Wednesday, December 16. 2009
BNAT XI - 2009 - My Movie Heaven
The Butt-Numb-A-Thon of 2009 has come and gone and once again it's like a dream, but it's a dream that comes back to life every time I share the stories and share the joy. I only wish all my fellow film fanatic friends could have been there too, and that's why I'm going to rattle on here and now to pass on the good times!
The festivities begin on Friday Night, December 11th (Harry Knowles' Birthday) with the BNAT pre-party at the HIGHBALL by the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse.
The HIGHBALL is an amazing place with a bar, Bowling Lanes, Skee-Ball, Karaoke Rooms, and a Stage. The BNAT folks were hanging out, bowling, singing, chatting. I met some new people, caught up with others I knew and had an absolute blast. It ended up being a late night as I stayed longer then expected to witness the Karaoke Apocalypse where a live band was backing up the singer for their Karaoke song pick.
After the first set I went off to sleep as much as I could before the movie marathon would begin. I was already anxious to get the film viewing started. Come Saturday morning I felt like it was Christmas morning, and yes, BNAT is often referred to as GEEK CHRISTMAS!
I was at the South Lamar Drafthouse by 10 am to check in and get settled in my seat #909 which was in the folding chair row, behind Harry's row. It was a good view of the screen and I'm sooo glad I had a pillow handy, yup it helped a lot with the butt-numbing.
My row-mates to my left were a couple I met the night before at the HIGHBALL from North Carolina, and they were way excited to be there as it was their first BNAT and I was so glad I could join in their fun. A person's first BNAT is often the most memorable! I was actually sandwhiched between a few other BNAT virgins and they were all elated to be there too!
And now my full report as best as I can put it together while I make sense of my notes and recall the thoughts that ran through my mind through the 26 and half hours that made up BNAT 2009.
Here I go:
The trailers began: 99 & 44/100% DEAD, (starring RICHARD HARRIS), DEATH MACHINES, ("Tomorrow is here and the killers of the future are ready now".) THE UNCANNY (killer cats!) and STUNT ROCK (awesome trailer!!).
Tim League, founder of the Alamo Drafthouse had some intros and presented Harry with a Bulgarian Folk Dancer who danced about the stage and shared a drink with Harry. Then what has become part of the TEEN WOLF torture tradition there was a promise to screen the film TEEN WOLF for Harry's friend Jeff, this time through digital projection there was a guarantee of good sound and presentation from "a DOLBY representative".
The film began to play...but yet again some technical difficulties interfered and the film barely got past the credits. Here's hoping Jeff gets his film next year! They promised...I heard them...
The first official film of the day came with F.W. Murnau's FAUST complete with live organ accompaniment from Graham Reynolds. This vintage classic is quite awesome as Mephisto the devil tries to win rule of earth by corrupting the soul of Faust. There's a great visual style and it's quite powerful, a scene that gets me every time is when Faust's love Gretchen is stuck in the snow with her newborn child. It's heartbreaking. I'm lucky that this was my second time to see this film on a big screen though the first with live music. Silent Films and Live Music rule!
Next came our first premiere with an introduction from AICN's Capone who commented that it was quite fitting to go from FAUST's battle of Heaven and Earth to Peter Jackson's THE LOVELY BONES which began after the trailer for THE RAPE KILLER and a PSA in Spanish which featured Ricky Schroder which seemed to be cut short. (Oh MY!)
THE LOVELY BONES is the journey of Susie Salmon, as played by Saoirse Ronan who's been killed by a creepy neighbor and from the afterlife she watches her family cope with the loss. It's a beautifully visual film that starts off rather strong and has great performances including the likes of Stanley Tucci. There are also solid moments of suspense, but I felt it was on a predictable path. All in all, I enjoyed parts more then the whole.
Trailers: THAT'S DANCING! (A Montage of dance numbers), NUDES ON TIGER REEF, and THE FASTEST GUITAR ALIVE (starring Roy Orbison).
