70 IN 7 PROJECT

FINAL DONATION...

2009-11-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks everyone for being a part of it!!!

QUICK UPDATE...

2009-11-09T16:33:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you all know, I will be lodging the final donation with Brainlink on Friday. Will be posting a wrap-up of the event and will be sure to all individually thank you over the upcoming couple of weeks...

Thanks agian to everyone who lent their support along the way...

Cheers

Shane.

THE FINAL DAY - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-11-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Friday November 6th 2009 (Final Day):

So, here we are, the final day of what has been a weird, wonderful, emotional, exciting, interesting and long week. After 6 days, and 59 films, we're on the verge of the final 11 films and the last day of the 70 Films In 7 Days Project. Interestingly enough, I felt completely fine the first 5 days, but as I'm sure most expected, the last day and a half I've finally started to feel the effects. It all started with a twitchy eye on Tuesday night. Then after a long haul on Wednesday night where I had to stay up to 5am just to get back on pace, it has become extremely hard to stay awake, throughout a good portion of the early morning and late evening films. I am pretty sure I had a 2 hour long wrestle with the sandman last night while watching Dumbo at 1:30am, so much so, it turned into some sort of hallucinogenic freak out session, I was seeing flying elephants, animals were talking to me, Barkley turned in to an 8 foot tall dude in a dog suit. It's all gotten a little bit Apocalypse Now, I'm starting to feel like Marlon Brando, sitting in a makeshift hutt, sweating, constantly watching films and scaring off any unwelcome intruders with a big stick. I love the smell of DVD covers in the morning. This week has been one of the more interesting endeavours I have undertaken, its been notable that I have been able to find recurring themes and emotions that have run through the week with a random bunch of 70 films, I've been suprised at how easy I was able to cope with the task at hand (initially at least, not sure what it says about my inclination for a sedentary lifestyle), the constant flow of friends, family, emails and various other forms of support have been more than welcome, the opportunity to speak to various media outlets was important but also very fun but more importantly, the achievement of being able to complete this task and feel as if I have been able to contribute something, in some small part, has been very satisfying. I will post a summary once all is run and done with my thanks for those of you who have supported this project in any way, but I do need to thank my housemates, Simon and Anthony, who have put up with me occupying the lounge almost exclusively for the last 7 days, they are cool dudes, at least 47% of the time anyways.

We look like we will finish the event by raising somewhere in the vicinity of $3,500 for our charity BRAINLINK, which is a very positive and unexpected outcome, this makes me very happy and I hope that it will help the organisation continue to do good things.

I will be going to see Julia tomorrow, something I have not done for a little while now, it is not something that is always easy to do, not easy to see, and thats part of the reason why this was done in the first place.

Don't forget, tonight, film #68, will be at the Westgarth Theatre in Northcote on High Street for those of you who would like to come, the session is at 7:50pm and tickets are $10.50 a pop. Let me know...

7:00am - 8:30am - Bee Movie

As a Seinfeld fan, the prospect of an animated film, film #60 of 70 "Bee Movie", featuring Jerry voicing the main character seemed very alluring indeed. But as most have found, it unfortunately doesn't quite deliver. Jerry doesn't really allow his comedic inflections to come through in his character, unlike say, Woody Allen's "ANTZ" which is essentially the same story as what's presented here, a worker bee, wants to break from the mould and become more than just another bee in the swarm. This was the first film of the last day of the 70 In 7 Project, and typically I've found the first films to be extra tough to get through. Discussing the film with a fellow audience member, he raised a very valid point. Don't bees die very quickly? So, how did Jerry's bee live long enough to go through a costly and lengthy court process? These are questions that need answers, answers that I'm sure no one has. This is pleasant enough, will keep the kids occupied, plenty of flying around and pretty colours, but you'll be left wishing it was a little better.

8:30am - 10:30am - Wall-E

Film #61 of 70 is the recent Pixar classic, Wall-E. I really wanted to absolutely love this film, and perhaps the jury is still out, as the first time I watched it was on a return international flight and the second time is here, 61 films in, in a week long marathon. I really Admired Pixar for attempting to fill the first half of this film with little to no dialogue, that in itself is a marvellous and brave innovation, but it also meant that the first half of the film took a little bit of work to get into to. Last year I visited the Pixar exhibition at Federation Square in the city and they were starting to spruik this film then, some of the visual displays and musical tie-ins were just breathtaking, which is pretty much par for the course with Pixar. They are leaps and bounds ahead of anyone else in the game alongside them. Once Wall-E hits space it really gets going and the film rollicks along to its finale. However, the pace of the finale helps bring it all to a close, it does lose some of its originality that you experience throughout the first hour. If I were to place this in its order of excellence from the Pixar studios, I would have to say it still sits behind the two Toy Story's, Monsters Inc and Finding Nemo, so 5th at best, even though its a lot more visually advanced than those, I think those 4 films are about as perfect as you can find anywhere, across any genre. Watching any Pixar film, the overwhelming feeling I get is a magical one, and Wall-E is no exception to that rule.

10:40am - 12:00pm - Cars
Film #62 of 70, another Pixar effort, Cars. Along with The Incredibles, this film is one of the least well received films from the Pixar stable. Was joined today by Julia's sister and mother, and two young nephews. Interestingly, even though this film is not as highly considered as the films that came before it, or the more recent additions (Wall-E and Up), I've come to realise that this film is an absolute hit for young boys. Just look at your local toy store and they are still selling Cars merchandise, you cant say the same for Wall-E or Nemo or Monsters Inc, not even Toy Story. So what does that mean...did the critics and adult viewers get it way wrong. Or is it just because of the fact that young boys love cars that it has a life beyond the other films. All I know, is that sometimes a movie has more appeal than it gets given critical credit for, and especially children's films...until we get three-eight year olds writing movie reviews, which to be honest, would be great. I'd love to hear what a 5 year old thinks about stuff, but like a serious attempt to deconstruct a film via a review. Can you imagine little Sally or Ben writing a 300 word review on say, Blade Runner, that would be as awesome a read as it gets, and probably just as valid as any adult's review. Anyways, back to the film at hand. It is telling, that Pixar have made this the only other film other than Toy Story, to commission a sequel for...why would they do that when they have Monsters Inc or Nemo to exploit further...well its probably because they've been able to sell truckloads of merch for the last 4 years and will continue to do so when the sequel comes out. Also worth noting, this is one of screen legend Paul Newman's last outings. So before you write this little film off, ask your 5 year old nephew or son about Lightning McQueen and watch their face light up...it can't be denied.
12:00pm - 1:40pm - Plan 9 From Outer Space
"There comes a time in every man's life when he see's something he can't explain" - yes, yes indeed, this might be my time. Film #63 - Plan 9 From Outer Space - is famously considered the worst film of all time. Directed by Ed Wood, who most people remember from the Johnny Depp film of the same name, this is an absolute hotch potch of cheap shlock, and initially, of the finest kind. You do have to watch this with a sense of irony and to review it with any kind of seriousness is to miss the point. Its completely B-grade to its core, but the game is to pick the different shots that are repeated, or cut, or missing or take the mickey out of some of the lines of dialogue. What can you say about a film that features, Zombies, Vampires and Aliens all in the one storyline. I dont know about you, but if I were about to invade another world, I wouldn't come up with resurrecting Elvira as a brilliant plan to pull off the said invasion. This is what the aliens in this film come up with as their brilliant plan...I mean either they were a fan of busty slow moving vampires with blank expressions or they were just plain stupid. No prizes for guessing which is more likely. This also may be one of the first sci-fi films to champion the idea that the leader of most invading alien races is almost always the most overtly camp character you can imagine. "I shall conquor Earth, and then I shall run myself a bubble bath".....watch this only if you are interested in the story behind the film and you'd like to see it for yourself.
1:50pm - 3:10pm - Enduring Love
When you are getting down to the last of your 70 films over the course of a week, film #64 "Enduring Love" could be forgiven for just taking up space where you'd prefer taken up with something else, especially when the sun is shining outside. So when the first 15 minutes of this film kicked in, I was completely not expecting to be floored. The sequence taking place around a hot air ballooning tragedy took me unawares and got me to put down the laptop and focus. It was understated and had a sense of an extraordinary yet real occurrence, one that meets a tragic end. Daniel Craig is interesting in this, mainly because he is not near as gung ho as his Bond alter-ego for which he will eventually be type cast. The rest of the film doesn't play out as tightly as the beginning, and to some extent the ending, but overall, because I wasn't expecting it, it ranks as a great view overall. Now, I'm not sure it was intended, but the score for this film totally seems to derive from a Bernard Hermann score from a Hitchcock film. When you break down the story line of the film itself, you can see how and why this usage of music might have been decided upon. I liked this, was not expecting to, and after a long week, was happy to be still experiencing and enjoying some solid cinema.
3:10pm - 4:40pm - Quills
This, film #65, Quills, was bloody tough to get through. Now, on the surface I will protest to having to watch certain films, based solely on the cover of the book, this is one of those films. For years I mentioned it as a film I would never watch and now when given the opportunity to ensure I watch it, it was pledged and selected as one of the 70 films for the week. Now, initially, I gave it some attention, because, what other option did I have, but after enough time, I had completely lost interest. The reasons why I normally steer clear of period piece films, is because invariably they look and feel like as if the actors involved are holding themselves a little "acting masterclass", equating corsets, costumes and old English accents to quality acting, but often equals over-acting. Argh, I dont even have the energy to give this a proper review and thats partly because the effects of the week are now starting to take effect and partly because, well I'm sure I've made that clear by now. Why couldn't film #65 have been Police Academy 4?
4:50pm - 6:20pm - The Shawshank Redemption
Film #66 of 70 - The Shawshank Redemption - is one of those films that for the last 15 years I've been told is one of the greats. Its one of the highest rented VHS/DVDs of all time, it tops the list of greats and favourites for a lot of people and was well received by the critics. At a hefty 2 hours and 22 minutes, its not the kind of movie you'd like to watch during a week long movie marathon...but...I did like it. And I didnt think I would. Just because, it has all the trademarks of one of those over the top adaptations of a great book, that also happens to star Morgan Freeman. Frank Darabont is a director I dont have too much of exposure to, all I know of him is that he wrote the lost screenplay to the last Indy Jones flick and that he did an awesome job of reinventing 2008's The Mist (which is great by the way). Prison movies can be a little bit formulaic, guy gets locked up who is innocent or committed the murder of an adultress wife, he is then repeatedly picked on by ruthless guards and innapropriate thugs, he stands up for himself, restores dignity for his friends, experiences a loss of one of his inmate pals at the hands of a corrupt warden and then in an emotional finale, he breaks free, or at least dies trying. You could be forgiven for feeling as if you have seen this all before (Lock Up, Tango & Cash, Brubaker, The Long Yard, et al). But I think this is elevated high enough to be above the familiarities and become something a little more impactful. Think hard and you'll be hard pressed to think of another movie starring Tim Rogers where he was so good, I mean I like him and all, but he doesn't exactly have a body of work you look back on and think of fondly. Glad to have watched this.
8:20pm - 10:10pm - A Christmas Carol
Coming in at film #67 of 70, yet another Jim Carrey effort, the reimagining of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. This is animated in case you didn't know, but in the same fashion that say Beowulf was, highly articulated and very lifelike. Okay, I am already a Jim Carrey fan, but after having watched this, I would say I'm even more so. He has an ability to convey physical emotion far better than a lot of your critically well loved actors, he carries this film, which he has done before, but this time without being an annoying jazz loving guy in a green mask or a pet detective. Lagging just a little in the middle when the ghost of Christmas present arrives, otherwise the visits from Past and Future are awesome. In particular, the entire visit from the candle "Xmas Past" was brilliant and elegant (and quietly quirky). Gary Oldman does brilliantly as Ebenezer's underling, but this is Carrey's baby. For a Christmas film aimed at the kiddies, this might actually be a little too dark for the average young'un, with several spooks and scares throughout that might just be a little too chilling for the child with sensitive viewing habits (we are a long way from glimpsing the black wolf creature hunting down Atreyu in the Never Ending Story here - which stayed with me for years I was that shit scared). Also, you have to question as to why this got a release date in early November, still several weeks away from Xmas. I mean, its magical and Christmassy, but I'm still easily a month away from any yuletide emotions and as such, I could be watching this month in August or March for all I know. Might not be a problem if you're one of those crazy people who does their Xmas shopping early (speaking of Xmas...feel free to check out The Partridge & The Pear Tree at www.youtube.com/user/Dunlopedia - its funny, okay well, its free). Anyways, this was well done. We've all been a little spoilt with animation and what can be achieved with it in recent years and here is another example of outstanding progress in this genre. Its a good'un.
10:30pm - 12:0pm - Fanboys
Okay, I had left this to third last of the 70 films this week as I was really looking forward to watching it. I had followed the story of this film for some time, lo-fi movie about a group of Fanboys breaking into George Lucas's home to watch Star Wars The Phantom Menace before its release back in the late 90s - the reason, one of them has cancer and this group wants him to be able to see it before he dies. Film is finished, then the powers that be at the studio decide the who cancer element is too much and decide on a re-edit, then, true to their name, the Fanboys who had gotten behind the original cancer-plot version, get on the internet and start a campaign to restore it to its originally intended version. And hey presto, here it lives and breathes as was originally set out. Its cast is full of names, big and small and if you are a Star Wars fan, there will be plenty of in jokes for you here. Where it fell down for me, was the reliance on pop culture references in place of actual jokes. And the whole Wars vs Trek deal stood on every cliche on both sides of the fence. When the film made it to its resting place at George Lucas's ranch, is when it finally seemed to find its feet, with some really funny moments and some emotional resonance. But unfortunately, it was a little too late AND I really wanted to love this...trust me I did. Question: There was a scene when to prove you were a true Star Wars fan the group were all asked a tough SW question. If I knew the answers to all of those questions, does that make me a candidate for nerdsville? I have a feeling I might not like the answer.
12:20pm - 2:20pm - Point Break
Film #69 of 70, originally slated to be the last film watched this week, is an out n out classic - Point Break. You get Swayze, Reeves and Busey all in the same 2 hour bundle of movie brilliance, how could you go wrong?! Both Reeves and Swayze were riding respective waves of success at the time of this films release (pun intended) so as a result, it earned its place in the pantheon of classic late 80s / early 90s action films - a particularly great yet patchy period for that genre. Here is where I geek out by mentioning that the Mark Isham "Point Break Theme" or "Johnny & Tyler Fall In Love" tracks on the score for this film are brilliantly dated and I will admit to having them both on my i-pod. There was a room full of people for this one, thanks Simon, Simon, Amy, Jamie, Leanne, Leath, Giselle and Luke...beating the record for audience members in the lounge previously co-held by Poltergeist II and Footloose. There were laughs during the scene in this that was ripped off throughout comedy Hot Fuzz and similar laughs were elicited by the very bad Aussie accents during the Bells Beach finale. Its a film that definitely goes in the "its so bad its so good" category, and, thats where I like to spend a lot of my time. When people were displaying their condolences for Swayze during his untimely passing, there was truckloads of Dirty Dancing and Ghost references...I had hoped more would mention his turn here, as Bodhi, the surfer with a penchant for robbing banks...RIP.
2:20pm - 4:20pm - Sleeping Beauty
Last of the 70 films, and its taken me all day today (unofficially the 8th day) to get the review online. Aptly titled - Sleeping Beauty, which is what I was at approx 3am last night after completing the 70in7 Project. Another early Disney animation, thats 3 for the week, this one I enjoyed a lot more than I did Dumbo, but coincidentally, I watched it the same time in the morning as I did Dumbo, just after 1am. Which meant, all the pretty colours, and talking animals only furthered my condition of madness at the time. So consequently, my ability to recall the good portion of this film has been hampered. I will say this, after watching a few of the early Disney classics, I have a new found interest in revisiting the remaining classics in the Disney vault. The one thing I did learn from watching this movie was that everybody could do with a triuvirant of fairy godmothers (I apologise for the usage of the word triumvirant, I actually have a strong feeling its misspelt)...

