Screen cap from Jay Giampietro’s short film ‘Candy Rides’ screened on Friday at Anthology Film Archives as part of ‘Bicycle Festival’
by Sam Juliano
Congratulations are in order to the tireless and ever-enthusiastic Richard “R.D.” Finch for his amazing navigation of the William Wyler blogathon at The Movie Projector. It was one of the truly great online movie adventures, one that Finch himself invested unparalleled support for his fellow bloggers and some stupendous insights on Wyler’s work, based on decades of viewings and re-viewings. I have never seen a blogothon where the proctor spent this kind of time under each and every post (heck there were over 30) lending his incomparable insights and support. To say the venture was a big hit would be quite the understatement.
The big event on the cultural scene this past week was the screening of my longtime pal Jason ‘Jay’ Giampietro’s short film Candy Rides at the Anthology Film Archives on Friday. The 36 year-old Giampietro, a friend for over 15 years, is a free-lance musician and filmmaker, who often attends our weekly pasta night gatherings here at 7 Spruce Street, and is the cameraman who shot the site’s Oscar night interview videos featuring Dennis and myself. Jason has placed many comments here at the site over the past four years. It was surely a huge honor for Jay to be invited to the Anthology Film Archives’ Bicycle Film Festival, which ran three times on Friday, June 30 at the stone building on the corner of Second Avenue and 3rd Street, a long-time art house institution that Woody Allen once called his “favorite Manhattan theatre.” Giampietro’s large contingency of friends and associates were on hand for his big night, as was his perky girlfriend and musical band partner Leah Evans, all who greeted the audience members as they bought tickets at the door. The stylistic Candy Rides featured some splendid performances by long time Giampietro alumni (including Fred Leeds from Giampietro’s second-feature Mr. Rose), and was filmed on the streets of Brooklyn. Perhaps the biggest honor for the filmmaker was having his short included in a line-up that featured a British short entitled Boy that featured the distinguished actor Timothy Spall, and another about bicycle thievery in front of witnesses that has been showing before feature films at the IFC Film Center. Giampietro addressed those in attendance with an engaging Q & A, and later celebrated at a local eatery. Lucille, Danny and I had a great time at the Anthology, and we wish Jason continued success with his short. Here is a link to the trailer for Candy Rides:
On the big-screen movie front, Lucille and I (and the girls for Magic Mike) saw four films, one classic musical at the Film Forum, and three new openings:
Funny Face *** (Film Forum) Sunday afternoon
Brave **** (Edgewater multiplex) Thursday evening
Magic Mike ** (Edgewater multiplex) Saturday afternoon
Beasts of the Southern Wild ** 1/2 (Landmark Cinemas) Saturday night
Sundance, Cannes and Los Angeles Film Festival hit BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD features an extraordinary performance by young Quvenzhane Wallis and a richly imagined visual scheme, but it’s largely unsatisfying due to the incompatibility of magic with gritty realism. The film aims for but never achieves an emotional epiphany, and is driven by an overriding desire to manufacture pathos with an uninvolving and patchy screenplay and the most manipulative music we’ve heard in quite a while. The film is a narrative mess, though there are some arresting moments. For those who were affected by the film, I salute you, and wish I could be there with you.
MAGIC MIKE is yet another example of Steven Soderbergh’s late career nose-dive. The scenes outside the clubs are neither interesting nor imbued with any special insights, and the film is both tedious and emotionally distancing. Seems the male stripper theme did pull in the ladies, as one would expect. Of the cast only Matthew McConaughey rings true. Pixar’s BRAVE showcases some dazzling visuals, a delightful Celtic adventure year, and a surprisingly good score by Patrick Doyle. It was the unlikely winner of this past week’s film going, but there you have it. I am rushing through this part of the Diary, but expect to say more about both films soon enough.
The musical FUNNY FACE with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire was never a particular favorite of mine as it’s contrived frivolities and narrative triteness (even for a musical) never resonated, even with the generally spirited score from the Gershwins and the unforgettable songs “sWonderful”, “Think Pink,” How to be Lovely” and “How Long This Been Going On.” The new Technicolor print shown at the Film Forum is absolutely stunning, and there are admittedly a number of irresistible moments and some remarkable fluidity of movement and dancing. But the story never grabs you, and on an emotional level it’s strictly pedestrian. I guess it’s telling that the film never made last year’s musical countdown proper. Hepburn is lovely of course, and Astaire is dazzling, but way too old for the part.
