This is one of the reasons I love the medium of animation, and furthermore believe that it isn't just a kid's medium or art form. This is a fascinating and compelling understanding of the essence of story in the filmmaking process, whether live action or animated.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
News of new "Winnie the Pooh" feature
I've read some pretty amazing recent news regarding the new Winnie the Pooh movie coming out this summer. I don't know about you, but this is one of the movies I'm excited about this year. For one thing, it's a hand-drawn animated feature, done the old-fashioned way as the Disney Studio used to make. But more importantly, I'm very proud that Disney has been returning to its roots within the last few years. Even though this is only the second 2D Disney feature since 2009's The Princess and the Frog, it promises to be a nostalgic, entertaining film for everybody. And given the amazing progress the studio has made since the mid-2000s (including Pixar co-founder John Lasseter's role as Chief Creative Officer for both studios), others may agree as well.
The following is a recent video interview with singer-actress Zooey Deschanel (Elf, Yes Man, 500 Days of Summer), who contributes a few songs to the film. She has a really amazing voice, and seems like a perfect fit to contribute to the world of the Hundred Acre Wood.
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/03/31/zooey-deschanel-winnie-the-pooh-music-video/
Winnie the Pooh is rated G, and opens July 16th in theaters everywhere.
 |
| Winnie the Pooh characters from the late-1960s/1970s. |
The following is a recent video interview with singer-actress Zooey Deschanel (Elf, Yes Man, 500 Days of Summer), who contributes a few songs to the film. She has a really amazing voice, and seems like a perfect fit to contribute to the world of the Hundred Acre Wood.
http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2011/03/31/zooey-deschanel-winnie-the-pooh-music-video/
 |
| Characters in the new movie |
Winnie the Pooh is rated G, and opens July 16th in theaters everywhere.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Disney Memories, and Notes
The following is another piece I wrote this past fall. For some reason, I couldn't find my original jump-drive copy, so what is written below is from a printed copy. Long story short, it's based on childhood memories, which, I'm sure (hopefully), many of us grew up with as well. Enjoy.
Disney Memories
In the movie section on the west side of the library there are
three shelves full of VHS tapes, all
Disney classics. I pull out titles at random
and recall:
Alice in Wonderland - High school art class,
sitting at my desk,
drawing and painting.
Aladdin - Kindergarden, laughing along
with my classmates as we
clap hands and sing songs.
That classroom bacame an art room.
Toy Story - My dad's house
out in the country in Iowa, in the snow
with my brothers and sisters,
sledding, making snowmen, having snowball fights.
101 Dalmatians - Day care, running and playing
toy guitars and drums with friends.
Sleeping Beauty - My babysitter's house, sitting
in front of her T.V., eating a bowl
of Kraft Mac & Cheese.
Fantasia - On the couch in front of the T.V., sitting next to
my brother and sister; they can't take their eyes off it, especially when
Mickey brings the broom to life.
Disney Sing-Along-Songs - My friend Brandon's house, the blue one
with the round window on the second floor.
The Lion King - My mom and I walk
passed the poster at the theater
as I quote Timon's lines.
Snow White - The back row of the theater,
I call my teacher who took me that day,
"The dwarfs are on!"
Beauty and the Beast - Auditorium
at the Arts Center, I dance
as a utensil, or "dingle-hopper," as Ariel would call it.
Dumbo - I haven't really seen this yet, just
a clip or two at Grandma's house. I think
I'd like to see an elephant fly.
Written by B.E. Kerian, on 12/15/2010
In my opinion, the Disney Classics on VHS are probably the most ideal and memorable of the videocassette era. For one thing, it was a whole new medium at the time (remember, this was the 1980s that this started). And two, because they are simply timeless movies that will live on; the videocassettes may not, but at least they are a reminder of a nostalgic, innocent, and simple technological time. I'm not dissing the technology that we have today; I respect the DVD and Blu-ray mediums and all that. What I am saying is that the VHS, I hope, will be remembered as the medium that first brought these timeless films to our living rooms. For me, they are my first memories of these films and will always have a special place in my heart.
B.E.
Disney Memories
In the movie section on the west side of the library there are
three shelves full of VHS tapes, all
Disney classics. I pull out titles at random
and recall:
Alice in Wonderland - High school art class,
sitting at my desk,
drawing and painting.
Aladdin - Kindergarden, laughing along
with my classmates as we
clap hands and sing songs.
That classroom bacame an art room.
Toy Story - My dad's house
out in the country in Iowa, in the snow
with my brothers and sisters,
sledding, making snowmen, having snowball fights.
101 Dalmatians - Day care, running and playing
toy guitars and drums with friends.
Sleeping Beauty - My babysitter's house, sitting
in front of her T.V., eating a bowl
of Kraft Mac & Cheese.