MGM's GIRL CRAZY starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland hit the screen. Mickey is Danny Churchill, Jr. a rich girl crazy guy who's sent to an all boys school in the west to learn the ways of the cowboy. Judy is Ginger Gray, the granddaughter of the school's Dean. Ginger of course captures Danny's eye and songs and dance ensue. Busby Berkeley was a director on the film and the grand dance numbers are truly his. It's so much fun to watch the singing and dancing, I had a smile on my face the whole time watching the happy feet. Films like this were made to be seen on a big screen and the finale was a true joy.
The vintage programming continued with THE RED SHOES (1948). My row-mates were quite excited as the film began! This is a beautiful film and another treat of dancing feet. A story of love, fulfilling ones true passion and discovering tragedy comes with devotion. ("It is worth remembering, that it is much more disheartening to have to steal than to be stolen from.") Dancer Victoria Page (Moira Shearer) wants to dance and makes her mark with the ballet of THE RED SHOES, the music was written by Julian Craster (Marius Goring). The two were brought together by the Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook) the show's producer, a man with the vision and desire to share ballet with the world. Boris pushed them both to fulfill their potential. Of course it all builds up to a crescendo of heartbreak. The ballet sequence is amazing and filled with dazzling imagery. I love this movie very much.
After the film Tim League came on down and said he was informed that some special guests in the theater wanted to come in and offer Harry some birthday wishes. The boys of BROKEN LIZARD, Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske sang Happy Birthday and challenged the AICN team to a beer chug. It was was an almost epic battle but the BROKEN LIZARD team ultimately nailed it with ease.
Harry continued with movie introductions, and he shared that THE RED SHOES was actually suggested to the lineup by Martin Scorsese as the film to be shown before his SHUTTER ISLAND. (Yes, Harry got SHUTTER ISLAND to premiere at the BNAT before it plays at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival by writing to Scorsese and asking him for it.)
Trailers: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE, SUDDEN DEATH (1977) starring Robert Conrad.
SHUTTER ISLAND was quite good, better then good really. I have to say the trailers didn't really sell me on this one though I had faith in Scorsese, my expectations were low. Watching SHUTTER ISLAND shows Scorsese does still have it. Leonardo DiCaprio is Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshall on the way to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a mental patient from this institution of the criminally insane. Teddy has some troubles of his own, dealing with the loss of his wife and in search of answers to what toils his mind. Scorsese is presenting some stunning sights here during Teddy's dream sequences. The performances are exceptional and there's lots of twists and turns throughout.
Trailers: OPERATION USA (I think that was the title) MANIAC COP 2 and DOC SAVAGE: THE MAN OF BRONZE.
Things took a French turn with Le magnifique (1979) and I will say that I feel my life is even more complete since Bob Saint-Clair has become part of my world. Jean-Paul Belmondo is author François Merlin who writes a book series about super agent Bob Saint-Clair. Jean-Paul performs both rolls, as Francois the writer who imagines himself as Bob while he types out his books. Jacqueline Bisset is Christine, the neighbor and Bob Saint-Clair's latest spy partner Tatiana. I hope that makes sense. This was a completely fun film from beginning to end. When you see an agent in a phone booth swept up by a helicopter and dumped in the ocean to be killed by a shark how can you not be prepared for some ridiculous laughs. It's a random sort of entertainment that was a total surprise and an absolute ball.
The French wave continued with Micmacs, the new film from Jean-Pierre Jeunet and this was a welcome treat. It was actually rather sweet considering it's the story of a Bazil (Dany Boon) who takes down two men who manufacture weapons. There's a group of eccentric and strange characters that come together to fulfill Bazil's elaborate plan. The ever loveable Dominique Pinon as Fracasse the human cannonball needed to do more. It's really sweet, maybe overly so but it made me laugh and I had fun.
Harry introduced Adam Green who brought his latest film FROZEN. Adam said it was his first BNAT and it was an honor to be there. He also assured us all that there was no CGI in his film, all that we were about to see was done with REAL effects.
So the trailers began: THE SKI BUM (Zalman King) and HOT DOG...THE MOVIE.
