THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE and a Return to Terryland

THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE (2018)

Starring Adam Driver, Jonathan Pryce, Joana Ribeiro, Olga Kurylenjo, Stellan Skarsgard, Jordi Molia, Oscar Jaenada. Directed by Terry Gilliam. (132 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM SCREEN MEDIA

Review by Fluffy the Fearless😸

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote was finally released in 2018, a minor miracle unto itself. Director Terry Gilliam had been trying to get the damn thing made for 25 years, only to be continually thwarted by development hell, false starts, budget problems, legal issues, natural disasters, cast changes and no-small-amount of his own obsessiveness. The tumultuous production was even the subject of a feature-length documentary...in 2002.

Though he kept busy making many films in the interim, Gilliam is probably glad to finally scratch this particular itch...if nothing else, just to spite everyone who turned his labor of love into a decades-long debacle. Some of you reading this might be asking if it was worth the all the trouble, which isn’t really a fair question. The Man Who Killed Don Quixote will probably never fully escape the shadow of its production history, and that’s a shame because - baggage notwithstanding - this is ultimately a very good film. Even great in parts.

"I like reading the naughty bits."

It helps, of course, if the viewer is already in tune with Gilliam’s quirkier tendencies, since this modern day variation of Cervantes’ novel is a strange, surreal and often funny journey. Anyone familiar with the director is also aware he can be pretty self-indulgent, unconcerned whether or not others are on-board. Because of their unique aesthetic, narrative approach and abundance of dark humor, Terry Gilliam films could be considered their own little genre. Viewed in that context, this is his best work since 12 Monkeys.

That’s not to say The Man Who Killed Don Quixote isn’t without its issues, the main one being that it’s overlong. The story also gets off to a shaky start, with commercial director Tobi Grisoni (Adam Driver) embodying just about every burned-out-genius cliché we’ve ever seen. In fact, these early scenes don’t even feel like they belong in a Gilliam film. However, once Tobi visits the village where he once made a student film about Don Quixote, the film really takes off, both visually and narratively. He’s reacquainted with the elderly cobbler he cast in the lead (Jonathan Price), who has since become convinced he is Quixote and thinks Tobi is Sancho Panza. Several amusing circumstances have the two of them ending up on an episodic series of bizarre adventures, which eventually includes trying to rescue Angelica (Joana Jaenada), the young girl he once cast in the same film, now working as an escort for a vicious Russian magnate.

Why Adam Driver insists on a no-nudity clause in his contract.

That’s the nuts & bolts plot, but what makes it memorable is Gilliam’s penchant for blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Lavishly-produced, the film is alternately dark and whimsical, bolstered by interesting characters and some wonderful moments that unexpectedly transition into the surreal. Most importantly, the journey ends up being lot of fun, something this writer hasn’t been able to say about a Terry Gilliam film in a long time.

Ironically, for a movie with such a torrid past, this Blu-ray features no substantial bonus features covering its history. Perhaps that’s intentional, since enough has already been written and said about it. Besides, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote deserves to be enjoyed on its own merits. It may not rank among Terry Gilliam’s best work, but it’s a fine reminder that he's got some juice left in the tank.

EXTRA KIBBLES

5 FEATURETTES - “Locations”; “The Nose”; “Production Design”; “Costumes and Make-Up”; “Working with Terry Gilliam” (These are all promotional featurettes running 1-3 minutes each).

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

FM and the Time Machine

FM (1978)

Starring Michael Brandon, Eileen Brennan, Alex Karras, Cleavon Little, Martin Mull, Cassie Yates, Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, Norman Lloyd. Directed by John A. Alonzo. (104 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Mr. Paws😽

Revisiting FM for the first time since it briefly had the world’s ear in 1978 was like traveling back in time...in more ways than one. I remember Mom dropping me and a few friends off at the Southgate Quad for the day. Buying one ticket, we’d sneak from one movie to the next, something we did a lot back then (we called it movie hopping). Though we were always impressed with our own stealthiness, I doubt management really cared as long as we kept the concession counter busy.

While we weren’t there to see FM specifically, I walked out thinking it was cool enough to buy the soundtrack album. I probably forgot most of the plot and every character’s name shortly after leaving the theater, but Steely Dan’s title track was certainly stuck in my head during the entire ride home. Watching it now, it’s telling that during a pivotal moment in the story – when Q-SKY station manager Jeff Dugan (Michael Brandon) squares-off against company executives over a mandated increase in on-air advertising – the viewer doesn’t hear the actual argument. We see the conflict from another room while Tom Petty’s “Breakdown” is playing. Most of the film is driven by the music, sometimes cleverly, other times gratuitously (such as the concert scenes).