Fantasia - On the couch in front of the T.V., sitting next to
my brother and sister; they can't take their eyes off it, especially when
Mickey brings the broom to life.
Disney Sing-Along-Songs - My friend Brandon's house, the blue one
with the round window on the second floor.
The Lion King - My mom and I walk
passed the poster at the theater
as I quote Timon's lines.
Snow White - The back row of the theater,
I call my teacher who took me that day,
"The dwarfs are on!"
Beauty and the Beast - Auditorium
at the Arts Center, I dance
as a utensil, or "dingle-hopper," as Ariel would call it.
Dumbo - I haven't really seen this yet, just
a clip or two at Grandma's house. I think
I'd like to see an elephant fly.
Written by B.E. Kerian, on 12/15/2010
What I noticed as I re-read this piece this afternoon is that there's a lot of interesting, visual transition going on. I initially developed this idea of going from one place to a similar-yet-different place in each stanza. As I'm re-reading it, I'm visualizing the type of camera movements or shots that would work if this were a short film. (I, for one, think it has potential.) In my opinion, the Disney Classics on VHS are probably the most ideal and memorable of the videocassette era. For one thing, it was a whole new medium at the time (remember, this was the 1980s that this started). And two, because they are simply timeless movies that will live on; the videocassettes may not, but at least they are a reminder of a nostalgic, innocent, and simple technological time. I'm not dissing the technology that we have today; I respect the DVD and Blu-ray mediums and all that. What I am saying is that the VHS, I hope, will be remembered as the medium that first brought these timeless films to our living rooms. For me, they are my first memories of these films and will always have a special place in my heart.
B.E.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
REVIEW: "Bright Star" (2009)
Bright Star is the kind of film I really appreciate. It reminds me why I love the arts, why I love writing, and how I have come to respect poetry and literature more than I thought I could. It is also the kind of film that is genuinely beautiful, well-written, well-acted, and respects the period it presents. The costume design, for one thing, is fantastic. Personally, this is the kind of period piece I'd love to be (and have been) involved in. And, it's a very restrained film, even though it does have sensual/intimate moments in it (more on the level of the Song of Songs, which the story does reference). Ben Whishaw's portrayal of Keats is patient, honest, and believable, but it is Abbie Cornish's performance as Fanny Brawne that stands out. She has such a strength, look, and posture that makes her an exquisite actress. Her portrayal also has layers of tenderness, sympathy, sadness, subtle bitterness, regret, and beauty, that help us understand not only her character but also her reaction and gradual understanding of Keats' writings, poems, and character. This is a wonderful showcase for her and Whishaw, as it is for writer-director Jane Campion (who also made 1993's The Piano). A beautiful, well-restrained period piece. The poem recited at the end is Keats' own "Ode to a Nightingale".
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Definitions of Life and Movie
Definitions of Life and Movie (courtesy Dictionary.com)
Life:
- reality
- the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual (e.g., to risk one's life; a short life and a merry one)
- a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul (e.g., eternal life)
- the general or universal condition of human existence (e.g., Too bad, but life is like that);
- any specified period of animate existence (e.g., a man in middle life)
- the period of existence, activity, or effectiveness of something inanimate, as a machine, lease, or play (e.g., The life of the car may be ten years)
- living things collectively (e.g., the hope of discovering life on other planets; insect life)
- a particular aspect of existence (e.g., He enjoys an active physical life)
- the course of existence or sum of experiences and actions that constitute a person's existence (e.g., His business has been his entire life)
- a biography (e.g., a newly published life of Willa Cather)
- animation; liveliness; spirit (e.g., a speech full of life)
- the force that makes or keeps something alive; the vivifying or quickening principle (e.g., The life of the treaty has been an increase of mutual understanding and respect)
- a mode or manner of existence, as in the world of affairs or society (e.g., So far her business life has not overlapped her social life)
- the period or extent of authority, popularity, approval, etc. (e.g., the life of the committee; the life of a bestseller)
- anything or anyone considered to be as precious as life (e.g., She was his life)
- a person or thing that enlivens (e.g., the life of the party)
- nature or any of the forms of nature as the model or subject of a work of art (e.g., drawn from life)
Movie: related words (courtesy Thesaurus.com) include:
- moving pictures
- film
- theater/theatre
- motion pictures, as a genre of art or entertainment
- picture
- show
- entertainment event
- spectacle
- videocassette
- matinee
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Sequels, Falters, and Rebounds
There are certain kinds of film franchises, especially if you consider trilogies. First, there's the kind that begins with the first film, which is a huge success. It's followed by the second film, which is an equal or even greater success. But when it gets to the third film, the series generally falters. Specific examples of this first kind include the Godfather films (1972, 1974, 1990), the first three Shrek films (2001, 2004, 2007), Pirates of the Caribbean (2003, 2006, 2007), Star Wars (1977, 1980, 1983), and Spider-Man (2002, 2004, 2007).