In FORZEN three young folk are having a ski day. There's conflict among the trio as best buds Lynch (Shawn Ashmore) and Dan (Kevin Zegers) bicker over Dan bringing his girlfriend Parker (Emma Bell) along. Then they all have to deal with each other when they get stuck on the chairlift without a chance of being found once the resort has closed for the night and the rest of the week. Are you afraid of heights? Do you hate being cold? Want to see what happens when cold flesh meets metal? This film got the crowd feeling antsy as there were plenty of cringe worth moments and tension. I dug it and it reminded me that I'm glad I'm not a ski bunny, those snowy mountains are dangerous.
Harry came on down and reported that someone in the audience actually fainted during the screening. Producer Peter Block did a little chatting and thanked the crowd, he was quite happy to be there at the BNAT and seemed pleased at the reaction to the film.
The next film came with an introduction from the Drafthouse gang explaining that they have come into possession of numerous Shaw Brother films, and one such film is CENTIPEDE HORROR which has been banned in many countries. Zack (Drafthouse Programmer) warned puke buckets may be needed before it was all through. A few of my rowmate were scared off and they vanished a while. I wasn't going to give up, I am always in for the long haul and ready to let the assault on my visual senses take place.
There were trailers for BUG and MISSION THUNDERBOLT.
CENTIPEDE HORROR wound up being a bit tame (I later heard through the grapevine it was actually a cut Canadian print) so I think the BNAT crowd got off a bit easy. Still lots of Centipedes filled the screen, they filled the bodies of some women because a wizard was trying to get some revenge on past misdeeds. Wizard battles are big in HONG KONG Shaw Brothers flicks. The magic battle sent out the bugs to do their evil deeds and this time there were some possessed chicken bone bodies in the fight too. I really don't like bugs and their creepy crawly ways, but I watched them attack nonetheless. Yes, it was gross, and I'll probably eat these words one day, but...I have seen worse.
Another Exploitation film hit the screen after the trailers for THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (I've seen it!), MR. NO LEGS and LUNCH WAGON (Everything is on the menu). It was time for THE CANDY SNATCHERS (the child abduction theme was back again!)
Three kidnappers pick up Candy on her way from school, they try and ransom her from her rich family but Candy's stepdad would rather they keep her since he's next in line for any money. There's a side story with a little mute blonde kid who witnesses the kidnapers with Candy (who they keep stashed in a box in the ground for a while) and this mute kid just watches more than anything. This is a pretty popular grindhouse flick and since many had seen it I hear this was their doze off movie. Though I too had seen it before, sleep I did not.
Next up there was a special Birthday video for Harry, the "AICN Truish Film Stories" with the likes of J.J. Abrams, Michael (FKIN') Bay, and John Faverau sending well wishes and Faverau shared the newest IRON MAN 2 trailer. (AWESOME! AWESOME!)
And there was the big surprise of the morning as it was I think 7 a.m. at this point, I don't really pay attention to the time, but Harry introduced MATTHEW VAUGHN who had bought out his rough cut of KICK-ASS, yup, KICK-ASS fresh off the avid and ready for the eyes of a BNAT crowd. I was sooooo stoked! This is a movie I've been anxious and waiting for! The crowd was wide awake, or woken up once it hit the screen right after the trailers for FEARLESS FRANK, ANIMAL PROTECTOR (starring David Carradine) and THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN INVINCIBLE (starring Alan Arkin and it's a fun flick to boot!).
KICK-ASS is of course Kick Ass, and it is based on the comic series by Mark Millar. Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is a high school kid who wonders why someone hasn't taken up the Super-Hero torch in real life and soon dubs himself KICK-ASS. On his journey as a Super-Hero he discovers some others fighting for the cause and we meet the dynamic and awesome duo HIT GIRL (Chloe Moretz) and BIG DADDY (Nicolas Cage). HIT GIRL by and far steals the show, this 11-year-old girl kicks butt, and takes no prisoners. She's wonderful and awesome and I am having chills just thinking about this movie. The film had a temp score and used the tunes of SUPERMAN and BATMAN throughout and they were so fitting, the whole score just mixed in so well that at one point everyone was clapping along during a fight scene. This movie delivers in every way in my humble rattling opinion, it's fresh, exciting and inspiring and it's going to be the buzzing film of 2010. And yes Christopher Mintz-Plasse who is the Red Mist, was great too.
