Michael Mirasol - The Flipcritictag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008-05-09:/flipcritic/12008-06-24T04:28:10ZMovable Type Open Source 4.1George Carlin, In His Own Words (Courtesy of the Associated Press)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.602008-06-24T04:26:15Z2008-06-24T04:28:10ZDuring a 1997 interview with the Associated Press, comedian George Carlin discussed his ideal obituary, life regrets, accomplishments, and his impact of fellow artists....Michael Mirasol
During a 1997 interview with the Associated Press, comedian
George Carlin discussed his ideal obituary, life regrets,
accomplishments, and his impact of fellow artists.
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George Carlin, Rest In Peacetag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.592008-06-23T05:41:26Z2008-06-23T08:37:34ZMichael MirasolIn the world of stand-up, the holy trinity is comprised of three people. The first is Lenny Bruce, the second is Richard Pryor.
The third has re-joined his triumvirate in laughter heaven. George Carlin (God knows you were one of the absolute best) is gone. Bless you sir.
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Trailer: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (Courtesy of Apple Trailers)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.572008-06-19T14:39:50Z2008-06-19T15:49:16ZBenjamin Button (Brad Pitt) is born an old man and ages in reverse until he becomes a baby and then finally vanishes from the earth. At age 50, he falls in love with a 30-year-old woman (Cate Blanchett), and must...Michael MirasolBenjamin Button (Brad Pitt) is born an old man and ages in reverse until he becomes a
baby and then finally vanishes from the earth. At age 50, he falls in
love with a 30-year-old woman (Cate Blanchett), and must come to terms
with the relationship as they literally grow in opposite directions
David Fincher (dir) Brad Pitt Cate Blanchett Tilda Swinton Julia Ormond Elle Fanning Elias Koteas
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The X-Files: I Want To Believe (Courtesy of Apple Trailers)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.582008-06-19T02:00:00Z2008-06-19T17:04:23ZChris Carter (dir.)David DuchovnyGillian AndersonAmanda PeetBilly ConnollyAlvin Joiner...Michael MirasolChris Carter (dir.) David Duchovny Gillian Anderson Amanda Peet Billy Connolly Alvin Joiner
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Cyd Charisse, Rest In Peacetag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.552008-06-18T10:59:13Z2008-06-23T08:39:18ZMichael MirasolWhat an incredibly depressing time these past two months have been for movie lovers. Sydney Pollack, Stan Winston, and now dance legend Cyd Charisse has left us.
Secondary to my love of movies is my love of dance, and Cyd Charisse gave us that immortal scene as a gangster's girl to Gene Kelly's starstruck out-of-towner in the greatest of musicals, Singin' In The Rain.
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The Incredible Hulk (**1/2)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.512008-06-16T16:37:34Z2008-06-17T02:44:18ZMichael Mirasol
I don't think I've ever been as conflicted in choosing whether to recommend a film. My close friends know how much I admired Ang Lee's Hulk (2003). I called it, "the most introspective of the Marvel superhero movies that have come out so far." And it still is. Yet this latest version, directed by The Transporter's Louis Leterrier, makes up for its lack of insight with its blistering action. So how should I judge a film that succeeds in what it sets out to do, but is wanting when compared to its predecessor?
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But Ang Lee was not so much concerned in having such physical destruction come to life on the big screen. His matters were more intimate, dealing with subjects such as repression, megalomaniacal fathers (General Ross and David Banner) with their obsessions, and their own children (Betty and Bruce) which they left by the wayside. His story was character driven, looking at these familial and inner conflicts, with the jade giant representing an awesome catharsis in rebelling against such trauma. This was Greek tragedy stuff, fascinating for adults, baffling for fanboys.
In Louis Leterrier's reboot (as no one seems to be sure if this is a remake or not), one need not worry about such complicated questions. Gone are the whys or hows, here it's all about the whoas. Every character is a marvelously functioning perfunctory machine (exlcuding Bruce Banner but only barely), as actors such as Tim Roth (envious of Bruce), Liv Tyler (longing for Bruce), and William Hurt (angry at Bruce), are reduced to plot points. Edward Norton does a splendid job as a man being hunted down by the military, but compared to the depth of Eric Bana's dillemma in Ang Lee's version, you never really feel sorry for him.
