It’s been a memorable year for Jeff Bridges. He won his first Oscar back in March, is currently starring in the number one flick at the box office and is receiving more Academy Award buzz for his role in the remake of True Grit, which opens today. At 61, he in the midst of a career renaissance and is finally garnering the attention he has long deserved.

Looking over his filmography, I forgot just how many excellent movies he has appeared in throughout his 50-plus year career. It’s impossible to jam all his amazing performances into one Top Ten list because he’s had at least twenty that are worthy of inclusion. So, in no particular order, here are ten that I personally believe stand out from the pack.

10. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)

As the titular Lightfoot to Clint Eastwood’s Thunderbolt, Bridges steals the movie as a young, brash petty thief who joins Eastwood’s gang to rob an armored car company’s safe. He creates an endearing and ultimately tragic character in a very underrated heist flick.

9. Against All Odds (1984)

As washed-up football player Terry Brogan, Bridges assumes a leading man role opposite the incredibly sexy Rachel Ward. It combines elements of noir, romance and mystery into what amounts to a guilty pleasure. The best word to describe his character would be “visceral.” Lots of brawn with very little brains.

8. The Contender (2000)

It’s not easy to play a US President, but Bridges nails the part displaying the necessary confidence and charm befitting the leader of the free world. His final speech might be a tad melodramatic, but it’s delivered in an impassioned tone that screams, well, presidential.

7. The Last Picture Show (1971)

The movie that put him on the map is a compelling tale about leaving behind the innocent glory days of high school and treading the frightening mindfield of adulthood. A fresh-faced Bridges shines portraying the popular kid who conceals his insecurities behind a handsome face.

6. Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

Automobile innovator and entrepreneur Preston Tucker was a man ahead of his time. His crusade to introduce the “car of tomorrow” to the masses before the Big Three automakers was met with opposition and accusations of fraud. Bridges presents Tucker as a determined soul undone by blind ambition. He’s the best thing in an otherwise ho-hum movie.

5. Starman (1984)

Bridges received a Best Actor Oscar nomination playing an alien lifeform that crash lands on Earth. His evolution from blue ball of energy to caring human being is a marvel to watch. Along with E.T., Starman sets itself apart from most alien sci-fi movies by showing the “visitors” to be peaceful, rather than malicious.

4. Crazy Heart (2009)

Bridges earned his first Oscar as “Bad” Blake, a fading former country music star who tries to shed his alcoholic, irresponsible ways after falling for a young journalist. He shows credible singing chops and transforms himself into a troubled but likable character worth rooting for.

3. Fearless (1993)

Perhaps his most underrated performance, Bridges plays a plane crash survivor who rejects his old life and views himself as immortal. His acting operates on an almost ethereal level. He’s so convincing it makes you want to scream ‘Wake up!” at the screen.

2. The Big Lebowski (1998)

His most recognizable and iconic role has him portraying a professional slacker named Jeff Lebowski, aka “The Dude,” who becomes embroiled in a strange case of mistaken identity. Not known for comedy, Bridges doesn’t miss a beat in a hilarious spin that gains more respect with each additional viewing.

1. The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989)

Bridges manages to juggle prick and pathos as a tormented, chain-smoking jazz pianist who withdraws into a cocoon of self-loathing instead of facing his demons. Michelle Pfeiffer earned most of the praise for her amazing turn as lonely singer Susie Diamond, but Bridges is brilliant as the complex Jack Baker.

Writer/director Blake Edwards died yesterday at the age of 88. He is best known for crafting some of the most eclectic comedies in the history of cinema, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the Peter Sellers’ Pink Panther series, 10, S.O.B. and Victor Victoria. His career was one of the hit or miss variety, but Edwards wasn’t afraid to tread controversial ground or criticize the business he spent over 50 years working in.

