Cinebanter - 6th ANNUAL TELEBANTER

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula resume their tradition of rating the year in television during their 6th ANNUAL TELEBANTER. They also discuss the PARADISE LOST documentary trilogy. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 TOP 10 TV SHOWS of 2011

• Break

• 59:21 PARADISE LOST Discussion

• 1:22:42 Credits

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #110: SHAME

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula fight with passion, as they disagree on SHAME. In the Last Five®, Tassoula likes what she sees at the theater, while Michael makes it through another black-and-white classic. They also give their picks on those leading this season in award wins. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of SHAME

• Break

• 17:19 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 17:45 The Last Five®

• Break

• 46:03 Award Season Roundup

• 1:06:01 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: GREEN CHAIR, HUMP DAY, BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, M and IN BETWEEN DAYS. Tassoula's Last Five were: LOVE, ACTUALLY, YOUNG ADULT, WE BOUGHT A ZOO, YOU WILL MEET A TALL, DARK STRANGER and HUGO (in 3D).

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #109 - J. EDGAR

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula investigate the life of FBI legend Hoover, as they review J.EDGAR. In the Last Five®, both hosts return to their indie roots. They also respond to a Listener Last Five®. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of J.EDGAR

• Break

• 20:40 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 21:22 The Last Five®

• Break

• 53:00 Listener Last Five (Steven in Northern Virginia)

• 1:03:25 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: DRIVE, MONEYBALL, MARGIN CALL, TAKE SHELTER and THE SKIN I LIVE IN. Tassoula's Last Five were: GHOSTBUSTERS, FROM THE SKY DOWN, ESCAPE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN, JERRY MAGUIRE and MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins, and also Vincent Do, for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #108 - THE IDES OF MARCH

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula get their political junkie fix, as they review THE IDES OF MARCH. In the Last Five®, both hosts explore new music documentaries about two of their favorite bands. They also respond to feedback about their most recent show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of THE IDES OF MARCH

• Break

• 17:19 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 18:02 The Last Five®

• Break

• 47:50 Listener Feedback (Anonymous in Sacramento)

• 57:25 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: STRAW DOGS (1971), CIRCUMSTANCE, PEARL JAM TWENTY, DRIVE and MONEYBALL. Tassoula's Last Five were: MONEYBALL, THE BEAVER, IT WAS A WONDERFUL LIFE, GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD and THE DOORS.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins, and also Vincent Do, for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #107 - CONTAGION

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula wash their hands compulsively, as they review CONTAGION. In the Last Five®, Tassoula catches up with a few older documentaries, while Michael revisits the first R rated film he ever saw. They also reveal their top five films of the year so far. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of CONTAGION

• Break

• 21:47 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 22:44 The Last Five®

• Break

• 50:27 Top Five of the Year So Far

• 1:06:21 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: APOCALYPSE NOW, SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, SENNA, STRAW DOGS (1971) and CIRCUMSTANCE. Tassoula's Last Five were: A GOOD OLD FASHIONED ORGY, HARLAN COUNTY USA, IMAGE OF AN ASSASSINATION: A NEW LOOK AT THE ZAPRUDER FILM, THE WHALE and THE LAST UNICORN.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #106 - TABLOID

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula rejoice in the return of documentarian Errol Morris, as they review his latest film TABLOID. In the Last Five®, the hosts disagree about a movie playing in theaters now. They also respond to a Listener Last Five® and Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of TABLOID

• Break

• 13:34 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 14:14 The Last Five®

• Break

• 48:25 Listener Last Five® (Eric from San Mateo) & Listener Feedback (Chris)

• 57:09 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE UNFORGIVEN; CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE; RESCUE DAWN; TOUCH OF EVIL and 28 DAYS LATER. Tassoula's Last Five were: ALL OR NOTHING; CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE; HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, PART 2; THE HELP and GONE WITH THE WIND.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Vincent Do, Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #105 - BEFORE SUNRISE AND BEFORE SUNSET

