Some time last year I rented a foreign language film (French) called "Mon Meilleur Ami" (My Best Friend). It is the story of a 40+ year old divorced man in search of a best friend and one of my favorite movies. It was touching to watch (and funny) as we have all been lonely at one time or another and we have all felt some discomfort, especially as adults, in trying to make new friends. After watching the film, I remembered thinking to myself, "What a charming movie. Too bad it would never work in the U.S."
I am not one of those people who worships all things European, but I am an avid movie watcher (perhaps I should get out more?) and as such have observed much about mainstream U.S. cinema. "Buddy flicks" in the U.S. are much more likely to involve crude humor and slapstick comedy, not mature exploration of the dynamics of friendship. Case in point the newly released "I Love You, Man." I saw it over the weekend because 1) I wanted to laugh, and 2) I wanted to compare it to "My Best Friend."
In essence, they are the same movie. In "I Love You, Man" a 30+ year old newly engaged man is in search of a substantive, male friendship (and possible "best man") as his wedding day approaches. There was drunkenness, vomiting, homophobic humor, and references to masturbation - all the usual crude humor necessary to make the "buddy flick" formula work. There were also some comedic moments which showed just how hard it is as an adult to reach out to another person with the hand of friendship. What will he think of me? What will I say? How do I avoid looking like a total loser for admitting that I find someone interesting and want to be his/her friend?
In the end, I didn't leave the theatre with the same warm and fuzzy feeling that I had after after watching "My Best Friend." That doesn't mean that "I Love You, Man" is a bad movie and this isn't quite a movie review anyway. Instead, this is one of those poignant moments when I wish I had a friend to talk about this with. Unfortunately, none of my friends have seen both movies.
Wait for "I Love You, Man" to come out on DVD, and compare them for yourselves. When you do, tell me all about it.
Cheers.
Showing posts with label at the movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label at the movies. Show all posts
Monday, March 23, 2009
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Living Room Auditorium?
The business model of the 20th century seemed to be,
"Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door."
Fast forward 100 years, and the business model of the 21st century seems to be,
"Build a just as good mousetrap, but paint it a funky color, or give it a different sound, or make it high end (or low end) and enough people will walk to your door and pay you a premium for that 'difference' that you will be able to make a profit."
This new business model hasn't been lost on the movie theatre business. There is the "megaplex" - the theatre with 15+ screens showing every mainstream movie at least 5 times/day. There is the "independent" theatre - the theatre that shows "less" mainstream films (independent theatres are too snooty to show movies; they show films). There is the dinner and a movie theatre - the theatre with a full bar, full menu, and full waitstaff. Now, a new niche has come on the scene.
In May 2008 Inwood Theatre debuted its "Living Room Auditorium" (5458 W. Lovers Lane at Inwood). Forget the stadium seating at those other theatres. At the Living Room Auditorium it's all about loveseats and oversized bean bag chairs. You and your Mr./Mrs. Right (now) can snuggle properly as you enjoy your flick - just as you would if you were at home. You are even allowed to re-arrange the furniture to suit your needs. I intend to try this new and different "theatretrap" tonight and will report back on if it's a business model that I think will last.
To see pictures of the "Living Room Auditorium" visit the website below.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Dallas/InwoodTheatre.htm
UPDATE: There is something seductive about a dark room, plush loveseats, the freedom to get "close," and the possibility that others might see you necking (you know it's true). For this reason, the Living Room Auditorium (LRA) was a good time and it made a ridiculous movie (Pineapple Express) infinitely more bearable. However, even though I had a good time, the LRA seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a sound business model.
Firstly, there is only one LRA inside Inwood Theatre. That means that my patronage of the LRA will be limited at best. The only movie showing Friday night was Pineapple Express. I suffered through this film only for the purpose of writing this review. Don't forget that the LRA is modeled after my actual living room. Why would I pay $10 to watch a bad movie while sitting on a sofa when I can do it at home for free?
Secondly, I assume that an auditorium filled with couches and bean bag chairs seats considerably less than a traditional auditorium further limiting revenue.
Lastly, as flat screen TVs get bigger, movies on demand become more plentiful, and TV definition gets higher, the LRA will become less and less attractive.
Having written all this, I am sure I will return to the LRA, but who knows when it will be showing a movie I actually want to see. It could be weeks. It could be months; and therein lies the LRA's problem.
