through Amelie’s daydreams is brilliant. Audrey Tatou gives one of the sweetest performances in years as the title character. This film will make you fall in love with Paris and keep your faith in love alive. This is one of the purest most original romantic movies of all time, hands down!
2.) Run Lola Run
“Run Lola Run” is a 1998 film by Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente as Lola. The film is set against the gritty urban scenescape of Berlin and has a pounding techno soundtrack. The film is a frenetic, inventive thriller that explores the life-altering impact of seemingly inconsequential actions.
The director of “Run Lola Run” tells the plot three times with cunning variations that are executed like a masterful music video. This fast paced rollercoaster ride is wickedly inventive and it will keep you in its grip until the last frames. I also recommend fans of electronic dance music to check out the classic dance heavy soundtrack.
3.) Ma Vie En Rose (”My Life In Pink”)
“Ma Vie En Rose” (”My Life in Pink”) is a 1997 Belgian film directed by Alain Berliner. It tells the story of a boy named Ludovic, who was born in a male body despite having a female gender identity. The film shows the struggle over gender identity he and his family go through in such a painfully realistic way.
The filmmakers and actors of this film have created one of the most authentic, touching households ever put on film. Even though some parts of this movie are harsh and sad, it has just the right recipe to leave a smile on your face.
4.) Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
This Academy Award winning Chinese-language film (featuring the “Wuxia” martial arts style) was released in 2000 and was directed by Ang Lee. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and was nominated for six other Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Made on a mere US $15 million budget this film became a surprise international success. It grossed $128 million in the United States alone becoming the highest-grossing foreign-language film in American history. This movie is one of those films you can re-watch over and over again.
5.) Like Water For Chocolate
“Like Water for Chocolate” is a 1991 film based on the popular novel, published in 1989 by first-time Mexican novelist Laura Esquivel. When “Like Water For Chocolate” was released it slowly became the highest grossing foreign film ever released in the United States at the time.
“Like Water For Chocolate” is a funny, touching, sumptuous, and incredibly romantic ode to the joys of love and food that is a rare treat for movie lovers who have not seen it. The book is also a terrific and fulfilling read that, just like the film, is peppered with fantastic authentic Mexican recipes.
6.) Pan’s Labyrinth
“Pan’s Labyrinth” is an Academy Award-winning Spanish language fantasy film written and directed by Mexican film-maker Guillermo del Toro. The movie takes place in a dual setting: in the “real world” the story is set in Spain during the turbulent period shortly after the Spanish Civil War.
The main character Ofelia wins over your heart within the first few moments of this film. And much like Alice down the rabbit hole this trippy fantasy has just as many dark moments as it does fantastical creatures and worlds. This film is not only a dark thrilling war time epic, but a great fantasy film for the ages.
7.) Life Is Beautiful
“Life Is Beautiful” is a 1997 Italian language film which tells the story of a Jewish Italian, (played by Roberto Benigni, who also directed and co-wrote the film), who must learn how to use his imagination to help his son survive their internment in a Nazi concentration camp.
This movie is not for the faint of heart and for those who are sensitive to heavy subject matter. Roberto Benigni won the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Foreign Film for this tender and uplifting tale of hope and loss. Make sure you have lots of Kleenex when you watch this one folks!
8.) Persepolis
“Persepolis” is a 2007 award-winning animated film based on Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. The film was written and directed by Satrapi with Vincent Paronnaud. It is currently nominated for a 2007 Best Animated Feature Length Film by The Academy (which it will lose to “Ratatouille”).
This heartbreaking and crisp black and white animated feature is a one of a kind masterpiece. Fusing real world history and pop culture references “Persepolis” gives insight into a time in history many Americans have no clue about. This fill will enlighten and charm fans of both animation and foreign cinema.
9.) Y Tu Mama Tambien
“Y Tu Mama Tambien” (literally translates to “and your mom, too”) is a 2001 Mexican film written by Carlos Cuarón and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. “Y Tu Mama Tambien” was a big critical and financial success and was also nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Original Screenplay.
The film is a coming-of-age story about two teenage boys taking a road trip with a woman in her late twenties is a smart, steamy mix of road movie, coming-of-age story and political satire. Anyone with a passion for cinema, and indeed sex, should see this sexy and moving movie as soon as possible.
