Death Comedy Jam

Petedubs, the maker of the ZachMorrisism Box Office Smash "Restraint", is back with another buddy-comedy. This time starring the recently deceased. Chronicling Patrick Swayze and Michael Jackon's journey to celebrity heaven this animated short is chalk full of crude laughs. Choppy animation, cringe-worthy jokes and mediocre celebrity impressions all remind me of early episodes of South Park. Made with Andy Delisi, this short makes light of the celebrity world without going down a cliche route. What's next for Pete? A music video maybe?

Also check out Pete's new movie blog Forumla187.

Cinematic Excellence

When walking into my film class on Friday I was expecting nothing more than the usually painful hour and a half lecture, followed by a movie which blatantly points out ideas covered in lecture. Instead, after an informative yet brief lecture about the perception of African-Americans in popular culture, we watched the brilliant "Killer Of Sheep". Written, directed, and produced by, the often overlooked, Charles Burnett this movie exhibits life as true as it can be on film. It revolves around Stan, a middle-class man who works at a slaughterhouse, and his family (his wife and two children) living in the Watts neighbourhood (If the Watts area sounds familiar, it's because this is also where the Hughes brothers "Meanace II Society" takes place) of Los Angeles. Throughout the movie Stan is faced with ethical dilemmas and the overall feeling of helplessness towards his situation, which actor Henry Gayle Sanders portrays perfectly. You may have trouble finding this film in the conventional video store because only recently has it encountered critical acclaim, but I urge you to see it.

Comic Books Killed The Script Writer

I've become weary when visiting my local comic book store lately. I can't shake the feeling that any comic that has the littlest bit of quality writing will be scooped up by a film studio to be bastardized. Take "Kick-Ass" for example, a practically brand new comic about a teenager taking matters into his own hands via masked vigilantism who gets caught up in internet created buzz, is now wrapping up shooting. The worst part, Nic Cage is in it. How did this happen? Have script writers become extinct? I guess this all stems from my displeasure with "The Watchmen" being made into a movie. Something as perfect as "The Watchmen" shouldn't be tampered with and dumbed down for viewing audiences. "Kick-Ass" writer Mark Millar is brilliant and hopefully had his hands all over the film version. The one bright point from this movie being made is the casting of Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin from "Superbad") as Red Mist, Kick-Ass' nemesis. 

Restraint by Peter Wilson (Pete Dubs)

"Restraint" is a film project put together by my friend Pete, who is currently attending Queens University. "Restraint" revolves around two drunken university students who wake up handcuffed to each other and are at a loss on how to release themselves. Much like many Canadian comedy films the comedy is both real and unabashed. Well acted by Tim Mackay and Eric Gagne, "Restraint" will have you and yours in uproarious laughter.

When The Wild Things Are

This was posted on Bobby Hundreds' Hypebeast blog earlier and couldn't resist posting it. Both Spike Jonez and the internet public fought for this films distribution when the studio was thought to be shelving it. Come fall 2009 all of us will have a bit of wild thing in us.

Movie of the Year - Burn After Reading

The Coen brothers made such a great commentary on our social climate with this one. We get so caught up in the smallest things these days and in the hands of idiots (the press and their sensationalism) they get blown out of proportion. George Clooney's character kills me and (SPOILER ALERT) when Brad Pitt gets shot the realism and shock factor are perfect.

Runners-Up

Pineapple Express - Never has a stoner-comedy and action film melded so well together. The ensemble cast had me from beginning to end. Literally from Bill Hader's cameo as the solidier to Danny McBride's (Red) "friends schpeel" in the restaurant.

The Dark Knight- I can't tell you the amount of times I watched this movie. Really. My favorite part of the movie is obscure though, the parts with others trying to be vigilantes. I loved this story-line in the comics (ie The Sons of Batman) and it worked well in the movie.