TIP: Choice seats go fast so arrive early to claim your territory.
UPDATE 2: I returned to the Living Room Auditorium, newly renamed the Screening Lounge Auditorium, on September 20, 2008. It took me six weeks to return, not as long as I thought it would.
"Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door."
Fast forward 100 years, and the business model of the 21st century seems to be,
"Build a just as good mousetrap, but paint it a funky color, or give it a different sound, or make it high end (or low end) and enough people will walk to your door and pay you a premium for that 'difference' that you will be able to make a profit."
This new business model hasn't been lost on the movie theatre business. There is the "megaplex" - the theatre with 15+ screens showing every mainstream movie at least 5 times/day. There is the "independent" theatre - the theatre that shows "less" mainstream films (independent theatres are too snooty to show movies; they show films). There is the dinner and a movie theatre - the theatre with a full bar, full menu, and full waitstaff. Now, a new niche has come on the scene.
In May 2008 Inwood Theatre debuted its "Living Room Auditorium" (5458 W. Lovers Lane at Inwood). Forget the stadium seating at those other theatres. At the Living Room Auditorium it's all about loveseats and oversized bean bag chairs. You and your Mr./Mrs. Right (now) can snuggle properly as you enjoy your flick - just as you would if you were at home. You are even allowed to re-arrange the furniture to suit your needs. I intend to try this new and different "theatretrap" tonight and will report back on if it's a business model that I think will last.
To see pictures of the "Living Room Auditorium" visit the website below.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Dallas/InwoodTheatre.htm
UPDATE: There is something seductive about a dark room, plush loveseats, the freedom to get "close," and the possibility that others might see you necking (you know it's true). For this reason, the Living Room Auditorium (LRA) was a good time and it made a ridiculous movie (Pineapple Express) infinitely more bearable. However, even though I had a good time, the LRA seems to be more of a marketing gimmick than a sound business model.
Firstly, there is only one LRA inside Inwood Theatre. That means that my patronage of the LRA will be limited at best. The only movie showing Friday night was Pineapple Express. I suffered through this film only for the purpose of writing this review. Don't forget that the LRA is modeled after my actual living room. Why would I pay $10 to watch a bad movie while sitting on a sofa when I can do it at home for free?
Secondly, I assume that an auditorium filled with couches and bean bag chairs seats considerably less than a traditional auditorium further limiting revenue.
Lastly, as flat screen TVs get bigger, movies on demand become more plentiful, and TV definition gets higher, the LRA will become less and less attractive.
Having written all this, I am sure I will return to the LRA, but who knows when it will be showing a movie I actually want to see. It could be weeks. It could be months; and therein lies the LRA's problem.
TIP: Choice seats go fast so arrive early to claim your territory.
UPDATE 2: I returned to the Living Room Auditorium, newly renamed the Screening Lounge Auditorium, on September 20, 2008. It took me six weeks to return, not as long as I thought it would.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
A Documentary You MUST See
Today, I gathered a random sampling of items from around my home to check out where they were manufactured. This is what I learned.
CD Case: Made in Philippines
Cocktail Dress: Made in China
Laptop Computer: Made in Japan
Pen: Made in Japan
Steam Iron: Made in Germany
None of these products was manufactured in the United States. Hold your horses; this is not another post about the loss of the U.S. manufacturing base. However, it is a post about a new documentary showcasing something just as important: the lives of long-haul truck drivers. That’s right. I’m encouraging you to check out a new documentary about truck drivers, one of the most under-appreciated professions around. Think about it. I have never visited China or Japan (although I would certainly like to). I did not have to save thousands of dollars to pay for an “around the world in 30 days” trip to gather all these items. Instead, I drove approximately 5 miles up the highway to my local discount retailer and shopping mall where I spent a mere $6 to buy a ball point pen produced thousands of miles away.
Long-haul truck drivers, these unsung heroes, did all the heavy lifting for me (and for you). Their efforts are detailed in a new documentary, Drive and Deliver, filmed by Academy Award-nominated director, Brett Morgen. Get a behind the scenes look at the men and women who spend hours at a time on the open road so that you don’t have to. Drive and Deliver premiers Friday, August 22nd at the Angelika Film Center (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Ste. 230) at 6pm. The premier coincides with the Great American Trucking Show taking place in Dallas, TX at the Convention Center.
