Happy Birthday John Carpenter

It's been a while since I posted anything and I apologize for that, but no money=no movie watching. However, since today is the birthday of movie legend John Carpenter I thought I would post something in his honor and cover some films I managed to catch on DVD.

But first, let's talk about a movie god!
John Carpenter could never be defined by such titles as writer or director. His films are cutting edge trendsetters that have helped established genres and then redefine them as evolution takes carries his creation further down the line. I could start off with Halloween, Escape from New York, even The Thing, the list is endless. Carpenter was one of the first directors to take complete control of his creation, from writing, to direction, to score, and craft something that reaches down tickles every fear string in the hearts of his views. Whether his creation is Michael Myers, the alien monster, or a fire engine red killer car, Carpenter is able to bring print to life and give film credit to written horror. Now in the regime of the recreation or the "Remake" a director of his style and his energy is exactly what we need. JOHN CARPENTER PLEASE save us from PG13 horror films or CGI filled bombs that offer a dazzle but no explanation of why or how. Bring back the silent stalker, the killer who kills and is the only one who can grasp why he kills. Bring back the end of the summer and the cold onslaught of fall. Remind us of why we fear the dark and why we hide under the sheets at night.

Okay, rant over, but do yourself a favor and go and rent Christine, The Thing, Halloween I&II and give yourself a good reason to scream.

Okay, now for the new films and the DVDs I've seen lately, maybe redeem myself for the silence you've had to endure.

The Help
This award winning film is a smash to watch and a pure joy to experience. Emma Robers shines as a girl rasied in the 1960's south around the southern hypocrisy that exiles African Americans but then demands that these strong women be the one to raise their children. She sets out to write a book complied of stories given to her by African American maids. The movie itself is a mixture of happiness, comedy, sadness, and rage at what these women had to face in a darker time in American history. By the end of the film you are laughing, crying, and cheering the quiet triumph of characters that are built and driven by positive direction. This film is a pure gem and a must see.

Bad Teacher
Ever looking for that raunchy delight that is so nasty and evil but yet a riot to watch? Bad Teacher is just what you're looking for. Starring Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, and Jason Segel, the film is like watching the Breakfast Club's twenty year reunion. Cameron Diaz portrays a money hungry gold digger who has to force herself to teach until she can find a man to take care of herself. From the dry humping to the dodge ball study sessions, you'll be laughing till you vomit and then you'll laugh again. The characters are sometimes shallow, deep, thoughtful and drop dead stoned, but they never fail to deliver the laughs. So, put the kiddos to bed, lock their door, and turn on the film and get ready to bust a gut.

Super 8
Every now and again a director is able to tell an adult story strictly from the point of view of a child. The most famous of these has to be Stand by Me. This Stephen King short story was directed by Rod Reiner and show cased childhood actors such as Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, and Jerry o'Connell. This film in itself is a stand out but is also the doorway to understanding Super 8. The film is directed by JJ Abrams and produced by Stephen Speilberg is about young people who are attempting to make a zombie film and end up getting caught in the middle of an extraterrestrial's fight for survival. Starring Elle Fanning, Dakota Fanning's sister, and Joe Lamb, the film is a true depiction of childhood drama mixing with the horrible and complex world of the adult. Add to this the action of Speilberg film and the mystery of an episode of the Outer Limits and you have a great masterpiece that is something you can happily watch again.


Well that's it for now, but I promise I will try and post something once a week, time permitting. Keep reading and keep watching.

J.