Matthew Vaughn came on down after the film for a Q&A along with Christopher Mintz-Plasse. They were pretty happy. Christopher was taken aback by the BNAT crowd reaction and he said this was his first time watching the film too and then said he was jealous of the 11-year-old girl. Matthew reported the film just received it's R-Rating and that so far Warner Bros. won't give them permission to use the SUPERMAN and BATMAN themes. This was a completely independent feature, Matthew talked about casting, working with Cage and now owning the RED MIST car which loves.
Here, go watch the trailer but them come back! KICK-ASS TRAILER
Now, I've just about reached the very end of this BNAT adventure. Oh, it's getting bittersweet, but I'm pushing the post BNAT Blues away as I move on to the finale film: James Cameron's AVATAR. Yup, AVATAR! It was exciting. Harry shared that it took a lot of work to get the film screened at BNAT but here it was in 3D for our viewing pleasure.
As 3D glasses were handed out the crowd settled and the trailers ran. THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8th DIMENSION, I COME IN PEACE and the Dr. Pepper Cola Wars Commercial. (Some New Bev trailer faves I might add.)
AVATAR is truly beautiful and breathtaking. It's a visual overload but in a good way. I found myself getting swept up and distracted by looking all there was to see. It takes it's time showing off the world that is planet Pandora. It's a story of earthlings coming in to take what's not theirs and the Na'vi people must fight back. Jake (Sam Worthington) comes in to learn the Na'vi ways and the cultures collide. Actress Zoe Saldana who's the Na'vi Neytiri was a strong character and my favorite by far. I honestly have to watch the film again and soak it all in again. I won't lie that I was beginning to feel a bit tired and unfocused (though I still did NOT sleep!) AVATAR is a remarkable film as Cameron delivers on the action, it's something he does best. I AM going to see it again and see it soon. It was a fitting end to the day that had transpired.
WHEW!
When I left the theater and made my way outside it was a bright and shiny day!
People were gathered outside stretching out and talking about the past 26 and half hours. I chatted away and even got a chance to say hi to Elijah Wood who was in attendance and since I just did a name drop I will also mention Rian Johnson was there through it all too, he was in the row behind me. It was cool to chat with them both! But I digress...
Harry truly outdid himself this year out with BNAT 1138, he hit a new stride as everything seemed to flow along, each movie was like a shot of the "QUICKENING" and the crowd was on a constant high! This year is now tied with my favorite BNAT which was my first year four years ago. Yes, this was my fourth BNAT and I am so grateful and fortunate to have made it this far. I can only hope, hope, hope, hope for more.
I was so happy to hear that most folks named THE RED SHOES their favorite film, it gives me hope that many cinefiles out there aren't giving up on vintage film viewing. That's one of the best things about BNAT is Harry fueling the flame of classic film love.
I know I am a truly spoiled film fan and I still want more. Thanks to the New Beverly I had already seen three of the films Harry screened, they were FAUST, THE RED SHOES and THE CANDY SNATCHERS. It was a blast to watch them all again at the DRAFTHOUSE with a BNAT crowd.
BNAT 1138 was indeed heavenly with battles of good and bad, heaven and hell, angels and devils, killers and heroes, psychos and mental patients, spies and terrorists, dancing and bugs and frozen frost bitten parts, blazing guns, super heroes, action, animation and 3D and really what more could I have asked for? More movies of course!
THANK YOU HARRY KNOWLES and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
MORE Reading: Rundowns of BNAT 2009:
Harry's Short Version of BNAT 1138
Augustus Gloop's Tale
Mr. Beaks Best and Worst Picks
BNAT Begninning, Middle and End
12 Morals of BNAT 1138
The festivities begin on Friday Night, December 11th (Harry Knowles' Birthday) with the BNAT pre-party at the HIGHBALL by the South Lamar Alamo Drafthouse.
Bowling, Skee-Ball, Karaoke...Oh My!
The HIGHBALL is an amazing place with a bar, Bowling Lanes, Skee-Ball, Karaoke Rooms, and a Stage. The BNAT folks were hanging out, bowling, singing, chatting. I met some new people, caught up with others I knew and had an absolute blast. It ended up being a late night as I stayed longer then expected to witness the Karaoke Apocalypse where a live band was backing up the singer for their Karaoke song pick.