I first discovered Edwards as a teenager with the John Ritter farce Skin Deep. It would be one of the last big screen efforts he would direct and featured Ritter as an unemployed writer who finds himself embroiled in all matter of drunken womanizing antics. It was a decent laugher, but one scene in particular stands out from the rest. It perfectly embodies the creative boldness in Edwards’ writing. It needs no further introduction.

RIP, John Ritter. RIP, Blake Edwards.

I’ve always been an enormous Paul Rudd fan. Unlike a lot of comedic actors (Ahem. Steve Carell. Ahem), Rudd doesn’t have to deliberately act like an ass in order to be funny. He can elicit laughs with just a look, or roll of his eyes. His new movie, writer/director James L. Brooks’ How Do You Know, opens Friday. It looks interesting only because of Rudd’s involvement. But a love triangle plot with Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson sounds, uh, potentially awful.

In addition to my fondness of film, I’m also a pro football nerd. There’s no shortage of drama in the NFL especially when it comes to the love ‘em or loathe ‘em Dallas Cowboys. If you haven’t been following, their 2010 season has been a comedy of errors, filled with injuries, firings and unrealized expectations. I’m of the belief it would make an excellent big screen romp.

And who better to play the role of Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo than Rudd? Romo is a smug doofus who lands tons of hot chicks; he’s very hateable, but doesn’t lack charm. I envision Rudd nailing the part. Think Brian Fantana without the stache.

Rudd oozes douche, but in a good way. Hell, he’d probably go a long way in improving Romo’s image, which has never been particularly stellar. A Cowboys flick starring Rudd sounds like a smashing idea.

Director Darren Aronofsky’s highly anticipated thriller Black Swan opens today. If the early buzz is on point, it should be a leading contender at next year’s Oscars. I’ve purposely avoided most of the teasers, trailers and preview articles so as not to spoil the mystery. However, I’ve been privy to enough details to know it’s a flick worth seeing. Here are ten reasons why you should dip into your wallet to check out Black Swan.

10. That klepto Winona Ryder is in it – Remember when Winona was the “it girl” in Hollywood? I’ve done way too many drugs since then to recall myself, but at one time she was in everything and cute as a button. Now she’s pushing 40 and has been relegated to minor roles like playing Spock’s mommy in the Star Trek reboot. Still single, she recently declared she’s in the market for a husband. Maybe she can steal one from another woman.

9. Aronofsky’s films always look awesome – He’s only helmed four previous flicks, but each of them is a visual marvel. He knows where to place a camera and when to move it. If the early images are any indication, it appears he nailed the dark creepy atmosphere to perfection.

8. It’s about ballet – No, seriously. How many ballet plots have you seen on the big screen? I dig movies that explore worlds I know nothing about and I sure as sh*t know nada about ballet, except the lads and ladies have to wear tights and dance on their tippy toes.

7. Black swans are cool – The charcoal colored plumage. The scarlet red beak. The long, majestic neck. It’s a beautiful animal to behold, symbolizing guile and sensuality.

6. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis share a love scene – Call me superficial, but watching a couple smokin’ hot brunettes lock lips and roll around naked is bonerific. To be completely honest, I’d pay twice the price of admission to get a gander Nat and Mila go lesbian. Here’s hoping it’s not ruined with pesky body doubles.

5. Two words: Vincent Cassel – All you subtitle haters are probably unfamiliar with Cassel’s work. Too bad. The Paris-born thespian has been killin’ it since 1995′s La Haine. If you’re not squeamish, watch Irreversible and Sheitan to see Cassel at his very best. He’s also hitched to the gorgeous Monica Bellucci. Lucky guy.

4. It’s only 107 minutes – I dunno about you, but I’m getting perturbed by all these needlessly overlong movies. Bigger ain’t always better when it comes to run-time. The ability to tell a complete story in less than two hours seems to be a lost art.

3. It’s really weird – By all accounts, Black Swan is one strange trip. Cassel even compared it to the early films of David Cronenberg. Excellent. If you’re bored with all the cookie cutter choices at the multiplex, then this should be right in your wheelhouse.

