Film Geek Central  

Show Notes

Every week, Scott Davis and Austin Kennedy check out the latest, but not always the greatest films in the multiplexes. Everything from the biggest blockbusters, to the smallest indie films to the latest foreign films. Scott and Austin are film geeks by birth, keeping a critical eye on things, but bringing a lot of humor and energy to the proceedings as well. They don't always agree, but it's always entertaining.

• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 8/15/2009 4:24 AM UTC

  DISTRICT 9, THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, BANDSLAM, THE GOODS, PONYO, NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD
  

  Scott Davis here, and honestly it's not even fair. This week on Film Geek Central, we've got almost too much show for our two hosts to handle. Is it the biggest film show on the net? Who knows? But what we can't accomplish in earnest, we'll gladly make up for in hyperbole.
  
  
  
  No less than six reviews this week, and that's just the stuff that's in theatres.
  
  
  
  
  DISTRICT 9 is something different - a film that aims to be a smart, socially conscious sci-fi film. Add to that the fact that it is from a first time feature film director (Neill Blomkamp, who does have some amazing shorts under his belt) and it takes place in South Africa (the story draws parallels to apartheid), and it's pretty amazing this is being released during the summer. Could it be because the film was ushered into existence by the very forward-thinking, genre-loving Peter Jackson (LORD OF THE RINGS, KING KONG)? Are you kidding?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Counter-programming seems to be the name of the game this summer. In weeks when big genre films have premiered, we've had films geared towards women, films that are in short supply throughout the year really. THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE blends romance and sci-fi in a story where a woman deals with her one true love, who phases in and out of time, often leaving her awaiting his return. Rachel McAdams (THE NOTEBOOK, STATE OF PLAY) and Eric Bana (in his third film of the summer) star in this one.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  It's the Disney Channel reunion no one over the age of 12 has been waiting for with BANDSLAM. Actually, the story sounds a little bit charming as a group of kids, from both the outcasts and popular crowds, get together to form a band and win a coveted competition. This one stars Alyson Michalka (COW BELLES, PHIL OF THE FUTURE), Vanessa Hudgens (HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 1-3). Now, I am just honest enough to admit that I'm so out of it, I don't know who these people are. Maybe Austin can shed some light on this one.
  
  
  
  
  
  Jeremy Piven has been nurturing an image as an egotistical, workaholic player for a few years now and it's getting hard to figure out where the characters end and the actor begins. He's back, bringing along virtually everyone who had a supporting role in THE HANGOVER and ANCHORMAN. THE GOODS: LIVE HARD SELL HARD is about used car salesmen trying desperately to get some used cars sold in a climate where no one is buying. Wait a minute, this might be the most topical film of the summer.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  How does Film Geek Central separate themselves from the flock? Well, neither of us have been overly thrilled with the work of Hayao Miyazaki, the crown jewel of anime. PONYO is the latest film being hailed as a Pixar-quality addition to the world of animation, 2-D animation no less. We have every hope in the world of falling for this one where the others have not. Disney has brought this to theatres with a bigger release than the ones given to PRINCESS MONONOKE, SPIRITED AWAY or HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. It is in theatres with an English dub, voice acting that includes the amazing Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Liam Neeson and.... the latest offspring from the Jonas Brothers and Billy Ray Cyrus clans. Hrm.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  There's few things I love as much as exploitation cinema, and finding new avenues of cult cinema that I may have overlooked. That's why I'm excited about the new documentary NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD: THE WILD UNTOLD STORY OF OZPLOITATION. That's "Auzzie-ploitation" if you're going phonetically and the doc covers the rash of exploitation films to arise from Australia in the 1970s and 1980s. Sex films, horror films, car films, kung fu - all get covered here with interviewees such as Barry Humphries (a.k.a. Dame Edna), Quentin Tarantino and others. Please note that the above trailer is not work safe, nor should the kids be clicking on it. Okay, our conscience is clear.
  
  
  As always, we will also cover the DVD releases from the week, including I LOVE YOU MAN, 17 AGAIN, ALIEN TRESPASS, THE CLASS and PARIS 36. Plus, all the news that's fit to waste time on.
  
  The whole thing goes down Sunday night at 8:00 PM Eastern/7:00 PM Central at Film Geek Central.
  
  Remember that you can also download or stream the shows in the archives. Or, if you're feeling really adventurous, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes.
  
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  And of course, e-mail us at filmgeekcentral@gmail.com
  • Tags:
  • District 9
  • The Time Traveler's
  • Rachel McAdams
  • Vanessa Hudgens
  • Bandslam
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