But who will save us from superhero movie fatigue?

SUPERMAN AIN'T SAVIN' SHIT!

I remember how excited I got when I went to the cinema to watch Batman Returns. I was finally old enough to see Batman on the big screen. I didn’t know who Tim Burton was at the time; I was just excited to see Beetlejuice dressed up as my favourite superhero. This excitement for comic book movies has died a slow death for me over the past few years. Sure, I rushed to book tickets when the Nolan Batman movies were released. Sure, I stared with childlike wonderment at the screen when I saw a teenage boy discover he had the powers of a spider. I watched the Iron Man trailer more times than I can count but now, after a plethora of caped heroes with perfect jawlines and spandex clad abs, I am bored. I find myself watching the films just to see what happens next in what can only be described as a soap opera with a billion dollar production company behind it. I’m not particularly excited, just curious…and I find out every day that I am not alone in my thinking.

The market is saturated. Fatigue has set in. There are too many of these films, just like there were too many horror movies in the 80’s, too many teen flicks in the 90’s and too many dance movies in the 2000’s. Those genres eventually got to a point where the production companies realised that the time had come to move on and a lot of those films went down as cult classics…no matter how terrible some of them were. I fear that the Marvel and DC money-printing machines have no idea that the end is in sight and will continue on this route until they have destroyed the memory of all the superheroes I love so dearly. Eventually, it will all become one huge joke and (hopefully not) the actual medium these comic books were intended for, will die out with the last die-hard fans who still stand in line at the comic book store for the latest graphic novel. The art is gone and all that remains is a price tag attached to a marketing tool to sell more merchandise.

Remakes, reboots, comic book adaptations with sequel after sequel after sequel. Where are the writers? Where is the art of storytelling that I am obsessed with? Where has the creativity gone? Give us a Pulp Fiction. Give us a Forrest Gump. Give us a Back To The Future. Give us a Donnie Darko. Fuck, at this point I long for a Police Academy. I don’t want remakes or copies of those films, I just want the type of creativity that went into creating those stories that made me memorise every line and quote them with excitement.

Hopefully, we will get to a point where only one or two big blockbuster superhero films are released a year and the rest of Hollywood’s time and money will go into developing original ideas that finally give us value for the time and money we spend on supporting them.

That is all.

Ramz

Top 5 Movie Opening Scenes

Ramzee says:

Good opening scenes are always overlooked. I don’t know why, though. Everyone is always talking about the “twist ending” but few give the opening scene the credit it deserves.

Opening scenes get you excited for the rest of the film, it’s the moment when your mind gets taken out of this reality and transported into the world of the movie you’re watching. It’s the appetiser, the overture, the hors d’oeuvre (yes, that’s how you spell it). It’s the first date that sets the tone for the relationship, it’s the CV that gets you called in for an interview and when a filmmaker does it well, it is nothing short of genius.

5. Scream

The master of nightmares, Wes Craven (RIP), starts the chilly scene with a ringing telephone. Drew Barrymore answers and the voice that speaks next instantly makes its mark on pop culture.

4. Mulan

Surprised by this one? Watch this movie again and pay careful attention to this scene. A grappling hook thrown up onto the Great Wall and slowly gets dragged to the edge. A patrolling soldier sees it and follows it. He looks over the edge and a hundred more come up at him as the Huns attack. Lord Of The Rings doesn’t have anything as slick as this. Then the big bad guy, Shan-Yu, steps into the frame and, boom, cool villain moment! Every action movie cliché in the book and you can’t help but love every second of it.

3. Memento

Fuck it, I’ll just say it! Interstellar was a very average sci-fi flick!

Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, if all you Christopher Nolan groupies are done cursing me and have wiped yourselves after masturbating to the Dark knight trilogy, please hear me out.

 Nolan is good, no doubt, but he still hasn’t been able to beat his only real masterpiece, MEMENTO.

