Tampa Film Fan

nolancon cancelled

I was disappointed to learn that NolanCon won’t be happening this August. I’m stunned that there wasn’t more interest in the film pitch contest. Stunned.

amc offering money-back guarantee on cinderella man

AMC Theatres is so sure that you’ll like Cinderella Man that they’re offering a money-back guarantee. See the details on the AMC website.

congratulations, roger ebert!

Roger Ebert received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last week. He’s the first critic of any kind to earn a star there. He was the first film critic to receive a Pulitzer for arts criticism. He seems to have earned alot of “firsts” when you start looking (first movie review TV show, among the first broadcasters initiated into the National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE) Hall of Fame, etc.).

usf’s university film and video association

Last night I had the honor and pleasure of talking to the University Film and Video Association at the University of South Florida about the Tampa International Film Festival (February 3-11, 2006; don’t forget). I had a blast! It was a small group, which was good, because I’m a behind-the-scenes-sit-in-the-dark-theater-and-watch-movies-because-I’m-shy type of gal. But it was so much fun to sit around and talk with people who love movies. There were a couple of guys there who want to make movies, which is an amazing goal to have. Maybe I should go back to school just so I can join their club…

The UFVA is putting on the Halloween Horror Picture Show in October. Check out their website and mark your calendars for October 15.

new film studio in central florida

From the Lakeland Ledger: Haines City’s independent film studio Detour Films is looking to expand from commercials and horror movie/haunted house monsters into independent film production.

crockett and tubbs are back

You have one year to get out your Members Only jackets, skinny ties and parachute pants and get in the 80’s frame of mind: filming has begun on the Miami Vice movie (due summer ‘06).

kids are making movies at the tampa theatre

The Tampa Theatre’s “Kids Make Movies” Summer Camp 2005 sessions are sold out. If you’re interested in the 2006 sessions, visit their site to sign up for their mailing list. It sound like fun. It’s not fair — they didn’t have movie-making camps when I was a kid! (sniff, sniff)

tampa’s connection to war of the worlds

From WTEV in Jacksonville: a Tampa native now stationed in New York appears in War of the Worlds.

film fan finding:mr. and mrs. smith

This afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Tampa Film Fan went to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith (no, not the Carole Lombard 40’s film, silly). What a delight! If you’ve seen the preview, then you know the plot…husband and wife, in the midst of the “seven year itch” phase of their marriage, discover that they’ve both been hiding Big Secrets — they are really assassins who have now been given the job of killing each other. Once you flip off your internal “murder and domestic violence aren’t funny” switch, it’s an enjoyable and entertaining movie. Brad Pitt is funnier than I ever recall seeing him. Be sure to notice the T-shirt that the guy being interrogated by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is wearing…someone’s little inside joke, apparently.

Film Fan Finding: A

Read the St. Pete Times review. See what Tampa’s 97X Radio’s website says. What did Roger Ebert think?

film fan finding:land of the dead

The Husband and I saw Land of the Dead yesterday. I thought the theater would be packed, since it was opening weekend, but the theater was less than half full. Land of the Dead takes place a few years after the Dead trilogy and remains faithful to the established storyline, as I remember it. Zombies are evolving and learning how to use tools and communicate, which makes them more dangerous than before, since they’re still on the Atkins plan big-time.

This film is more than just a zombie-fest; it shows how society has adapted to such extreme circumstances. Sadly — and believably — money still rules and people are divided into the “haves” and the “have-nots.” Of course, zombies don’t follow society’s established rules.

Gore-hounds will be pleased with the good gross-out scenes and there are a few decent surprise attacks. Be on the lookout for a Tom Savini cameo appearance. While I appreciated the attempt to be more than just a “ooh, here come the zombies, run!” flick, at times I found myself wondering when some zombies were going to show up and get their bite on. Worth the matinee price, but I preferred 28 Days Later, Shaun of the Dead, and the Dawn of the Dead remake to this one.

Film Fan Finding: B

Read Roger Ebert’s review. See what Steve Persall of the St. Pete Times had to say. What did the Tampa Tribune’s Bob Ross think? See where this movie ranks on the Box Office Guru’s Top 20 List.