By many accounts, Roald Dahl wasn't a very nice person, and it wasn't until I re-read his books for my kids that I realized that his writing had such a mean streak, too. He certainly didn't sugarcoat the world for his younger readers and his magical adventures were filled with neglected kids, bullies of all shapes and sizes, nasty grown-ups, macabre humor, and strange comeuppances. His somewhat bleak view of adulthood was matched by Quentin Blake's scribbly illustrations which highlighted the grotesqueries of his caricatures, such as Aunt Spiker's sharp frame in "James and the Giant Peach," or the general grossness of "The Twits."
Of course, kids have pretty horrible imaginations as well, so it's no wonder Dahl's novels have been cherished favorites for decades. One of his most popular novels, "Matilda," was also one of his last, published just two years before he passed away in 1990. It features...
Of course, kids have pretty horrible imaginations as well, so it's no wonder Dahl's novels have been cherished favorites for decades. One of his most popular novels, "Matilda," was also one of his last, published just two years before he passed away in 1990. It features...
- 12/23/2022
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Halloween is arguably the most movie-friendly holiday. After all, it’s a perfect excuse to stay inside, watch a classic (or brand-new) horror movie with somebody you’re comfortable screaming in front of. And this year, various home video companies have unleashed an embarrassment of riches onto the market.
From cult classics to stone-cold favorites to brand-new movies making their Blu-ray debut, there’s something for every discerning horror fan, and we’ve got a handy guide to the best new horror Blu-rays and 4K releases arriving on home video just in time for Halloween.
“Paranormal Activity:” The Ultimate Chills Collection Blumhouse/Paramount
In 2007, a found footage horror movie called “Paranormal Activity” started making the festival rounds. Made for 15,000, it was reportedly scary enough to spook Steven Spielberg, who watched an early cut on DVD. Picked up by Paramount, who sunk another 200,000 into filming a scarier ending, it was...
From cult classics to stone-cold favorites to brand-new movies making their Blu-ray debut, there’s something for every discerning horror fan, and we’ve got a handy guide to the best new horror Blu-rays and 4K releases arriving on home video just in time for Halloween.
“Paranormal Activity:” The Ultimate Chills Collection Blumhouse/Paramount
In 2007, a found footage horror movie called “Paranormal Activity” started making the festival rounds. Made for 15,000, it was reportedly scary enough to spook Steven Spielberg, who watched an early cut on DVD. Picked up by Paramount, who sunk another 200,000 into filming a scarier ending, it was...
- 10/22/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Versatile veteran actor and multihyphenate Danny DeVito, whose memorable roles include such projects at TV’s “Taxi” and Miloš Forman’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” will receive a Lifetime Achievement award for acting at the Camerimage International Film Festival, which runs in Toruń, Poland, on Nov. 9-16.
In the awards arena, DeVito shared a best picture Oscar nom with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher as producer on Steven Soderbergh’s “Erin Brokovich” (2001). He also won a Golden Globe as best actor in a supporting role for “Taxi” in 1978.
Camerimage is a cinematography-focused event and festgoers are sure to ask DeVito about his collaborations with such DPs as Oliver Stapleton on Taylor Hackford’s “The Comedian” (2016), Dante Spinotti on Curtis Hanson’s “L.A. Confidential” (1997), Donald Peterman on Barry Sonnenfield’s “Get Shorty” (1995), Stefan Czapsky on Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” (1992) and Dean Cundey on Robert Zemeckis’ “Romancing the Stone...
In the awards arena, DeVito shared a best picture Oscar nom with Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher as producer on Steven Soderbergh’s “Erin Brokovich” (2001). He also won a Golden Globe as best actor in a supporting role for “Taxi” in 1978.
Camerimage is a cinematography-focused event and festgoers are sure to ask DeVito about his collaborations with such DPs as Oliver Stapleton on Taylor Hackford’s “The Comedian” (2016), Dante Spinotti on Curtis Hanson’s “L.A. Confidential” (1997), Donald Peterman on Barry Sonnenfield’s “Get Shorty” (1995), Stefan Czapsky on Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns” (1992) and Dean Cundey on Robert Zemeckis’ “Romancing the Stone...
