Tag: movies

The Princess Bride: Carl Reiner’s Graceful Goodbye

Carl Setzer

I came across this Tweet which stopped me in my tracks.

I adore the movie “The Princess Bride”, and I was aware of the re-do project that’s been in process. The fact that Mr. Reiner passed away three days after filming this scene gives it an additional gravitas to me.

Anyway, here’s a direct link to the Vanity Fair article (in case the tweet isn’t your thing).

A Geeky Update: Star Wars SC 38 Reimagined

Carl Setzer

I was always disappointed by the scene, in Star Wars episode IV, when Obi-wan Kenobi faces Darth Vader. Because of the technological constraints on the 1970s, they couldn’t do much and the scene always seemed rather, well, lame. Too old men wearily tapping at each other with light tubes. Ok, that might be a little harsh, but the scene left a lot to be desired.

Come to the 2000s and the good folks at Fix It In Post. With their re-envisioning this classic confrontation, they add layers of action that make me believe these are two master warriors, and that they each are dangerous. I delighted from the first teaser to the final production. So, go my geeky friends, go and watch. I hope you find it as wonderful as I did.

 

It’s the Weekend! Time to see Captain Marvel!

Carl Setzer

I wanted to go last weekend, but events conspired against me. Now’s a whole new opportunity, and I expect to make it work.

Now, my main question: do I go to Alderwood AMC, with all its Dolby glory, or head to the Edmonds theater, my favorite?

What do you think?

Watch “Marvel Studios’ Captain Marvel – Trailer 2” on YouTube

I just saw Wonder Woman this evening! Spoiler free, don’t worry

Carl Setzer
Wonder Woman Poster

After a burst of luck, and some fairly mad scrambling, we were able to get down to Seattle’s Cinerama for a preview of Wonder Woman.

I’ve been excited for this one for months. And, let me say, it’s well-crafted. Full disclosure: I’m generally a super-positive guy and tend not to hate anything. Just variations of enjoyment. Now there are some bad films out there…but, back on point: Wonder Woman is not one of them!

Cinematically, it’s very much in the same vein as we’ve seen in other Zack Snyder films. (I don’t want diminish Patty Jenkins‘ work on this film. I’m sure if I knew her work better, I’d recognize her hand in this as well.) I love their use of color, and Zack and Co used many creative angles and clever edits to add dramatic flair. For me, that was wonderful. And, from what I’ve been reading, everyone else feels the same.

 

Being able to see it in Paul Allen’s cinematic digital playground, Cinerama, was an additional joy. I’ve been there many, many times over the years. It was where I saw Star Wars in it’s first run. Back then, it was only playing at the Cinerama. Making the trek in from Lynnwood was an effort, though different than nowadays. No issues, really, with parking or traffic back in the 70s. Mostly downtown was seedy and worn, and generally not considered to be the best place for children. Anyway, my first viewing of Star Wars was a transformative moment in my life. Seeing the Star Destroyer bear down on the Tantive IV, and the feels that flowed through me, changed me forever. They forever dominated my way. So, this theater has a warm spot in my hear. I adore the Cinerama!

There was a time that it’s future was far from certain. I’m glad Mr. Allen made something fantastic and unique. If I were a billionaire, I think I’d be more in Paul’s vein than Bill Gates. Nothing against Mr. Gates, but my interests are broad and wide. More akin to Paul’s.

So, the important part: go see this movie! I give it two thumbs up!

Cinerama’s Anime Festival

Carl Setzer
Cinerama Logo

I’m pretty excited that the good folks at Cinerama are hosting their first Anime Movie Festival. They’ll be featuring twenty-three genre favorites including Akira, Ghost in the Shell, Paprika and Cowboy Bebop.

If you like Studio Ghibli, they’ll be heavily featured including ten masterpieces from famed anime grand master Hayao Miyazaki. These titles include Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbor Totoro.

Also included in the festival is 2017 Oscar-nominated The Red Turtle.

All movies will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles (the choice for discerning anime geeks). One exception: Ponyo, which will be dubbed in English, and The Red Turtle, which is dialogue free.

It’s hard for me to choose one, and the time/commute to Seattle factor makes things painful. Dream world: I’d take next week off, stay in a nearby hotel and binge. However, that’s not to me.

Which is your favorite? Are you going? Which films are you going to see?

Anyway, all the details are here, with the schedule and reservations here.

 

 

Reflecting upon the day

Carl Setzer

Watching 180 South this evening. My son found this years ago on Netflix, and we find it a nice, calming film.  It’s also thought provoking.

Part of that: it’s core focus on sustainable living.  Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins built their businesses with that long-term view. These were men we talked about when I worked at Starbucks in Corporate Social Responsibility. North Face and Patagonia were, and are, leaders of socially responsible business practices.

Then there’s the travelogue element. These guys are seeking wisdom on their quest. Facing challenges, seeking to understand, to learn about the world. That’s compelling for me, who spent my childhood drifting over the planet.

After watching tonight, I thought some about the quest. About the wisdom gained from the journey. I see that some gain great insight from travels. Others from staying put, deepening their connection to place, a single place. Both paths are valid, both lead to wisdom, both are necessary for the world.

I’ve been on both paths. Now my path is focused on this place. And I find it joyous.