Random Film Thoughts #7

Anthony Davis has a 7'2" wingspan. Tim Curry has his face.

Some people are blessed with physical traits that predetermine their path in life. The height/bulk/athleticism of pro athlete, the pipes of a voiceover artist... They're blessed directly from the womb with undeniable gifts. Such is the case with Tim Curry's elastic face and baritone voice.

One of my primary enjoyments of Christmas movie season is knowing I'll get to catch this scene from Home Alone 2 multiple times. Can one or two facial expressions make an entire movie? In this case, yes. Curry amazes me and this is one of those tiny little moments in film that you know are perfect.

Random Film Thoughts #6

Willy Wonka's limping entrance and flip is a magic moment and has to be one of the greatest actor-devised scenes in film history.

The Story

After reading the script, Gene Wilder said he would take the role of Willy Wonka under one condition: that he would be allowed to limp, then suddenly somersault in the scene when he first meets the children. When the director asked why, Gene Wilder replied that having Wonka do this meant that "from that time on, no one will know if I'm lying or telling the truth."

So, not just the spectacle of it, but the thought behind it. It's brilliant storytelling and the type that only movies can produce. This is our first glimpse of Wonka. He's a complete mystery, not only to all the characters in the film, but the audience as well. His walk, allowed to play out in full from door to gate, is slow and controlled. His limp plays into many of the rumors we've heard about the chocolatier. And then suddenly, after he loses his cane... a fall, a flip, and the carefully developed tension instantly turns into whimsy. Wonka becomes fascinating from his very first moment.

Random Film Thoughts #5

Sam Neill is under-utilized.

The first time I noticed Sam Neill, he was in The Hunt for Red October. I've liked him ever since. If I need a voice of reason... If I need a comforting, intelligent father/authority figure... I'm going to Sam Neill. His voice makes me feel safer than Christmas ham at Mel Brooks' house.

Go look at his filmography, though. Check out all the junk he's been in since Jurassic Park. What have casting directors been doing for the last twenty years? You go from the lead in one of Spielberg's biggest films to those Merlin TV movies?

If you'd like to see something new from Mr. Neill, basically avoid all that garbage and be on the lookout for a little New Zealand film called Hunt for the Wilderpeople. I hear good things. Between Sam, Taika Waititi, Jemaine & Brett, and Rhys Darby, at this point I basically want to be a Kiwi.

In cinemas in New Zealand from 31 March 2016. Book at http://wilderpeople.com The new film from the director of BOY, EAGLE VS SHARK and WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, Taika Waititi unleashes HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE after rave reviews at Sundance 2016: "Comic Dynamite" - Guardian "Hilarious, I think I might be in love with it" - Crave.

Random Film Thoughts #4

Richard Curtis' About Time script is a piece of perfection. Every line, every character, every beat in a fantastic arc. If you've haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and put it on repeat this weekend.

Random Film Thoughts #1

Superman (1978)

Pa Kent's heart attack may be one of the best death scenes of all time.

The scene is simple, lasts only 13 seconds, and Glenn Ford communicates more subtext and emotion with a couple of glances than most could in a five minute monologue. It is one of the most simply genuine moments I've seen on film.

You can watch it here.