Film Arcade,net has obtained the latest featurette from, the eight time academy award nominated film "Milk", which is in theaters right now.

Courtesy of Focus Features

Film Arcade.net has recently gotten ahold of a couple of featurettes reguarding "Milk", which recently was nominated for 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Gus Van Sant), Best Actor (Sean Penn) and Best Supporting Actor (Josh Brolin).

The Actors Vignette:



The Filmmakers Vignette:

“For what it's worth: it's never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There's no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you're not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”
-- Benjamin Button from The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button

The historical events of the events of this week greatly overshadow the 81st Academy Awards nominations. The infectious glow of the events of this week refuses to dim. As President Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, there was a deafening joyous silence-- redemption and hope were offered up to all of us as history was being. As we purged ourselves of the “last throes” of George W. Bush’s Presidency, I felt something I have never felt on an Inauguration Day; a special sense of pride and joy. Bliss is not a common feeling in the Washington DC area, but the arrival of the Barack Obama Era has changed all that. . If George Pelecanos made me proud of growing up in the Washington DC suburbs, then President Obama has done something even greater, he makes me want to stay here. As the transfer of power was taking place, all I could think of was Raymond Massey’s speech he gives in Things To Come (1936). He played John Cabal in this futuristic tale based on H.G. Wells’ 1933 novel, The Shape Of Things To Come. Wells also wrote the screenplay for the film. The devastating decades long global war has ravaged mankind. Ralph Richardson’s The Boss leads a group of survivors. This part of Things To Come always seemed like the inspiration for The Road Warrior. A plague called the "Wandering Sickness" has wiped out most of the world population. Cabal returns to what is left of his hometown known as Everytown. He represents a scientific organization known as “Wings Over The World” that wants to rebuild civilization. The Boss has him put in jail, but soon the high tech aircraft armada from “Wings Over The World” comes to his rescue delivering "the Gas Of Peace." He finds the Boss Dead. He resisted the change too much:

“Dead and his world dead with him. And a new world beginning. Poor old Boss, his flags and his follies. And now for the rule of the Air Men and a new life for Mankind.”

Sure it is melodramatic, but this scene along with Arthur Bliss’s stirring score is the one of the closest cinematic analogies I could make with Tuesday’s events. The scene has been playing over and over in my head since the Election last November. Things To Come has always been a favorite film of mine. I am amazed at its staying power; it still has such relevance. Barack Obama’s speech with hope for a glorious future reminded me of this.

Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire is the first film of the Obama Era. Make no mistake; Slumdog Millionaire is a global phenomenon. The film deserves every ounce of its praise. Danny Boyle is the first director to truly get Charles Dickens right since David Lean. It is Oliver Twist for the 21st Century. The film has gained greater traction with me since the Mumbai terrorist attacks from last November. The film has poignancy ever since those horrific attacks. Mumbai may be the real star of the film. It is difficult to look at Slumdog Millionaire in the same light since then. For a film that was destined for the straight-to-DVD route after Warner Independent collapsed last year, the film was saved by Fox Searchlight. This could be the year that the little film finally takes home the best picture Oscar-- Little Miss Sunshine and Juno failed to take home the big prize. Danny Boyle and his cast of unknowns have a huge shot. In fact, I believe it is Slumdog Millionaire’s race to lose. Speaking of Danny Boyle, it is great to see that such a versatile film director is getting his due. The Beach and A Life Less Ordinary are his only disappointing films. He deserves to be in the company of David Fincher, Ron Howard, Gus Van Sant and Stephen Daldry. It is Stephen Daldry who seems out of place in this category. Certainly Christopher Nolan and Darren Aronofsky deserve to be here. Aronofsky proved he could make a film stripped of his usual visual tricks with The Wrestler. The film could be seen as mirror for him as well as Mickey Rourke’s iconic performance. Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight is the largest blockbuster in years. The Dark Knight transcended its genre, but it also filled theater seats with people who normally do not go out to the movies. The Dark Knight deserves a best picture nomination even though it is big studio production; the snub is obvious. It really entertains on many levels. Christopher Nolan has yet to make a bad film. Everything he has made is pure visionary gold. Even had it been nominated for best picture and director, I still feel the momentum is with Slumdog Millionaire. The Dark Knight did deserve more than the technical nominations it has received. This was a mistake on the Academy’s part—- not the first in its history.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button has grown on me since first seeing it. I do not think it is perfect by any stretch, but I am amazed by how much of it did work. I think it is a beautiful film from David Fincher-- a very different kind of film from David Fincher. I feel Zodiac was one of the best films of 2007. Zodiac was one of the first truly great films of 2007 and we ended that year with another visionary masterpiece, Paul Thomas Anderson’s There Will Be Blood. Granted, 2008 does not measure up to 2007, but there still were some good films last year. While I think Brad Pitt is perfect in the film, the real star of the film may be Alexandre Desplat’s Oscar nominated score which keeps the film alive and is inseparable from some of the film’s most emotional moments. I think the last shot of the film sums up the whole film beautifully. At first, I was put off by using Hurricane Katrina as a framing device, but when the film is done, I get it, I truly get it. Benjamin Button and Cate Blanchett’s Daisy are metaphors for New Orleans. The last shot of the film is one of absorbing melancholy. The broken clock that goes in reverse is washed away. I do believe that Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton should have received nominations, but I have no problem with Taraji P. Henson’s best supporting Actress nomination as Queenie. She is the heart and soul of the film as Benjamin’s surrogate mother. The film, like Slumdog Millionaire, has enormous staying power. Eric Roth’s script, loosely based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story, addresses death and in many ways is just as obsessed with death as Charlie Kaufman’s underrated Synecdoche, New York. While the film is about death, it is a film that celebrates life. In many ways, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button has things in common with Zodiac. Both films are celebrations of life while the specter of death haunts both films-- the reverse aging in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button and the exhaustive and exhilarating hunt for a serial killer in Zodiac. The performances in both films beam with life. I do think The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button could have been better in the first half, but the second half is where the film truly comes alive. It is the middle of our lives where everything comes together. The film understands this fact very well. We are waiting for him to turn into Brad Pitt. I think the film is a technical marvel and visual marvel. Still as far as visual marvels go, nothing compares to Tarsem Singh’s The Fall. The Fall is the most visually stunning film this year. Baz Luhrmann’s Australia and Fincher’s film cannot compare with The Fall’s visual flair and imagination. My memory of The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button is far greater than the actual watching of the film. It is the distorted memory of the film which is far more pleasing to me just as it was with Baz Luhrmann’s Australia. They are imperfect, but fascinating films.

