Welcome to the Monday Movie Mash Up blog.
Here I hope to provide a written summary of all the topics covered in my Monday morning show that can be heard on Radio 101.4 OnFM. This week I was delighted to welcome my first guest on the show, actress Alice Milner.
Although this is our first official blog, today marks the show's third week anniversary! Already I feel like I live at the cinema and IMDB is soon becoming my homepage. However, this aside, let's push on and find out what's coming out this week...
New Releases
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As it becomes apparent that they don't have friendly intentions, only the cowboy locals can stop them.
With the gents who play Indiana Jones and James Bond in the same film, what more could you ask for?
We join the lads from the hit Channel 4 series during their lads holiday abroad.
The friends Will, Simon, Jay and Neil head somewhere hot in pursuit of women and a good time. As usual with The Inbetweeners, things don't run as smoothly as anticipated.
Hopefully I will be getting along to the red carpet of the Leicester Square premiere tomorrow night...
Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle star in this cop-based comedy with Gleeson taking on the role of an unorthadox policeman against Cheadle's uptight FBI agent.
These two contrasting characters must learn to work together as they set out to rumble an international drug smuggling outfit. Funny viewing I'm sure.
We join Jessica Alba in the next installment of the Spy Kids franchise.
Although I've only seen the first film, I'm sure there's joy to be found for fans of the prior sequels.
Recent Review of the Week
Last week I managed to get along to the cinema myself and see the much anticipated 'Devil's Double' starring Dominic Cooper [History Boys, Mamma Mia]. Based on a true story, this film depicts the tale of Latif Yahia, an Iraqi Lieutenant who has been called upon by his old school mate Uday Hussein for a favour.
The request in question is that Latif become Uday Hussein's body double, and as the story unfolds it is clear that to decline Saddam Hussein's son, often proves to be a dangerous move. Latif is exposed to the decadent and frenzied world of the Hussein family where he is confronted by moral dilemmas at every turn.
The request in question is that Latif become Uday Hussein's body double, and as the story unfolds it is clear that to decline Saddam Hussein's son, often proves to be a dangerous move. Latif is exposed to the decadent and frenzied world of the Hussein family where he is confronted by moral dilemmas at every turn.
Cooper is surprisingly strong in both roles, as he manages to find a vulnerable side to the sadistic and menacing character of Uday. However I felt that the strength of the story was somewhat negated at times by perhaps a slightly glamorous take on some incidents. Additionally, the vague hint of a love interest distracted from the intrigue to be found within the central plot.
Overall this film will get you talking. You'll be shocked at the situation in itself and you'll be questioning just how much of it is really true.
Retro Review of the Week
Each week I include a feature whereby Movie Mash Up takes a look back at a cinematic classic. I try and make the chosen film relevant to something current in the movie listings. Therefore with this in mind, I have chosen King Kong (the 1933 version).
You may well have seen the recently released 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' or indeed the feature length documentary 'Project Nim'. Whether the fact that these primate pictures have been released at the same time is coincidence or not, it is apparent that filmmakers have always had a fascination with the parallels between man and ape.
Quick Look
Director: Merian C. Cooper & Ernest B. Schoedsack
Cast: Fay Wray [Ann Darrow] Robert Armstrong [Carl Denham] Bruce Cabot [John Driscoll]
Released: 7th April 1933
Whilst chatting about the 1933 classic it is impossible not appreciate just how groundbreaking the film must have been upon its initial release. Looking back, the special effects indeed seem laughable. With 18 inch tall plastic models replacing the usual CGI effects that the 21st century audience are used to, I think that watching original movies such as these is important for contemporary viewers so we realise just how far we've come! With films such as 'Avatar' hitting the screens, it is sometimes easy to sit back and take for granted the wizadry that goes in to creating such spectacular effects.
There is something quite comforting about King Kong, as it is imagery we're more than used to. The iconic fight between the T-Rex and Kong coupled with the moment where the 50 foot ape hangs off the Empire State Building are both scenes that will forever be a part of Hollywood history. Fay Wray is the damsel in distress with a difference, as the leading lady forms a tender friendship with the beast. A concept that had been echoed in many films since.
Some things you might not know
- King Kong's roar was a combination of a Tiger's and a Lion's but played backwards
- Upon its release, it was the highest grossing film in its opening weekend at $90,000
- The old Arabian proverb that appears at the beginning of the film was actually written by Merian C. Cooper himself:
"And lo,
the beast looked upon the face of beauty.
And it stayed its hand from killing.
And from that day,
it was as one dead"
Alternative Choice of the Week
At this point in the show, I like to highlight something quirky or alternative to do in London regarding cinema or film. With summer upon us, Londoners are spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor screenings. This week I have chosen the Floating Cinema.
This cinematic experience takes the audience aboard a narrow boat in the canals of East London. With an eclectic programme of screenings, Floating Cinema chugs serenely around the borough of Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Hackney. Free canal-side viewings are also featured within the listings for those without their sea legs.
Specifically I recommend to you this week their screening of 'Fantastic Mr Fox' starring George Clooney and Meryl Streep. However this is a viewing with a difference, as audience members are encouraged to join the Floating Cinema in full fancy dress get-up. So if you're feeling foxy, head down to:
Three Mills - River Lee Navigation - Three Mills Lane - Bow
on Friday 19th August at 8pm
Click here to check out the company's website for further details of how the project originated as well as location information and screening times.
This project illustrates that increasingly bizarre and original means of viewing cinema are becoming accessible to the public. With Secret Cinema, Nomad Cinema and Future Cinema leading the way in promenade theatre/cinema spectaculars, I spoke to actress Alice Milner about her views on the blurring of boundaries between cinema and theatre.
"I think its a really nice way to appreciate the classics. Instead of just remaking them with the latest CGI... It is still taking the classic film and doing something new with it but in a way that doesn't disregard the old one - actually making it the focal point"
Movie News
As this is a current movie show, it would be impossible to escape without a bit of showbiz gossip and salacious speculation. Possibly some of the following is just rumour... believe what you will.
Production of the new Disney adaptation of the Lone Ranger has ground to a halt over production costs. Disney have allegedly said that they are still keen to push ahead with the project in the future; it is set to star Johnny Depp.
Rumour has it that Mike Myers will be pulling on his flares once more in the fourth edition of Austin Powers. He's been relatively quite since we last saw him in Shrek and the Love Guru... is he swinging on to the screens with a comeback?
Eminem's boxing movie 'Southpaw' has apparently been axed by Dreamworks.
Hugh Grant is currently undecided as to whether he will be joining the cast of Bridget Jones' Diary once more, Working Title are currently planning a sequel. Renee Zellweger has already signed up however apparently she isn't planning to physically gain weight this time but is more in favour of the fat suit.
Lionsgate announced last week that they will be remaking Dirty Dancing with director Kenny Ortega (the man behind High School Musical) taking on the challenge. Ryan Gosling will be confronting the iconic role of Swayze's Johnny Castle... let's hope he does it justice.
Lastly, next year it may well be possible that Cheryl Cole will be stunning us on the big screen. She has allegedly been signed up for the movie 'What to expect when you're expecting' alongside Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez. Will Cole be following the pop star footsteps of Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Rihanna as they all appear on our cinema screens this year?
So there you go.
One big old blog for an hour long show.
If you're based in West London and you do fancy giving the show a listen, tune in to Radio 101.4 OnFM around 10am on a Monday.
Speak to you soon!
Sophie x
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