Stanley Donan’s ‘Funny Face’ with Audrey Hepburn
I was able to update a few of the links:
At The Movie Projector the incomparable R.D. Finch, who just completed stewardship of one of the net’s greatest-ever projects on William Wyler, the Maestro has written a stupendous piece on two vital Wyler wartime documentaries: http://themovieprojector.blogspot.com/2012/06/complete-reality-war-documentaries-of.html
Judy Geater of Movie Classics is that rarest of combinations: a great lady and a stupendous writer. Her review on Wuthering Heights for R.D.’s Wyler blogathon is a master class essay: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/wuthering-heights-william-wyler-1939/
John Greco’s definitive essay on Wyler’s “The Best Years of Our Lives” is another in the project that stands as a towering achievement. It’s posted up at Twenty Four Frames: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2012/06/29/the-best-years-of-our-lives-1946-william-wyler
Tony d’Ambra has written a brilliantly-observed piece on Anthony Mann’s “The Great Flamarion” at FilmsNoir.net: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/the-great-flamarion-1945-love-is-a-gun.html
Laurie Buchanan ponders “The Deadly Dash” in her perceptive new post at Speaking From The Heart: http://holessence.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/the-deadly-dash/
Marilyn Ferdinand has penned a superlative review on Mia Hansen-Love’s deeply moving first-love movie, “Goodbye First Love” at Ferdy-on-Films: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/2012/goodbye-first-love-un-amour-de-jeunesse-2011/14952/
David Schleicher features ‘The Pros and Cons of Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter’ at The Schleicher Spin: http://theschleicherspin.com/2012/06/27/the-pros-and-cons-of-abraham-lincoln-vampire-hunter/
Samuel Wilson has penned a terrific review of a stunning find with his essay on “Su Excelencia” with Cantinflas at Mondo 70: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2012/07/great-diplomat-cantinflas-in-su.html
Jon Warner’s buffo contribution to the Wyler blogothon is a magnificent review of “Dodsworth” at Films Woorth Watching: http://filmsworthwatching.blogspot.com/2012/06/dodsworth-1936-directed-by-william.html
Joel Bocko’s latest post at The Dancing Image is a fascinating hodgepodge titled “Fragments of Cinephilia”: http://thedancingimage.blogspot.com/2012/06/fragments-of-cinephilia-pt-ii.html
Jaime Grijalba takes a penetrating look at the Chilean film “Efectos Especiales” at Exodus 8:2, which he considers a flat-out masterpiece. Grijalba writes here with much passion: http://exodus8-2.blogspot.com/2012/06/cine-chileno-del-2012-7-efectos.html
Terrill Welch presents ’Squared to the Sea,’ a beautiful new series at the Creativepotager’s blog: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2012/06/23/3845/
Jason Marshall names “Aniki Bobo” #2 film of 1942 in a stellar review at Movies Over Matter: http://moviesovermatter.com/2012/06/20/aniki-bobo-best-pictures-of-1942-2/
Roderick Heath has posted a fantastic and comprehensive essay on the beloved swashbuckling Errol Flynn adventure epic “The Sea Hawk” at Ferdy-on-Films: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/2012/the-sea-hawk-1940/14810/
At Scribbles and Ramblings Sachin Gandhi has some great movie match-ups, set in football terms: http://likhna.blogspot.com/2012/06/euro-2012-group-standings-quarter-final.html
Craig Kennedy has announced the winners of the Los Angeles Film Festival at Living in Cinema in a marvelous report: http://livingincinema.com/2012/06/24/laff-awards-jury-and-audiences-prizes-all-is-well-drought-beasts-of-the-southern-wild-birth-story-and-searching-for-sugar-man-honored/
Roderick Heath has posted a terrific review on the Scandinavian slice-of-life drama “Turn me on, Dammit” at This Island Rod: http://thisislandrod.blogspot.com/2012/06/turn-me-on-dammit-fa-meg-pa-for-faen.html
Ed Howard has penned another fantastic piece at Only the Cinema, this time on “The Last Command”: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2012/06/last-command.html
Richard R.D. Finch has posted a superlative review on Fassbinder’s “Fox and His Friends” at The Movie Projector: http://themovieprojector.blogspot.com/2012/06/fox-and-his-friends-1975.html
Patricia at Patricia’s Wisdom offers up the perfect “beach novel” with “The Brevity of Roses”: http://patriciaswisdom.com/2012/06/the-brevity-of-roses-linda-cassidy-lewis/
At Cinemascope the amazingly prolific and resilient Shubhajit Laheri keeps up the pace with a provocative capsule review on “Hiroshima Mon Amour”: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2012/06/hiroshima-mon-amour-1959.html
Craig Kennedy has penned a terrific essay on “Prometheus” at Living in Cinema: http://livingincinema.com/2012/06/07/prometheus-2012/
At Doodad Kind of Town Pat Perry’s splendid contribution to the For the Love of Film Preservation blogothon is on Hitch’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”: http://doodadkindoftown.blogspot.com/2012/05/hitch-does-rom-com-for-love-of-film.html
Just Another Film Buff has penned a terrific capsule on Satoshi Kon’s 1997 “Perfect Blue” at The Seventh Art: http://theseventhart.info/2012/05/19/ellipsis-61/
At The Blue Vial Drew McIntosh leads up with “off the Wall” which brings “Silver Load” and the great John Alton into focus: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2012/06/off-wall.html
J.D. takes on Sidney Lumet’s 1986 feature “Power” in a captivaing essay at Radiator Heaven: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2012/06/power.html
At The Last Lullaby, the ever delightful filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman takes a look at part sixteen of his long running quartet series: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2012/04/favorite-four-part-sixteen.html
At Vermillion and One Nights Murderous Ink has written an extraordinary scholarly piece on gender roles in post-war Japan, making compelling reference to 1949′s “Green Mountains”: http://vermillionandonenights.blogspot.com/2012/05/someone-who-looks-like-gary-cooper.html
There’s plenty of good stuff up at The Long Voyage Home by way of capsules and screen caps courtesy of Peter Lenihan: http://thelongvoyagehome.blogspot.com/
Stephen Russell-Gebbett at Checking on my Sausages again offers up a thoughtful post, this one on the film “Super 8″:http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2012/05/unearthing-grief-and-love-in-super-8.html h
Greg Ferrara at Cinema Styles has written a splendid essay on ‘The Ranking of Rock’: http://cinemastyles.blogspot.com/2012/06/insincerity-insecurity-and-self.html
A notable artistic collaboration leads the way at Michael Harford’s heartening Coffee Messiah’s blog: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2012/05/collaborations.html
Hokahey has penned a terrific takedown of “Battleship” at Little Worlds: http://hokahey-littleworlds.blogspot.com/2012/05/boom.html
At The Cooler Jason Bellamy and Ed Howard discuss two-time Cannes winner Michael Haneke for the latest phenomenal ‘Conversations’ dialogue: http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2012/05/conversations-michael-haneke.html
Adam Zanzie has posted a superlative review of Lawrence Kasdan’s “Dreamcatcher” at Icebox Movies: http://www.iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2012/05/dreamcatcher-2003-lawrence-kasdans.html
Dave Van Poppel has a tremendous batch of short reviews up at Visions of Non Fiction on the Toronto Film Festival: http://visionsofnonfiction.blogspot.com
Pixar’s ‘Brave’
Child star of ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’
I couldn’t agree with you more on Beasts of the Southern Wild. I walked out unmoved and unimpressed. I loved the two lead performances, enjoyed the father’s flawed character, and, as you say, there are some arresting visual moments, but not much else. I was never able to connect with these characters on any level and am sort of baffled by the acclaim. I say sort of because I actually know why it’s getting so much acclaim: a good publicist and guilty audiences.
I wasn’t especially enamored with Brave either.
