Pan Left Productions

Dear Movie Diary,

Last night (1/23/08) I finished seeing STARDUST on DVD. It was one of those fantasy-adventure films that I often stay away from because of my fear of its being boring and predictible. Stardust started out like that for me inspite of the high production values and great cast. I watched the last half, in a half-baked way and found that the last third of the film started to grip me a bit. But all in all, I wouldn't say it was a great movie for me. But there were two aspects I thorougly enjoyed about the move. One was Michelle Pfieffer's multidimensional performance. She was very believable as the wicked witchy old person qwesting for longevity by attempting to extricate the actual physical heart of a fallen star (who turns into a woman, Claire Danes, after she falls to Earth). Michelle let herself look quite ugly and aged. There was one time during the story, where she regained her youthful beauty. I haven't seen her in a movie in ages, but she still looked the same as ever when her character was youthful. A thought came to me that allowing herself to play an ugly old woman and doing a great acting job at it, might allow her to continue to act and grow old gracefully. I don't know how Hollywood feels about that, but Hollywood as it is now may be moot in the years to come, as human beings are recognized more and more as intelligent enlighted beings. The other aspect of the movie I liked was the way Claire Danes' character, the fallen star, would glow brighter and brighter as her happiness increased. White light would outline her and emanate further outward as her good moods intensified and especially when she felt in her power. I thought that was very cool. I recommend this film for people who like fantasy-adventure films, but overall I thought it was mildly entertaing with high production values.

Hi Diary,

The night before that, (1/22/08) I saw SUPER BAD for the 2nd time. I wanted a friend to see it with me (that's why I saw it a 2nd time). It was great the first time and even great the 2nd time. It is rare that I laugh at comedies, but in this movie, the humor is so bawdy and funny it is intense. Apparently, the writiers were 14-year-old boys when they first started writing it and finished it when they were 16. They let out all the stops, so you can imagine what came out. FILMMAKING LESSON: When you are creating, don't hold back and you will be wildly successful. This writing team created KNOCKED UP, which I thought couldn't hold a candle to SUPER BAD. Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg are the writers and the main characters are based on them when they were in high school and they are even named Seth and Evan. So, it looks like it's based on a true story (That will be another entry for you, diary, later.) It is so hilarious. I totally recommend it. WARNING: Do not attempt to see this with your children who younger than college age. If you do, you may find it very uncomfortable, unless you are one of those completely non-judgemental, enlightened parents. I wouldn't see it with any kid I babysat for, and I don't do babysitting anymore.

Hi again, Diary,

Just another note. I used to love horror movies, but I have suddenly become very sensitive, especially since heavily researching conspiracy theories. So I'm coming back up from the dungeon of doom and gloom and turning my attention around to visualize the best for the world during this transition to make sure things turn out right for all of us. (This is a Law of Attraction technique. I know the world is going to turn into a paradise when we get through this crap, and I want it to happen as soon as possible, hence changing my attention.) But I still kind of jones for a good horror movie. There are two films that especially correspond with things I have been researching (which I need to lay off for awhile). One is MASTERS OF HORROR: THE WASHINGTONIANS. This one-hour movie has fun political dark satire, and can be directly related to certain conspiracy theories. I hope I'm not giving too much away, but it is the story of a family that visits a small town in New England and discovers a cult of people descended from George Washington's cannibal club. There is a great twist at the end. WARNING: Somewhat graphic depictions of cannibal feasts, but if you can take it, they are fun.

The other recent horror favorite is an environmentally friendly, low-budget, film called, BLOOD CAR. Anna Chlumsky, who was famous to me from the movie, MY GIRL with Macaulay Culkin was the movie's star power. She plays the female lead and sort of love interest of the male lead, Mike Brune (whoever he is) as Archie Andrews. It takes place in the future, where gasoline is $33/gal. Lots of cars are stalled all over the place and only the very wealthy can drive. Most people can only travel by foot or bicycle. Archie is busy trying to get his car running again and is experimenting with wheat grass juice as fuel. He accidently cuts himself during his research, and well, can you guess what happens? WARNING: Blood scenes, violence, scenes of a dark future, promiscuous & loveless sex (but intelligently written and a great premise).

Well that's all for tonight, diary. There will be more tomorrow. I'm sorry that I am so sensative right now, but I can tell you about all the horrific, violent, dark movies I've seen in the past. I'm also sorry that I hate going to the theater anymore, because there is always someone kicking my chair. But I will see what I can do to see the latest films out there. I did see a couple of films at the Loft last weekend. I'll tell you about it later. In anycase, I can guarantee I will tell you about the latest off-beat, obscure, independent films.

Adios for now, my diary.

Jean