5 films for the 5 stages of death.

Sucks, I know

But it doesn’t have to.  As films often do, they can provide a source of comfort in whatever might  be going on in that head of yours.  We tend to connect to the films we most relate to at the time we view them. So imagine you’re dying. You’re going through what’s known as the 5 stages of death. Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. This actually took longer for me to come up with than I expected.  I  guess I initially took for granted what it might feel like to be dying and wanting something that could relate to each emotion. I encourage you to think of your own list, but here’s mine.

Denial – Back to the Future directed by Robert Zemeckis (1985)

You’re in the denial, so you need a little escapism. I debated between a ton of films here, but wanted to go with an adventure. I don’t think I’ve met a person who didn’t love Back to the Future, and I don’t want to. At the time, the concept was so refreshing and original and even watching it again today it still has that same feel. So go ahead, travel back to the future with Marty McFly and reconnect with a timeless classic.

Anger – Ginger Snaps directed by John Fawcett (2000)

Teenage outcast becomes a werewolf and rages out. Perfect film to fit your pissed off state. But beneath that lies a really well told story between two sisters that just happens to involve werewolves. Funny how those tend to make the best horror flicks.

*Side note -  I need to do a full write-up on this film. So much going on there, it‘s deserving of it. Expect one in the near future.

Bargaining – True Romance directed by Tony Scott (1992)

Slight reach? Maybe. But at this point, you’re want be taken on a wild ride with twists and turns at each corner. A film written by Quentin Tarantino and Directed by Tony Scott will do that for ya. True Romance makes you want to know what happens next which is the best thing I can say about it. Centering around a comic store clerk trying to make a large coke deal to start a new life for he and his new wifey. Memorable dialogue with absurd characters. Just another QT flick.

*Side Note – You can tell Tarantino didn’t direct this film, but I can’t tell Scott did. And that’s a good thing. It’s like he just trusted the script to tell the story and didn’t incorporate any flashy directing. Wish he would do that more often. Guess that’s more than just a side not, sorry.

Depression – El Norte directed by Gregory Nava (1983)

By far the easiest category to fill. So many choices so I went with the least known candidate. Two Guatemalan runaways struggle traveling through South America to reach “The North” to build a new life. Not for the faint of heart, with one of the most saddest scenes I can remember in film. But an enlightening film, which at this state is much-needed.

Acceptance – Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind directed by Michel Gondry (2004)

Some…of you, probably saw this one coming. I managed to squeeze my favorite film of all time into the acceptance category. Why acceptance? Well isn’t that one of the things we learn after watching ESSM? That, and if two people are meant for each other, they’ll find one another. But hey, watch it for yourself (shame if you haven’t already) and see what it means to you. Anyway, I keep going back to the end of the film with Joel and Clementine’s first memory  at the beach. Clementine turns to Joel and asks… “This is it Joel, it’s going be over soon. What do we do?” Joel: “Enjoy it“.

Poignant.

And as you walk into the light, or whatever … this will be playing.

And maybe somebody will be near you asking “What do you see?”

I’m a nerd.

-Omar Pierre

Follow on Twitter @NeverHadMeAName

Television Review: Party Down Seasons 1 and 2

Party Down Review Seasons 1 & 2.

Network: Starz

Cast (Left to right): Martin Starr,  Ryan Hansen, Lizzy Caplan, Adam Scott, Ken Marino,  Jane Lynch.

I can’t say that I can judge the quality of Starz’ original content since I’ve never seen said original content. Until my friend Netflix suggested I watch Party Down, (when Netflx gives a four star recommendation, you listen.) A show about a catering crew in Los Angeles filled with aspiring actors, comedians and writers. Created by John Enbom, Rob Thomas, Dan Etheridge, and Paul Rudd.

Party Down centers around Henry Pollard (Adam Scott) a failed actor whose decided to call it quits. He returns to Party down catering to work with former co worker, now manager Ron Donald (Ken Marino) whose has let his title go to his head. Through the first season, the show only offers up just one running storyline arching Henry’s love interest with self described funny but ****able comedian/waitress Casey Klein (Lizzy Caplan.) The rest of the cast is based off your typical aspiring artist stereotypes. A dashing young actor Kyle Bradway (Ryan Hansen) who on the surface appears to be all looks and no substance. Know it all “hard Sci-Fi” writer Roman DeBeers played by Freaks and Geeks alum Martin Starr. And the aging actress Constance Carmel (Jane Lynch), who has delusions of once being a bigger star than anyone can ever remember her being.

By season 2, Jane lynch is off on Glee fame and is replaced by single mom Lydia Dunfree (Megan Mullaly.) Lydia role is that of the mother figure of the group. Handing out odd advice, whether asked for or not. While talented, the new addition doesn’t really add much to the new season.