There are only 2 kinds of Christopher Nolan fans, those who know that Memento is his best film and those who haven’t seen Memento yet.

The opening scene of this film cannot be described in any way other than genius. The scene is in reverse order. That’s right, it runs backwards and pretty much gives away the ending of the film but is directed so beautifully that Nolan manipulates the audience into trying to solve a mystery where there is none. It’s like that American game show, Jeopardy, where they give you the answer and you have to guess the question. The opening scene of Memento is the answer and the question you have to figure out is “Who is Sammy Jankis” and “Why is it so important to remember him?”

2. X-men

Here’s another one that seems out of place but this one still haunts me and sends chills down my spine every time I watch it on e-tv (They play it a lot).

A little boy is separated from his mother in a Nazi concentration camp and as they drag the screaming child away, you see his power revealed as he bends the steel gates with his mind. That’s when you realise the boy is Magneto and suddenly you have a villain who you identify with as the victim. 

I must also add that I don’t think this scene would have made the list had it not been for the excellent acting of that boy who I have not seen in anything else since.

His name is Brett Morris (thanks IMDB). 

1. Pulp Fiction

Just a normal conversation between two petty criminals in a diner.

Nothing about this scene or the conversation drives the plot in any way. Tarantino simply starts the film like this because it is so unbelievably fucking entertaining to listen to and sets up the characters as average Joes who just happen to be criminals.

They’re just a normal couple with pet names for each other, unique views on life and trying to make it in the big bad world, just like everyone else…until they jumped onto that table, pulled their guns and made Tarantino fans of us all.

“I love you, Pumpkin.”

“I love you, Honey Bunny.”

“Everybody cool, this is a robbery.”

“Any of you fucking pricks move and I’ll execute every motherfucking last one of you!”

The Jillybean says:

5. Matrix

I mean, who could ever forget the 1^st time we saw Trinity… The first few minutes you were thinking to yourself, “okay! This chick is quite bad ass”, but then she did that jump-in-the-air-and-pause-in-a-kung-fu-pose thing before kicking that guy all the way across the room. I knew right there and then that this movie was going to be legendary.

4. Godfather

“Now you come to me and you say -- "Don Corleone give me justice." -- But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me Godfather. Instead, you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married, and you uh ask me to do murder, for money. “

Need I say more about this brilliant movie and portrayal by Marlon Brando

3. Bad Boys

“You damn right it’s limited! No cup holder, no backseat, just a shiny dick with two chairs in it. I guess we the balls just dragging the f*ck along.”

From the music to that first shot of the Porsche 911’s wheel rolling at a fast speed and of course, Jerry Bruckheimer’s name appearing on the credits, you know you are in for a hell of a ride. 

The part that really made this opening scene one of my favourites is the constant banter and the back & forth between Martin Lawrence and Will Smith.

2. Dark Knight Rises

Bane: “Or perhaps he’s wondering why someone would shoot a man before throwing him out of a plane”

CIA Agent: “At least you can talk. Who are you?”

Bane: “It doesn’t matter who we are, what matters is our plan. No one cared who I was until I put on the mask.”

Although this opening scene starts with a snippet of Jim Gordon’s speech, it does not really get interesting until we get a glimpse of the masked mercenary. There is no doubt in my mind that Tom Hardy delivered a 10/10 performance as Bane and it was his intensity that made me sit up and  realise that The Dark Knight Rises was not going to be a disappointment.

1. Desparado

“And in walks the biggest Mexican I have ever seen, Big as shit”

Who could ever forget the opening scene to this movie that touched all action movie fans in a very special place.  Steve Buscemi delivers the story of the Grimm Reaper like el mariachi like no one could have possibly done. Although it is action galore and gore everywhere (thank you Quentin Tarantino), this story is quite riveting and it keeps the audience, both in TV land and at the bar, hanging on Steve’s every word. This was a brilliant way to introduce the main character and the villain that is being hunted.