10.) All About My Mother
“All About My Mother” is a 1999 Spanish film written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The film deals with complex issues such as AIDS, transvestitism, sexual identity, gender, religion and faith but with Almodovar’s classic tragicomedy touch and dark humor.
“All About My Mother” is an affecting, wonderfully acted, but oddly quaint drama filled with marvelous performances, fabulous wit, and some dizzying images. By the time I was done watching this movie in the theater for the first time I was in love and wanted to see it again.
RUNNERS UP: “Kung Fu Hustle”, “The Sea Inside”, “The City of Lost Children”, “Spirited Away”, “The Host”, “Volver”, “La Vie En Rose”, “Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down”
Cloverfield Release Date: January 18th 2008 Director: Matt Reeves Cast:Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas, T.J. Miller, and Michael Stahl-David The Buzz: If anything else, the top secret JJ Abrams produced monster movie had one of the best teaser trailers of all time. Will the movie be even half as good? We have no idea. The film follows a group of friends in New York City during one January night (January 18th) when some kind of monster attacks. The whole film is shot from the perspective of a consumer video camera that the college-age group bring along for the adventure.
Teeth Release Date: Spring 2008 Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein Cast: Jess Weixler, Adam Wagner The Buzz: Teeth is a black comedy horror film written and directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein. High school student Dawn works hard at suppressing her budding sexuality by being the local chastity group’s most active participant. Her task is made even more difficult by her bad boy stepbrother Ross McIntire’s increasingly provocative behavior at home. A stranger to her own body, innocent Dawn discovers she has a toothed vagina when she becomes the object of violence. As she struggles to comprehend her anatomical uniqueness, Dawn experiences both the pitfalls and the power of being a living example of the vagina dentata myth.
Jumper Release Date: February 15th 2008 Director: Doug Liman (Go, The Bourne Identity) Cast: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L Jackson, Diane Lane, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson The Buzz: A feature film adaptation of the Steven Gould series of novels about a genetic anomaly that allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between “Jumpers” and those who have sworn to kill them. The film has been delayed, which is usually a bad sign, but the extensive mythology behind the story has held my interest.
Be Kind Rewind Release Date: January 23rd 2008 Writer/Director: Michel Gondy (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Science of Sleep) Cast: Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover, Melonie Diaz, Mia Farrow The Buzz: Michel Gondry’s twisted comic tale of the magic of filmmaking. Jack Black plays Jerry, a junkyard worker who inadvertently causes his brain to become magnetized, leading to the unintentional destruction of all the movies in his friend’s (Mos Def) video rental store. In order to keep the store’s one loyal customer, an elderly lady with a tenuous grasp on reality, the pair re-create a long line of films, putting themselves and their townspeople into it. They become the biggest stars in their neighborhood. Rewind was originally scheduled for release in December 2007, but was pushed back to January. It is likely that the film was pushed back so that it can premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Horton Hears a Who! Release Date: March 14th 2008 Directors: Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino Voice Cast: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Dane Cook, Jaime Pressly, Isla Fisher, Will Arnett, Selena Gomez, Amy Poehler, Dan Fogler The Buzz: Could this be the first great Dr. Suess inspired film since Chuck Jones’ The Grinch who Stole Christmas? Jim Carrey voices Horton the Elephant, who one day hears a cry from help coming from a speck of dust. Even though he can’t see anyone on the speck, he decides to help it. As it turns out, the speck of dust is home to the Whos, who live in their city of Whoville. Horton agrees to help protect the Whos and their home, but this gives him nothing but torment from his neighbors, who refuse to believe that anything could survive on the speck. Still, Horton stands by the motto that, “After all, a person is a person, no matter how small.” The computer generated animation looks top notch (almost Pixar quality even).
Harold & Kumar 2 Release Date: April 4th Directors: Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle) Cast: John Cho, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry, Neil Patrick Harris, Eddie Kaye Thomas The Buzz: This stoner sequel follows the cross-country adventures of the pot-smoking duo as they try to outrun authorities who suspect them of being terrorists when they try to sneak a bong on board their flight to Amsterdam.
Speed Racer Release Date: May 9th 2008 Director: The Wachowski Brothers Cast: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, John Goodman, Scott Porter The Buzz: Based on the classic 1960’s Japanese animated series, The Wachowski Brothers (Matrix) direct the story of a young race car driver as he attempts to obtain glory, with the help of his family and the Mach 5, the advanced car created by his father. Emile Hirsch stars as Speed, Christina Ricci as Trixie, and Mathew Fox as Racer X. Even if you weren’t a fan of the tv series, all indications so far point to this being unlike anything ever seen before on the big screen. Here is a bit of trivia: Director Alfonso Cuarón was once attached to direct with Johnny Depp starring.