Then there's the (rare) kind that starts with the first movie, again a huge success; followed by the second movie, equally or even better; and the third film, even more better. This type of films series is the kind that understands progression in story and character development, as well as what great movies and stories should be. Key examples in this category include the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003) and the Toy Story movies (1995, 1999, 2010). A latest example that could potentially fit this category is Christopher Nolan's upcoming Batman sequel The Dark Knight Rises (due out summer 2012).
And there's a third (but not final) kind that, again, starts with the first success, but then takes a falter with the sequel. Then, for one reason or another, the third film in the series makes a rebound, intending to be as good as or better than the first time around. Specific examples in this category include the Indiana Jones films (1981, 1984, and 1989) and the Back to the Future trilogy (1985, 1989, 1990). A latest example coming out this summer could potentially be the Transformers sequel Dark of the Moon (due out July 1, 2011).
More info coming soon from yours truly,
B.E.
Then there's the (rare) kind that starts with the first movie, again a huge success; followed by the second movie, equally or even better; and the third film, even more better. This type of films series is the kind that understands progression in story and character development, as well as what great movies and stories should be. Key examples in this category include the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001, 2002, 2003) and the Toy Story movies (1995, 1999, 2010). A latest example that could potentially fit this category is Christopher Nolan's upcoming Batman sequel The Dark Knight Rises (due out summer 2012).
And there's a third (but not final) kind that, again, starts with the first success, but then takes a falter with the sequel. Then, for one reason or another, the third film in the series makes a rebound, intending to be as good as or better than the first time around. Specific examples in this category include the Indiana Jones films (1981, 1984, and 1989) and the Back to the Future trilogy (1985, 1989, 1990). A latest example coming out this summer could potentially be the Transformers sequel Dark of the Moon (due out July 1, 2011).
More info coming soon from yours truly,
B.E.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Favorite Oscar Memories by B.E. Kerian
When this year's Oscar nominees were announced at the end of last month, I thought I would decide to share some of my favorite memories from past awards shows. And even though I obviously haven't seen every awards show there was since 1928-29, I've been able to watch various videos on You Tube as well as recall what I remember most from the shows I watched growing up. "Heeeeeeeeeeere's Oscar!"
1998- The first time I remember watching Billy Crystal as host. The above quote occured in a hilarious opening montage with parodied nominated films from the year 1997, including Titanic, As Good As It Gets, and The Full Monty. Crystal did hilarious impressions of Sammy Davis, Jr., Jack Nicholson, and a whole bunch of brilliant gags, as well as a great stage entrance on the deck of the Titanic!
1999- Flik and the gang from A Bug's Life presented the award for Best Animated Short Film (which went to Chris Wedge's "Bunny").
2000- Crystal is host once again, and in another opening segment he's virtually incorporated in a montage of many, many films from the beginning of cinema. Parodying verything from Taxi Driver to The Godfather to West Side Story, and my favorite, E.T.
- Crystal and best supporting actor nominee Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile) presented Woody and Buzz Lightyear (whose Toy Story 2 was nominated for Best Original Song). Add Duncan's John Coffey effects and some great gags from the Toys themselves, and you have another enjoyable Oscar moment.
2004- "The Return of the Host". Just as he did in the last two shows he hosted, Billy Crystal delivered arguably his best Oscar show yet, with another hilarious opening montage (and spoof) of various 2003 nominated films, despite a few risque moments. And let's not forget that this was the year that The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was every single award it was nominated for, tying with 1959's Ben-Hur and 1997's Titanic as the most Oscar-winning films. It was also the year when the show was moved a month earlier than generally aired.
- "There is no greater weapon in a director's arsenal than a strategically-placed song." Jack Black and Will Ferrell delivereda brilliantly-funny send-up to the music that is typically played in the case of a winner's very long acceptance speech. "Did you know it actually has lyrics?"
2007- Black and Ferrell returned to the stage (again, through song), only this time humorously criticizing the Academy for not considering box-office comedies as Oscar contenders. They even considered "fighting the nominees," from Leonardo DiCaprio to Mark Wallberg (Ferrell's future co-star from The Other Guys), and even poked fun at Best Actress contender Helen Mirren-until John C. Reilly interrupted, joined in, and convinced Black and Ferrell that a solution to an Oscar recognition was to do dramas and not just comedies.
