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?

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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.

I can’t say enough to express my appreciation to everyone who submitted or thought about Keith & the Movies during the Submission stage of the 2013 Lammy Awards. I have to be honest, there’s no way I would have an opportunity to be considered if it weren’t for the visits to the site, the comments, and the support. I’ve met so many cool people and have learned a lot from some really gifted movie folks and fellow movie buffs. So What can I say but THANK YOU! Thank you for making this whole silly little endeavor fun and worthwhile.

So I’ve been submitted and given a chance to earn a nomination in four LAMMY  Awards categories. I’m not much for campaigning but I’ll take a little time here to ask for your consideration in the categories of BEST BLOG, BEST NEW LAMB, BEST MOVIE REVIEWER, and BEST RUNNING FEATURE. There’s so many great bloggers out there and it would be such an incredible honor to join their company as a 2013 Lammy Nominee. Good luck to my fellow bloggers and let The Lammys begin!

–Keith Garlington (Keith & the Movies)

Good bye winter movie season! I think I speak for most of us when I say we won’t miss you one bit. Now spring is here and that means a lineup of films meant to get us ready for the big summer releases. Sometimes we get some really nice surprises in the spring but we also get several duds. So today I’m picking out five spring releases that I am genuinely interested in and want to spread the word about. These I’ll certainly flaunt. I’m also going to pick five releases that are from my perspective toilet ready. These I’ll flush. Flaunt it or flush it, that’s kinda catchy.

FLAUNT ‘EM

1. MUD (April 26, 2013) – I’ve been really outspoken in my excitement for Jeff Nichols’ new film “Mud”. It was #1 on my list of most anticipated 2013 films and it’s unquestionably the treat of the spring. In “Mud” Nichols is back in familiar territory – rural America. This time he’s directing Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. Other favorites of mine Michael Shannon, Sam Shepard, and Ray McKinnon have supporting roles and that’s enough to excite me in itself. Everything including the story, the cast, and Nichol’s precision direction intrigues me and I can’t wait to see this flick.

2. “OBLIVION” (April 19, 2013) – Some people love Tom Cruise. A lot of people hate Tom Cruise. All I know is that his upcoming sci-fi action picture “Oblivion” looks like something that I would really enjoy. I can’t say I know much about the plot but the trailer really grabbed my attention and the visuals look stunning. This also looks like something that may be right up Cruise’s alley. He may not be my favorite actor but I’m one of those that believes he can still bring a lot to a movie. Hopefully that’s the case with “Oblivion”. With this kind of potential, I know I’ll be there to check it out.

3. “EVIL DEAD” (APRIL 5, 2013) – Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell getting together to do a remake of their horror classic “Evil Dead”? I’m all over it! The horror genre is a pretty watered down mess so leave it to Raimi and Campbell to give it a swift kick in the buns. The trailer for this thing is gruesome and creepy and the movie already feels like it’s going to be a return to old school horror movie form. I’m really hoping this isn’t a bust because my expectations right now are sky-high! And what a needed jolt this could be to a hurting genre. I’m definitely flaunting this one.

4. “TO THE WONDER” (April 12, 2013) – “To the Wonder” has received some mixed early reviews and that has knocked my expectations down slightly. But I’m still really excited about Terrence Malick’s new picture. Malick’s style of filmmaking doesn’t resonate with everyone but I tend to like it. “The Tree of Life” was a favorite of mine and I’m hoping for something close to that here. Javier Bardem, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Rachel Weisz star in this movie that’s sure to divide audiences. But to me it’s a film loaded with potential.

5. “OZ: THE GREAT AND THE POWERFUL” (March 8, 2013) – I have to admit, at first I blew off “Oz” as a gimmicky snoozefest. But over time I’ve really warmed up to the project. The more recent trailers make me think this could be a quality family film that’s actually not animation. That’s really rare these days. James Franco stars in the film and he’s surrounded with a really strong female supporting cast including Rachel Weisz, Mila Kunis, and Michelle Williams. I’m not getting overly excited but this one could be a surprise. I’ll flaunt it.