Iron Man Release Date: May 2nd 2008 Director: Jon Favreau (Elf, Made) Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, Terrance Howard The Buzz: Jon Favreau’s big screen adaptation of the popular Marvel comic book character. Robert Downey Jr. plays Weapons designer Tony Stark, who is injured by shrapnel in his heart while in Afghanistan to introduce his new missile design. His captors order him to assemble a missile for them, giving him access to a workshop. He puts his creativity to use by assembling a bulletproof set of power armor, complete with pacemaker and flamethrowers, and uses it to free himself. Back at home, he becomes Iron Man, developing a flying suit with the red and gold scheme and advanced weapon capabilities.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian Release Date: May 16th 2008 Director: Andrew Adamson (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) Cast: Liam Neeson (voice), Ben Barnes, Warwick Davis, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell The Buzz: Okay, so the first film lacked action, but Disney has promised to up the ante with Prince Caspian. This could be the film to jump-start the Summer.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Release Date: May 22nd 2008 Director: Steven Spielberg (Raiders, Jaws, Every great movie from your childhood) The Buzz: Steven Spielberg directs the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones series. Harrison Ford is back, and so is Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood. New to the production is Cate Blanchett as the bad girl, John Hurt as ??? and Shia LaBeouf as Indy’s greaser sidekick. Not much can be said about the storyline, as it is being kept tightly under wraps. George Lucas has said that Crystal Skull is more in tone with Raiders than any other film in the series.
The Sex & The City Movie Release Date: September 19th 2008 Director: Michael Patrick King Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrell, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon The Buzz: The plot of the film revolves around the lives of the four main characters, four years after the time frame of the finale of the HBO series.
Get Smart Release Date: June 20th 2008 Director: Peter Segal Cast: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, The Rock, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp, Masi Oka The Buzz: Steve Carell stars as Maxwell Smart in the big screen adaptation of the classic Mel Brooks comic spy television series. Anne Hathaway plays Agent 99, Dwayne Johnson plays Agent 23, and Alan Arkin is the Chief. I think this could be the next Austin Powers if done right.
Wall-E Release Date: June 27th 2008 Director: Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo) The Buzz: Andrew Stanton developed WALL-E before Toy Story was made: the original idea was, “What if mankind evacuated Earth and forgot to turn off the last remaining robot?” After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, WALL•E (short for Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. EVE comes to realize that WALL•E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet’s future, and races back to space to report her findings to the humans (who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home).
The Dark Knight Release Date: July 18th 2008 Director: Christopher Nolan Cast: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart The Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to the highly acclaimed Batman Begins. Batman (Bale) raises the stakes in his war on crime with the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon (Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Eckhart). Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker (Ledger).
Mamma Mia! Release Date: July 18th 2008 Director: Phyllida Lloyd Cast: Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Amanda Seyfried The Buzz: Mamma Mia! employs the hit songs of famed pop group ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan a young girl who hopes to discover the identity of her father. On the eve of her wedding she brings three men from her mother past back to the Greek island they visited over two decades ago.
The Pineapple Express Release Date: August 8th 2008 Director: David Gordon Green (George Washington, All the Real Girls, Snow Angels) Cast: Seth Rogen, James Franco, Bill Hader, James Remar, Gary Cole, Rosie Perez The Buzz: Yes, another Judd Apatow produced comedy. Superbad co-writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg return with an action comedy about a stoner (Rogen) and his dealer (Franco) who are forced to go on the run from the police after the pothead witnesses a cop commit a murder.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Release Date: November 21st 2008 Director: David Yates (Order of the Phoenix) Cast: Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Jim Broadbent, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton The Buzz: As Harry Potter begins his 6th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he discovers an old book marked mysteriously “This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince” and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort’s dark past.
Star Trek Release Date: December 25th 2008 Director: JJ Abrams The Buzz: JJ Abrams restarts the Trek series at the beginning. Not much is known about the film other than it will feature a young Kirk and Spock in the early days of the Enterprise. Casting of young and comedic actors has worried long time fans, but producers have stated since the beginning that they are trying to attract a new audience to the series. Zachary Quinto as Spock, Eric Bana as the villain Nero, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Anton Yelchin as Chekov, John Cho as Sulu and possibly Chris Pine as Kirk.