- 10/25/2019
- by Peter Caranicas
- Variety Film + TV
Suddenly thirty years ago doesn’t seem that long back, especially as so much from that era is being resurrected, repurposed, and remembered. This month we celebrate the anniversary of Tim Burton’s Batman and Warner Home Entertainment is offering up all four films from that period in spiffy new 4K Uhd editions (a box set collection will be out in September). We will look at those DVDs divided in half, the two Burton films now and tomorrow the pair from director Joel Schumacher.
It’s been argued that this film made super-heroes palatable to Hollywood once more, although it can be said it took until 2008 before that became a reality. What we did get was this film coming after mainstream media began recognizing comic books had “grown up”. In 1989, we already had Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight, Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons’ The Watchmen, etc. set the table and get people to pay attention.
It’s been argued that this film made super-heroes palatable to Hollywood once more, although it can be said it took until 2008 before that became a reality. What we did get was this film coming after mainstream media began recognizing comic books had “grown up”. In 1989, we already had Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight, Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons’ The Watchmen, etc. set the table and get people to pay attention.
- 6/3/2019
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
By H. Perry Horton
Shot by cinematographer Stefan Czapsky.
The article The Perfect Shots of ‘Batman Returns’ appeared first on Film School Rejects.
Shot by cinematographer Stefan Czapsky.
The article The Perfect Shots of ‘Batman Returns’ appeared first on Film School Rejects.
- 6/28/2017
- by H. Perry Horton
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Over the decades, the silver screen has been filled with dauntless canines such as Shiloh, Toto, Lassie, Benji and Beethoven.
Now comes the tale of Max.
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own, such as living up to his father’s expectations for him; he isn’t interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog.
However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front,...
Now comes the tale of Max.
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own, such as living up to his father’s expectations for him; he isn’t interested in taking responsibility for his brother’s troubled dog.
However, Max may be Justin’s only chance to discover what really happened to his brother that day on the front,...
- 6/22/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Warner Bros. Pictures has released the first TV spot for Max, a family action adventure from writer/director Boaz Yakin (“Remember the Titans), starring Josh Wiggins, Lauren Graham and Thomas Haden Church.
Blake Shelton’s special version of “Forever Young” from the Max Movie soundtrack is now available on iTunes! Get it now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/forever-young-single/id998028981
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations,...
Blake Shelton’s special version of “Forever Young” from the Max Movie soundtrack is now available on iTunes! Get it now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/forever-young-single/id998028981
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Sent stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is saved when he is adopted by Kyle’s family. But Justin has issues of his own, including living up to his father’s expectations,...
- 6/3/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“The nose of a dog, the heart of a Marine – sounds like a Hero to me.”
Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have released the first trailer and poster for the upcoming family drama Max.
A military working dog Max returns from service in Afghanistan after his handler’s death. He’s adopted by the man’s family to help the grieving family heal.
Have your tissues ready.
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan, alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own,...
Warner Bros. Pictures and MGM have released the first trailer and poster for the upcoming family drama Max.
A military working dog Max returns from service in Afghanistan after his handler’s death. He’s adopted by the man’s family to help the grieving family heal.
Have your tissues ready.
A precision-trained military dog, Max serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan, alongside his handler, U.S. Marine Kyle Wincott. But when things go terribly wrong on maneuvers, Kyle is mortally wounded and Max, traumatized by the loss of his best friend, is unable to remain in service.
Shipped stateside, the only human he seems willing to connect with is Kyle’s teenage brother, Justin, so Max is adopted by Kyle’s family, essentially saving his life. But Justin has issues of his own,...
- 3/18/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
With the popularity of films like The Room, Birdemic: Shock and Terror, and Sharknado (now with a 2 behind it!), it seems that some people tend to like bad movies more than they like good ones. However, long before Tommy Wiseau or James Nguyen were directing films, and before Tara Reid was even born, there was a magical man named Edward D. Wood, Jr. Even with his terrible sense of plot, sequence and cinematic structure, Ed Wood managed to give his own flavor to his films, culminating in the granddaddy of all bad movies: Plan 9 From Outer Space. In 1994, Tim Burton directed Ed Wood, telling the story of the infamous director and how his friendship with horror movie legend Bela Lugosi helped breathe some life into both of their careers. The 2004 DVD release of the film includes a commentary with Burton, edited together with his filmmaking cohorts, which delivers a comprehensive look at the film’s creation...