However, I don’t care what you or anyone else says, I am still planning on plopping my money down for Magic Mike. It’s not just the ladies who want to see it…
Jason—
I am relieved to hear that report from you on SOUTHERN WILD, not because I begrudge the many out there who felt the magic, but rather because I now know there is someone else who like me didn’t connect with the film emotionally. I found the style inconsistent and the metaphors heavy-handed. This is one of the most overrated films in a long time, but as I say kudos to those who loved it. And I do think you have something there with your theory as to why it may have received a lot of praise! By all means see MAGIC MIKE, but you may find it’s not what you are expecting. As soon as the scenes move outside the clubs it’s a major bore. Fair enough on BRAVE, but it somehow worked for me in large measure.
Thanks so much my friend! Great to see you are getting to the theatres! Have a terrific week!
I enjoyed Magic Mike more than you did, Sam, but would agree it’s best not to think of it as cinema. One wonders what other genre Soderbergh will adopt now that he’s done this and an updated disaster movie (Contagion) last year.
Moonrise Kingdom was my weekend film destination. It didn’t impress me consistently but I did enjoy it quite a lot. My companion suggested that Owen Wilson would’ve been more suited to the scoutmaster role played by Edward Norton, and I – not a big fan of Bruce Willis – had some reservations about his participation. All in all, though, the film succeeded for me.
That’s a good way to frame it Pierre (MAGIC MIKE) It’s not really a cinematic experience. I may have been a bit too harsh on the film and on Soderbergh’s recent work in general, but only CONTAGION of his last five or six films managed to work for me, and marginally at that. But a number of others love MAGIC MIKE (and the reviews are fairly solid) so who am I to say? But I did find it telling that my 16 year-old daughter Melanie and Lucille was bored. i didn’t expect that. I did like MOONRISE KINGDOM and am delighted you are mostly on board with it. It was one of Anderson’s more stylish forays, and I only wish the kids weren’t found so soon. Ha! Beautiful visuals. I must side with your companion on the Wilson suggestion. Had no real issue with Norton, who is an excellent actor, but he was slightly mis-cast. Thanks as always my very good friend! Have a great week!
Congrats to Jay. The trailer is very enticing. A nice ‘candy-colored’ ambience seems to be a feature. Would love to see it.
Sam, thanks for the listing. I have been noiring the past week, and discovered an obscure independent b from 1945 – Shoot to Kill – which is a real gem. Pure pulp poetry. A post went up at FilmsNoir.Net mid-week with nearly 30 evocative frames. The movie is in the public domain and fairly decent copies can be viewed on line – it is just over an hour long. A must-see.
Tony, I quite agree with that assessment of “Candy Rides” and will get the proper password from Jason to see it. I somehow missed that post on SHOOT TO KILL, but will soon rectify that. The film sounds exciting, especially as this is the first time I’ve been appraised of it! I’ll definitely take a look at it on line! Thanks as always and have a great week my friend!
Glad to hear that everything went well for Jason and that the screening of his new short was pretty successful. I know how hard he works on these little films, pouring his heart and soul into them.
Congratulations Jason!
Well you know Sammy I remember I told Jason to bring his camera to 9/11 because there was a lot of interest and he would listen to me because he can be a nice person but then he would always laugh and I would tell him I know what is wrong with him, he’s just a little lazy and if Candle Road is a good movie I am glad because he deserves it but I have to wonder if it is such a good movie why is it only a short movie and not a long movie? You shouldn’t associate him with Albert Willis because people don’t like him because he married his adopted daughter and even though people in New York are liberal about a lot of things they are not liberal about those kinds of relationships and that’s why people have forgotten about him. Ok Nightime made a lot of money for him but he doesn’t even show his face at the Oscars anymore because of that scandal and I know that Dennis and many other people look up to him but it’s not fair to mention him unless the person gives you permission because you can get associated with a scandal that way. I saw Matthew the Magician here in Florida and the theater was packed because they have a lot of those kinds of clubs down here and the women were hooting and hollering if you closed your eyes in the theater you would have thought it was a group of men watching but this is the kind of movie that women will like even though it’s not like Friends of the Bride but it appeals to the same kind of people because they men are very muscular. I thought it was a good movie, the main actor tried to do the right thing and didn’t give up on his dreams. I read in the paper down here they are not going to show the Beasts because they don’t wanna upset people because it’s too close to Katrina to watch things that bring it up, people in the South have had a hard couple of years and they wanna see happy things not dark things that’s why they will mostly vote for Romney in 2012. Peace and Blessings.
This kind of comment just boggles my mind. Where are the guys in the white coats and carrying the butterfly nets???? I know there are plenty of places for Jack to go where he can take courses on basket weaving and how to paint lawn furniture.
Jack, you are truly incorrigible, but I have not stopped laughing since I read your ever-perceptive post here, with all your characteristic charm and smart advice. You may be right too about “Albert Willis” and his Big Apple fallout with those who prefer to play it straight with relationships. True to what you say there about “Nightime” in Paris, and the scandalous behavior by it’s creator! Glad to hear you found some value in “Matthew the Magician” and I think you are on to something with the Sunshine State adversity to BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD.
As always Jack, you have brightened up my day immeasurably!
Have a great week my friend!
Sam,
Thanks again for the shout out. The Wyler blogathon was a stupendous triumph with the quallity of so many of the reviews way beyond what one would expect. Your own review was a highlight to say the least. Congratulation to Jason on his short film being part of the Anthology Film Archives Biciyle series. On a personal note, I use to live, as a small child until the age of 10, right around the corner from the Film Archives at 26 Second Ave, a small apartment building (have no idea if it is still there). The building that is now the Anthology Film Archive was, when I lived there, a court house back in those days.
Films watched…
The Underworld Story (***) – Hot shot newspaper reporter is fired from his big city job and blackballed after leaking a sensitive story about the upcoming prosecution of an underworld big shot. He finds himself part owner of a small New England newspaper and in the middle of a murder. Dan Duryea in a rare lead role is always a treat.
The Bamboo Prison (***) – Korean war era film about an American Sgt. POW who is a ’progressive,’ that is, he has basically been converted to the teachings of Communism while in the POW camp, a traitor. Of course, he is really a loyal American who has infiltrated the North Koreans to gather information that will help give the American’s leverage with the peace talks going on at Panmunjom. The film fluctuates between drama and some unintentional comedy due to a cast of bumbling Americans who would give the cast of Hogan’s Hero’s a run for the money.
They Rode West (**1/2 ) Standard western directed by Phil Karlson that begged for a better script.