Rock and Roll All Night!
After the first set I went off to sleep as much as I could before the movie marathon would begin. I was already anxious to get the film viewing started. Come Saturday morning I felt like it was Christmas morning, and yes, BNAT is often referred to as GEEK CHRISTMAS!
I was at the South Lamar Drafthouse by 10 am to check in and get settled in my seat #909 which was in the folding chair row, behind Harry's row. It was a good view of the screen and I'm sooo glad I had a pillow handy, yup it helped a lot with the butt-numbing.
My row-mates to my left were a couple I met the night before at the HIGHBALL from North Carolina, and they were way excited to be there as it was their first BNAT and I was so glad I could join in their fun. A person's first BNAT is often the most memorable! I was actually sandwhiched between a few other BNAT virgins and they were all elated to be there too!
And now my full report as best as I can put it together while I make sense of my notes and recall the thoughts that ran through my mind through the 26 and half hours that made up BNAT 2009.
I am CAH909 Reporting for Duty
Here I go:
The trailers began: 99 & 44/100% DEAD, (starring RICHARD HARRIS), DEATH MACHINES, ("Tomorrow is here and the killers of the future are ready now".) THE UNCANNY (killer cats!) and STUNT ROCK (awesome trailer!!).
Tim League, founder of the Alamo Drafthouse had some intros and presented Harry with a Bulgarian Folk Dancer who danced about the stage and shared a drink with Harry. Then what has become part of the TEEN WOLF torture tradition there was a promise to screen the film TEEN WOLF for Harry's friend Jeff, this time through digital projection there was a guarantee of good sound and presentation from "a DOLBY representative".
The film began to play...but yet again some technical difficulties interfered and the film barely got past the credits. Here's hoping Jeff gets his film next year! They promised...I heard them...The first official film of the day came with F.W. Murnau's FAUST complete with live organ accompaniment from Graham Reynolds. This vintage classic is quite awesome as Mephisto the devil tries to win rule of earth by corrupting the soul of Faust. There's a great visual style and it's quite powerful, a scene that gets me every time is when Faust's love Gretchen is stuck in the snow with her newborn child. It's heartbreaking. I'm lucky that this was my second time to see this film on a big screen though the first with live music. Silent Films and Live Music rule!
Next came our first premiere with an introduction from AICN's Capone who commented that it was quite fitting to go from FAUST's battle of Heaven and Earth to Peter Jackson's THE LOVELY BONES which began after the trailer for THE RAPE KILLER and a PSA in Spanish which featured Ricky Schroder which seemed to be cut short. (Oh MY!)
THE LOVELY BONES is the journey of Susie Salmon, as played by Saoirse Ronan who's been killed by a creepy neighbor and from the afterlife she watches her family cope with the loss. It's a beautifully visual film that starts off rather strong and has great performances including the likes of Stanley Tucci. There are also solid moments of suspense, but I felt it was on a predictable path. All in all, I enjoyed parts more then the whole.
Trailers: THAT'S DANCING! (A Montage of dance numbers), NUDES ON TIGER REEF, and THE FASTEST GUITAR ALIVE (starring Roy Orbison).
MGM's GIRL CRAZY starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland hit the screen. Mickey is Danny Churchill, Jr. a rich girl crazy guy who's sent to an all boys school in the west to learn the ways of the cowboy. Judy is Ginger Gray, the granddaughter of the school's Dean. Ginger of course captures Danny's eye and songs and dance ensue. Busby Berkeley was a director on the film and the grand dance numbers are truly his. It's so much fun to watch the singing and dancing, I had a smile on my face the whole time watching the happy feet. Films like this were made to be seen on a big screen and the finale was a true joy.
