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Saturday 11/03/07

6:00 PM Starz
Apocalypto (2006 USA): I didn't see Apocalypto on the big screen, but my 12-year-old son managed to sneak into the theatre on my behalf. (I know, I'm a terrible parent.) So rather than offer my own suppositions regarding the film's premium channel debut, here's Johnny Seal to tell you why you should care:

Apocalypto is one of those movies that is action-packed. It gives you a whole new understanding about Mayan life. It totally takes you into the lives of many tribes while they invade each other's villages one by one. Although it has many action packed scenes, of course there are sad parts in it. I think the film was beautifully made and plotted. The scenery was outstanding and made you feel as if you were there. So for the people who haven't seen Apocalypto this is a definite thumbs up.

Thanks, kid! Also airs at 9:00 PM.

Sunday 11/04/07

1:00 AM Showtime Extreme
Bandits (1997 GER): An unusual crime drama indeed, Bandits stars Katja Riemann as the leader of an all-woman rock band comprised of four prison inmates. When the quartet are hired to provide entertainment at a policeman's ball, they decide to do a runner from the gig, and after overcoming the guards head off for Hamburg (and steerage to, of all places, Guyana). The Bandits soon come to the attention of hard-boiled police inspector Schwartz (Hannes Jaenicke), who pledges to get them back behind bars before he finishes his current pack of ciggies, or before they sign a major label contract, whichever comes first. As far-fetched as all this sounds, the film is extremely enjoyable and doesn't entirely defy credulity - though the tragic ending will have more sensitive types reaching for their hankies.

9:00 PM Sundance
Gemini (1999 JAP) : Directed by Tetsuo: The Iron Man creator Shinya Tsukamoto, Gemini is ostensibly based on an Edugawa Rampo story, but bears more than a passing resemblance to David Cronenberg's Dead Ringers (1988). The film features Masahiro Motoki as Yokio, a wealthy doctor who refuses to treat the downtrodden, plague-ridden patients who reside on the other side of the tracks. Things get decidedly odd when Yokio's long lost twin brother Sutekichi (Motoki again) reappears, leading to family upheaval and unanticipated changes in his sibling's medical practice. An unexpected exploration of Japanese class warfare, Gemini represents a more mature approach by Tsukamoto, who forgoes his usual cyberpunk cinematography in favor of something a little less visually grating. It's still not for the faint of heart, but at least there are no hydraulic members on hand.

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