Friday, December 30, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Cinema 2011
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

Its that time again, the end of another year and the beginning of hopefully an even better one. As 2011 draws to a close, I think it's important (at least for film fans) to look back on the year of cinema and take it all in. Each year, each decade, for me is defined by the films released. Like music, film is able to express the cultural climate of the world at the time and for me no year would be complete without this short. Now it's not a short per se but a collection of scenes from the films of 2011, excellently edited and put to music. Here is a 8-minute look back on the year in film called, Cinema 2011 beautifully put together by Kees van Dijkhuizen. He's been putting together these best of the year videos since 2008 and for me this is his best one yet.

What's fun about these kind of videos is trying to place every scene, every quick clip, quick edit that flies by with the particular movie its from. You know you watch too many movies when you can place every 3 second clip because you've seen all the films mentioned. For me, 2011 was a good year in films, maybe not the best year but the high's were extremely high. The year of 2011 saw my favorite director release a film that was his biggest box office success after over 40 years in the game, a indie meditative action film with a killer soundtrack about a driver, comicbook heroes take over the silver screen like never before from super soldiers to mythological gods to mutants, a gross out comedy blockbuster for females, a Swedish modern day classic gets remade by an American auteur, another old-school film director direct his first all-ages film about the beauty and love of cinema and much much more. It was a good year to be a film fan and I cannot wait to see what films will shape the new year.

Check this out if you watch a lot of movies and want a visual reminder of the year in film. Check this out if you didn't get a chance to watch a lot of movies in 2011 and want to see what's been missing in your life. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Cinema 2011.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Argentine Tangos (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

It's Christmas time! Now, I'm not the most religious person, but I love the feeling of the Holidays, the mood of winter time, being thankful for what you have and all that cliched stuff. I love it! It's my favorite time of the year, the general feeling of good joy and happiness around, or maybe that's just me (and truthfully that's all that I care about). This week I have for you a short that spreads the good-will all around. Here is a 14-minute Belgium whimsical dramatic short called, Argentine Tangos from filmmaker, Gus Thys. This is a short that warms the soul as the viewer and the characters within come to realize how much better it is to give, how giving can bring it's own kind of happiness.

The story follows an average middle-aged office-worker who meets a woman online that loves tango and asks her to meet him in 2-weeks so they can do the forbidden dance. The only problem is that he has no idea how to tangle so he ropes in one of his colleagues for help and well, in the end you realize Christmas joy and love can come in many different forms, even if they start out with a small white lie. Don't let the subtitles scare you, this story is easy to follow and you won't miss the action by reading them.

Wonderfully acted and beautiful shot, this is the perfect counter balance for the cold winter days, or as those awful self help books that were en vogue a few years ago and are now thankfully out of style, this short is Chicken Soup for the Soul. Yes I said that and yes I'll shut up now.

Check this out if you you're tired of seeing It's A Wonderful Life for the 300th time and want something new but with the same kind of warm messaging. Check this out if you you're trapped in your office doing busy work but wished you were doing something more productive. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Argentine Tangos.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - The Employment (animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

It's animation time again, and I have for you this week a short that's both fun and reflective (do those 2 things go together?). Watching this short, you realize how wide the world of animation is and how different animation outside of the US can be (and in a lot of ways more mature in their themes). Here is a 7-minute Argentinian animated short called, The Employment from filmmaker, Santiago 'Bou' Grasso. The animation style is very European in execution, reminiscent of the work from the French studio Cube Creative whose short Jean-Francois I've previously shared here on the site. The story, the facial expressions, everything is told with a detached deadpan style of humor that makes the story so enjoyable.

Here's the set-up: A man wakes up and starts his day as usual. He turns on his room light and bam you realize this isn't our world. All throughout the city landscape, from the streets to the cabs to the office building, we find people performing menial tasks as if they’re living furniture. People pose as coat racks, hold bathroom mirrors, and give piggy-back rides down the streets. To give anything more would spoil what the filmmakers are trying to say here. Let's just say, I can relate to the feelings of joylessness that everyday life can sometimes bring.

This film is a wonderful look at what international animation can bring that we don't generally get with animation from the US. It's thoughtful, a bit morose and beautifully animated with very little soundtrack and no dialogue. It's a simple story about everyday humans acting like they're in a Flintstones cartoon, doing the menial work in place of technology and yeah, this 7-minute short says more about the human condition then many feature length films.

Check this out if you want to see some wonderful international animation. Check this out if you enjoy thoughtful, meditative works that remind of the whimsical comedic pain of a Woody Allen film. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, The Employment.

El Empleo / The Employment from opusBou on Vimeo.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Episode 81: Young Adult

Hello there and welcome to the 81st episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 1 main movie that has been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd or in theaters. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Sleeping Beauty
* Autoreiji (Outrage)
* Young Adult
* Top 5: Worst Movies of 2011
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 12.16.11 and 12.23.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Kart Driver (live-action)

















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

Do you feel like in your daily life there's not enough consumption of live action adapted video game shorts? Well you're in luck, because not only do I have for you one this week, but its also really good, and not just good, but it showcases everyone's favorite Nintendo mascot and takes him to some really dark and drug filled places. Here is a 8-minute dark comedy short called, Kart Driver from filmmaker, Drew Daywalt. If you've ever played the Mario video game franchise, especially the original Donkey Kong game, then you'll get a kick out of this.

