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Best B-movie docs

lhall — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:00:42 -0800

What are the best documentaries about b-movies, fandoms, and weird or niche interests which often involve a widespread community, such as zombies? I'm looking to fill in the gaps of my knowledge while also watching the original films...or at least the MST3K versions.

Stuff like Trekkies (fandom-related), a non-fiction Shadow of the Vampire perhaps (film-specific), or documentaries such as The Boy from Out of This World or Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story (neither of which I've yet seen, but which appear to deal with the history of b-movie productions as well as specific films).

Also great would be stuff like Zombie Girl (though not about the making of a b-movie per se, there's still the fandom and weirdness elements).

Thanks!

Forgot tripod. Used pogo stick. Rated D for Dramamine.

coffeefilter — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:54 -0800

Death to Jerky Cam! Multipart Question. (1) Is there actually a proper technical term for Jerky Cam, aka Shakey Cam, the clumsy, intrusive, and nauseating practice of bouncing the camera around?

(2) Is there a website that rates movies by the degree of shaky camera work?

(3) If there isn't, what are good ways to start one? I'm thinking of some kind of specialized website with logins, a forum, and user ratings for movies as they come out.

(4) What's your top 5 list of worst jerky cam movies?

Movies to watch while sick?

kylej — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:50:45 -0800

I'm home sick today and probably tomorrow too. What are your favorite guilty pleasure movies to watch while incapacitated? Yesterday I watched "She's the Man" and "Not Another Teen Movie", but don't limit yourself to just teen flicks (though those are of course welcome).

Thanks for making my stay at home much more bearable!

yet another movie id

beerbajay — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:18:19 -0800

Movie-identification-filter: A man and a woman are in a motel room, they're getting sexy on the bed, the woman ties/handcuffs the man's hands to the bed, takes off her top, dangles her breasts over his face, then leaves him there and drives off with his car. Probably came out in the late 80s or early 90s. This is probably a crappy movie. My dad was watching it, got to this scene and said something like "aaaaaaalllllright, that's enough of this bullshit" and turned it off. I asked him what movie it was but he doesn't remember.

Please help me identify a movie using only this vaguely remembered scene

mindwarp — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:32:59 -0800

There is a movie I saw very distractedly around 1996-2000, featuring a scene I keep thinking about. I don't remember much beyond that one scene but I do recall the haunting mood of the film. I'd like to watch it again sometime, but can't seem to identify it. It is a tale taking place in the nocturnal underworld of some city featuring a young boy (a teenager, I think -- coming of age aspects to the main plot?) and an older but still relatively young man, who has a dark, somewhat devilish vibe to him and is a sort of guide/mentor to the boy as they navigate the city. There is a definite David Lynch like quality to this movie, and the story unfolds as if in a dream.

In the scene I remember the man takes the boy to some woman he knows; she appears to be one of the man's shadier and more bizarre contacts in the city. She is a psychic or clairvoyant or voodoo type or some other sort of occultist. The boy's introduction to the woman is arguably accompanied by a suggestion of sexual tension. The woman gives drugs to the boy, in the form of powder to be snorted. I think the boy takes the drug first, then asks what it was, seeming to believe it was cocaine. It is then revealed that the white powder was in fact heroin, at which the boy becomes flustered and afraid. As the drug kicks in, however, he has some sort of inner vision or psychic experience which is somehow important to the plot.

That's about all I remember, written down as carefully as I could. Some of it could be inaccurate or misleading. I realize that the chances of identifying this movie going on so little are next to nil. Nevertheless, if any of the above rings a bell for you, I would greatly appreciate any guesses. I believe I would recognize it readily if I was looking at it on IMDB.

Thanks a lot! :)

Movie theaters in Sacramento?

Justinian — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:24:36 -0800

What's the best theater around Sacramento in which to see Avatar? Visiting family in Sacramento over the holidays and want to see Avatar. But I'm used to really nice theaters like the Arclight in Los Angeles. So what's the best theater in or around Sacramento to see a movie like Avatar? 3D true IMAX would be best. There are several IMAX theaters listed in the area but the reviews for most of them are mixed at best.

What movies or documentaries about motorcycles would my boyfriend like?

MaryDellamorte — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:41:44 -0800

What movies or documentaries about motorcycles would my boyfriend like? Details inside. Things he's already seen that I know he likes:

On Any Sunday
World's Fastest Indian
Brittown
Choppertown
Easy Rider

Other factors:

He likes old Triumphs.
He pretty much hates most motorcycles post 1975.
He doesn't like Harleys even though he likes the movie Easy Rider.
He's not too much into BMWs either although he doesn't hate them.
Don't suggest Motorcycle Diaries.

Listening to the movies.

