I try to go to movie theaters at least two or three times a month. Not because I’m Mister Film Maker, but because I love being entertained by (hopefully) entertaining movies. And also because I think I have some knowledge of what it takes to make sound and images have some impact on people. I’m not saying I know how to do it like those who make real movies know how to do it; I’m just saying I know enough about it to also be impressed by those who truly do know how to wield movie magic.

Because of the second reason I mentioned, I think I have a working appreciation for the craft of movie making. As such, I’m most entertained when I’m awed by those whose work results in truly entertaining flicks: i.e., the writers, producers, directors, actors, shooters, animators, cutters, lighting and set and wardrobe people, special effect wizards, and more.

One thing I’m always reminded of when I go to the movie theater is this: What we do here in the jizz biz ain’t a pimple on the ass of what those people do… leastwise, from a filmmaking perspective. I’ve yet to see any porn—make that anyone’s porn, I don’t care who you are—that holds a candle to even the most mediocre and downright lackluster mainstream movies. That’s not to say what we do here can’t be valid or entertaining, but it ain’t valid or entertaining as cinema and it certainly ain’t “movie magic.”

Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox and talk about what I intended to talk about.

I went to see The Manchurian Candidate today. The film was directed by Jonathan Demme (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “Philadelphia,” “Melvin and Howard,” and a whole lot more) and stars Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Leiv Schreiber, Jon Voight and a great supporting cast. I loved this flick! It’s the ultimate conspiracy/suspense/political/thriller. Sure, it’s a remake, but how many of you saw the original? (Apart from Tod Hunter, myself, and a few others who read this bullshit I write.)

“The Manchurian Candidate” presents its political conspiracies in ways that completely suck you in: Demme is masterful at doing this. There’s plot twists aplenty, action, suspense, and loads of themes that are especially relevant in today’s world.

If you want to go see a movie that makes you think while it entertains, go see “The Manchurian Candidate.”




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