Sucker Punch

Some of them want to abuse you. Some of them want to be abused.

The thing that makes Zack Snyder such an important director in this day of modern cinema is his fearlessness. Obviously, there are hundreds of fearless directors out there right now. Recently, a film about a psychotic tire was released onto the public. Yes, a tire. Firestone, most likely. But Snyder's fearlessness is a bit different - he can make the films he wants to make, do them how he thinks they should be done, and do so without ever alienating his audience. He's brash, he's all up in your comfort zone, and he takes charges that make me think every time I watch one of his films. 

Except for Legends of the Guardian. But, we don't talk about Legends of the Guardian. 

More after the cut --

In Theaters This Weekend

This... this rocks my socks.

Five years ago, Zack Snyder exploded with 300. But, before that, he gave us a chilling vision of an undead invasion with the remake of Dawn of the Dead. To date, Dead remains his best, brightest, and most important film. In a career full of masterpieces, with the grave exception of Legends of the Guardian, he's cemented his place as one of the most visually apt directors around. And with Sucker Punch, debuting to immense hype this weekend, he's set to only further that cement. 

Greeting Sucker Punch in theaters half way is Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules. 

But no one cares about that one.

More after the cut --

My favorite FYC ads so far

This has been a fabulous year for the annual For Your Consideration sweep over Hollywood, provided by the internet and, of course, Daily Variety. Some of my favorites so far?


FYC - Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio - Shutter Island

My personal favorite, so far. 

I'm not talking about the performance itself or anything, rather the art that is the FYC ad. To me, it's as crucial a form as the Criterion artwork, though for different reasons. I love the multi-page format and the shot of Martin Scorsese in the lower right. That, and the lovely Michelle Williams (who deserves her own FYC for the film) is featured. 

FYC - Best Picture: Toy Story 3

A-damn-men.

"Not since..." is probably my favorite marketing tool in a long time. And it makes complete sense. Not since Shakespeare in Love has a comedy won, not since The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King has a billion dollar movie won... The catch is, this film actually deserves these comparisons. But, keeping personal feelings at bay, I love the style of the poster. One of the funnier moments in the movie, a semi-mockery of the epicness its tag evokes, and... it's the monkeys. It's all about the monkeys. 

FYC - Best Animated Feature: Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole

I know, right?

I have nothing to say about the ad. I don't even really like it. I just think it's awesome that they're pushing the film. Go, Zack Snyder. Go.

Share some of your favorites! I'll post some more as I find ones that stand out to me.