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by Rick, staff writer |
SUMMER
YAWN |
Thanks
to the boring state of music today, I’m not eagerly
awaiting any albums lately. I’m not going to many
concerts this summer, especially if they’re sponsored
by Clear Channel Entertainment. So my entertainment focus
this summer will be on movies.
As
Quentin Tarentino said at the opening of the Cannes Film
Festival, “Cinema, mon amour.” But this summer,
I won’t be rushing to the summer blockbusters that
are big on effects & thin on story. I’m more excited
about the independent & foreign films looming over the
horizon. Here’s my list of must see summer flicks. |
 ZATOICHI:
This 1 I was lucky enough to catch an advance screening of
at the American Museum of the Moving Image. Zatoichi is a
remake of the classic serial films of a blind swordsman who
wanders from town to town, slicing up yakuza members &
brigands. Written, directed & starring Beat Takeshi, this
is a film for those who dug the swordplay of Kill Bill &
want more of the same. |
 SUPER
SIZE ME:
I love it whenever somebody attacks an institution. It spawned
as a result of last year’s lawsuit against McDonald’s
in which customers sued the fast food chain for making them
fat. The documentary shows 1 man’s self abuse, as he
eats nothing but McDonald’s for 30 days. He chronicles
his physical decline as 3 doctors tell him he’s damaging
his liver & generally fucking himself up. This film has
already shaken up the house beneath the golden arches &
has compelled them to make some changes. |
 COFFEE
& CIGARETTES:
A collection of short films by Jim Jarmusch in which several
parties converse as they’re fueled by the combined stimulating
effects of caffeine & nicotine. It should be cool because
where else can you see Iggy Pop chill with Tom Waits or Bill
Murray hang out with the Rza & the Gza? |
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 CARANDIRU:
This
film about Brazilian prisons should make Oz look like a walk
in the park. In Brazil the criminals are young & fearless,
so locking them in 1 place should birth some spine shattering
tension. Heat, crime & conflict are all the ingredients
for a night at the movies. |
 OPEN
WATER: Based
on a true story in which their boat leaves behind 2 scuba
divers. They now have to venture through shark infested waters
to get back to land. The kicker is that the director had his
stars film their scenes with real sharks. Take that Spielberg! |
 CORPORATION:
Here’s a documentary that shows how big business ass
fucks the public at large in the name of profit. The film
explores the dangers of off shoring & who profited the
most in post-WTC America. Think of it as an exercise in knowing
your enemy. |
 HERO:
I first heard of this film a few months ago. It came out in
China 2 years ago & stars Jet Li & Xiang Xiyi. Add
stunning visuals a la Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon &
string work from Yuen Wo Ping, I was anxiously awaiting my
next trip to Greenwich Village so I could walk into Kim’s
Video & buy a copy. But it’s now out of print because
Tarentino is releasing it in the states. It seems like he’s
constantly making me wait for movies. Fucker! |
 FAHRENHEIT
9/11:
It's already controversial, but the Palme d’Or winner
of the Cannes Film Festival is Michael Moore’s foray
into pointing out the many negative aspects of George W. Bush.
My only problem with this film is its claim to be a documentary.
Documentaries are supposed to be objective. This is a blatant
expose to Bush’s connections to the Saudi royal family
& the bin Ladens. Still, any people who want to point
out how fucked up Bush is should do so. |
In
closing, give these upcoming releases some consideration
this summer. They’re certain to provoke more thought
than whatever Will Farrell or Ben Stiller films are coming
out.
R
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