The song that followed simply just sweetened the deal.

That is all.

Special thanks to our guest Jillybean Olwam Magona.

Follow him on twitter  @olwam_

Top 5 Movie Soundtrack Albums

Ramzee says:

Let’s start this off with a quote from a little somebody named, William Shakespeare. “If music be the food of love, play on, give me excess of it.”

You might not agree with anything me or The Jillybean ever have to say, but you have to agree that old Bill Shakespeare knew his stuff.  Music is by far the most powerful way of stirring emotion. Way before Charlie Chaplin even dreamed of uttering a word onscreen, the film soundtrack was already capturing the hearts of millions.  Whether it’s the music in Chariots Of Fire that gets you pumping or witnessing Josie Grossie’s first kiss to the backtrack of a Beach Boys song, a film scene is burned into your memory and holds a special place in your heart because of that song that was chosen so perfectly for that specific scene.  Every romantic wishes that they could experience just one movie moment with that perfect song playing in the background.  Every athlete wishes that they could lift the trophy with the perfect song playing in the background. Every road trip is started with at least one person finding the perfect songs for playing in the background.  Why? Because without realising it, our favourite films have somehow chosen the playlist for us to have as the soundtrack to our lives.  Here are my Top 5 Movie Soundtrack Albums.

5. American Pie

Many of these 90’s, high school, coming of age, teeny bopper films had amazing soundtracks.  They chose the most popular pop rock songs of the year and plastered them wherever they could.  What makes American Pie stand out?  It didn’t use the song to define a mediocre movie moment like She’s All That did when Rachel Leigh Cook came walking down the stairs to the song, Kiss Me.  They used the songs to compliment each scene.  One of the best scenes is when Oz and Heather are having their first real conversation and Good Morning Baby is playing.  Best songs on the album are Sway by Bic Runga and Mutt by Blink 182.

4. The Lion King

Because it doesn’t matter how many Hanna Montana’s, Raven’s or Hillary Duff clones Disney shits out, Timon and Pumba will always be our favourite Disney singers.  From kids who watched the first screening to kids who are watching their parents’ old copies of The Lion King, all of us can sing along to every song in this movie.  Best songs on the album are Be Prepared and Hakuna Matata.

3. A Bronx tale

I’m a huge fan of Motown.  While everyone else is bopping their heads to Dubstep, that’s blaring so loudly in their headphones that the person down the street can hear it, I’m singing along and tapping my foot to old Motown songs.  Hugh Grant said it perfectly in Music & Lyrics, "You can take all the novels in the world, and not one of them will make you feel as good as fast as "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May"

This album has some of the best Motown songs along with some rock n roll and a bit of Dean Martin thrown in just for flavour.  Best songs are Tell It Like It Is by Aaron Neville and Streets Of The Bronx by Cool Change.

2. Pulp Fiction

Once again, the use of Motown was essential in this album to give some of the scenes the incredible atmosphere that this movie has.  Rock n Roll and Motown is not even the best part of the soundtrack album.  Best part is that snippets of dialogue from the film are included on the album. Best songs?  Let’s Stay Together by Al Green, Son Of A Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield, Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon by Urge Overkill (And yes, Neil Diamond fans, I know it’s actually his song) and You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry, 

1. Almost Famous

Nobody compiles a soundtrack album like Cameron Crowe.  Nobody.  As good as his films are, they would never be as good if he didn’t include the amazing music that has now become his signature.  It’s like his films are feature length music videos.  A Cameron Crowe film without great music would look weirder than Voldemort does without his nose.  This soundtrack has everything from Simon & Garfunkel to Led Zeppelin.  Best songs? Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tiny Dancer by Elton John.  Oh you don’t believe that an Elton John song could be one of the best songs on the album when Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Cat Stevens and The Who are all listed on this album? If you’ve seen this movie, then think back to the sing-a-long scene in the bus.  Yep, I knew you’d agree with me.  For those who have no idea what I’m talking about; here you go...

