I love to keep track of wedding related movies coming to a theater near you. It may give me some ideas for our own wedding movies. Coming this summer is the film theatrical release of the hit musical sensation, "Mamma Mia!" Tell me what you think. Will it be as good as the stage presentation? Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Bronson, and Colin Firth. Chime in.
technorati tags: Mamma_Mia, Meryl_Streep, Colin_Firth, Pierce, Bronson, Wedding_Movies
Swingers
Well, here it is. The fifth and final film (listed chronologically by release date) that have influenced me as a filmmaker. It's Doug Liman's, Swingers. All I have to say is "Money, baby!"
Starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau (Jon also wrote it), Swingers is an hilarious comedy about a guy named Mikey who can't get over his girlfriend of six years. Six months after their break up he's still pining over her. As an aspiring actor, he's moved to L.A. from New York to hang out with his best friend Trent (played brilliantly by Vince). Trent and the rest of Mikey's gang of "know it all" friends all try to cheer him up by getting his mind off of his ex. Trips to Vegas, cruisin' the trendy L.A. bars, Hollywood parties, and even violent Sony Playstation hockey games won't do the trick. Mikey is hopeless. It's when he finally meets the right girl at L.A.s famous Derby swing club that Mikey finds his "mojo" and forgets his Ex.
Anyone who's ever been heart broken will be able to empathize with Mikey and get into his skin. As funny as the situations are, the feelings he goes through are real (how many of you have had the pining pain and frustrated sense of anticipation waiting for someone to call?) That's what I try to capitalize on when I create wedding and biography video we produce. To take real situations and real stories and present them in a way that is bright, fun, emotional, and real.
I also love the soundtrack. This movie practically put swing dancing back on the map in the mid 90s, and the swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy should be eternally grateful. (I should point out that this was right about the time I started swing dancing and eventually joined a troupe. Just a little known fact. Dancing at the Derby every Wednesday night was a must because that's ween Voodoo Daddy played.)
Between the music, the writing, and the fun characters, this movie is money! Rent it.
The Trailer - Remixed
Here's an interesting remix of the Swingers trailer I found on YouTube. It is re-edited to portray the movie as a drama vs. a comedy. It's actually very touching. I think you may be moved by it, whether or not you've seen the movie. Check it out.
technorati tags: Swingers, The_Derby, Doug_Liman, Jon_Favreau, Vince_Vaughn, Swing_Dancing, Big_Bad_Voodoo_Daddy, Hollywood
"Strictly Ballroom"
As a former semi-professional swing dancer (our troupe once performed at Disneyland), lover of all things ballroom (except for the loud outfits), and a huge fan of "So You Think You Can Dance" (I'm so glad they got rid of that host from the first season), it's no surprise that the #4 movie on my list of the top five movies that have influenced me is Baz Luhrmann's "Strictly Ballroom."
This quirky little movie from down unda is a Cinderella story about a very talented ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings, who insists to dance to the beat of his own drummer. Scott is poised to be the next national ballroom dance king, but the only thing is, he refuses to dance "strictly ballroom." He instead likes to turn to his own "crowd-pleasing" and rule-breaking flashy footwork, which the crowds just so happen to love.
The movie also tells the story of the frumpy beginner dancer, Fran, who has the audacity to approach an amateur champion like Scott to be his partner after Scott's partner leaves him due to his shenanigans. In the end, true love (and fancy footwork) win out.
When I first saw this movie back when I was taking video production courses, everyone in the film school heard this was the movie to see. There was a lot of buzz around the film. Yet, when I went to the theater to see it, I had no idea really what to expect. The first time we see Scott's loser parents on screen during one of the faux documentary interviews, I was hooked. It was hilarious! The dialog was witty, the characters unique, and the story's message was poignant: don't let fear get in way of pursuing your dream.
And of course, you know I love the soundtrack. Everything from the opening sounds of "The Blue Danube," to the cover version of Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time," to retro the sounds of Doris Day's "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps," the music is fun and magnetic. (I won't tell you how many times I've danced my own Paso Doble to the energetic Latin song that Scott and Fran dance to at the end of the movie. C'mon, you know you've done it too!)