Megan Mullally as Lydia Dunfree

What I liked best about Party Down was its poignant picture of the life of that of an aspiring artist. Great optimism and anticipation mixed with mostly disappointment. Party Down benefits from its one and done story structure. Each episode featuring and new event for the crew to cater keeps the storylines fresh.

The chemistry among the cast is also strong. Yeah, the characters are all stereotypes but that‘s what makes it funny and relatable. We’re most interested in Henry Pollard because he fit’s a stereotype that isn’t often examined, especially not that of a lead character of a television series. He proudly proclaims that he has quit. As an artist, it’s a apart of myself that I’m fascinated the explore. It makes the dynamic with Casey work since she is the “crazy” one who actually believes she will make it in the industry. Manager Ron Donald  supports Henry’s character well as it serves to give him a glimpse of how he could end up if he continues down the opposite path…for better or worst (mostly worst.)

With Jane Lynch and Adam Scott departures, Party Down only lasted two seasons. But sometimes the best series are short-lived (go see Freaks and Geeks.) Watching Party Down in the mornings over breakfast led me to really enjoy to series. It’s light, and seriously funny. Adam Scott is subdued and impressive in his first lead on a television series. You can find Party Down on Netflix streaming online, and on the Starz network.

First Season: A-

Second Season: B+

Overall: B+

-Omar Pierre

Follow on Twitter: @NeverHadMeAName.

127 Hours and Buried are the same, but different.

I watched two films recently. Danny Boyle’s 127 hours, and Buried from new comer Rodrigo Cortes. The premise of each film can be summed up from the same sentence: A man finds himself quite literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. Forgive me for over simplifying and trust me, both films are well worth watching. However, I couldn’t help but wonder why 127 hours was the film to receive Oscar nominations and not Buried? I set out to uncover what about 127 hours appealed more to Oscar voters, and audience member for that matter. While both films were clearly limited in how they could tell their story, each had clear definable “rules.”

Danny Boyle allows us time to get to know Aron Ralston (James Franco), the man before his inevitable tumble. We first see Ralston loading up on hiking supplies, ignoring a mother’s message, and riding mountainous terrains all by himself. And that‘s the way he wants it. Like a lone wolf howling into the night (forgive the cliche.) Ralston then slips on a crevice of rocks and falls underground where his arm is trapped under a rock. He is left with nothing but a bottle of water, 1 piece of food, a camera, and a dull knife. During Ralston’s week long endeavor, he also has a series of hallucinations and “flash forwards” if you will.

Buried offers a more challenging opening with Paul Conroy (Ryan Reynolds), already buried alive. He is left with a lighter, and a cell phone. Like Conroy, the camera is never allowed to leave the coffin. We are trapped with Conroy as he tries to piece together why he was put in this predicament. While the story is about Conroy, there are political and social themes throughout the film. Surrounding around the antagonist, an Iraqi Insurgent who is holding Conroy hostage for a 5 million dollar ransom.

There’s more wiggle room for 127 hours. Boyle uses hallucinations, plus Ralston self video “blog” as a way to easily illustrate Ralston’s emotions to the audience; equaling more mass appeal. There isn’t a whole lot left for interpretation. Buried isn’t quite so easy. Conroy is an American Contractor who believed he could work oversees and just stay neutral in the world’s most important issues. Cortes uses it as part of his narrative drive. In one scene, Conroy is forced to choose whether or not to record a hostage video that could be viewed by millions of people around the world. Conroy’s emotions are more complex and aren’t exactly spelled out from Cortes’ directorial style.

The films biggest similarity is that they are both personal human stories of struggle. 127 Hours is an uplifting triumph of the human spirit. Capturing the story of a self-reliant individual who by the end of the film learns to call out for help. Buried on the other hand  is by no means mainstream. It is dark, brutally honest and scary as hell. Which one would you rather see?

-Omar Pierre

Follow on twitter: @NeverHadMeAName

Hello there.

Finally, my very own forum. Welcome all and thanks for stopping by. If you don’t know me, I am Queens native who spends entirely too much time watching movies and sports. This blog is a place for me to write and complain about all I’ve seen.  For the most part I will be writing movie and television articles.  Occasionally sport topics as well because I feel like it.  

I’ve never done this before so we’ll see how this works out. If you guys keep coming back, I’ll keep writing. I’ll work hard to write at least a couple times a week.

Check back Monday for my first article as I show you why 127 hours got Oscar noms and not Buried. In the meantime you can follow me on Twitter @NeverHadMeAName.

Looking forward to writing to ya.

-Omar Pierre

Follow on Twitter @NeverHadMeAName