Basically, Mario's girlfriend, who is hooked on the drug "mushroom's", is kidnapped by this gorilla of a man, and Mario must jump over barrel after barrel and drive through the mean urban landscapes of modern America in order to find his love and save her from the evil Donkey Kong.

Sure, this short is pretty ridiculous, but what I like so much about it, is that it takes a wholesome video game, one we all grew up playing, and transforms it Trainspotting style, and makes Mario a tragic character who is just in love and trying to do what's right. There's cameos of Toad, Luigi and Princess Peach and yeah, again this isn't the loveable Mario character you know. Here he curses, wields a mean barreled sledgehammer, and damn if this one isn't violent. God what a glorious tribute.

Check this out if you love video games and grew up playing the Mario Bros games for endless hours. Check this out if you want to a video game adaption done right and perhaps this shows filmmakers that the only way to do a successful video game adaptation is make it into a short. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Kart Driver.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Le Voyage Dans La Lune (live-action)

















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

In honor of the movie Hugo (I won't explain why in fear of giving too much away), I wanted to showcase one of the most important and influential films of all-time, a silent sci-fi romp to the distant moon that continues to capture the imagination of filmmakers and film lovers to this day. Here is an 16-minute French black and white silent short called, La Voyage dans la lune (or A Trip to the Moon) from filmmaker, Georges Melies. Anyone who's ever watched the Simpson's or watched the Smashing Pumpkins video for Tonight Tonight has seen this film referenced. To call it a short would be an understatement since when this was created in 1902, it was one of the longer running films.

Written and directed by Melies, this is based loosely on Jules Verne's From the Earth and the Moon and HG Wells The First Men in the Moon. It's the story of a group of astronauts that travel to the Moon and battle Moon Men before returning home to a hero's welcome.

This film is important for many reasons, least of all it's iconic imagery, it's use of animation and special effects and also it being the first sci-fi film ever produced. I decided to add the short after watching the breathtaking film Hugo, because that film is Martin Scorsese's love letter to film and the history of film. Again, I won't go into why this film and director Melies are important to the overall narrative of Hugo, but trust me you should see Hugo and then rewatch this film again. Everytime I rewatch this, I'm left with a sense of awe and wonder. They made this 100 years ago. What innovation!

Check this out if you love film and film history. Check this out if you want to see a film from a bygone age where you can marvel at the simplicity of its execution and brilliance. Again, this is the first ever sci-fi film here people! Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, La Voyage dans la lune.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Episode 80: Hugo and The Muppets

Hello there and welcome to the 80th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 2 main movie releases that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd or in theaters. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Like Crazy
* Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1
* Hugo
* The Muppets
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 12.02.11 and 12.09.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Mythomania (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

I'm going to mix things up a bit this week. Generally Fantastic Short Film Friday has showcased one and done short films, but this week I want to take a look at a webseries about the life of a cartoonist and all the real sad sack reality being a cartoonist entails. Here is the first 10-minute part in a webseries called, Mythomania from filmmaker, Derek Kirk Kim. The first season in 9-parts has already been released and it's really a wonderful look into the daily lives of a group of cartoonists struggling to get by. Yes it's scripted, but you can tell the filmmaker pulled the details of each episode from real life experiences.

Written and directed by Kim, the show follows aspiring cartoonist Andy Go as he navigates the joys, challenges, sacrifices, screw-overs and other assorted indignities suffered by those who seek their fortunes in the comic book book business. This show can get real honest and personal and is a wonderful window into what life can be like for cartoonists, and how easy it can be to face not only rejection but also opportunity. What I like so much about this series is that it doesn't sugar coat how tough and sad and filled with rejection the life of an independent cartoonist can be.

I am a huge comicbook fan. I still read comics every Wednesday and have been doing that for over 20 years, and while I'm not a cartoonist, I know a lot of the stuff that goes behind the scenes as any lifelong fan would. It's not a glamorous job. Sure there are people that make a fantastic living doing their work, making their art. But there are hundreds more that are struggling to make ends meat, struggling to get their vision out there, and this is one of those stories.

Check this out if you love comics and want to see what the everyday life of an average cartoonist looks like. Check this out if you like heartfelt drama's that show people striving to create and find joy in what they do while the world tries to tear then down. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Mythomania .

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Episode 79: A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas and Immortals

Hello there and welcome to the 79th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 2 main movie releases that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd or in theaters. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
* Immortals
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 11.18.11 and 11.25.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Rosa (animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you an animated cgi labor of love that shows what a bit of creativity and ingenuity can do on a tight budget, but if time is money then this looks like it cost a lot. Here is a 10-minute animated action short called, Rosa from filmmaker, Jesus Orellana. It does feel a bit clunky in parts and is truly the old adage of style over substance, but the style is just so beautiful that you can forgive its shortcomings.

