BOY A : Movie Screening

Jules of Cinema Movie Blog

Boy A
by Julia Marchese

Official Selection
2008 Tribeca Film Festival
2008 Berlin Film Festival
2007 Toronto Film Festival
2007 London Film Festival

Screens at the Los Angeles Film Festival June 27-28

Opening July 23, 2008 in NY at The Film Forum and July 25, 2008 in LA at the NuArt.

Not Yet Rated by the MPAA
Running Time 100 minutes

I went into the screening of “Boy A” completely blind. I had no idea what the movie was about, when or where it was made, who was in it, nothing. I got a pleasant surprise.

The film was made in England and directed by John Crowley (INTERMISSION, CELEBRATION, THE PILLOWMAN). Newcomer Andrew Garfield plays Jack Burridge, a 23 year old boy just released from a psychological prison. He had been there since he was 10, after committing a horrible crime. Peter Mullan (THE MAGDALENE SISTERS, CHILDREN OF MEN) plays Terry, the boy’s guardian during his tough transition into the real world.

The performances in this film are superb. Garfield has the lost puppy dog eyes and shy smile that makes the audience sympathize with him, even when we learn of his hideous past. Mullan shines as Terry, a man who just wants the world to believe that even “bad” people are inherently good, and can change for the better. Katie Lyons (GREEN WING) does an incredible job as Michelle, the girl that Jack falls for. She presents the character as self assured and playful, but with a longing underneath.


Although this movie is very intense and a bit disturbing I think it really works. It never veers into melodrama, and really lets you see the world through the eyes of the characters. It’s definitely worth seeing.

Movie Blog : The Apple

Jules of Cinema Movie Blog
by Julia Marchese

The Apple
Released 1980

Now you’ve seen Xanadu. Who hasn’t? And you thought it was awesome with all its cheesy dance/skate numbers and cutie-pie leads, but it left you wanting more. “If only,” you thought “someone would take Xanadu and make it ten times better/worse, throw some biblical allegories in there and set it in the “future” of 1994 – now that would really rock!”

Well, friends, look no further. The Apple is the movie for you. How this movie was actually made, I have no clue. And that’s what makes it so wonderful. As you sit there, mouth agape, watching the train wreck that is this film you think, wow. Somebody actually green lighted this picture to be made. And paid for it!

Catherine Mary Stewart (Night of the Comet, Last Starfighter) stars as Bibi and George Gilmour (his only film) as Alphie, two lame Canadian lovers who compete against the Bim, the corporate overlord, in a song competition. Although the competition is rigged and the lovers lose, the Bim realizes that it was a close one and decide to buy Alphie and Bibi. Promised fame and fortune, Bibi is all too anxious to sign up, but Alphie has a vision (and what a vision!) of destruction and opts out. The lovers are split, evil is winning and all seems lost, until…well, I’m sure you can guess what happens.

But the plot is inconsequential here. If you want outrageous musical numbers, this film is for you. The costumes, the lyrics, the dance steps all look like they were created while the filmmakers were on acid. Yay!

I cannot recommend this movie enough. It brings me joy just to know it exists. It also makes a great background movie at parties.

Warning: just a little note of caution to all readers. I have actually lost friends over The Apple. No joke. When I showed it to two cult film loving friends of mine, they told me I had no taste in cinema and shouldn’t be allowed to watch movies anymore. I told them to stuff it and that was the last time we spoke. Watch The Apple cautiously, friends. It has powers beyond most cult cinema.

Movie Blog : Rad

Jules of Cinema Movie Blog
by Julia Marchese

Rad
Released 1986

I’m a huge 80’s teen movie fan. I thought I had seen them all, but there’s always going to be those movies that slip between the cracks, and Rad was one of those movies. I didn’t see it until I was an adult, and I was a little concerned it was going to be lame. See, I had high expectations because my brother had given me the soundtrack on cassette when I was a kid and I grew up listening to it and loving it. But I hadn’t seen them film. What if I saw the movie and it ruined my love for the soundrack?

Don’t worry, it didn’t. Rad is justly titled. If you are looking for a super dated, super bitchin’ BMX movie that freely uses terms like “hell track” and “ass sliding”, this is certainly the film for you. Starring actual BMX-er Bill Allen as hometown boy Cru Jones and Lori Loughlin as the comely pro biker, Christian, the film also throws some classic 80’s cameos our way with Talia Shire as Cru’s hard ass mom, and Ray Walston as the crusty old guy. Wait, Ray Walstons always the crusty old guy. He’s even crustier here.

As the pro BMX-ers invade their small town to set up Hell Track, the ultimate BMX show down, local boys are getting elbowed out of competing. Cru thinks he can win! Unfortunately, so do the corporate no goods behind the competition and they’re determined to do everything in their power to stop him from winning. And his mom wants him to take the SATs that day! He needs to concentrate on his future, dammit. What will he choose? Cru, the usual 80’s pugnacious leads, shows the fortitude and sly know how to beat those big bad guys!! Or does he? I don’t want to give anything away here….

A bitchin’ soundtrack, genuinely charming leads and a super rad dancing on bikes scene. See it. Its Rad. (get it?)

Hatebreed To Release New DVD

by DJ Troll

Hatebreed will release a DVD called “Live Dominance” this September, but even the singer of the band, Jamey Jasta, says he has not had the exact date revealed to him.