Perhaps my favorite line in the movie, or at least the one that got the biggest laugh from me when I first saw it, was when Scott is dancing and admiring his footwork in the studio mirror, with Fran secretly watching on. When he discovers he's being watched, he stops, turns to her, and asks how long has she been there. Without skipping a beat, Fran responds, "Two years." (Which is how long she's been taking classes at that studio). The pace of the movie doesn't even slow down for the audience to "get" the joke. It just rolls off her tongue and they're on to the next line. Genius!
Below is an opening highlights video we created a while back set to the song, "Love is in the Air," which is the song that ends the movie.
Click image below to play.
technorati tags: Strictly_Ballroom, Romantic_Comedy, Dancing, Paso_Doble, Waltz, Baz_Lurhman, Austrailia
"Do the Right Thing"
Last summer I started a series on the top five movies that have influenced my work as a filmmaker and event videographer. In order of theatrical release, the first was The Graduate. Second, we had When Harry Met Sally. I then got busy and stalled out. Sorry 'bout that. Here's #3. It may surprise you. Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing.
Here are the top three reasons DTRT has been an influence on me as a filmmaker:
technorati tags: Do_the_Right_Thing, Spike_Lee, Race_Relations
You know those movies about love, life, friendship, and everything in between; the kind of movie where after you finish watching it, you feel like you can conquer the world? The kind that makes the president of the chess club dare to ask the homecoming queen to the prom. Cameron Crowe's "Say Anything..." is just such a movie.
This 1989 Crowe classic stars John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler and Ione Skye as Diane Court. Lloyd is an underachieving kick boxer, while Diane is a beautiful brain. The movie tells the story of how he wins her heart and the trials they deal with trying to make this somewhat mixed relationship work the summer before she leaves for college in England. They have to deal with loser friends and over-protective fathers along the way.
As is the case with all of Crowe's movies (e.g. "Jerry Maguire," "Almost Famous," "Elizabethtown") the writing is crisp and catchy, the humor creative, and the soundtrack superb. This was his first directed feature.
Some classic moments:
When it comes to 80s romance flicks, "Say Anything..." says it all. Rent it!
Need more? Watch the trailer:
technorati tags: Say_Anything, John_Cusack, Cameron_Crowe, Peter_Gabriel, 80s, romantic_comedy
How would you feel if your entire family forgot your to show up on your wedding day? I'm sure you'd feel pretty bad. Would you feel unloved? Unwanted? PO'd? I ask about loved ones missing a wedding only because this is a wedding themed website so I figured you'd have a better time relating. Relating to what you ask? Well, how you'd feel if your family forgot your sweet 16. That's the premise for the John Hughes classic, "Sixteen Candles," the second movie I review in my series this month paying homage to the 80s teen angst genre.
The synopsis (as if you didn't already know) is about Samantha Baker, who on the morning of her 16th birthday realizes that her entire family has forgotten it. The reason: her older and more beautiful/popular sister's wedding is the next day, and the entire family is preoccupied with visiting grandparents and mobster in-laws. To make matters worse, Jake Ryan, the cutest, coolest guy in school, and a senior who Sam is hopelessly infatuated with, has no idea she exists...or so she thinks. Throw in "Farmer Ted The Geek," a Chinese exchange student by the name of Long Duk Dong, and a classic 80s soundtrack, and you have the making of a cinematic masterpiece. Well, er, you know what I mean.
Since I know most of you out there have seen this movie about a dozen times, I won't bother going into any more details. So, I thought it would be fun to share some movie trivia, courtesy of the IMDB (the Internet Movie Database):
And here's a link to IMDB of some classic quotes from the movie.
Okay, now what you've been waiting for, the video portion of this post. I hopped on over to YouTube and found this classic scene where the Geek and Samantha have their car talk—and she ends up giving him her underpants. (parental discretion is advised as there naughty words in this scene).
technorati tags: Sixteen_Candles, Molly_Ringwald, Anthony_Michael_Hall, 80s, John_Hughes
Oct 2 was my 38th birthday, and last weekend my family drove down to the L.A. area for my (gulp!) 20th HIGH SCHOOL REUNION (class of 1986 South Pasadena). There once was a time when I heard the phrase "20 years ago" and that meant the 60s or the 70s. Now, when I hear that same phrase, it means THE 80s. When I was in high school. Say it ain't so!