Screened at numerous film festivals and currently being developed as a live action film here's the synopsis from the filmmakers on Rosa (I put this here because honestly the film doesn't really explain anything):

ROSA is an epic sci-fi short film that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where all natural life has disappeared. From the destruction awakes Rosa, a cyborg deployed from the Kernel project, mankind’s last attempt to restore the earth’s ecosystem. Rosa will soon learn that she is not the only entity that has awakened and must fight for her survival.

Rosa reminds me a lot of the anime Gantz, with the way the soldiers look and move and the stylized action and set pieces, but like a video game version of the anime. There's not a lot of substance here and again like I said before nothing is explained- there's very little characterization or plot. But the film looks beautiful and it was shot over the course of a year and for a hundred dollars so you can see the talent that Jesus Orellana possesses as an animator. I'm not sure how a live action version would do, but if it stinks at least we still have the original short.

Check this out if you love anime, video games of independent animation. Check this out if you want to see what may be the next big thing in both film and director. Enjoy this weeks dose of short film goodness in, Rosa.

ROSA from Jesús Orellana on Vimeo.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn (animated)

















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you an animated musical about a brother looking for his sister that takes both dark and comedic routes all at the same time. Here is a 3-minute animated short called, Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn from filmmaker, Hoku Uchiyama. I'm a big fan the experimental side of animation and you'll be amazed here by what can be done with some winter frost on some store windows.

This whimsical short features a catchy throwback tune from the 20's and some finger-drawn animation from the Betty Boop era that comes alive on panes of glass as live-action strangers walk by. This one's a toe-tapper, finger strumming tune that will have you singing the chorus in your head even as the short draws to a close, and yeah did I mention it gets pretty dark? And yet, while it gets dark it never loses its fun and carefree nature. There's some crazy and creative ideas here people.

Check this out if you love animation and musicals. Check this out even if you don't like musicals, but like yourself some dark comedies. Enjoy this weeks dose of short film goodness in, Have You Seen My Sister Evelyn.


Friday, November 4, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Zombie in a Penguin Suit (live-action)

















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

I know what you're thinking and no this isn't a comedy about a zombie in a penguin suit. In fact, it's a poetic and haunting look about a zombie you just can't help but feel a little sorry for. Here is a 8-minute zombie short called, Zombie in a Penguin Suit from filmmaker, Chris Russell. This short is simply stunning and is one of the best zombie stories I've ever seen in short or long cinematic form.

This is the awe-inspiring story of a man dressed up in a penguin suit, who rises up one day freshly from the dead and travels the streets and countryside in search of something or someone.

Seriously, this isn't a comedy but a haunting and affecting tale about the recently turned. The cinematography is stunning, the visuals engrossing, but it's the score, the soundtrack that makes this go from melancholy to mind-blowingly beautiful. The opening score is 'Mara's Lullaby' originally by Marc Mellits and performed by Real Quiet. All I can say is wow. And then the credit score 'Spiegel im Spiegel' by Arvo Part- it's life-changing. Anyone who knows me knows that I love zombie movies and stories, and this is just one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of watching.

Check this out if you love yourself some zombie stories but are tired of the same ol' same ol'. Check this out if you want to see a zombie film by way of Ingmar Bergman. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Zombie in a Penguin Suit.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Trailer Talkback Thursday - The Muppets

Welcome to another Trailer Talkback Thursday here at the Cinema Cafe Podcast. Today I will be looking at one of the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational, muppetational trailer to grace our presence, the trailer for The Muppets.



To this day I will always make the argument that the original Muppets Show is the greatest family show ever. The Muppets were always for everyone, with some jokes only adults would get and talking, moving puppets which would always keep kids entertained. Now they are trying to make a comeback in this upcoming movie, and while a part of me might be nervous because there hasn't been a good Muppets movie in a while, the Muppets fan in me is very excited.

My excitement could be in part because I'm such a huge fan of both Jason Segel & Amy Adams. Another reason I'm also excited is because of how the Muppets have been doing on the internet lately, with their videos here and there on YouTube, which has shown me that the humor that makes the Muppets so lovable is still there. Also, I believe that Segel is a huge Muppets fan and has done everything in his power to make this work. Well soon, it will be time to play the music and light the lights. We can all hope it's for the better.

-Greg

P.S. - I leave you with this to prove that the humor is still there.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Episode 78: In Time and The Rum Diary

Hello there and welcome to the 78th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 2 main movie releases that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd or in theaters. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* In Time
* The Rum Diary
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 11.04.11 and 11.11.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Mourir Auprès de Toi (To Die by Your Side) - (animated)

















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a stop-motion animated look at love, ingenuity and frankly, skeleton on skeleton intercourse. Here is a 6-minute animated short called, Mourir Auprès de Toi (To Die by Your Side), a collaborative effort between famed filmmaker, Spike Jonze, and accessory designer, Olympia Le-Tanfilmmaker. I'm a big fab of Spike Jonze's work, especially his short films. They're full of so much oddball creativeness that they're unlike anything else out there.