- 7/31/2014
- by Kevin Carr
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Black Sunday: Remastered Edition (1960) Lorber Films Blu-ray and DVD Available Now
One of director Mario Bava’s most acclaimed works, Black Sunday is a strikingly photographed “old dark castle” thriller revolving around witchcraft and possession. Barbara Steele (Piranha) gives a hypnotic performance as Katia, the unfortunate look-alike descendent of a witch who intends to possess her. This highly influential film, also shot by Bava, was the precursor to countless American and European gothic horrors. This is the uncut European print with a few extra minutes of footage, a different English track and Robert Nicolosi’s haunting original score. After years of ugly public domain releases, Black Sunday is finally being presented in its original aspect ratio with a high definition transfer struck from a pristine 35Mm archival print.
Special Features:
• Audio commentary by Tim Lucas (author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark).
• Original Bava theatrical trailers.
One of director Mario Bava’s most acclaimed works, Black Sunday is a strikingly photographed “old dark castle” thriller revolving around witchcraft and possession. Barbara Steele (Piranha) gives a hypnotic performance as Katia, the unfortunate look-alike descendent of a witch who intends to possess her. This highly influential film, also shot by Bava, was the precursor to countless American and European gothic horrors. This is the uncut European print with a few extra minutes of footage, a different English track and Robert Nicolosi’s haunting original score. After years of ugly public domain releases, Black Sunday is finally being presented in its original aspect ratio with a high definition transfer struck from a pristine 35Mm archival print.
Special Features:
• Audio commentary by Tim Lucas (author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark).
• Original Bava theatrical trailers.
- 9/27/2012
- by Bradley Harding
- Planet Fury
Before you pick up Ed Wood, it would behoove you to know that this black-and-white Tim Burton film was actually based on a true story. Johnny Depp plays an eccentric wannabe filmmaker, who would appear to be delusional if he weren’t so serious. The movie is mostly true. Yet, the bizarrely entertaining tale and over-the-top acting is almost a spoof on mid-twentieth century Hollywood. The movie has just been released on Blu-ray in 1080p.
Typically, when a biopic is released, it’s produced to celebrate someone who has had a significant impact on culture or society – for better or worse. Ed Wood falls on the latter side of that equation. His story is one of a person who made a career out of being the worst of the worst. Despite negative feedback from studio executives and the public, Wood continued to get funding to make bad movies – often cutting...
Typically, when a biopic is released, it’s produced to celebrate someone who has had a significant impact on culture or society – for better or worse. Ed Wood falls on the latter side of that equation. His story is one of a person who made a career out of being the worst of the worst. Despite negative feedback from studio executives and the public, Wood continued to get funding to make bad movies – often cutting...
- 9/24/2012
- by Bags Hooper
- BuzzFocus.com
”My girlfriend still doesn’t know why her sweaters are always stretched out.”
Of the eight collaborations between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, most of my movie buff friends will choose Ed Wood as their favorite, yet it was the least successful at the box-office, grossing less than 6 million dollars in 1994. Chronicling the man’s rise to “personal success” and his overwhelming desire to become the next Orson Welles, Ed Wood charted the director’s fascinatingly manic career; from Glen Or Glenda, to Bride Of The Monster, to Plan 9 From Outer Space. These were three of the most shamefully undesirable disasters “Hollywood” has ever produced, but to Ed Wood they were gold. Wood was a man who had the utmost level of zest for his so-called “art” and would never back-down to the barrage of criticism he would constantly receive. To him, Glen Or Glenda was a highly personal film,...
Of the eight collaborations between Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, most of my movie buff friends will choose Ed Wood as their favorite, yet it was the least successful at the box-office, grossing less than 6 million dollars in 1994. Chronicling the man’s rise to “personal success” and his overwhelming desire to become the next Orson Welles, Ed Wood charted the director’s fascinatingly manic career; from Glen Or Glenda, to Bride Of The Monster, to Plan 9 From Outer Space. These were three of the most shamefully undesirable disasters “Hollywood” has ever produced, but to Ed Wood they were gold. Wood was a man who had the utmost level of zest for his so-called “art” and would never back-down to the barrage of criticism he would constantly receive. To him, Glen Or Glenda was a highly personal film,...