Ron Howard’s Frost/Nixon is a first rate drama. I think it is Ron Howard’s strongest film since Apollo 13. In both films we know the outcome of the historical events they are based on, but Mr. Howard manages to keep the audience engaged. It is hard not to think of the Bush Administration while watching the film. I see the parallels and I think the film works as a great companion piece to Oliver Stone’s under appreciated W. Frank Langella truly inhabits Richard Nixon. Think of it, he has played Dracula and Richard Nixon in one lifetime. It is not impersonation, but a fully fleshed Richard Nixon. He played the role on stage and he has brought it to life on the big screen. Langella’s Nixon does come across as the very beast that Dr. Hunter S. Thompson described so well. Yet it is not only Frank Langella who makes the film come alive. The film is a verbal boxing match between Langella’s Nixon and Michael Sheen’s David Frost. Sheen is equally good in the film. The supporting cast of Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, Kevin Bacon, Rebecca Hall and Toby Jones is extraordinary. Speaking of Sam Rockwell, this film, along with Snow Angels and Choke represented a triumphant year for the gifted actor. If there was an ensemble acting category, this film, along with Synecdoche, New York, The Dark Knight, Snow Angels, and In Bruges certainly deserve to be in it. And while Frank Langella received a very well deserved nomination, I think Michael Sheen deserved one as well. He speaks one of the great truths in the film: Being successful in America is unlike being successful anywhere else in the world. It is the most pro-American film in a long time.

Gus Van Sant’s Milk is a traditional biopic. The film is all about Sean Penn’s portrayal as Harvey Milk. Sean Penn is absolutely mesmerizing as the title character. The film is a good film, but I cannot say I was blown away by it. Here is the thing; I do not expect a conventional film from Gus Van Sant. Along with Steven Soderbergh and Danny Boyle, he is a very versatile filmmaker. His resume consists of such mainstream fare as Milk, Good Will Hunting, To Die For and Finding Forrester. His truly independent films like Drugstore Cowboy and My Own Private Idaho are classics of the American independent film movement. Gerry, Elephant, Last Days and Paranoid Park demonstrate a director who refuses to be labeled. Gerry is the only one of this quartet of experimental films I am not wild about at all-- but that could be from the horrible Q & A afterward where the interviewer asked the most moronic questions of all time. The shot by shot remake of Psycho was unforgivable and Even Cowgirls Get The Blues was a true disappointment which never captured the magic and beauty of Tom Robbins’ classic novel. The film should have more of an emotional punch than it does. I think Sean Penn’s nomination is well deserved as is Josh Brolin’s supporting Oscar nomination for playing Dan White. Josh Brolin deserves something for the last two years of the incredible work he has done. The major problem with Milk is that it is competing with Rob Epstein’s 1984 Oscar winning documentary, The Times Of Harvey Milk. It is hard to compete with the real thing. It is hard even for Frost/Nixon to compete with the real footage of the interviews. Although I think Milk deserves to be there for Sean Penn’s performance, it is a way for Academy members to feel good about themselves after Brokeback Mountain lost to Crash in 2006. To me, Milk really comes alive when Sean Penn and James Franco are onscreen together. James Franco is excellent as Milk’s lover, Scott Smith. When he is not in the film, the film loses a lot of its heart. I have to hand it to screenwriter Dustin Lance Black for making the relationship work. I wish Franco had more screen time, but the film is all about Sean Penn. Although the film draws powerful parallels to the current Proposition 8 Ballot measure that was passed in California, I do not think releasing this film in October would have changed the sad outcome in California. The film is still preaching to the choir; I really do not think people who voted that way were ever going to see Milk. Milk is a good film, but it had the potential to be a very powerful film from Gus Van Sant. It is in Milk’s personal moments, where it truly shines.