2. Two words: Mila Kunis – My fingers are crossed this will catapult the very capable and very sexy Kunis into A-list territory. She’s done comedy and action, so I’m intrigued to discover how she handles drama.

1. Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis share a love scene – Did I mention this already? Well, it’s worth reiterating. Call me sleazy, but watching a couple raven-haired lovelies grope and fondle one another is erectastic.

If you’re not watching AMC’s new zombie series The Walking Dead, based on the comic book of the same name, you are doing yourself a great disservice. The first season will wrap its ephemeral six-episode run this coming Sunday night, but a 13-episode second season has been ordered for 2011. Record-breaking ratings and an overwhelming positive audience response has turned it into the most talked about show of the year.

Considering the massive popularity of the living dead in this country and abroad, it’s amazing it took this long to bring the genre to the small screen. If any story was perfect for serialized television it would be a zombie apocalypse. The narrative possibilities are vast, so stretching out the action and horror for three or four seasons is more than doable, provided developer Frank Darabont remains heavily involved with the production.

There are several reasons why The Walking Dead deserves high praise: quality special effects, buckets of blood and gore, solid cast, excellent scripting and a terrific music score from composer Bear McCreary are just a few. While all these things make the series watchable, they aren’t what makes it work on a dramatic level. What makes it work is the impending sense of doom that envelops every episode.

All good post-apocalyptic stories, be it Battlestar Galactica or The Road Warrior, include the palpable risk of death at every turn. Creating a world consumed with fear and hopelessness maintains tension throughout. There is little room for the characters to breathe. The audience becomes heavily invested in anticipation of when the next attack will occur and which of the core principals will meet an untimely end.

Unlike the majority of television shows, day-to-day survival is the central theme. Basic needs like food, water and shelter are elevated in importance. And the struggle to hold onto the last vestiges of humanity and sanity becomes an even more difficult battle than the one waged against an army of killer zombies.

As a viewer, it’s natural to hypothetically insert ourselves into the proceedings and wonder how we would react in a similar situation. Would we pickup the nearest gun and start blasting brains or hide in a locked closet weeping like a toddler? Would we have the courage to lead others or would we go it alone? Would we fight until the bitter end or succumb to the paralyzing grip of despair?

The writers have already killed off two characters and more will most assuredly follow as the show progresses. Like The Sopranos, the sudden demise of a recurring face can be unsettling, but it grounds the series in its own fictional reality and reminds us (and them) that no one is safe from harm. Grisly violence is integral to The Walking Dead, however, some semblance of order must exist amid the chaos in order to prevent the humans from completely mirroring the mindless monsters roaming the streets and countryside.

Whatever direction the creators decide to take the plot, the specter of death will never be far behind. It’s rare to find television that’s willing to delve into uncomfortable subject matter. Horror, in particular, has always had trouble translating on the small screen. Vampires, werewolves and demons have made the jump with varying degrees of success, but none of those supernatural incarnations possess the allure of zombies. Needless to say, a series like The Walking Dead has been long overdue.

]]> http://flicksided.com/2010/12/why-the-walking-dead-works/feed/ 1 http://flicksided.com/2010/11/stupid-movie-titles-are-annoying/ http://flicksided.com/2010/11/stupid-movie-titles-are-annoying/#comments Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:00:21 +0000 Scott Tunstall http://flicksided.com/?p=12515

For the six of you that give a crap, Love & Other Drugs is playing at theaters across the land. It’s a dramedy about a Viagra salesman who falls in love with a chick suffering from early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Sounds amazing. And by amazing I mean bland and cliched in every way. Despite Anne Hathaway being kinda sorta hot, I don’t think I’ll be coughing up eight bucks to see this turd.

Besides the sappy plot, one of the things that irks me most about this flick is the stupid title. It’s not just about love, but other drugs too. Oh, I get it, love is a drug. It makes you feel elated and loopy and on top of the world. That is until it, meaning love, goes horribly awry; then those feelings of unbridled happiness turn to soul-crushing depression and never-ending bitterness.