- 9/14/2012
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Filmmaking is not about the tiny details It's about the big picture ~ Johnny Depp as Ed Wood (Ed Wood) Movie: Ed Wood Release Year: 1994 Studio: Touchstone Pictures Director: Tim Burton Starring: Johnny Depp as Ed Wood and Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi Cinematographer: Stefan Czapsky (Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, Blades of Glory) Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Is there a script? Fuck no, but there's a poster! Photo: Touchstone Pictures This shot makes me think of the Coen brothers' A Serious Man
Photo: Touchstone Pictures Johnny Depp begins his training to play Barnabus Collins 18 years later
Photo: Touchstone Pictures Love the photo on the table
Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures An iconic shot if you ask me
Photo: Touchstone Pictures I love the balance of this shot, how the two characters fit together despite being apart...
Photo: Touchstone Pictures Johnny Depp begins his training to play Barnabus Collins 18 years later
Photo: Touchstone Pictures Love the photo on the table
Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures Photo: Touchstone Pictures An iconic shot if you ask me
Photo: Touchstone Pictures I love the balance of this shot, how the two characters fit together despite being apart...
- 5/10/2012
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
In this ultra-violent thriller our own Jason Statham, the British national diving star turned screen tough guy, protects a sweet little Chinese mathematical genius from Russian and Chinese mafiosi as well as bent cops doing the bidding of a corrupt mayor of New York. The names of some of America's finest talents (among them producers Lawrence Bender and Kevin Spacey, costume designer Ann Roth and cinematographer Stefan Czapsky) appear on the credits. Which only goes to show you can't make silk Speedos out of thick ears.
ThrillerAction and adventurePhilip French
guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
ThrillerAction and adventurePhilip French
guardian.co.uk © 2012 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds...
- 5/5/2012
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
Filed under: Columns, Cinematical
Welcome to Framed, a column at Cinematical that runs every Thursday and celebrates the artistry of cinema -- one frame at a time.
It's hard to believe that Tim Burton's 'Edward Scissorhands' was released 20 years ago this month. The film was a project of firsts for the director, marking the start of a career-long collaboration with partner in crime, Johnny Depp, and the first time working with cinematographer Stefan Czapsky. While it was hard for some Burtonites to find anything redeeming about his latest film, the Add-riddled 'Alice in Wonderland,' his 1990 fantasy flick about an artificial man-child who is the beast that wins the beauty remains a fan favorite. It's Burton's most personal film to date, (themes about the artistic outsider and alienated, awkward teenager abound) -- flooded with unforgettable images that transport you into a quirky, pop-goth fairytale.
The candy-colored...
Welcome to Framed, a column at Cinematical that runs every Thursday and celebrates the artistry of cinema -- one frame at a time.
It's hard to believe that Tim Burton's 'Edward Scissorhands' was released 20 years ago this month. The film was a project of firsts for the director, marking the start of a career-long collaboration with partner in crime, Johnny Depp, and the first time working with cinematographer Stefan Czapsky. While it was hard for some Burtonites to find anything redeeming about his latest film, the Add-riddled 'Alice in Wonderland,' his 1990 fantasy flick about an artificial man-child who is the beast that wins the beauty remains a fan favorite. It's Burton's most personal film to date, (themes about the artistic outsider and alienated, awkward teenager abound) -- flooded with unforgettable images that transport you into a quirky, pop-goth fairytale.
The candy-colored...
- 12/16/2010
- by Alison Nastasi
- Moviefone
Filed under: Columns, Cinematical
Welcome to Framed, a column at Cinematical that runs every Thursday and celebrates the artistry of cinema -- one frame at a time.