Woman in Hiding (***1/2) – Decent thriller, if you ignore some silly plot holes, about a woman on the run a her from overly ambitious psychotic husband who is out to rid himself of her. First film where Ida Lupino co-starred with future husband Howard Duff.
Frontier Marshall (***) Directed by Allan Dwan this is an extremely fictionalized version of Wyatt Earp and the Gunfight at the OK Corral. There are no Earp Brothers, No Clantons and Doc Holiday’s murder ignites the OK Corral shootout. Still, this western is entertaining and a decent story but categorically not in the same poetic class as Ford’s “My Darling Clementine.” Ford and his screenwriters, of course, had taken their own share of liberties with the facts.
John–
You are of course dead-on with what you say here about R.D. Finch’s William Wyler blogathon at THE MOVIE PROJECTOR, which was an unqualified triumph. Just today R.D. (as you know) received a thank you e mail from Melanie Wyler, the director’s daughter, who expressed amazement at the quality of writing and dedication by R.D. and the bloggers who attended the project. This, a day after the director’s son David left a comment under R.D.’s reviews of two vital Wyler documentaries. R.D. deserves it. In behalf of Jason, thanks so much for the kind words about CANDY RIDES, and thanks so much for that wonderful anecdote/remembrance of the days of your childhood when you lived near Anthology. I think I recall you mentioning that in your post on growing up in NYC. Of the remarkable lot of films you saw this past week I can only say I saw THEY RODE WEST and THE UNDERWORLD STORY. I’m in the general critical vicinity on both I would say. As far as the others WOMAN IN HIDING is definitely one I want to see as you well pose. Thanks as always for the terrific submission, and have a great week my friend!
Good morning, Sam
Congrats to Jason on the screening of CANDY RIDES, that is wonderful.
Your analysis of FUNNY FACE is spot on – except you didn’t mention the best thing in the movie – KAY THOMPSON!!!! I’d watch FUNNY FACE over and over for her, even though the age difference between the leads makes me queasy. But that “Clap Yo Hands” number is a classic, and probably the only time in movie history that you get Astaire in a musical number and never really notice him. Thomspon was a force of nature!
And speaking of queasy-making age differences, one of the two films I managed to squeeze in this week, the 1928 silent film LAUGH CLOWN LAUGH with a 40-something Lon Chaney in lovewith a 14-year-old Loretta Young (although she looked like an adlt and played the part as an adult) was equally unsettling.
Meanwhile, I managed to put up a couple of paragraphs at my place addressing my extended hiatus, and I continue to occupy my time with planning, packing, etc. for the upcoming move. Marlon and I made it to see THE AVENGERS this weekend, neither of us particularly cared for it. The extended bickering and pissing contests between the superhero characters for what seemed like 2/3 of the movie wore me out. I kind of felt like punching Robert “Iron Man” Downey Jr. in the face by the time they finally banded together to save the earth. Matters were not helped by the row of teenagers in the front of the theater who pulled out IPads and proceeded to play on them for most of the movie, till someone finally brought a manager in to reprimand them. Sheesh!
Finally, I must mention that the passing of Nora Ephron this week affected me deeply. Although I had mixed feelings about her films (JULIE AND JULIA was delightful, the triumviarte of rom coms (HARRY/SALLY, SLEEPLES… AND YOU’VE GOT MAIL, not so much) – it was as an essayist that she had a great influence on my and my early writing. My college roommate and I swapped paperback copies of her early essay collections WALLFLOWER AT THE ORGY and CRAZY SALAD back and forth over our college years, and I loved her wit and intelligence.) And, ironically, given the vast sea of dreck that passes for romantic comedy these days, the films that I once felt lukewarm towards seem like timeless classics in retrospect.
Have a good week!
Pat–
Those are every nice words there for Jason. I’m sure he will be most appreciative! I did indeed neglect to mention Kay Thompson, who was spectacular indeed. (I like that force of nature label!) Yes she will always enthrall on re-viewing, and the pink number is an all-time classic, as well as the one you mention. True be said the gorgeous Technicolor is reason enough to watch it all by itself. But yes there are issues here, and it appears we are on the same page. Yes I can’t deny the aspects of that 1929 Lon Chaney silent with Loretta Young are indeed unsettling. I love that feisty attitude in appraisal of THE AVENGERS and Robert Downey Jr. I also had no use for either. Ha! The teenage anarchy was no help of course. I’ve been through similar situations, and it’s exasperating.
I was very close to mentioning Nora Ephron on this diary, but I didn’t want to begin posting obituaries, even with Sarris covered last week. But Ephron was a courageous lady, and I was very moved when I heard of her passing. I should have written something here without a doubt. I did like SLEEPLESS of the three romantic comedies, and of course JULIE AND JULIA. Nice remembrance there of the college essay writing, and true in retrospect some of her work will resonate over much of what we have today.
Have a great week my friend! Many thanks as always!
Congratulations to Mr. Giampietro!
Surprised to hear that report on Beasts of the Southern Wild. Semms that many are singing it’s praises. I’ll proceed with caution.
Carol and I will be seeing Brave on the 4th.
Go Yanks!
In behalf of Jason, I thank you Frank for the kind words! I was extremely surprised that BEASTS wasn’t the film that it was being advertised as, but I still urge you to see it and find out for yourself one way or the other. Please let me know what you guys think of BRAVE. Thanks as always my friend!
Thanks for the wonderful words Sam and everyone else, Leah was touched by your kind-hearted description as well. If anyone would like I watch the full movie get in touch with me via email. I will still be seeing beasts and magic mike, but you assessments seem likely to be on point. Oh, and “Jack”, as for laziness, I’m sure you don’t want me to bring up the infamous “glass of water” affair, Gillian is lucky to be alive after your reluctance to leave the comfy confines of the Juliano living room couch.
hahahahaha Jason, love it!!!! I thought you had said to me that you had seen BEASTS and had issued very high praise for it. Apparently you were referring to some friends. I just asked Lucille, and she said she thought the same. I had even gone as far as to bandy around your opinion on an e mail thread. In any case, you may think differently than Jason Marshall and I did. Very happy to hear Leah liked the description, and again was thrilled to be there on Friday night. That is very good advice to Jack, I well remember the ‘glass of water’ affair!!!!