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula gush at their favorite pair of romantic films, BEFORE SUNRISE and BEFORE SUNSET, to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Cinebanter. In the Last Five®, Michael sees a profound documentary, while Tassoula revisits one of her favorite Michael J. Fox films. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of BEFORE SUNRISE, Part 1

• Break

• 24:38 Discussion of BEFORE SUNRISE, Part 2

• Break

• 40:05 Discussion of BEFORE SUNSET

• Break

• 1:10:06 The Last Five®

• Break

• 1:41:54 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: TREE OF LIFE, HOOPER, IMMORTAL BELOVED, HOW TO DIE IN OREGON and UGETSU. Tassoula's Last Five were: AMERICAN BEAUTY, LARRY CROWNE, TREE OF LIFE, LAST DAYS and DOC HOLLYWOOD.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Vincent Do, Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #104 - MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula imagine themselves in other eras during their review of MIDNIGHT IN PARIS. In the Last Five®, Michael discusses the must-see film of 2011, while Tassoula indulges in several silly comedies. Tassoula also provides her report from the recent Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

• Break

• 11:53 To Sum it Up

• Break

• 12:36 The Last Five®

• Break

• 49:24 SIFF Report

• 1:05:59 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: MEAN GIRLS, SUPER 8, TURKEY BOWL, ONCE and TREE OF LIFE. Tassoula's Last Five were: BRIDESMAIDS, EASY A, THE HANGOVER PART II, SUPER 8 and AMERICAN BEAUTY.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Vincent Do, Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

HOT COFFEE Debuts on HBO Tomorrow

Tassoula recently reviewed this documentary when she screened it at the Seattle International Film Festival (see post below). Now, you can watch this film starting tomorrow, June 27, exclusively on HBO.

Here's the trailer:



For additional content from HBO.com, click here.

SIFF Sighting: REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR (Documentary; USA)

In 2006, one of my favorite films at SIFF

was Who Killed the Electric Car? Directed by Chris Paine, it was an expose presented like a murder mystery, about the rise and eventual demolition of the EV1 electric car.

The audience laughed (and sometimes cried) at what was put before them, then were encouraged to act when they left the theater. To write to the government. To boycott GM. To get mad as hell.

And something worked.

As if by magic (er, American auto industry collapse), one of the most staunch supporters of the old school—Bob Lutz of GM—changed his mind and became an advocate for the creation and revival of electric cars.

So, Paine brought the band back together and created this follow-up documentary, Revenge of the Electric Car, to bring everyone up to speed (no pun intended) on what has transpired in the past five years.

The update is (thankfully) good news about the progress electric car creators are making, and a look at how happy all of the consumers are with the finished vehicles.

Like the first film, there are celebrity appearances—Danny DeVito, Jon Favreau, The Governator—though Lutz is by far the most interesting person on screen. But unlike the first film, there is nothing here that holds everything together.

Sure, the topic (and political slant) is consistent, but what's missing is the fun gimmick of the 'murder mystery' in the first.

Of course that same theme wouldn't work well here, but going for a different, humorous theme may have kept the pace a bit more agreeable.

Basically, if you have interest in electric cars, you're sure to smile a lot throughout; but if you're going to the film simply to be entertained and enlightened, you may instead find yourself checking your watch.

Sometimes sequels just don't deliver.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: THE OFF HOURS (Drama; USA)

It seems there is always one film at the festival each year that has me debating whether to walk out or not. This year, that film was The Off Hours.

Set in a small town near Seattle, the main character Francine (Amy Seimetz), is directionless, unintelligent, loose and broke.

The men in her life are her roommate/former foster brother, a truck driver who visits the diner where she works, the boss at the diner (always sitting in a chair or coming out of the kitchen to tell people to get to work) and one female colleague who doesn't serve much of a purpose. Yeah, that about covers it.

It's one of those films that has you counting the 'independent' tags throughout instead of focusing on the (sad) script. Late night diner featuring old, half-full, glass coffee pot? Check! Depressed town with no hope of recovery? Check! Woman trying to 'find' herself? Check! Alcoholic, deadbeat Dad? Check!

