It’s hard to believe but it’s already time for the summer movie season. The year didn’t start off on a good note but things did pick up a little during the spring. I saw several good movies since the first of March. But now it’s money time both literally and figuratively. The summer time brings out the big budget cash cows that all of the studios have been waiting to unveil. With the summer movie season finally here that means it’s Flaunt It or Flush It time. This is where I list five movies that I’m particularly excited about. These I will flaunt. Then I’ll mention five summer movies that I want no part of. These I will flush. So let’s get to it.

FLAUNT ‘EM

#1 – “MAN OF STEEL” (June 14, 2013) – It’s hard for me to believe that in the era of the superhero movie there’s no successful Superman franchise. Hopefully that will change June 14th. This new reboot of Superman has grown on me with every bit of new news and every new trailer. There’s a tremendous cast in place including names like Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, and Dianne Lane. But even more exciting is that Christopher Nolan is serving as producer and hopefully his creative influence will give this film something the last Superman effort lacked. I can’t help it, I’m really excited about this one folks.

#2 – “THE GREAT GATSBY” (May 10, 2013) – “Gatsby? What Gatsby”? Why it’s Leonardo DiCaprio playing the mysterious and wealthy socialite from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale. This was one of my most anticipated movies from last year before it ended up being pushed back to 2013. Baz Luhrmann is directing the film and all you have to do is watch the trailers to get a sense of the vivid and exciting style he’s bringing to the story. DiCaprio seems perfect for the role and there are some very interesting supporting roles for Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton. I love Fitzgerald’s story and I am insanely pumped for this film.

#3 – “BEFORE MIDNIGHT” (May 24, 2013) – It was 1995 when we first met Jesse and Celine on a train from Budapest. The two strangers hop off in Vienna and begin one of cinema’s most mesmerizing romances. After a stop in Paris for “Before Sunset”, the couple is back this year in “Before Midnight”. The trailer tosses out all sorts of interesting new questions about this couple. Of course Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are back, both working again with director Richard Linklater. This small independent movie series has gained a nice sized following and I’m certainly a fan. I can’t wait to catch back up with these interesting and enthralling characters.

#4 – “IRON MAN 3” (May 3, 2013) – I loved the first Iron Man movie and while some people had problems with it, I enjoyed the second film as well. “Iron Man 3” really has me excited mainly because of its intriguing cast. First of all anytime Robert Downey, Jr. suits up in the red and gold armor I’m onboard. But listen to who joins him: Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle return. But new to the franchise is Guy Pearce (one of my favorite actors in the business) and the wonderful and underrated Rebecca Hall. I do question the decision to give the reins to director Shane Black but Marvel has a pretty good track record so far.

#5 – “WORLD WAR Z” (June 21, 2013) – “World War Z” was on my list of most anticipated films of 2013 so I may be flaunting it out of a sense of obligation. I have to be honest, my enthusiasm isn’t nearly as high as when I saw the first trailer. That being said I still think there is potential here for a crazy summer popcorn romp. Brad Pitt stars in a film that seems like one part zombie apocalyptic horror and another part explosive action. That’s right up my alley. Still I realize that this thing could go in a number of different directions. I choose optimism. My fingers are crossed and we’ll see what happens June 21st.

FLUSH ‘EM

#1 – “THE HEAT” (June 28, 2013) – I don’t think there are any trailers so far in 2013 that has annoyed me more than the ones for “The Heat”. I mean the regular theatrical trailer is enough to grind your last nerve but have you seen the red band trailer? It solidified this movie’s position at the very top of the ‘Flush It’ order. Sandra Bullock and the overrated Melissa McCarthy are embarrassingly bad in the trailer. And these are usually considered the best scenes? This thing looks like an absolute disaster and yet another stupid entry into the comedy genre. I’m sure some people will go see it. I promise you I won’t be one of them.