1f2frfbf — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:25:27 -0800

Recommend some good movies to LISTEN to. Back when I was a draftsman, one of the ways I'd keep myself occupied was to dub off the audio of some of my favorite movies to listen to on my walkman while I worked. I'd like to try this again this holiday season while I'm traveling using a Netflix account and an iPod. So. What are some movies that are an intense audio experience? I'm not interested in soundtrack albums or musicals, but dialog-driven movies. I'm especially interested in movies that hearing and but not watching gives a completely different reading to the movie.

Why do 4 movie reviewers all reference the same Talking Heads song when reviewing Lovely Bones?

Kattullus — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:28:22 -0800

Why are all these Lovely Bones movie reviews referencing Talking Heads' Heaven? Examples I've found: 1, 2, 3, 4. Was this quote included in the press notes? Is it simply that movie reviewers tend to be people of a certain age? Is the song in the movie? Is that song, for some reason, in people's minds these days? That is, is it being used in a commercial or something?

Christmas movies set in NYC

greta simone — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:02:33 -0800

Christmas/Holiday/Winter movies set in NYC? Hello all and Happy Holidays!

This is my first Christmas as a New York resident and I want to get in the spirit by watching Christmas movies set here. I can think of a few off the top of my head, but just for the sake of discussion, please give me your favorites, be they classics, modern classics, weird or obscure.

I'd even like to know those that are just set in winter in the city, but aren't necessarily holiday themed (like Stillman's Metropolitan, which I love).

Thanks!

Tell me the best movies with knights, swordplay, and the like.

mtphoto — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 11:35:05 -0800

What are some of the best medieval movies? What are some of the best movies set in medieval times? Hint: Not A Knight's Tale.

Last Chance to See ... VHS

dhartung — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:15:31 -0800

My local library is ditching VHS -- in one swell foop. They're going to sell the inventory next month. What should I salvage? There will a be a pre-sale for Friends of the Library members to get first pick.

Obviously, "stuff I like" is one answer, and I'll work on that. Another obvious one would be "stuff that hasn't been released on DVD". Tips in that vein would help. But basically anything hard to find would be good. I'd like to have a list that I can pre-check with the electronic catalog and pare down to what I expect to be there and allow for not getting some stuff.

I'm going to start with this MeCha thread: Movies you never get tired of watching, so anything in there will be considered if I don't already have it.

What I like: science fiction and action, yes, thrillers and mysteries, yes, but also personal films like Heavenly Creatures or The Sweet Hereafter, modern auteur stuff such as the Coen Bros., and (often lesser-known) black and white classics like I Know Where I'm Going. Acting tour de forces such as The Verdict. Documentaries sometimes. Not many musicals. Upscale comedies such as Kind Hearts and Coronets or What's Up, Doc?

Toby Chew? Toby Wong? Movies w/ gangsters?

beautifulcheese — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:44:13 -0800

I'm on a gangster movie binge. Reservoir Dogs, Boondock Saints, RocknRolla (basically all of Guy Ritchie's stuff). I need more in this vein to fulfil my craving for cool men doing violence in innovative ways. I'd like recommendations for modern movies preferably without the Italian mafia. Bonus points for United Kingdom focused films.

Movies Like Plays

dephlogisticated — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:29:10 -0800

I like movies that are driven mostly by dialogue and characterization, as opposed to events and actions. Examples include Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, The Big Kahuna, Glengarry Glen Ross, and The House of Yes. What are some others? These movies generally take place in one setting and cover a short period of time. Production is minimal. Many are based on plays. My Dinner With Andre doesn't count.

In what cartoon does Foghorn Leghorn say, "Kids coming up nowadays don't even know how to tie down their pumpkins"?

Joe Beese — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:49:24 -0800

In what cartoon does Foghorn Leghorn say, "Kids coming up nowadays don't even know how to tie down their pumpkins"? I've seen it attributed to "Henhouse Henery" (1949) - but this appears to be incorrect.

Let's Put on a Show!

hellbient — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:00:59 -0800

What are some movies, shows, sketches, etc. where amateurs put on a show? Especially comedies, but any genre will help. I'm doing some research for a show I'm writing that involves amateurs putting on a show, and want to see what else is out there. "Waiting for Guffman" and The Muppets come to mind, but I'm sure there's more.

Movie scenes about democracy.

EnormousTalkingOnion — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:02:11 -0800

What movie scenes would you show a middle school class to teach them the nature/importance of democracy?

High Concept / Low Result

HeroZero — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:14:14 -0800

What are some movies with clever premises and terrible execution? I watched Flatliners for the first time last night. It's a high-concept screenplay with an interesting premise -- med students temporarily kill themselves in order to glimpse the afterlife -- that quickly devolves into nonsense and tedium.

Can you think of other movies/books/etc. that start with a great idea and then deflate?