Update: I just got some bad news. The premier is a private screening for participants of the Great American Trucking Show only. But never fear, eventually the documentary will be released on DVD for us all to enjoy and to help us appreciate our friends driving the huge trucks that we can’t see around and never take off quite as fast as we would like. For more information visit: http://standalone.internationaltrucks.com/default.aspx .
Are you into documentaries? Leave your recommendations in the comments section.
CD Case: Made in Philippines
Cocktail Dress: Made in China
Laptop Computer: Made in Japan
Pen: Made in Japan
Steam Iron: Made in Germany
None of these products was manufactured in the United States. Hold your horses; this is not another post about the loss of the U.S. manufacturing base. However, it is a post about a new documentary showcasing something just as important: the lives of long-haul truck drivers. That’s right. I’m encouraging you to check out a new documentary about truck drivers, one of the most under-appreciated professions around. Think about it. I have never visited China or Japan (although I would certainly like to). I did not have to save thousands of dollars to pay for an “around the world in 30 days” trip to gather all these items. Instead, I drove approximately 5 miles up the highway to my local discount retailer and shopping mall where I spent a mere $6 to buy a ball point pen produced thousands of miles away.
Long-haul truck drivers, these unsung heroes, did all the heavy lifting for me (and for you). Their efforts are detailed in a new documentary, Drive and Deliver, filmed by Academy Award-nominated director, Brett Morgen. Get a behind the scenes look at the men and women who spend hours at a time on the open road so that you don’t have to. Drive and Deliver premiers Friday, August 22nd at the Angelika Film Center (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Ste. 230) at 6pm. The premier coincides with the Great American Trucking Show taking place in Dallas, TX at the Convention Center.
Update: I just got some bad news. The premier is a private screening for participants of the Great American Trucking Show only. But never fear, eventually the documentary will be released on DVD for us all to enjoy and to help us appreciate our friends driving the huge trucks that we can’t see around and never take off quite as fast as we would like. For more information visit: http://standalone.internationaltrucks.com/default.aspx .
Are you into documentaries? Leave your recommendations in the comments section.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Texas Black Film Festival 2008
What: Texas Black Film Festival
When: January 31 - February 2; 10am - Midnight
Where: Studio Movie Grill - Addison (5405 Beltline Road, Dallas, TX 75248)
It's not Sundance, Toronto, or the National Black Film Festival; it is something better - a film festival that showcases not just national talent, but homegrown Texas talent as well. In addition to documentaries, feature films, and film shorts, there are educational workshops and networking opportunities for actors and filmmakers.
I think we can all agree that small film festivals like this one are a vital platform for fledgling filmmakers to let their artistic voices be heard and to receive invaluable feedback from audience members and experts in the industry, but the only way to ensure that these festivals remain financially viable is to support them with our dollars. At the Texas Black Film Festival your $8 ticket will do more than just line the pockets of a big-budget studio in LA. It will open doors and possibilities for an entire generation of African-American filmmakers.
For more information about film schedule, ticket prices, and the history of the festival, check out
http://www.texasblackfilmfestival.com/.
When: January 31 - February 2; 10am - Midnight
Where: Studio Movie Grill - Addison (5405 Beltline Road, Dallas, TX 75248)
It's not Sundance, Toronto, or the National Black Film Festival; it is something better - a film festival that showcases not just national talent, but homegrown Texas talent as well. In addition to documentaries, feature films, and film shorts, there are educational workshops and networking opportunities for actors and filmmakers.
I think we can all agree that small film festivals like this one are a vital platform for fledgling filmmakers to let their artistic voices be heard and to receive invaluable feedback from audience members and experts in the industry, but the only way to ensure that these festivals remain financially viable is to support them with our dollars. At the Texas Black Film Festival your $8 ticket will do more than just line the pockets of a big-budget studio in LA. It will open doors and possibilities for an entire generation of African-American filmmakers.
For more information about film schedule, ticket prices, and the history of the festival, check out
http://www.texasblackfilmfestival.com/.
Monday, August 20, 2007
6th Annual Asian Film Festival of Dallas
August 23 – 30, 2007
Landmark Magnolia Theatre
3699 McKinney Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
For more information regarding features, show times, and ticketing:
http://affd.org/2007/index.html
As an African-American, I am often bothered by the lack of variety in the images/stories of African-Americans on screen. I am often lamenting to my friends, “Are there no other African/African-American stories to be told besides inner-city violence, overcoming bigotry and hatred, and your good old-fashioned minstrel shows?” If you were to judge by Hollywood’s standards, you would determine that these are, in fact, the only stories we have to tell. Of course, this isn’t true.