It's hard to believe that Tim Burton's 'Edward Scissorhands' was released 20 years ago this month. The film was a project of firsts for the director, marking the start of a career-long collaboration with partner in crime, Johnny Depp, and the first time working with cinematographer Stefan Czapsky. While it was hard for some Burtonites to find anything redeeming about his latest film, the Add-riddled 'Alice in Wonderland,' his 1990 fantasy flick about an artificial man-child who is the beast that wins the beauty remains a fan favorite. It's Burton's most personal film to date, (themes about the artistic outsider and alienated, awkward teenager abound) -- flooded with unforgettable images that transport you into a quirky, pop-goth fairytale.
The candy-colored...
Welcome to Framed, a column at Cinematical that runs every Thursday and celebrates the artistry of cinema -- one frame at a time.
It's hard to believe that Tim Burton's 'Edward Scissorhands' was released 20 years ago this month. The film was a project of firsts for the director, marking the start of a career-long collaboration with partner in crime, Johnny Depp, and the first time working with cinematographer Stefan Czapsky. While it was hard for some Burtonites to find anything redeeming about his latest film, the Add-riddled 'Alice in Wonderland,' his 1990 fantasy flick about an artificial man-child who is the beast that wins the beauty remains a fan favorite. It's Burton's most personal film to date, (themes about the artistic outsider and alienated, awkward teenager abound) -- flooded with unforgettable images that transport you into a quirky, pop-goth fairytale.
The candy-colored...
- 12/16/2010
- by Alison Nastasi
- Cinematical
This review was written for the theatrical release of "Blades of Glory". The blissfully silly "Blades of Glory" is one of those rare comedies that puts a goofy smile on your face with the premise alone -- Will Ferrell and Jon Heder playing the world's first competitive male pairs figure skaters -- and keeps it planted there right until its wacky finale.
Co-directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon, probably best known for those popular Geico caveman commercials, have made a highly agreeable feature debut capturing the energetic irreverence of early Farrelly brothers.
With Ferrell's legions of Ricky Bobby fans already primed to go along for the ride, the Paramount release should cut some glorious figures at the boxoffice for weeks to come.
Having already parodied NASCAR drivers and soccer dads, it was probably only a matter of time before Ferrell got around to skewering figure skaters, but he does it up right as Chazz Michael Michaels, a swaggering rocker on ice with grungy black hair who finds himself banned from the sport after getting into a brawl with his rival, the narcissistic but naive Jimmy MacElroy (Heder).
Stripped of their gold medals, Michaels and MacElroy are having a tough time surviving in the real world. The perpetually soused Chazz takes refuge under an evil wizard suit in a kids ice revue, while Jimmy gets a job in the shoe department of a sporting goods store.
But when a former stalker of Jimmy's (Nick Swardson) points out a loophole in the figure skating rule book, the two previous foes join forces, much to the chagrin of reigning sibling champs, the diabolical Stranz and Fairchild Van Waldenberg (real-life husband and wife Will Arnett and Amy Poehler).
Working from an inspired script credited to brothers Jeff Cox and Craig Cox, as well as John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky ("King of the Hill"), Speck and Gordon maintain a comfortable pace while coaxing terrific performances from their game cast.
In addition to the pitch-perfect Ferrell (in a role originally meant for Ben Stiller) and no-slouch Heder (making good on that "Napoleon Dynamite" promise), the rest of the cast cuts a comic swath both on and off the ice.
Also proving to be good sports are Scott Hamilton, Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Brian Boitano, Dorothy Hamill and Peggy Fleming, all on hand to deflate some of the self-seriousness known to go along with the turf.
Tech aspects are uniformly smoothly executed. Montreal's Olympic Stadium and architecturally prominent Habitat '67 are captured to notable effect by cinematographer Stefan Czapsky ("Ed Wood"), while veteran costume designer Julie Weiss has truly outdone herself with all those over-the-top Lycra creations, getting a little help from the Bob Mackie, Bill Hargate and Ray Aghayan houses.
Also credit skating choreographer Sarah Kawahara for routines that are anything but routine and "American Idol" runner-up Bo Bice, who puts the right anthemic arena rock spin on the titular closing theme song.