The Happening Release Date: June 13th 2008 Writer/Director: M. Night Shyamalan Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo
The Buzz: Say what you will about M. Night Shyamalan, but many of his detractors have admitted that The Happening is his best script since The Sixth Sense. A paranoid thriller about a family on the run from a natural crisis that presents a large-scale threat to humanity. The Happening will be released purposely on Friday the 13th.
The Incredible Hulk Release Date: June 13th 2008 Director: Louis Leterrier and Writer: Edward Norton
Cast: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, Tim Blake Nelson The Buzz: Edward Norton stars as Bruce Banner, in a non-sequel sequel to Ang Lee’s The Hulk. The Incredible Hulk is on the run, and the action is more intense in Edward Norton’s screenplay (that’s right, Norton also wrote the screenplay).
The X-Files 2 Release Date: Fall 2008 Director: Chirs Carter Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson The Buzz: Due to the highly secretive nature of the project, very little is known about the movie’s plot. It is known that, unlike the first film, the plot will not focus on the series’ ongoing “mythology” and will instead be a standalone thriller/horror story, similar to many of the “monster-of-the-week” episodes that were frequently seen in the TV series.
Trailer Trash Release Date: August 22nd 2008 Director: Eli Roth The Buzz: An R-Rated feature film full of connected faux horror movie trailers. Eli Roth says he wants to make a film like “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” which he considers “to be the greatest achievement in the history of cinema.” I, like many, really enjoyed the fake movie trailers which were attached to Grindhouse. And I’ve always been a fan of the short form film (ie short film) because if you don’t like it, just wait a few minutes and it will be over and another one will begin. Plus as Roth notes, you can make a trailer full of tentpole moments without all the exposition and connected story in between.
James Bond 22 Release Date: November 7th 2008 Director: Marc Forster (Stranger Than Fiction, Finding Neverland, The Kite Runner) Cast: Daniel Craig, Goran Visnjic, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Jesper Christensen The Buzz: It’s Bond, what more can you say? Daniel Craig returns as agent 007. Not much is known about this film as of yet. All we do know is that this movie is going to be the first ever direct sequel to another official James Bond film (Casino Royale)
Where the Wild Things Are Release Date: October 3rd 2008 Director: Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) Cast: Forest Whitaker, Michelle Williams, Catherine Keener, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hare The Buzz: Every kid has read the classic illustrated Maurice Sendak book, about Max, a mischievous little boy, creates his own world - a forest in habited by fabulous wild creatures who crown Max as their ruler. Music Video turned filmmaker Spike Jonze has always created some visual and conceptual masterpieces. This is also Spike’s first feature film not written by Charlie Kaufman.
The Changeling Release Date: November 7th 2008 Director: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River) Cast: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Riki Lindhome, Amy Ryan The Buzz: Jolie plays a woman whose son is abducted but retrieved; she suspects, however, that the returned child is not hers. The woman must then confront corruption in the LAPD. The story is based on true events in 1920s Los Angeles. The film is being produced by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
The Day the Earth Stood Still Release Date: December 12th 2008 Director: Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Hellraiser: Inferno) Cast: Keanu Reeves (Matrix) The Buzz: A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi action film by Robert Wise, which is considered one of the best Science Fiction films of all time (#7 on Arthur C Clarke’s List) and was debated for it’s religious symbolism and many interpretations. Bernard Herrmann score is also notable, partly because of its use of two theremins. The film is currently ranked #187 of all time on IMDb, with a 8.1 rating. Reeves will play Klaatu, an alien who arrives on Earth accompanied by a large humanoid robot named Gort, with a warning to world leaders that their continued aggression will lead to annihilation by species watching from afar.
And the following films are in production or being rushed into production before the strike, and couple possibly be released in Fall 2008, although there are no guarantees.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno Release Date: Fall 2008 (estimated) Writer/Director: Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) Cast: Jason Mewes The Buzz: Two friends, both in their late 20s and feeling various strains of adulthood, decide to launch an amateur porn studio — a knockout story for their upcoming high school reunion. I’m a huge fan of Kevin Smith’s work, and this sounds like a step back towards Chasing Amy, which is probably Smith’s best film to date.