Cleavon Little finally gets that "'Scuse me while I whip this out" joke in Blazing Saddles.

For a film probably created more to sell records than movie tickets (which it did), FM has arguably aged better than some other “soundtrack movies” of the era. It’s still definitely a product of its time, when FM radio was at its cultural peak. But unlike, say, Roller Boogie or Thank God It’s Friday, there’s some semblance of authenticity. This probably isn’t an accurate depiction of the radio business, but I do recall listening to quirky DJ’s with on-air personalities not unlike those in the film. Though episodic and (very) leisurely plotted, the performances are fairly engaging, their antics sometimes amusing. The only aspect that reeks of artifice – both narratively and aesthetically – is the ridiculous climax that has hundreds of fans rioting in the streets in support of the protesting DJs (who’ve barricaded themselves in the station).

The film's tagline, 'A now story with now music,' is 100% accurate. FM existed in the moment and was pretty-much rendered a period piece the second the '70s ended. As such, it’ll have zero relevance to the MTV generation. But for those raised on radio - or spent a significant portion of their youth movie hopping - revisiting FM is like climbing into a time machine, as it nicely captures the look and sounds of a bygone era.

EXTRA KIBBLES

"NO STATIC AT ALL” - An enjoyable interview with actor Michael Brandon, who has a lot of interesting anecdotes (and also claims to have written Starman).

"RADIO CHAOS” - Interview with screenwriter Ezra Sacks, who was somewhat inspired by his experience working at a radio station.

"THE SPIRIT OF RADIO” - Critic Glenn Kenny discusses the soundtrack. This guy comes across as a little arrogant and too impressed with him own opinions. He also gets a few of his facts wrong.

IMAGE GALLERIES – Stills, promo material and soundtrack LP/cassette/8-Track covers.

SEPARATE MUSIC/EFFECTS TRACK

TRAILER

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET – Includes an essay, “Do You Remember Rock & Roll Radio,” by Paul Corupe, which just as much about FM radio in the 70s as it is about the film itself.

REVERSIBLE COVER ART – Two versions of FM’s original artwork.

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.

MOTHRA (Steelbook): Japan's Wackiest Wascal

MOTHRA (1961)

Starring Frankie Sakai, Kyoko Kagawa, Hiroshi Koizumi, Ken Uehara, Jerry Ito, The Peanuts. Directed by Inoshiro Honda. (101 min [Japanese Version] / 90 min [English Version])

ON BLU-RAY FROM

MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

Everyone’s second-favorite Japanese giant is now on Blu-ray. And a steelbook, no less! That alone is probably enough to open the wallets of those who love Toho’s brand of titanic terror. If nothing else, this is a beautifully packaged release.

I hadn’t seen Mothra since I was a kid, when a local Portland TV station aired all kinds of monster mayhem on summer afternoons. My favorites were those that hailed from Japan because...well, what 10-year-old doesn’t love citywide destruction? Son of Godzilla notwithstanding, Mothra was the most conceptually-bonkers Toho film from the ‘60s. Revisiting it four decades later, my assessment remains unchanged, meaning it's still a gloriously goofy good time.

A common cause of flight delays in some parts of the world.

This edition also includes the original uncut Japanese version, running 11 minutes longer. Other than the original Gojira, this was the first time I’ve ever watched any subsequent Toho film in its original language, which renders it slightly less silly, since it allows the viewer to focus more on the actual story than the distracting and daffy dubbing.

Though the disc is relatively light on bonus features, both versions of the film have been nicely remastered and includes an interesting audio commentary (outlined below). The steelbook case & transparent slipcover creatively incorporate the Mothra’s original promotional artwork. One of Mill Creek Entertainment’s better specialty releases, this is a must-own for fans of Japanese monster movies.

EXTRA KIBBLES

ENGLISH & JAPANESE VERSIONS – Japanese cut runs 11 minutes longer.

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By Authors Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski

TRAILERS

PHOTO GALLERY – Promotional stills and artwork.

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

Remember THE ILLUSIONIST?