Hatebreed has never released a DVD before but the band’s members hope to make gold with “Live Dominance”.

Jasta says that going gold is Hatebreed’s goal with this release because Hatebreed has never had a DVD go gold before.

The DVD includes footage taped mainly in Detroit but also in Germany, Philedelphia, New York City, and New Haven, Conn. In addition it includes a music video recorded in Europe during “Hatebreed’s Supremacy World Tour.” Jasta says that owning a copy worth the money.

He says, “Please go to the store and buy it rather than copy it. We need your support. You won’t be disappointed. It’s worth the money.”

In addition to the live DVD, Hatebreed is also releasing a live album this summer produced by legendary drummer Vinnie Paul (Pantera, Damageplan, Hell Yeah). The live CD has not yet been titled.

Jasta says Hatebreed is pleased with the whole line-up of this year’s Jagermeister tour. Of course, he may be particularly happy to be singing in the headlining band, but he also says, Type O Neg is an old favorite of theirs and the guys in 3 Inches of Blood are their friends from last year’s Ozzfest.

You may still be able to catch the sixth annual Jagermeister Tour in a city near you. See every upcoming tour date listed at www. hatebreed. com. If you do catch a show, you may buy band merchandise directly, save money and support the tour!

Coincidentally I spoke to Jasta before their recent show in New Orleans about the cost of diesel for touring bands.

He said, “Diesel is expensive; like five dollars a gallon.”
Since Jagermeister is sponsoring the tour you might think they would supply everything, but I found out that’s not exactly true either.

The band does however get as many logo flip-flops, matchbooks and T-shirts as they desire and almost all the Jagermeister they can stomach!

Ah, the life of a rockstar.

More info => MySpace.com/Hatebreed

Tour Log : Mugison

Tour Log : Mugison
(MySpace.com/Mugison)

Icelandic singer-songwriter Mugison is gearing up for the release of his third official solo album Mugiboogie, described as "a mind-trip back to yesteryear when music was free from categorization, when gothic guitars towered and scintillated and when you could hear guts being spilled out all over the record." Mugiboogie drops internationally on July 22, 2008 on the Ipecac label and has already sold over 10,000 copies in Iceland. Preview track samples, order the album and get more Mugison info at his official website Mugison.com.

Mugison recently wrapped his two week Canadian tour with Queens Of The Stone Age. Check out random Mugison shenanigans from the road....

TOUR BLOG 1


TOUR BLOG 2



TOUR BLOG 3




TOUR BLOG 4




TOUR BLOG 5




TOUR BLOG 6 - Winnipeg, MB - 5.7. 08




TOUR BLOG 7 - Hamilton, ON - 5.10.08

Movie Blog : Fade to Black

Jules of Cinema Movie Blog
by Julia Marchese

Fade to Black
Released October 14, 1980

I’m usually not shy when it comes to talking to celebrities. I’m not one of those annoying kids who will disturb people at dinner, but if I see someone I respect, I’ll usually toddle over and say hi, with no embarrassment.

The one celebrity who struck fear into my heart was Mickey Rourke. We’ve all heard stories about Mickey. Punching people, generally being mean, and looking pretty plastic to boot. I had visions of walking up to him and getting a sock in the nose before the first syllable of his name left my mouth.

I mustered my courage to the sticking place and said “Mr. Rourke, I love you in ‘Fade To Black’”. He stopped, really looked at me, and grabbed my hand. “What’s your name?” he asked, in his husky voice. “Julia” I responded, meekly. “Julia, Sweetheart, no one has ever told me that before. Thank you. “ He kissed my hand, and I walked away on cloud nine. Not only was he awesome, and kissed my hand, but also I gave him a compliment he had never heard before – every geek’s dream. Score!!

The movie of which I spoke, “Fade to Black”, is a little seen horror classic. Released in 1980, it was executive produced by Irwin Yablans, fresh off of the success of Halloween. The star, Dennis Christopher, had just been nominated for a Golden Globe for his break out role in “Breaking Away.”

Christopher stars as Eric Binford, the movie geek to end all movie geeks. (He even has a New Beverly Cinema calendar in his room! Yes!) This is before VHS, kids, so Eric locks himself in his bedroom, wearing a rakishly tilted fedora and chain smoking while he watches classic films on his 16mm projector. He evil aunt hates him, all of the people at work hate him, he’s an outcast who’s longing for someone to share his useless movie knowledge with. Today he would embrace his inner geek and find companionship at the Fangoria convention, but this is 1980. Being called a geek was an insult and not a compliment. Under too much pressure, Eric’s line between fantasy and reality snaps and he begins dressing like the characters he idolizes so much and bumping off those who have done him wrong. Like Richie, (Mr. Rourke) his conniving coworker.

This film is incredible. Dennis Christopher is perfect as Eric Binford, he’s down trodden and dorky, but you love him so much, you remain on his side throughout. Tim Thomerson and Gwynne Gilford are unintentionally hilarious as the cops on Eric’s tail. Not only does this film have some of the most creative deaths ever put to screen, but it also features a babe-a-licious Australian Marilyn Monroe, film trivia a go go, and the most jaw dropping Grauman’s Chinese Theater finale ever.

If Mickey Rourke likes it, you should too.