Brüno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt Release Date: 2008?? Director: Dan Mazer (Borat) Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen The Buzz: The follow-up to Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, follows Cohen’s third Da Ali G Show character Brüno, a gay Austrian TV reporter who interviews unsuspecting guests about topics such as fashion, entertainment, celebrities and homosexuality, with an emphasis on the latter as each interview progresses.
The Box Release Date: Fall 2008 (estimated) Writer/Director: Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko, Southland Tales) Cast: Sean William Scott, Cameron Diaz The Buzz: I, like many others, LOVED Kelly’s feature film debut Donnie Darko. I have yet to see his follow-up, Southland Tales, which has garnered far less acclaim. Based on the story “Button, Button” written by Richard Matheson (I Am Legend), the film surrounds a troubled married couple who find a small wooden box on their doorstep, which brings with it unforeseen fortune. Their good luck, however, comes at a price.
Australia Release Date: Fall 2008 (estimated) Writer/Director: Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!) Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, David Wenham, Bryan Brown The Buzz: Luhrmann’s film is set in northern Australia prior to World War II and centers on an English aristocrat (Kidman) who inherits a ranch the size of Maryland. When English cattle barons plot to take her land, she reluctantly joins forces with a rough-hewn cattle driver (Jackman) to drive 2,000 head of cattle across hundreds of miles of the country’s most unforgiving land, only to still face the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by the Japanese forces that had attacked Pearl Harbor only months earlier.
No other movie jolted me to my core and made me rejoice at the same time more than this intense “talkie” by Quentin Tarantino. From beginning to end this movie is relentlessly entertaining. There is not one piece of unoriginal or unrealsitic dialog in this film. At this point I have seen this film over 10 times already, I just cannot get enough of it.
2.) “The Mist”
“The Mist” is way more than just another Stephen King horror movie directed by Frank Darabont. It is a deeply rich morality tale with so many intricacies and subtle messages. Layer on top of that startling creature effects, horrific gory images and an ending that will leave you gasping for air. Some people may not get this film, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it weeks after I saw it in the theater.
3.) “Lars and the Real Girl”
Critics have heralded this film as being tender and beautiful and some have called it pretentious. I say “Lars and the Real Girl” is a soft and sweet film that has a huge heart with a message that moved me to tears. Ryan Gosling gives another remarkable Oscar worthy performance as Lars who starts to date a sex doll. The premise may sound absurd to some people but the pay off in the end restored a bit of my faith in humanity as I realized how much compassion people can have if they try.
4.) “Knocked Up”
“Knocked Up” is the smartest adult stoner comedy to come out in decades (except for “40 year Old Virgin” of course). Who cares if it doesn’t seem plausible that a girl like Katherine Heigel would sleep with a guy like Seth Rogan? Both actors create such a great chemistry and work so well with the absurd comedic material that it truly comes off believable. This movie has so many belly laugh moments it is easy to watch over and over on DVD.
5.) “Hairspray”
The original “Hairspray” film by John Waters from the late 80’s is my all time favorite film ever. I have seen it at least over a hundred times. When I heard the Broadway play was being made into a film I was a bit scared. Boy was I wrong! The set designs, music, screenplay and acting are bursting with energy and color. This musical was the biggest surprise for me this past summer. As the song from the film says, “you can’t stop the beat”, right on!
6.) “Juno”
If “Knocked Up” is the best intelligent stoner comedy of the year, then “Juno” is the best intellectually stimulating comedy of the year. I fell in love with this film within the first few frames. The screenplay by Diablo Cody is a work of genius. Not one scene comes off artificial or contrived. This film finally depicts teen pregnancy in a way that doesn’t demonize sex or young adult’s choices. “Juno” deserves a lot of Oscar nominations this season in all the main categories, hands down!
7.) “Eastern Promises”
David Cronenberg is one of my top three favorite movie directors of all time. “Eastern Promises” is the best Russian mobster movie I have ever seen. Much like “Goodfellas” and “The Departed”, “Eastern Promises” gives a detailed and rich depiction of a culture that isn’t shown much in cinema. The gritty realism and hard core fight scenes make this one of the most intense films of the year.
8.) “Superbad”
“Superbad” is the best teen sex romp comedy since the 1980’s. Written and created by the same guys that made “Knocked Up” this crude and smart as a whip film has the best quotable dialog from a film all year. Mc Lovin is the best film geek ever put on screen in my opinion. Perfectly acted and sweet in all the right moments, “Superbad” is enjoyable from start to finish.