#2 – “GROWN UPS 2” (July 12, 2013) – Words can’t express how much I disliked Adam Sandler’s “Grown Ups”. It was terrible on almost every level. But somehow this guy is a box office draw which unfortunately results in “Grown Ups 2”. The first film was a lazy, juvenile, and cheap comedy that had no redeeming qualities at all. Why on earth would I expect this thing to be any different? The same cast is back (minus Rob Schneider) so that’s not encouraging. But don’t worry, Sandler has added the Oscar caliber acting talent of Stone Cold Steve Austin and Taylor Lautner to save the day. Yep, this one’s going to stink.

#3 – “THE HANGOVER PART III” (May 24, 2013) – If you would have told me that “The Hangover” would turn into an enormously popular, money-making trilogy I would have accused you of sniffing glue. I’m not sure why but the first movie of this series attracted a huge audience. That resulted in an absolutely atrocious sequel. That unwatchable garbage made more money so here we go again. Now I mentioned how annoying the trailer for “The Heat” was. The trailer for “The Hangover III” isn’t annoying. It’s just terrible and I don’t expect the movie to be any different. I’m more than happy to pull the handle and flush this thing.

#4 – “THE SMURFS 2” (July 31, 2013) – There’s no way anyone will convince me to waste my time or money on “Smurfs 2”. This sequel to the ridiculously successful 2011 live action/animated bore will most certainly provide more of the same. Now for the youngest possible movie watcher there will probably be some smiles. But for anyone over 3 years old, not so much. I will say that I don’t expect “Smurfs 2” to be as openly repellent as the other movies on this list, but I know it’s going to be the same flat, repetitive, and cutesy humor as before. There’s no smurfing way I’ll be checking this out.

#5 – “THE INTERNSHIP” (June 7, 2013) – What a surprise – another lame, unfunny looking comedy hitting theaters this summer. “The Internship” looks bad enough just from the trailers, but there’s more that should make you uneasy. Just knowing that this movie was made by many of the people who brought you “The Watch” last year should give you an idea of what we’ll be getting. Personally I still dont find Vince Vaughn funny and he wrote and stars in the film. I have no doubt that “The Internship” will grab a nice hunk of money at the box office. But I think I’ll wait for a comedy that actually looks funny. This just looks like a flusher.

There you go. I’ve flaunted five films that I’m anxious to see and flushed five that look like…well…crap. Agree or disagree? What are some summer movies you would like to flaunt or flush. Let me hear from ya.

The 2013 Lammys have rounded the final turn and are heading for home. The final nominees have been announced and the voting is now open for the final round. I have to admit I was really surprised to find that my little ol’ Keith & the Movies site had been submitted for four Lammy Awards: Best Movie Reviewer, Best Running Feature (The Phenomenal 5), Best New Lamb, and Best Blog. I have to admit I was pretty surprised to see my named mentioned by some fellow movie bloggers that I respect a great deal. And while my expectations were low, I was hoping I may squeak in and grab a nomination in a category or two.

Monday the Lammys were announced and while I didn’t make it in a couple of the categories I was hoping for, I did snag a nomination for BEST NEW LAMB. I gotta say that’s pretty cool especially when I look at the wealth of talent represented by my fellow nominees. I really don’t think I stand a chance but it’ll be fun to watch things play out. Either way if I do lose it’s good to know I’ll lose to a very deserving winner. And not only are my fellow nominees deserving, but I’ve gone on to become pals with most of them. Of course I hope they all lose to me but you get what I’m sayin’.

Let me end by giving a huge “THANK YOU” to everyone who has read my material, “liked” a post, commented, or shared something from Keith & the Movies. Blogging wouldn’t be nearly as much fun for me if people weren’t reading and seemingly enjoying some of what I’ve written. It wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without the comments and the conversations from you people who visit the site. And a Lammy certainly wouldn’t be possible without each of you (and of course the great people over at the LAMB who put this all together). Finally, a special congratulations to my fellow BEST NEW LAMB nominees especially Marked Movies, Terry Malloy’s Pigeon Coup, The Focused Filmographer, Head in a Vice, and Rorschach Reviews. You guys are tremendous.

So get the confetti poppers and the disco ball ready. Ice down the Diet Dr. Pepper and warm up the cheese dip. I would really appreciate your vote for BEST NEW LAMB. But hey, regardless of who wins, we’ll celebrate their victory together at the after party!