The movie is based on the non-fiction book Hard Sell: The Evolution of a Viagra Salesman. Obviously you can’t use such a wordy moniker for the big screen version, but one would think the creative minds responsible could come up with something better than Love & Other Drugs. Why not Hard Sell? Okay, I’ll admit, that sounds like a documentary about advertising… or a porno about advertising.

Hmm… maybe something like Prescription for Love. Nah, that might be dumber. Love for Sale? The Love Dealer? For Better or Worse? The Chemicals Between Us? Wait, that last one is a song by the band Bush. Shake, Rattle and Love? Probably a little insensitive. Love of a Salesman? Too literary. Geesh. I guess this isn’t as simple as I first thought.

Whatever the case, Love & Other Drugs is still a ridiculous title. Imagine you and a co-worker are hanging out at the water cooler or coffee maker or soda machine and he/she brings up the movie. It would go something like this:

Co-worker: Have you seen Love & Other Drugs?

You: Huh? Am I taking any other drugs?

Co-worker: No, Love & Other Drugs.

You: Do I love other drugs?

Co-worker: The movie, Love and Other Drugs.

You: I don’t like what you’re insinuating, so I’m going to leave.

Awkward and confusing. By contrast, here’s how the same conversation would go when said move has a good title.

Co-worker: Have you seen Inception?

You: Not yet, but I hear it’s awesome.

Co-worker: Oh man, you gotta see it. It’s a trip.

You: Damn. Then I’m going tonight.

Co-worker: Trust me. You won’t be disappointed.

You: Cool.

See how smoothly that progressed. A quality title slips easily into everyday conversation. Charlie St. Cloud — bad. The Expendables — good. Skyline — awful. The Social Network — terrific. As for Love & Other Drugs, well, it’s just not up to snuff. After careful deliberation, I think I have a suitable alternative. Drum roll, if you please. The new and improved title is… Love Story 2. Wink, wink.

]]> http://flicksided.com/2010/11/stupid-movie-titles-are-annoying/feed/ 0 http://flicksided.com/2010/11/ten-things-to-be-thankful-for-at-the-movies/ http://flicksided.com/2010/11/ten-things-to-be-thankful-for-at-the-movies/#comments Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:00:21 +0000 Scott Tunstall http://flicksided.com/?p=12489

It’s easy, and at times completely justifiable, to focus on the negative aspects of modern day cinema. Jennifer Aniston romantic comedies, overblown superhero flicks, pointless remakes and the fact that Rob Schneider is still allowed to work in Hollywood are all things worth lamenting. However, it’s Thanksgiving, so what better time to take a reprieve from the bashing and celebrate the good, rather than the bad, at the movies. As dedicated film lovers, here are ten things we should all be thankful for on the big screen.

10. Successful Franchises

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Batman, Harry Potter, Bourne Series, etc. It’s all golden when the perfect storm of writers, directors and actors come together to produce a well-executed mega franchise. Anyone can milk a cash cow, e.g. Twilight and Saw, but the ability to deliver a series of films that resonate is a true test of quality filmmaking.

9. Up and Coming Actresses

Natalie Portman, Emily Blunt, Ellen Page, Evan Rachel Wood, Carey Mulligan. The list is long and accomplished. In a male dominated industry, it’s nice to see such a talented group of actresses under 30 landing significant roles in excellent movies.

8. Pixar

Not all of Pixar’s offerings have been unforgettable, but when they hit the sweet spot it results in a grand slam home run. Up received a Best Picture nomination; WALL-E should’ve gotten one. The groundbreaking animation studio is responsible for some of the highest grossing and most entertaining films of all time.

7. Low Budget Gems

Films like The Hurt Locker and Precious both found audiences and recognition despite being produced for less than $20 million. In the era of 3D and caped crusaders, it’s nice to know smaller projects are still able to make some headway at the multiplex.