9.) “The Simpsons Movie”
After years and years of waiting “The Simpsons” movie was finally released, and the wait was well worth it. This film blew away my expectations and delivered on all fronts. I am crossing my fingers that we can see the Simpson clan get a nomination for best animated feature at the Academy Awards this year. This film only cemented the fact that The Simpsons are the best animated family in history.
10.) “Hot Fuzz”
A few years ago “Shaun of the Dead” made my top ten list and this year “Hot Fuzz” made the same impact as that hilarious zombie send up did. Taking jabs at movies like “Lethal Weapon” and “Bad Boys”, “Hot Fuzz” does a great job at being consistently funny without being too over the top and silly. There are so many hidden jokes and sight gags you need to see this film more than once to get them all.
11.) “Sicko”
“Sicko” is one of Michael Moore’s most honest films to date. He uses the topic of the poor health care system in America as his latest victim of scrutiny. This movie doesn’t go out of it’s way to create a political divide because health care is a universal problem. “Sicko” will infuriate you and bring you to tears, and that is the true sign of a great film.
12.) “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story”
This year was full of great adult comedies and “Walk Hard” is easily the best farce comedy since “Borat”. John C. Riley’s performance as Cox gives this film the sweet and ridiculously hilarious qualities that make this film such a winner. As a huge fan of the genre I have to say that “The Dewey Cox Story” is the smartest and quickest musical satire since “Spinal Tap”.
13.) “No Country For Old Men”
Haunting gory images and breathtaking scenery make this film stand out in a year of big budgets and highbrow comedies. Leave it to the Coen Brothers to weave a tale of serial killers, gangsters and small town people into a Shakespearean masterpiece. The ending will confuse you at first, but when you finally understand its meaning a bit later you will be blown away. This movie gave me the creeps in a big way, and I liked it!
14.) “Enchanted”
This delightful family film won me over immediately. This movie is exactly what Disney needed to bring back it’s credibility. By making fun of the genre they created Disney has made an instant classic with a sweet as pie plot and terrific acting and singing by Amy Adams. The animation is flawless and evryone of all ages will enjoy the jokes and references.
15.) “Sweeney Todd”
This was another great year for Johnny Depp, Tim Burton and movie musicals. The music and cinematography in “Sweeney Todd” is gloomy and spooky just like the plot. Only Burton could bring a blood splattering tale of revenge and lost love to the screen in such a morbidly beautiful way. Tim Burton and Depp may get some serious Oscar consideration when the nominations are announced next month.
MY FAVORITE DVD RENTALS OF 2007:
1.) “Fido” - This movie is like “Shaun of the Dead” meets “Pleasantville”, enough said. It will steal your heart and gross you out!
2.) “The Host” - This creature feature is funny, scary and a complete delight. This is how a good monster movie should look like.
3.) “Behind The Mask: The Rise of Lilian Vernon” - This dark comedy/horror film is wildly inventive and it is a hidden gem for sure.
4.) “Breach” - The biggest surprise thriller of the year is so intelligent and detailed it will hold you in its grip from start to finish.
5.) “Bug” - Not for the faint of heart, this mind fuck of a film will freak many people out and startle the hell out of your senses.
6.) “Jesus Camp” - The people in this film are some of the scariest documentary subjects ever filmed. It will jolt you to your core.
7.) “The Bridge” - This movie haunts me to this day. The subject of suicide has never been so eloquently explained as it is here in this film.
8.) “Zodiac” - This film was way overlooked by audiences. It is a gripping film with a terrific cast and beautiful cinematography.
9.) “Deliver Us From Evil” - This documentary sheds light on the Catholic Church and pedophelia in a way that will shock you.
10.) “Year of the Dog” - Molly Shannon is so good in this tender comedy about animal lovers. This film has a great message and is true to life in many ways.
11.) “Apocalypto” - I didn’t want to like this film but its details, rich history and lush images make this a gorgeous action film.
12.) “The Lookout” - This film is a great crime thriller that blew many critics away with its smart script and gritty premise.
13.) “Severance” - “Severence” is “The Office” meets “Hostel”. You will laugh and scream all at once in this gross dark comedy.