The vintage programming continued with THE RED SHOES (1948). My row-mates were quite excited as the film began! This is a beautiful film and another treat of dancing feet. A story of love, fulfilling ones true passion and discovering tragedy comes with devotion. ("It is worth remembering, that it is much more disheartening to have to steal than to be stolen from.") Dancer Victoria Page (Moira Shearer) wants to dance and makes her mark with the ballet of THE RED SHOES, the music was written by Julian Craster (Marius Goring). The two were brought together by the Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook) the show's producer, a man with the vision and desire to share ballet with the world. Boris pushed them both to fulfill their potential. Of course it all builds up to a crescendo of heartbreak. The ballet sequence is amazing and filled with dazzling imagery. I love this movie very much.
After the film Tim League came on down and said he was informed that some special guests in the theater wanted to come in and offer Harry some birthday wishes. The boys of BROKEN LIZARD, Jay Chandrasekhar, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske sang Happy Birthday and challenged the AICN team to a beer chug. It was was an almost epic battle but the BROKEN LIZARD team ultimately nailed it with ease.
Harry continued with movie introductions, and he shared that THE RED SHOES was actually suggested to the lineup by Martin Scorsese as the film to be shown before his SHUTTER ISLAND. (Yes, Harry got SHUTTER ISLAND to premiere at the BNAT before it plays at the upcoming Berlin Film Festival by writing to Scorsese and asking him for it.)
Trailers: THEY CALL HER ONE EYE, SUDDEN DEATH (1977) starring Robert Conrad.
SHUTTER ISLAND was quite good, better then good really. I have to say the trailers didn't really sell me on this one though I had faith in Scorsese, my expectations were low. Watching SHUTTER ISLAND shows Scorsese does still have it. Leonardo DiCaprio is Teddy Daniels, a U.S. Marshall on the way to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a mental patient from this institution of the criminally insane. Teddy has some troubles of his own, dealing with the loss of his wife and in search of answers to what toils his mind. Scorsese is presenting some stunning sights here during Teddy's dream sequences. The performances are exceptional and there's lots of twists and turns throughout.
Trailers: OPERATION USA (I think that was the title) MANIAC COP 2 and DOC SAVAGE: THE MAN OF BRONZE.
Things took a French turn with Le magnifique (1979) and I will say that I feel my life is even more complete since Bob Saint-Clair has become part of my world. Jean-Paul Belmondo is author François Merlin who writes a book series about super agent Bob Saint-Clair. Jean-Paul performs both rolls, as Francois the writer who imagines himself as Bob while he types out his books. Jacqueline Bisset is Christine, the neighbor and Bob Saint-Clair's latest spy partner Tatiana. I hope that makes sense. This was a completely fun film from beginning to end. When you see an agent in a phone booth swept up by a helicopter and dumped in the ocean to be killed by a shark how can you not be prepared for some ridiculous laughs. It's a random sort of entertainment that was a total surprise and an absolute ball.
The French wave continued with Micmacs, the new film from Jean-Pierre Jeunet and this was a welcome treat. It was actually rather sweet considering it's the story of a Bazil (Dany Boon) who takes down two men who manufacture weapons. There's a group of eccentric and strange characters that come together to fulfill Bazil's elaborate plan. The ever loveable Dominique Pinon as Fracasse the human cannonball needed to do more. It's really sweet, maybe overly so but it made me laugh and I had fun.
Harry introduced Adam Green who brought his latest film FROZEN. Adam said it was his first BNAT and it was an honor to be there. He also assured us all that there was no CGI in his film, all that we were about to see was done with REAL effects.
So the trailers began: THE SKI BUM (Zalman King) and HOT DOG...THE MOVIE.
In FORZEN three young folk are having a ski day. There's conflict among the trio as best buds Lynch (Shawn Ashmore) and Dan (Kevin Zegers) bicker over Dan bringing his girlfriend Parker (Emma Bell) along. Then they all have to deal with each other when they get stuck on the chairlift without a chance of being found once the resort has closed for the night and the rest of the week. Are you afraid of heights? Do you hate being cold? Want to see what happens when cold flesh meets metal? This film got the crowd feeling antsy as there were plenty of cringe worth moments and tension. I dug it and it reminded me that I'm glad I'm not a ski bunny, those snowy mountains are dangerous.
Harry came on down and reported that someone in the audience actually fainted during the screening. Producer Peter Block did a little chatting and thanked the crowd, he was quite happy to be there at the BNAT and seemed pleased at the reaction to the film.