In honor of those days gone by, this month I will do a series on 80s romance flicks. "Pretty in Pink," "Sixteen Candles," "Say Anything," etc. You remember those don't you? Wait, maybe some of you don't. Egads! It just occurred to me that there are some of you out there reading this now who were toddlers when the likes of Molly Ringwald, Anthony McCarthy, James Spader, and Jon Cryer took to the screen in the John Hughes romantic comedy "Pretty in Pink." Or when John Cusack held up that boombox blasting Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" to the woman he loved. Okay, maybe you've seen them on DVD. But still, you get my point.
Classic Molly
We'll start this series off with the film that also celebrates 20 years, "Pretty in Pink." This is another one of John Hughes' teen angst romance flicks that touched the hearts of everyone who saw it. It tells the story of Andie Walsh (Molly), a girl from the wrong side of the tracks in love with Blane McDonnagh (Andrew McCarthy), a richie who happens to have an eye for Andie as well. However, he has to hide his affections because his snobbish friends--like the dastardly, yet strangely likable Steff (played brilliantly by James Spader. What kind of name is Steff).
But wait, it wouldn't be true John Hughes romance without "the geek" quotient who is the side in this love triangle. "Duckie" (Jon Cryer) is Andie's best friend and he is head over heels in love with her. However, for some strange reason, Andie's female intuition is oddly malfunctioning as it seems she has no idea how love struck Duckie is. Or, perhaps her desire for Blane has blinded her ("Blane! That's not a name, that's a major kitchen appliance."~Duckie)
Throughout the movie, Andie and Blane try to make a go at their "Romeo and Juliet-esque" relationship, with friends on both sides casting aspersions at the couple. Andie is humiliated at Steff's party, then Blane is given the cold shoulder by Duckie when Andie takes him to a favorite hang out. The stakes are raised when Blane asks Andie to the prom, but takes back the invitation later on. His excuse? He forgot about another commitment (Lie!) It's kind of like that episode in the Brady Bunch when Marcia was asked out by her dreamy quarterback, he took back his invitation after Marcia got a busted nose. His excuse, "Something suddenly came up." Anyway, I digress.
In the end, Andie learns that she has value as a person, regardless of how much money she has; Blane learns that love can indeed transcend barriers of class; and Duckie, well, Duckie learns that there are other fish in the sea (see last scene). Some of my favorite movie moments include:
But, without a doubt, the scene to beat all scenes from the movie is "Duckie's Dance" to Otis Reddings' "Tenderness." Every movie as THE scene that you come out of the theatre talking about. This is it. And it's right here for your enjoyment (courtesy of YouTube). I defy you to fight the urge to run out and run out and rent this movie after watching this clip. Or better yet, buy the "Pretty in Pink: Everything's Duckie" edition. You won't be sorry.
technorati tags: Pretty_in_Pink, Molly_Ringwald, Jon_Cryer, Andrew_McCarthy, James_Spader, John_Hughes, Romantic_Comedy, 80s
This post is about TRUTH, beauty, FREEDOM, but above all things...LOVE
If you are a fan of the 2001 hit romantic drama that single-handedly revived the movie musical genre, then the title of this post struck a familiar chord. "Moulin Rouge" was written and directed by Baz Luhrman, the same guy who brought you "Romeo + Juliet" (the one with Leo D.) and one of my personal faves, "Strictly Ballroom." It tells the story of a poor, hopelessly romantic writer, Christian (Ewan McGregor), who falls madly in love with the queen of courtesans in the French red-light district, Satine (played beautifully by Nicole Kidman). Due to a comical mix-up, Satine believes at first that Christian is the rich and powerful Duke who has agreed to invest in the Moulin Rouge and make Satine a "real actress." When she finds out who Christian really is, despite the odds against a woman of the night having a successful relationship with a love sick, dead broke writer, she is captivated by and falls in love with him. Throughout the movie, they must hide their love from the Duke as she placates him, Christians love and jealousy growing all the stronger. Will their love survive the evil Duke's rampage? Will Satine ever become a real actress? Well, you just have to rent it and find out.
This is another one of those stories you might be surprised that a Christian (as in the religion, not the character)such as myself would like. It's basically the story about a hooker and it takes place in a brothel. These also aren't the kind of places a wedding movie producer should get influences. However, one of the things I love about the story is actually near and dear to my faith. That is redemption. Despite the past Satine has had, someone loves her for who she is. And she sees a better future for her life—one without selling her body for money. One where she'll receive unconditional love and a chance to start a new life. That is a key aspect of my faith, and perhaps why I am fond of the story.