The Reader is the one film that seems out of place here. It should have been better than it was. Yet, I am not surprised it received an Oscar nomination. Anthony Minghella and Sydney Pollack are the film’s producers. Both of them passed away last year. I believe that is the main reason it has gotten as many nominations as it has, but at the expense of The Dark Knight. Kate Winslet is good as Hannah Schmitz. Kate Winslet predicted this role on an episode of the show Extras when she guest starred playing a nun in a World War II film. She is doing the film because any film about the Holocaust guarantees an Oscar. That was back in 2005 and she was right. The Reader did stack up a lot of nominations, but Winslet’s role is more supporting than main actress in this film-- so much for Revolutionary Road. The Reader could be easily described as The Night Porter meets The Nasty Girl with the tagline you never forget your first girl. I think Stephen Daldry did a better job with The Hours and Billy Elliot. I like Ralph Fiennes, but he does not leave much of an impression in this film as the older Michael Berg. David Cross who plays the younger Michael Berg is very good. The first half of the film is its stronger part. The film works very well whenever Winslet is onscreen. The trial sequence between her and the judge is excellent and is the highlight of the film. Hannah Arendt’s “Banality of evil” is perfectly displayed. The film’s third act is where the film falls apart completely. The tagline could have easily been reading is fundamental. Lena Olin portrays a concentration camp survivor whom Ralph Fiennes go to see at the end of the film. She was a victim of Hanna’s crimes in the camps. Lena Olin tells him “That nothing came out of the camps” and they were “not therapy.” Perhaps she was talking about this film and others which came out about the Holocaust last year. The Reader runs out of steam halfway through. It is neither therapy nor catharsis, but pandering at its most typical. They really should have given Kate Winslet the Oscar for Little Children. The Reader is surprisingly mediocre. The Holocaust, as a genre, has been trivialized far more than anyone will admit.

It is great to see Melissa Leo and Richard Jenkins get acting nominations for their roles in Frozen River and The Visitor. They give towering performances. It is a year where two supporting actors get to prove they can carry a film on their own. In another year, I would give Richard Jenkins the Best Oscar for The Visitor, but this year belongs to Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler-- it is his year. Although, I would have nominated Clint Eastwood for his performance in Gran Torino-- one of his best performances in a very long time. I was really torn between Mickey Rourke and Clint Eastwood because The Wrestler and Gran Torino are excellent character studies. I have to say that watching Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler is an awesome experience; he just deserves the Oscar more than anyone else. Speaking of snubs, Bruce Springsteen deserved a nomination for his song from The Wrestler. Hell, he won the Golden Globe for crying out loud. Everyone nominated in the best supporting actor category is excellent, but the award belongs to Heath Ledger. Robert Downey Jr., Philip Seymour Hoffman, Josh Brolin and Michael Shannon are very good in their respected roles, but this belongs to Heath Ledger. He became the Joker in The Dark Knight. His brilliant portrayal captures the essence of the Joker. Let him join Peter Finch in receiving this rare honor posthumously.

I like Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married. She is a real revelation in the film, but Melissa Leo is just as good in Frozen River. Angelina Jolie‘s performance in Changeling seems very lackluster. I like Angelina Jolie, but I found the first half of the film ridiculous. Changeling is not one of Eastwood’s better films. Where is Sally Hawkins for Happy-Go-Lucky? I am not the film’s biggest fan, but her performance deserved a nomination. Still one of the best performances of the year was overlooked. Kristin Scott Thomas was snubbed for her role in I’ve Loved You So Long. It is a truly moving performance and Thomas is such an underrated actress. Meryl Streep in Doubt is good, but for the first third of the film she seems to channeling Emperor Palpatine. She is so over the top in the film that it reminded me of Al Pacino in The Devil’s Advocate. Yet Amy Adams and Viola Davis are very good in Doubt. Once Streep settles down, her scene with Viola Davis is one of the highlights of the film. The supporting actress category is very good this year-- not a bad performance in the bunch. Marisa Tomei is incredible in The Wrestler. Still, no one steals a film like Penelope Cruz. She steals Vicky Cristina Barcelona from everyone. Her entrance in the film is unforgettable. She brings such life into the film; it would be a great crime not to give it to her this time. Her performance in Volver was reason enough to give her an Oscar and she was up against an equally deserving Kate Winslet for Little Children. They both lost to Helen Mirren for The Queen. For me, Penelope Cruz was the pulse of Vicky Cristina Barcelona.


I was happy to see that In Bruges got an original screenplay nomination for Martin McDonagh. In Bruges is my favorite film of 2008 tied with Pineapple Express. In Bruges is one of the freshest and most original crime films I have seen in many years. It is perfect. I can think of nothing wrong with it; the film is in a class by itself. The acting is beyond first rate, it is stellar. Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes deliver astonishing performances across the board. As much as I adore Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes in this film, it is Brendan Gleeson who steals the show. I cannot rave enough about the film. Why Pineapple Express? David Gordon Green directed the bleakest film of the year, Snow Angels and the funniest film of the year, Pineapple Express. We speak of versatility with Danny Boyle and Gus Van Sant, but David Gordon Green has it in spades. Not only that, James Franco comes into his own as the drug dealer, Saul Silver. His comic timing is perfect. He and Seth Rogen make a great team in the same manner as Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. This film, like In Bruges, was an unexpected treat. I do not adore any of the best picture films this year the way I have in previous years. There are no films like There Will Be Blood, No Country For Old Men and Atonement to really get behind. I can safely say that I adore every inch of In Bruges.

The snubbing of The Dark Knight is a sad state of affairs. I also feel that WALL*E deserved a best picture nomination and not just to be relegated to the best animated film category. WALL*E is more involving than any other film from Pixar and it also has more on its plate than most live action films. The film works as brilliant social commentary. The best thing was that the film never preaches to us, it just shows us where consumerism and environmental neglect will lead us. The effects of our habits on the planet and humanity’s future have never been more effective on the big screen. The film is ultimately about responsibility. It is about humanity being responsible for the stewardship of the Earth and being given a second chance at that. In the film, mankind has let Earth become a global junkyard. Mankind has left for the stars to become a race of obese infants who live in a giant spaceship. The humans are too lazy to do anything; machines do everything for them. It is a little robot left on Earth who is more human than anyone else in the film. WALL*E is responsible for humanity’s legacy. WALL*E, maybe more so than even Slumdog Millionaire, is the perfect film for the dawn of Obama Era. Our new President is asking us to be responsible again and put away our “childish things”. It is time for us to care about our surroundings and leave them better than we found them. It is time for us to leave not only our country in better shape, but also our world in better shape for future generations. We may not get a second chance to make things right. WALL*E has more going for it than all five best picture films put together. The film arrived at the right time for the right era. It is a shame the Academy has never been any good at thinking outside the box. WALL*E was one of the best social commentaries to come out from a major studio in a long time. In fact, not since Things To Come, have I seen a film more prescient than WALL*E; a film not ahead of its time, but right about its time. Both films use the future to address the concerns and anxieties of the present. The future is now!