FLUSH ‘EM

1. “21 and Over” (March 1, 2013) – Everything about this movie rubs me the wrong way. Let’s see, what do we get here? Yet another asinine teen “comedy” filled with booze, breasts, and debauchery. I swear I would give anything if Hollywood could find some good, capable comedy writers who could get us away from the dumb, raunchy garbage that is churned out on a regular basis. The trailer for “21 and Over” drive me nuts me every time it comes on. I can’t imagine sitting through the whole movie. I have no interest in this whatsoever so flush it! No I take it back. Go ahead and flush it twice!

2. “SCARY MOVIE 5” (April 12, 2013) – If we didn’t need “Scary Movie” 2 through 4 why on earth would we need part 5? Well obviously there is still an audience for this mindnumbingly awful stuff. I recently tried to watch a little of one of these terrible installments and it was a truly painful experience. How can movies this bad make enough money to merit yet another film? Here’s a bigger question – what would make anyone think this one will be any different? I’m sure some people will go see this thing. But not me. No thank you, I’ll pass.

3. “PAIN AND GAIN” (APRIL 26, 2013) – Ok, I may be completely wrong about this one but from the trailers “Pain and Gain” looks absolutely terrible. Yes it stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, and Anthony Mackie, all three of whom can have their moments. But the entire idea behind this looks and sounds absurd. I know this is based on a true story but all true stories don’t necessarily translate into a good movie. Anything is possible when good actors are in place, but with Michael Bay directing…sigh, enough said.

4. “SPRING BREAKERS” (March 22, 2013) – I almost aways roll my eyes at these movies that are clearly a child stars attempt to drastically distance themselves from what made them famous. Such is the case with Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens in “Spring Breakers”. Look, there’s nothing wrong with moving to more mature movies. That’s expected. But here they run around in tiny bikini’s, snorting cocaine, and wallowing all over a silly looking gangstered-out James Franco. This looks cheap and self-indulgent. I think I’ll pass.

5. “G.I. JOE: RETALIATION (March 29, 2013) – Let me go on record (again) by saying I despised the first G.I. Joe movie and I thought it had turned off enough people to avoid a sequel. Not the case. Now the trailers are tempting and it almost looks like good-matured mindless fun. But I’m not buying it. Even with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Bruce Willis added to the cast, this thing could be another lame disaster. I’m flushing this one although I would love to be proven wrong.

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 movies you would like to flaunt or flush. Let me hear from ya.

They’ve come and they’ve gone. The 2013 Academy Awards are in the bag and as a whole I enjoyed the show. Despite a few stumbles, Seth MacFarlane was actually better than I thought, there were a few surprises, some good musical numbers, and in the end plenty to talk about. As usual it was a long show and I’m sure many non-cinephiles labored through the categories such as Production Design and Sound Mixing. But I gobbled it all up. I applauded several times and shook my head at other times. So lets look at the big night in movies starting with the big six categories.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained)

Nothing like starting off the show with a big surprise! I had this race as a battle between Tommy Lee Jones and Robert De Niro. I felt Jones would win but my allegiance was with De Niro. The more I thought on his brilliant work in “Silver Linings Playbook” the more I was sure he deserved the Oscar. Sadly the Academy weren’t as impressed. Now don’t get me wrong, I really like Waltz. But this should have gone to De Niro. This one was a head scratcher!

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables)

This was considered a certain win for Hathaway but after the Waltz win I wasn’t so sure. It turns out the Academy stayed on course and Hathaway took home the gold. Honestly I was quite satisfied with her win. Some have said this was a role aimed at an Academy Award nomination. Maybe so but I loved it. I predicted Hathaway and for me Hathaway was the clear choice.

BEST ACTRESS – Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook)

In what turned out to be the only win for “Silver Linings Playbook”, Jennifer Lawrence was who I predicted to win and she did. My personal choice was Emmanuelle Riva. No one came close to doing what she did on screen. But everything was pointing to Lawrence although you never know with the Academy and young actresses. Even though she gave my third or fourth favorite performance of the nominees, she was still very, very good and she’s only going to get better. Get ready to move aside Meryl Streep!

BEST ACTOR – Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln)

In the biggest non-surprise of the night Daniel Day-Lewis set an Oscar record becoming the only 3-time Best Actor winner in Oscar history. It was a well deserved win. Who else could have pulled off what he was able to accomplish. I love DDL and his wonderfully humble acceptance speech only enhanced that. He is on an acting level above most others and I’m proud he was recognized for his work yet again. He was my personal favorite and I predicted him. But didn’t everybody?