I’ve been a movie fan for most of my life. In fact as far back as junior high school I had aspirations to be a film critic. That never panned out as my life took a different course but my love for movies never waned. Yet while my love for film never left, it did mature as I grew older. Over the years I’ve come to love and appreciate classic cinema, not just the well-known Hollywood classics, but wonderful smaller gems and great groundbreaking movies from abroad. These pictures have not only earned my appreciation but they’ve given me a better understanding of filmmaking, cinematic creativity, and pure storytelling. These classic pictures have made an indelible mark on my movie perspectives and they continue to do so.

But it’s safe to say that classic movies don’t touch everyone the same way as they do me. Over the years I’ve spoke to many people who openly don’t like “old movies”. Then there are those who won’t go as far as to say they don’t like these films, but they back burner them due to what’s really a lack of enthusiasm. Now as a point of clarity let me say I’m not judging anyone’s taste. We all know movies are a subjective art. What’s good for one isn’t always good for the other and that’s the way it should be. But I can’t help wonder why there isn’t a broader appreciation for the classics these days and a rush to catch up with these films that paved the way for what we see today.

For me the classics represent a purer form of moviemaking. These were films made without the benefits of the technologies and innovations that we have today. They focused on good performances, sound writing, and a director’s keen eye. It was also a time of discovery in terms of technique. So many influential directors were finding new ways to tell their stories through their cameras and visual styles were first taking form. It’s through the classics that we can witness the new waves of filmmaking that broke new ground all over the world. Through the classics we can observe as the entire landscape of motion pictures evolve. This isn’t just a field ripe with unforgettable movies. The classics are a window into the fascinating history of cinema.

Today is most certainly a different era. The business side of movies has contributed to monster-sized budgets and even bigger studio expectations. The constantly evolving technology of special effects has become one of the biggest instruments in storytelling and presentation has become vital. 3-D, IMAX, high definition, etc. All of these things play major roles in modern filmmaking and our experiences are the better because of them. Or are they? Could it be argued that the fascination with flashy effects and 3-D presentation has in many cases taken the place of a good story with intelligent writing?

Take a look at the movies that are put out today. Now there have always been bad movies. Yet I’m amazed at how easy it is to get a movie made these days. Splash on a coat of fancy special effects or incorporate some of the numerous crutches that Hollywood uses today and you’ll get a big screen release. In many cases creativity has taken a backseat to repetitive and lazy filmmaking. Whether it’s the crutches of lame and vulgar attention-getting content or the crutches of shallow, mindless productions soaked in expensive visuals, Hollywood uses them to their fullest and we see it in film after film each year.

But couldn’t it be said that the studios are simply supplying the demand? Are they just making movies that people will endorse through their dollars and debit cards? Could the lower standards of modern moviegoers be feeding this monster? There are so many movies today that make tons of cash which leaves me scratching my head. I mean when else but today would Adam Sandler still have a job? Nonetheless “Grownups 2” hits theaters this summer and you can count on big box office numbers.

Now to avoid any hypocrisy let me say I love modern movies. I go to the theater every chance I get and I am as anxious for a next big release as anyone. I don’t shy away from big budgets or special effects and I’ll give the film its deserved praise if it’s done well. But I also love classic cinema and everything that it embodies and I want other people to love it too. Thankfully we still have some brilliant filmmakers today who work both in front and behind the cameras. They still give us great films – movies that entertain us, impress us, and provide an escape. But this is nothing new. They are following a rich tradition set before them by the likes of Keaton, Chaplin, Hepburn, Welles, Bogart, Huston, Stewart, Kelly, Kurosawa, Ford, Wilder, Cooper, Bergman, Hitchcock, Grant and so many more. It’s the classics that paved the way and its the classics that still hold up remarkable well today. I’ll never grow tired of them and hopefully more people will open themselves up to them as well. A good movie is a good movie regardless of when it was made.