Here's the synopsis:

At the aptly named Shakespeare and Co. bookstore, a plucky skeleton from a book cover of Macbeth finds love in a long-haired beauty on the cover of Dracula. The two embark on a journey that finds them in the belly of Moby Dick until the two meet at last. It’s a classic love story with a bit of modern twist

This one's just a ton of fun. I love the fact that the animation feels like shadow play theater, and its world is centered around bookstores and literature, two of my favorite things in life. This wonder shows you the power of narrative storytelling that a short film can show. As Spike Jonze once remarked: A short is like a sketch. You can have an idea or a feeling and just go and do it. I couldn't agree more.

Check this out if you love animation, but are looking for something different then just CGI or hand drawn line art. Check this out because its by Spike Jonze. What more needs to be said? This is the man who brought to the short filmmaking world, I'm Here!! Enjoy this weeks dose of short film goodness in, Mourir Auprès de Toi (To Die by Your Side).

Spike Jonze: Mourir Auprès de Toi on Nowness.com.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Thrush (live-action)

















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a mixed media look at heart-break and loss told through a series of photographic snapshots. Here is a 4-minute called, Thrush from filmmaker, Gabriel Bisset Smith. I'm a big fan of the experimental side of filmmaking, where filmmakers try to tell their narratives in different ways then the traditional norm, and this short shows how even a simple story can feel new if told in different ways.

Simply put, this is the story of a two people who find they aren't meant to be together and the different ways each of them deals with moving on.

This one's just a lot of fun. Again, it's a story we've seen hundreds of times, even lived through I'm sure once or twice throughout our lives, but by having the narrative told through a series of snapshots, it adds a different layer to the story, a layer that transforms the norm into something special.

Check this out if you've ever had your heart broken and found yourself trying to move on but unable to do so. Check this out if like yourself some mix media and are looking for something a bit different. Enjoy this weeks dose of short film goodness in, Thrush.

Thrush from Gabriel Bisset-Smith on Vimeo.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Trailer Talkback Thursday - The Avengers

Welcome to another Trailer Talkback Thursday here at the Cinema Cafe Podcast. Today I will be taking a look at one of the hottest trailers to come out in the past couple of weeks. Lets take a look at the latest trailer for Marvel's next big comic movie, The Avengers.



Wow. For those of you who don't know, Josh & I are huge comic book nerds. We have another podcast we do called The Curious League of Comic Book Geeks. Needless to say, we were both insanely excited when we first saw this trailer. Even from the little bit they show, it looks like just about everything we could hope for. The dialog already looks really well done, and the character interactions will hopefully be just as well done as that brief snippet we see between Steve Rogers & Tony Stark.

There's always the worry that with this huge a cast that there will be a conflict, although usually that takes place more with having too many villains rather than too many heroes. However, judging just from the trailer alone, it seems that they all work very well together. Plus, if there is one thing that Marvel Studios movies have done correctly with all their movies is that they have gotten the characterization of the heroes pretty much perfectly. So it's safe to say that I am super psyched for this movie.

-Greg

Episode 77: Real Steel

Hello there and welcome to the 77th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 1 main review of a movie that has been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd or in theaters. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Real Steel
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 10.21.11 and 10.28.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, October 14, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - The Rules of the Game (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a funny and dark look at love and all the wrong places it can go. Here is a 7-minute comedic short from the UK called, The Rules of the Game from filmmaker, Tom Daley. This is actually a convincing look at how love can be at one moment bright and the next moment a dark hole on the soul.

The story is simple, but the themes explored are humorous as the viewer is lead down false path after false path until the final reveal. Simply put, a man pulls up in front of a large mansion to stay the weekend and begins to tell a tale of love, betrayal and the sweet taste of revenge.

It's just a lot of fun and wonderfully acted. The whole short is just one guy talking to the camera, telling his story, and its compelling enough that his thoughts and words never feel forced. It all hinges on the one actor and frankly (and luckily) he's just a wonderful storyteller.

Check this out if you've ever had your heart broken before and always dreamed of getting some sweet revenge. Check this out if you enjoy laughing at all the wrong things. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, The Rules of the Game.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Episode 76: 50/50

Hello there and welcome to the 76th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 1 movie that has been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* 50/50
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 10.14.11 and 10.21.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Ark (animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a fantastic story of courage and loss in a post-apocalyptic world. Here is a 8-minute computer animated Polish short called, Ark from filmmaker, Grzegorz Jonkajtys. This is actually a quite fascinating and sad look at the lengths people will go to survive when there's nothing to live for.

Nominated for the Cannes Palm d'Or in 2007, this short turned a lot of heads during the stogy film festival and its easy to see why. Here's the synopsis:

An unknown virus has destroyed almost the entire human population. Oblivious to the true nature of the disease, the only remaining survivors escape to the sea. In great ships, they set off in search of uninhabited land. So begins the exodus, led by one man.

It's just a lot of fun and has a great twist ending that adds another layer, an added melancholy to the story.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see beautiful European cgi animation. Check this out if you like your post-apocalyptic stories with heart and a mournful wistfulness. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Ark.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Sign Language (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a really charming and sweet look at love in the most random of places. Here is a 5-minute live action British short called, Sign Language from filmmaker, Stephen Fellows. This is a heartwarming look at being happy with your job no matter what it is and the innocence of fresh love and taking chances.

