Actually, it does have Holly Hunter in it so it may be in general release. I just don't have faith that the local Krikorian multiplex is going to screen it. Of course, some films have started out in the art houses and ended up gathering an audience but not too many. "The Crying Game" and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" are the only two I can think of.
I just saw an ad for a new Adrian Brody film in which he plays a ventriloquist -- Dummy?. The ad made me want to see the movie. Ditto Dirty Pretty Things.
They must be fiddling with Ebert's site as I couldn't bring up his review (nearly four stars) even clicking on the link at MRQE (Movie Review Query Engine). However, here's the link to MRQE's listing of reviews and the film is getting some of the best reviews of the year:
http://www.mrqe.com/lookup?Dirty+Pretty+Things
I saw "American Splendor" this past weekend. I probably read too many reviews in advance, which spoiled some of the surprises, but I highly recommend the film.
For those who haven't read all the reviews, it's based on the life of Harvey Pekar, an average joe who worked as a file clerk at a VA hospital in Cleveland. I will say no more!
Ebert's glowing review of "American Splendor"
http://www.suntimes.com/output/ebert1/wkp-news-american22f.html
Looks like the Fall is bringing us some really great movie far -- now the problem is trying to find it at the typical multiplex. Our local art house is in South Coast Village next to South Coast Plaza and the parking is not always ideal. You've given me another good reason to seek this one out, D'artagnan.
"Matchstick Men" and "Lost in Translation" are likely the two to make it out to the cineplex to see. Ebert is kinder to "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" than many other critics (it's the third part of a trilogy, "Desperado" and "Mariachi" being the first two parts). He does have a tendency toward liking action flicks, especially if they are tongue-in-cheek which apprantly this film fits.
I saw Once Upon a Time in Mexico yesterday. I really liked it. I have enjoyed Rodriguez's sense of humor ever since Mariachi. But it's incredibly violent. Don't go if you have a problem with that.
You have a point, Borrichone. (And welcome!) I admire the fact that he writes, scores, shoots, and edits his films himself. I don't know that he's a "great" director, I just like the movies he makes.
I agree. It lost its way in the middle somewhere.
Yes, I also agree, it was "Dusk Until Yawn."
Polanski made some crazy kind of exploitation psuedo-trash and he became a great director (although "Knife in the Water" is still one of my favorites and an older film). Rodriguez seems to have the technique of filmmaking down pat, now lets see him get hold of some really great material. Actually, the first two "Spy Kids" have decent scripts for what they are. How's the script for "Once Upon a Time in Mexico?" I still can't get it out of my head that the title is yanked from Sergio Leone's films.
I don't think resurrecting 3-D was a bad idea for the Saturday matinee crowd even if it did give Ebert and headache.
That's what make "Raiders of the Lost Ark" into a gigantic hit -- I love the film because it took the old Saturday matinee serial structure and turned it into a good modern popcorn movie. No message, just a lot of unadulterated fun.
I was off drinking in Nepal.
Found it (it was hiding).