The summer movie season has come and gone. In this edition of 10 Questions, I look back at this summer’s movie season along with a look to the fall movie season. To help me preview and look back, I’m joined with fellow Film Arcaders Kelsey and the head of Film Arcade.net, Mr. Tony DeFrancisco.

1) First question, what was your favorite movie of the summer?

Tony D: I really don't want to say "Wall-E"… but… "Wall-E." It's not only my favorite film of the summer, and it's much more than just my favorite film of the year. It is one of the best movies ever made. It's Pixar's smartest work. It is the best romantic movie since "Casablanca." Aside from "Wall-E," I really enjoyed "Wanted," "Kung Fu Panda," and "Hamlet 2."

Kelsey: Same as the favorite of most I am sure: The Dark Knight. It is really amazing that even though so much hype and high expectations were surrounded by it, it still was able to beat those and give us something of an even higher quality. The Dark Knight had the classic good vs. evil themes like in any superhero story, but it did so much with this, putting it forth to the context of our society. It is obvious that evil is surrounding us in this world. The Dark Knight questions whether it is simply too much to overcome and suggests one day we will be the spitting image of the darkness that we frown upon today. Visually, the film does wonders as this darkness is shown through the city of Gotham and all of the corruption surrounding it. Not to mention there was a lot explored with characters many of us know but are going through entirely new revelations here. The performances, most noteably Heath Ledger's and Aaron Eckhart's were incredible and compared the pure demented insanity and killer instinct to the extreme desire and passion to do good. The dialogue was interesting, funny, and chilling at the same time. The Dark Knight really had everything, the love triangle done right with 3 people we are able to truly care about, the action alongside some brutal deaths, comedy, in a mostly ironic, sick and twisted way, and the suspense, and pessimistic moral thinking. For a summer movie, this is about as good as you can ever hope to get.

Anthony: I would say “The Dark Knight” but since this would be the popular choice, there was a little film from IFC films that really touched me in a film-going way and that was “In Search of a Midnight Kiss”. The film was very good in the way it captures Los Angeles. It felt like a character in the film. The film also has great performance from Scoot McNairy and Sara Simmonds. These two had great chemistry with each other, which helped make film special.

2) There were a lot of good performances this summer, which was you favorite performance and why?

Tony D: I'm going to stay away from the Heath Ledger, the Robert Downey, Jr., and the Aaron Eckhart and go with James McAvoy in "Wanted." Some people can say that "anyone" could play this role, but define anyone. Mike Myers? Shia LaBeouf? Emile Hirsch? How about Jason Statham? Yeah, I thought not. And he was too uber-badass come the end of the movie. "Wanted" was the bomb.

Kelsey: Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight hands down. This is the best performance in awhile and the best rebirth of a character ever. As a fan of Ledger for many years, I am proud that he was able to bring so much life to the character of The Joker. This is partially because of make-up, but it is hard to really even tell that it is Ledger behind this demented man. He has created something so far from himself and done it with such perfection. The dark humor is exerted pleasantly disturbingly by Ledger. The one liners and the creepy mentality that he gives them, make nearly everything that comes out of his mouth hilarious. He uses a fictional politeness that is really just sarcasm and a way to get under the skin of everyone around him. At the same time his motives make him all the more evil. He has no selfish reasons for torturing innocent lives the way he does like many in the crime business. He wants to be in control through his mind and through his strength, creating these elaborate and hopeless vicious traps. Killing wasn't enough for him, he had to influence others to be as sadistic and cold hearted as he was since he believed this was the future for all mankind anyway. It made you smile and laugh constantly, just the image of him was so invigorating and intriguing yet dark, unsettling, and creepy.

Anthony: This one I would have to go with the obvious pick, and that’s Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker in “The Dark Knight. His performance ranks up there with some of the best villainous performances ever.

3) Which movie kind of surprised you this summer in either box office number or the overall film?

Tony D: "The Dark Knight" when it broke box office records, obviously, but I kind of saw that coming opening weekend. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" has left theaters now, and what has happened at the box-office was all said and done, but I'm glad to see it made more money than I expected. I would have liked to see a higher box office gross for "Speed Racer," "Death Race," and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," but what can you do?

Kelsey: Well The Dark Knight had the most impressive box office numbers as it made history with the opening weekend as well as how long it stayed at number one. The extent of the success was surprising, but for me the real surprise of the summer was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. I enjoyed the first one a lot and was somewhat interested in this one, but the previews really didn't give me insight on just what I was about to experience. It is a great movie that explored a pivotal time in every person's life. It explored the four main character's lives very well going through everything from independence, their futures, pregnancy, love, trust issues, family, and death. It centered on them all going away to different schools far away from each other. I think this is something that everyone can either look back on and relate to, are dealing with it now, or will in the near future. The questions of how to keep those who are close to you while still never hesitating and going after your dreams is there and something that most of us deal with. Life can be a balancing act sometimes and the film portrayed wonderfully that sometimes you fall and crash before you can have that balance. Most importantly, it surprised me how much of an emotional experience this was for me. I cried several times at different storylines in the movie. I could relate or feel for the characters and what they were going through. These things were made very real for me and stayed with me for quite some time after I left the theater. In my eyes, if a film can make you feel and can get through your senses and have an impact on you on that, than it is a success

Anthony: I would have to say Get Smart, from a movie-going stand-point and a box office stand because I had little expectation going into that film, but I found myself enjoying it a lot more that I expected, as it was funny and Steve Carell really played Maxwell Smart very well. I honestly didn’t think that he could pull it off, but he does very well. Also I was a little surprised that the film did 129 million at the box office especially with it’s opening weekend at 39.1 million. I thought it would be one of the summer’s major disappointments, as it had all the makings, but thankfully I was wrong.

