The New 'TV' -- or -- Why Movie Theater Attendance Is Down

Definitions are changing. Not that that's a secret. More often these days, the best movies are found on 'TV' (which now goes in quotes).

The only thing about this new HBO series that's television-esque is the title -- 'True Detective', which may as well be the latest boilerplate cop procedural to roll out on the networks. However, with Matthew McCanaughey and Woody Harrelson, directed by Cary Fukunaga, and written by Nic Pizzolatto, the series has the look of a feature movie.

I used to hate TV. Long story short: I thought it was stupid and couldn't stand to watch. Now, much of the time, I think movies (in theaters) aren't worth my time and, about 45 minutes in, having gotten dressed, driven to the theater at a given time, stood in line and purchased a ticket, etc., I regret going out to see them and wish I was at home watching something I like on DVD or, increasingly, television.

The tables have turned. The future of movies at the theater is looking more bleak all the time. With stuff like 'True Detective' it's little wonder theater attendance is down.



I'm moving. My new blog is 101-to-la, as in highway 101 to Los Angeles. I'll be double posting here and at the new blog for a while, then retiring MoovyBoovy.

Click Click Red Band Trailer for 'Seven Psychopaths'

Just goes to show what a good director (that would Martin McDonagh, 'In Bruges') can do. Everything here just works. You expect it to be self-conscious, cliche, phoned-in, but it's good.

And, hard to believe, every moment is your favorite. Woody Harrelson's manic hood is cute and plays, well, real -- you hang on every word. Christopher Walken is always solid but here he rises above (don't ask how). Sam Rockwell is pure money. Gabourey Sidibe delivers, like don't even think about it. And Colin Farrell is just so, even with lines that would make other actors look silly he just shines. Tom Waits turns what seems like a toss away scene into something fun and worth watching.

These performances, these line readings, could be lifted from an awards contender. Every gesture, each tick, is informed by the actor's soul. You almost never get that even from high profile dramas.

Yeah, good direction. This script might have yielded a trite wooden snoozer but McDonagh got some great performances and brought it all to life.

Good stuff. Can't wait.




















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New Rampart Featurette

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2 New Clips from Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

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I'm in Love with this new Poster for 'Rampart'

American style with Euro sensibility.

One of the best of the year. Must-see. Gotta-see. Can't wait to...okay, I'll stop.

Can't wait to see this. (Couldn't stop).

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Watch First 5 Minutes of Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

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Clip from Woody Harrelson's 'Rampart'

There's a jink here and there that wouldn't make it into most big-budget movies, but that's part of the charm, part of what makes this play real. Really, the fly that buzzes around in the middle of this clip would ruin the take in a movie with a more conventional feel. Here, that fly enhances the 'you-are-there' feel. Considering the whole LA Rampart thing, it's appropriate.

Ice Cube's vérité acting technique helps. I love that Harrelson struggles to keep a straight face after shooing the fly away. Clip clicks, vibrates with life. Looking forward. Must see.















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(A Good) Trailer for 'Friends with Benefits'