Of course, as a filmmaker, I also can't deny that I love everything cinematic about the movie. The sets; the cinematography; the acting; and, who can forget...the music. I LOVE the music. Everything from the whimsical 20th Century Fox musical medley Christian sings to his Bohemian neighbors, to the eerie rendition of "Nature Boy" by David Bowie; to the tango version of Sting's "Roxanne." And who can forget, THE song. The love ballad between Christian and Satine. And I was probably just as surprised as you when I realized that Nicole and Ewan did all their own singing. Yes, the soundtrack is no doubt a popular staple in every wedding videographer's library.
Speaking of which, here are links to three videos we've produced which utilize a song from this fantastic soundtrack:
If you want to explore more "Moulin Rouge" cinematic history, check out the 1952 movie directed by John Houston, starring Zsa Zsa Gabor and Jose Ferrer (the latter plays Toulouse, the stunted growth, alcoholic writer portrayed by John Lequizamo in Baz Luhrman's movie. If you just want another taste of the 2001 flick, watch the trailer.
technorati tags: Moulin_Rouge, Nicole_Kidman, Ewan_McGregor, Baz_Luhrman, Musical
Can Men and Women Really be JUST Friends?
This age-old question is explored in perhaps the most famous, beloved, romantic comedy of all times, "When Harry Met Sally." When one of our clients wants a romantic comedy-style love story or wedding movie, this is the movie they often reference. Everyone just loves those sporadic interviews of old couples re-telling their love stories. A little known fact is that those stories are real, but the couples telling them are actors. They tried using the real people, but they just couldn't give the necessary delivery for a feature comedy film. Interesting huh?
For those of you with sheltered pasts and have (God forbid) never seen this king of romantic comedies, here's a quick synopsis. Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) meets Sally Allbright (Meg Ryan—the names say it all) as they travel from Chicago to New York after graduation from college. She hates him. (Actually, she only thinks she hates him). They meet up again on a plane 5 years later. He annoys her even more. She hates him more (so she thinks). They hook up (yet again) 5 years after that. This is where the story really begins.
Harry is on the verge of divorce and Sally has broken up with her boyfriend of five years. What follows is their journey through friendship as they share intimate thoughts and feelings and try to match each other with their respective best friends (Sally's best friend with Harry and vice versa). The best friends are played ingeniously by Carrie Fisher (yes, Princess Leia) and Bruno Kirby. Turns out, the best friends really aren't that attracted to Sally and Harry, but instead are to each other.
When Sally finds out her ex is getting married, she naturally calls Harry to come over so she can vent. In a moment of weakness, Sally crying into Harry's nice sweater, they look into each other's eyes, then Sally KISSES Harry. (Some couples may argue that Harry kisses Sally, but they're wrong.) The kiss leads to something more. The next thing you see is a blissful Sally snuggling up to a fear-struck Harry. Based on an earlier conversation he had with Sally reagarding what men really think after having sex, the audience knows that Harry is dying to get up and out of there.
This takes us into Act 3 where Harry and Sally deal with the inevitable consequences of sleeping with a friend. Harry says somthing stupid, Sally is hurt, Sally ignores Harry, Harry goes through hell trying to win her friendship back, and eventually they...well, you know what happens. And if you don't, rent the movie.
Why this makes Top 5
The movie was directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron (director of "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail.") The writing and directing are superb. Again, this is another one of those movies with witty dialogue, hilarious scenes, and the unexpected. I think it's such a favorite because even though the situations are comical, the feelings and emotional responses of the characters are real and we respond to them. So many people have been in the same positions, so you can relate. The men feel for Harry and the women for Sally. And I love how at the end, Harry and Sally's story is tied to the string of stories that has occurred throughout the movie.
Some of my favorite moments from the film
Also, I can't do a review of WHMS and not give a nod to the Harry Connick, Jr. soundtrack. That opening piano version of "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" is probably the most oft-used melody for romantic comedies since Harry met Sally. I've used it once or twice myself. As we know, music plays a huge role in the feel of a movie. I spend sometimes up to three hours just picking music for the videos I produce. It's that important. And this movie has the classics. "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off," "I Could Write a Book," "Where or When," "But Not for Me" and more. These classic tunes help give the movie it's staying power. They will always be loved and adored by listeners. And Harry Connick's jazzy arrangement is wonderful. If you don't already own the CD, get it.