The dismal part is that the main actress in this film can truly act. Though I cared nothing for Francine or her supporting cast of lifelong losers, I really did believe her, and that's a credit to Amy Seimetz, who brought her to life. I hope she continues on and gets a part in something more matched to her talent.

Unfortunately many will mistake this pretension for art, and that unfortunately, it is not.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: Summer Coda (Romance; Australia)

Heidi (Rachael Taylor) is like many other American girls—raised by a single mother with only a handful of memories from the days her father was still around.

Michael (Alex Dimitriades) is the operator of an Australian orange grove, who is trying to heal from his painful past.

Their meet-cute happens as Heidi is on her way to Australia to attend the funeral of her absent father and she hitchhikes into town. Michael, worried for her safety, picks her up and the two develop something that resembles friendship.

When Heidi is met with a less-than-pleasant reception from her stepmother, she leaves the family home and seek's refuge at Michael's house, becoming one of his orange pickers.

Feelings soon develop between the two, but they don't act on them because of the secrets they have yet to share with one another.

This all plays out with a quiet tension that's painfully real and also hopelessly romantic.

The actors and their situations are all believable, and the slow pace of the film can be easily forgiven since most of what we see throughout the narrative are beautiful places and beautiful people.

For a first feature film, director Richard Gray has done quite well.

I'm anxious to see his next project, which he is coincidentally filming in Washington state.

Summer Coda screened at The 37th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

~~~

Another Change of Plans

Sorry folks—Michael has decided the film we'll review for Cinebanter #104 will be MIDNIGHT IN PARIS; not THE HANGOVER II, as previously announced.

We regret the error and promise not to change our minds again.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

SIFF Sighting: HIT SO HARD (Documentary; USA)

"Patty will always be my drummer." –Courtney Love Cobain

Of course, Courtney's talking about Patty Schemel, the small-town Washington state musician that helped develop the band Hole's sound, and battled a terrible addiction to drugs and alcohol along the way.

It may sound cliché on paper, but the life Schemel entered into when she joined the band, and the resulting life she lives now—after rising above it so many years later—is nothing short of miraculous.

Raised in Marysville, Wash., Schemel always knew she was different, but wasn't comfortable being openly gay in her small home town. She channeled her energy into music and was a member of several bands before landing in Hole.

During her early years with the band, she lived with Courtney and her famous husband, Kurt Cobain. They became close, and as Courtney mentioned in the film, the couple discussed "sharing" Patty's talent between their two bands because they both liked her playing so much. But Nirvana never got the chance to use her.

She settled in to Hole, grieved the death of Cobain soon thereafter and then just two months later, endured the death of the Hole bassist, Kristen Pfaff.

Patty had scattered periods of sobriety, but most of the time, the aftermath of grief left her perpetually waiting until the next time she could get high.

The addition of replacement bassist, Melissa Auf der Maur helped somewhat, giving her a BFF within the band, but even the strength of Melissa's friendship wasn't enough to pull Patty out of her addiction.

This documentary, directed by P. David Ebersol, gives a candid portrait of her battle, featuring footage going as far back as the early 90s, spliced with present day reflections from her Hole bandmates, other musicians in the industry, her mother and her brother.

They all speak lovingly of Patty, who was thankfully able to turn her life around before it was too late.

It's an enjoyable, if not somewhat painful, glimpse into the world of a true survivor.

Hit So Hard screened at The 37th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

~~~

SIFF Sighting: PAGE ONE: INSIDE THE NEW YORK TIMES (Documentary; USA)

Be sure to wear black if you're heading to this one—you'll feel as if you're attending a funeral.

Though The New York Times newspaper has so far survived the media rapture, there is constant speculation that its days are numbered.

This documentary, Page One: Inside The New York Times, takes you behind the curtain of the famous Gray Lady to take the temperature of those who live it, and ultimately love it. Not to be missed!

The Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States. Now in its 37th year, the event runs through June 12.

Cinebanter #102 - THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula exercise free will as they share their thoughts on THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU. In the Last Five®, Michael heads down a dismal path, while Tassoula revisits a 70s classic on the big screen. Michael also provides a wrap-up of the recent Cinequest Film Festival. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU

• Break

• 15:54 To Sum it Up

• Break

• 16:49 The Last Five®

• Break

• 55:33 Michael's Cinequest 21 Report

• 1:11:36 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK, OF GODS AND MEN, FISH TANK, GROWN UPS and THE WOMAN CHASER . Tassoula's Last Five were: A WALK ON THE MOON, CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS, CEDAR RAPIDS, NO WOMAN, NO CRY and TAXI DRIVER.

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane and Mark Cummins for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Last Call for Participants on Tonight's Live Oscar Blog

This is your last chance to send us your Twitter username if you want to be included in tonight's Live Tweet. Once our blog posting begins in just a few short hours, we will not add any additional users.

Send us an e-mail at cinebanter@gmail.com or Tweet your username to @cinebanter ASAP if you haven't already.

Only a few hours until showtime!

Wanna Join in on the Cinebanter Live Oscar Blog?

For the fifth consecutive year, Michael and Tassoula will be hosting a live blog during the Oscars®—for the second year, you're invited to join them!

Using Cover It Live, Michael and Tassoula will be able to post to their individual Twitter accounts (@michaelvox and @tassoula) and those Tweets will populate live on cinebanter.com. It will be a faster, more succinct way of posting and both hosts can comment at the same time (vs. in the past when they took turns).

The best part? If you send them your username, they'll add you to the user list and your Tweets will appear alongside theirs. You won't need to join any new websites or register anywhere. They urge those who want to participate to go this route vs. leaving comments as the show progresses—that slows the hosts down from blogging and can cause them to miss crucial parts of the broadcast.

If you want your Tweets to appear on the blog that night (February 27), please send your Twitter username to cinebanter@gmail.com. Space is limited, as there are a maximum amount of users allowed via the platform.

The blog will begin Sunday, February 27, in the afternoon, when Michael and Tassoula order their annual pizzas.

To view an archive of last year's live blog, click here.

Cinebanter Special Edition - OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS 2011

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula open their envelopes as they reveal their OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS for 2011. They also announce their next show. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Oscar Discussion, Part 1
• Break
• 15:13 Oscar Discussion, Part 2
• 44:33 Credits & Outtakes

If you'd like to subscribe to the show (it's free, of course) via iTunes, click here. Please leave comments if you like what you hear.

Want to donate to the show and help with production costs, server fees, etc.? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of movies Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter #101 - BLUE VALENTINE

The mp3 of this show can be found here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula exhibit their differences of gender during their review of BLUE VALENTINE. In the Last Five®, Michael finds four quality films, while Tassoula is embarrassed by one of her choices. The hosts also announce the topic of their next episode. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Discussion of BLUE VALENTINE, Part 1
• Break
• 20:32 Discussion of BLUE VALENTINE, Part 2
• 42:47 To Sum it Up
• Break
• 43:32 The Last Five®
• 1:20:06 Credits & Outtake

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: NICE GUY JOHNNY, THE KING'S SPEECH, TRUE GRIT, CASINO JACK and BIUTIFUL . Tassoula's Last Five were: SPRING BREAKDOWN, THE ECLIPSE, WINNEBEGO MAN, A PRESIDENT TO REMEMBER: IN THE COMPANY OF JOHN F. KENNEDY and I NEED THAT RECORD!

Want to contribute to the show and help with production costs and server fees? Click on the "Make a Donation" button to the left of this blog.

Special thanks to Brad Daane, Mark Cummins and Vincent Do for providing the original music in this episode.

Tassoula has reviews, musings and movie-related product links at Tassoula's Movie Review Blog.

Reviews and/or notes of every movie Michael sees can be found at his MichaelVox website.

Feedback is always welcome - you may leave comments here or e-mail the hosts at cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!