Don't forget to read more about our charity here:

FILM #68 - A CHRISTMAS CAROL

2009-11-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

Come along...tomorrow night - the Westgarth Theatre at 7:50pm. Tickets will be a very cheap $10.50 but you'll have to let me know before 5pm today whether you are coming or not....

A Christmas Carol (2009)

DAY SIX - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-11-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

Thursday November 5th 2009 (Day 6):

Day 6 well underway, after a marathon effort overnight. Sensing that I had fallen behind by a film or two, it was time to put in an all-nighter, to help catch up. The last film was run and done at just before 6am and today's first film kicked off just after 8am. Now for those of you out there who aren't too good at math, thats only 2 hours of sleep. Today kicks off with the 50th film, which means only 20 to go and this week will have come to a close. Hard to believe really, I can't say whether this week has felt like its lasted a lifetime or whether it has gone by in a blink of an eye, I think, depending on which film I am watching at the time will depend on my answer to that. Looking forward to a few films today, namely the two Jim Carrey flicks this evening, Truman and Eternal Sunshine. Will be announcing details of The Christmas Carol session tomorrow night for those of you who are interested, please stay tuned. In the interim, if you are planning to attend, let me know...well...best get back to it...I gots film to watch son!

Don't forget to read more about our charity here:

8:30am - 10:30am - Chocolat

Film #50 of 70 - Chocolat is one of those films I had always tried to avoid. Yes, I know, I would say, its probably really good, yes, I know, the cast looks great. But seriously, why would I waste my time, when I could be watching Tango & Cash or Nightmare On Elm Street 5? Actually, once I sat down and gave this some attention, it was a pleasant view. I love the idea that chocolate would be considered a foul temptress, I dont know if the movie would have had the same romantic feel if the woman moved in to the village and opened up a shop that sold BBQ shapes, or even more devilish, Pizza shapes. Johnny Depp is probably deserved of the mantle of cinema legendary status surely....his body of work is vast and he's been a lot more reliable than some of the old tired legends like Deniro, Nicholson and especially Pacino. Binoche charms and Molina does his normal job of being a prick, but he's a long way from Dr. Octopus here. Not something I'll race out to watch again, but I give it full marks for being a nice little film.
10:30am - 12:10pm - Vertigo

I know its a well loved Hitchcock classic, but film #51 of 70, "Vertigo" is not one of my favourites. As far as favourites go, Rear Window is my choice by a long shot, which basically means I'm trading out the bushy eye-browed Kim Novak for the alluring Grace Jones. I dont know what it is, but in comparison, the sex that Stewart and Jones exude when shaped up against Stewart and Novak here, really puts Vertigo to shame. I did it the first time I watched it, and did it again this morning, and that is yawn, several times. That being said, the weird animated effects used throughout are a delight to see, especially the sight of a floating Jimmy Stewart head. Overall though, I still think, despite this being remembered favourably, it doesn't quite captivate. If you're going to spend the time on a out-and-out Hitchcock classic, I'd advise Rear Window..
12:20pm - 1:50pm - Freddy Got Fingered

Okay so imagine the derision if I were to rate Freddy Got Fingered, film #52 of 70, higher than I rated the film viewed beforehand "Vertigo". I would be disowned by anyone claiming to be a fan of cinema. But what I don't really understand is why this film gets regarded so poorly. Maybe Tom Green had done his dash by 2001 and people had just decided enough was enough, I dont know, but what I can tell you is that I laughed out loud more than once, really hard a few times! Yes, these are things you shouldn't admit, but its happened...I can't take it back now can I?!? When a film deals with its main character jerking off a horse and elephant in two seperate sequences, you know you're on troubled ground...but in amongst those overt moments, there are several pockets of gold or at the very least, signs of genuine attempts at comedic innovation. Wait a minute, Rip Torn gets elephant ejaculate all over him at the end...surely I cant be taking this review seriously?! Look, I liked it, and I was suprised that I did, but to avoid being disowned I'll say this..."Not as good as Vertigo"
1:50pm - 3:50pm - Australian Rules

Film #53 of 70 - Australian Rules, another aussie film, making sure the local industry is represented. Although I probably picked the wrong film to back up after Freddy Got Fingered, this isnt a slapstick comedy. Dealing with issues of race relations and the lack of in some parts of this country, well lets be perfectly blunt...in all parts of this country we could well do with a bit of a reality check when it comes to our attitudes here. Its a tough one to watch in the middle of the day because its a pretty intense story, one with its fair share of ugliness. Hard to review also because of the subject material. So I might just leave it there. You'll need to watch it for yourself, its not an easy view, it might challenge some of your opinions, it may just be preaching to the converted but its a worthwhile effort.
4:00pm - 5:30pm - Empire Records

Firstly, this was one of my cousin Julia's favourite movies, thats why it made the list of 70. So first and foremost, I was watching it with that in mind, with Julia in mind.

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Wow, film #54, Empire Records, what an interesting statistic, 83% of viewers loved it, but only 24% of the critics loved it. I wonder what you can summise from that? Well, I'll take my shot. This was a big teen film back in the day and it appeals directly to those kids who first started listening to Nirvana and thought they'd up their cool factor by listening to Lou Reed or the Velvet Underground or Nick Drake or something like that. Having worked in a record store myself for 6 years, I can tell you, no ones getting about dancing in the aisles or spending their lunch break looking cool or brooding. Instead, there were more conversations about whether Phil Collins No Jacket Required was better than Lionel Richie's "Dancing On The Ceiling" or the mental health of Adam Ant or the various collectibility status' of UK or US pressings of Beatles albums. Ah,....now I sound like an old man...but I always though High Fidelity was a more accurate depiction of life in a record store, this is more like the Home And Away version. Plus you also see Liv Tyler in her undies, that probably caused some of the films success. Overall, its an a-typical 90s film, which only really provides nostalgia originating from its soundtrack, throw Reality Bites into this category too. If you were 10-25 in 1995, you'll more than likely love it, otherwise, you will not see the point of it.
5:30pm - 7:10pm - Sleeper

Film #55 of 70 - Sleeper, starring Woody Allen a long time before he ever considered marrying his own adopted daughter. Its taken me many a year to get around to watching this, as it was the one Allen film that appealed to me the most, so thankfully, I was able to wedge it in as one of the 70 films viewed this week. With a quirky start, that takes a little time before it gets going, the film doesnt really start to take hold of you until Allen starts his back and forth with Diane Keaton. Once you get here, you wont be able to help yourself being amused by the quick witted conversational dialogue between the two, several scenes in which I had to audible say out loud "that was good", dont know why, no one was listening, but it helps me to remember as I'm now literally processing 100s of great scenes. Was good to get in a smart and witty comedy this week as most of the others that have come this week have either been nostalgic 80s affairs or balls out gagfests. This is a little old fashioned in parts but it is 35 years old so I will cut it some slack there. Will start myself on a bit of a journey across Allen's other work that I have missed out on based on the fact that I liked this so much.
7:20pm - 9:10pm - The Truman Show

Film #56 of 70, we're definitely on the home stretch now. Incredibly sad. I guess I'm a supporter of Jim Carrey when he strays from the screwball (Eternal Sunshine, The Majestic). My housemate mused that he often wonder's whether he is the subject of an elaborate set up where he is the only real person and everyone around him is fake. This is both extremely self obsessive but also a feeling we've all probably had. That feeling only helps make this film even more interesting. Truman's desperation by the films end is extremely emotional and Jim Carrey pulls it off tenfold. What's the underlying metaphor of the film you ask? Well my cinema studies lecturer would have me say, its an analogy for the boundaries we all put up which prevent us from really doing and seeing what our head and heart really wants, the excuses and the reasons why we dont follow our dreams. Then again, often metaphors are bull-dust. In the end, I hadn't seen this since seeing it in the cinemas 10 years ago and I was really drawn in. It's brilliant from start to finish.
9:10pm - 11:30pm - Big Fish