Despite these shortcomings, I have to admit that the movie is thrilling. I too longed to see Hulk lay devastation, to do what many of us secretly wish in our bouts of frustration, and with this film the wait is over. The film rightly captures the Hulk's me-against-the-world resistance against a relentless U.S. Army. In an impressive sequence midway through the film, the army applies a sound strategy (cue empty laughter), which makes sense against an adversary that is pretty much invulnerable to physical attack. The film's final battle between the Hulk and the Abomination through Harlem, is bravura (finally I got to see his thunder clap!).
An additional bonus is the film's most spectacular shot, which isn't in any of its action sequences, but at its beginning. It's an aerial view of Cidade de Deus (City Of God), a massive city slum (portrayed in the great movie of the same name) in Rio de Janeiro. So amazing is it's presence that it pretty much becomes the film's richest character.
As for the Hulk himself, his envisioning is a mixed blessing. The Leterrier version is technically superior, with more detail and texture, utilizing a somewhat lighter green scheme that allows audiences to see more of the Hulk's physique. This version is also smaller than the Ang Lee version, lending a bit more plausibility (for lack of a better word).
But as for his persona, this Hulk is more of a beast. The wonder of Ang Lee's version was that he represented the Hulk as a childlike id, pretty much incapable of willfully harming people directly (no one remembers him saving a pilot from crashing into the Golden Gate Bridge), and retaliating as a child would when having a tantrum. His power was represented in his physically abilities (wondrously leaping miles through Arizona's monument valley), not in what he would reduce to rubble. Leterrier's Hulk is far less restrained, crippling Brazillian goons, pulverizing a soldier's skeleton, and just barely resisting his bloodlust in this film's final battle. What many Hulk fans forget is that he isn't merely a monster. As Roger Ebert says in his review, "if the Hulk were never Banner, he would be like Godzilla, who tears things up real good but is otherwise, dare I say, one-dimensional."
As of this writing, where I stand on this is something I'm not prepared to answer. I will give it credit though. It is not trying to be the rich character-driven film that Ang Lee's film was. Louis Leterrier is a master at squeezing every ounce of excitement out of his movies no matter how preposterous their plots may be, which is why he was the correct choice to helm this one.
But that does not change my belief that Ang Lee's gem was the more intelligent, more thoughtful, more insightful film. If it didn't exist, The Incredible Hulk would have my vote. As of now I'm undecided. The adult in me says it's worth 2 stars, my inner child would gladly give it 3. I'm on the fence.]]>
Stan Winston, Rest In Peacetag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.532008-06-16T15:45:00Z2008-06-19T17:07:13ZMichael MirasolThe man who created some of the most frightening cinematic creatures of the last 30 years is gone. Stan Winston, winner of 4 Academy Awards, gave life to the Terminator, the Alien Queen, the Predator, and the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, and is proof that some of cinemas biggest stars, aren't always in front or behind the camera. Filmdom is a less wondrous place without him. ]]>
Trailer: Bottle Shock (Courtesy of Apple Trailers)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.542008-06-16T15:35:00Z2008-06-17T10:18:19ZThere are certain moments in history when America has proven itself to the world: Neil Armstrong setting foot on the Moon; or the US Men's Hockey team beating the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. One such moment, however, never...Michael MirasolThere are certain moments in history when America has proven itself to the world: Neil Armstrong setting foot on the Moon; or the US Men's Hockey team beating the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. One such moment, however, never got the recognition it deserved: In 1976, a small American winery bested the exalted French wines of the time and sent the wine industry into a tizzy - putting California wines on the map for good. Based on a true story, Bottle Shock chronicles the events leading up to the famous 'Judgment of Paris' tastings, told through the lives of father and son, Jim and Bo Barrett. A former real estate attorney, Jim (Bill Pullman) sacrificed everything to realize his dream of creating the perfect hand-crafted chardonnay. His business, however, is struggling, and he's not only trying to overcome differences with his slacker son (Chris Pine), but is also fighting off the creditors. Meanwhile in Paris, unwitting British wine shop owner Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) hopes to revive his own failing business by sponsoring a competition which will pit the traditional French powerhouse against the California upstarts. Little did Steven and Jim realize that they were both on course to change the history of wine forever.