THE ILLUSIONIST (2006)

Starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti, Jessica Biel, Rufus Sewell. Directed by Neil Burger. (109 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM

MVD MARQUEE COLLECTION

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😸

A pair of major magician-themed films were released in 2006. Of the two, The Prestige garnered the most attention with some considerable star power. It was more of a thriller and remains pretty highly regarded (likely due to director Christopher Nolan’s growing reputation). While nearly as successful, The Illusionist seems to have been comparatively forgotten over the years.

Too bad, really, because The Illusionist is a compelling film in its own right. Edward Norton is Eisenheim, whose show wows the masses. During one performance, he reunites with Sophie (Jessica Biel), whom he loved as a teenager. However, they were forbidden to see each other because he was the son of a peasant. She’s now engaged to abusive Crown Prince Leopold (Rufus Sewell), but makes the decision to call-off the marriage in order to be with Eisenheim.

Sophie is murdered before they can escape, leaving the viewer little doubt who the killer is. Eisenheim is very vocal about it, yet Chief Inspector Uhl (Paul Giamatti), who also happens to serve directly under the prince, refuses to investigate the murder any further. Leopold puts together a new show in which he appears to conjure spirits of the dead, including Sophie herself.

Edward picks out grapefruit.

As a mystery, The Illusionist doesn’t try that hard to keep the audience guessing. The way Sophie’s murder is presented, the “surprise” ending probably won’t be much of a revelation, either, and might have the viewer wondering how it would be logistically possible (given the time the story takes place). Fortunately, how the story unfolds is entertaining enough that we don’t bother with such trifles until after it’s over. The film also benefits greatly from great production design and performances. Norton is his usual intense self, while Giamatti is terrific as the increasingly-uncertain inspector and Sewell makes a suitably nasty villain.

Though not as complex, flashy and star-driven as The Prestige, The Illusionist is nevertheless an intriguing film worth revisiting. Despite being conceptually similar, the film has its own story to tell and does it commendably. It’s been released on Blu-ray before, but this version – part of MVD’s Marquee Collection – also includes bonus features carried over from the original DVD.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “The Making of The Illusionist”; “Jessica Biel on The Illusionist”.

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By Writer/Director Neil Burger.

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R. LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS.

The Horror Art of LUCY ANDERSON

Lucy Anderson is an extremely talented 15-year-old artist and horror fan. She enjoys sketching, painting and has dabbled in computer pop art. Below are some examples of her recent work.

Seok-woo, the main character from TRAIN TO BUSAN (Lucy’s favorite horror film).

Pennywise, from IT.

The xenomorph, from ALIEN.

©Copyright 2019, Luciann Anderson

Rest in Peace, Billy Drago

Billy Drago (1945-2019)

HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI: Silliness from the '60s

HOW TO STUFF A WILD BIKINI (1965)

Starring Annette Funicello, Dwayne Hickman, Brian Donlevy, Harvey Lembeck, Beverly Adams, Mickey Rooney, Buster Keaton. Directed by William Asher. (93 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM OLIVE FILMS

Review by Mr. Paws😼

Watching How to Stuff a Wild Bikini five decades on is sort-of a surreal experience. In this day and age of social awareness, it’s almost shocking how lovingly the camera leers over every female curve, to say nothing of a title song – belted out by an assembly line of Barbies & Kens - that defines the perfect bikini body. An amusing reminder that the 60s were a different time, when the beach party movie was a genre unto itself, which no studio purveyed as prolifically as American-International Pictures (AIP).

The AIP movies more-or-less adhered to the same formula: Annette Funicello & Frankie Avalon; a batch of lesser-known-but-just-as-photogenic young actors; “guest stars” consisting of familiar faces in supporting roles (most on the downside of their career); bouncy, forgettable songs; cameos by up-and-coming new bands. Additionally, most were outrageously plotted (when they actually chose to have one). William Asher – who directed a lot of ‘em – had no qualms about livening things up with mad scientists, Martians and, in this case, witch doctors.

"Want me to grab you a spoon?"

How to Stuff a Wild Bikini is as representative of the subgenre as any of the others, with a threadbare plot no more ridiculous than modern day tripe like Jason X or Sharknado. The film is also noteworthy for featuring Funicello as the only fully-clothed kid on the beach (she was pregnant at the time), while  Avalon himself only appears in a few token scenes (which look like they were all shot in a day). Ultimately, it’s a haphazardly thrown-together mish-mash of silly songs, eye-rolling gags and hammy performances. Of the cast, Harvey Lembeck has fun as Hollywood’s version of a rebel biker, while Buster Keaton looks thoroughly depressed to appear in yet-another beach party movie. Keep a sharp eye out for an amusing cameo by Elizabeth Montgomery (Asher’s wife at the time).