Film #57 of 70 - Big Fish - is a film that carries with it so much potential, I thought so the first time I watched it, and I feel the same having just watched it again. It wants to be a magical masterpiece it really does, and sometimes, in some moments it is. But, it never quite finds itself being elevated into that stratosphere of beautiful storytelling. We get great performances from everyone involved, and we get the premise of a son searching to be closer to his dying father (this is a sub-sub-genre I have a particular soft spot for eg. Frequency, Road To Perdition), that has enough emotional weight for this to be a great little story and we have those familiar Tim Burton eccentricities that we've all come to expect but you know that feeling that is swung and sorta missed the home run. The home run you really wanted it to hit but it never quite gets. It has a nice, tidy little ending that brings it all together reasonably well and overall the general feel and look of the film is outstandingly warm and interesting. Just not what it had the intention of being...
11:40pm - 1:10am - Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

Film #58 of 70 - Another Jim Carrey effort, where he isnt pulling any silly faces and like I've said before, thats where he fits best for mine. This movie is brilliantly inventive and one of the best releases in the last 10 years. Anyone who has lived through the deterioration of a relationship will find this a little too close to the bone (hello) and everyone else will recognize it for its originality. Can I also suggest anyone who is a fan of film scores should have a listen to Jon Brion's effort here, or for that matter, check out Jon Brion's others (Magnolia, Huckabees, Punch Drunk et al). My only quandry is that I dont really like Kate Winslett's character in this, but thats my issue and doesnt really detract from the film at all. Supporting excellence received from Ruffalo, Wood and Dunst, who all do a great job although their characters and their subplots are essentially pointless. For a long time I have thought that comedians, especially really physical ones, make some of the best emotional dramatic actors. When Jim Carrey plays the downtrodden or depressed, he has an added extra something that adds to his performance (see also Robin Williams, Adam Sandler). I'm interested in understanding why this is, is it because we know them as being predominantly from the other polar extreme and when we see them doing it "for serious" it conveys even more impact. The sad clown maybe? Anyways, this is not always a movie that you'll always find easy to watch, but its powerful, depressing, sometimes funny and very original...
1:10am - 2:40am - Dumbo

A genuine Disney classic, Film #59 of 70, Dumbo has that good old fashioned Disney look and feel, which has really pretty much all but dissapeared. I know that the new release of The Princess & The Frog is attempting to use the old Disney animation model, but there is something about the really old Disney films, the way they look, the way the animation works that really takes you back. Now obviously, it was released in 1941 so it doesn't take me that far back, but in the early 80s, when I was a kid, Disney-ana was still huge and all of the horses in the Disney stable were played on repeat. Dumbo was never really one of my favourites at the end of the day, and watching it now again as an adult after 20 years of not seeing it, I must admit to being slightly bored. I will cut it some slack however, as 6 days and almost 60 films in, I'm probably not in any state to give reviews based on how attentive I was to detail. I guess Disney have really been replaced somewhat, from my point of view, mainly because of inactivity. I mean I know they own Pixar and a bunch of other proprieties, but they havent done something of worth for themselves for a long time. Dreamworks even have them licked. I'm just astonished there has been no usage of their mouse mascot, let alone his duck pal. Surely, those guys are ripe for an assault on the kids of today. Shoot, I reckon any kid under the age of 20 probably wouldnt even know who Huey, Duey and Louie are! Imagine that?!? Gonna try and hunt down a copy of the Jungle Book and Alice in Wonderland to watch after this now...for old times sake.

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DAY FIVE - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-11-03T13:40:00.000-08:00

Wednesday November 4th 2009 (Day 5):

Day 5, and I'm slightly behind the curve, I have to get 11 films done in at least 2 of the last remaining 3 days to get the job done, but let me tell you, this movie watching business is hard. Actually, its not the movie watching itself, thats relatively easy, its the time and the lack of it. Squeezing in 10 films in a day and managing to get 6 hours sleep is not an easy feat. These last three days were always the days I knew were going to be the toughest. The adrenaline is gone, the visits are dying down and the best movie days are behind me (or are they?), but I'm feeling reasonably okay at the moment although I can't say the same for poor old Barkley. He might be going a little stir crazy - any one interesting in walking man's best friend for me? Particularly looking forward to Bonnie & Clyde and Papillon today, a couple of old classics. Also, will be looking at details for Friday nights session of "A Christmas Carol", will more than likely be at The Westgarth Theatre in Northcote around 8pm, will finalize details and get numbers over the next 24 hours...

8:30am - 10:10am - Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Film #39 of 70 - I had such a crush on Sloane, in fact, of all the boyhood movie crushes I ever had, all of the on screen girlfriends, she'd be number one. Number one with a bullet. To save some time this morning, this next part of my review comes straight from TVGuide.com - "FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF has more funny moments than most bad teenage comedies, primarily because Broderick brings some real charm and chutzpah to the part." - So there you have it, Matthew Broderick has charm and chutzpah. What exactly is chutzpah, sounds like some sort of dip. I bet its delicious. This is yet another 80s classic and my second favourite John Hughes film. I always identified a little more with Alan Ruck's Cameron than I did with Broderick's Bueller, I'm not sure why that is. Interesting to watch again knowing about Principal Rooney's dodgy recent history with some dark sexual interests which only serves to make his attempts to break into one of his students homes a hell of a lot more creepy. This film sits at home on the DVD shelf, and even though I might have watched it one too many times for there to be any desire to watch it too many more times, it deserves is spot and should do in anyones collection.
10:20am - 12:10pm - Monty Python & The Holy Grail

A comedy classic which I will review in your general direction, and thankfully after so many 80s classics, a real change of pace. Film #40 of 70, comes in at just before midday on Day 5...I used to be a massive Monty Python fan, which was not the norm for most teenagers back in the early 90s. The Flying Circus VHS tapes used to get a flogging and I even had some of their live shows on cassette I used to listen to on my walkman,,,but their films, weirdly enough, I didnt get exposed to. In fact, I'm not sure I've actually seen Life Of Brian all the way through. That might shock a few, as the Python are well loved amongst my peeps, especially my family, who's sense of humour is heavily derived from these types of comedic influences. I plan on watching it, dont worry. I wonder how these films will hold up in 10 or 15 years from now, whether they will still be loved and understood or whether people will just think of them as weird and un-funny. Anyways, being that I would like to think of myself as being a developing comedy writer, if one could be just 1/100th of the brilliance that these guys were you are on a good wicket.
12:20pm - 2:10pm - Shane

Coming in at film #41 of 70, this is probably the oldest film of the bunch, with exception of Disney's Fantasia. Pretty good name for a film really. Until I sat through a semester of Westerns in cinema studies, I wasnt really a big fan, but since, The Ballad Of Cable Hogue, Rio Bravo and Young Guns II rank highly. I had always heard this was an American classic and so was keen to finally see it. Its a great old fashioned looking film, which was a departure from the good portion of films being watched this week, so for that reason alone it was a welcomed view. However, after a while, you do get a little tired of it during its 2 hour duration. Was happy to see a suprise menacing appearance made by a young Jack Palance, but overall, gotta say, I was a little bored throughout. The build up to the finale implied something a little more exciting was going to happen and it just sort of ends all in a hurry which was dissapointing. Still happy to have watched it.
2:20pm - 3:50pm - Bonnie & Clyde

Film #42 of 70, is a cinema classic featuring a truck load of cinema on screen legends. I think what needs to be said right off the bat is that Faye Dunaway is an absolute minx, times ten, then multiplied by 100...am I wrong... I will fight you if you disagree. And then I will apologise for the fact that in every second movie I'm talking about who's hot, thats not very cool of me. She is hot though, right!?! Anyways, Warren Beatty is in so few movies you often forget he is an actor at all. And a good one at that. Here he is bloody brilliant, but here are the stats, Steven Seagal has done more movies in the last 6 years than Beatty has done in his entire career, yet Beatty has a lifetime achievement Oscar, where's the fairness in that?! In amongst the hustle bustle of the bank robberies and mad getaways, you will find an outstanding cameo from Gene Wilder. At the core, this is a love story and once the peripheral characters clear from the scenery, Beatty and Dunaway shine and create a couple of characters that I think and hope all new lovers relate to being, a couple of outlaws, two versus the rest of the world....except I would advise against the whole getting shot 100 times each bit at the end...
3:50pm - 5:30pm - Dr. Strangelove

Film #43 of 70 - nearing the end of Day 5 of 7. I didnt realize this was a Kubrick film until the opening credits rolled, which is a complete oversight on my end. All I really knew of this film before today was that Peter Sellers played multiple characters and the end with the cowboy riding the nuke....thats all I knew really. This is considered one of the all time greatest 100 movies of all time and for 1964, it has to have been considered cutting edge at the time. There is no question that Sellers does a great job, I particularly loved his one sided phone conversations with the Russian Prime Minister, hilarious but not over-stated. However, beyond that point, I cant really say my attention was held that well by the film. With an 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes site, I would need to be careful about stating it was boring, but lets just say its the 43rd film I have watched in five days straight and by the time I got to this I was more or less hoping it would hurry up and end. So you can take my review with a grain of salt...or you could say this experiment is a test in which films will cut through the decreasing attention span of a man on an extreme movie marathon. Overall, interesting historically but felt more like a lecture in cinema studies class than anything else.
5:40pm - 7:30pm - Papillon

Film #44 of 70 - My dad's favourite film of all time but I had never gotten around to watching it. When this project was announced Dad pledged and I suggested we add this to the film list. Coming in at 2 and a half hours, its not exactly the best film to watch when you are trying to squeeze 70 films into a week, but nevertheless I was very much looking forward to watching it. Hoffman and McQueen pretty much hold an acting class throughout delivering two fantastic performances. Watching a young Hoffman is always magnetic as he was and still is a clear talent, except here he is a long way off Tootsie and anything to do with infected monkeys. Today has carried a little bit of a theme, which has interested me. Yesterday seemed to deal a lot with the theme of loss of loved ones (especially the evening films), whereas today, it feels as if the over-riding theme has been good versus evil and the moral choices and ramifications of these choices. Bonnie & Clyde deal directly with this, Dr Strangelove dances around a very important subject with some tongue in cheek humour and Shane is as clear cut a story about the good guy versus the bad guy in the black hat as you can get. What has interested me about all of this is that an accidental grouping of films can reveal unexpected themes throughout and I feel like that was it today. Back to the film, its a tough story about a life spent incarcerated, which is a scary thought to begin with, let alone living in isolation or in Papillon's case, in a constant state of attempting to escape. At its core, its also a story of life long friendship between Papi and Louie, the emotion of which gets carried solely by Hoffman's Louie. Did I mention Hoffman is great in this. Perhaps the film is a little too long, but all epic stories like this tend to be, so its par for the course. Good film.
7:30pm - 10:00pm - Buck Rogers In The 25th Century

This was a late switch out for Splash as Film #45 of 70 and I'm not sure I'm that pleased about having to have sat through it. In the same boat as the original Battlestar Galactica movie, and what I mean by that is that basically, this is trash. Utter trash, not even interesting in a 70s science-fiction-y sort of way. I mean, Empire Strikes Back was only 2 years away, yet this looks more like Logan's Run's poor long lost cousin than anything else. My only previous exposure to Buck Rogers was a pinball machine that use to sit in an old pub at Kilcunda, a town just near where my dad grew up...I was a little too young for the spin off tv show. You're probably hard pressed to actually find a copy of this film you can watch on your DVD player, I had to look for "alternative" methods to obtain it and that probably gives you a good idea as to its quality. Best steer clear of this one folks, and thankfully, the local region 4 distributors have made it that little bit easier for you to do so....
10:10pm - 12:10am - The Evil Dead