6. Robert Downey Jr.’s Resurgence

Actors like Downey don’t come along very often. He’s versatile, bold and seems to genuinely enjoy what he does. His comeback from alcohol/drug addiction saved his life and resurrected his career. Lots of guys could play Tony Stark and Sherlock Holmes, but few could match Downey’s panache.

5. The M. Night Shyamalan Backlash

Not that any more proof was needed, but The Last Airbender solidified M. Night’s reign as the most overrated filmmaker working today. Each chapter in the book of Shyamalan is more ridiculous than the last. Trashing him has become passé, but that doesn’t make it any less fun, or appropriate.

4. Leonardo DiCaprio

He chooses smart scripts and collaborates with great directors. He can carry a film at the box office and rarely delivers a false performance. One of these days the Academy will come to their senses and give him the Oscar he so rightfully deserves. Very few actors possess his skill-set.

3. Netflix Watch Instantly

It’s not the same as sitting in a surround sound digital theater, but the opportunity to “legally” download a new or old flick at the click of a mouse is an incredibly convenient and amazing advancement. Especially for those of us who enjoy writing about film.

2. Awful Nic Cage Movies

Nic’s recent resume is chock-full of ghastly goodness like The Wicker Man, Ghost Rider, Next, Knowing, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the upcoming Drive Angry, which is in the running for worst title of the year (along with Love and Other Drugs). Cage has mastered the art of overacting in shamelessly terrible movies to such a degree that he warrants our undying admiration.

1. Christopher Nolan

A catalog that includes Memento, The Prestige, The Dark Knight and Inception puts Nolan in select company when it comes to original writer/directors who can do no wrong. Legit auteurs make films their way and ignore the nonsense from fanboys and critics. In a business that demands conformity, Christopher Nolan stands out for being uniquely his own.

Everyone’s favorite boy spellcaster will once again grace theaters on Friday in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I, the penultimate chapter in the cash cow franchise. The suddenly sexy Hermione, the perpetually awkward Ron and the eternally evil Lord Voldemort are also along for the ride, but it’s all about Harry and his quest to vanquish the Dark Lord and his nefarious minions.

At the opposite end of the movie wizard spectrum is Gandalf from the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. He’s taller, older and wiser, but is he the best of the best in the world of fantasy and magic? Or is the pint-sized, bespectacled teenager the champion of conjurers?

There’s only one way to solve this riddle for the ages. It’s time to go to the tale of the tape. Which wizard wins out: Harry Potter or Gandalf? (Click to enlarge)

It’s close, but the victor in this enchanting engagement by a score of 5-3-1 is the man in white/gray, Gandalf. Playing an integral part in saving Middle-earth from total destruction was just too much to overcome for young Harry. Don’t feel sorry for him, though. I’m sure cute as a button Ginny Weasley will comfort him in defeat.

The latest alien invasion flick invades theaters across the land today. It’s called Skyline, which is a ridiculously stupid title that sounds more appropriate for a line of luggage than it does a sci-fi blockbuster. However, it wasn’t the only name attached to the movie during pre-production. Before settling on Skyline, the creative brain trust considered several other monikers which may or may not have been worse than the one they went with. Here are ten of those rejected titles.

10. Independence Day 2

Too obvious and ultimately, illegal. Evidently ID4 filmmakers are deluded enough to believe a “real” sequel starring Will Smith will happen at some point. Good luck with that.

9. Not That Alien Invasion Movie, The Other One

Directors the Brothers Strause worked on visual effects for another alien invasion movie set in LA,  Battle: Los Angeles, while shooting Skyline. I’m no lawyer, but that sounds a bit fishy.

8. Holy Sh*t! Aliens Are Eating Us

Can’t all the species in the universe just get along? Wait, it’s Los Angeles. Never mind. I wasn’t thinking.