Here we have a story about a 'sign board guy', a man who's job it is to stand on London's Oxford Street holding up signs, a man who spends his life making daily sale announcements but is too shy to talk to the girl handing out flyers across the street. It's just tons of simple fun and won a bunch of UK short film awards in 2010 and its easy to see why. You have to have a cold empty heart not to smile at this one. It just feels like a shorter and simpler version of the 2006 film, Once.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see a sweet form of innocent love in a jaded world. Check this out if you're sitting in your office unhappy with what you're doing because its how you perceive your job that affects everything around you. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Sign Language.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Episode 75: Drive

Hello there and welcome to the 75th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 1 movie that has been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Drive
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 9.23.11 and 9.30.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Pixels (live-action/animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you an incredibly imaginative look at video games and how they can slowly take over our lives. Here is a 3-minute live action animated short called, Pixels from filmmaker, Patrick Jean. This is a wonderful blend of live-action and animation and is a must see for anyone who grew up playing video games in the 80's.

I'm going to keep this short and sweet just like the short. Pixels sees New York invaded by a bunch of 8-bit creatures (such as Donkey Kong and Pac-Man - Pacman eats our subway dots!) who slowly start turning the city into pixilized chaos which quickly spreads, taking over the rest of the world.

Check this out if you're in the mood to honestly have your mind blown away. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and am amazed it looked this good. There's true genius at work here people. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Pixels.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Danny & Annie (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a wonderfully moving animated documentary about one couple's love story from its very beginning to its very end. Here is a 6-minute animated documentary short called, Danny & Annie from the filmmaking team, The Rauch Brothers. Unbelievably moving, touching and captivating, this will bring both a smile to your face and heartache to your soul.

This animated short was brought to life by Storycorp, the non-profit organization whose goal is to record and preserve stories of everyday life. I've been a big fan of their podcast for quite a while now, and well, this may be their best work yet. Here's the synopsis from Storycorps:

Danny Perasa and his wife, Annie, came to StoryCorps to recount their twenty-seven-year romance. As they remember their life together from their first date to Danny’s final days with terminal cancer, these remarkable Brooklynites personify the eloquence, grace, and poetry that can be found in the voices of everyday people when we take the time to listen.

This 6-minute short says more about love than any movie released this year. It's the kind of love everyone always dreams about, the all-powerful love of acceptance of who you are - warts and all - of everyday life love, where each simple moment is a love letter to one another. This is like a Shakespearean sonnet, a Robert Frost remembrance. If you don't tear up watching this, even a little bit, then well, you are much stronger than I am.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some heartbreak with some joy, a love story so wonderfully average and yet uniquely special. There is truth here people, and this truth will make you stand up and take notice of your life. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Danny & Annie.

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Kitty & Lala, 80 Impressions (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a beautifully shot documentary on wedding photography that brings to life a world I know very little about and yet have preconceived perceptions of. Here is a 6-minute Chinese documentary short called, Kitty & Lulu, 80 Impressions from filmmaker, Qiao Li. With the wedding on my mind these days, mainly wedding photographers, as Penny and I slog through endless artistic and black and white photo's to decide who would be the best fit to capture our most important moments- snapshots in time frozen to remember- I came across this documentary and it made me really re-evaluate wedding photography. I've always thought the art kitschy and somewhat generically cheesy, but this short has shown me that they can also be both fun and in a lot of ways culture defining.

This short is about a team of photographers who's photo blog, 80 Impressions, is one of the most visited blogs in China. The pair are known for their unique and playful takes on wedding photography. They have an incredible sense of colorful style and what's so amazing about them is the cultural conventions they've shattered by being playful, by thinking out of the box. For those that don't know, traditional Chinese wedding photographs are the most generic you can get. One background, 2 people, snap snap with smiles on their faces, like right out of your neighborhood family Cosco portrait. Every photo of every couple always looks the same. However the group behind the blog 80 Impressions have moved away from tradition and by seeking to make their couples photos unique have brought about the concept of individual identity, modernism and expressionism, showcasing in their art the modern values of the new China born generation. It's playful stuff yes and a hell of a lot of fun, but it's also societal defining.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some beautiful imagery that will make you re-evaluate what wedding photography can be. Me, I would love to fight zombies and dress up as a zombie for my wedding photo's but the future missus isn't having any of it. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Kitty & Lala, 80 Impressions.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Episode 74: Columbiana

Hello there and welcome to the 74th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 1 movie that has been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Columbiana
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 9.09.11 and 9.16.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Episode 73: Conan the Barbarian and 30 Minutes or Less

Hello there and welcome to the 73rd episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 3 movies that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Conan the Barbarian
* 30 Minutes or Less
* Glee the 3D Concert Movie
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 8.26.11 and 9.02.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, September 2, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Portal: No Escape (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you an amazing fan-film (fan film because it wasn't licensed by the creators and not because of quality) that brings a video game world more to life then any 10 video game adaptations combined. Here is a 7-minute sci-fi action short called, Portal: No Escape from filmmaker, Dan Trachtenberg. Those that follow podcast's will know Dan as the totally excellent host of The Totally Rad Show podcast. He has done what many film critics always dream of, created art in the medium they love. He is now a part of that medium we so love to study and talk about.