Film #46 of 70 - The Evil Dead, perfect for the midnight slot which it occupies on Day 5. One audience member described this film to me as "everyone having a bad make-up and hair day" and "keeping the tomato sauce and foam industries afloat". Considering this was made for no $ whatsoever, its a handy little effort. Earning its cult status and delivering an additional 2 sequels (with a 3rd in the works), its clear to see why its loved. Plenty of guts, plenty of gore and an on screen debut from B-movie legend Bruce Campbell. I'm intrigued now to see how The Evil Dead 2 plays out, as I do have a fondness for sequels. Sam Raimi went on to kick a few goals after making this, its yet another example of a low budget horror flick establishing a directors career. Special effects are at their B-grade best, but for 1981, it probably blew peoples minds. All in all, you'll get an ironic pleasure out of watching this and if you are a fan of b-grade horror especially, you will love it.
12:10am - 1:40am - Way Of The Dragon

Apart from Enter The Dragon, I had never seen any other Bruce Lee film. Film #47 of 70, this one began just after midnight and was perfect late night viewing. I was actually suprised at how funny it was, and in particular how funny Bruce Lee was. There was some genuinely comedic moments and being a fan of comedy I never really thought of Bruce Lee as being a purveyor of this ability. Another classic moment of Honk Kong cinema, most notable for the often impersonated over dubbed English, which is too hard to resist not laughing at. Another worthwhile mention must surely go to the classic 70s exploitation soundtrack. Finding itself somewhere between Jazz and porno music, its always a fun listen. You also get a bonus Chuck Norris in this film, which is like finding that extra present on Christmas morning. Everyone likes themselves a little bonus Chuck Norris don't they? So back to Bruce Lee, whenever I watch something where the lead star died an early death at their peak, I can't help but wonder what their careers would have been like if they hadn't have untimely passed away (eg River Phoenix, Brandon Lee, James Dean)...I think Bruce Lee would have either been forced into retirement by the mid 80s when shlock cinema was over-run by the indie scene or, he would have made a transformation into something more...can you imagine Bruce Lee, the Oscar winner...I can in a weird way. Lastly, I'd like to see more of his films, can anyone suggest the next best place to start?
1:40am - 3:00am - Stone

An Australian 70s exploitation classic, coming in at film #48 of 70, this was viewed at the very tail end of a very long day, Day 5 was a killer! I can't say the best viewing at 1am in the morning is to throw on a classic piece of Ozploitation, but it had to be done. Had some really interesting shots throughout but for the most part was as cheap and tawdry as you'd come to expect from this type and vintage of cinema. What should you expect when watching any type of exploitation cinema - well, you can at least bank on guns and boobs. You are almost gauranteed both, in some cases in the very same frame, Stone is no exception to the rule. Always fun watching an Australian film from the 70s and 80s if not for the sole reason to laugh ironically at the accents and some of the phrases - and the liberal usage of the F word which is a delight. Isn't it funny how 30 years ago, we seemed to be a lot more cutting edge in relation to film and television, I mean a lot of the stuff churned out back then was commonplace and would shock and embarrass most if it were peddled these days (a great example is full frontal male nudity - almost a pre-requisite in the 70s and now, it might get you an X-rating. Equal opportunity nude scenes people...everyone should have the fair and equitable right to get their gear off on camera. In fact, I think my next film is going to feature a little nudity, just for the hell of it.

3:00am - 5:00am - Stick It

Fancy not wanting to get around to watching this classic, film #49 of 70, Stick It, the story of a young rebellious teenage gymnast, who attends an elite school for said gymnasts and eventually faces her fears and rectifies her attitudes to be victorious by films end. Throw in a couple of montages along the way and you have cinematic gold my friends. Plus, I began this journey at 4am in the morning, can you think of a better time in the day to watch it? I surely can't. I then had some fantastic dreams featuring pommel horses. Jeff Bridges is in this, and he's alright, in fact, there was some interesting stylistic moments throughout, but its still a piece of crap. One question I found myself asking throughout was, when casting this film, did they look for gymnasts who could act or did they find actors who were handy on the balance beam? Either way, you're in trouble no matter which way you slice it! But the message is there...you just have to know where to "stick it"...I know of at least one place.

Email below received this morning:

Hi Shane

Just wanted to say thanks for your big fundraising effort!!! You asked for some info. I got my brain injury 11 years ago, struggled terribly for about 7 years, but fortunately have had a much better life the past few years and have reemerged as a visual artist, specialising in printmaking.

I got my injury when i was riding my bike and was hit by a car. I am now involved in several self advocacy ABI groups, like wesabi and BIM, and other projects raising awareness and community.

Good luck with the watching (actually i don't envy you, as watching movies gives me migraines ever since the ABI!!!)

Cheers, Larissa

DAY FOUR - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-11-02T13:08:00.000-08:00

80's Melbourne Cup Day - Tuesday November 3rd 2009 (Day 4):

So Day 4 and I'm almost at the half way point. Felt the eyes twitching a little excessively last night which were the first signs of there being any physical effects occurring. Was a tougher day to sit through yesterday than the two days that preceeded it, I think it was the Gerry, Weeping Camel, Bar Girls and RAD that did it to me. However, today is a different story, wall to wall 80s classics, all of which I have seen before so no suprises here today but its like ordering a pizza, you've had it a million times, and its always good. Plenty of visitors likely to come through today, the support in the confines of the lounge has been helpful, keeps the mind ticking over and prevents me from going stir crazy from the solitude. Also managed to get outside for half an hour yesterday which was like a shot of energy. I do now have an excercise bike, thanks Helen and Simone, and I plan on using it...perhaps today during Footloose. I'll use Kevin Bacon's dancing to inspire me.

PLEASE DON'T FORGET: ALL FUNDS RAISED GO TO BRAINLINK.ORG - please take a moment to check out their website and find out more about what they do and why it is important to not only Julia and our family, but to everyone in the community.

8:30am - 10:20am - Top Gun

Film #30 - Top Gun - An audience member said about this film "I haven't even been watching it" another audience member said "The planes are noisy". Honestly, love Tom Cruise or hate him, this is the epitomy of everything high concept 80s cinema. You can't beat it. A killer soundtrack...Harold Faltermeyer at his best, a young Tom Cruise and a bristling Tom Skerrit. In every way this film carries the posturing, posing, over the top ego of all of the 80s films that came before and after it. One of several films released in this decade to feature a Kenny Loggins song, that's like having ice-cream and putting a cherry on top right?!? What's more, the homo-eroticism that flows throughout this film is just a joy to watch. No one would have noticed it back in the day, but its there, in every shower scene, in every chest bump, in every session of sweaty beach volleyball. The only thing really missing is Maverick giving the Iceman a big smooch, and I'm not talking about on the lips. I always preferred Kelly LeBrock to Kelly McGillis too...so thats a bit dissapointing. All in all, I think i enjoy this film more and more every time. One last thing, I would've been really dissapointed if my nick name was Goose and everyone else had cool names like Cougar, Iceman and Maverick. He really got the short end of that stick.

10:30am - 12:20pm - Footloose

Film #31 of 70 - Footloose. One audience member said of the film "Was all killer no filler", I can only agree with that statement. I would also suggest this movie is the best of all time starring a lead actor with a ham related surname. What I am a little suprised about is how little dancing there is, I felt undersold on the dancing actually. I also felt like finding the nearest abandoned warehouse and breaking out a little bit of interpretive dance...but alas, I'm on a time constraint so that will have to wait for another day. Perhaps this Saturday when this is all over. Need to thank Lauren, Carolyn, Stu, Glenys, Jill, Candice and Clio for helping me through this classic also. The visits and support have been helpful. Anyways, back to the review. I think this film has fared better over time due to the fact that it has a great retro soundtrack, but when it all gets said and done, the film itself is pretty boring. I mean, give me Flashdance, or Saturday Night Fever even...at least they have Steel Welding hotties and John Travolta. Everybody cut everybody cut....

12:30pm - 2:20pm - Labyrinth

Film #32 of 70 - Labyrinth - Be warned, if you stare too long at David Bowie's crotch you will go blind. I'm not making that up, its actual science. If there ever was a movie that summed up my love for film or my first experiences and exposures to magic movie moments, its this. I must have rented the f*ck out of this back in the day, so much so, my VCR thought this video tape was just another piece of its internal machinery. I always wanted to have a talking dog, or goblin buddy, or 8 foot tall horned red monster as a pal so this film really got to me. Plus, I'm a massive Henson fan, from the Muppets, Sesame Street, Labyrinth and right through to the Ewoks and Jabba The Hutt. I really cant say enough about how much I love this film, hell, I even love the Bowie soundtrack, which many would find hard to stomach. Add to that, I used to have a boyhood crush on Jennifer Connelly, which only serves to be creepy now that I'm a fully grown adult. Good old fashioned pupeteering and fun...which is what I grew up on and loved. Happy to have been able to watch this one again!

2:30pm - 4:20pm - The Goonies

Film #33 - The Goonies - About as essential as any 80s film gets. You might be hard pressed to find someone who was between the age of 5-25 at the time of this films release, that doesn't share a nostalgic love of this film. I'm one of them. I distinctly remember the summer this came out on VHS, it must have been played at school so many times, in fact I feel like as if we might have all gone along to watch it in the cinemas. I actually had a Goonies colouring book, and along with having a crush on Andi (played by Kerri Green), I fell in love with the picture of Andi which I had shoddily coloured in. So yeah, there's your young boy meets girl in colouring book love story - you know, that old chestnut. The Goonies is the perfect vehicle for all of those feelings you get as a kid, the big dreams of adventure, the comeraderie and figuring out your wrongs from your rights...plus if you had a hankering for buried treasure and finding said treasure, that was an added bonus. I cant help but feel sorry for poor old Chunk, the sheer amount of jokes at his expense throughout just make me squirm with the thought of the poor little guy crying himself to sleep in his trailer each night. Sure Josh Brolin can reminisce about this being the "time of his life" but he wasnt the poor bastard having to bare his belly and do the "truffle shuffle". Did I mention I had a crush on a picture in a Goonies colouring book?

4:30pm - 6:20pm - The Three Amigos

Film #34 of 70 - The Three Amigos - Right off the bat, you probably have the contender for the best film all three of these guys ever starred in. Maybe Planes Trains for Martin, maybe Fletch for Chase but Short, this has to be it. Another favourite from back in the day, my earliest memory of this film was performing the Amigo salute in the playground. Maybe the comedy is a little old fashioned, after all its nearing its 25th anniversary, but you are hard pressed to beat it for good old fashioned laughs. Martin shines as Lucky Day, the leader of the trio, but if you ask me, the funniest of the three is actually Martin Short's Ned Nederlander. For a quick example, watch this clip, one of my favourite moments and a song that will quickly get in your head - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HdlYVKBUVE - "g'night Ned"! Put simply, this is a comedy classic, you might not find a throng of people who will testify alongside you, but I'll be there, with both hands on my hips, legs astride, hips forward....

6:30pm - 8:10pm - The Breakfast Club

I am officially half way through the 70 films in 7 days project, here with film #35. You'd be struggling to find a more iconic 80s film than this. And I've been reviewing films for days now, and not seen a film with this high of a rating by the Rotten Tomato critics, 90%, thats bloody high. And its warranted. Here you have a portion of the rat pack; Sheedy, Nelson, Ringwald, Estevez and Michael-Hall. Watching this, you do sit back and wonder, why everyone other than Estevez didnt really go on to do more as they all seemed to deserve long and interesting careers of the back of this film. Here we continue the journey through my childhood of on screen girlfriends, with Ally Sheedy, whom I do prefer in Short Circuit, but is way hotter and more interesting than Molly Ringwald. As you get older you lose a little bit of perspective as to who this is meant to appeal to, and why it appeals, instead you watch to reminisce all of the nostalgia of being a young'un, but back in the day, didn't you watch this and think about how much you hated THAT teacher, or wanted to rebel against your parents or get stuck in detention with THAT girl...these were all of the reasons why this film was relevant to me back then but they arent anymore. By the way, its true, I just checked wikipedia, if you mess with the bull, you do actually get the horns....who knew right?!?