Sam –
I thoroughly enjoyed the YouTube trailer for Candy Rides – CONGRATULATIONS are clearly in order Jason Giampietro!
If only to see Quvenzhane Wallis — this superb child actor — I want to see BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD when it arrives in our theater.
I was wondering, and now I know — don’t waste my money on MAGIC MIKE.
Many of my clients—adults and children alike—have told me I must see BRAVE. We’ll probably see it this week (a welcome respite from this 3-digit heat).
Thank you for the shout out.
Laurie—
Jason will be thrilled to hear you watched the trailer, as I am. Your very kinds words are much appreciated! By all means do see BEASTS, a film that may elicit from you a completely different response than the one I posted. There are some serious issues with the film, but yes for that young girl’s extraordinary performance it is worth seeing. MAGIC MIKE, similarly, may float your boat, but if I was betting here I’d wager against it. As far as BRAVE, I am pretty sure you will connect with the engaging story, and gorgeous visuals and music. It may not be up to the absolute pinnacle of Pixar achievement, but it’s still a very strong entry. I’d love to hear your response.
Stay cool my friend. it’s REAL hot in these parts. Have a great week!
Sam,
Thanks for the great mention as always. I left my post up for the bulk of the week due to the blogathon and didn’t want to take it down. I shall have a new post up on Wed. evening. Yes the blogathon was a great venture lead by Mr. Finch and I was very proud to partake in this event. So, a light movie week for you. We may go see Brave, but I am thinking both of my girls are too young perhaps. Maybe for my oldest, but it’s a PG film so not sure yet. Actually speaking of my children, I watched Keaton’s Cops and The Play House with them the other day and they were both in stitches! I was amazed that they were entralled by those shorts. It goes to show you how silent film is such a universal language, especially with regard to that sort of the comedy. They loved it, especially the ladder scene in Cops where it’s like a see-saw. So funny. They kept wanting to rewatch that part. Haha!
Well I was happy to submit my ballot for the comedy countdown and can’t wait for the venture to start in earnest here in the next month or so. I’m sure the essays will be tremendous as I’m sure there is a lot of love for many of these films. I myself have a few films I’d love to write about but we shall see how it all works.
So I saw Moonrise Kingdom! Finally! It is one of Wes Anderson’s best films, with a terrific score and wonderful atmosphere. I really enjoyed the love story between the two children and loved the sweet melancholy tone. I feel like my personality and outlook on life is very reflective of Wes Anderson’s movies. I was also surprised by Bruce Willis. I thought he did a great job bringing some depth to his role. Jason Schwartmann’s cameo was indeed hilarious and I couldn’t stop laughing.
Up this week is:
French Cancan
Grand Illusion
Lost In America
Hope you have a great week Sam!!!
Jon–
It definitely made a lot of sense to keep the Wyler post on top for an extended time to cover the duration of the blogathon. I don’t have that luxury here. LOL! Besides it was such a tremendous piece you penned, that it deserved a longer period in poll position. R.D. Finch orchestrated a spectacular project, one that won’t ever be forgotten. The reception accorded him by the Wyler family was simply incredible, and the support he gave every writer unprecedented. Well, my week wasn’t all that light with the four features and the Bicycle Festival, but compared to the last two with the spaghetti westerns, absolutely. I don’t see any significant problems with BRACE for the girls, but you still might want to give this a long look. In any event, I did think it was another quality entry from the Pixar folks. That’s fantastic that your girls were turned on to those two Keatons–there’s little more gratifying that that! Great point about the universal language! Your work on the first stage of the comedy countdown was incredible, and the ballot you submitted reflects that! I just sent you an e mail about the next stage. Thrilled ot hear you loved MOONRISE KINGDOM, and I pretty much concur with everything you said. GRAND ILLUSION and FRENCH CAN CAN particularly are masterpieces as you well know. Enjoy, and have a great week my friend!
Congratulations to your filmmaking buddy Jason — you starfucker! LOL.
I knew you didn’t care for ‘Funny Face’, but three stinking stars! Why, the montage of Hepburn posing in Givenchy is worth three stars alone. And Pat has already correctly chided you for leaving out any mention of the cyclonic, Vreeland-esque Kay (‘Think Pink’) Thompson. Ah well, you’re forgiven. Astaire is too old for Audrey, of course, but the age difference is obliterated by the chi-chi Voguery of the costumes, art direction, color and the gamin irresistibility of Audrey herself. You hardly even notice, or care, that Astaire is old enough to be her father.
I’ll post some notes on a few orphaned comedies that almost made my list on sheer, misguided audacity alone — ‘Viva Maria!’, ‘High Anxiety’ and ‘Watermelon Man’.
Later, my friend
Thanks for the congrats Mark, I’m sure Jason will very much appreciate that!
As far as Kay Thompson, both you and Pat are absolutely right that I needed to acknowledge her (she was terrific of course!) though I did mention the great song “Think Pink,” where Stanley Donan was at the top of his directing game as well. You do make a good case in dismissing Astaire’s age, but even with all those mitigating factors it still didn’t quite erase that aspect. I never connected with this film on an emotional level, but be rest assured I’d much rather be where you are on it. I’d indeed love to hear about those three orphaned comedies that nearly made your list! Thanks as always my friend! Have a great week!
Sam, last week was a vacation for me. It may not look that way from the blog, but what you see there is basically what I saw, as I spent more time traveling and playing with my new toy, a Nook tablet. Now i can watch movies on the go — the screen is small but the quality is good — as long as I can find hot spots along the way, and in this manner I watched Jonathan Demme’s Chained Heat, which doesn’t really compare to Jack Hill’s Philippine films for visceral women-in-prison intensity but has eccentric, literally vaudevillian virtues of its own. Another obscurity I dug up was Teruo Ishii’s 1964 thriller Outlaw, with Ken Takakura as a hit man getting manipulated and not liking it in Hong Kong, Macau and environs. No classic but nice location work and some colorful sleaze imagery like you’d see on the cover of a paperback original of the period.
Magic Mike seems to be getting a lot of credit for its social consciousness, and some reviews make it sound almost like a Pre-Code movie, given the still-transgressive hook of males as sex objects — but a Pre-Code approach to this subject would have more life to it than the film you’re describing, so I may wait for the DVD. Thanks for the tip.