BLADES OF GLORY
Paramount Pictures
DreamWorks Pictures presents a Red Hour/Smart Entertainment production
Credits:
Directors: Will Speck & Josh Gordon
Screenwriters: Jeff Cox & Craig Cox and John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky
Story: Craig Cox & Jeff Cox & Busy Philipps
Producers: Ben Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld, John Jacobs
Executive producer: Marty Ewing
Director of photography: Stefan Czapsky
Production designer: Stephen Lineweaver
Editor: Richard Pearson
Costume designer: Julie Weiss
Music: Theodore Shapiro
Cast:
Chazz Michael Michaels: Will Ferrell
Jimmy MacElroy: Jon Heder
Stranz Van Waldenberg: Will Arnett
Fairchild Van Waldenberg: Amy Poehler
Coach: Craig T. Nelson
Katie Van Waldenberg: Jenna Fischer
Darren MacElroy: William Fichtner
Hector: Nick Swardson
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
Co-directors Will Speck and Josh Gordon, probably best known for those popular Geico caveman commercials, have made a highly agreeable feature debut capturing the energetic irreverence of early Farrelly brothers.
With Ferrell's legions of Ricky Bobby fans already primed to go along for the ride, the Paramount release should cut some glorious figures at the boxoffice for weeks to come.
Having already parodied NASCAR drivers and soccer dads, it was probably only a matter of time before Ferrell got around to skewering figure skaters, but he does it up right as Chazz Michael Michaels, a swaggering rocker on ice with grungy black hair who finds himself banned from the sport after getting into a brawl with his rival, the narcissistic but naive Jimmy MacElroy (Heder).
Stripped of their gold medals, Michaels and MacElroy are having a tough time surviving in the real world. The perpetually soused Chazz takes refuge under an evil wizard suit in a kids ice revue, while Jimmy gets a job in the shoe department of a sporting goods store.
But when a former stalker of Jimmy's (Nick Swardson) points out a loophole in the figure skating rule book, the two previous foes join forces, much to the chagrin of reigning sibling champs, the diabolical Stranz and Fairchild Van Waldenberg (real-life husband and wife Will Arnett and Amy Poehler).
Working from an inspired script credited to brothers Jeff Cox and Craig Cox, as well as John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky ("King of the Hill"), Speck and Gordon maintain a comfortable pace while coaxing terrific performances from their game cast.
In addition to the pitch-perfect Ferrell (in a role originally meant for Ben Stiller) and no-slouch Heder (making good on that "Napoleon Dynamite" promise), the rest of the cast cuts a comic swath both on and off the ice.
Also proving to be good sports are Scott Hamilton, Sasha Cohen, Nancy Kerrigan, Brian Boitano, Dorothy Hamill and Peggy Fleming, all on hand to deflate some of the self-seriousness known to go along with the turf.
Tech aspects are uniformly smoothly executed. Montreal's Olympic Stadium and architecturally prominent Habitat '67 are captured to notable effect by cinematographer Stefan Czapsky ("Ed Wood"), while veteran costume designer Julie Weiss has truly outdone herself with all those over-the-top Lycra creations, getting a little help from the Bob Mackie, Bill Hargate and Ray Aghayan houses.
Also credit skating choreographer Sarah Kawahara for routines that are anything but routine and "American Idol" runner-up Bo Bice, who puts the right anthemic arena rock spin on the titular closing theme song.
BLADES OF GLORY
Paramount Pictures
DreamWorks Pictures presents a Red Hour/Smart Entertainment production
Credits:
Directors: Will Speck & Josh Gordon
Screenwriters: Jeff Cox & Craig Cox and John Altschuler & Dave Krinsky
Story: Craig Cox & Jeff Cox & Busy Philipps
Producers: Ben Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld, John Jacobs
Executive producer: Marty Ewing
Director of photography: Stefan Czapsky
Production designer: Stephen Lineweaver
Editor: Richard Pearson
Costume designer: Julie Weiss
Music: Theodore Shapiro
Cast:
Chazz Michael Michaels: Will Ferrell
Jimmy MacElroy: Jon Heder
Stranz Van Waldenberg: Will Arnett
Fairchild Van Waldenberg: Amy Poehler
Coach: Craig T. Nelson
Katie Van Waldenberg: Jenna Fischer
Darren MacElroy: William Fichtner
Hector: Nick Swardson
Running time -- 94 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 3/30/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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