Felipa's Flicks

Plaza Classic Film Series to Add Foreign Films

A special addition to an already exciting line-up for this year's Plaza Classic Film Series. Some of the finest vintage Foreign films will be offered in the motion picture extravaganza. EP Film Salon Creator Chuck Horak along with Eric Pearson and the Community Foundation are bringing these films to light.

From France:

Francois Truffaut- The 400 Blows

Jean Cocteau- La Belle et la Bette

Henry Georges Clouzot- Les Diaboliques

Albert Lamorisse- White Mane and The Red Balloon

From Italy:

Frederico Fellini- La Strada

From Sweden:

Ingmar Bergman- The Seventh Seal

From Japan

Akira Kurosawa- The Hidden Fortress

The festival is encouraging groups to book ahead of time. For more information about the Festival, log on to www.plazaclassicfilmfest.com.

Michael Jackson Remembered

Today, it would be wonderful to hear from people and their memories of songs, films anything that remind them of a time that the pop icon made that all important musical impact. The vintage footage of him as a small child overwhelming the stage, fearless and determined is so fixed in my mind.

Farrah Fawcett/Michael Jackson- End of an Era

A very sad day in the world of entertainment, as two important Icons have passed.

Michael Jackson, despite his tumultuous life, was not just a superstar but an incredible talent. As a child, he stole the spotlight from the Jackson Five with his spectacular  voice and his talent as a dancer. As he matured, he set standards in pop music unlike any other. Although he himself starred in a few films including "The Wiz," with Diana Ross in 1978, his songs are featured in countless films of the '70's and '80's. As a child, he recorded the hit single, "Ben," used in the original version of the movie, "Willard."

His music video of "Thriller," certainly set the standards and the stage for non stop effects and unmatched choreography. It is probably the most important music video ever made. Much like when Elvis Presley died, it is a day that will be remembered.

Farah Fawcett was a beautiful young co-ed at UT Austin when she was spotted by a Hollywood Producer. She was riding in a Homecoming Parade as one of the Princesses. She did everything from walk on roles on "The Partridge Family," to being one of the contestants on "The Dating Game." It was Aaron Spelling who gave her the big break in 1975, when she was cast on the small screen as Jill Munroe on the incredibly popular "Charlie's Angels." 

Her movie career was not as extensive as her Television career, and eventhough she starred in some forgettable films, she proved herself as an actress after stepping away from the show that earned her worldwide fame. She won awards for performances in movies for television like, "The Burning Bed," and was always pleased that she was able to earn the respect of her peers as an actress.

She fought a three year battle against cancer. A television documentary told her story. She was brave always and I had the privilege of interviewing before her diagnosis. She was tough and fun and proud to be a Texan. What a loss.

Transformers- Revenge of the Fallen

It is part two in the saga of the Marvel Toy adventure where it is more than big machines coming to life. Michael Bay's direction is once again awe-inspiring as Decepticons work to take over the world and the evil Megatron, ( that's Hugo Weaving of "The Matrix," fame), is rescued from an underwater doom.

The computer generated imagery is flawless. The plot seems to be a little more interesting for this sequel and the return of the original cast also helps to make it seamless. Shia Le Bouef is back as the nerd/hero, with Megan Fox and good guys Tyrese Gibson and Josh Duhamel. The battle scenes are spectacular the way that you would enjoy the ultimate thrill ride.

It is PG-13, which means that small children, although there is the lure of the gigantic toys coming to life, need to stay at home. There are some scenes in strip clubs and other innuendo that is not very appropriate for small audiences.

Unlike Spiderman, the sequel improves the franchise and I suppose that a third installment, even before the box office numbers are in is in the works.

Frontera Pride Film Festival

An important Film Festival kicked off tonight and continues through Saturday featuring important films created by some of the best independent film makers in the country.

On Friday, the film festival continues with presentations all day at the Downtown Library of such films as "Four Dishes," "We Belong" and "Love," a film created by UTEP's Queer Student Alliance,  "Love" is described as a manifesto of the multifaceted meaning of the emotion.

Saturday, the film festival continues but beginning at 1:30 p.m. including "Otros Amores," and "The Bond."  A second screening begins at the Library at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Films will also be presented as part of the series at the Plaza's Philanthropy Theater . Prices for the film are $5.00 with a Party to celebrate the film festival at the Camino Real Hotel on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. for $15.00 a ticket.  For more information and a complete schedule log on to www.fronterapridefilmfestival.com .

My Life in Ruins

She loves Greece, that is for sure. Nia Vardalos who rose to instant fame with her charming screenplay and performance in the Independent feature released in 2002, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," is back in her coveted land.

In "My Life in Ruins," another relatively small film with big heart from Fox Searchlight, she stars in the story about an American College Professor of Greek descent trying to find her way in the land of her ancestors. After some rough and tumble times, she winds up as a mediocre tour guide. She is rigid and inflexible and the travellers who are on  what is supposed to be her last tour are the people who change her life and capture her imagination.

Nia Vardalos is clearly a very talented woman, who is always very charming on the screen. Her co-stars are contagious including SNL's Rachel Dratch and the ever wonderful  Academy Award winning Richard Dreyfuss. She even cast her parents along with  her husband as a cheesy hotel clerk who makes her an offer he thinks she cannot refuse for cost of postage. " My husband is in all of my movies and it was our anniversary when we shot the scene," Vardalos said.

Albeit a small film, it took almost an act of Zeus to get all the permits required for travels and filming opportunities in Greece. "The weather was also a factor, it was hot when it was supposed to be cold and cold when it was supposed to be hot," Vardalos said.  Nonetheless, the cast bonded in the glow of the beautiful scenery that makes the film much of a picture postcard.