4) Which of the summer films was the most disappointing?

Tony D: "Mamma Mia" definitely. But then there are films like "Henry Poole is Here" and "The Love Guru" that are just so terrible. "Journey to the Center of the Earth" was only made so it could make money off of the 3-D and "Hancock" was good until the second half came along. "The Happening" was laughably bad and it put me on a trip through all of Shyamalan's movies. "What Happens in Vegas" was completely terrible and "Indiana Jones IV"… yeah, what the fuck about that movie?

Kelsey: The one that the biggest let down for me was Mamma Mia. I still enjoyed the movie and had a lot of fun with certain parts too. It was really just a shame, because the movie could have been a lot better than what it was. I really like upbeat, fun musicals and since it had the very talented Amanda Seyfriend alongside Meryl Streep in it, I was hoping this would deliver. First of all, the ending was terrible, it was your classic "we don't have a solution to the problem so we are using a lack of a solution as the answer" ploy. This was just frustrating since we waited throughout the whole movie for this and it really just took us in circles. Meryl Streep was wonderful and Amanda Seyfried was simply glowing throughout the entire film. While this did increase the likeability and care we had for their characters, the male leads and even the characters themselves really weren't able to keep up with them. Also, most of the film seemed like the same thing and it lingered towards the end. Some of the musical numbers were a lot of fun, while others were a bit more bland. I did like how they dealt with youth, but overall the film fell short of what it could have been.

Anthony: I’ll answer that question on what the fuck happened on “Indiana Jones”, Tony. I wouldn’t say to any director to go away but man, I wish that George Lucas would disappear, as everything he touches nowadays turn into disappointing and dull material. I was very disappointed with “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”. To me it didn’t feel like an “Indiana Jones" film, it felt like a sci-fi film instead. There were a few good moments but Indiana Jones and aliens, just doesn’t work for me. The screenplay was very dull and the action was boring and uninteresting, especially when you have the main villain be so lifeless. Also the beginning of the film set the toured tone of the film, as nothing made sense for most of the film. Lucas and Spielberg should have left the franchise alone, as it ended perfectly in the last film.

5) Out of all the summer films that came, which was the most underrated film of the summer?

Tony D: The most underrated film of the summer must be a tossup between "Death Race" and "Speed Racer." Both films were an enormous amount of fun that you don't need to go into thinking all intelligent and shit. They're two summer blockbusters that define that word "exciting."

Kelsey: Who knows, maybe it is just my fondness of Anna Farris, but The House Bunny seems to be the movie that I loved that most other people were not quite so fond of. Anna Farris’ comedy really registers brilliantly with me. This and Smiley Face, a somewhat awkward but completely hilarious movie based mostly one all of the crazy little things, had me laughing harder than I have in awhile. I will even admit I wasn’t laughing through out all of The House Bunny, but when I was laughing it was so hard that it actually made me start to cry. Anna Farris is lively, energetic, and very funny, mostly from the abstract way she sees the world. I was thrilled with how well Emma Stone worked alongside her, she played a dork very well and I was happy that she was able to make her character believable although she hasn’t played this type of a role before. Stone always gives very solid performances even when the movie she is in isn’t perfect and I think we can expect to be seeing more of her in the future. It seemed that a lot of people didn’t even bother seeing this and those that did didn’t think it was more than average. Anna Farris’ sense of comedy that is completely wacky, silly, and out there, seems to be underappreciated by most people, which is a shame since she is such a talented actress that holds nothing back and is able to make me have a great time anytime I am watching a movie with her, but especially when it is one she has the control to work her magic. Aside from The Dark Knight, The House Bunny is the movie I had the most fun with this summer and I hope others will be able to find a similar appeal in it.

Anthony: “In Search of a Midnight Kiss”, see question #1

6) Now onto the Fall, We’ll go month by month. Which three films are you looking forward in September and why?

Tony D: 1. "Miracle at St. Anna" – Spike Lee is one of the greatest filmmakers ever, and this (really long) war film should be one of his greatest works. And I also think that this film will be good since Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars.

2. "Choke" – I read the book a while back and I LOVED it. Now I really can't wait to see it.

3. "The Lucky Ones" – I'm sure we're all in war-overdrive right now, but I think this one can promise. I mean, it can't be worse than "Lions for Lambs," right?

Kelsey: 1. Burn After Reading- I haven't seen the film yet, but the trailer looks pretty amusing. I like the concept of these average guys having something very valuable in more ways than one, and most will screw things up at some point or another. Not to mention it has a great cast: Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, George Clooney, J.K. Simmons. Also, The Coen brothers are talented directors that have shown us time and time again that they know what they are doing. Between the direction of them and the gifted actors in the film alongside a story that has a lot of possibilities, I think we can expect a quality film.