7. The Alien Invasion Movie With That Guy From Scrubs

Donald Faison. Funny guy. I can’t wait to see him kick some alien arse. Although it won’t be the same without J.D. at his side.

6. Toy Story 4

Everything Pixar touches turns into box office gold, so why not piggyback the summer heat of Toy Story 3 while it’s still sizzling? Looks great on paper, but again, totally illegal.

5. The Alien Invasion Movie Not From the Mind of M. Night Shyamalan

Remember Signs? The Skyline filmmakers sure as hell do. In order to distance themselves from the world’s most overrated writer/director, they almost went with this verbose title. It would’ve gotten my vote.

4. Vampire Aliens From Outer Space

In order to capitalize on the growing popularity of bloodsuckers, this seems like a no-brainer. It sounds awesome, but has too much of a B-movie feel to it.

3. The West Coast Cloverfield

More of a working title. Thankfully, the left coast alien invaders look a lot cooler than the idiotic praying mantis thing that trashed the Big Apple.

2. The Day the Earth Got Into a War of the Worlds

This only works if either Keanu Reeves or Tom Cruise is cast as the lead. Sorry, but Eric Balfour can’t hang with Neo and Maverick.

1. District 90210

Hands down, my favorite. It’s appealing to both the young male and young female demographics. It also screams alien invasion in Hollywood.

With the glut of channels available on cable, satellite and FIOS these days, it might be surprising to learn that some of the best programming can still be found on PBS. Yes, the same network that airs Antiques Roadshow and opera. No, I’m not seventy years old, but I do feel a bit strange when I find myself rejecting the offerings on CBS, TNT, ESPN, FX and HBO in favor of public broadcasting.

Nevertheless, I love me a quality whodunit. As such, I’m a huge fan of Masterpiece Mystery!, which normally runs on Sunday nights where I dwell. The long-running PBS staple vacillates between contemporary detective stories and Victorian era puzzlers.

Their latest miniseries plucks the world’s most famous investigator, Sherlock Holmes, from his comfy 19th century confines and drops him into modern day London to solve three separate mysteries using his famous deductive reasoning. Joining him in his adventures is trusted partner Dr. John Watson, an ex-Army medic and Afghanistan war veteran. Together, the disagreeing duo delve into the evidence to aid the police in their crime-solving endeavors.

Holmes, expertly portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch, is his normal eccentric self. He’s detached from everyday society, annoyingly arrogant, blatantly rude and very rarely wrong. Cumberbatch supplies him with a dry wit and a knowing grin. His tall, wiry and pallid frame is deceptively athletic and coiling with boundless energy. He’s also a whirlwind of words, facts and theories, which makes him a faithful representation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved creation.

Watson, played by the the would-be Bilbo Baggins, Martin Freeman, is roommate, confidant, servant, sounding board and protector. He’s drawn to Holmes’ idiosyncratic techniques and brutally honest personality. His desire to maintain a normal existence is in direct conflict with his need for action and danger. The reasonable part of him realizes Holmes is a sociopath, but the adrenaline junkie part of him doesn’t care.

Not to be left out, Inspector Lestrade appears in a recurring role as does Holmes’ enigmatic archenemy Moriarty, who actually reveals himself in typical evil fashion in the third movie, The Great Game. There’s also a heavy influx of 21st century conveniences, like Sherlock’s reliance on cell phones and Watson’s blogging, that serve to update Doyle’s classic cloak and dagger plots.

This trio of clever conundrums are fast-paced, deftly written and appropriately moody. The last one aired in the US this past Sunday, but you might be able to catch them in reruns. Or you can purchase the DVD which was released yesterday. Although not confirmed, there are rumors a second season of mysteries will air in Britain at some point in 2011. That means us Yanks will have to wait a long while before seeing new installments of this intricately sublime series. Bummer.

To sum up, if you’re a proponent of intelligent, unpredictable tales of murder, seek out Sherlock on the small screen. The game, as they say, is afoot.

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