Based on the video game from Valve, this short works so well because you don't have to have ever played or even know anything about the video game to enjoy this short. This short is about a female prisoner locked in a cell who discovers a gun that can create portals in the walls that will allow her to escape confinement. It seems like a simple premise, but in the hands of Dan and his FX team, it's anything but simple. Fans have been clamoring for years for a Portal film, but sadly nothing has seen the light of day. This short has built up so much buzz in such a short time (over 3 million hits in 1 day!) that perhaps Valve will take another look into making a feature length film. If not well, there is no real loss because we have this amazing short that shows what imagination and perseverance can do in the face of budget and time constraints.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some amazing sci-fi video game action. This is big in the way that Panic Attack was big for Fede Alvarez. Watch out for Dan, he'll be directing feature length films within the next 5 years if this short is any indication of his talent. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Portal: No Escape.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - The Bloody Olive (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a darkly humorous look at love and backstabbing, of double, triple, and quadruple crosses coming from everywhere that will leave head spinning with laughter. Here is a 10-minute Belgium film noir comedic short called, The Bloody Olive from filmmaker, Vincent Bal. What I find so amazing about this short is its ability to mix darkly film noir aesthetics, cliches and conventions and just exasperating them so much so that in the end the short becomes a comedy.

It's a Christmas celebration as a man and his wife sit down to have a lovely Christmas dinner. There's a ring of the doorbell and in walks a man who accuses the husband of embezzling from his company. Shorts are fired, knives are pulled out, as the three characters keeping getting killed over and over only to rise from the dead in twist after twist. This is the short M. Night Shyamalan would have made if he went crazy with his love of twists. Deeply and darkly funny, this short from Belgium will keep you guessing right up until the end. It's a set piece with only three actors, but there are so many twists and turns that in the end you're still left wondering, who's the real victim? The laughs here are hard won and of the slapstick variety, and those that both love film noirs and comedies will find a brilliantly executed marriage of the two genres.

Check this out if you're in the mood to have some dark laughs coupled with wonderful displays of mayhem and film noir violence. Seriously, the filmmakers somehow make this actually really funny. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, The Bloody Olive.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Hello (animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a wonderfully animated look at love and self-expression in its many forms, a look at how finding the right words to say can be the hardest thing imaginable. Here is a 6-minute romantic animated short called, Hello from filmmaker, Jonathan Nix. What I find so amazing about this short is its ability to convey so much heartfelt emotion from characters who can't speak or talk for themselves.

Imagine a world where everyone's head is a boombox, and the only way anyone can talk is by placing mixtapes into their boombox and play pre-recorded songs. Enter a young man who falls in love with his lovely and hip neighbor, but everytime he tries to say something he can't find the right tape to convey his feelings in their brief encounters. Through perseverance he finally finds the right song for the right moment. This is the kind of animated feast for the eyes that also has a story to make you fall in love with it over and over again. The animation style is unique, breathing life to a world of boombox heads and mixtape hearts and is the perfect compliment to an amazingly well crafted narrative, that may seem simple at first since no one actually talks, but it belies some truly hidden joy and warmth. It's a well understood premise. Before the advent of mp3's, I grew up making mixtapes, and there was no higher calling for a high school student, no other self assured reason, then creating a mixtape for the girl you liked. This brings back those memories, makes a world of those memories and I couldn't help but smile from beginning to end.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some fantastic animation filled with heartfelt emotions. The music is just so right, the story is just so on-key, that it's a wonderful reminder of simpler and more innocent days. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Hello.


Thursday, August 18, 2011

Trailer Talkback Thursday - John Carter

Welcome to another Trailer Talkback Thursday here at the Cinema Cafe Podcast. Today we look at a trailer which, even though brief, has me personally very excited, Disney's John Carter.



In my household, the name Edgar Rice Burroughs is very well known and the John Carter series is definitely no exception. It's been a while since I've read these, but when I was younger there were always some of my favorite stories to read. So when I heard that Disney & Pixar were going to make a movie based on them, I got excited.

Mind you, I was a little skeptical when I heard Pixar was going to make a live-action version, but judging from the trailer it looks like they've done a good job so far in capturing Barsoom. The trailer itself is pretty well done, both with the excellent sequences and the great choice of music. All I know is that 2012 is shaping up to be one of the best years of cinema I might possibly ever see.

-Greg

Friday, August 12, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Brink (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a beautifully shot piece, one that looks unbelievably sleek, a short that says more about longing and loss, of friendship and fulfillment through adversary than any rom-com. Here is a 9-minute sci-fi romantic drama called, Brink from filmmaker, Shawn Christensen. What I find so amazing about this short is that its ability to convey its entire narrative by directly immersing the viewer into its world purely through visuals and music.