The Keith & the Movies Valhalla is a place of tribute for those movies that I hold in the highest regard. These are films that embody everything that is great about motion pictures. These are the best of the best – movies that I truly love and that stand above the rest. There are many great movies that won’t find their way into these sacred halls. But here you will find those films that I believe personify brilliance in filmmaking, storytelling, and entertainment. These glorious 5 star accomplishments are worthy of special recognition as the very best. Ok, enough of the high drama! In other words, these are my favorite movies of all time, ok?

______________________________________________________________________________

REAR WINDOW (1954) – Alfred Hitchcock remains one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. With so many incredible movies on his résumé, it would be a challenge to pick his best film. But for me the choice is simple. “Rear Window” is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock picture. There’s so many shining examples of greatness in this film. Hitchcock not only tells a great story but he draws us into the voyeuristic world of his lead character indicting us in the process. Jimmy Stewart gives a brilliant performance. He spends the entire film confined to a wheelchair in his apartment while observing his neighbors and what he believes to be a murder. Grace Kelly is simply stunning as Stewart’s skeptical girlfriend who soon finds herself in the middle of the potential crime. “Rear Window” featured what was at the time the biggest and most elaborate indoor set ever. It’s really incredible to behold and it plays a huge part in the movie’s success. “Rear Window” is an phenomenal film. Whether it’s Cornell Woolrich’s marvelous script, stand out direction from one of cinema’s best, or superb acting from its fabulous cast, “Rear Window” works on every level. It more than deserves its place among the very best.

Rear Window is the fourth inductee into the Keith & the Movies Valhalla. But there are more amazing movies to come in the near future so stay tuned. What are your thoughts on this Alfred Hitchcock classic? Is it worth the accolades it’s received or is it an overrated picture? You now know my opinion. I’d love to hear yours. Take time to share your comments below.

The Death of Family Friendly Films

This isn’t intended to be an iron-fisted judgment of modern cinema. Nor is this meant to be a rousing call to start a grass roots campaign against Hollywood. But I suppose you could call this a critique of a trend that has been going on for years now in motion pictures. It’s something that has been gnawing at me for years and it seems to be only getting worse. It’s the death of family friendly films.

Now I specifically use the words ‘family-friendly films’ for a reason. I’m not strictly speaking about cartoons or animated features that are intended mainly for kids. Hollywood puts out several of these “kids” movies every year. I’m talking about quality movies that your whole family can either watch or at least be in the same room as you watch them. Hollywood has firmly embraced the idea that “mature” content is a key ingredient to a good film. Even more, if you look at a good chunk of the stuff that comes out these days, you’ll see that adding “mature” content seems just as important as smart writing, good scripts, and sharp direction. In many instances no thought is ever given to the content’s necessity while other times “mature” content is used more as a crutch or a gimmick.

Now there’s certainly room to debate the merits of nudity, overloads of profanity, and over-the-top graphic violence. I think a good question could be asked concerning the effects if any that this content has on storytelling. But that’s not what this is about. I’m just asking Hollywood to consider that there are ways to make movies that are high in quality, not watered down, and extremely effective. Movies that may not appeal to every age group but at least there’s no fear of having kids (and movie buffs of the future) see or hear what you’re watching. I’m not closing any doors on movies that want to use “mature” content. But there is a broader audience out there that modern Hollywood seems to care little about.

The perplexing thing is that it can easily be done. For decades studios made movies that varied in suitability but without graphic or profane content. Don’t believe me? Just watch Turner Classic Movies, the only movie channel that I can leave on and not fear for my children walking in. Some of the greatest films of all time were able to focus more on good scripts and good storytelling and the results were fantastic films that weren’t kiddie pictures but true classics. Talk about an extreme rarity these days.

I have a young son who recognizes my love for movies so he wants to share that. It’s so sad that he doesn’t get to enjoy the vast majority of movies that hit the big screens today. The big question for me is why? Why has this trend taken such a hold on Hollywood? Does it say something about the moral compass of Hollywood? Does it say something about us, the audiences, who funnel our money to support some of these films while never demanding variety or anything different. Without hurling accusations I believe there is some sad commentary at the root of this. And whether or not things will get better in this regard I don’t know. But the fact that there is little outcry over this is a pretty telling tale in itself.