The next film came with an introduction from the Drafthouse gang explaining that they have come into possession of numerous Shaw Brother films, and one such film is CENTIPEDE HORROR which has been banned in many countries. Zack (Drafthouse Programmer) warned puke buckets may be needed before it was all through. A few of my rowmate were scared off and they vanished a while. I wasn't going to give up, I am always in for the long haul and ready to let the assault on my visual senses take place.
There were trailers for BUG and MISSION THUNDERBOLT.
CENTIPEDE HORROR wound up being a bit tame (I later heard through the grapevine it was actually a cut Canadian print) so I think the BNAT crowd got off a bit easy. Still lots of Centipedes filled the screen, they filled the bodies of some women because a wizard was trying to get some revenge on past misdeeds. Wizard battles are big in HONG KONG Shaw Brothers flicks. The magic battle sent out the bugs to do their evil deeds and this time there were some possessed chicken bone bodies in the fight too. I really don't like bugs and their creepy crawly ways, but I watched them attack nonetheless. Yes, it was gross, and I'll probably eat these words one day, but...I have seen worse.
Another Exploitation film hit the screen after the trailers for THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (I've seen it!), MR. NO LEGS and LUNCH WAGON (Everything is on the menu). It was time for THE CANDY SNATCHERS (the child abduction theme was back again!)
Three kidnappers pick up Candy on her way from school, they try and ransom her from her rich family but Candy's stepdad would rather they keep her since he's next in line for any money. There's a side story with a little mute blonde kid who witnesses the kidnapers with Candy (who they keep stashed in a box in the ground for a while) and this mute kid just watches more than anything. This is a pretty popular grindhouse flick and since many had seen it I hear this was their doze off movie. Though I too had seen it before, sleep I did not.
Next up there was a special Birthday video for Harry, the "AICN Truish Film Stories" with the likes of J.J. Abrams, Michael (FKIN') Bay, and John Faverau sending well wishes and Faverau shared the newest IRON MAN 2 trailer. (AWESOME! AWESOME!)
And there was the big surprise of the morning as it was I think 7 a.m. at this point, I don't really pay attention to the time, but Harry introduced MATTHEW VAUGHN who had bought out his rough cut of KICK-ASS, yup, KICK-ASS fresh off the avid and ready for the eyes of a BNAT crowd. I was sooooo stoked! This is a movie I've been anxious and waiting for! The crowd was wide awake, or woken up once it hit the screen right after the trailers for FEARLESS FRANK, ANIMAL PROTECTOR (starring David Carradine) and THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN INVINCIBLE (starring Alan Arkin and it's a fun flick to boot!).
KICK-ASS is of course Kick Ass, and it is based on the comic series by Mark Millar. Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is a high school kid who wonders why someone hasn't taken up the Super-Hero torch in real life and soon dubs himself KICK-ASS. On his journey as a Super-Hero he discovers some others fighting for the cause and we meet the dynamic and awesome duo HIT GIRL (Chloe Moretz) and BIG DADDY (Nicolas Cage). HIT GIRL by and far steals the show, this 11-year-old girl kicks butt, and takes no prisoners. She's wonderful and awesome and I am having chills just thinking about this movie. The film had a temp score and used the tunes of SUPERMAN and BATMAN throughout and they were so fitting, the whole score just mixed in so well that at one point everyone was clapping along during a fight scene. This movie delivers in every way in my humble rattling opinion, it's fresh, exciting and inspiring and it's going to be the buzzing film of 2010. And yes Christopher Mintz-Plasse who is the Red Mist, was great too.
Matthew Vaughn came on down after the film for a Q&A along with Christopher Mintz-Plasse. They were pretty happy. Christopher was taken aback by the BNAT crowd reaction and he said this was his first time watching the film too and then said he was jealous of the 11-year-old girl. Matthew reported the film just received it's R-Rating and that so far Warner Bros. won't give them permission to use the SUPERMAN and BATMAN themes. This was a completely independent feature, Matthew talked about casting, working with Cage and now owning the RED MIST car which loves.