The film, produced by Tom Hanks, with a cameo appearance by his wife, Rita Wilson, who is also of Greek descent, is indeed a chick flick, but women will definitely swoon over the scenery as well as the handsome Greek men, and a couple of love stories that make you smile. While men have had the glorious opportunity of watching such films as "Terminator Salvation," it is nice that  the girls can get a chance to bond, laugh and feel good about a movie that is fun and relaxing and what summer movie watching is all about.

Thomas Haden Church- Starring in "Imagine That"

His place of birth on IMDb is listed as El Paso, Texas, but Thomas Haden Church says that he sadly does not remember much about the Sun City.  He says that his family was from Texas, in the military, and that lived here at the Pass of the North through Kindergarten. His grandparents lived here  too and he remembers living in Loma Terrace. He spends much time Hollywood, although calls a ranch just outside of San Antonio, home.
 
"I am a Texan through and through and I have loved the roles that have taken me back to being a cowboy," Haden Church said in an interview from Hollywood while promoting his newest Nickelodeon film starring Eddie Murphy, "Imagine That." This time around he plays a mystical American Indian by the name of Whitefeather who is part of a strange turn of events where the down  and out Murphy gets caught up in the imaginary world of his daughter.From there, the  twists and turns result in  lessons learned.
 
"Working with Eddie Murphy was so inspiring and makes an actor feel unworthy of the opportunity," Haden Church said. Reminded of his Oscar nomination for his work in the film "Sideways," he said ,"there are those people in the industry who are just magic and Eddie Murphy is just one of them."
 
Working on a Nickelodeon feature is nothing new for the actor. Remembered best for his roles on the small screen in such shows as "Wings," and " Ned and Stacey," Haden Church has always had a flair for comedic roles and voiceovers. "I have done voices for such animated features as "Charlotte's  Web," and I have just done the voice of a two foot alien in an upcoming feature for Fox, so that should be interesting because once again, I play the bad guy," Haden Church said. He was memorable in "Spiderman 3," as well as in "George of the Jungle 2." The winner of a Critics Choice Award from the Broadcast Film Critics Association as well as an Emmy, Haden Church says working different in genres in the acting field has paid off.  "Touching on so many different roles has helped as an actor and I want to continue to bring all sorts of interesting characters to life," Haden Church said.
 
"This new film deals with the challenges that families face, and how sometimes even under the most difficult odds, parents can make a "go," of things," Haden Church said. " There are many lessons learned so this promises to be a great family film."
 
While he has not been to El Paso in many years, he will always have a connection to the city where he got his start. He remembers the Franklin Mountains, Ft. Bliss and his neighborhood on El Paso's eastside. Although he does not remember anything about the Mexican food here, he said, "I need to go back to check it out."
 
"Imagine That," opens in theaters nationwide on June 12.

"UP"

Pixar has no other choice but to go "UP."  Each of their films are perfection. The animation, the voices and the storylines combine for films that keep getting better. Their poignancy is unbelievable and their voice is "Everyman."

Whereas I thought they had reached their peak with "Wall-E," they create a film called ,"UP," the story of a curmudgeon who ties balloons to his house in order to fly to South America? What is that about?  There are no doubts here only incredible power on the screen. The voices of Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer and even Pixar favorite John Ratzenberger are sublime. The 3-D experience is out of this world.

Then there is the story. A little boy seeks adventure. He meets a little girl who feels the same way. Both hope to conquer the world. They marry, and their love includes their dream of adventure. They both also have an affinity for an interesting quirky explorer. When Ellie dies, husband Carl, depressed and lonely finds a way to save his house. Unbeknownst to him, a young boy happens to be there for the ride. Off they go into the sunset, where the adventure is unending. The lessons here are so poignant and so touching. We learn about love and loss and fear and finding your heart where you least expect it.

The film was the box office winner of the weekend, but it is so much more than that. This is quality film making and story telling and the stuff of Best Picture. Take your family and your friends for a once in a lifetime ride.  Dog lovers will also get their satisfaction as well.

Summer News from the Broadcast Film Critics

The Broadcast Film Critics has teamed up with VH-1 with a look at the must see movies of the summer. They anticipate the summer blockbusters to include "Star Trek," "UP" and "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."

The Summer Sleepers to look out for include, "Away we Go,"  "500 Days of Summer," and "The Hurt Locker."

Although awards season creeps up in the Fall, there are performances that the critics are keeping their eye on including Johnn Depp in "Public Enemies," Meryl Streep in "Julie and Julia," and Brad Pitt in "Inglorious Basterds."  Stay Tuned.

Night at the Museum vs. The Terminator

Who would have thought Ben Stiller could outshine John Conner at the box office. It happened, to the tune of 10 more million dollars. "The Night at the Museum, The Battle of the Smithsonian," beat out the much anticipated "Terminator Salvation," starring Christian Bale. Yes, the film is all about Man vs. Machine, where a grown up John Conner is trying to salvage what is left of the annihilated world following a nuclear holocaust. The Terminator and his machine like murderers are back, as Conner works into the future to change the past. The actor to watch in the film is Sam Worthington, who as a doomed killer, becomes half man/ half machine. It is an exciting film with incredible action and overwhelming Computer Generated Imagery. This was my movie to watch, including an appearance by "The Governator."

So eventhough the showing was promising for its first weekend at the box office, how did Night at the Museum emerge victorious. Simple... it is not rated R, and for a Memorial Day weekend where families work to find things to do together, a family film becomes the winner. The film is trite and whereas I thought the first version was acceptable at best, a sequel is by no means necessary or inviting. I slept through much of it, but it remains the acceptable family film of the week.