OK, this happened a while ago, so I don’t remember things super clearly, but I had been dying to catch what should be the final version of my favorite movie of all time: Ridley Scott’s Bladerunner at the amazing Ziegfeld theater.

A couple weeks ago, I did just that… and it was amazing.

First of all there was quite a line to get in, but everyone in the line already had tickets, so getting in wasn’t such a big deal. Luckily, I was able to grab a seat for me and my lady right in the middle of the giant ocean of über-geeks and settle in for the show. By über-geeks, I mean there was a guy there with a replica glowing umbrella straight out of the movie. Additionally, they all cheered or jeered as the opening credits played based on each individuals contribution to Blade Runner’s tumultuous history.

Anyway, the huge picture’s quality was absolutely amazing and all the minor edits and tweaks mostly added to an already impressive movie. There was only one groan-worthy moment which came during the pivotal scene where Rutger Haur’s character confronts his maker late at night in his bedroom. During the original scene, Rutger stalks forward, staring down a man who basically represents his character’s God and says: “I want more life… FUCKER!” Unfortunately, in this “final cut” that “fucker” was changed to “father.” Several of the other changes also made things more plain and straightforward, but not with such hamfistedness. It was sad. I groaned.

Anyway, I should remember to purchase this new version on whatever HD format is the best. It remains my favorite movie ever!

Last Monday, my woman arranged a viewing of the 1974 Charles Bronson classic, Death Wish at Grand Opening’s latest incarnation: a drive in theater. The movie was expectedly laughable, except for the fairly graphic rape scene starring non other than a young Jeff Goldblum as a violent thug.

I really love what these guys are doing with the space. After the ping pong experience (which my woman also hooked up) and now the drive-in, I need to remember to check out every new incarnation of this place.

So, due to the suggestion of some friends, I checked out the new Stephen King adaptation: 1408. The funny part about this movie is that it’s almost two movies in one. The first half is a great, creepy flick carried by John Cusack’s witty acting… the second half is a ridiculous stream of nonsensical gags that amount to nothing.

When the whole movie ended, some guy in the back of the theater said “Awww, fuck.” And that was basically the general consensus. It was dumb.

I need to remember to stop watching stupid movies for no reason. There have to be better things to do with my time.

Last night I checked out Michael Bay’s explosive new re-imagining of an 80’s classic (and one of my favorite cartoons): Transformers.

I have to admit, I had very low expectations going in. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Michael Bay movie I’ve liked. However, if you check your brain at the door and let your inner fanboy loose, this new Transformers movie is truly an excitement filled, funny, and really entertaining movie… just don’t discuss the plot when you leave the theater.

Anyway, it was just awesome to hear our old friend Prime’s voice again. Sure, I had some issues with the changes to the characters, the lack of time spent with the decepticons, the fact that the decepticons spoke another language which seemed extremely xenophobic, and the fact that every black guy in the movie acted like a fool (yeah, that’s not counting the military guy whose only job was to call for backup), but the bottom line is that the movie thrilled me for 2 and a half hours.

I have to remember to check out the inevitable sequel they so obviously set up.

I ran across a link to the Vexille movie site today, so I thought I should remind myself to check it out. Cinematical says:

According to a glowing review over at Twitch, Vexille is about a future where android technology becomes forbidden once lines between technology and humanity cross. Everyone signs the UN treaty but Japan, who secludes themselves from the world, kicking out foreigners and masking themselves from electronic/satellite surveillance. After 10 years of seclusion, a Daiwa (Japanese robotic company) executive comes to meet with international politicians. Vexille, a female op based in LA, discovers the politicians dead, that the Daiwa is a cyborg and then must infiltrate Japan to stop the company and save the world.

Sounds good and the visuals look great! Too bad it opens in August in Japan… and who-knows-when in the states. Oh well, at least I can remember to look out for it.

Since coming back from Japan, I’ve been trying to steer clear of Japanese food since I felt like I almost OD’d over there, but one thing I didn’t get nearly as much of as I hoped while there was anime. So, I finally checked out Satoshi Kon’s latest movie, Paprika and I gotta say… it was awesome, like nothing I had ever seen before.

I could get into the plot and it’s science fiction aspects, but none of that is really important. The movie is about concepts more than direct this happens after that. Additionally, it’s just gorgeous. The art style had evolved slightly from his older movies, so it took about 5 minutes to get accustomed to the color palette, but from then on it was so much eye-candy!

When I walked out of the theatre, the only way I could describe what I thought of the film was that it was like Lucky Charms. That is to say: “Magically Delicious!”

I gotta remember to buy the DVD as soon as possible!

So, I caught Zodiac last night and loved it. Visually, there was so much to take in both during the big, impressive moments like the flying into old San Francisco as well as in the subtler moments within each character’s homes on offices. Additionally, the pacing moved everything along at a slow and steady pace capable of stretching tense moments out to the point where you had to close your eyes even before anything bad might happen because you just couldn’t take it any more.

Anyway, an amazing piece from David Fincher (the director of Seven) and a real modern classic.

I need to remember to check out his next film.

Paprika, Satoshi Kon’s latest film played in the New York Film Festival where it won an Official Selection (as evidenced by watching the trailer in HD) and I missed it… Way back in October. Anyway, now the wait begins as the film won’t see a US release until May. May! That’s like 2 months away… Hmm… that’s not too bad, I guess…

I better remember not to miss this sure to be exquisite feature from one of my favorite directors.

(Thank goodness there’s Cinematical for the reminder)

Creating the advertising and signage for the movie Children of Men (which I remember really liking) must have been a ton of fun for the UK based Foreign Office. Being in advertising, this is the type of project I would have loved to have done as it was basically free reign to comment on today’s marketing and the directions it could go in the future.

I need to remember to save time from work to pursue some more fun projects.

(Via Kottke.org)

I should remember to check The Great Yokai War out again now that it’s on DVD. I would imagine the special features on the DVD are great.