Samuel–
Best of luck with your new Nook tablet!!! That’s certainly a remarkable way to keep the cinematic connection in force, and even to impressive visual quality. I know that Demme film well, but admittedly have not yet seen OUTLAW, the Hong Kong thriller, which sounds most interesting based on your descriptive take. That an excellent suggestion framing MAGIC MIKE in pre-code terms, but like you say there is more life to the films of that long ago era than the dramatically dull and shallow film that Soderbergh has crafted. I would wait for the DVD too, but keep in mind I am in the minority here. The film may well work better for you. Have a great week my friend, enjoy the new acquisition! Many thanks!
Sam it has taken me all day to get here but it was worth wait to check in and see how your summer is shaping up. I’ve been hearing it is a wee bit warm over your way with storms too. It sounds like your power is on and you are able to seek refuge in the cool dark of the theatre. There has never been anything more pleasantly startling to me than coming out a theatre on a summer evening. I have a few gems to share but they will have to wait for another time. Summers are my busy time. On Saturday we had over 125 people come through our garden and home as part of a local Home and Garden fundraising event. But I still wanted to drop in and say “hello” and wish all the best for the beginning of your summer holidays.
Terrill, it is always a great honor and treat to have you here, though of course you’ve been a regular for so long. With summer upon us, it’s no wonder that your prime source of inspiration emanates on the outside. We’ve had some scorches this past week, and the same is in store for us through Sunday. The theatre is certainly a refuge as always, but we’re cool here at 7 Spruce Street, and at the Lincoln School Annex where I teach creative writing and literature to grammar school students from 8:15 to 12:15 until August 1st. That well-attended event you had (125, wow!) must have really been something! Ah one day I will visit paradise! Thanks for stopping in, and best wishes with your coming creativity. I’ll be stopping by you very soon to immerse myself in some beauty! Have a great week my friend!
I am so glad you understand Sam. I was feeling a little like a kid who didn’t do her homework when I wasn’t ready with a couple of reviews of my favourite movies watch of late. Good to know you are cool but still working hard until August 1st I see. Yes, it would be a great pleasure to show you and your family around the island someday. Now that would be so special!
Terrill, it never ceases to amaze me how much you get done in a given day. Activity and creativity incarnate!
Hello Sam and everyone!
Well, I shot the film, now I’m in the process of editing, my presence will dissapear for the next few days but let me assure you that I’ll be here and there showing up and going on.
I’ve seen none of the films you’ve seen this week, but I do want to see Magic Mike and Brave (this last one because my girlfriend wants to) overall, a good week for you, and a good week for the projects of your friends!
My week moviewise:
- David Wants to Fly (2010, David Sieveking) ****1/2 The worst part about delaying my shoot is that I was fearing that I would miss out on FIDOCS, the national documentary festival that ended today in Santiago, that showed many good documentaries in earlier years. Well, I still managed to see everything I wanted to see, and this was one of the main events. A documentary film with problems with its exhibition due to lawsuits from the TM people are suing for its use of already authorized footage of TM ceremonies. Starring a film enthusiast and his obsession for David Lynch, he dwelves deep into the inspiration of this famous american director: Trascendental Meditation, and it does not come nice at all. Great interviews, style and narration, wish the cinematography was better.
- Dracula (1931, Tod Browning, Karl Freund) ****1/2 This was a special showing of this movie, Mainly because I bought the DVD of this film, and because I watched it with my mother, who hadn’t seen it before (she obviously had heard of it) and it was a pleasing experience, we laughed and we talked about the plot afterwards, so it was a nice morning overall. The film, I just love it lots and lots more with each viewing, but I can also see more and more flaws, but I’m fine with that.
- Love Story (2012, Kye Soo Jeon) *** A korean drama romance film with two storylines. You’ll hear more about it soon.
- Made in Britain (1982, Alan Clarke) **** Well, I’m a bit early for this, but let me say that the main acting piece is just one of the greatest I’ve seen. I’ll say more about it soon.
- Las mujeres del pasajero (2012, Patricia Correa, Valentina Mac-Pherson) ****1/2 Seen at FIDOCS (I’ll post at my blog a full roundabout the whole thing soon), this is the confirmation to something I’ve been saying before: Chile is for documentaries and not for fiction, and this is said by someone who loves fiction and wants to make fiction. This is a genius idea: the life and ways of four employees at the local motel that tell us about their personal love lifes, sex, or whatever thought that crosses their head. At almost 50 minutes long this one is my favorite of the FIDOCS.
- Palestine to the South (2011, Ana María Hurtado) ***1/2 A documentary of FIDOCS made in Chile about Palestinian inmigrants that come to Chile and how they react to the differences in the ways of life and how they adapt and etcetera. This feels much more like a film with a journalistic approach instead of one closer to feelings, like the one I say up there. This one has one interesting character and he barely has any screen time. Still, an interesting issue.
- The Lifeguard (2011, Maite Alberdi) **** You always face the time where you have to come and judge the work of a peer or a superior, or someon who used to be with you day after day. Maite Alberdi was the teacher’s help in my documentary class and this is her debut, that has been quite lauded in many festivals, and this was the time to see it at FIDOCS. It’s an interesting portrait of the typical chilean beach, and it’s greatly shot and you can feel the director’s approach to the subject in every second. Nevertheless it feels like a fairy tale at the end, with something more like a too-well constructed story for it to be really true. Still, good.
That’s all Sam, have a good week!
Jaime—
That is great news that you are now editing the film! What I saw of it was quite impressive, and I’m sure I speak for some others here in saying we can’t wait to see it after the prep stage. You’ve invested much time and effort into this my friend, and deserve a celebratory finale. Yes, I recommend BRAVE, and would love to hear what you say about MAGIC MIKE. That’s phenomenal news about Maite Alberdi’s debut film THE LIFEGUARD, and it must be thrilling for you, knowing her and attending the same class! And to boot, it’s an impressive work! The Chilean beach is quite an intriguing subject. Of that typically prolific line-up you report on here, I only saw two, the classic DRACULA (which is always a joy!) and the Alan Clarke film.(actually I am confusing it with another Alan Clarke film, so I haven’t seen it yet) (again I agree with your estimation) When I saw you name ‘LOVE STORY’ I immediately thought of the 1970 weepie with Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw, but your viewing here was of a Korean film I haven’t seen. Each and every capsule you’ve written is superbly composed, and with a great deal of enthusiastic regard. I look forward to your specific report or full essay on the Korean film! Again, I await the response to your film!
