In this week’s Elitist Bastards Go To The Movies podcast, Mountain Xpress film critics Ken Hanke and Justin Souther review: Hall Pass, Casino Jack, Rabbit Hole and Drive Angry 3D. The Bastards also discuss The Old Dark House (1932), this week’s Thursday Horror Picture Show, and Casino Royale (1966), next week’s Asheville Film Society screening. The duo also consider the potential merits of upcoming releases The Adjustment Bureau, Beastly, Rango and Take Me Home Tonight.
Podcast produced/cohered by Steve Shanafelt. The theme music is “1832” by E. Lee. Photo by Jonathan Welch. The Elitist Bastards podcast is also available on the iTunes store as a free download.
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2.5D?
Maybe Steve counts as half a D?
Well, he counts as half something.
With the added half-dimension of coherence.
Half coherent, maybe.
Even my considerable cohering skills have their limits, I’m afraid.
Not to mention your own coherence.
On the Casino Royale front, I’d like to put forth the argument (a little late since the screening was a week ago) that you need not be appraised of all the references to enjoy this movie.
I first saw it on VHS when I was six or seven, and hadn’t the faintest idea who George Raft was (or indeed Orson Welles). I did know David Niven for some reason – and I was familiar with Woody Allen and Peter Sellers.
I loved it instantly on first viewing, and I probably rewatched it more than any other film (with the possible exception of GET SHORTY or MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL) between the ages of 7 and 14, with my parents spending a small fortune in video rental fees until the DVD came out.
The only thing that bugs me about the film is that they get the agency Bond works for wrong. It’s not MI5, which deals with internal British security, it’s MI6. Otherwise, it’s brilliant – and accessible to anyone with even the slightest working knowledge of the MGM Bond series.
On the Casino Royale front, I’d like to put forth the argument (a little late since the screening was a week ago) that you need not be appraised of all the references to enjoy this movie
Well, it was actually just two days ago, so you’re not that late.
Anyway, you may be right — at least in broad terms. I mean it’s not wholly accessible if you don’t get all the gags. Then again, I didn’t get all the gags in 1967. I didn’t recognize Peter O’Toole and hadn’t seen What’s New, Pussycat?.
The screening was an interesting experience. I’d hazard that there were about 50 people. Five walked out part way through. Most of the others — ages ranging from 20 to 80-odd — seemed to like it for various reasons. It was also interesting to see what they laughed at and what they didn’t. Unfortunately, Justin insists on remaining wrong by disliking the film.
the MGM Bond series
I always think of it as the United Artists Bond Series. That’s who was brining them out originally for 20+ years.
I always think of it as the United Artists Bond Series. That’s who was brining them out originally for 20+ years.
Well, I usually put it down as the EON Bond Series, but I figured a lot of people wouldn’t know what that meant here.
Unfortunately, Justin insists on remaining wrong by disliking the film.
I worry about that kid sometimes.
Well, I usually put it down as the EON Bond Series, but I figured a lot of people wouldn’t know what that meant here.
I just don’t like sticking the onus MGM on anything.
I worry about that kid sometimes.
It’s a daily business for me.