14.) “Crazy Love” - This was a great year for documentaries and this wacky tale of love is enjoyably twisted and just plain weird.
15.) “Once” - Short and sweet, “Once’ will charm your socks off with it’s great tunes and realistic love story.
THE BEST ANIMATED FILMS OF 2007:
1.) “The Simpsons Movie”
2.) “Ratatouille”
3.) “Surf’s Up”
4.) “Enchanted”
5.) “Bee Movie”
THE WORST FILMS OF 2007:
1.) “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry” - Fuck Adam Sandler and this preachy “love letter” to the gays. This is a piece of shit film that tries to look like it is tollerant, but it is just plain mean.
2.) “The Number 23″ - This movie is so bad it is laughable and ridiculously stupid. Nothing in this movie is believable, nothing!
3.) “Norbit” - Eddie Murphy offends everyone on the planet in this gross immature display of an actor’s ego gone crazy.
4.) “The Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer” - Why is Jessica Alba playing a blonde and who really likes this crappy franchise?
5.) “Epic Movie” - This is an example of how a farce can be bad. This one isn’t just bad, it’s horrible and ignorant.
6.) “Resident Evil: Extinction” - This movie series is a waste of celluloid. Even the special effects are crappy.
7.) “300″ - I don’t get this over stylized macho bullshit. The whole movie was laughable and silly, who really fights in underwear?
8.) “The Invisible” - This movie irritated me to no end. The plot is frustrating and the actors are just plain bad.
9.) “Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End” - Why did this movie run 2 1/2 hours? What was it about? Can anyone tell me?
10.) “The Ex” - This comedy was so very painful to watch. “The Ex” is mean spirited and crude, and not in a good way.
MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2007:
1.) Feist - “The Reminder”
2.) Junior Senior - “Hey Hey My My Yo Yo”
3.) Amy Winehouse - “Back to Black”
4.) Robyn - “Robyn”
5.) Mika - “Life In Cartoon Motion”
6.) Of Montreal - “Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?”
7.) Calvin Harris - “I Created Disco”
8.) Mark Ronson - “Version”
9.) The Arcade Fire - “Neon Bible”
10.) Simian Mobile Disco - “Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release”
11.) Groove Armada - “Soundboy Rock”
12.) Rilo Kiley - “Under The Blacklight”
13.) Robin Thicke - “The Evolution of Robin Thicke”
14.) Peter, Bjorn & John - “Writer’s Block”
15.) The Chemical Brothers -”We Are the Night”
16.) Kylie Minogue - “X”
17.) Rufus Wainwright - “Release The Stars”
18.) Fujiya & Miyagi - “Transparent Things”
19.) Daft Punk - “Alive”
20.) Soundtrack - “Death Proof”
THE BEST SONGS OF 2007:
1.) Peter, Bjorn & John - “Young Folks”
2.) Of Montreal - “Gronlandic Edit”
3.) Rihanna - “Umbrella”
4.) Mika - “Relax (Take It Easy)” / “Big Girl You Are Beautiful”
5.) Feist - “1 2 3 4″ / “My Moon My Man”
6.) M.I.A. - “Jimmy”
7.) Robyn - “Konichiwa Bitches” / “With Every Heart Beat”
8.) Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse - “Valerie”
9.) Justice - “D.A.N.C.E.”
10.) Beck - “Timebomb”
11.) Rufus Wainwright - “Rules & Regulations”
12.) !!! - “Heart of Hearts”
13.) Timbaland - “The Way I Are” / “Apologize” Feat. One Republic
14.) The Fratellis - “Chelsea Dagger”
15.) Kelly Clarkson - “One Minute”
16.) The Kaiser Chiefs - “Ruby”
17.) Rilo Kiley - “Silver Lining”
18.) Amy March - “Chick Habit”
19.) Kylie Minogue - “2 Hearts”
20.) Cassius - “Toop Toop”
MY FAVORITE DANCE SONGS OF 2007:
1.) Ida Corr Vs. Fedde le Grande - “Let Me Think About It”
2.) Samim - “Heater”
3.) Mason Vs. Princess Superstar - “Perfect”
4.) Bodyrox feat. Luciana (D. Ramirez Remix) - “Yeah Yeah”
5.) Axwell - “I Found U”
6.) Camille Jones Vs. Fedde le Grande - “The Creeps”
7.) September - “Cry For Me”
8.) Armand Van Helden - “I Want Your Soul”
9.) DADA - “Lollipop”
10.) Hillary Duff - “Stranger” (remixes)
11.) Pink - “Who Knew” / “U & Ur Hand” (remixes)
MY FAVORITE CONCERTS OF 2007:
1.) Daft Punk & The Rapture @ The Greek Theater 2.) Morrissey in Reno, NV 3.) The Arcade Fire & LCD Soundsystem @ Shoreline Amphitheater 4.) Morrissey @ The Filmore S.F. 5.) Lily Allen @ The Filmore S.F. 6.) Peter, Bjorn & John @ The Warfield S.F. 7.) Erasure & Cyndi Lauper “The True Colors Tour” @ The Greek Theater 8.) Kaskade @ Bill Graham Civic Center 9.) September @ The Energy 92.7 Party 10.) Razorlight @ Slims S.F.