8:20pm - 10:00pm - Cocoon The Return

Film #36 of 70 - Cocoon The Return. All the lessons you needed to learn about life, love and doing what you can with the time you have, but where afraid to ask. Don't believe me, both films from the Cocoon franchise will deliver. Not a sentimental fool like me? Fair enough, maybe the message isnt for everyone, but damn it if I dont have to hold back the waterworks every time I watch one of these movies (and its not because of Steve Guttenberg's performance - which is solid as always thank you very much). Wilford Brimley reminds me of my Dad and Grand-dad rolled in to one...wise, wiley and loving - you'd do well if you have that in your life or in turn create that for a young'un of your own. Tonight, I used this 36th film in under 4 days, over the half way mark in this journey, to do a little thinking. Its important to be nice to your peeps, take care of your oldies and return the love thats given to you when you get it...not sexy by any stretch of the imagination, but good advice nonetheless. By the way James Horner does another brilliant job on the score here, for soundtrack fans, you probably already know...Horner is a legend. Anyways, not as great as the original, but still carries the same fun and deals with themes of loss and love beautifully. Hope you all had a great cup day...

10:10pm - 11:40pm - Ghost

It's one of those nights, film #37 of 70, a Swayze classic, seemed fitting tonight. Over the half way point now, but swimming upstream to get the 70 films done by weeks end, Ghost at a full 2 hours long, initially seemed like a daunting task. If you had a sister growing up, chances were you had to sit through this at least one, more than likely begrudgingly, as was the case with my brother and I, suffering through some of our sisters VHS rental choices. Its a film that is clearly angled towards the ladies, there's no denying, but so was Dirty Dancing, and I've heard more than one masculine dude tell me recently, that Dirty Dancing "wasn't too bad"...so if that film gets a pass from the fellas, I say, so should this. Whoopi Goldberg steals the show here, and even though she probably either has people with her or against her, in this I think she did her best stuff. I dont always do well in movies that deal with loss of loved ones...they either get me thinking or get me sniffling, and this time, it got me thinking. Saying goodbye to people aint easy.

11:40pm - 1:10am - Stand By Me

Film #38 of 70 - another childhood classic. Today was filled with them. Where to start!!??!! Any time you re-watch something that stars River Phoenix, you do think about what would have been a little. I imagine his career being filled with interesting characters, somewhere along the lines of Johnny Depp's - its a shame really. This was another example of a movie that we watched, and rewatched and watched again as kids. As a result, the two biggest scenes that always stood out in my memory were the group-vomit sequence and the leech on the penis scene. Obviously two things that would stand out for a young lad. Its no secret that this is a brilliant film that combines adventure, comedy, brotherhood and themes of loss and friendship beautifully. If you cast your mind back to that summer when you were old enough to not be a kid anymore, but too young to do anything the adults were doing, riding around on your bikes, getting up to crazy stuff with your mates, staying up all night trying to make each other laugh...then you will know exactly where the heart of this film lies.

See below for another important email received today...

Hi Shane,
thanks for the great sitting and watching you have done to raise funds for Brainlink. BrainLink also funds OMABI performance Group (go to -www.bim.org.au ) We appreciate your kind efforts supporting brainLink. OMABI would not have started -or survive-without Brainlink dollars.
Regards,
Lyn Project Worker OMABI

Lyn Macdonald

DAY THREE - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-11-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

Monday November 2nd 2009 (Day 3):

So, Day 3 is underway, and I'm slightly behind schedule, missed Monty Python last night, so will be needing to make up a film today to compensate. Hence I was up an hour earlier today in an attempt to do so. Three days in and I'm still feeling okay, no real concerns to report, still feel sane and physically I am holding up. More donations and pledges still rolling in, we've almost hit the $3k mark. Did anyone hear the Alan Brough ABC 774 interview yesterday, would be keen to hear your thoughts! Well..the support and visits by those of you who have come through so far has been appreciated...keep sending the texts, emails and leaving comments on twitter and FB, it helps!!

8:30am - 10:10am - Bar Girls

One audience member described film #20 - Bar Girls - as being "I kind of fell asleep, but I think it was okay, there were lesbians in this right?" Yes audience member, you were right. This little known Lesbian Rom/Com from the mid-90s is the perfect way to kick off day 3 of the 70 in 7 Project. Following the bar room antics of the quick witted lesbian cartoonist Loretta and her "crazy, cool" lesbian buddies, this film rollicks along with all the pace of a snail. Actually, it is sort of interesting, and it does represent alternative cinema, even though it is perhaps the most mainstream 90s effort by the Gay and Lesbian faction of filmmakers. So as a result, it deserves its place amongst the rest of the 70 films, but that being said, it didn't make it any easier to watch...not by a long shot. And not a single joke about carpet in the entire 95 minutes, which was disapointing for those who enjoy Lesbian-related-puns.

10:20am - 11:50am - RAD

I guess this was America's answer to BMX Bandits, or vice versa, but there isn't a craze from the 80s that hasn't been covered by a film like this, same sh*t different smell dont they say. In fact, if you put Ralph Macchio on a bike, you'd be close to working on how this film plays out. Young boy, on the outside, takes up BMX'ing, his mother disaproves, meets the tough guys who are his opposition, meets the girl, gets the girl, fights against the odds and wins. Oh, did I give away the ending, well its not the ending that counts here, its the journey and the inspirational BMX montages of various flips, ollies and jumps. It is as its title suggests, Rad. Not to mention, it features a soundtrack entirely made up of pre-Whispering Jack, John Farnham, who is in full 80s soundtrack mode here, asking us at one point to "Break The Ice Within", I'm assuming he is talking metaphorically there of course. Needless to say, for BMX enthusiasts, and I know you're out there...this film will blow your mind, for the rest of you, this film blows.

12:00pm - 1:40pm - Gerry

Okay, so this film was pledged to me as a form of punishment, film #22 Gerry was meant to inflict pain, not viewing pleasure. So with that in mind I was less than excited about getting around to watching this film. Once it began I realised pretty quickly what I was in for. Long slow shots, extended scenes with off the cuff dialogue, you get the message. However, every so often I found myself recognising a great shot or being interested by the journey the two friends were going through. Then you get smacked in the face with a ten minute long shot, focused solely on Damon and Affleck's faces as they walked. Just walking, no talking. Then you would see something fascinating, then you would get 6 minutes of Matt Damon sitting on his ass, not talking, just sitting. So I guess this is an "art" film, which basically means, "we are setting out from the start to sort of annoy the audience, and if you don't love this film and films like it you don't appreciate film." Then again, I just wrote a glowing review of Weekend At Bernie's so I might not be the best person to comment.

1:40pm - 3:10pm - The Mask

After just having watched a Gus Van Sant art piece, watching The Mask is somewhat of a change of pace. I remember giving Ace Ventura a miss when I was a kid, so this was my first experience of Jim Carrey back in the day. There is something about Jim Carrey when he is in the full-on-speed mode that I really dont like too much. He's a bit like Robin Williams for me, I love them more when they are playing a character with warmth or sadness or evil then when they are jumping off the deep end. I believe this also spawned a couple of sequels or prequels or whatever, I cant imagine a fate worse than that.

3:20pm - 5:20pm - The Graduate

A cinema classic. I think I was meant to have studied this back in cinema studies, but that might have been one of the weeks that I didnt show up to my lectures...cant be sure as there was a few. I've seen bits and pieces of this over the years and the countless references to it in other forms of pop culture, so much so, it almost feels like I had already seen it before today. Film #24 of 70 began pretty nicely. Obviously very stylish and watching with my aunt who lived through the era was interesting. Anne Bancroft steals the show for me, I know Hoffman is well remembered, but surely this film is remembered more for the effort put in by Mrs Robinson. Amazing to hear how contraversial this was during its original Australian theatrical release in the late 60s, and not really because of the age gap, but more so because of the implied sexual activity between a young man and a married woman. The relationship between Benjamin and Mrs Robinson carries the film for the first half brilliantly, but then Hoffman's Benjamin becomes a bit of an ass-clown and the story gets bogged down in the relationship with Elaine Robinson and it loses some of its shine. All in all, very glad to have finally watched this in its entirety!

5:20pm - 7:10pm - The Weeping Camel

Yes. This film was pledged as #25 and wasn't pledged because it was a brilliant piece of film-making or that it was a well regarded documentary. No, it was pledged because it would more than likely bore me to tears. And well, yes, it was a little slow, but interesting none the same. Following the lives of a Mongolian family and their herd of camels, I probably didnt choose the right time to eat dinner when the Weeping Camel himself made his first entry to the world via a very matter of fact camel birthing. Puts you off your Pad Thai just a little know what I'm saying. Truthfully, I wished that a few more documentaries were pledged as part of the 70in7 Project, but this will have to suffice. Makes you realize that a lot of people live for a lot less and considering the reason why I'm doing this, that message resonates.

7:20pm - 9:00pm - The Birds

I love Hitchcock, I love what he stands for in film, I love his approach to directing and I love his body of work. Film #26 of 70, The Birds, however isn't one of my favourites. Give me Rear Window or Psycho in a heartbeat. But that might be being a little too unfair as both of those are as sound as can be, unbeatable, even against today's best. But there is something missing from The Birds, its not as tightly wound, doesnt neccessarily have the sparkling banter nor does it allow you the same opportunity to delve as deep into its subtext. I guess, it might just be a straight up and down monster movie, one of the earliest modern day "When Animals Attack" films, nothing more nothing less. Whats probably more interesting about this film is some of the behind the scenes stories, in particular the treatment or mis-treatment of Tippi Hedren and the attachment of live birds to her costume during the closing sequences of the film. You need to watch this if you havent already because its another landmark classic, but there is richer gold to be found in Hitchcock's hills.

9:00pm - 11:00pm - 28 Weeks Later

Film #27 of 70. Do I like the first or second in this franchise better? I still think the first, 28 Days is just that extra bit terrifying, because of the fact that the unknown is playing heavily on the victims minds. Whereas by 28 weeks after infection, everyone knocking about ol' London town knows what's gone, knows what could happen and why and has the support and backup of the military all around them. The stakes just aren't as high. BUT, this film still has merit. The opening sequence with Sean Bean being chased across the field is chilling and the locking of civilians into a big old meatlocker so they can slowly start eating down on each other would send most claustraphobics over the edge. Where it gets a little tricky is when it gets down to pure military (eg. Slicing zombies with helecopter blades is getting a little too Rambo). Rose Byrne is hot, I know that has nothing to do with anything, but needed to be said regardless. Even though its predecessor has it beat, this is still one of the all time great modern zombie movies of all time. Beats any return to the genre by the main man (Romero) by a mile.

11:00pm - 1:10am - Escape From Alcatraz

This was one of those films I reckon I watched a bunch of times on late night TV during my teens, but I couldnt for the life of me, remember too much about it. It was okay really. Always interesting to watch Eastwood from the 70s especially one of his collaborations with Don Siegel, but overall, it was a little slower than I remembered it being. It could be because this was film #28 of 70 in 7 days and they are all starting to blur a little or it just could be that I have seen some prison escape movies that have just ticked along a lot faster. That list doesnt include Tango & Cash, although interesting, I've noted that starring in a prison breakout film often requires the male lead star to have to bare his ass at some point. I think its in the rule book somewhere. If you like Eastwood, you will like this, many consider it a classic and many are right.