Randall Miller (dir.) Alan Rickman Bill Pullman Chris Pine Rachael Taylor Freddy Rodriguez
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Trailer: Eagle Eye (Courtesy of Apple Trailers)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.522008-06-16T15:30:00Z2008-06-17T03:43:33ZIn the fast-paced race-against-time-thriller "Eagle Eye" Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan are two strangers who become the pawns of a mysterious woman they have never met, but who seems to know their every move. Realizing they are being used to...Michael MirasolIn the fast-paced race-against-time-thriller "Eagle Eye" Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan are two strangers who become the pawns of a mysterious woman they have never met, but who seems to know their every move. Realizing they are being used to further her diabolical plot, they must work together to outwit the woman before she has them killed.
D.J. Caruso (dir.) Shia LaBeouf Michelle Monaghan Rosario Dawson Michael Chiklis Anthony Mackie
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Remembering Dadtag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.492008-06-15T02:09:53Z2008-06-15T05:59:46ZMichael MirasolLuis Mirasol Jr. would have been 73 if he were still around. He passed away a year before I graduated. How I wished he could have held his grandaughter, my dearest Cate, who is now a little more than a year old. I can't help but think of him fondly and longingly today. Especially today. Words fail me when I try to think about how much he meant to me; to my family. Along with mom, they were the best parents in the world. How blessed I am to have had them both in my life.
I miss those mahjong days, those Othello lessons, seeing him play Scrabble with ma, and dancing playfully to elicit laughs. I long for those dirty jokes, those phantom farts, his devotion to Joe Montana's 49ers, and weekends with him watching NBA games, Tennis Grand Slam matches, and yes Sumo Wrestling on NHK (Takanohana was our favorite). What I'll miss most was his quiet, calming, reassuring, and authoritative presence, the kind that makes you know that everything will be right as rain as long as he's around. The greatest man I ever met, was indeed the first. ]]>
Trailer: Mongol (Courtesy of Apple Trailers)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.482008-06-06T03:17:50Z2008-06-06T03:22:28ZAward-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov (PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAINS) illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic, MONGOL. Based on leading scholarly accounts and written by Bodrov and Arif Aliyev, MONGOL delves into the dramatic...Michael MirasolAward-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov (PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAINS) illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic, MONGOL. Based on leading scholarly accounts and written by Bodrov and Arif Aliyev, MONGOL delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of the ruler who was born as Temudgin in 1162. As it follows Temudgin from his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of hoary stereotype, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader. MONGOL shows us the making of an extraordinary man, and the foundation on which so much of his greatness rested: his relationship with his wife, Borte, his lifelong love and most trusted advisor.
Sergei Bodrov (dir.) Tadanobu Asano Khulan Chuluun Honglei Sun
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Trailer: The Fall (Courtesy of Apple Trailers)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.472008-06-04T05:41:47Z2008-06-04T05:56:59ZWhen Roger Ebert, who has been reviewing films for 40 years, says that The Fall is, "one of the most astonishing films I have ever seen.", then you know you have to put this on your must see list (plot...Michael MirasolWhen Roger Ebert, who has been reviewing films for 40 years, says that The Fall is, "one of the most astonishing films I have ever seen.", then you know you have to put this on your must see list (plot follows).
Los Angeles, circa 1920's, a little immigrant girl (Catinca Untaru) finds herself in a hospital recovering from a fall. She strikes up a friendship with a bedridden man (Lee Pace) who captivates her with a whimsical story that removes her far from the hospital doldrums into the exotic landscapes of her imagination. Making sure he keeps the girl interested in the story he interweaves her family and people she likes from the hospital into his tale.
Tarsem Singh (dir.) Lee Pace Catinca Untaru Justine Waddell Julian Bleach Leo Bill
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Trailer: Burn After Reading (Courtesy of AZMovies.net)tag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.462008-06-04T03:24:52Z2008-06-04T03:53:10Z A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.Joel and Ethan Coen (dir)John MalkovichGeorge ClooneyFrances McDormandBrad PittTilda SwintonRichard JenkinsDavid Rasche...Michael Mirasol
A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.