It was never what anyone ever mistook for a good film and its harmless sexism might seem a bit jawdropping today. But this is what often passed for teen-centric entertainment back then, so from a historical perspective, How to Stuff a Wild Bikini makes interesting viewing.

EXTRA KIBBLES

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. NO BETTER OR WORSE THAN ANY OTHER BEACH PARTY MOVIE.

THE POOP SCOOP: ENDGAME, PIKACHU and More

AVENGERS: ENDGAME on Digital 7/30 and Blu-ray 8/13

Fans who bring home “Avengers: Endgame” will gain hours of additional screen time with their favorite cast members and filmmakers who have shaped the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Bonus features include a tribute to the great Stan Lee; the tale of Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Iron Man; the evolution of Captain America; Black Widow’s dramatic story arc; directors Anthony and Joe Russo’s experience at the helm of both “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame”; the making of an epic battle scene with the women of the MCU; the creation of Bro Thor; deleted scenes; a gag reel and more. 

 

POKEMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU on Blu-ray 8/6

The first-ever live-action Pokémon adventure, "POKÉMON Detective Pikachu" stars Ryan Reynolds (the "Deadpool" films, "Buried," "Life") as Detective Pikachu and is based on the beloved Pokémon brand—one of the world's most popular, multi-generation entertainment properties and most successful media franchises of all time. With Detective Mode on Blu-ray, watch "POKÉMON Detective Pikachu" like you've never seen it before and discover a world of hidden clues, behind-the-scenes footage, pop-up trivia, Pokémon facts, fun featurettes, Easter eggs and more!

 

TOLKIEN on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital 8/6

From legendary halls of Oxford to the grim and bloody trenches of World War I, this enthralling biopic explores the early years of J.R.R Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) and the relationships that defined the legendary author he would become. Chronicling his romance with Edith Brant (Lily Collins), as well as the various members of the Tea Club, Barrovian Society, Tolkien slowly grows from a shy and bookish young man into one of history’s most beloved writers – seasoned by life, and everything that comes with it.

THE HUSTLE on Digital 8/6 & Blu-ray and DVD on 8/20

From director Chris Addison (“Veep”) and producers Roger Birnbaum (The Magnificent Seven) and  Rebel Wilson, THE HUSTLE on Blu-ray and DVD showcases bonus features taking viewers further into the world of scamming with special featurettes including behind-the-scenes footage, commentary from the cast and filmmakers, and more! Josephine Chesterfield (Hathaway) is a glamorous, seductive Brit who defrauds gullible wealthy men. Penny (Wilson) amasses wads of cash by ripping off her marks in neighborhood bars. Despite their different methods, both are masters of the art of the fleece so they con the men that have wronged them. Wilson’s talent for physicality and Hathaway’s withering wit are a combustible combination as the pair of scammers pull out of the stops to swindle a naïve tech billionaire, played by Alex Sharp (How to Talk to Girls at Parties), in this hilarious comedy. 

MAZE: An Unexpected Escape

MAZE (2017)

Starring Tom Vaughn-Lawlor, Barry Ward, Martin McCann, Eileen Walsh. Directed by Stephen Burke. (93 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM 

LIGHTYEAR ENTERTAINMENT

Review by Fluffy the Fearless😼

In 1983, 38 members of the IRA managed to escape the HMP Maze, a labyrinthine Irish prison that was considered nearly escape proof. While this 2017 film eventually depicts the event, much of the narrative is focused on the relationship between two men.

One of them is Larry Marley (Tom Vaughn-Lawlor), an IRA leader who’s been incarcerated for ten years and masterminds the escape. Most inmates are either members of the Irish Republication Army or British loyalists. Marley’s status is somewhere in between, since some view him as a traitor for not participating in a recent IRA hunger strike. The other is Gordon (Barry Ward), a warden whose stoic dedication to his job not-only alienates his family, it has made him a potential target of the IRA.

Initially, Marley’s intentions are to use his access to Gordon as part of his escape plan. It’s a contentious relationship at first. Gordon doesn’t mask his contempt for Marley, who he considers a terrorist. But as they get to know each other, both men slowly let their guards down in conversations where they discuss their families and the impact their choices had on them. Ironically, Marley’s wife and son remain close to him, while Gordon has pretty much lost everything except his job, essentially making him a prisoner, as well (which he actually declares at one point). It’s an interesting dichotomy that carries the story to its inevitable conclusion.