1:10am - 2:40am - Fantasia

Important film inside animation circles, I know because we were told so in animation appreciation class in cinema studies. Film #29, is an interesting beast. Not quite sure who this appealed to when it came out, perhaps everyone. Animation was still so new and something of this scope would have been well received just for the sheer spectacle alone I'm guessing. Obviously almost 70 years on, this doesn't have the same impact it once did, but you do get a sense of what Disney's influence was on the animation world as a result of this film was. They aren't just responsible for Dumbo, Snow White and Pinocchio and their ilk, but they created an animation movement and probably inspired the animators that went on to change and innovate throughout the 60s and 70s. I do have a question. Why isn't Disney getting old Mickey Mouse out there anymore, I mean, all these years...and nothing. Seems like a waste really.

DAY TWO - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-10-31T16:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday November 1st 2009 (Day 2):

So, we're under way for Day 2, and I've established that the hardest films to get through are going the be the last and first of every day. Very hard getting up this morning and I dont think its going to get any easier. Received two very lovely emails from some people who read the AGE article and would be happy to share them with anyone who would like to read them. In particular, an email from a young woman who suffers from an ABI, who prior to her injury, was a published author. Very emotional reading her email and has helped provide inspiration going in to day 2 (excerpts below). Getting a few visits today from some VIPs, another batch of 10 films, live reviews below and dont forget to follow me on twitter...

8:30am - 10:00am - Black Mama, White Mama

Day 2 well under way - begins with film #11 - Black Mama White Mama, holy moly, this film starts with a group nude shower scene, it's too early I don't think I'm ready!!! It's Sunday morning! Pretty sure that despite this films ascertations, womens prisons in the 70s werent rife with hot lesbianism and soapy showers! Actually, this was an interesting look at some classic Pam Grier. Pure 70s blaxploitation meets sexploitation in all of its glory. Based in a Manilla female correction facility and revolving around a prison break and a political revolution. Be prepared for lots of boobs and lots of people get shot in new and inventive ways...not for most, but will please a lot. I think I might need to get my hands on some Foxy Brown or Coffy next....

10:10am - 11:40am - Don's Party

Film #12 of 70, an Australian comedy classic from 1976, starring some of Australia's screen legends. I've never seen it and was glad that it was pledged, so that we could get some Australian cinema on board during the week. I guess I shouldn't admit it, but I was suprised at how funny it was, so that either says my perception of Australian cinema (and comedy) is not so great, or that it actually isnt that great. You decide, but I'll tell you, this has plenty of laughs, some ironic due to the snapshot in to 70s Australia it provides, but other's genuine comic moments. Mainly coming from Graham Kennedy and the impressive Ray Barrett (who I know is a legend but I'd never seen him at work). Took an interview with Alan Brough on the Australian Broadcast Network over the AM band while watching this, which seemed fitting....

11:50am - 1:20pm - The Jerk

You know, I am desperate to love more Steve Martin movies, I really am. A good portion of the time, you could give his films a miss, especially of late. Having said that, The Jerk is comedy gold from start to finish. Its old fashioned comedy, but gold none-theless. There are some moments of brilliance (only making the desire for mo' better Martin films stronger) and Bernadette Peters I have developed a little bit of a crush on, since first watching this film. You can do not much better than the scene created here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AI8NuFAETMQ - its funny, quirky and romantic all in one go. With exception of Dead Men Dont Wear Plaid and the Three Amigos, this is Martin at his absolute best...and another great Carl Reiner calaboration. They are actually studying this film in some college's in the states as a landmark in the history of modern day cinematic comedy, so that has to tell you something. Film lucky #13 of 70 is one I'd gladly watch again...

1:20pm - 2:40pm - Run Lola Run

Film #14 of 70, Run Lola Run, is well loved but it took a pledge of $15 for me to get around to watching it. I wont lie, I spent the first 10 minutes watching this film before I realised it wasnt in English and had to turn on the subtitles. So with that being said, and considering this is the 14th film straight I've watched in the last day and a half, I hope I can be excused for the fact it took me half way through the movie before I really worked out what was going on. I know plenty of people love this movie, partly because its foreign, partly because of Franka Potente and partly because it was just plain hip to love this movie in the late 90s. I fall in to none of the above...it was interesting...but will almost certainly be the last time I watch it, unless of course someone pledges it the next time I decide to do something crazy like this again....

2:50pm - 5:00pm - Clue

As far as movies based on board games go, this one is probably one of the best, that is of course, until they make Mouse Trap, Ker-Plunk or Battleship. Its pretty out there, runs over two hours long and was #15 of 70. During its theatrical run, depending on which cinema you saw it, you would get any one of three alternative endings. After a while you get a little tired of the addition of the non-original characters, and wish they'd just get down to the guessing and murdering and general usage of lead-pipage. Which they do eventually. In the end its half decent but runs too long. My version's ending saw Ms Scarlett the culprit even though I was convinced it would be Mrs White, but I was never that good at this game anyways...

5:10pm - 7:30pm - A Clockwork Orange

Is this wrong?!? A cinema studies major, giving a less than favourable review of a Kubrick film? Am I likely to be burned at the stake by throngs of critics as a result. Maybe. Well, I've never seen it before and being film #16 of 70, I was more than happy to finally get a chance to do so. However, the running time of 2 hours for the directors cut really killed me. I respect Kubrick's body of work and you have to admit, this film has more than its fair share of iconic moments, but its essentially a fruit fest. For mine, it was more interesting to take in all of the elements of this film that saw it get banned for a long time, 40 years ago, this must have blown peoples minds. But overall, I guess this isnt my cup of tea...

7:30pm - 9:10pm - Old School

Film #17 of 70. I love this movie. I dont care what anyone else says. I love it okay. It might be the fact that this was the 20th time I've seen it, but I laughed out aloud a lot less than I remember, but the big scenes still get me. Maybe its nostalgia I dont know. I am still a Will Ferrell fan which makes a huge difference when re-watching it too, and if you dont like Vince Vaughn you will simarly struggle to get through. If you dont laugh during the scene where Ferrell's character shoots himself in the neck with a tranq dart this film wont be for you. Plain and simple, the best film the "frat pack" has made together....

9:20pm - 11:10pm - Donnie Darko

Film #18 of 70, Donnie Darko is one of those cult films, for many great reasons. Richard Kelly was considered a visual genius at the time of its release, it features early performances from both Gyllenhaals and one of Patrick Swayze's last real brilliant turns. Add to that an 80s soundtrack that kills and a film that appeals to the stoner, the sci fi nerd and the ladies alike and you have a recipe for success. Me personally, I dig the science fiction, time travel element and the appearance of Frank the Bunny is pure spooky awesomeness. One thing I will advise, do your best to get a copy of the film before they ruined it for the directors cut, who decided that he would add unneccesary tidbits of information to help explain the film away which only annoys those who watched it without the first time, and spent the ensuing weeks working it out for themselves, after all, thats the point isnt it...

11:10pm - 12:40pm - Weekend At Bernie's

So here I go, I'm about to expose myself as being the cinema critic anti-christ. But considering a day where A Clockwork Orange and Run Lola Run were both watched, film #19 of 70, Weekend At Bernie's I enjoyed more. Before you reel back in terror and lose all respect for me, let me finish. First of all its the best "Dead Guy Pretending To Be Alive" film in cinema history, followed closely by its sequel (but thats another story). Before I continue, this must surely have been the film that stalled Andrew McCarthy's career, which was bright prior to this, but beyond...no dice. Additionally, watch Terry Kiser's performance as Bernie Lomax, not his acting...but consider how hard it would be to act dead but look alive at the same time. Or to have limp limbs that still look believable and lifelike when animated by fishing wire and lastly no other dead body can smoke a cigarrette or drink a cocktail with as much effortlessness. Do I need to mention Bernie actually has sex with his girlfriend in this film - AFTER - he is killed?!? Yes, there is necrophilia in WAB (as the Fanboys call it). Put simply, this is what the 1980's video store empire was built on, people renting the hell out of this film, I know I did and you should too. In the interim, I advise checking out WAB2 or alternatively, getting on the message boards and forums and calling for Michael Bay to do WAB3 or more relevantly Weekend At Bernies 3D.

Email received yesterday from Bronwyn Young, a Social Worker for the Neuromedical Unit at the Victorian Rehabilitation Centre:

Dear Shane,

I am writing to you as i heard about your amazing project this week via Katherine and just want to express my congratulations to you on creating such an incredible mission on behalf of Julia and others dealing with the immense challenges of Aquired Brain Injury....and to pass on my very best wishes to you for the week ahead. I also heard your interview with Red Symons on 774 ABC Radio yesterday morning, and am so encouraged that you are committing such time and energy to raising awareness in the community and supporting Brainlink at the same time....AND as you say on your website, showing Julia, and others in silmilar circumstances, your support. Magnificent !!!!!

I've no idea how one could stay awake for the length of time you have planned to watch movies, BUT whatever it takes, good luck and best wishes.

My interest and connection to your mission is that i am a Social Worker in the Neuromedical Unit at The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre. As such, i have been privileged to have had involvement with Julia, Katherine & Tony over recent months. I have been amazed by the extensive and incredibly supportive network of family and friends that Julia & the Arthurson's have around them. I also appreciate and empathise ( as best one can as an outsider ) with the devastating enormity of what Julia, family and friends have had to deal with since the moment of Julia's accident.

It is a sad reality that organisations like Brainlink and The Vic Rehab Centre are necessities, but unfortunately as those touched by road trauma and Acquired Brain Injury know, the work of such services is incredibly crucial and beneficial to so many individuals and families.

If it is OK with you Shane i would love to spread the word amongst Staff at Vic Rehab regarding your project, as i am certain there are many people within our Centre who would love to offer their support to you and your project, in recognition, support and hope for Julia and other patients and families dealing with ABI whom come into our care and lives.

Again, my best wishes for the week ahead. We will look forward to the publication of "Shane's Movie Reviews" in the months ahead !!!...
another potential fundraiser !!!

Email received this morning from Gabrielle B who suffers from an ABI and saw the article in last Thursday's AGE:

Dear Shane

I read about your project in The Age a couple of days ago. I want to
thank you for raising awareness about Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) and
for raising some funds for BrainLink.

I have an ABI. I facilitate a writing group, BrainLink Writers, for
BrainLink. I was a published writer before my accident, and formerly
ran a writing group for homeless people in the CBD.

Our group provides a meeting place where people with an ABI are among
friends, and accepted on their own terms. Some of the writers
repeatedly request the group to meet weekly, as they feel once a month
is not nearly enough.

I want to assure anyone who donates to your worthy project that
BrainLink is a remarkable organisation that works genuinely to restore
hope to those of us whose lives have been changed irrevocably by
Acquired Brain Injury.

The item in The Age stated that your cousin has had an accident and
has an ABI. I'm very sorry to hear that. There are many things that
can help with ABI symptoms. If you are interested to find out some of
the things that have helped me and others who are seeking to improve
our brain health post-ABI, you are welcome to contact me.
Unfortunately, most ABI patients believe their doctors when they are
told there is no treatment and no cure, which is a great shame.

Best Wishes for the success of your project. Good to see you will be
watching the great film Westworld. I would have recommended John
Waters' early film Polyester (my all-time favourite because of its
memorable trashy dialogue, among other things...I still have the
Odorama card issued at the film's premiere) but I see you already
have 70 films planned.

Kind regards

Gabrielle

Live tweets at www.twitter.com/shanedunlop

DAY ONE - LIVE REVIEWS

2009-10-31T02:52:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN - Saturday October 31st 2009 (Day 1):

8:30am - 9:50am - The Blob

It was a tough choice deciding whether to watch the Kevin Dillon version of "The Blob" or the original Steve McQueen one, but in the end, running time was the deciding factor, this version being the shortest. Suprisingly, it looked a lot newer than I was expecting a 50 year old film to look, yet I the first thing I noticed was how Steve McQueen, even when he was younger, still look liked a bit of an old dude. I recommend this film to all who would like to see an entire film where every single actor seemed to over-act, not too much, but just enough for you to notice. It must have been a hard thing to achieve. Even in 1958. This is film number 1 of 70....69 more films to come, with matching reviews over the next 7 days.....