2010- The year 2009 was, in many ways, a redeeming year. There were interesting movies that came out, many of which I haven't yet seen. And considering complaints over films that were snubbed the previous year, the Academy decided to expand the nominees for Best Picture from five to ten. One of the nominees in the category was Disney-Pixar's Up, which also became the second animated film in the Academy's history to receive this accolade. (1991's Beauty and the Beast was the first.) They even expanded the number of animated films that year from three to five. All five films (Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess and the Frog, The Secret of Kells, Up) represented different forms of animation--stop-motion, hand-drawn, and and CGI--making 2009 a very special year for animated feature films. (The year 2010 was no exception as well.)
- Co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin delivered, in my opinion, the best Oscar show since Billy Crystal last hosted in February 2004. The opening segment in which Martin and Baldwin riffed on just about everybody in the room (one which ignited a comical stare from George Clooney) provided a unique approach to a unique year.
- The acceptance speeches from top winners Monique (Best Supporting Actress, for Precious), Jeff Bridges (Best Actor, for Crazy Heart), and Sandra Bullock (Best Actress, for The Blind Side) were very big standouts, as well as enlightenments in their own special ways.
It's been a few years since I've watched an entire Oscar telecast (since 2007, to be exact). This year has another interesting list of nominees, some of which will be no-brainers, while others may be surprising. More news coming soon after the telecast tonight.
1998- The first time I remember watching Billy Crystal as host. The above quote occured in a hilarious opening montage with parodied nominated films from the year 1997, including Titanic, As Good As It Gets, and The Full Monty. Crystal did hilarious impressions of Sammy Davis, Jr., Jack Nicholson, and a whole bunch of brilliant gags, as well as a great stage entrance on the deck of the Titanic!
1999- Flik and the gang from A Bug's Life presented the award for Best Animated Short Film (which went to Chris Wedge's "Bunny").
2000- Crystal is host once again, and in another opening segment he's virtually incorporated in a montage of many, many films from the beginning of cinema. Parodying verything from Taxi Driver to The Godfather to West Side Story, and my favorite, E.T.
- Crystal and best supporting actor nominee Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile) presented Woody and Buzz Lightyear (whose Toy Story 2 was nominated for Best Original Song). Add Duncan's John Coffey effects and some great gags from the Toys themselves, and you have another enjoyable Oscar moment.
2004- "The Return of the Host". Just as he did in the last two shows he hosted, Billy Crystal delivered arguably his best Oscar show yet, with another hilarious opening montage (and spoof) of various 2003 nominated films, despite a few risque moments. And let's not forget that this was the year that The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was every single award it was nominated for, tying with 1959's Ben-Hur and 1997's Titanic as the most Oscar-winning films. It was also the year when the show was moved a month earlier than generally aired.
- "There is no greater weapon in a director's arsenal than a strategically-placed song." Jack Black and Will Ferrell delivereda brilliantly-funny send-up to the music that is typically played in the case of a winner's very long acceptance speech. "Did you know it actually has lyrics?"
2007- Black and Ferrell returned to the stage (again, through song), only this time humorously criticizing the Academy for not considering box-office comedies as Oscar contenders. They even considered "fighting the nominees," from Leonardo DiCaprio to Mark Wallberg (Ferrell's future co-star from The Other Guys), and even poked fun at Best Actress contender Helen Mirren-until John C. Reilly interrupted, joined in, and convinced Black and Ferrell that a solution to an Oscar recognition was to do dramas and not just comedies.
2010- The year 2009 was, in many ways, a redeeming year. There were interesting movies that came out, many of which I haven't yet seen. And considering complaints over films that were snubbed the previous year, the Academy decided to expand the nominees for Best Picture from five to ten. One of the nominees in the category was Disney-Pixar's Up, which also became the second animated film in the Academy's history to receive this accolade. (1991's Beauty and the Beast was the first.) They even expanded the number of animated films that year from three to five. All five films (Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Princess and the Frog, The Secret of Kells, Up) represented different forms of animation--stop-motion, hand-drawn, and and CGI--making 2009 a very special year for animated feature films. (The year 2010 was no exception as well.)
- Co-hosts Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin delivered, in my opinion, the best Oscar show since Billy Crystal last hosted in February 2004. The opening segment in which Martin and Baldwin riffed on just about everybody in the room (one which ignited a comical stare from George Clooney) provided a unique approach to a unique year.
- The acceptance speeches from top winners Monique (Best Supporting Actress, for Precious), Jeff Bridges (Best Actor, for Crazy Heart), and Sandra Bullock (Best Actress, for The Blind Side) were very big standouts, as well as enlightenments in their own special ways.
It's been a few years since I've watched an entire Oscar telecast (since 2007, to be exact). This year has another interesting list of nominees, some of which will be no-brainers, while others may be surprising. More news coming soon after the telecast tonight.
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