BEST DIRECTOR – Ang Lee (Life of Pi)

I’ve said it multiple times – the Best Director category is the most screwed up of any at this year’s Oscars. Ang Lee’s win proves it. Not don’t misunderstand, “Life of Pi” was a really good film, but I thought Spielberg deserved this one. Of course this one is equally confounding because the two biggest snubs, Kathryn Bigelow and Ben Affleck both should have won over Lee. But this is how the Academy rolls and its often times impossible to understand. I had predicted Spielberg and was rooting for Haneke. Sorry guys, not this year.

BEST PICTURE – “ARGO”

While Ben Affleck was denied his chance at a directing Oscar, he went home a happy man after winning a Best Picture statue for “Argo”. I predicted “Argo” but I have to admit I was growing uneasy with my pick as the night went on. But as with most other Awards this season, the Oscars fell in line. I have to say I was proud for Affleck. “Amour” was my preference but I found myself clapping once “Argo” was announced. It was a wonderful film.

There are my thoughts in the Big 6 categories. Here are some random thoughts on the show:

SOCK PUPPET “FLIGHT” – While I though MacFarlane and Shatner’s bit went a little too long, I loved the “Flight” sock puppet gag. The booze, the coke, the tumble dryer! And then the politically incorrect “This is 2013! You can’t do black hand”. Hilarious!

THE BOND TRIBUTE – First of all it was surprising to see the Academy pay tribute to a franchise they for the most part have ignored. Maybe that explains the mediocrity of the montage. At least Shirley Bassey came in and saved the day.

THE JAWS THEME – I have to admit, the delinquent in me thought the first use of the Jaws theme was kind of funny. It didn’t sound live and it came across as a mistake. Well, it was no mistake and it turned out to be a pretty rude method of speeding things along.

THE AVENGERS – I loved the bit where the cast of “The Avengers” (minus Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson) came out to present. Hysterical! And many have heard me say this before, but when is Robert Downey Jr. going to host the Oscars? He would bring the house down.

ZERO DARK THIRTY – I knew the Academy was too scared to put their stamp of approval on “Zero Dark Thirty”. It took home only one Oscar and that was a tie for sound editing. I thought Mark Boal should have won for original screenplay but it went to Django instead. Just more evidence that the Academy will steer clear of anything deemed controversial regardless of how stupid the controversy is.

LES MISERABLES NUMBER – I thought one of the highlights of the ceremony was the musical number from the cast of “Les Miserables”. Talk about knocking it out of the park. I know many people had mixed feelings about the film, but this reminded me of everything I liked about it.

“SKYFALL” BY ADELE – Wow! Talk about talent. Adele blew away everyone on her way to her deserved Oscar win for Best Song. It seems absolutely effortless for her and she didn’t miss a note. And then there was the incredible stage design behind her. This was a real treat!

KRISTEN STEWART – I think it was Ruth over at Flixchatter who asked why anyone would invite Kristen Stewart to appear or present at an awards show. Last night she seemed high and completely uninterested. She also looked like a total slob despite the fancy dress she was wearing. Next year let’s invite someone else!

BEN AFFLECK’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH – I loved the humility and childlike excitement from Ben Affleck after winning the Best Picture Oscar for “Argo”. Yes he was rambling and tripping over his words but I loved it. It wasn’t a heavily scripted speech. It was pure excitement and exuberance – exactly as it should be! Well done!

MICHELLE OBAMA VIA SATELLITE – Ok, I’m not throwing any type of political position in this, but Michelle Obama’s appearance via satellite was a bit jarring. I mean we have the screen legend Jack Nicholson come out in good form and then he has to step aside for a big jumbo screen? C’mon Academy, seriously?

So those are just a few thoughts on this year’s Oscars. There was no big heavyweight winner but a few films go home disappointed such as one time frontrunner “Lincoln” and heavily nominated “Silver Linings Playbook”. I hoped to see more wins for “Amour”, “Beasts of the Southern Wild”, and “Zero Dark Thirty”. But such is the nature of The Academy Awards. Now it’s time for your thoughts!