It seems that I have been given my orders for tonight, and that is a 10:00 P.M. screening of THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN at our local Edgewater multiplex. (Tomorrow is a holiday, July 4th) Looks like all seven of us will be attending too. I don’t recall if you talked about this, but in any case I’ll go in open-minded! LOL!
And BTW, I will be seeing the 1931 DRACULA on the evening of Friday July, 13th at the Film Forum with FRANKENSTEIN and the 1925 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA as a triple feature in the 100th Anniversary Universal Festival:
http://www.filmforum.org/movies/more/universal_100#nowplaying
Your capsule here beautifully frames it’s artistry and appeal.
Have a great week my friend! Many thanks as always for the spectacular comment!
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, WitD writers and WitD readers…
I too want to take the time to Congratulate! your friend Jason “Jay” Giampietro, I just checked out the trailer for his upcoming film “Candy Rides…”[very] nice…it seems as if it’s going to be an interesting film… too!
Now, to the films that you watched: I see that you enjoyed “Funny Face,” and “Brave,” and unfortunately, “Magic Mike,” and “Beast Of the Southern Wild…” are not high on your list to recommend to other fans Of films. Oh! well…Thanks, for the heads-up every week and for sharing the links too!
@ Hi! again, Sam Juliano and Tony d’Ambra…
Sam Juliano, you can follow this link to my FYI Ning and watch the black and white 1947 film noir called “Shoot-To-Kill” aka “Police Reporter” in its entirety, that is when you get time and check out Tony’s post [Well, a link back to Tony's post] on my Ning and the only memorabilia that I could locate online from the company that I visit to gather movie memorabilia…
…Which is a poster from the filmand if you “tap” the poster you can view it up-close and personal.
I have to assume that this film is obscure because Of the lack Of source material(s) that I wasn’t able to locate on-line…For example, lobby cards, press-books, press-kits and window cards.
[However, I plan to continue my search for material related to this film.]
[I must admit that I have never watched the film "Shoot-To-Kill" even though I have seen the poster while lurking online.
By the way, I noticed this film on you-tube, but I didn't post it on my Ning until after viewing Tony's post and a film noir group that I follow over there on Facebook was "stoked" about finding the film available in its entirety. Go figure?! lol]
[Speaking Of, you-tube the reason I refer you back to my Ning because I have closed my you-tube account...I [must admit in public] that I don’t like you-tube upgrade [or new look] and [some] Of the you-tube commenter are extremely rude.]
deedee
Dee Dee—
Thanks ever so much for that incomparable burst of enthusiasm in behalf of Jason and his stupendous short CANDY RIDES. You will soon be getting a password sent on to you to enable you tube access to the full short.
Keep in mind that my less than stellar responses to MAGIC MIKE and BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD are in the minority. Perhaps I missed something here, but I failed to connect to either on an emotional level, and found some banal and/or tedious stretches in both. I will admit though that the young girl in BEASTS was extraordinary, and Matthew M. in MAGIC MIKE was typically excellent. I did like Pixar’s BRAVE quite a bit, and was ravished by the striking visuals and music (the latter by patrick Doyle) I can’t thank you enough for providing the link here to your Ning and SHOOT TO KILL. I haven’t yet responded to Tony’s post, but will do so very soon. i’m curious as to how the film will look, but by what you say here, I’m sure it’s a good print being displayed. You are probably right about the film’s status as a rarity based on the absence of all those other production materials. Great to hear that Tony’s original post and your own research and investigations on Facebook have fueled some serious interest in the noir community. Great stuff! Thanks again my very good friend, and hope to have a report on the film soon. Thanks for the utterly fantastic comment here as always!
Sam, really enjoyed the trailer for ‘Candy Rides’ – congratulations to Jason! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed ‘Funny Face’ on the big screen, but I like the film more than you do – it is one of my favourites, especially Astaire’s singing of ‘He Loves and She Loves’, and I’ll admit I’m not too bothered by the age gap between him and Hepburn. I also love her singing ‘How Long has This Been Going On’ – so great to hear her real voice.
I did actually watch an Astaire film recently that I hadn’t seen before, ‘You’ll Never Get Rich’ (1941), with Rita Hayworth – not one of his best but he does have a few great dance numbers in it. Apart from that, film-wise in the last week or so I’ve been concentrating on Wyler while enjoying taking part in R.D.’s excellent blogathon, and have seen ‘Carrie’, ‘The Heiress’, ‘The Big Country’, ‘The Memphis Belle’ and, yep, ‘Ben Hur’. Enjoyed them all with ‘Carrie’ being my personal favourite (I am now about to tackle Dreiser’s enormous novel), and I will soon be rereading and commenting on your posting on ‘Ben Hur’!
Away from the screen, Paul and I enjoyed two concerts in a local park, a ‘Last Night of the Proms’ event and a free music festival with loads of local bands taking part. Also, my son Max and I went to ‘The Crash of the Elysium’, a Doctor Who-themed play which is currently being staged in a car park in Ipswich town centre, where the audience actually takes part and there is a lot of running down corridors and other challenges along the way – we managed to save the world and get out alive.
Thanks very much for the kind plug, Sam, and wishing a great week to you and all at Wonders.
Judy—
Thanks so much for the compliments and kind words on Jason’s short film CANDY RIDES! It was a big audience favorite, and it boasts some terrific camerawork and editing, and striking performances. Judy, don’t get me wrong, I did think there were some beautiful things in FUNNY FACE, including that famed song you cite here. It was great to hear Hepburn in her own singing voice, and as Pat and Mark mentioned Kay Thompson was terrific. The opening ‘pink’ number is a visual and aural delight, creative and celebratory. I think I can get over the age difference with Astaire. Must see ‘You’ll Never Get Rich”. CARRIE is an excellent choice for personal favorite. Wow, you are really going to tackle that Dreiser novel now? You are really tireless, I salute you. I did read AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY during my college years. Please keep me abreast! The blogathon was an incredible achievement for Richard, and certain a proud moments for all the bloggers including yourself (with that masterful WUTHERING HEIGHTS essay) who did such a stupendous job. Terrific too that you saw THE MEMPHIS BELLE, a vital film in Wyler’s filmography, and one that was recipient to Finchy’s brilliance. You have me speechless with BEN-HUR. You took it on so fast, and then came in with a glorious response! I much appreciate that extended comment at my review too. In addition you had a week for the ages here, one that taken with all else that you have absorbed, is beyond comprehension. The two park concerts, the ‘Night of the Proms’ event and then that interactive Dr. Who-themed play, in Ipswich Town Centre! Whew! And yes lived to tell the tale! Seriously, that is really amazing.