Recommend some douchebag documentaries

pollex — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 07:20:12 -0800

Please recommend some documentaries about douchebags. We're on a bit of a "Douchebag Documentary Series" kick. It can be fascinating to watch the different ways douchebag can exhibit itself and the fates (both positive and negative) that can befall the douche. Movies that we've already watched and that fit the bill include:

-Overnight (possibly the highest achievement in this field)
-Project Grizzly
-King of Kong

More recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Girls who wear glasses...

meindee — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:53:16 -0800

Looking for examples of movies in which the heroine takes off her glasses and becomes cool/pretty/better... And ideas for encouraging the practice to stop. I was surprised when Drew Barrymore stooped to this level with the roller derby movie "Whip It!" I'd forgotten about the moment until I bought the soundtrack today and had an Acuvue ad fall in my lap. "How will Acuvue brand contact lenses transform you?" it asked.

I'm disappointed in Drew and not surprised by Acuvue...

Two part question:
1. It seems like I've seen the glasses to contacts ugly duckling scene over and over, but I'm having trouble coming up with examples now that I'm ticked. Anyone?

2. Do any organizations exist specifically for girls who wear glasses? I'd like to volunteer for or donate to one if so. Ideas?

Best video rental stores?

davidriley — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:13:06 -0800

I make independent films and distribute them myself. I've started sending my movies to independent video rental stores around the country. I've sent my movies to I Luv Video in Austin, Scarecrow Video in Seattle, Video Underground and Hollywood Express in Boston, Acme Video in Providence, and others. What are the best independent video rental stores in your city? Don't say Netflix.

movies without soundtracks?

saturn~jupiter — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:58:11 -0800

Can you think of movies that have no soundtrack? I've been realising lately how much movie soundtracks irritate me. I feel that they instruct you how to feel rather than let you figure out how you feel about what's happening in the film. Not just blockbusters, but "indie" movies too. I kind of feel that it dumbs things down when there's a piece of music that lets you know you should be happy, sad, scared, uplifted, or just points to the "delicate poignancy" of the moment. All of it ends up being corny in my ears.

I want to compile a list of movies without soundtracks. Also if anyone knows of any writing on this topic (anti-soundtrack) please point me to it.

Thanks!

Bigger without Blurrier

rahnefan — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:52:27 -0800

How can I get a DVD movie to fill (at least one axis of) my screen without compromising the picture quality? Two years ago we were given a Samsung HDTV, something like 32 inches wide. In the settings, we generally have "Size" set to Just Scan. For normal TV or the HD channels, this works fine. For movies however, there's a problem.

Mrs. RahneFan and I are two different kinds of grumps. I won't watch anything visually intense if the picture quality is sabotaged by intentional distortion of the picture. A circle must be a true circle and the human body must have correct proportions. Details meant to impress me are things I don't want to miss. And nothing should be cropped. Conversely, detail, proportion, and seeing something as it was intended to be seen do not matter much to her, but she hates the so-called black bars probably more than your grandmother does.

Movies on cable channels only display undistorted if we change the resolution to 4:3 instead of Just Scan. So we flip back and forth for that, not a problem usually. But...

DVDs, when the TV is set to Just Scan, display in lovely, crisp detail, but do not fill our screen; the black borders she despises appear above, below, and on both sides. I see the movie, not the black, but like her, I would rather it filled our screen on at least one axis or the other. We have GOBS of space on all four sides, so why can't it be bigger?

The player is a Pioneer, don't even remember how old it is.

The only other options that appear available are 16:9 (unacceptable stretching), Zoom 1, and Zoom 2. Zoom 1 and Zoom 2 are both blurry and crop the movie on all four sides. For example, parts of DVD menus don't even appear onscreen at those settings.

Is there some way to maintain the clarity and detail of a DVD and have it large enough to fill our screen on at least one axis, without stretching or cropping the picture? Some way to make it automatically enlarge whatever is playing, regardless of aspect ratio, until it touches either the vertical or horizontal edge of the screen?

I am aware that movies can be shot in a wide variety of aspect ratios, and that DVDs can be edited with hard matting etc. Will it require knowing exactly what every movie's aspect ratio is and whether or not it has been matted and how, and relearning all this crap every time, and making some odd specific combination of settings to get it right? Shouldn't the technology be smart enough to do this on its own by now?

Protagonists named 'Scarlett'

beniamino — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:30:59 -0800

I am looking for all kinds of fiction, especially for children, featuring a protagonist named Scarlett or Scarlet. Children's stories, novels, poems, movies, songs etc etc are all of interest. Thanks! No need to mention 'Gone with the wind'.

Aren't you a little short to be a hard-bitten streetwalker?

stuck on an island — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:49:44 -0800

How does Hollywood film unsuitable-for-children scenes involving children? I'm thinking of scenes like these [audio NSFW], from Todd Solondz's Happiness, or Jodie Foster's role in Taxi Driver. I'm sure fellow MeFites can think of others. Are there any laws or guidelines for directing a child in scenes s/he would be too young to watch in the theater? How do directors approach the situation? And what effect might involvement in roles with decidedly adult content have on child actors' tender young psyches?