The is the story of a man named Jeremy who is in love with his best friend Evelyn. As the world slowly collapses around them he decides to finally put his feelings for her into a letter, but there is a strong chance with the world coming to pieces that she may never get a chance to read it. It's a simple synopsis with very little dialogue, but the music and looks from the actors say more than any dialogue could. I'm really impressed by the special effects which are simple yet add a lot of weight (or is that weight-lessness) to the story and the music, well its just fantastic.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some lovingly shot scenes of the simple aspects of love at the end of the world. The cinematography is exquisite and its a true lo-fi sci-fi treat. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Brink.


Thursday, August 11, 2011

Trailer Talkback Thursday - The Amazing Spider-Man

Welcome to another Trailer Talkback Thursday, in which I take a look at a trailer and give my thoughts about it. For today's Trailer Talkback Thursday, lets take a look at the trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man.



I saw this again when I took my Dad to see Captain America earlier this week, and he had the exact same reaction that I've seen a lot of people have when viewing this trailer, that being that they're doing his origin story again. If anything, judging by this trailer, it seems that the movie focuses heavily on his origin, which in all honesty kind of worries me. A lot of people have voiced the same concern about them doing the origin story again, as the last Spider-Man movies are still fresh in their mind.

Don't get me wrong, I think the casting of this movie looks pretty phenomenal. I like the fact that it looks like he has his web shooters back. The new take on the suit looks interesting, but I have to see more of it before I can judge it further. Personally, I hope that our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man jokes more and delivers more quips when fighting the forces of evil. I understand that Sony wants to keep the movie license, and I think they've done more justice to Spidey than say Fox has with the FF, however I just hope they don't just phone this movie's story in for a quick buck. Either way, next year we'll be web swinging along once again.

-Greg

Monday, August 8, 2011

Episode 72: Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Cowboys and Aliens and Crazy Stupid Love

Hello there and welcome to the 72nd episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 3 movies that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Crazy Stupid Love
* Cowboys and Aliens
* Rise of the Planet of the Apes
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 8.12.11 and 8.19.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, August 5, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Lifeline (animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a beautifully animated piece, a short that says more about longing and loss, of deep held desires and the eternal pursuit for the one who got away then most long-form works of cinema. Here is a 6-minute animated drama called, Lifeline from filmmaker, Andreas Salaff. This short utilizes stunning hand-drawn animation that reminds me of many of the classic Czech poster works of the 60's and 70's who's style is so prevalent in French animated cinema today and of course of American animator Bill Plympton.

The film follows a lonely elderly scientist who uses one of his inventions to search through various times (dimensions, worlds?) for his long lost love. It’s set in a dystopian 70′s-era future and what makes this short really work is that there’s a bittersweet ending that leaves more questions than answers on the final shot.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some high quality animated short film making that will leave you thinking for days to come. It's somber, beautiful, uplifting and heartbreaking all at the same time. This is some stunning work that needs to be seen. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Lifeline.

Lifeline from Andres Salaff on Vimeo.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Trailer Talkback Thursday - Footloose

Today marks the first day of what I like to call Trailer Talkback Thursday, just a small showing of a movie trailer that I will discuss my feelings about. For the debut of Trailer Talkback Thursday, I have chosen the trailer for the upcoming remake of Footloose.



Words really do escape me as I view this trailer, and not in the good way. I really don't know who was calling for a remake of Footloose, especially a Kevin Bacon-less remake at that, but this looks simply dreadful. Because teens die in what looks like a car accident, public dancing is banned. I need to repeat this in case you didn't read it correctly, but a car accident leads to public dancing being banned in a town. Again, I'm speechless. How does that even happen? How can this kind of law be enforced?

I don't even feel a need to go into how predictable this movie looks based on the trailer alone, but what I find sad about it is that from what I can see, the only reason it is even called Footloose to begin with is just to attach the name to it for sheer marketing purposes. Something tells me Kevin Bacon will make an appearance somewhere, but I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't. I guess what truly scares me above all else with this trailer is that the movie looks so insane, so ridiculously bad, that I might want to see it based on that alone. Sometimes I hate my Mystery Science Theater 3000 upbringing.

-Greg

Monday, August 1, 2011

Episode 71: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Captain America The First Avenger and Friends with Benefits

Hello there and welcome to the 71st episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly content. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 3 movies that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
* Captain America: The First Avenger
* Friends with Benefits
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 7.29.11 and 8.05.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Ten For Grandpa (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you an amazingly polished piece, a short with Hollywood big picture production values about Cold War conspiracies, mythology and genealogy. Here is a 7-minute dramatic mystery short called, Ten for Grandpa from filmmaker, Doug Karr. This short utilizes wonderfully the breaking of the fourth wall to tell a mystery tale with amazing visual ques and seamless narrative transitions.

Starring David Alpay, this is the story of a grandson who wants to ask his deceased grandfather ten questions as he tries to figure out who the man was. Here is the true life story of one man, two superpowers, three ex-wives and four autopsies. I love the fact that this short uses a man's quest through genealogy as he unlocks the possible super-heroics of his grandfather. The voiceover from Alpay throughout the short, as he weaves in and out of scenes, is phenomenally well done. I'm still stunned by how unbelievably polished this short looks.