I can’t thank you enough for this glowing report and Hall of Fame comment my friend! Have an even better week yet, if that’s possible!
Sam, thanks so much for the great mention.
I do wish I could have participated in the William Wyler blogathon, but time simply did allow this go-around. I’ve really enjoyed though following it.
This week I took in Raoul Walsh’s THE MAN I LOVE. It was one I’ve been wanting to see for many years, and I greatly enjoyed it. Such an unusual noir if you want to call it that with a strong Lupino performance and a really unique tone and mood for Walsh.
Speaking of Walsh, Sam, I’d love, if you’re game, to see your top 10 from the director. There’s so much of his I’ve yet to see, but I’m consistently impressed by his work. Here would be my top 10 so far:
THE ROARING TWENTIES
PURSUED
GENTLEMAN JIM
WHITE HEAT
HIGH SIERRA
THE MAN I LOVE
THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT
THE STRAWBERRY BLONDE
THEY DIED WITH THEIR BOOTS ON
CAPTAIN HORATIO HORNBLOWER RN
Here’s to another awesome week. Thanks so much, Sam, for all that you do!
Jeffrey–
As always many thanks for the kind words. Richard Finch’s Wyler blogathon was quite the event, and the e mails and comments from the director’s daughter Melanie and son David, where a staggering honor for the project’s venerable Maestro. Following it was quite enough, methinks, especially with your busy schedule. That’s admittedly an excellent Walsh film, (Lupino is great) and your list is quite comprehensive and impressive. I’ve seen most of Walsh’s film, though not all. I hope to fill in the gaps over time.
Here are my top dozen Walsh films:
The Bowery
White Heat
Me and My Gal
High Sierra
Sadie Thompson
They Drive by Night
The Roaring Twenties
Captain Horatio Hornblower
Pursued
The Strawberry Blonde
Battle Cry
They Died with Their Boots On
I actually was fortunate enough to catch both THE BOWERY and ME AND MY GAL at the recent pre-code festival. I thought both were superlative.
Thanks again my friend for the glowing support and very kind words. Have a great week!
Sam,
I have finally managed to post something new on my blog today, on Samuel Fuller’s WHITE DOG. I feel I should have been commenting here more often, though I have been reading along. This week I saw
SLEEPING BEAUTY (Julia Leigh) **** Very good. I like how we got to know a lot about the character without quite understanding her. Good style, good subject.
I also saw bits and pieces of films on television but nothing caught my eye. I’m hoping to go to see THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN soon. I’ll watch BRAVE on DVD probably.
I hope you and your family are well. I don’t if you followed the football – I was hoping Italy would win but…
Stephen–
Always thrilled to hear from you my friend! I am also most interested in your new post on WHITE DOG, and will soon be heading over to CHECKING ON MY SAUSAGES. Thanks for the excellent capsule on SLEEPING BEAUTY. I know a few others here who are big fans. THE AMAZING SPIDER MAN opened today stateside, and I’m already getting besieged with requests from my kids to see it. I am thinking probably tomorrow, which is the 4th of July holiday. You may like BRAVE actually. I’ve love to hear your reaction. Everyone here is doing fine, thank you very much, I trust all is well on your end. I did follow the football (soccer) over the last week, what with Allan, Jamie and Maurizio fueled an impassioned e mail thread. The group does feel that Spain rivals 1974 Brazil as the greatest side ever fielded. I was a modest rooter of Italy, yes, and know others in town who were disappointed, but they had a great run making the finals. Thanks as always my friend. have a great week!
Thanks Sam for the kind mention, and sorry for joining in a bit late. It was great reading about your friend and the screening of his short – do convey congratulations on my behalf to him.
It has been a bit of a hectic week, what with office work being needed to be balanced with watching Euro (the match timings were really late at night in India – so getting up on in the mornings was really challenging). Now that Euro has finished, and Wimbledon will get over coming Sunday, there won’t be much to look forward to for the sports enthusiast in me in the near future (next for a few events in the Olympics).
In the meantime I managed to watch the following movies in the last weekend:
- the pulsating Clouzot thriller The Wages of Fear
- Tarkovsky’s marvelous debut feature Ivan’s Childhood
- Tarkovsky’s magnificent follow-up (and probably his greatest masterpiece), Andrei Rublev
- the fine & corrosive John Huston film The Treasure of Sierra Madre
- Jour de Fete, the charming debut film of Jacques Tati
By the way, I’d like to know your views on the film Sorcerer, Friedkin’s remake of Wages of Fear – both as a standalone film and vis-a-vis the Clouzot classic. In other words, is it worth a watch?
Shubhait–
You are most assuredly never late to this thread, and I much appreciate your spirited submission. The WitD fraternity was very much involved in the Euro tournament, though there was some disappointment in the resounding Italian defeat in the finals. But everyone seems to believe that the Spanish team is one of the finest ever. Like you I am looking forward to the summer Olympics. In behalf of Jason, I thank you for your very kind words for “Candy Rides.” That’s one of the greatest line-ups ever for you this week on the movie front. SIERRA MADRE is an American masterpiece; IVAN’S CHILDHOOD one of the most ravishing of films; the Tati an utter delight; WAGES and RUBLEV masterworks of a very high order. Whew! Look forward to your reviews. As far as SORCERER, it’s Friedkin’s favorite of his films, and he was devastated when it tanked at teh box-office. sadly no proper widescreen print in available on DVD. I like the film quite a bit, and be rest assured it stands on it’s own, tence and with a pervading sense of dread. WAGES is hard to match of course, but Friedkin’s film does come within hailing distance, methinks.
Have a great week my friend, and hope you sort everything out on the work front! many thanks as always!