Joel and Ethan Coen (dir) John Malkovich George Clooney Frances McDormand Brad Pitt Tilda Swinton Richard Jenkins David Rasche
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Happy Birthday my Sunflowertag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.452008-05-27T16:10:04Z2008-05-27T17:17:41ZMichael Mirasol Happy Birthday Babe
Sydney Pollack, Rest in Peacetag:www.michaelmirasol.com,2008:/flipcritic//1.422008-05-27T04:44:03Z2008-06-19T17:06:28ZMichael MirasolOne of my very favorite directors and actors is gone. Sydney Pollack, a man who directed and acted in such literate and intelligent ways, was a throwback to times where stories and characters mattered most in movie making. His Academy Award winning film Out Of Africa touched me deeply because it reminded me so much of my mother and father and the love that they shared. Even in films where he wasn't as successful (e.g. The Interpreter), the themes and narratives which he conveyed were always smart, rich with detail, and involving. ]]>
Michael Clayton, the last film I saw him in, he again played the quintessential Sydney Pollack character in Marty Bach, a man who was not only wiser and smarter than everyone else in the room, but also one who could cut through all the crap, and tell you with that o so sly charm. It's the only role he knew how to play, but no one else did it better.
Here he is in his best acting role in Tootsie (which earned him Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Film). God, bless him.
In the world of stand-up, the holy trinity is comprised of three people. The first is Lenny Bruce, the second is Richard Pryor.
Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) is born an old man and ages in reverse until he becomes a
baby and then finally vanishes from the earth. At age 50, he falls in
love with a 30-year-old woman (Cate Blanchett), and must come to terms
with the relationship as they literally grow in opposite directions
Chris Carter (dir.)
What an incredibly depressing time these past two months have been for movie lovers. Sydney Pollack, Stan Winston, and now dance legend Cyd Charisse has left us.
The man who created some of the most frightening cinematic creatures of the last 30 years is gone. Stan Winston, winner of 4 Academy Awards, gave life to the Terminator, the Alien Queen, the Predator, and the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, and is proof that some of cinemas biggest stars, aren't always in front or behind the camera. Filmdom is a less wondrous place without him. ]]>
There are certain moments in history when America has proven itself to the world: Neil Armstrong setting foot on the Moon; or the US Men's Hockey team beating the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. One such moment, however, never got the recognition it deserved: In 1976, a small American winery bested the exalted French wines of the time and sent the wine industry into a tizzy - putting California wines on the map for good. Based on a true story, Bottle Shock chronicles the events leading up to the famous 'Judgment of Paris' tastings, told through the lives of father and son, Jim and Bo Barrett. A former real estate attorney, Jim (Bill Pullman) sacrificed everything to realize his dream of creating the perfect hand-crafted chardonnay. His business, however, is struggling, and he's not only trying to overcome differences with his slacker son (Chris Pine), but is also fighting off the creditors. Meanwhile in Paris, unwitting British wine shop owner Steven Spurrier (Alan Rickman) hopes to revive his own failing business by sponsoring a competition which will pit the traditional French powerhouse against the California upstarts. Little did Steven and Jim realize that they were both on course to change the history of wine forever.
In the fast-paced race-against-time-thriller "Eagle Eye" Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan are two strangers who become the pawns of a mysterious woman they have never met, but who seems to know their every move. Realizing they are being used to further her diabolical plot, they must work together to outwit the woman before she has them killed.
Luis Mirasol Jr. would have been 73 if he were still around. He passed away a year before I graduated. How I wished he could have held his grandaughter, my dearest Cate, who is now a little more than a year old. I can't help but think of him fondly and longingly today. Especially today. Words fail me when I try to think about how much he meant to me; to my family. Along with mom, they were the best parents in the world. How blessed I am to have had them both in my life.
Award-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov (PRISONER OF THE MOUNTAINS) illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic, MONGOL. Based on leading scholarly accounts and written by Bodrov and Arif Aliyev, MONGOL delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of the ruler who was born as Temudgin in 1162. As it follows Temudgin from his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of hoary stereotype, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader. MONGOL shows us the making of an extraordinary man, and the foundation on which so much of his greatness rested: his relationship with his wife, Borte, his lifelong love and most trusted advisor.
When Roger Ebert, who has been reviewing films for 40 years, says that The Fall is, "one of the most astonishing films I have ever seen.", then you know you have to put this on your must see list (plot follows).
A disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to sell it.
One of my very favorite directors and actors is gone. Sydney Pollack, a man who directed and acted in such literate and intelligent ways, was a throwback to times where stories and characters mattered most in movie making. His Academy Award winning film Out Of Africa touched me deeply because it reminded me so much of my mother and father and the love that they shared. Even in films where he wasn't as successful (e.g. The Interpreter), the themes and narratives which he conveyed were always smart, rich with detail, and involving.