Sunday Screening #39: Live Tweet Spooktacular! 10-30-2011

So, some of us were talking and we decided it’s about time we make use of some of this “technology” stuff all the cool kids have been talking about. So we decided we’re going to do a live tweet event with our Halloween Sunday Screening. And if that’s not enough interaction for you, we’re also going to have a poll to decide which film we’re going to screen. They are all horror films in honor of Halloween. We’re planning on doing the screening at the same time across the US so we can all participate at the same time (we’ll see how that works). Pick your favourite below.

The movie will start at 1pm Eastern (Noon Central, 10am Pacific).

Sunday Screening #38: Once Upon a Time in the West

Hi there Screeners. I figured it’s seemed like a while since we watched a Western, so why not rectify that. I’ve seen a few of Leone’s spaghetti westerns, but I’ve never seen this one. Many consider Once Upon a Time in the Westerns ever made, and I’d like to see if I agree with them. It’s going to be a hard battle as I’ve always had a soft spot for John Wayne films (thanks to my Grandad).

Sunday Screening #37 (in a row?): Clerks

I know the number 37 has a lot of connection to movies (here’s a list http://magliery.com/37/movies.html ) but I think the number will always remind me of the Kevin Smith film Clerks. Whether you want to admit it or not Kevin Smith was part of a change to filmmaking. Along with Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez (who live in my town) a new era of low-budget DIY filmmaking was brought to the forefront. This movie along with Mallrats will always have a special place in my heart. When I first saw them on VHS I worked at a Convenience Store and drove a Volkswagen. I really enjoyed the sequel, and am saddened that Kevin Smith has decided to quit filmmaking after his forthcoming Hockey film (which is going to be 2 films). I’d really like to see where Dante, Randall, Silent Bob, and Jay end up another 10 or so years down the road.

So this week we watch a film that is not necessarily on any of the “Greatest X of all time…” lists, but is a movie that I still love.

Sunday Screening #35: The Swarm

Have you ever listened to Wu-Tang? You know that one song, Clan in Da Front ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eVUUziQUbg )? I don’t think it’s about this movie…

Basically Screeners we ended up skipping last week because I was totally unable to make a decision as to which movie to watch. That has now bled into this week and certain of us started to panic (not me, I’m used to be indecisive). Luckily for the second Sunday Screening in a row John has come to save the day. We are going to watch the 1978 film The Swarm. The film features Michael Caine and Richard Chamberlain (as well as Samwise Gamgee’s real life Mom).

I really hope this doesn’t give me Killer Bee nightmares…

Sunday Screening #32: Shadow of a Doubt

If you’re lucky enough to live in Austin (hot), Texas then you’ll have an opportunity to sit in the World Famous Alamo Drafthouse Theater with my and watch this Sunday’s Screening on the big screen. The Drafthouse’s Cinema Club is presenting Shadow of a Doubt followed by insight into the film by Dr. Thomas Schatz. We did this once before with Bride of Frankenstein, and it is really nice to hear what an film professor has to add to our discussion. I will try to bring as much of his interpretation to the group as possible.

I’m sure many of you have seen Shadow of a Doubt before, and Hitchocock himself has referred to it as his favourite of his own films. If you’re in Austin hope to see you at the Drafthouse Sunday at 7:00pm.

Sunday Screening #31: Small Change

I love Francois Truffaut. Nate recently read (is reading) Truffaut’s book on Hitchcock (more on that soon). Next week we’re watching Shadow of a Doubt, so why shouldn’t we watch a Truffaut film this week? This particular film I have yet to see, although I think that Truffaut does a very good job of working with child actors.

Can’t wait to see what you all think.

Sunday Screening #24: Sólo Con Tu Pareja

Today is Cinco De Mayo, which if you weren’t aware (I had to doublecheck my facts online) is a celebration that commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Considering I went through several Texas History classes (which are mandatory here in 7th and 10th grade) and currently live with a Texas History teacher, I should probably know that. But anyways, in honor of the holiday we here at Sunday Screenings are going to celebrate the only way we know how…a theme screening. I really enjoyed Children of Men, so I thought that using this as a chance to watch an earlier film by Alfonso Cuaron was a perfect chance to catch up on some Mexican Cinema.

Hope you all enjoy the film.

Sunday Screening #23: Taxi Driver

This week’s film is selected by commenter extraordinaire: johnwm1!  Here he is to tell us a bit about Taxi Driver:

Sunday Screening #22: Capturing the Friedmans

Thank god we have Screeners who are willing to contribute videos to this site or Paul and I would really be in trouble.

Anyway, after dropping the ball last week, we are back with a modern documentary.  I’ve been wanting to see this for a few years, but never got around to it.  I’ve heard it’s one of the best documentaries in recent years, and I certainly hope that’s true.  Add on to that my desire to watch it, and it gets thrust upon all who visit here.  I think there should be a lot of good content to discuss in the ensuing week.

It’s available on Netflix Instant View (yay Wii watching!) and in parts on Youtube.

Apologies to Sunday Screeners

So, we forgot about scheduling a movie this week.  At least the last time we did it, we could use Easter as an excuse.  Sorry about that.  If you like, you can use this space to mention any films you’ve seen recently that are of note, either in theaters or on DVD.  I may come back to talk a bit about Polanksi’s new film, The Ghost Writer.  Also, I’m getting a Blu-Ray player!

Our bad.  Shouldn’t happen again.

Sorry.