Check this out if you're in the mood to see some high quality short film making with a dash of mystery sleuthing. It's somber, it's deep and yet still quite funny and engaging. This is one of the better shorts I've seen in some time. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Ten for Grandpa.


Ten for Grandpa from Pie Face Pictures on Vimeo.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Rolling Bomber (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a wonderful piece for anyone who grew up watching or even has a passing knowledge of the Powers Ranger TV show or other Super Sentei shows (i.e. hero's in costumes battling rubber suited villains). Here is a 7-minute action comedy short called, Rolling Bomber from filmmaker, Tetsuya Nakashima. The cliched hero's journey is one where the hero grows up as an outcast and must cast off his inhibitions and insecurities in order to save the world and become the hero he always knew he could be. Thankfully this one's a spoof and throws those conventions on their heads.

Starring J-Pop superstar Katori Shingo, this is the story of a young man who gets attacked by a group of super powered hero's who believe he's destined to destroy the world. Each and every day they attack him trying to defeat him as he cries that it's all a misunderstanding. However, as the young man continues to question who he really is, what he's meant to be, maybe these superhero cliche speaking jerks aren't so far from the truth.

Check this out if you're in the mood to laugh your head off. It's a truly funny play on conventions and will have any fan of the Power Rangers heaving in fits of cheesy laughter. This is the kind of crazy stuff that could only come out of Japan. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Rolling Bomber.


Monday, July 18, 2011

Episode 70: Transformers Dark of the Moon and Horrible Bosses

Hello there and welcome to the 70th episode of the Cinema Cafe Podcast, the bi-weekly, twice monthly film podcast by the fans, for the fans. Join us each week as we review new movies releases, look at some dvd's, talk some film news and share our general love for all things cinema. The main goal is to have some fun and hopefully provide the listener with some helpful insight. We are back and the podcasting world is alight once again.

We are finally back with recharged batteries and are ready once again to bring our loyal listeners some brand new bi-weekly contact. Thanks for your patience and it feels so good to be back!!

This week we take a look at 2 movies that have been recently released and also of a few that are currently on dvd. With that said here's a look at what we discuss on this weeks podcast:

* Transformers Dark of the Moon
* Horrible Bosses
* Upcoming movie releases for the weekend of 7.15.11 and 7.22.11

Also, film news and more, only on the Cinema Cafe Podcast. We hope you enjoy and happy movie watching.

Thanks as always to all our loyal listeners for sharing the ride with us as we've once again started producing the show. It's all due to your support that we have kept things going and we hope you continue to share the ride with us in the coming months.

We're also on Itunes so head over there and subscribe to the Cinema Cafe Podcast and don't forget to post a review! Thanks!!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Invention of Love (animated)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a beautiful yet heartbreaking love story told in a world of nuts and bolts with wonderful animated shadowplay images dancing on the screen. Here is the 9-minute animated short Invention of Love from filmmaker, Andrey Shushkov. Like the best short films, this one has a simple premise with a simple narrative that belies its deeper meanings. It's all at once breathtakingly nostalgic as we watch a Steampunk world of turn of the century mechanical engineering, and painstakingly tragic.

This is the story of two young souls who fall in love in the backdrop of floating cities and countrysides, in a world of beautiful machinery and black soot covered flowers. They get married and realize that the worlds they know, the worlds they love, are just too different. But beyond the narrative, just watch the story, the world that Andrey Shushkov has created, a vision told in moving picturebox. The melodic classical music is also a great compliment to the story adding nuances and heart to the scenes.

Check this out if you're in the mood to watch both beauty and tragedy unfold right before your eyes. This is the kind of animation that could only happen in the short form and we're all the more lucky to be able to check it out for free. Enjoy this weeks dose of short form goodness in, Invention of Love.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Fantastic Short Film Friday - Crazy Hands (live-action)
















And we are back with another installment in our Fantastic Short Film Friday series, as we continue to showcase films released in the "lesser" known form of cinema- the short film.

This week we have for you a whimsical and slightly off-kilter short reminiscent of the Chaplin and Keaton silent comedies. Here is the 7-minute comedic short Crazy Hands from British filmmaker, Charlie Graley. Like the best silent films, this one takes a simple premise, a man wakes up and finds he no longer has control over his hands, and explores how that simple fact affects his and everyone around him daily lives.

As I mentioned this is reminiscent of the Chaplin and Keaton silent films, but that's not entirely true. There is no dialogue bu things aren't entirely silent. Our main character with the crazy hands lives in a world where grunts and facial expressions get people through their days. What I love so much about this short is how it showcases the fact that one simple thing can throw off the normalcy of our daily lives and how without the semblance of normalcy can drive anyone insane. There's a lot of heart here and if the finale doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will.

Check this out if you need some old-fashioned comedy, if the daily crush of the cubicle gets to you, watch this to realize things could be much worse. Enjoy this weeks dose of short film goodness in, Crazy Hands.


Crazy Hands from Charlie Graley on Vimeo.