It is because of this chasm between what is real and what is portrayed, that I have a kindred appreciation for Dallas’s 6th Annual Asian Film Festival. Though the three images that Hollywood may have of America’s Asian community (martial arts masters, math/science whizzes, and Korean grocers or nail salon technicians) may differ from those it holds of the African-American community, the images are no less limiting and, quite frankly, insulting. Consequently, I am encouraging you to give your support to the Asian Film Festival where you can be introduced to 25+ stories beyond the Hollywood norm.
Of particular interest (at least to me) is the film, “And Thereafter II.” The film “explores the reasons why Korean women continue to marry American GIs despite the fact that it turns the brides into outcasts in their own country…” (http://affd.org/2007/filmindex.html#l4s)
If this film doesn’t “float your boat” there are plenty of others to choose from: romance, intrigue, suspense, etc. That’s the beauty of this film festival (and others like it). All the pesky limitations are gone.
Landmark Magnolia Theatre
3699 McKinney Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
For more information regarding features, show times, and ticketing:
http://affd.org/2007/index.html
As an African-American, I am often bothered by the lack of variety in the images/stories of African-Americans on screen. I am often lamenting to my friends, “Are there no other African/African-American stories to be told besides inner-city violence, overcoming bigotry and hatred, and your good old-fashioned minstrel shows?” If you were to judge by Hollywood’s standards, you would determine that these are, in fact, the only stories we have to tell. Of course, this isn’t true.
It is because of this chasm between what is real and what is portrayed, that I have a kindred appreciation for Dallas’s 6th Annual Asian Film Festival. Though the three images that Hollywood may have of America’s Asian community (martial arts masters, math/science whizzes, and Korean grocers or nail salon technicians) may differ from those it holds of the African-American community, the images are no less limiting and, quite frankly, insulting. Consequently, I am encouraging you to give your support to the Asian Film Festival where you can be introduced to 25+ stories beyond the Hollywood norm.
Of particular interest (at least to me) is the film, “And Thereafter II.” The film “explores the reasons why Korean women continue to marry American GIs despite the fact that it turns the brides into outcasts in their own country…” (http://affd.org/2007/filmindex.html#l4s)
If this film doesn’t “float your boat” there are plenty of others to choose from: romance, intrigue, suspense, etc. That’s the beauty of this film festival (and others like it). All the pesky limitations are gone.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Dallas Black Film Festival
Date(s): July 27-29
Time: Fri 8pm-midnight; Sat 10am - 10pm; Sun 12pm - 6pm
Place: Magnolia Lounge, 1121 First Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
Cost: $10, $25 for weeekend pass, $5 eighteen years old and younger, $2 for seniors (65+)
From DallasNews.com:
The fifth annual Dallas Black Film Festival, presented by People With a Message Production Filmworks & Etc., is a three-day affair packing screenings of children's movies and feature films made by independent black filmmakers, as well as foreign and classic films. One of the highlights of the festival is a tribute to Tupac Shakur as an actor. The homage to Mr. Shakur, who died in 1996, will feature poetry readings and screenings of his films. The festival will also feature videos and memorabilia (such as posters and signed, framed photographs) related to independent black filmmaking. First-, second- and third-place winners of a movie trivia contest on Sunday will get trophies. – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Time: Fri 8pm-midnight; Sat 10am - 10pm; Sun 12pm - 6pm
Place: Magnolia Lounge, 1121 First Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
Cost: $10, $25 for weeekend pass, $5 eighteen years old and younger, $2 for seniors (65+)
From DallasNews.com:
The fifth annual Dallas Black Film Festival, presented by People With a Message Production Filmworks & Etc., is a three-day affair packing screenings of children's movies and feature films made by independent black filmmakers, as well as foreign and classic films. One of the highlights of the festival is a tribute to Tupac Shakur as an actor. The homage to Mr. Shakur, who died in 1996, will feature poetry readings and screenings of his films. The festival will also feature videos and memorabilia (such as posters and signed, framed photographs) related to independent black filmmaking. First-, second- and third-place winners of a movie trivia contest on Sunday will get trophies. – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Friday, July 13, 2007
Don't Sleep on Independent Film Part 2
By now I'm hoping you've heard the buzz about Don Cheadle's new film: Talk to Me.
