The Rum Diary(2011)“The Rum Diary,” is the pseudo-biographical film based on the “lost” novel by the papa of gonzo journalism himself, the late Hunter S. Thompson. The book, finally published in 1998, chronicles the early days of the iconic writer’s career, following the misadventures of American journalists in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The misleading advertising showcased “The Rum Diary” as another wild ride à la Terry Gilliam’s LSD-fueled opus “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” However, this adaptation of Thompson’s inebriated hi-jinks, directed by the semi-retired Bruce Robinson (“Withnail and I”) strives to present the idealistic, noble side of the White Buffalo. Here, Thompson (under the pseudonym Paul Kemp) is revealed not only for his enticement of booze and hallucinogens, but as a harsh critic of corporate greed and social injustice in the Flower Power generation.
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Johnny Depp has become that much cooler. We think it's really great that a star would take this kind of action at the behest of a 9-year old fan. That girl will be talking about this day for the rest of her life with a smile on her face. This is something that makes Bitter Balcony just a tad less bitter. :)
Her request source here.
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A Nightmare on Elm Street
On an ordinary street in a small town, a legendary abomination wearing a torn red and green striped shirt, a dusty fedora and a handcrafted glove with knives was born. The monster was Freddy Krueger, a homicidal freak who terrorized Elm Street kids in their sleep, most of them unable to wake up in time to survive. Creator Wes Craven and star Robert Englund re-imagined the bogeyman into a sadistic prankster who enjoyed the mind-torture as much as the kill. In this first entry “A Nightmare on Elm Street," Krueger is at his malignant best (and so evil that he is referred to as "Fred" and not the comforting diminutive). Hey, who else but Krueger could make Johnny Depp turn into a blood geyser and still be liked?
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Sweeney Todd (2006)
“Sweeney Todd” gives us yet another opportunity to experience Tim Burton remaking someone else’s crap. This time out, it's a musical. As we said when “Alice in Wonderland” came out: Burton, please stop with the freaking remakes. Your original stuff rocks, but your remakes blow harder than Mt. Saint Helen on a bad day. Sweeney Todd is the alter ego of a man who was shafted by a prominent figure in order to have his wife snatched out from under him. Todd was originally Benjamin Barker, a barber. He is set up, spend time in jail, and returns for his sweet, sweet revenge. Of course, like any vengeance-obsessed man, he does it with music and a lot of blood. Teaming with Mrs. Lovett he slowly works his way through those whom did him wrong. |
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Alice in Wonderland
It's likely you've already heard other reviewers bashing "Alice in Wonderland" for a number of reasons. For Bitter Balcony, the film was an absolute snore – yet that's something we haven't seen mentioned in reviews often enough. "Alice" begins in our heroine's childhood nightmares about falling down a rabbit hole. Flash forward and now she's a rebel going against the in status quo. No corset? The nerve. Alice spends the entire movie arguing against her battle against the Jabberwocky, only to ultimately fulfill it. Did we just spoil it? No. As with any Disney film, good always triumphs. |
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The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Terry Gilliam is one unlucky man. The mischievous visionary has run into terrible situations in recent projects, most notably the failed attempt to revive Don Quixote (documented in 2002’s “Lost in La Mancha”) and apparent schedule and budget constraints of 2005’s “The Brothers Grimm.” And then, the tragedy of Heath Ledger’s untimely death threatened to doom Gilliam’s latest film, “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” The ingenious director was fortunate to complete the film while keeping most of Ledger’s performance intact. And with friends in high places along the lines of Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell picking up where Ledger left off, Gilliam was able piece together this inspired fantasy, perhaps his best work since “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” |
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Alice in Wonderland
Tim Burton's rendition of Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" comes to theaters in March 2010, duh. You probably know that unless you where hiding under a mushroom(or taking one). Anyways, why do a lookout for a movie we are all aware and likely to see? |