This year's annual Ugly Sweater contest is officially a tie.

Speaking of which, the escape itself ends up being relatively anti-climactic because it focuses more on characters we’re not nearly as invested in. And unlike, say, The Great Escape or Escape from Alcatraz, the film doesn’t spend much time going into the nuts & bolts of the plan, which is arguably what makes most escape movies so fun. But writer-director Stephen Burke obviously has a different agenda, which is fine as long as the viewer is aware of that going in.

I suppose some might also have issues with a protagonist who’s considered by many to be a terrorist, but they’d be missing the point. Painting both main characters as equally sympathetic is more intriguing than depicting one as a saint, the other a monster. The film may be lacking in traditional “great escape” tropes, but it’s ultimately the relationship between two men on opposite sides of the law that drives Maze and makes it worth checking out.

EXTRA KIBBLES

"81” - A short film by Stephen Burke

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By Director Stephen Burke

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW.

The Sneakiness of GASLIGHT

GASLIGHT (1944)

Starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, Angela Lansbury, Dame May Witty, Barbara Everest. Directed by George Cukor. (114 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM

WARNER ARCHIVE COLLECTION

Review by Mr. Paws😸

Gaslight is one of the great thrillers of the 1940s, though I wasn’t necessarily thinking that while watching. It was nominated for 7 Oscars, but I'm ashamed to say I’ve never seen the film until now. Even worse, this is the first time I’ve ever watched the great Charles Boyer. And I have the gall to call myself a cinephile.

Anyway, Gaslight initially unfolds as a mystery with the murder of famous singer Alice Anton at the hands of a man looking for her precious jewel collection, which he didn’t find because her young niece, Paula, suddenly showed up. Okay, so far so good. I enjoy a good mystery now and then.

Fast forward several years and Paula (Ingrid Bergman) is all grown up. She inherited the old home where Alice died, but remains haunted by memories of the murder, so she has since moved away. However, in a whirlwind romance, she meets and marries pianist Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer), who convinces her they should return to London and live in the house. To ensure Paula’s not constantly reminded of her aunt, Gregory stows all of Alice’s belongs in the attic and boards up the door. So I guess the film ain’t a mystery, but still, so far so good. Despite appearing to be simply protective of Paula, there’s something intriguingly 'off' about Gregory that we don’t quite trust. Boyer is also sort-of interesting in the role.

"Hey...it's my turn to be tied up."

As the narrative unfolds, Gregory’s protectiveness takes a dark turn. Not only does he constantly try to keep Paula housebound, he ventures out every single night, supposedly to where he can work without disruption. In the meantime, Paula is unnerved by flickering gaslights and strange noises in the house whenever she’s alone. Not only that, various items go missing and Gregory soon suggests she’s unconsciously stealing them. He becomes increasingly cruel and accusatory, trying to convince her she is losing her mind. By the time Inspector Cameron (Joseph Cotten) suspects a nefarious agenda, it’s obvious Gregory killed Alice and has a cold-blooded plan to get rid of Paula. Gaslight snuck up on me, being a crackling psychological thriller the entire time with one hateful son-of-a-bitch as its antagonist, played to icy perfection by Boyer.

As the film faded out, the first thing that popped into my head was, Wow, that was a damn good movie. It’s one of those sneaky films with no scenes that reach out and grab you, but by the final act, you’re on the edge of your seat anyway. This disc also includes the 1940 British version, but even though it came first, the 1944 MGM film is so suspenseful, well-written and perfectly-performed that it pales in comparison.

Gaslight is a great noir-tinged thriller that ranks among the best of the genre. New to Blu-ray, the transfer is terrific and the inclusion of the British version makes this release a must-own for classic movie lovers. Now that I’ve seen this one, I guess I can hang onto my cinephile card a little longer.

EXTRA KIBBLES

GASLIGHT (1940 BRITISH VERSION) – Starring Anton Walbrook & Diana Wyngard. Directed by Thorold Dickinson (84 min).

1946 LUX RADIO THEATRE BROADCAST -

"REFLECTIONS ON GASLIGHT” - Featurette hosted by Pia Lindstrom (Ingrid Bergman’s daughter) and features an interview with Angela Lansbury.

1944 OSCAR WINNERS NEWSREEL – The year Bergman won an Oscar for this film, as did Bing Crosby for Going My Way.

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH.