Cinebanter Special Edition - TOP 10 OF 2012

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula deliver their better-late-than-never TOP 10 OF 2012. They also share honorable mentions and the worst movies they saw last year. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 TOP 10 OF 2012 (part 1)
• Break
• 21:29 TOP 10 OF 2012 (part 2)
• Break
• 53:34 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, 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 Special Edition - OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS 2013

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula offer their annual OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS. They also lament glaring omissions and recall their favorite moments from the nominated films. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS (part 1)
• Break
• 21:10 OSCAR PICKS AND PREDICTIONS (part 2)
• Break
• 33:03 Credits and Outtakes

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 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 mailto:cinebanter@gmail.com.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Cinebanter - 7th ANNUAL TELEBANTER

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula celebrate the small screen in the 7th ANNUAL TELEBANTER episode where they share their best television shows of 2012. They also feature a special "hate watch" segment, and in the Last Five®, Michael is disappointed in an old favorite, while Tassoula cries her eyes out during a new release. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 TOP 10 TV of 2012/Hate Watch
• Break
• 50:45 The Last Five®
• Break
• 46:27 Listener Last Five (Nathan in Lincoln) & Awards Commentary
• 1:10:40 Credits and Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LES MISERABLES; AFTER THE WEDDING; THE LEOPARD; DJANGO UNCHAINED and CHASING AMY Tassoula's Last Five were: SKYFALL; ABOUT A BOY; INTRUDERS; THE IMPOSSIBLE and ZERO DARK THIRTY.

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 #119 - SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula are divided by the sentiment of SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. In the Last Five®, Michael confesses to dozing during one of the year's biggest hits, while Tassoula exercises bad judgment and sees a current horror flick alone. They also respond to a Listener Last Five and comment on the approaching awards season. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK

• Break

• 18:01 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 18:28 The Last Five®

• Break

• 46:27 Listener Last Five (Nathan in Lincoln) & Awards Commentary

• 1:02:24 Credits and Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: LOOPER; ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST; WARRIOR; LINCOLN and LAKE OF FIRE. Tassoula's Last Five were: THE SESSIONS; THE COLLECTION; TWO FAMILY HOME; A CHRISTMAS CAROL and KILLING THEM SOFTLY.

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 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 117 - THE MASTER

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula aren't fooled into falling for THE MASTER. In the Last Five®, Michael has a case of deja vu, while Tassoula sees her favorite film of the year so far. The hosts also offer a Halloween Horror Bonus and look back on scary films that have made an impact on their lives. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of THE MASTER

• Break

• 23:45 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 24:24 The Last Five®

• Break

• 46:42 Halloween Horror Bonus

• 106:43 Credits & Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE RED BALLOON; THE WHITE MANE; LUST, CAUTION; ROBOT & FRANK and COMPLIANCE. Tassoula's Last Five were: RATTLE AND HUM; MOMMIE DEAREST; FRANKENWEENIE; HELP! and ARGO.

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 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 #115 - THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula suffer a battle of epic proportions as they disagree on the worth of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. In the Last Five®, Michael goes classic while Tassoula takes advice from Entertainment Weekly. They also chat about the quality of movie theater experiences in our modern age. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Discussion of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
• Break
• 31:53 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 32:30 The Last Five®
• Break
• 56:11 Movie Theater Experiences in the Modern Age
• 1:10:27 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: MARINA ABRAMOVIC: THE ARTIST IS PRESENT, IN THE FAMILY, RIO BRAVO, PRIVATE FEARS IN PUBLIC PLACES and VITO. Tassoula's Last Five were: GOD BLESS OZZY OSBOURNE, HUMPDAY, TO ROME WITH LOVE, THE DAYTRIPPERS and CINEMANIA.

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 #114 - TED

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula are surprised at how funny they find TED to be. In the Last Five®, they enter a heated debate about the merits of MAGIC MIKE. They also respond to a Listener Last Five from one of their regulars, who is now all grown up. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:32 Discussion of TED
• Break
• 16:55 To Sum It Up
• Break
• 17:34 The Last Five®
• Break
• 58:28 Listener Last Five (Jordan in South Bend)
• 1:09:01 Credits

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: NORTH BY NORTHWEST, MAGIC MIKE, OFFSIDE, CARY GRANT: A CLASS APART and MARINA ABRAMOVIC: THE ARTIST IS PRESENT. Tassoula's Last Five were: MOONRISE KINGDOM, PUBLIC SPEAKING, RAMPART, MAGIC MIKE and HARD TIMES: LOST ON LONG ISLAND.

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 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!

SIFF Sighting: ETHEL (Documentary, USA)

Everyone knows about JFK; most people also remember his brother, RFK, but what about Robert's widow, Ethel?

Ethel Skakel married Robert Kennedy when she was just 22, and together they produced 11 children. Their love was true, and as she tells it, happened at first sight.

In this amazingly intimate documentary by Ethel's youngest child Rory, Ethel herself—along with many of her children—tells the audience about her years on this earth from start to finish.

From her idyllic childhood in a (strictly Republican) Irish Catholic household to her absolute love for her husband and his service to America, to raising 11 children mostly on her own, Ethel has lived quite a life.

The stories her children tell here are nothing short of hilarious (she once brought home a seal to have as a pet; she once stole horses from a neighboring property to feed them). Her spunk, her smile and her spirit even now shine bright and are presented beautifully here in this funny yet moving portrait.

The Kennedy men will always be remembered for their contributions to our society. This film reminds us that the women in their lives had a lot to do with their efforts.

ETHEL screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: LIBERAL ARTS (Comedy, USA)

Jesse (Josh Radnor), 35, travels to his alma mater to speak at a retirement ceremony for one of his beloved professors and meets 19-year-old Zibby (Elizabeth Olsen). They develop a 'connection' and Jesse has to determine whether or not the risks of being with her outweigh the joy.

The all-star cast, featuring Richard Jenkins, Allison Janney and Zac Efron are all wonderful, as are the leads in this charming 'what if' about morality.


LIBERAL ARTS screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

Cinebanter #112: THE AVENGERS

The mp3 of this show is here.

In this episode, Michael and Tassoula harness their own superpowers, as they review THE AVENGERS. In the Last Five®, both find Martin Scorsese connections in their lists. They also respond to Listener Feedback. The breakdown is as follows:

• 00:00 Intro

• 00:32 Discussion of THE AVENGERS

• Break

• 25:33 To Sum It Up

• Break

• 26:11 The Last Five®

• Break

• 55:32 Listener Feedback

• 1:06:31 Credits and Outtakes

Michael's Last Five in this episode were: THE STORY OF THE WEEPING CAMEL, BERNIE, SAVING FACE, THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT and ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS. Tassoula's Last Five were: MY VOYAGE TO ITALY, 50/50, THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT, NEWLYWEDS and SAY ANYTHING.

See Tassoula in the Seattle PI (she's in the costume contest photo, to the left of "Jennifer").

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 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!

SIFF Sighting: TWO FOR THE ROAD (Classic, United Kingdom)

Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney play Joanna and Mark: a 60s-era couple that succumbs to the stereotypical failures of a wedded union.

They begin, as most couples do, passionately in love with one another; playful and carefree.

They're both gorgeous, charismatic and engaging, so what could possibly go wrong, right?

Their story is told in non-chronological flashbacks, so we alternately experience their best memories along with their worst. Sort of like real life, which is alternately touching and frustrating.

The most entertaining bits feature them on a road trip with another couple and their obnoxious young daughter Ruthie (Gabrielle Middleton). The parents here are on the cusp of the generation that started letting discipline go out the window in favor of allowing kids to explore their "feelings" and "experience independence." The little brat spotlighted in this role is a perfect example of why that parenting trend was (and continues to be) a huge failure—blatant displays of entitlement and general disrespect. But I digress...

The two leads here behave much like the couple in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, which came five years prior to this film, but without the same intensity or venom.

Their fights are uncomfortable, sure, but not entirely enough to convince the audience they won't eventually kiss and make up.

Overall, it's not a bad film, and the recent restoration by The Film Foundation and Twentieth Century Fox makes the print glow with nostalgia and light.

TWO FOR THE ROAD screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: TAKE THIS WALTZ (Drama, Canada)

Margot (Michelle Williams) and Lou (Seth Rogen) are a happily (if not immature) married couple going through the motions of life. He's a cookbook writer; she spends her days hanging out with Lou's alcoholic sister Gerry (Sarah Silverman).

When it is discovered that cute Daniel (Luke Kirby) is her neighbor, Margot tests the waters of infidelity.

The performances here are first rate, but the story and tone have trouble deciding what they want to be.


TAKE THIS WALTZ screened at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: 2 DAYS IN NEW YORK (Comedy, USA)

Julie Delpy brings her character Marion back as an older version of her neurotic self in this follow up to the witty 2 DAYS IN PARIS.

In this installment, Chris Rock plays her loving partner Mingus, who appears to be almost saint-like until his patience wears thin during a visit from Marion's obnoxious French family.

This ride through clashing cultures and true romance is a delightful romp, just as the first.


2 DAYS IN NEW YORK screened at the 38th annual Seattle International Film Festival.

SIFF Sighting: DREAMS OF A LIFE (Documentary, United Kingdom)

How can a vibrant, social woman in her 30s, living in a big city, die alone in her home and not be discovered for three years?

This is what the documentary DREAMS OF A LIFE examines in the true story of Joyce Carol Vincent.

Joyce was apparently wrapping Christmas presents one evening in 2003 and died of what must have been natural causes. She was found in 2006, her remains so decomposed they could not definitively determine what killed her.

Due to the type of housing she lived in, her rent was covered for a long time, her electricity was never shut off (her television was still on when she was found) and she was in between jobs so none of her colleagues "missed her." The friends she had knew of her as a free spirit and figured she was off on some adventure. Her mail continued to be delivered, piling up in her front room where it landed. No one realized her body lay ready to be discovered in a London flat.

What this documentary does is re-enact certain elements of Joyce's life using an actress who bears a strong resemblance to her, and they mix that with talking head interviews with friends and acquaintances who can't believe she's gone.

The story is undeniably fascinating and speaks to a larger issue in the lack of community of present times. However, I do think the filmmakers focused too much on silly details (so what if she liked to sing—we didn't need to hear several 'songs' to represent that) and not enough time on her living sisters and the actual investigation following the discovery of her body.

Nonetheless, a powerful representation of what can happen, even in this age of information sharing and virtual connectedness.

DREAMS OF A LIFE screened at the 38th annual Seattle International Film Festival.

Scenes from SIFF: Opening Night Red Carpet and Gala Reception

SIFF Sighting: THE MEXICAN SUITCASE (Documentary, Mexico)

What if your work or work of art at the height of your career went missing only to turn up five decades later?

That's what happened to three photographers who shot 126 rolls of film during the Spanish Civil War. And though the photojournalists are no longer with us, their haunting images of that time survived completely intact in a Mexican closet. How they got from France (which is where they were last seen) to Mexico remains a mystery.

The three boxes that were found were nicknamed "The Mexican Suitcase," and that's where this illuminating documentary gets its name.

Aside from showing countless images from the boxes (now restored and safely residing at The International Center of Photography), the film tells the stories behind photographers David “Chim” Seymour, Gerda Taro, and Robert Capa.

What's great about the narrative is that even if you're not a history buff, or particularly fascinated by photography, the story is rich and presented in a beautiful way.

It's essentially a time capsule brought to life.

The Mexican Suitcase will screen at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. For tickets, visit the SIFF website.

SIFF Sighting: THE 5000 DAYS PROJECT: TWO BROTHERS (Documentary, USA)

"Some kids have a journal; I have an older brother," says Luke Nelson, one of the two brothers featured in this installment of The 5,000 Days Project.

The idea that Director Rick Stevenson came up with a decade ago, to chronicle the lives of elementary students as they grew, will sound very familiar to those who love the British Up series by Michael Apted, who revisits the original children he interviewed for the 1964 TV show every seven years (critic's note: the latest edition, 56 Up, debuted yesterday and follows three of the original kids).

This is a bit different—shot in closer installments—and this particular 'chapter' zeroes in on two Mormon brothers in Shoreline, Wash. When they're little, they don't get along. When they're older, they discover Sam has a problem with depression and Luke turns out to be his biggest ally. When they're ready to leave the nest, one heads to a foreign country on his religious mission; the other sets out to play football at a Mormon university.

The trouble is: if you can't relate to Mormonism or being someone's brother or battling depression, there's not a lot of revelation here for you as an audience member. It's not presented in a way that makes you want to invest any emotion.

There are admittedly tender moments and sweet memories shared here, but the footage feels too much like unedited home movies to be completely effective. I'd revisit Up again before watching another chapter of this.


THE 5,000 DAYS PROJECT: TWO BROTHERS will screen at the 38th annual Seattle International Film Festival later this month. For tickets, visit the SIFF website.

SIFF Sighting: 6 Points About Emma (Drama, Spain)

Emma (Verónica Echegui) is a beautiful girl in her twenties, dying to become a mother. To achieve this, she sleeps with various men to try to get pregnant; not always telling them this is her goal. Emma claims she wants to love someone, but fears she is incapable of it since she does not become attached to her lovers.

Also, Emma is blind.

Germán (Alex Garcia) is the therapist that leads the group sessions she attends for persons of various disabilities. There are deaf lesbians, paralyzed women hungry for intimacy and mentally retarded men. It's a colorful bunch, and Emma emerges as the most confident and comfortable with the hand in which she's been dealt.

Soon, Emma adds Germán to her list of lovers and a series of events follows that makes her question her ability not to be hurt by her partners. It's just sex anyway, right? And she's using them too, right?

The thing I loved about this film was that the story, though focused on a disabled person, really had nothing to do with their disability.

Sure, we saw how much easier it was for Emma to be taken advantage of because of her blindness, but it wasn't the reason we were watching the film—and that's refreshing.

Verónica Echegui is delicate and strong all at once and reminded me of Natalie Portman throughout. Alex Garcia makes Germán someone you want to like despite his reprehensible actions.

If you're in the mood for an unconventional love story/dramedy, you shouldn't miss this film.

6 POINTS ABOUT EMMA will screen at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival next month with director Roberto Pérez Toledo in attendance. For tickets, visit the SIFF website.

SIFF Sighting: 38 WITNESSES (Thriller, France)

In the spring of 1964, a young woman named Kitty Genovese was brutally raped and murdered in New York, just steps from her apartment. 38 people heard the attack; none acted quickly enough to save her life.

This true story became famous and ignited many psychological studies into group mentality (the theory was that most likely everyone who heard her screams figured someone else had already called the police).

Kitty's murder also inspired this film, 38 WITNESSES, a fictional version of the crime which takes place in France.

This spin on the situation focuses on the guilt of the witnesses rather than the loss of the girl.

At first, all claim not to have heard anything at the time of the attack, but then Pierre (Yvan Attal), who lives in the same complex, can't live with himself and comes forward to confess he heard it all. This causes the investigation to re-open and interview the 37 other witnesses as well. Of course, not all 37 were asleep during the crime.

Director Lucas Belvaux poses an interesting question in his exploration of the witnesses, that makes us ponder the aftermath of the real event. What happened to all of those people who heard Kitty die? Did they suffer remorse for their silence? Did they just go on as if nothing had happened? Or were their relationships, jobs and futures affected by the tragedy?

The acting and production value in this film is superb, though we would've probably felt more empathy with the characters had we spent some time with the victim. We as an audience don't get to learn about the life that is lost, which does provide a convenient detachment from the case.

But it's a good, solid film from an impressive director and cast.


38 WITNESSES will screen later this month at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. For tickets, visit the SIFF website.

SIFF Sighting: PRICE CHECK (Comedy, USA)

I've always been a fan of Parker Posey and the types of films in which she stars, but her character in this drama-that-wants-to-be-a-comedy has to be an exception.

Pete (Eric Mabius) is an uptight, seemingly unhappy marketing expert that had to take a job with a grocery chain because the industry he really wants to be a part of (music) is failing.

Posey plays Susan, an obnoxious executive brought into Pete's regional office to save the day. She arrives guns blazing and at first we can't tell if she's calculated or just crazy. The further we travel through the story, we realize she is both.

Susan seems to crave an idyllic family life like the one Pete has, so she ingratiates herself into his—befriending his wife and showing up at their son's school parties. She rewards Pete with a generous raise and heaps of ego-boosting attention, which leads him to make some poor decisions in his personal life.

The problem is, the film leaves no one to root for. Susan is nuts; Pete is boring and apparently easily corrupted; his wife is money-hungry and the other folks in the office are borderline cartoonish.

It's a shame this misses the mark, as the premise was a good one.

PRICE CHECK will screen at the 38th Annual Seattle International Film Festival. For tickets, visit the SIFF website.