2. Hound Dog- Although, certain aspects of Elvis are bound to be dealt with in this film, it seems to be much more about his music and the effect it has had on others, which can be a very powerful thing. I also see a lot of moral implications and discovery of some of the mindsets that may be enduring far more troubling questioning than you would expect. The lifestyle shown in 1950's, partially in response to Elvis' music, is shown in country life and how it is alive to one little girl, even when other parts of her life aren't quite as appealing as the music she uses as her salvation . Personally, I have been a fan of Dakota Fanning since her performance in, I am Sam, and she continues to give very dedicated performances. From the looks of this material, this may be the most adult and intense role she may has played yet since sexual measures may be a price her character has to pay to get where she is trying to go.

3. The Lucky Ones- Yes, there have been plenty Iraq and post-Iraq war films already. Many of these haven't been a success. Although, this one seems to deal with consequences of the war it does this on a personal and individual context, making it seem like less of a political scolding. Of course, Rachel McAdams draws me to this and she seems very charming and authentic here. Also, Michael Peña, who gave a moving and very emotional performance in Crash plays one of the main characters. Really what interests me in The Lucky Ones is that it seems to be a real character piece that takes us on a journey with a few very interesting characters, all who have revelations and their own personal journey to go through.

Anthony: 1) Burn After Reading – Saw it and reviewed it already. See my review at: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/09/burn-after-reading-review-written-by.html

2) Ghost Town – I’m a big fan of Ricky Gervias, as I liked him in Extras and The Office, and also starring Greg Kinner, who I think is an underated actor after being in such good films like “Little Miss Sunshine” and the little seen but very suspenseful “Unknown”. It’s seems interesting, as it might be a good film with Gervis taking center stage.

3) "Miracle at St. Anna" – This film interests me because this is the first time that Spike Lee is directing a war film. Also the film has an interesting cast that includes Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Stop-Loss, The Lookout), John Turturro (O Brother Where Art Thou, Transformers), Derek Lee (Catch A Fire, Friday Night Lights) and John Leguizamo (The Happening, Tv’s “The Kill Point”).

7) Which three films are you looking forward in October and why?

Tony D: 1. Zach and Miri Make A Porno – This is an obvious choice for me because I'm a huge Kevin Smith fan and I love everything the guy does, including "Jersey Girl." So "Zach and Miri" automatically has to be number one. And I hear that Craig Robinson steals the show in this one, which is good. The motherfucker needs to be recognized

2. "RocknRolla" – The more positive buzz I hear about the film, the more excited I get. This is Guy Ritchie's most positively reviewed film since "Snatch," and after "Swing Away" and "Revolver," he really needs a good movie. I also heard that he is writing a sequel for this. Quick, BUY INTO THIS ONE!

3. Tie – "Blindness," "Appaloosa," and "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" – I couldn't choose between any of these three movies. All three are very different ("Blindness" is a suspense drama, "Appaloosa" is a Western, and "Nick and Norah" is a romantic comedy), but I became enticed into all of these films by their trailers. If any of these films are half as good as their trailers are, they will be receiving at least a three out of four from me

Kelsey: 1. Saw V- I am mostly curious as to what they will do with this one. I am actually a fan of Saw IV and thought it was the best one since the original. I really enjoyed that they concentrated on Jigsaw the man, and how he became such a cynic of mankind: developing the mind of a disturbingly intelligent killer. This put some great insight in to the character and the series as a whole. I felt it brought us back to the first film where this horrible torture was masked by a dark and creative mind. I am curious to see Saw V and if they can continue with the smart direction Saw IV put the series in rather than reverting back to some of the sequels that relied much more heavily on attempting to out do the massive amounts of gore of the previous one. Based on storyline alone, this will have to go in a different direction. Jigsaw and his demented yet still interesting ways he sees humans and the world was always the element that I enjoyed the most from the movies. I don't want a Jigsaw Jr., but I would also like to see it follow the same mentalities that made the first film so good. It really needs to find a way to stay true to the original concept of the film, while bringing it in a new direction, perhaps giving us new perspectives and complicated questioning of whether what we are seeing is as concretely evil without reason as we would like to think. More than anything, I am looking forward to Saw V so I can see how the new turn and our new villain play out and to see whether it is taking a step back or giving the series entirely new possibilities.

2. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist- I am not expecting this to be one of the best comedies of the year, but I think it will be a very enjoyable, slightly off beat film that gives us some drama, comedy, and romance as our characters are nursing their heartbreaks with one another. I really look forward to seeing Michael Cera and Kat Dennings working together as it seems that the chemistry will really be there. They seem to really be able to capture characters that are individualistic, quirky, yet immensely likeable. They have a very relatable quality to them and both do well with comedy as well as very human emotions and teenage struggles. Seeing the two of them together is enough reason alone to see this movie. Also, Aaron Yoo (Disturbia, 21), plays one of Cera's band mates. He always gives a great energy to whatever he is in and offers us a refreshing personality that I am sure will play well of off Cera's.

3. Zach and Miri Make a Porno- First of all, it is a Kevin Smith film. I don't think I have even seen a film of his that I haven't had a great time watching. His upcoming horror film, Red State, will be the test of that. Even if that ends up being his failure, I will still have an immense amount of respect for him for trying something different. I am pretty sure Zach and Miri Make a Porno will be a safe bet, since getting comedy out of sexual circumstances is really Smith's area of expertise. Also the two leads, Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks work wonderfully together. Even before they had direct contact in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, they both gave off hilarious vibes and talked about each other in comedic ways. They both had an almost overpowering sexual drive in the film and you really need look no further then their spoof video, "I'm Fucking Seth Rogen", when wondering about the abilities to deliver in a film together about creating an amateur porno. I love everyone on the Apatow team and they have given me very many laughs over the last couple of years, but I am happy to see Rogen particularly working with someone outside of the group of actors and those involved with Apatow productions that he always seems to have another movie with. The story has been done before but it is the comedy and performances that I expect to make the film a lot of fun.