Here, go watch the trailer but them come back! KICK-ASS TRAILER
Now, I've just about reached the very end of this BNAT adventure. Oh, it's getting bittersweet, but I'm pushing the post BNAT Blues away as I move on to the finale film: James Cameron's AVATAR. Yup, AVATAR! It was exciting. Harry shared that it took a lot of work to get the film screened at BNAT but here it was in 3D for our viewing pleasure.
As 3D glasses were handed out the crowd settled and the trailers ran. THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BANZAI ACROSS THE 8th DIMENSION, I COME IN PEACE and the Dr. Pepper Cola Wars Commercial. (Some New Bev trailer faves I might add.)
AVATAR is truly beautiful and breathtaking. It's a visual overload but in a good way. I found myself getting swept up and distracted by looking all there was to see. It takes it's time showing off the world that is planet Pandora. It's a story of earthlings coming in to take what's not theirs and the Na'vi people must fight back. Jake (Sam Worthington) comes in to learn the Na'vi ways and the cultures collide. Actress Zoe Saldana who's the Na'vi Neytiri was a strong character and my favorite by far. I honestly have to watch the film again and soak it all in again. I won't lie that I was beginning to feel a bit tired and unfocused (though I still did NOT sleep!) AVATAR is a remarkable film as Cameron delivers on the action, it's something he does best. I AM going to see it again and see it soon. It was a fitting end to the day that had transpired.
WHEW!
When I left the theater and made my way outside it was a bright and shiny day!
I LOVE YOU ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE!
People were gathered outside stretching out and talking about the past 26 and half hours. I chatted away and even got a chance to say hi to Elijah Wood who was in attendance and since I just did a name drop I will also mention Rian Johnson was there through it all too, he was in the row behind me. It was cool to chat with them both! But I digress...
Harry truly outdid himself this year out with BNAT 1138, he hit a new stride as everything seemed to flow along, each movie was like a shot of the "QUICKENING" and the crowd was on a constant high! This year is now tied with my favorite BNAT which was my first year four years ago. Yes, this was my fourth BNAT and I am so grateful and fortunate to have made it this far. I can only hope, hope, hope, hope for more.
I was so happy to hear that most folks named THE RED SHOES their favorite film, it gives me hope that many cinefiles out there aren't giving up on vintage film viewing. That's one of the best things about BNAT is Harry fueling the flame of classic film love.
I know I am a truly spoiled film fan and I still want more. Thanks to the New Beverly I had already seen three of the films Harry screened, they were FAUST, THE RED SHOES and THE CANDY SNATCHERS. It was a blast to watch them all again at the DRAFTHOUSE with a BNAT crowd.
BNAT 1138 was indeed heavenly with battles of good and bad, heaven and hell, angels and devils, killers and heroes, psychos and mental patients, spies and terrorists, dancing and bugs and frozen frost bitten parts, blazing guns, super heroes, action, animation and 3D and really what more could I have asked for? More movies of course!
THANK YOU HARRY KNOWLES and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
The full list of films:
1. FAUST
2. THE LOVELY BONES
3. GIRL CRAZY
4. THE RED SHOES
5. SHUTTER ISLAND
6. LE MAGNIFIQUE
7. MICMACS
8. FROZEN
9. CENTIPEDE HORROR
10. THE CANDY SNATCHERS
11. KICK ASS
12. AVATAR
In order of my favorites:
KICK ASS
RED SHOES
SHUTTER ISLAND
LE MAGNIFIQUE
MICMACS
FAUST
GIRL CRAZY
AVATAR
FROZEN
THE LOVELY BONES
THE CANDY SNATCHERS
CENTIPEDE HORROR
MORE Reading: Rundowns of BNAT 2009:
Harry's Short Version of BNAT 1138
Augustus Gloop's Tale
Mr. Beaks Best and Worst Picks
BNAT Begninning, Middle and End
12 Morals of BNAT 1138
THANKS AGAIN HARRY! THANKS A LOT!
Sounds awesome - fun - amazing - and after BNAT, Darkman 2009, and having Celia and Effie - you can die happy right? Hahahah.. yeah right -- you are non stop lady - I can't wait to see what new adventures come your way.
(guy in the Rice hoodie)