THE OBENSON REPORT

Covering Cinema From All Across The African Diaspora

Thursday Linkage...

- Following Oprah's lead, pop culture icon Madonna plans to start building a multimillion-dollar girls' school in Malawi, the southeastern African republic. MORE HERE.
- Check out Cracked.com's humorous list of the "6 Worst Movies Hollywood Almost Made." Number 6 on the list was the planned 2001 remake of Dolemite, starring L.L. Cool J. READ ON HERE.
- A couple of lukewarm reviews of the Cannes opener, Blindness, starring Julianne Moore, Danny Glover and a laundry list of international stars, directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God). The Weinsteins apparently might have some trouble selling this one to American audiences. Read the first one
HERE, and the second review HERE.
- I'm giddy! Werner Herzog and David Lynch are teaming up to produce a film called "My Son, My Son," a horror-tinged murder drama based on a true story. I'm a fan of both auteurs, although a bigger fan of Herzog than Lynch (Inland Empire was tedious), and I'll probably always take notice when either of them creates something individually. How could I not be excited at the possibility of a collaboration. MORE HERE.
- CBS buys CNET in $1.8 billion deal. I use CNET occassionally, but I didn't realize it was worth that much loot! READ ON.

- Lastly, the world is indeed full of kooks. Here's one of them...

6 comments:

  1. Invisible Woman said...
     

    Do you really think City Of God is overrated?

  2. The Wendilicious Wonder said...
     

    Shame about 'Blindness.' I like Julianne Moore and Danny Glover too (more for his personal/ independent projects than his Hollywood roles) and it would be nice to see them acting together again since 'Far From Heaven.' But I'm not much one to listen to critics - if a movie appeals to me I'll see it and pass my own judgement. One of the reviews says 'there is much here to quicken the pulse' but feels it's too predicatble. Seeing as it's an adaption, not sure what to make of that. But judging by 'City of God' it's quite obvious that quickening of the pulse is the director's strong point. The predicability of the story may be the fault of the screenwriter and/or the Nobel laureate on whose novel it was based. I guess Meirelles wanted to stay true to the story.

    As for Lynch and Herzog, apart from 'Mulholland Drive,' I can't say I'm a great fan of either of them but a collaboration (as producers, anyway) might make for interesting viewing. I'm with you, Tambini, on 'Inland Empire' - I think it's the first time ever that I returned a rental DVD with an hours' worth of viewing still left unviewed. Desperately tedious.

    And the kook, he needs to get David Lynch to make a film about him... it might make more sense. Mind you, I did laugh out loud at Rev. Wright for vice president and Oprah ('whore girl') for secretary of state!

    :0

  3. The Obenson Report said...
     

    @ IW - Yeah, I do. I know I'm in the minority when I say that... but keep in mind that over-rated doesn't necessarily mean that I think it's a bad film. I just think the accolades it received were mostly unfounded and misplaced. It's full of visual trickery and gimmickry that only trivialized the violence for me. I couldn't figure out whether the filmmakers wanted me to be entertained and revel in it all, or whether I was actually supposed to care about what happened to the characters on the screen. I could almost hear the filmmakers high-fiving each other at just how cool they must have thought each new trick was. After about half-way through, the jig was up for me, and I just didn't care anymore either way. But, I suppose I can understand the attraction that others have to it.

    @ Wendy - I think you're confusing Danny Glover with Dennis Haysbert in 'Far From Heaven.' And you just might get to see 'Blindness' before those of us here in the states will, as I read that it'll likely be much more appreciated by European audiences than Americans, since you folks over there apparently have more "sophisticated" artistic tastes than we do over here :o) I'll still see it as well. I'm curious... the story alone intrigues me.

  4. The Wendilicious Wonder said...
     

    @ TOR: You're right - not Danny Glover at all. Why do I feel like I've seen Danny Glover and Julianne Moore in something together...?

    Well, you know how it is - all black men look alike...

    :)

  5. Anonymous said...
     

    I’m all for Madonna, Angelina or any other individual, building a school or adopting children in Africa…or anywhere else that people are suffering for that matter. It always amazes me when people criticize them for doing what they do. The people complaining are usually doing diddly squat to make a difference. So I say right on Madonna! People need to talk less and DO more!

    A Dolemite remake? I’m gagging…lol. I saw the original years ago. The lead character was so gross I couldn’t watch the whole thing. I’m scurred…

    Aaaaaah!! Pastor James David Manning, PhD makes me contemplate violence every time I see him. Idiot!! Okay I’m off to meditate and think happy thoughts :o)

    - P

  6. The Obenson Report said...
     

    @ Wendy - "Well, you know how it is - all black men look alike..." I certainly hope not! I'd hate for someone to mistaken me for Shabba Ranks! Tee-hee-hee...

    @ P - Agree with you on Madonna!
    Never seen Dolemite. No interest.
    I hope Pastor James is collecting some big checks from somebody!

Post a Comment