Anthony: 1) Quarantine – Yes I know it’s a remake of REC, but I’ve been wanting to see REC, ever since reading the reviews and seeing the trailer for it. This is closest to seeing that film, but if Quarantine looks anything like the trailer, this may be a film that I might talking about at the end of this year.

2)Synecdoche, New York- This film I’m very interested in seeing since this is the directorial debut of Charlie Kaufman, who wrote two of the most surrealist films that I’ve ever seen, Enternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich. The film also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman. Love to see this film, but it's one of those limited release films that probably won’t play in my area. So, it might be a wait for DVD for me.

3) Zack and Mimi Makes a Porno – Hot women and Kevin Smith directing, enough said.

8) Which three films are you looking forward in November and why?

Tony D: 1. "Repo: The Genetic Opera" – I first heard about this movie the week that "Saw IV" opened, almost a year ago. That was when it was supposed to open in April. Since then it was pushed back so it could be worked on a bit more. Darren Lynn Bousman obviously put his heart and soul through this project, and hopefully it will show.

2. "Milk" – And the award for best trailer of the year goes to… "MILK!" I don't think any trailer drawn me into such interest than this trailer did. This could be a lock for Sean Penn, but could Gus Van Sant get his career situated with this film?

3. "Slumdog Millionaire" – I've heard nothing but good things from this film since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. Since then it won the highest honor at the Toronto International, which only raises my expectations more. It has since been moved up a week to November 21. That should be an interesting week – Emo vampires, a talking dog, a movie in vein of "August Rush," and this flick. It should be good.

Kelsey: 1.Twilight is really the movie I am most excited for right now. I quickly fell in love with the books and right now Twilight is like an addiction for me. Just as I am finishing the series, the promise of a movie coming soon is more than enough to trigger my excitement. As a big fan of horror and romance this is the perfect film since the story of it intertwines the two together so beautifully. Also, I currently have a minor obsession with vampires, which was no doubt exceeded by my fondness for the books. I will be the first to admit that most vampire films aren't the greatest, but this is just because the truly intriguing ideas and themes haven't been played with like they should. Themes of eternity, capability to love, and a primitive blood thirsting nature. The Kiss, an independent horror romance, has come the closest to hitting on these themes, but as long as the books are remained true to and the movie is able to express the devoted minds and forever continuous difficulties of the characters than I see no reason why Twilight can't be the best vampire and the best love story in quite some time. My one worry is that no doubt I will be holding the film to the highest of standards to bring life to the completely captivating and mesmerizing relationship and conflicts that the book deals with. Also, Edward is basically described as a beautiful walking god, unlike any sight you will ever see, so the biggest test is if they can actually get a normal person to bring everything that he is to life.

2. Milk- I always enjoy character films of real life figures, and this one centers on Harvey Milk, San Francisco's first openly gay supervisor in 1977. This can bring a very real situation to the eyes of the masses and in a context where homo-sexuality, that is still fighting for some sense of understanding and equality today, was put through great turmoil in a time that was far less tolerant than the wavering society of today. There also seems to be some interesting relationships explored after all we have Sean Penn and James Franco playing lovers, two immensely talented actors. With Emile Hirsh in the cast as well, it will really be a joy just to watch them and how they bring out their characters and work with one another. Without a doubt, this will be a story of struggle surrounded by a lot of bad, making it more interesting and appealing.

3. Role Models- Well I have much higher expectations for the previous two I mentioned that I am looking forward to in November, but I am sure there will be some enjoyment to be had with Role Models. At least, Seann William Scott is doing something that looks a little smarter than Mr. Woodcock, which was just such a waste of the many talented actors involved. Luckily, he is working aside of Paul Rudd, who always gives a bright and charismatic performance even when he is in an undeserving film like in the case of Over Her Dead Body. Also, we have McLovin himself, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, playing a geek once again, but the problem of his new mentor now. Also, we have the lovely Elizabeth Banks, who seems to be an abundance of films lately, and the always hilarious, Jane Lynch. David Wain, as the director of the very unconventional, daring, and very funny, Wet Hot American Summer and more recently, The Ten, hopefully will be able to give this a fun and out there twist that we aren't seeing from every other comedy.

Anthony: 1) Repo: The Genetic Opera – This looks like a great horror film from the director of Saw II – IV, as already heard a couple of songs from the film and I’m hooked on them. But, the main question is will this film get a decent theatrical release. The rumors that I’ve been hearing is that Lionsgate is ready to shit on this film like it did with Midnight Meat Train, by releasing it in limited release. If the rumors are true then a profanity laced rant might be coming against these fucking clowns, as I’m getting sick of the way that Lionsgate is abandoning their horror films for crap like a watered down Punisher sequel, Tyler Perry films and that My Bloody Valentine remake in 3D. You can read my passionate plea at: http://www.filmarcade.net/2008/09/open-letter-to-lionsgate-president-joe.html

2) The Soloist – The reason for wanting to see this is the fact that it stars Robert Downey Jr. That’s reason enough for me, as I’ll watch almost anything he’s in. This is also the fourth film that he’s starred in this year (Charlie Bartlet, Iron Man, Tropic Thunder). The film also co stars Jamie Fox (Ray, Collateral) and Catherine Keener.