I could go on and on. But the truth is, you all have seen this movie. So, I really probably just wasted my time recapping it. But, the movie was such an influence, that my very first wedding I edited back in 2002, for my very first wedding clients (Harry and Yuka) was named, "When Harry Married Yuka...". Harry and Yuka cried and laughed as they sat in my family room watching the 7-minute highlights clips I edited for them. At that time, I was only planning to do wedding videos until I could do "real" movies, or music videos. But their reaction to this clip made me realize that this is what I was made to do. It was truly a spiritual experience. I credit their reaction to my first wedding video as the reason I continued making them...and continue to love making them.
Here is that clip I showed them, the first wedding I ever edited. Some important facts to keep in mind while viewing:
Enjoy!
Below to view a clip of Harry and Yuka reflecting on the making of their wedding movie.
Next month in the series I review Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing." Read my first post in this series about "The Graduate".
technorati tags: When_Harry_Met_Sally, Romantic_Comedy, Wedding, Comedy
Today is "Feature Film Friday." Every week at this time I will bring to you my sage and wise advice on the best romance and relationship related movies to watch or rent. I will lend you my in-depth knowledge and keen cinematic sense to bring you extremely valueable and life changing commentary. Okay, maybe it won't be life changing, but it will be a lot of fun! Today I'd like to offer up for review, "Guess Who" starring Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac.
First of all, the casting alone is enough to make you want to drop $3.25 + tax at your local Blockbuster (of course, if you're really on top of things, you have a Netflix account and you can just add it to your list of discs to be mailed to you!) Bernie Mac is the African American comic and star of the Fox hit bearing his name, while Ashton "Mr. Demi Moore" Kutcher is of That 70s Show and Punk'd fame.
In "Guess Who" Bernie stars as Percy Jones, a high ranking bank loan executive about to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary. Ashton is Simon Green, a rising young stock broker and analyst betrothed to Bernie's daughter Theresa (played by the lovely Zoe Saladana). The title takes its name from the 1967 movie "Guess Who's Coming to Dinnner" starring Sidney Portier, about a successful doctor (Sidney) who goes to meet the parents of his white fiance for the first time.
As is the case in the original, Theresa's parents don't know that Simon is white until they meet him for the first time. One of the funniest scenes in the movie is when Simon and Theresa arrive by cab and Percy comes out to greet the African American cab driver thinking he's the Simon he's heard so much about. As he shakes the cab driver's hand, he barks orders to the real Simon to take the bags into the house (thinking he's the cab driver). Classic! Naturally, the whole movie plays on the trials that Percy puts Simon through as any self-respecting dad would do when meeting the future man that may forever rob the #1 spot previously reserved in his daughter's heart for him only. The race issue only ups the ante exponentially.
Besides being hilarious, one of the things I liked so much about the film was how real I thought Percy's reactions were. Sure, they're over the top at times in true Bernie Mac style, but the sentiment and emotion is authentic. He wants to protect his daughter and his experienced loan manager sense has a bad feeling that Simon isn't being honest about something (which is correct). He also doesn't take too kindly to Simon's inadvertant references to his physical relationship with Theresa. As a father of a daughter myself, I can totally relate!
Back in 1967, Sidney's Portier's movie was extremely provocative. Today in the 21st century, interracial relationships are common. So, it's not that huge a shocker to the audience to see the relationship between Simon and Theresa. Yet, the filmmakers are still able to create a realistic scenario where race is somewhat of an issue for the men in Theresa's family. Yet, I also like how the race issue isn't overdone in the movie. At it's heart, the core problem isn't race, but deeper issues like trust and honesty.
If you're in an interracial relationship yourself you may have a stronger connection to the movie. But regardless, I am confident you'll find the humor refreshing, clever, authentic, and the message moving. And, I must mention that the end credits uses a wedding DVD motif as you hear the main characters talk about scenes from Percy's 25th anniversary reception. Another feather in the cap of us hard working wedding videographers.
To see a trailer of the movie, click here.
Check back every Friday for future movie reviews. I'll be looking at not only contemporary films, but classics as well. And don't forget I still have four more of my Top 5 movie influences to review. Click here to read my first one.
technorati tags: Romantic+comedy, Guess+Who, Movie+Reviews
