Franke and I went on Friday night and submerged ourselves for three hours in David Lynch’s mind fuck of a movie “INLAND EMPIRE.” I have my own theory as to what the movie *might* be about but I do think that a second viewing would be necessary to hash it all out. For those causal Lynch fans out there that think “Eraserhead” and “Lost Highway” are too confusing, you never need to see this film. It seems to make no sense at all. Through the course of the “story” there are plot points and images that want to connect themes and ideas. But do they? Are we even supposed to make sense of the entire thing? Maybe it’s not a movie at all but truly “art on film?” Whatever the merits of the movie are, it’s a love/hate affair. The last time I saw lots of people leave a movie was when we went to see David Cronenberg’s “Crash.” Even the self-proclaimed “hard-core Lynch fan” in front of us only made though two hours before leaving. Franke has suggested that the film needs to be seen again in an environment where it can be discussed while it’s running. I would have to agree with that idea.

Hot damn! The Fine Arts has gotten the new David Lynch film.

The trailer for “Grindhouse” is pretty freakin’ sweet …

“Zodiac” Directed by David Fincher
It’s no secret that I have a major hard on for David Fincher’s films. I have really liked all of his work so far (even “Panic Room” which most people seemed to really hate). With that said, I’ll add “Zodiac” to the list. I know that most people are probably going into this movie thinking that it’s going to be a thriller. Well, it’s not. The movie follows the local/federal officials (and eventually the obsessed Graysmith) in their pursuit of the Zodiac killer. It’s a really solid movie in all respects from the script to the directing to the acting. With a run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes you would think that there would be some slow spots that drag the movie out and that is not the case. When the credits started to roll at the end I was thinking “It’s over already?” I do have the feeling that people are going to really like this movie or think it’s the most boring thing ever. Fincher’s movies always seem to generate love/hate responses. I, for one, loved “Zodiac.”

“300” Directed by Zack Snyder
Oh, what is there to say about “300” that you haven’t guessed already from the trailer? Lots of stylized, arty action! Lots of rock-hard pecs and wash board abs! I am not saying these are bad things. “300” has just the right mix of style over substance … a formula that movies like “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” tried so hard for and totally failed to deliver. Did I mention that there are lots of scantily clad men and violence in this movie? I give it a thumbs up!

Oh my dear sweet Jebus … could that Oscar ceremony have been any longer and boring than it was? It really don’t think so. Surely there is someone in Hollywood who could come up with a fast paced and exciting awards ceremony. I wonder who gets put in charge of producing the kind of crap that was on last night. All the endless (and totally pointless) movie montages. All those dumb dance bits that celebrated such great movies as “Snakes on a Plane.” All the tired and played out acceptance speeches thanking every single person under the sun. The exception to this was Forest Whitaker. Another exception was Ellen Degeneres who did an excellent job hosting. I think I might just have to skip watching the Oscars next year.

Franke, Michelle, Mary and I all give “Notes on a Scandal” a thumbs up.

Franke and I give “The Last King of Scotland” two thumbs up!

Before the movie we got to see the trailer for “Notes on a Scandal” which is going to open this Friday. Damn. That movie looks like it’s gonna be good.

Franke and I give “Volver” two thumbs up!

Summed up pretty simply, I have only four words to say to you about Guillermo del Toro’s “Pan’s Labyrinth.”

“Go see this movie!”

It’s a top-notch movie that is dark, thrilling, scary and ultimately heartbreaking. I loved it.