3) Milk – This is Gus Van Sant’s second film to be released this year, as “Paranoid Park” was released back in March. I think that this might be the film that gets him back to being noticed again one of Hollywood’s great directors, as he hasn’t done anything really noteworthy since “Good Will Hunting". Also this is a political film, and that’s one of my favorite subgenres.

9) Which three films are you looking forward in December and why?

Tony D: 1. "The Wrestler" – From what I hear, this is Mickey Rourke (and Darren Aronofsky's) return to form. I loved Rourke in his last comeback role in "Sin City" (in which he is one of the main reasons why it is my favorite movie of all-time), and from what I hear, I'll be leaving the theater saying Mickey Rourke and "Oscar nomination" in the same sentence. Darren Aronofsky hasn't been respected as much as he should be since he made "The Fountain," but I must say that this film is really interesting me.

2. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" – I think Kelsey says it perfectly. I don't need to say much more.

3. Tossup between "Valkyrie" and "Defiance" – Both films are WWII films (as is "Miracle at St. Anna), but they all look very interesting. I'm glad to see that "Valkyrie" moved up for some good ol' Oscar competition, but I don't know how far that's going to get this year.

NOTE: Some of you are going to be noticing where "The Spirit" is on this little list. I'm still looking forward to it, but not nearly as much as I was before. Still, I'm hoping that I get a little bit out of it.

Kelsey: 1. Bitch Slap- I have heard great interviews with the leading cast and their enthusiasm on the movie has had me anticipating this one. The film is a throwback to the films of the 70's and sounds similar to Grindhouse. None of our main characters are very "good", between the stripper, the drug dealing killer, and power broker. There is no guarantee that we will even like these characters, but it is these complications that will make the movie interesting. Perhaps, we will be brought in to a world where no one is very likeable, and these immoral flaws are simply what you have to use as a defense. Either way it seems clear that the movie will have plenty of style. The movie just seems like a lot of fun and I think whether it is a great film or not, it will be an enjoyable theater experience, especially with the counter marketing it is aiming at with its' expected Christmas release.

2. Crossing Over- The film centers around immigration through several different characters and storylines and although this has been done before it seems like this movie could be interesting. As Director, Wayne Kramer, is a naturalized citizen, I can expect that he would put a lot of himself in to the script and would direct this in search of a piece of truth. If anyone was going to direct this story I would want it to be someone like Kramer. The film looks as if it will give us some desperate situations and interesting characters, all with dire reasons why they need to migrate. I am not expecting this to be anything revolutionary, but still think it could be a worthwhile film. With Sean Penn, Harrison Ford, and Ashley Judd headlining it, I am sure a thing or two can be done with the journey the characters are traveling physically and within themselves.

3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- The story of a man who ages in opposition: from old to young, surely gives plenty of room for conflict growing young in a world that is designed to work completely the opposite of you. Not only does this leave room for some very deep psychological thinking, as well as hardships with forming relationships that are bound to break, but it will also give us a vitalizing visual world of fantasy. I have never read the 1922 short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which this is based on, but the premise does sound promising, especially headlined with David Fincher directing. Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and Tilda Swinton should be able to bring this all to life. Brad Pitt is in similar surrounding as he has recently worked with Swinton and has repeatedly worked with Fincher, which has resulted in great films, hopefully this will be no exception.

Anthony: 1) The Spirit – Frank Miller is in the directing chair for this one. From the film’s trailer, it has a “Sin City” feel with nourish type story and the shot like that film and 300. I will be definitely in line to see this one before year’s end.

2) Nixon/Frost – This is the latest film from Ron Howard. The reason that I’m interested is that I’m fascinated with Nixon story and Watergate scandal and yes, the fact that Ron Howard is directing the film. The film stars Frank Langella, Michael Sheen and Kevin Bacon. I’m sure this will be a truly eventful film.

3) The Wrestler – I hope this is the film that puts Darren Aronofsky on the map, because he’s a very talented director. I’ve enjoyed all of his films. The film is getting the most attention for Mickey’s Rourke’s performance, which might be Oscar’s worthy. This is a film that I can’t wait to see but most likely will have to wait to the beginning of next, since the film is limited release

10) Out of all of those film that you’ve selected, which film are you looking forward, the most?

Tony D: Damn… between "Zach and Miri" and "The Wrestler." Both directors did some incredible works in their lives. "Clerks" is one of the smartest movies ever made and Darren Aronofsky made damn sure that I wouldn't go near drugs, especially after watching "Requiem for a Dream." I'm hoping that both films are looked at sometime in January, and this is me who hasn't seen any of them yet.

Kelsey: Twilight without a question. It questions love while still showing a love that is so strong that it causes a vampire to go against his instincts. These are the things that define him and are embodied in his nature. My having such a love for her and having her completely consume his every thought, makes him crave her even more. Yet he continues to go against this because although this is constantly causing him physical pain, the worst most unimaginable pain would be to take even the smallest thing away from the one he loves or let even the slightest thing harm her. There is so much passion and eternal confliction in this story mirrored by constant horror that seems to be hunting their love down at every chance and such physical and emotional beauty that has so much potential in the medium of film.

Anthony: It’s a tough one but I would have go with “The Wrestler” because I really think this is going to be film Darren Aronofsky. I also have “Quarantine” and “The Spirit, not far behind.

I want to thank both TonyD and Kelsey for participating in this roundtable, and hope to be doing this again with best films of 2008 in January.

That’s it for another exciting edition of 10 Questions. In the next edition of 10 Questions, I will be talking Joshua Nelson, writer and star of the new film “Pink Eye”. Until then, my name is Anthony Thurber and that’s 10 Questions.