10:00am - 12:00pm - The Mothman Prophecies

Film #2 of 70. Not many people A) like this film or B) have even watched it. Its eerie and emotional and well worth spending the time, especially if you have a penchant for the supernatural and unexplainable. How many movies starring Richard Gere would you say you enjoyed, not many I'm guessing, but in The Mothman Prophecies you have a very good chance of watching your favourite Gere film. Based on a book released in the 70s by a conspiracy theorist nut job, this plays out a lot differently to the rantings originating from the book. Its spooky, well crafted and when you finally see the "Mothman" himself, Indrid Cold, you'll get the ooks. Laura Linney and Will Patton are as always solid in their roles. This film is in my top 20 of all time...its good...FACT.

12:10pm - 1:50pm - Predator 2

I am a fan of the first Predator film starring not only Arnie, but the great Carl Weathers. This film I avoided for many years, and as I have found out today, for very good reason. Film #3 of 70, and every bit as painful as I was expecting it to be. There are very few positive things you can say about it during the 105 mins of its duration, firstly, Danny Glover sweats a lot...I mean heaps during this film. He would've been on the "I'm too old for this shit, chasing Predator around town, sweating buckets in the process diet" during this film. Secondly, this also features a B-grade cinema legend in one Bill Paxton, who has been killed by a Predator, a Terminator and an Alien, the only actor in cinema history to be able to make that claim. Thirdly, this film is lame, did I mention that already. Dont believe me, hire it for yourselves and bask in all of its shoddy glory!!

2:00pm - 3:30pm - The Nightmare Before Christmas

Alright...I might be committing herecy here, as there are plenty of Tim Burton fans out there that will lose their minds at the thought of someone not really loving this film, but, it was sort of boring. I have nothing but respect for Tim Burton, all of his films are brilliantly visual, gothic and imaginative and this was no exception, but I got a little tired of the endless songs. That being said, you can always count on there being more than a few moments that are chock full of magic and these moments exist in The Nightmare Before Xmas...

3:30pm - 5:30pm - Psycho II

I was totally expecting this to be unadulterated shite, imagine my suprise, when aside from the slightly long running time, it turns out to be not that bad. In fact, it was sort of quite good. Film #5 of 70 to be watched over the next week was one I was looking forward to the most, more so because I was interested to see just how bad it would be, instead, it was pretty solidly acted and very well written. Who'd-a-thunk-it?!? Anthony Perkins was brilliant and Meg Tilly is smokin! I guess you'd have to see it for yourself to believe it, but Psycho II is no slouch. Devoid of the Bernard Hermann score (except featured in the intro), thats perhaps the only missing ingredient. You could also play a drinking game while watching, drink every time a really shiny, sharp knife makes an appearance and Norman is tempted to use it, you'll be smashed before the 113 mins is up!!!!

5:40pm - 7:30pm - Signs

Without a doubt, Shyamalan's best. So well written, I could watch this 100 times and not get sick of it. In fact, I could watch this 70 times in 7 days on its own. Mel and Joaquin cast as brothers is a masterstroke. Honestly, I could talk about how good this film is for days, this film is my FAVOURITE of all time, no doubt about it. After the rise and rise of his first two films, M. Knight delivers his most fully rounded film, and in my books gets Mel Gibson to deliver his best performance outside of Mad Max (thats including Braveheart). Additionally, the composer that M Knight uses (James Newton Howard) is one of the most under-rated modern day composers and his score of this film is unrivaled by any other (for your reference The Hand Of Fate Part II is epic). Interesting to note on of Breslin's first gigs and she does as outstanding job, where most child actors would only annoy, same goes for Culkin. Use of light, especially torches, and sound (walkie talkie, the aliens surrounding the barraded house) just excel. For mine this is as good example of escapism and movie magic as you'll find anywhere!!

7:30pm - 9:00pm - Poltergeist II

Quite honestly this biggest piece of crap I have watched today. Film number #7 of 70 was probably the toughest to watch so far. Sure, the first Poltergeist was okay, a little camp, a bit dated but reasonably fun and also featured the iconic "daughter in the television scene" but this, this was just pure ridiculousness. I do think that JoBeth Williams is one of cinema's greatest MILF's...but other than that, give this movie a wide berth if you ever get offered an opportunity to catch it. Also features an appearance from the closest human being you'll find resembling Mr Burns.

9:10pm - 10:50pm - Shaun Of The Dead

The pinnacle of the evening's viewing, film #8 of 70 to be watched this week was one to look forward to. I originally loved this the first time I watched it, but after seeing Hot Fuzz and getting a greater appreciation for Pegg and Frost, it was hard to not enjoy this even more a second time around. A classic comedic take on the Zombie genre, and one of the only modern Zombie movies to slow the zombies back down again, after all the speed and zest seen in Danny Boyle's franchise or the reimaginings of Day and Dawn. Also, this doesnt star Mina Suvari or Ving Rhames which makes it a rarity in zombie classics.

10:50pm - 12:30am - Frankenhooker

Film #9 is Frankenhooker, the story of a man who deals with the loss of his girlfriend by reimagining her as a hooker. Did I mention the boyfriends surname is Franken? And his girlfriend died in a horrible lawn mowing accident? Being that it was made in 1990, you cant even chalk this up to being a bad 80s tits n horror film...which is really what it is. An annoyingly over the top performance delivered by all involved. You wont watch another film like it, especially one that features exploding boobs...that you can bank on. Worthwhile watching just to say you watched it...like a tour of duty of sorts...except, there's every chance you wont survive this one!

12:30pm - 2:00am - Westworld

A classic 70s piece of science fiction and its no wonder that the powers that be have decided to remake this over the next couple of years. Would like to have watched this while I was a little bit more lucid, but it was scheduled as film #10 of 70 over the next week and was watched at the end of a long first day at 2am...needless to say, I wasnt able to fully take in the nuances of one of Yul Brynner's last big on screen roles. Personally if I had to choose between Westworld, Romanworld and Medievalworld I would have gone the Romans...they seemed to eat a lot of grapes and I like grapes.

Live tweets at www.twitter.com/shanedunlop and webcam viewable at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/70in7project

THE SCHEDULE - DAYS ONE TO SEVEN

2009-10-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN - Saturday October 31st 2009 (Day 1):

8:30am - 9:50am - The Blob
10:00am - 12:00pm - The Mothman Prophecies
12:10pm - 1:50pm - Predator 2
2:00pm - 3:30pm - The Nightmare Before Christmas
3:30pm - 5:30pm - Psycho II
5:40pm - 7:30pm - Signs
7:30pm - 9:00pm - Poltergeist II
9:10pm - 10:50pm - Shaun Of The Dead
10:50pm - 12:30am - Frankenhooker
12:30pm - 2:00am - Westworld

Sunday November 1st 2009 (Day 2):
8:30am - 10:00am - Black Mama, White Mama
10:10am - 11:40am - Don's Party
11:50am - 1:20pm - The Jerk
1:20pm - 2:40pm - Run Lola Run
2:50pm - 5:00pm - Clue
5:10pm - 7:30pm - A Clockwork Orange
7:30pm - 9:10pm - Old School
9:20pm - 11:10pm - Donnie Darko
11:10pm - 12:40pm - Weekend At Bernies

Monday November 2nd 2009 (Day 3):
8:30am - 10:10am - Bar Girls
10:20am - 11:50am - RAD
12:00pm - 1:40pm - Gerry
1:40pm - 3:10pm - The Mask
3:20pm - 5:20pm - The Graduate
5:20pm - 7:10pm - The Weeping Camel
7:20pm - 9:00pm - The Birds
9:00pm - 11:00pm - 28 Weeks Later
11:00pm - 1:10am - Escape From Alcatraz
1:10am - 2:40am - Fantasia

80's Melbourne Cup Day - Tuesday November 3rd 2009 (Day 4):
8:30am - 10:20am - Top Gun
10:30am - 12:20pm - Footloose
12:30pm - 2:20pm - Labyrinth
2:30pm - 4:20pm - The Goonies
4:30pm - 6:20pm - The Three Amigos
6:30pm - 8:10pm - The Breakfast Club
8:20pm - 10:00pm - Cocoon The Return
10:10pm - 11:40pm - Ghost
11:40pm - 1:10am - Stand By Me

Wednesday November 4th 2009 (Day 5):
8:30am - 10:10am - Ferris Bueller's Day Off
10:20am - 12:10pm - Monty Python & The Holy Grail
12:20pm - 2:10pm - Shane
2:20pm - 3:50pm - Bonnie & Clyde
3:50pm - 5:30pm - Dr. Strangelove
5:40pm - 7:30pm - Papillon
7:30pm - 10:00pm - Buck Rogers In The 25th Century
10:10pm - 12:10am - The Evil Dead
12:10am - 1:40am - Stone
1:40am - 3:00am - Way Of The Dragon
3:00am - 5:00am - Stick It

Thursday November 5th 2009 (Day 6):
8:30am - 10:30am - Chocolat
10:30am - 12:10pm - Vertigo
12:20pm - 1:50pm - Freddy Got Fingered
1:50pm - 3:50pm - Australian Rules
4:00pm - 5:30pm - Empire Records
5:30pm - 7:10pm - Sleeper
7:20pm - 9:10pm - Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
9:10pm - 11:30pm - The Truman Show
11:40pm - 1:10am - Big Fish
1:10am - 2:40am - Dumbo

Friday November 6th 2009 (Final Day):
7:00am - 8:30am - Bee Movie
8:30am - 10:30am - Wall-E
10:40am - 12:00pm - Cars
12:00pm - 1:40pm - Enduring Love
1:50pm - 3:10pm - The Shawshank Redemption
3:10pm - 4:40pm - Quills
4:50pm - 6:20pm - Plan 9 From Outer Space
6:20pm - 8:20pm - High Fidelity
8:20pm - 10:10pm - A Christmas Carol (at TBA Venue)
10:30pm - 12:0pm - Fanboys
12:20pm - 2:20pm - Point Break

THE 70 FILMS!!!

2009-10-29T19:02:00.001-07:00

All 70 Films for the 70 Films in 7 Days Project:

PLEDGE UPDATES ....

2009-10-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

I will be live blogging / reviewing the films as I will be watching them and you can follow the action on twitter by following me @ twitter.com/shanedunlop or read the reviews via my flixter account on my facebook profile (facebook.com/shanedunlop). There will also be a live webcam so you can keep an eye on me @ http://www.ustream.tv/channel/70in7project and you can always come along and join me during any of the films (film schedule to be posted this Friday).

You can see the full list of 70 films above on the film wall...

The current tally as of the 11th November 2009 is $3700 raised which is fantastic...