The Jillybean says:

I’ve been told to have quite an eclectic taste for music. Another little something that Ramzee and I simply love. A good ‘ol beat.

Now, my top 5 movie soundtracks just blows my mind. In fact, all I need to do is close my eyes, turn up the volume and I’d still enjoy it. Lies, lies, lies. My list not only offers you an array of great tunes from different eras but are classic movies that should be part of your dusty old movie collection already.

If you’re looking for movies to entertain you on those lonely nights when your bb light is not flashing and even your mom and dad has plans to go out, then here you go. And yes, it’s my pleasure.

5. Project X 

Walked into the cinema high on...life, and decided to catch this “party of the century” movie that had everyone talking. Of course my anticipation was on the top shelf and by the time I had placed my upsized coke in its holder and my coughing pop corn between my legs, I was over it. The picture at first was over whelming and gave me a damn headache. Not the kind of movie to be high on...life. Walked out and caught Contraband. Awesome. But we’ll leave it there.

A few weeks later I decided to give it another bash. My sexy Italian stallion flew into town for one night only. Chilling out in one of Cape Town’s beautiful hotels we got high on...life, curled up and got right into Project X. The beats were raunchy, dirty and the bass was blowing. It wasn’t long before we were in the mood to party and party hard. Needless to say, our rump shakers were up and we hit the town.

4. City of Angels

Loved the movie but “In the arms on an angel” was over played by my mum and it did my head in whenever I heard it. Along came Ramzee and guess who had the soundtrack on CD. An ORIGINAL copy. Got to love that guy. Driving home from work one day I slipped it into my cd player and I found myself enjoying 17:30 Cape Town traffic. A mix of soul and blues, it soothed my wild spirit. Pick of the soundtrack “Mamma you got a daughter”. If you want to connect with some soul and blues. Go and pick up this cd. It’s worth it.

3. Roll bounce

So here’s an era that many people are still living in. And so am I. The 70’s was all about love, cool outfits, funk and being high on...life.

The movie wasn’t the best. More like, easy TV. It was made to right the wrongs of the roller-disco-obsessed movies that were actually made while the craze was operating at full blast. The old school material was well chosen. Let me educate you. Bill Withers’ “Lovely day”, Foxy’s “Get off”, Vaughn Mason & Crew’s “Bounce, rock, skate, roll”, Chics “Le Freak”. Some of the newbies in the industry provides covers that couldn’t possibly match the originals but for some freaky funky juice, do yourselves and favour and listen to “a taste of honey” by Brooke Valentine. Yummy.

Be transported to the era of love...you can thank me later.

2. Dirty dancing

Is this one a little obvious? I hope not. I’m still waiting for my Ryan Gos...I meant Patrick Swayze to lift me up and make me feel like a feather. My dreams live on.

“Be my baby”, “Hungry eyes”, “Don’t you feel like crying”..actually, I might just pop that one into the DVD player tonight. This soundtrack gets me excited every time. Except that hoola hoola crap song sung by Baby’s older sister. My bleeding ears.

Definitely a few of these to be played at my wedding one day. Hopefully I can get out of always being the bridesmaid. Never the damn bride.

1. Rock of Ages

Ramzee, I sure hope you watched this by now and if not, “you have some splainin to do” (if you know where this line originally comes from, you have excellent taste in movies)

I have never in my life jumped off my chair and sang at the top of my alto voice like I did when I was watching this movie. Tom Cruise is brilliant (not that I’m big on this guy) but his performance was simply top class and I was sure I was on my way to being a rockstar after seeing this musical. That man made me believe! Don’t be alarmed. An 80’s over spill of freakin awesome mash ups performed by Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Katherine Zita Jones, Diego Boneta, Malin Akerman, Mary J Blige, Russel Brand and much more. Entertaining from beginning to end. Just go and see it already. You are going to love it you 80’s freaks!

That is all.