“Sunset Tan” (E!) - There is nothing redeeming about these people or this reality series, the whole mess is just gross. “The Hills” (Mtv) - This “reality show” reminds me that money can make some people ugly. These spoiled rich white kids need a good as whipping. “Dancing With The Stars” (ABC) - This cheesy crap is just too corny and gay even for my taste. “The Simple Life 5: Camp Counselors” (E!) - Why did they make this staged reality t.v. show again? What a waste of t.v. air time! “On The Lot” (FOX) - What a boring failure this train wreck became. I was not impressed. “The Tyra Banks Show” (Syndication) - Tyra acts like a drag queen, and not the funny talented type. “The View” (ABC) - With Rosie O’Donnell gone this show became unbearable and grating. “Star Jones” (Court TV) - I wish this woman would just go away and stay away from my t.v. “A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila” (Mtv) - Watching this dating show is painful and turns my stomach. “American Idol” (FOX) - This year American Idol lost me with the whole Sanjaya thing and with it’s pitiful top 2.
T.V. GUILTY PLEASURES OF 2007:
“I Love New York 2″ (Mtv) “Kid Nation” (CBS) “Janice Dickenson’s Modelling Agency” (Oh!) “John From Cincinatti” (HBO) “Slacker Cats” (ABC Family) “Drawn Together” (Comedy Central) “Intervention” (A&E) “Judge Judy” (Syndication) “American Dad” (FOX)
I posted this top ten list last holiday season, but I thought it would be fun to make it an annual thing and post it again. Nothing has come out in the past year that would make any of these holiday favorites lose their position in my top ten. With that said, let the debate begin! What did I leave out? Any of your favorites?
Let me just start off by saying I have never been a huge fan of old holiday classics like “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “Miracle On 34th Street” or “White Christmas”. The cheesy warm holiday sentiment only goes so far with this cynical Scrooge! I prefer the more modern holiday classics, some I am sure are debatable. Here is my list of the best holiday movies to come out in the past 25 years.
1.) A Christmas Story - This is the best holiday movie ever. Full of classic Christmas scenes; the leg lamp, “you’ll shoot your eye out” and many more. The characters are timeless, and everyone can relate to the mayhem of Christmas dinner, photo’s w/ Santa and grandma’s home made gift (in this case it was pink bunny suit pajamas). This movie never gets old.
2.) The Nightmare Before Christmas - This is the best animated holiday movie out there, even those tired Rudolph and Frosty TV toons can’t compare to the brilliance of this picture. Tim Burton found a way to extend the Halloween scares into Christmas cheers. The soundtrack will last in your iPod from Oct. 1st through Dec 30th, keeping you in the holiday mood every step of the way. The songs, visuals and characters are timeless.
3.) Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas - If you have not seen this genius, dark “Muppet” holiday movie, you were deprived as a child. Based on the holiday classic story “The Gift Of The Magi” this musical brings a flood of Christmas memories to mind. If you can get past the depressing subtext you will enjoy the music and production values of this early 80’s, lost Jim Henson gem.
4.) Elf - This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, let alone a Christmas movie. The childlike energy of Will Ferrell’s character keeps the laughter and holiday vibes rolling along. This movie is sweet, charming and inventive. Zooey Deschanel’s dry wit gives this movie an adult feel balancing out the youthful energy of Christmas, making this a big kids holiday classic.
5.) Bad Santa - This is the ultimate anti-Christmas movie. This movie says “Bah Fucking Humbug” to all sappy Christmas movies of the past. The “