A very large donation of $200 has been received from the Ryans, Carls & Gatts! I appreciate you guys getting on board with such a generous donation and just in time as I am sending the donations to Brainlink this week!! Also, received a donation of $30 from Sally, George, Christopher & Nicholas Dekleris. Thank you for the support and very generous pledge, it means a lot!! Meg Anderson has donated $20 from all the way over in Rad-elaide, thanks for the support Meg!!! Stephi Grimmett has added her pledge of $20 to the cause, thanks again for your support Steph. Additionally, Judy Dunlop & Family have kindly donated $40. Thank you very much! Melissa & Doug McCrae have kindly donated $50 to the cause, thank you guys for getting on board with your support!! Deb & The Dariol family have kindly pledged $50 to the cause, thank you Debbie for also sitting through Plan 9 From Outer Space, its very appreciated!! Also, Paul Anthony Nelson has kindly lent his support to the cause by pledging $10, thank you Paul! Lee & Ian Thomson have also pledged $15, a greatly appreciated donation, thank you guys!! Adam Moore has kicked in $25 towards the cause, in honour of the last film being Point Break, Bodie would be proud of you Adam! Thanks Bev and Eric Lim have kindly added their $20 donation to the cause, thanks Bev and Eric for your kind and generous pledge! Paul and Deb Dunlop have kicked off today with a massive donation of $150, which is incredibly generous and pushes us further to $3500, thanks so much!! Clio O'Sullivan, who provided her support by coming along to watch Footloose and Labyrinth also pledged $20 which is greatly appreciated!! Thankyou Clio!!Glenys Bottegal added to today's pledges with her donation of $45, thank you so much for the support! Also, Ms. J. A. Milton pledged $50 and has offered to cook a Melb Cup Day breakfast. Thanks Jillian!!! Lex & Agnes Arthurson have kindly donated $50 to the cause on behalf of their grand-daughter, thank you for the suport and kind pledge!! Bronwyn Young, who sent through that great email of support over the weekend, has also pledged $100, a very kind and generous donation and pushes us very close to $3k. Thank you Bronwyn!! Andrew Grimmett stopped by to sit in on Shaun Of The Dead and he added his $50 donation to the cause, cheers Andrew and thanks for the company! Adrian Tilley has gotten into the Halloween spirit by donating $50 of his own, thanks heaps for the kind donation Adrian!! Anita Clements has pledged her $15, and the total amount raised is climbing rapidly... Anita, you're a gem!! Simon and Ali Villani have graciously donated $70, which is a very apt amount, thanks for your support guys!! $200 has been pledged by Julia's parents. It's my sincerest hopes that I have been able to show my love for Julia and your family in a manner which she would be proud of. My love to you both. Danielle Dunlop & Ryan Hee have pledged a further $100 combined, thanks for getting on board guys, its greatly appreciated!!! Alisha Dunlop became the pledgee who helped cracked the goal of $2,000, by adding her $50, thanks Peash! Also, Adrian Rosenfeldt kindly donated a further $15, very appreciated Adrian!! Simon Presljak stated that once the total amount pledged reached the goal of $2k, he would add an additional $20, which I am now calling him out on, thanks again Simon. And finally, a huge donation received from Greg Kennedy, who pledged the generous amount of $100 to the 70in7Project, thank you Greg and thank you all!! Dave Bonitati, another generous donation coming from the other side of the Pacific, has added his own $50 pledge to the cause, thanks for the support Dave!! Kath & Des Leonard have added a further $50 with their donation, we're very close to the $2k now...thanks for your kind donation Kath & Des!! Leo, Melissa & Leah Wings have also contributed $20 to the cause with their pledge which is extremely generous and appreciated! Thanks! Sally Anne Smack completed the list of 70 films by adding two more of her choosing (A Clockwork Orange, The Truman Show) and adding $45 of her own. Thanks Le!! $30 has been pledged by Leath Mattner, who has chosen to add another classic 80s film (The Goonies), perhaps in honour of this choice, I'll make Melbourne Cup Day an all 80's day! Thanks Leath Rhona Rees has pledged $45 of her hard earned, adding three more movies of her choice (Made, Labyrinth, Run Lola Run)...thanks again for the support Rhones!! Michael Saleh has been a pal and pledged $30 and added two more films of his choosing (Donnie Darko, Big Fish)...I was waiting for Donnie Darko to show up somewhere!! Thanks for your support Mike! Pam Dunlop has thrown her support behind the project by adding $50 to the tally which has pushed it beyond the $1600 mark...thanks Nan, I appreciate it!! Also, Laurie Checketts has donated $50. Another generous and kind donation in support of the 70in7Project. My thanks to you!! Liana Neri has kindly added $30 to the cause and has thrown two more films into the almost complete list of films (The Blob, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind), thanks Liana, who also helped out with the Upstart Magazine interview!! Lauren, Neil, Charlie & Mitchell Venter have pledged $50 in support of their sister and aunt also choosing to add two more films to the film wall (Cars, Empire Records). Thanks guys, I hope I can raise a lot more!! Cate Commisso has committed to pledging 0.50c per film viewed, which equates to $35 in total. Thanks heaps for your support and generosity Cate! Paul & Julie O'Brien have added $20 to the running tally by pleding another film to the current roster (The Shawshank Redemption). Thanks guys for your generous donation!! Candice Fuller proves that she's a good-un by pledging $20 of her hard earned and adding an additional film to the roster (Footloose), thanks Candice! Shirley Milton has very generously donated $100 to the cause, what an absolute gem, also pledging three films (Ghost, Psycho II, ), Thanks Shirl! Also, Lorna Donahue has added an additional $100 to the 70in7 cause, making it $200 in total from a couple of great ladies! Thanks for the support!! Carolyn, Stu, Ollie & Macca Murray have pledged $50 and added three of their favourite films into the mix (Fantasia, Finding Nemo, The Cat In The Hat), thanks guys! Jenny & Guy Roberts have kindly pledged $30 also, and picked two iconic 80s films, which will gladly be added (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Breakfast Club). Your support is very welcome!! Jack Dunlop has kicked in $50 and has added three more films to the tally (Bonnie & Clyde, Papillon, Shane). Three classics. Thanks Jacko! Cam Evans & Rochelle Sanocky have kindly pledged $30 and have decided to add two more films to the roster (Stand By Me, Clue), thanks for the support guys!! Kim Jackson has added another film to the roster (High Fidelity) by pledging $15 to the cause, thanks for your donation Kim!! Anthony Bottegal has added his $15 to the tally choosing a film of his choice (Old School). Tania Ryan has generously pledged $50 to the cause and has added an additional three films of her choice (Dr. Strangelove, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Shaun Of The Dead), thanks for the donation Tania!! Simon Bradie offered $15 to add another film (Quills) to the list of 70 films. Thanks Simon! John Nelder has picked three films (Australian Rules, The Birds, Enduring Love) to add to the current list and has thrown in an additional $50 to the event. Thanks John! Helen Milton has added an additional $100 to the total money raised and has decided to nominate only two films to add to the roster (Chocolat, Monty Python & The Holy Grail). Thanks again Helen for your support!! Kim Hellard has put her money where her mouth is and added $30 to add 2 films to the roster (aussie classics Stone and Don's Party). Extremely generous donations also received from Greg Dunlop ($100) and Paul McCosh & Emily Stowell ($200). Quite overwhelming really, I do appreciate it!! Maxwell Grimmett has thrown his hat into the ring along with a spare $50 to get Shane to include three of his favourite films into the mix of 70 (The Mask, The Graduate and Escape From Alcatraz). Thanks Maximus! Wally Sorich has kicked in $15 and has thrown (Way Of The Dragon) into the mix of 70 films - thanks Wall! Erica Tenenbaum has kindly donated $30 to the event, choosing two films to add to the event (Mrs. Doubtfire; Weekend At Bernie's). Thanks also to the generous donation from Annie Leon, an additional 2 films have been added (The Three Amigos; RAD). Recent donations also received from Robyn Dunlop ($100) and Bob & Cath West ($10). Thanks so much for your incredible generosity. Luke Morrison has kindly pledged an additional $50 to add three cinematic gems (The Postman, The Never Ending Story II and Plan 9 From Outer Space) to the roster, cheers mate! Additionally, the Pellissier family have kindly donated $50 towards three films of their own (27 Dresses, Stick It and Top Gun). Once again, I really do appreciate it!!! Hope Collins & Rachel Hakim have also pledged $50 to the event if I watch the following three films (Gerrt, Bar Girls & The Weeping Camel) thanks for the support guys!

MEDIA UPDATES...

2009-10-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Check out the article from today's Melbourne AGE Newspaper below (Click on image to enlarge):

Also, don't forget to tune in to ABC 774 AM on Sunday morning at 11:30am. Alan Brough will be interviewing me about the project as he is keen to see how I am holding up after a day on task. You can live stream the show here @ http://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/

Also, catch the Channel 31 "Get Cereal TV" interview from earlier in the week below...

UPSTART MAGAZINE INTERVIEW ONLINE....

2009-10-15T22:29:00.001-07:00

For more information and to hear my explanation of the project listen to this recent interview I did for UpstartMagazine (upstart.net.au) by clicking on the image below...

Thanks....

THE FINAL FILM & HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-10-08T21:37:00.001-07:00

The 70th and final film is going to be Jim Carrey's "The Christmas Carol", which will be released on November 5th. Cinema venue and session time to be announced (rest assured it will be Friday evening 6th November), but I'd love to see a bunch of you there... so keep an eye out for more info.

Also, the first day of the event, October 31st, is Halloween, so all the films on that first day will be horrors/thrillers. All day that Saturday, feel free to come on down and join me and partake in the horror marathon! I need a few more from that genre to fill up the day, so if you're thinking of pledging...give that some thought!

PLEASE NOTE: The charity that will be benefitting from the 70 Films In 7 Days Project is Brainlink, which was formerly Headway VIC. You can find out more about this charity by visiting http://www.brainlink.org.au/ - in the interim we are well on our way to raising the goal amount of $2,000 and beyond!

FOR JULIA....

2009-09-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a quick note to fill you in with some additional details relating to the cause behind the 70 Films In 7 Days Project.

Earlier this year, my cousin Julia, was involved in an accident which led to her suffering major head trauma from which she hasn't yet recovered from. After a long fight for several weeks in the Alfred Hospital trauma unit, overcoming her initial injuries, Julia has since been placed in rehabilitation at a facility managed by the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria (TAC), where they are aiding her recovery and at a later date a decision will be made regarding her staying on a more permanent basis.

Julia is surrounded by a huge community of supportive family and friends, all of whom are pulling for her to come through with a bit of a miracle, a testament to the positive and overwhelming impact she has had on so many people before the accident. The 70 in 7 Project is my way of outwardly showing her my support and ultimately, my support for anyone else and their families and friends who experience the struggle of recovering from an acquired brain injury.

We are operating on a target to reach a total donation of $2,000, for which we are almost a quarter of the way to, but we still need your help. There are various ways in which you can show your support:

Sponsorship: Sponsor me for every film watched over the 7 days (eg. 0.10c per film = $7.00)
Purchase a film: You can pay for me to watch your favourite (or least favourite if you are feeling cruel) film. $15 is all it takes and you can nominate the film of your choice ($30 for 2, and $50 for 3 films)
Get involved: During the event, feel free to show up on Shane's doorstep and join him for as many films as you like (gold coin $ per film) or come along to one of the event films during the week at the Coburg Drive-in.
Spread the word: Over the next couple of months, do what you can to tell your friends and get them on board. The more the merrier so they say.

That's all for now, don't forget to keep an eye on updates as they are posted and feel free to drop me a line with any thoughts, comments or ideas...they will be appreciated!!

Thanks,

Shane

"Half of what I say is meaningless

But I say it just to reach you, Julia"

70 FILMS IN 7 DAYS - COMING SOON!!!

2009-08-16T03:08:00.000-07:00

About the 70 Films In 7 Days Project:

Later this year I will be attempting to watch 70 films in 7 days. Volunteers, friends, sponsors and voyeurs can follow me as I attempt to sit through 10 films a day, every day for a week.

All proceeds will be going to charity, benefitting people and their families affected by brain acquired injuries. Charity to be announced soon.

You will be able to join me along the way, either in the flesh or online. There will be outings to the Coburg Drive-ins throughout the week and on the final night a special screening of the seventieth film at a soon-to-be-announced theatre.

Sponsors can donate per film (ie. 10cents for each film would put you back $7.00) or you can pay for the right to force me to watch a film of your choice ($15 per film, $50 buys you three choices). Details as to how to donate to be posted soon.

So watch this space for more information regarding the 70-In-7 project, including details on where and when it will occur and additionally the list of films that will be viewed.

Stay tuned!!

Cheers

Shane

WHERE TO FIND MORE...

2009-08-16T02:25:00.001-07:00

Comedy and more @Dunlopedia....