Michael Blowhard writes:

Dear Blowhards --

* Yahmdallah and Jon Hastings both enjoyed the new "Batman" movie. Here's an interview with the film's director, Christopher Nolan.

* Halliwell's Film Guide has named Yasujiro Ozu's "Tokyo Story" as the greatest film of all time. I'm only a semi-fan myself. I recognize how remarkable many of Ozu's pictures are, but few of them move me deeply. (The Wife adores Ozu's work, especially the earlier films.) Still: essential viewing for all would-be filmbuffs. A group of famous directors -- including Quentin Tarantino, Bernardo Bertolucci, and Catherine Breillat -- come up with their own lists of favorite movies.

* A trailer for the upcoming, Peter Jackson-directed version of "King Kong" can be watched here. Short version: a buncha actors on the run from CGI and Dolby effects. Naomi Watts looks mighty cute in her period costumes, though. She does "sexy distress" awfully well. It's funny how Peter Jackson has become a director of overblown, drippy epics, isn't it? Not so long ago, he showed a wicked sense of humor. Try his 1992 splatterfest "Dead Alive," for example. It's a hilariously over-the-top, low-budget satirical zombie thriller.

* Tyler Cowen notices that movie box-office receipts are down all around the world, and wonders why. One possible reason: A given movie's DVD is now available on average only 2-4 months after the film is first released. In any case, the theatrical business for American movies is off 25% worldwide. I loved this quote from one Hollywood executive: "The product has not resonated as much internationally." It hasn't been resonating much chez moi either. The Wall Street Journal reports that AMC Entertainment's movie theaters will offer money-back-guaranteed tickets to "Cinderella Man" this weekend.

Best,

Michael

I thought the Kong trailer was pretty funny, mainly because Jack Black is using the same "pompous rock star" voice he uses on his faux-Dio Tenacious D songs. My guess is that the movie will do a pretty good job of showing off Jackson's sense of humour. Thanks for the link...

Posted by: Jon Hastings on June 30, 2005 3:06 PM






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