Based on a true story, Cheadle plays Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, Jr., an ex-con turned radio DJ whose voice takes Washington, DC by storm during the turbulent 1960s. The film is full of emotion, laughter, and best of all the phenomenal talent that is Don Cheadle and his supporting cast of Cedric the Entertainer and British import, Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The film has been released in limited cities and thankfully, Dallas is one of those cities.
BUT here's the kicker. Talk to Me is not being shown at the local AMC or Cinemark. Instead, it is being shown at the independent film theatre: Angelika Film Center (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Sation, Dallas) proving once again, that you should not sleep on independent film.
Talk to Me opens on funky, Friday, July 13, 2007.
I'm going tonight. I hope to see you there.
Cheers!
Based on a true story, Cheadle plays Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, Jr., an ex-con turned radio DJ whose voice takes Washington, DC by storm during the turbulent 1960s. The film is full of emotion, laughter, and best of all the phenomenal talent that is Don Cheadle and his supporting cast of Cedric the Entertainer and British import, Chiwetel Ejiofor.
The film has been released in limited cities and thankfully, Dallas is one of those cities.
BUT here's the kicker. Talk to Me is not being shown at the local AMC or Cinemark. Instead, it is being shown at the independent film theatre: Angelika Film Center (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Sation, Dallas) proving once again, that you should not sleep on independent film.
Talk to Me opens on funky, Friday, July 13, 2007.
I'm going tonight. I hope to see you there.
Cheers!
Friday, June 8, 2007
Don't Sleep on Independent Film
One of my goals in this blog is to challenge people to do and see things in the city that they may not normally do and see. One example of that is supporting independent film.
There are two independent film theatres in Dallas, the Angelika Film Center (Mockingbird Station – 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) and the Landmark Magnolia (3699 McKinney Ave). These are the places where you can find independent films that aren’t going to be advertised during your favorite sitcoms or primetime dramas. These are the films that get advertised by word of mouth on internet blogs (not much unlike this one) and in passing conversation.
Think all independent films are weird, obscure, artsy films? Think again. Independent films offer all the drama, suspense, and romance of their big budget counterparts. How about a suspense thriller in which a 14 year old girl entraps a 32 year old pedophile on the internet, gets invited to his house, and spends the day torturing him as payback (even convincing him at one point that she’s about to castrate him)? Sounds interesting right? It’s a little, independent film called "Hard Candy" (now out on DVD). It played the Angelika a few months ago.
OR
How about another suspense thriller in which a 60 year old lesbian tries to “seduce” a 30-something, married schoolteacher who is dealing with the guilt/and sinful satisfaction of carrying on an illicit affair with one of her students? Sounds interesting again, doesn’t it? This one is a little independent film called "Notes on a Scandal" starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. It played at the Landmark Magnolia a few months ago as well.
My point is the city is full of newness and freshness (even in routine tasks like going to the movies) if you just go out there and look for it.
So kids, your lesson for today is: Don’t Sleep on Independent Films.
Cheers!
There are two independent film theatres in Dallas, the Angelika Film Center (Mockingbird Station – 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) and the Landmark Magnolia (3699 McKinney Ave). These are the places where you can find independent films that aren’t going to be advertised during your favorite sitcoms or primetime dramas. These are the films that get advertised by word of mouth on internet blogs (not much unlike this one) and in passing conversation.
Think all independent films are weird, obscure, artsy films? Think again. Independent films offer all the drama, suspense, and romance of their big budget counterparts. How about a suspense thriller in which a 14 year old girl entraps a 32 year old pedophile on the internet, gets invited to his house, and spends the day torturing him as payback (even convincing him at one point that she’s about to castrate him)? Sounds interesting right? It’s a little, independent film called "Hard Candy" (now out on DVD). It played the Angelika a few months ago.
OR
How about another suspense thriller in which a 60 year old lesbian tries to “seduce” a 30-something, married schoolteacher who is dealing with the guilt/and sinful satisfaction of carrying on an illicit affair with one of her students? Sounds interesting again, doesn’t it? This one is a little independent film called "Notes on a Scandal" starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. It played at the Landmark Magnolia a few months ago as well.
My point is the city is full of newness and freshness (even in routine tasks like going to the movies) if you just go out there and look for it.
So kids, your lesson for today is: Don’t Sleep on Independent Films.
Cheers!
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